Year: 2015
- Phuket News
Phuket nursing assistants busted for illegal medical checkups
PHUKET: Officers arrested five people for illegally providing employee checkups at the Big C Super Center near Rajabhat University Phuket on Thursday. Phuket Provincial Public Health Officers (PPHO) were conducting random checks in the Muang District when they stumbled across the illegal mobile unit, explained PPHO Chief Bancha Kakong. “We arrested all five of them. Additionally, we seized their equipment,…
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Phuket drug dealer’s body found in Chalong Bay
PHUKET: The body of a drug dealer was found floating in Chalong Bay at about 10am this morning. Somkit Pakdeesuvann, 31, had ditched a pile of drugs and evaded arrest by leaping off the pier into the water yesterday evening. “Mr Somkit had spotted officers and taken off down Chalong Pier toward the Yacht Control Center,” explained Maj Thada Sodarak…
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Man slays blind brother at father’s funeral
KRABI: A blind masseuse was gunned down by his brother at their father’s funeral in Krabi yesterday afternoon. “Thawee Kongrueng, 54, was attending to relatives after the cremation of his father at Wat Khao Kram, when his brother Seree Kongrueng, 47, walked up to him, pulled a gun and shot him dead,” explained Lt Wittaya Nukhong of the Krabi City…
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Phuket sets sights on zero deaths for ‘Seven Days of Danger’
PHUKET: Deputy Prime Minister Gen Prawit Wongsuwan confirmed Phuket’s zero road deaths goal for the New Year’s ‘Seven Days of Danger’ campaign. The increased efforts to prevent dangerous driving on the island’s notorious roads is part of a nationwide campaign running from December 29 to January 4. “We will be boosting road safety measures during this period of time by…
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Ministry of Farang Affairs: No need for constructive conversations
The Ministry of Farang Affairs is a one-stop shop where foreigners in Thailand can learn all they need to know about living here. No, we’re not talking about work permits, visas or taxes. We’re talking about day-to-day life in the Land of Endless Shocks and Riddles, of Blur, Befuddlement and the Bizarre. Stay tuned for weekly insights from Minister Stephff.…
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Business Buzz: Targeting mobile users
PHUKET: As I reported last week, the increase in mobile smartphones has been steadily continuing. There is expectation that over 51 per cent of the online Christmas sales traffic in the United States will originate from smart-phones this year. So it is with confidence I predict that the focus for social media marketing strategies should be switched to mobile devices.…
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Opinion: Travelling responsibly
Lt Col Jetsada Junphum has been the chief of the Phi Phi Police Station since September. He graduated from the Armed Forces Academies Preparatory School in 1997 and the Royal Police Cadet Academy in 2013. Here he talks about the importance of travellers and their families being responsible in their communication with each other and the media. PHUKET: Personal issues…
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Quattro Design showroom to reach AEC market
PHUKET: The dynamic duo behind Quattro Design, one of Thailand’s top importers and designers of exclusive furniture, have high hopes for the New Year as they open a showroom at Phuket’s Boat Avenue in Cherngtalay early next month. “Now is the time for us to open the showroom in Phuket, as the Asian Economic Community takes effect next year, which…
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A Decade Ago: One year after the tsunami
PHUKET: Ten years ago, with the Thai Tsunami Victim Identification (TTVI) unit wrapping up its final case, Phuket ā along with the rest of the world ā stopped to reflect on the devastation caused by, and the recovery from, the Boxing Day tsunami. The Phuket Gazette marked the one-year anniversary with a special supplement entitled ‘One Year On’. Inside, then…
Read More » - Thai Life
Excuse Buster: Surviving the holiday season
PHUKET: Need tips to surviving the holiday period? Here is a compilation of different ideas suggesting how to successfully handle the festive period and still have a good time. PICK YOUR CHEAT MEALS Aim for 80/20 in favor of healthy eating over the holidays. The festive season does not have to be a non-stop session of overindulgence, nor do you…
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Island View: Just another stop on the map
PHUKET: When I first moved to Phuket five years ago, I remember being warned about the increased crime rate during the island’s low season. The reason for this is primarily that many people who rely on tourists for income are left high and dry until their return the next high season, resulting in petty crimes such as bag snatching and…
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On Deck: Double-edged sword of marine tourism
PHUKET: 2015 has been an ‘interesting’ year tourism-wise for Phuket, and, in my opinion, will go down in history as the one when Phuket’s visitor demographics shifted seismically. The ‘Asian Century’ is truly here. In Phuket’s marine world, the number of people out on the water, enjoying the island and its marine treasures, is at an all time high, thanks…
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Opinion: What a long, strange trip it’s been
PHUKET: With the terms of the highly-trumpeted Asean Economic Community (AEC) to take effect in just days, Phuket is really no closer to having a world-class international conference and exhibition center (ICEC) than it was a few decades back when the idea was first bruited. Long-term Phuket Gazette readers know very well the winding and confusing history of the island’s…
Read More » - Thai Life
Keep it Green: Introduction of alien invaders
PHUKET: One hot and dusty afternoon years ago I was driving along a remote Colorado road when I passed a large wayside bundle. Curious, I stopped. It was a huge carp, out of its natural element but still gasping for air under a blazing sun. I picked the slimy thing up, all of thirty pounds, wrapped it in a towel…
Read More » - Property
Across the Land: Is bigger always better?
