Year: 2016
- World News
Yazidi teenager escaped Islamic State, appeals for help for sex slaves
PHUKET MEDIA WATCH – World news selected by Gazette editors for Phuket’s international community Yazidi teenager escaped Islamic State, appeals for help for sex slaves Phuket Gazette / Reuters LONDON: It was a “black morning” two years ago when Islamic State militants seized the Yazidi town of Sinjar in northwest Iraq, abducting thousands of civilians including a 15-year-old girl and…
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German court rules against use of Facebook button
PHUKET MEDIA WATCH – World news selected by Gazette editors for Phuket’s international community German court rules against use of Facebook “like” button Phuket Gazette / Reuters FRANKFURT: A German court has ruled against an online shopping site’s use of Facebook’s “like” button on Wednesday, dealing a further legal blow to the world’s biggest social network in Germany. The Duesseldorf…
Read More » - Phuket News
Phuket’s Row2Rio adventurer nearly obliterated by cargo ship
PHUKET: The Row2Rio challenge was almost cut short earlier this week when the boat’s auto tiller went on the fritz as a 180-meter cargo ship barrelled toward the four-person crew rowing across the Atlantic. “Our AIS alarm (close proximity to other vessels) went off and in the distance the ship’s spotlight came on. They were sweeping the water looking for…
Read More » - Phuket News
“Fastest man in Phuket’ bags top spot at Powerman Malaysia
PHUKET: Thanyapura triathlon coach Ricky Ekkarat Phanthip announced his return to form with a win at the Powerman Malaysia – Asia Duathlon Championships last weekend. The ‘fastest man in Phuket’ sped his way back into action, after taking a year off following knee surgery, and won first place in the men’s 30-34 age group category. Mr Phanthip led his athletes…
Read More » - Opinion
Ministry of Farang Affairs: Souvenirs for Thai colleagues
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.…
Read More » - Property
Property Watch: Realities of a dream clubhouse
PHUKET: When we think of a clubhouse, many of us start to dream. Sipping cocktails overlooking the hills, or even facing the sandy beaches and sea. A place where an agreed set of rules are adhered to by all with a sense of what is right and proper. Ladies wear comfortable but appropriate attire and the gentlemen will be similarly…
Read More » - Thai Life
On Deck: Proposing a jet-ski solution
PHUKET: Jet-skis are back in the news again with rarely a week passing without some issue, complaint or accident. The skeptic in me thinks it could be a PR ploy to keep jet skis in the public eye, yet that would only be true if you subscribe to the adage “all PR is good PR”, which it isn’t. And I…
Read More » - Phuket News
Phuket blood donors save American’s life
PHUKET: Thanks to the generosity of at least 20 blood donors in Phuket, an American car crash victim is now out of danger and recovering from a second round of surgery. Chonita Michelle Cleary, 24, and two of her friends were involved in a collision with a taxi when heading from Cherng Talay to Thalang town at about 1am on…
Read More » - Phuket News
BREAKING NEWS: Foreigner killed at Phuket shooting range
PHUKET: A foreigner allegedly shot himself in the head at a Phuket firing range at about 2pm today. The man, who registered at the Patong Hill Shooting Range under the name ‘Andres’, reportedly fired seven shots at the target before discharging the eighth round into his head, confirmed Lt Sawanya Eiadtrong of the Thung Thong Police. Police are at the…
Read More » - World News
Danish 16-year old girl charged with planning to bomb schools
PHUKET MEDIA WATCH – World news selected by Gazette editors for Phuket’s international community Danish 16-year old girl charged with planning to bomb schools Phuket Gazette / Reuters COPENHAGEN: A 16-year-old Danish girl has been charged with planning a “terrorist” attack on two schools, one of them Jewish, after acquiring chemicals for bombs, police said on Tuesday. A police press…
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Clouds over Indonesia obscure total eclipse of the sun for many
PHUKET MEDIA WATCH – World news selected by Gazette editors for Phuket’s international community Clouds over Indonesia obscure total eclipse of the sun for many Phuket Gazette / Reuters PHUKET: A solar eclipse enthralled Indonesia on Wednesday but clouds over some parts of archipelago spoiled the view for many of the skywatchers who had the opportunity to see it in…
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Video Report: Phuketians see first solar eclipse of 2016
PHUKET: Phuketians were treated to a rare celestial spectacle this morning as the sun and moon crossed paths between 6:20am and 8:40am to create the first solar eclipse of the year. Observers in parts of Indonesia were able to see a total eclipse lasting for about four minutes, as the moon completely blocked out the sun – an event so…
Read More » - Phuket News
Health, safety top priorities for Phuket beach volley tournament
PHUKET: Preparations for the 2016 Thailand Beach Volley Festival Phuket powered by PTT are in high gear ahead of the international tournament to be held at Karon Beach, March 23-27 (story here), with security at the top of the agenda. Phuket Vice Governor Prajiad Aksornthammakul said this morning that with more than 300 participants – about 100 athletes and 200…
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Krabi adds buoys to protect corals
