Year: 2016

  • Business NewsFinance: Understanding stop loss orders

    Finance: Understanding stop loss orders

    PHUKET: With global stock markets off to a rough start this year, it’s time to take a closer look at stop loss orders and how they can help as well as hinder you from achieving your investment goals. So what exactly are stop loss orders? A stop loss, or simply a stop order, is an automatic trade placed in advance…

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  • OpinionMinistry of Farang Affairs: Crossing compassion wires

    Ministry of Farang Affairs: Crossing compassion wires

    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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  • Phuket NewsTeens steal motorbikes from police station

    Teens steal motorbikes from police station

    KRABI: Six young men were arrested on Wednesday night for stealing motorbikes from the Krabi City Police Station to chop and sell as spare parts. Four of the six were minors – 16 and 17 years old. The other two suspects were named as Sarawut Chinsri, 20, and Jakkapong Nonsri, 18. “I first noticed that a motorbike from the impound…

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  • Thai LifeExcuse Buster: Proper diet to battle cancer

    Excuse Buster: Proper diet to battle cancer

    PHUKET: In 2014 the British Journal of Cancer released a study that tested the relationship between a commonly used blood test for diabetics and pre-diabetics (HbA1c) and the development of several cancers. As has been widely published, diabetes increases the risks of developing several cancers, sotesting diabetes and pre-diabetes markers makes sense. The results concluded that high HbA1c did in…

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  • Hua Hin NewsU.S., backed by China, proposes tough N. Korea sanctions at UN | Thaiger

    U.S., backed by China, proposes tough N. Korea sanctions at UN

    PHUKET MEDIA WATCH – World news selected by Gazette editors for Phuket’s international community U.S., backed by China, proposes tough N.Korea sanctions at UN Phuket Gazette / Reuters UNITED NATIONS: The United States presented a draft Security Council resolution on Thursday that it had negotiated with China, that would dramatically tighten existing restrictions on North Korea after its Jan. 6…

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  • World NewsCanadian teacher re-arrested for sex abuse to return to Jakarta prison | Thaiger

    Canadian teacher re-arrested for sex abuse to return to Jakarta prison

    PHUKET MEDIA WATCH – World news selected by Gazette editors for Phuket’s international community Canadian teacher re-arrested for sex abuse to return to Jakarta prison Phuket Gazette / Reuters JAKARTA: A Canadian teacher is expected to return to a Jakarta prison on Friday, a family member said, a day after Indonesia’s Supreme Court overturned his acquittal on charges of sexually…

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  • World NewsTeenager near Tokyo found to have Zika virus after returning from Brazil | Thaiger

    Teenager near Tokyo found to have Zika virus after returning from Brazil

    PHUKET MEDIA WATCH – World news selected by Gazette editors for Phuket’s international community Teenager near Tokyo found to have Zika virus after returning from Brazil Phuket Gazette / Reuters TOKYO: A male teenager near Tokyo was found to have been infected with the Zika virus after a visit to Brazil, Japan’s first case of the infection since the virus…

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  • World NewsNew wave of Burmese hackers behind Thai website attacks | Thaiger

    New wave of Burmese hackers behind Thai website attacks

    PHUKET MEDIA WATCH – World news selected by Gazette editors for Phuket’s international community New wave of Burmese hackers behind Thai website attacks Phuket Gazette / Reuters SINGAPORE/YANGON: Burmese hackers say they have attacked Thai government websites since early January and stolen data, part of a long-running, broader campaign against those critical of Myanmar’s government. The Blink Hacker Group said…

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  • Phuket News“Jet-ski Champion’ transferred out of Phuket

    “Jet-ski Champion’ transferred out of Phuket

    PHUKET: Phuket’s long-standing champion of jet-skis on the island leaves the province today after being transferred to the landlocked Nonthaburi Province Marine Office. “I leave at 11am and will start my work there on Monday,” former Phuket Marine Office Chief Phuripat Theerakulpisut told the Phuket Gazette. Mr Phuripat declined to specify exactly why he was transferred after almost six years…

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  • Phuket NewsPhuket fears motor home stampede