PHUKET: If you are planning to buy a home with the intention that it will become your dwelling when you retire, it is advisable to consider a few factors. Firstly, size should be a major consideration. Please be realistic; is it really necessary to own a large home with four or five rooms if it’s just you and your partner…
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Finance: Never too old for insurance
PHUKET: If you read my articles regularly, you have probably noticed I don’t spend much time writing about health insurance. It is not the most exciting topic, and for many of Phuket’s aging expat population getting covered at all is not really an option once they reach a certain age. Also, the cost of local international hospitals used to be…
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Sun sets on another Superyacht Rendezvous
PHUKET: On December 18, the Asia Superyacht Rendezvous drew to a close with a grand VIP gala dinner hosted by Kata Rocks Resort, whose Hospitality Team took first place at the fun-filled Feadship Challenge model boat race the previous evening. Yacht owners and the creme de la creme of Thailand gathered in opulent surroundings to celebrate luxury yachting over three…
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Mom Tri Villa Royale to host Pro Musica Ensemble
PHUKET: As part of the Baan Kata Arts Festival, Mom Tri’s Villa Royale will be hosting a performance by the Pro Musica Ensemble on January 18. The trio of musicians will perform pieces by renowned composers such as Mozart, Beethoven and Bach, featuring solos, duets and group performances. Comprising violin, viola and flute, the Pro Musica Ensemble is made up…
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Foreign Affairs Operation Center opens in Phuket
PHUKET: A Foreign Affairs Operation Center was opened at the Region 8 Police Station in Phuket on Tuesday morning, in preparation of the Asean Economic Community starting (AEC) next month. The center will mostly focus on coordinating with other AEC law enforcement agencies to tackle transnational crime, provide tourist services and assist alien workers. “Apart from the positive impacts the…
Read More » - World News
Storms in Philippines uproot 1.7 mln people, destroy 40,000 homes
PHUKET MEDIA WATCH ā World news selected by Gazette editors for Phuket’s international community Storms in Philippines uproot 1.7 mln people, destroy 40,000 homes Phuket Gazette / Reuters PHUKET: Successive storms across the Philippines, including Typhoon Melor, have temporarily uprooted 1.7 million, aid workers said, as President Benigno Aquino distributed food on Wednesday in areas hardest hit by the disaster.…
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Whale carcass closes popular Cape Town beach amid shark concerns
PHUKET MEDIA WATCH ā World news selected by Gazette editors for Phuket’s international community Whale carcass closes popular Cape Town beach amid shark concerns Phuket Gazette / Reuters PHUKET: A South African beach popular with Christmas holidaymakers has been closed until the carcass of a beached whale is removed amid concerns its blood may attract sharks, the City of Cape…
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In-Depth Report: Myanmar men sentenced to death for murder of British tourists
PHUKET MEDIA WATCH ā World news selected by Gazette editors for Phuket’s international community Myanmar men sentenced to death for murder of British tourists in Thailand Phuket Gazette / Reuters PHUKET: A Thai court sentenced two Myanmar migrant workers to death on Thursday after convicting them of the 2014 murders of two young British tourists on a holiday island in…
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Officer who allegedly threatened Navy lieutenant gets transferred
PHUKET: Lt Somphop Kamkana of the Royal Thai Navy Third Area Command confirmed that the Army colonel who was recorded allegedly threatening him earlier this month (story here) has been transferred to Bangkok. Lt Somphop was one of the Navy officers that aided in a raid that saw more than 40 suspects apprehended in Chalong on December 6 (story here).…
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Heavy drinking blamed for Brit’s fatal tuk-tuk tumble
PHUKET: Excessive alcohol consumption has been blamed for the British woman’s fatal fall from a Phuket tuk-tuk during the early hours of Sunday morning. The sole witness to the incident, Paul Henry Fortuna, 30, told police in his statement that 29-year-old Elizabeth Corrigan was feeling sick from drinking and attempting to cross from her side of the tuk-tuk to his…
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Nai Harn prepares for ‘Phuket Countdown 2016’
PHUKET: Tourism Authority of Thailand officials are preparing for this year’s ‘Phuket Countdown 2016’ at Nai Harn Beach with five days of events leading up to the ‘final sunset’ at Promthep Cape. Celebrations will include stage performances from local schools, celebrities and a band from the Royal Thai Navy. “Phuket is known as the Pearl of the Andaman. We aim…
Read More » - Thailand News
Court sentences Myanmar men to death for murder of British backpackers
KOH SAMUI: A Thai court sentenced two migrant workers from Myanmar to death today after finding them guilty of the 2014 murders of two British tourists on a holiday island. The verdict follows an investigation and trial that was mired in controversy, including allegations of policeincompetence, mishandling of evidence and torture of the suspects. Backpackers Hannah Witheridge and David Miller…