KRABI: In an effort to protect marine life, Krabi officials yesterday announced the installation of 16 additional buoys near popular tourist attractions. “The purpose of the buoys is to mark the presence of coral reefs so that ships and boats can avoid anchoring there,” said Sarayuth Tanthien, chief of the Hat Noppharat Thara – Mu Ko Phi Phi National Park.…
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Krabi officials find Chikungunya virus in monkey, public urged not to panic
KRABI: Krabi officials are asking the public not to panic after monkeys at popular tourist areas were found to be infected with the dengue-like virus Chikungunya. “This viruses cannot be directly transmitted from monkeys to humans. It is passed through mosquitoes only, so there is a very low probability that humans will be infected,” said Chief of the Krabi Provincial…
Read More » - Phuket News
A Decade Ago: Coral reefs and tidal waves of wastewater
PHUKET: As the Phuket Gazette scuba diving columnist for the last four years, I was dumbfounded when I stumbled over the headline screaming from page one of the 2006 March 4-10 issue: HUGE REEF DISCOVERED. A unique swath of biodiversity for Thailand that consumed at least four square kilometers of seabed off Tai Muang in Phang Nga was the biggest…
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Phuket lawyers, accountants targeted for enabling Thai nominees
PHUKET: Officials will be investigating legal firms and accounting offices connected with businesses suspected of using Thai nominee shareholders to circumvent laws prohibiting foreigners from owning more than 49 per cent of a company within the Kingdom. “We will be looking at whether or not certain lawyers and accountants are providing transparent services for foreign investors. Foreigners are not able…
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Foreign tenants told to go to court for property dispute
PHUKET: A group of tenants living at The Aspasia Phuket, who were hoping to have issues about the property’s management ironed out by the governor, have been told to go to court to settle their disputes. The group of ten expat tenants led by Dutch national Jan Cornelis van Zuilekom were told by Vice Governor Prajiad Aksornthammakul yesterday that they…
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Phuket sea hare mass spawning caused by water temperature rise [video]
PHUKET: The millions of sea hares that washed onto a Phuket beach yesterday (story here) were part of a mass spawning due to a slight increase in the temperature of the sea. “It is normal during warmer months for the temperature to rise just enough to trigger a spawning response in sea hares. The animals die shortly after spawning, which…
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Miss Andaman Power 2016 makes sparks at Jungceylon
PHUKET: Andaman Power is celebrating sexual diversity and spreading sexual health awareness with its upcoming competition ‘Miss Andaman Power 2016’ to be held at various locations from March 25-30. However, the real fun for the public won’t be until the finalists take the stage in Jungceylon for the beauty pageant part of the event, which will include a fashion show,…
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French pensioner mugged by Phuket ‘teenage’ thugs
PHUKET: Phuket police are hunting for two men who mugged a 70-year-old French woman as she was riding a bicycle along Lay Pang Beach yesterday evening. Martine Delaloy was riding her bicycle along the beach at about 5pm when two suspects, thought to be teenagers, drove past her on a motorbike and snatched her bag, causing her to fall. “When…
Read More » - Bangkok News
Bangkok gunman’s SIM card prompts Phuket arrest
PHUKET: Police are questioning a Chinese man who was apprehended in Phuket in connection with the attempted robbery of a gun shop in Bangkok on Friday (story here). Police tracked down Su Su, 29, at a residence in Paklok on Saturday evening after it was revealed that he had registered a SIM card found on one of the robbery suspects…
Read More » - Opinion
Opinion: Cops and Canines
Suthee Sirianun is the assistant chief of the Phuket Drug Prevention and Suppression Center. He is originally from Phatthalung Province and graduated from Ramkhamhaeng University with a double Masters in Law and Art. Here he talks about the island’s need for police dogs and the issues associated with being able to care for them. PHUKET: Currently, Phuket doesn’t have any…
Read More » - Business News
Building a medical tourism hub
PHUKET: Phuket has the potential to become a leading regional hub for medical tourism, an industry that is well positioned for exponential growth primarily led by the demand for aesthetic treatments. Investment opportunities in medical facilities and premises are increasingly attractive amid the backdrop of a global economic slowdown. Despite the diminishing legacy market for ‘Gender Reassignment’ Surgery (GRS), more…
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Understanding what AEC means for Phuket
PHUKET: The feared impact the Asean Economic Community (AEC) will have on Thais in Phuket’s tourism industry is unwarranted, said AEC Information Center Director Thitipasook Jaratjessada. After years of anticipation and some delays, the AEC was officially launched on January 1, 2016. However, there are no changes to visa requirements or labor laws for citizens of member nations seeking employment…