    Phuket fears motor home stampede

    PHUKET: Nearly a dozen motor homes and recreational vehicles (RVs) recently spotted on the island prompted officials to rethink regulations for such vehicles entering Thailand. “I was told that these vehicles stay over night in public places, such as Saphan Hin, Ya Nui and Nai Yang beaches,” said Phuket Vice Governor Prajiad Aksornthammakul at a meeting on Wednesday. “I’m worried…

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  • OpinionOpinion: Orchestrating freedom for orangutans

    Opinion: Orchestrating freedom for orangutans

    PHUKET: The tale of the disappearance of orangutan Milo from a local zoo and her subsequent rediscovery a few days later deserves a slot in the annals of the ‘Amazing Thailand Always Amazes’ series. Now that the issue has drawn the interest of the national and international media, the Phuket Gazette hopes that sustained interest will pressure the Department of…

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  • Thai LifeLooking Back: When two kings sat on the throne – Part II

    Looking Back: When two kings sat on the throne – Part II

    PHUKET: In my last column, I spoke about Prince Mongkut’s journey before taking the throne. When Prince Mongkut was 47, he left the monkhood to reign as king. There was a problem, however, as Prince Chutamani had an equally legitimate claim to succeed to the throne. At the time of King Rama III’s death, some nobles claimed that Prince Chutamani…

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  • Phuket NewsMaimed Phi Phi divers return to Russia

    Maimed Phi Phi divers return to Russia

    KRABI: Two Russian divers who were seriously injured in a speedboat accident earlier this month have safely returned home, confirmed a Krabi official. Sergei Dmitriev, 30, and Dmitry Kurynov, 48, were diving near Maya Bay on February 5 when they were hit by a speedboat, causing one diver to lose his leg and the other to suffer serious injuries (story…

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  • FoodThreesome at Chalk & Cheese

    Threesome at Chalk & Cheese

    Three Phuket Gazette editors descended on Chalk & Cheese – A Brasserie by Thong Dee, located in the heart of Kathu. Three hours and ‘several’ glasses of wine later, a single opinion for three different reasons was ready to be plated up. ISAAC LOVES THEM BALLS THERE are certain balls you remember, and certainly certain balls you crave. Made from…

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  • Phuket NewsDelivery truck downs power lines, throws rider over wall

    Delivery truck downs power lines, throws rider over wall

    PHUKET: A fish delivery truck left a trail of destruction down a back road in Rassada yesterday morning when the high-sided vehicle snagged overhead power lines and pulled down a row of five electricity poles like dominoes. Meanwhile, the oblivious driver charged down the road towards his depot. Caught up in the entanglement and lucky to escape serious injury was…

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  • Phuket NewsPhuket Vice Gov steps in to take charge of Sirinath case

    Phuket Vice Gov steps in to take charge of Sirinath case

    PHUKET: Officials confirmed on Tuesday that initial investigations indicate that only 27 of the 715 much-disputed plots of Sirinath National Park land have been proven legal, said Phuket Vice Governor Chokdee Amornwat. The vice governor spoke with a committee, comprised of experts and officials, formed to investigate and resolve issues surrounding the national park’s land disputes. The committee was set…

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  • Phuket NewsPhuket Heroines’ Memorial Festival March 5-19

    Phuket Heroines’ Memorial Festival March 5-19

    PHUKET: This year’s Heroines’ Memorial Festival, running March 5-19, is sure to impress all in attendance with cultural and historical activities to honor war heroes Thao Thepkrasattri and Thao Srisoonthorn. “The purpose of this event is to honor the heroism of Lady Thepkrasattri and Lady Srisoonthorn, who sacrificed their blood and lives for generations to come,” said Phuket Governor Chamroen…

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  • World NewsU.S. looks to Facebook, private groups to battle online extremism | Thaiger

    U.S. looks to Facebook, private groups to battle online extremism

    PHUKET MEDIA WATCH – World news selected by Gazette editors for Phuket’s international community U.S. looks to Facebook, private groups to battle online extremism Phuket Gazette / Reuters WASHINGTON: The U.S. government, acknowledging its limited success in combating Islamic extremist messaging, is recruiting tech companies, community organizations and educational groups to take the lead in disrupting online radicalization. The change…

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  • World NewsTens of thousands of Fijians homeless after cyclone | Thaiger