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Police parade down Soi Bangla to inject confidence into Phuket tourists
PHUKET: Boots hit the ground in unison on Tuesday as Phuket police officers paraded down the island’s premier party destination, Soi Bangla, to boost tourists’ confidence in public safety during the holidays. “Police must remain vigilant throughout this time. The high season of Phuket is in full swing as we celebrate Christmas and New Year ā both of which are…
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Starwood and Grand Bay announce new Sheraton Phuket Grand Bay Resort
PHUKET: Starwood Hotels and Resorts Worldwide Inc recently announced an agreement made with Grand Bay Hotel Co Ltd, owned by Apex Development Public Co Ltd, to unveil their joint collaboration on the Sheraton Phuket Grand Bay Resort, slated to open in January 2019. The newest resort will support Sheraton’s 2020 goal of adding 150 hotels to their franchise in the…
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Women in Myanmar conflict zones face rape, lack healthcare
PHUKET MEDIA WATCH ā World news selected by Gazette editors for Phuket’s international community Women in Myanmar conflict zones face rape, lack healthcare Phuket Gazette / Reuters PHUKET: Women and girls uprooted by fighting in Myanmar risk sexual violence and lack access to reproductive healthcare, said the UN Population Fund, which is launching a health project for women and girls…
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Japan says armed Chinese coastguard ship seen near disputed islands
PHUKET MEDIA WATCH ā World news selected by Gazette editors for Phuket’s international community Japan says armed Chinese coastguard ship seen near disputed islands Phuket Gazette / Reuters PHUKET: A Chinese coastguard ship equipped with what appeared to be four gun turrets was sighted near disputed islands in the East China Sea, Japan’s coastguard said on Wednesday. Chinese coastguard vessels…
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Dane busted for heroin smuggling at Phuket airport
PHUKET: Airport security detained a Danish national attempting to smuggle heroin into Copenhagen via Phuket International Airport this morning. “Peter Effersoe, 46, was stopped and searched at a security checkpoint on his way to the immigration counter,” explained Phuket International Airport Deputy Director Patee Chotchuang. “Under his blue dress shirt, tied around his waist, we found 1.6 kilograms of heroin.”…
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Police withhold key witness’s statement about Brit’s deadly tuk-tuk ride
PHUKET: Police declined to reveal any information procured from the statement of the sole witness to a British woman’s death after she fell from the back of a tuk-tuk in Phuket. “We have yet to rule the death a murder, accident, or result of reckless driving or anything else at this point,” said Kamala Police Superintendent ML Pattanachak Jakkapan. “We…
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Island prepares to “Light Up Phuket’ to honor tsunami victims
PHUKET: The world’s eyes will be on the Andaman coast this Saturday, as Thailand honors the victims of the Indian Ocean Tsunami, which devastated the region’s coastline on December 26, 2004. Remembrance services will be held at the Tsunami Memorial Wall in Mai Khao, on Patong Beach and Bang Tao Beach, as well as at Phuket Provincial Hall and in…
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Video: Phuket crash victim pummeled by oncoming truck
PHUKET: A 60-year-old man was hit by a truck moments after staggering to his feet from a motorbike crash on Thepkrasattri Road in Phuket on Sunday. CCTV video recorded Kan Sawaengkaew, 60, attempting to cut across multiple northbound lanes toward a u-turn point and crashing into 23-year-old Chinese national Chuai Cher. Both crash victims were sent skidding across the empty…
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Officers seize illegal umbrellas, mats from Phuket beach
PHUKET: In the wake of an anonymous complaint to the Governor’s Office, officials seized about 100 illegal beach mats and umbrellas from Surin Beach this morning. “We sent a team of about 30 officers in a joint mission to the beach after receiving a complaint that the beach vendors were breaking the rules,” Cherng Talay Police Superintendent Serm Kwannimit told…
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China anti-terror law may restrict media reporting on attacks
PHUKET MEDIA WATCH ā World news selected by Gazette editors for Phuket’s international community China anti-terror law may restrict media reporting on attacks Phuket Gazette / Reuters PHUKET: China may further restrict the right of media to report on details of terror attacks, state media reported on Tuesday, under a tough new law that could be passed before the end…
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UNESCO dubs Phuket “City of Gastronomy’
PHUKET: The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) dubbed Phuket a ‘City of Gastronomy’ on December 11, honoring the island’s rich culinary history and unique cuisine. “Being chosen as a member of the UNESCO Creative Cities Network as a ‘City of Gastronomy’ is a wonderful honor for Phuket,” said UNESCO Director-General Irina Bokova. Efforts to collate recipes and…
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