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Boat owner gets warning for coral damage [video]
PHUKET: The operator of a boat that was filmed anchored on fragile coral off Koh Racha Yai on February 16 has escaped a hefty fine and possible prison time after apologizing for the incident. Officials tracked down the owner after a diver took underwater video of the boat’s anchor line trailing across the coral. The diver also recorded the name…
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Video Report: More than 1 million sea slugs wash onto Phuket beach
PHUKET: Marine experts are attempting to understand why more than a million sea slugs washed up on a Phuket beach this morning. The name ‘sea slug’ is a common name used specifically for gastropods that are not shell-bearing or appear not to be shell-bearing. Experts believe that the sea slugs found on Kamala Beach are, in fact, sea hares. However,…
Read More » - Business News
Board of Trade plans SME matchmaking fairs
BANGKOK: Thailand’s Board of Trade is inviting newly established businesses across the country to join a ‘Business Matching’ event in Bangkok. The event is aimed at giving SMEs the opportunity to meet consumer giants such as department stores and retailers. The event will take place at the Bangkok Convention Center in Lat Prao on April 26. Board of Trade Chairman…
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Phuket school for adults welcomes freshies
PHUKET: A school for adults in Rassada welcomed a new batch of students aged between 40 and 80 years old on Friday. Rassada Mayor Phudit Raksarat presided over a ceremony to welcome the new students. Operated by Rassada Municipality, the school aims to support self-development and lifetime learning for elderly members of the community, said Mayor Phudit. “The school encourages…
Read More » - World News
Australian police respond to shooting, report of hostages at Sydney factory
PHUKET MEDIA WATCH – World news selected by Gazette editors for Phuket’s international community Australian police respond to shooting, report of hostages at Sydney factory Phuket Gazette / Reuters SYDNEY: Three people have been shot and hostages may have been taken at a factory on the outskirts of Sydney, Australian police said on Monday, although it was not immediately clear…
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Two years on, MH370 families say search for missing jet must continue
PHUKET MEDIA WATCH – World news selected by Gazette editors for Phuket’s international community Two years on, MH370 families say search for missing jet must continue Phuket Gazette / Reuters KUALA LUMPUR:The families of passengers lost aboard Malaysia Airlines flight MH370 say the two-year search for the missing aircraft must go on beyond a June deadline, as new hope emerged…
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Australian govt backs away from gay marriage vote this year
PHUKET MEDIA WATCH – World news selected by Gazette editors for Phuket’s international community Australian govt backs away from gay marriage vote this year Phuket Gazette / Reuters AUSTRALIA: Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull backed away from a pledge by one of his senior ministers on Sunday that the government would hold a public vote on same-sex marriage later this…
Read More » - Phuket News
American, 26, found dead in Patong
PHUKET: Police are looking into the authenticity of a hand-written letter found in the room of a Patong hotel where the body of a 26-year-old American man was discovered on Saturday. The body of Nathan D House was discovered by housekeeping staff, said Lt Col Jessada Saengsuree of the Patong Police. “Inside the room we discovered a plastic bag with…
Read More » - Bangkok News
Bangkok boat explosion prompts safety overhaul
BANGKOK: The Marine Department plans to require the owners of commuter boats to check the engine and fuel system of vessels twice a year, in the wake of an explosion on a commuter boat on Bangkok’s Saen Saeb Canal on Saturday that injured 71 people. Boat owners were previously required to perform the check annually. Marine Department Deputy Director-general Nat…
Read More » - Phuket News
Phuket to host ACM-ICPC World Finals
PHUKET: Phuket is set to host the 40th Association for Computing Machinery – International Collegiate Programming Contest (ACM-ICPC) World Finals from May 15-20. The ACM-ICPC is a multi-tiered annual programming competition sponsored by IBM, held among universities throughout the world. “We have been submitting requests to host the world finals every year since 2011 and finally we were chosen,” said…
Read More » - Opinion
Island View: Travelling responsibly
PHUKET: The recent incident involving Grace Taylor, a British backpacker in Krabi who made a frantic phone call to her family alleging that people were ‘trying to hurt her’, sparked a lot of debate on social media about the ethics of travelling responsibly. Fortunately, Ms Taylor’s family was able to get to her in time and she was soon in…
Read More » - Property
AccorHotels spreads its wings
PHUKET: AccorHotels has teamed up with Avista Resort and Spa Patong Co Ltd to manage three properties in Phuket. The newly-inked agreement brings two existing Phuket properties in Kata and Patong under the new brand and management, and paves the way for the building of a brand new hotel in Karon. One of the two resorts will be re-branded as…
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