    Tens of thousands of Fijians homeless after cyclone

    PHUKET MEDIA WATCH – World news selected by Gazette editors for Phuket’s international community Tens of thousands of Fijians homeless after cyclone Phuket Gazette / Reuters SYDNEY: Tens of thousands of Fijians remain homeless and living in evacuation shelters in the aftermath of a devastating cyclone at the weekend, officials said on Thursday, as aid began trickling in to the…

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  • World NewsPhilippine bishop tells Catholics to boycott Madonna concert | Thaiger

    Philippine bishop tells Catholics to boycott Madonna concert

    PHUKET MEDIA WATCH – World news selected by Gazette editors for Phuket’s international community Philippine bishop tells Catholics to boycott Madonna concert Phuket Gazette / Reuters MANILA: A Roman Catholic bishop in the Philippines on Wednesday urged the faithful to stay away from American pop singer Madonna’s two-night concert in Manila, calling her music “suggestive” and her clothes “vulgar”. Madonna,…

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  • Phuket NewsHit-and-run driver kills Indian man in Phuket

    Hit-and-run driver kills Indian man in Phuket

    PHUKET: Police are hunting the driver of a fuel-transport truck who fled the scene after killing an Indian man in Phuket last night. “Cheriya Parambil Johi, 40, sustained a serious head injury in a motorbike crash on the bypass road and was pronounced dead at the scene. The other passenger, Thai national Veera Morthong, 28, was also seriously injured,” said…

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  • Phuket NewsCar-bomb suspect arrested after 16 years on the run

    Car-bomb suspect arrested after 16 years on the run

    PHUKET: A man wanted in connection with a car bombing in Patong more than 16 years ago was arrested at his home in Trang yesterday. Police were acting on an arrest warrant issued in May 2003 by the Phuket Provincial Court following a car-bomb attack that seriously injured three people outside of a gold shop in 1999. Police officers from…

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  • World NewsZika may have been sexually transmitted in 14 cases -U.S. CDC | Thaiger

    Zika may have been sexually transmitted in 14 cases -U.S. CDC

    PHUKET MEDIA WATCH – World news selected by Gazette editors for Phuket’s international community Zika may have been sexually transmitted in 14 cases -US CDC Phuket Gazette / Reuters PHUKET: US health officials are investigating 14 reports of the Zika virus that may been transmitted through sex, including to several pregnant women, raising new questions about the role sexual transmission…

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  • Phuket NewsTeen driver kills two teachers, injures head monk

    Teen driver kills two teachers, injures head monk

    KRABI: A 17-year-old was charged with reckless driving causing death after the car he was driving collided with a van, killing two teachers and severely injuring a head monk in Krabi yesterday afternoon. Three teachers from Kanchanapisek Wittayalai School, as well as Phra Kru Sri Thammawutti, head of Wat Phokha Chuthamas and Lord Abbot of Muang Krabi District Buddhist Monastery,…

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  • Phuket NewsGerman cancer patient dies in Phuket fall

    German cancer patient dies in Phuket fall

    PHUKET: A German man died after falling from the balcony of his seventh-floor condo room in Phuket yesterday evening. “Karl Geier, 76, was reportedly living alone at the building on Rat-U-Thit 200 Pi Road,” said Lt Col Jetsada Saengsuree of the Patong Police. “There were no signs of a struggle or robbery in his room.” Police questioned a number of…

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  • OpinionOpinion: Climbing: a balancing act

    Opinion: Climbing: a balancing act

    Maitree Chankarn, 50, is the owner of Baan Than Khao Bungalow on Koh Yao Noi. He is originally from Koh Panyi, Phang Nga. In addition to the bungalows, which saw a tourism boom in the last five years, he runs a number of other small businesses on the island. Here, he asks that the rock climbing walls in Koh Yao…

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  • Phuket NewsA Decade Ago: Visa runs and the ‘Ranong 12’

    A Decade Ago: Visa runs and the ‘Ranong 12’

    PHUKET: Phuket is changing at exponential speed. The transformation from what this little island looked like ten years ago, to the traffic-congested mayhem we now see on our roads, is dramatic to say the least. But some things never change, or at least they don’t change for long. ‘Visa runners released after four nights of fear’ reads the sub-headline on…

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  • Phuket NewsAussie survives Phuket balcony fall

    Aussie survives Phuket balcony fall

    PHUKET: A conscious Australian tourist was rushed to hospital after falling from the third-floor balcony of a Patong hotel just after midnight today. “Jonann Petschauer, 65, fell off the balcony attached to his room and through a glass ceiling at Charm Resort Phuket,” said Lt Col Anukul Nuket of the Patong Police. Mr Petschauer was on holiday with Jacqi Lillian…

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  • Phuket NewsBodies of two missing canoers found in Rassada

    Bodies of two missing canoers found in Rassada

    PHUKET: Rescue workers this morning recovered the bodies of two men who had been missing since their canoe capsized near Koh Sireh on Sunday. “The body of Mat Panthip, 51, was found floating near Ruen Talay Seafood restaurant in Rassada at about 9:30am,” said Phuket Marine Police Chief Panya Chaichana. “About two hours later, we found the body of Laong…

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  • Phuket NewsBritish backpacker found safe and well in Krabi

    British backpacker found safe and well in Krabi

    PHUKET: Police in Krabi have tracked down a 21-year-old British woman who disappeared for six days while travelling in Thailand, prompting a social media frenzy to help find her. Krabi Tourist Police confirmed that they found Ms Taylor at Krabi International Airport earlier today. Tourist police stayed with her to ensure her safety, while awaiting the arrival of a family…

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  • Phuket NewsKing cobra killed after raiding camp

    King cobra killed after raiding camp

    PHUKET: A three-meter-long king cobra was killed after attempting to sneak into a workers’ camp in Paklok yesterday afternoon. Snake catchers from the Kusoldharm Rescue Foundation rushed to the camp after receiving a report about the deadly reptile, but by the time they arrived on the scene, the camp’s occupants had already dealt with the snake their own way. “By…

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  • World NewsMichigan Uber driver admits role in deadly shooting spree | Thaiger

    Michigan Uber driver admits role in deadly shooting spree

    PHUKET MEDIA WATCH – World news selected by Gazette editors for Phuket’s international community Michigan Uber driver admits role in deadly shooting spree Phuket Gazette / Reuters PHUKET: A man working as an Uber driver admitted to the fatal weekend shootings of six people in Kalamazoo, Michigan, a police detective testified on Monday in a case raising questions about how…

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  • World NewsAustralia to start register of foreign ownership of water rights | Thaiger

    Australia to start register of foreign ownership of water rights

    PHUKET MEDIA WATCH – World news selected by Gazette editors for Phuket’s international community Australia to start register of foreign ownership of water rights Phuket Gazette / Reuters PHUKET: The Australian government said on Monday it plans to start a register of foreign ownership of water rights, redoubling its efforts to appease voters concerned about the amount of farming assets…

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  • Phuket NewsOne dead, 17 injured in another Patong Hill bus crash

    One dead, 17 injured in another Patong Hill bus crash

    PHUKET: A Phuket bus driver was killed and 17 tourists injured when the bus crashed into an electricity pole while descending Patong Hill last night. Bus driver Jeerasak Kimbuathong, 40, was pinned in the driver’s seat by the the pole, which fell on the vehicle. “It took rescue workers nearly an hour to pry him out, but he could not…

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  • Business NewsPeeking behind Phuket’s lace veil

    Peeking behind Phuket’s lace veil

    PHUKET: With its idyllic beaches and beautiful beachfront resorts, Phuket is not only a hub of tourist activity, but with Asean integration now a factor, it is also well on its way to becoming a key global economic player. One industry that has seen sustained growth in the past decade is wedding planning and luxury events management. Here is a…

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  • Phuket NewsCalls for closure of Phuket Zoo

    Calls for closure of Phuket Zoo

    PHUKET: Milo, the female orangutan at the center of a wildlife furore, is recovering in the Phang Nga Wildlife Nursery Station after being rescued late on Saturday (story here). Wildlife activist Edwin Wiek said yesterday that Milo was ‘a bit weak, but in good spirits’ after being dumped in the jungle while still in a cage. More than 12,000 people…

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  • Phuket NewsPrime Minister keeps controversial comedian off stage

    Prime Minister keeps controversial comedian off stage

    PHUKET: The show of controversial comedian and hate-speech convict Dieudonne M’bala M’bala, scheduled to take place last month at Illuzion night club in Phuket, was cancelled after the venue pulled the plug less than 24 hours ahead of the Frenchman taking the stage. Since then, Mr M’bala M’bala has struggled to find his footing in Asia. “One of the owners…

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