Year: 2016

  • Phuket NewsPyromaniac attempts firebombing Krabi cop shop

    Pyromaniac attempts firebombing Krabi cop shop

    KRABI: Police in Krabi had to hold back an angry woman intent on burning down the local police station yesterday after she pulled up outside the building in a car crammed with containers of gasoline and threatened to torch the place. Sanejan Jankert, 39, arrived at the station armed with two lighters and about 100 liters of gasoline in five…

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  • OpinionMinistry of Farang Affairs: Thai body language

    Ministry of Farang Affairs: Thai body language

    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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  • Thai LifeGardening: It’s really just a name, after all

    Gardening: It’s really just a name, after all

    PHUKET: Most tongue-twisting Latin names of plants are associated with so-called ‘discoveries’ by Western botanists/explorers. For example, the plumeria is named after Charles Plumier, the bougainvillea after a certain Monsieur Bougainville, the allamanda after Switzerland’s Frederich Allamanda, and so on. The original classifier of plants, Sweden’s Carolus Linnaeus, based his Systema Naturae (1735) on shared physical characteristics. Most of his…

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  • OpinionOpinion: Baron vs sea gypsies

    Opinion: Baron vs sea gypsies

    PHUKET: The ongoing land dispute between the Rawai Sea Gypsy community and a powerful real estate investment firm needs to be resolved peacefully and equitably. Working out a solution will certainly not be easy and will require concessions from both sides. Phuket has a long, rich history of land rights disputes between some of the richest and poorest elements of…

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  • Hua Hin NewsUnpaid and angry, some Chinese workers ditch holidays to protest | Thaiger

    Unpaid and angry, some Chinese workers ditch holidays to protest

    PHUKET MEDIA WATCH – World news selected by Gazette editors for Phuket’s international community INSIGHT-Unpaid and angry, some Chinese workers ditch holidays to protest Phuket Gazette / Reuters PHUKET: China This year, laborer Fan Fu and 20 or so colleagues working on the Zixia Garden apartment complex in Hebei province have not joined China’s legion of migrant workers returning home…

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  • World NewsBeefed up: McDonald’s edging out KFC, Pizza Hut in China revival battle | Thaiger

    Beefed up: McDonald’s edging out KFC, Pizza Hut in China revival battle

    PHUKET MEDIA WATCH – World news selected by Gazette editors for Phuket’s international community Beefed up: McDonald’s edging out KFC, Pizza Hut in China revival battle Phuket Gazette / Reuters PHUKET: Yum Brands Inc (YUM.N), the home of KFC and Pizza Hut, is falling behind rival McDonald’s Corp (MCD.N) as the pair battle to revive flagging sales in China –…

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  • Phuket NewsPRBC calls for blood donations during Chinese New Year festivities

    PRBC calls for blood donations during Chinese New Year festivities

    PHUKET: The Phuket Regional Blood Center (PRBC) has called for blood donations during the Chinese New Year festivities in a campaign entitled ‘Chinese New Year, donate blood for life happiness’. “Chinese New Year is considered a very important ceremony for Thai-Chinese people,” said PRBC Chief Pornthip Rattajak. “Donating blood to those who need it is a good way to welcome…

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  • Phuket NewsPaklok to host “Yamu Night Fishing Games’

    Paklok to host “Yamu Night Fishing Games’

    PHUKET: The mayor of Paklok announced plans this week to hold the first Yamu Night Fishing Games at Laem Yamu harbor from March 4 through 6. The fishing tournament is part of the municipality’s annual plan to develop the area with more public facilities and tourist attractions, said Mayor Panya Sampaorat on Wednesday. “Cape Yamu has an abundance of natural…

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  • Phuket NewsVideo Report: Quattro Design brings fine furnishings to Phuket

    Video Report: Quattro Design brings fine furnishings to Phuket

    PHUKET: Boat Avenue has added one more top-notch outlet with the grand opening of Quattro Design’s 900-square-meter showroom. Co-owner Praowphan Laoha-pongchana, and Design Director and Co-Founder Wichada Sritakarin, hosted the stylish event on Wednesday. Following the launch of a pop-up store at the Boat Lagoon last November, the pair decided to move ahead with establishing a full-size Quattro Design showroom…

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  • Phuket NewsMother desperate to find missing son, 3

    Mother desperate to find missing son, 3

    PHUKET: A desperate mother has appealed to the police and the public to help find her three-year-old son, who has been missing since Wednesday. The distraught 23-year-old mother, Saowalak Chaiyo, said her son went missing while playing in front of their home in Wichit. Jetsadakron Chaiyo, nicknamed Nong DJ, was wearing a white hoodie with a black Angry Birds logo,…

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  • Phuket NewsSpeedboat operator charged for maiming Russians

    Speedboat operator charged for maiming Russians

    PHUKET: The driver of the speedboat that crashed into two Russian divers on Wednesday is being charged with reckless driving causing serious injury. Russian nationals named by police as Sergei Dmitriev, 30, and Dmitry Kurynov, 48, were diving near Maya Bay when they were hit by the speedboat, causing one diver to lose his leg and the other to suffer…

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  • Phuket NewsPhuket governor orders investigation into Facebook ‘defamation’ post

    Phuket governor orders investigation into Facebook ‘defamation’ post

    PHUKET: Phuket Governor Chamroen Tipayapongtada has ordered an investigation into a Facebook user who has accused him of taking sides in a dispute over land rights between the sea gypsy community in Rawai and developer Baron World Trade Co Ltd, which plans to build luxury villas on the contested beachfront land. The Facebook user, who goes by the screen name…

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  • Phuket NewsNew pathway planned as quick fix for sea gypsy land dispute

    New pathway planned as quick fix for sea gypsy land dispute

    PHUKET: Land officials led by Phuket Vice Governor Prajiad Aksornthammakul yesterday measured out boundaries so that a three-meter-wide path can be cut through public land near Rawai Beach to allow members of the local sea gypsy community to access traditional ceremonial grounds while a dispute rages between the gypsies and a developer over land use rights. The decision to clear…

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  • World NewsU.S. gun traders rush to set up new sites after Facebook firearms ban | Thaiger

    U.S. gun traders rush to set up new sites after Facebook firearms ban

    PHUKET MEDIA WATCH – World news selected by Gazette editors for Phuket’s international community U.S. gun traders rush to set up new sites after Facebook firearms ban Phuket Gazette / Reuters PHUKET: U.S. gun traders are setting up new websites to arrange deals after Facebook Inc barred private gun sales on its platform. With gun rights and safety registering as…

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  • World NewsWisconsin company fires seven Muslim workers in prayer break dispute | Thaiger

    Wisconsin company fires seven Muslim workers in prayer break dispute

    PHUKET MEDIA WATCH – World news selected by Gazette editors for Phuket’s international community Wisconsin company fires seven Muslim workers in prayer break dispute Phuket Gazette / Reuters PHUKET: Seven Muslim workers at an eastern Wisconsin manufacturer have been fired after disregarding a break policy that did not allow them to pray at the times dictated by their faith, the…

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  • World NewsPewDiePie, others set to star in YouTube’s first original shows | Thaiger

    PewDiePie, others set to star in YouTube’s first original shows

    PHUKET MEDIA WATCH – World news selected by Gazette editors for Phuket’s international community PewDiePie, others set to star in YouTube’s first original shows Phuket Gazette / Reuters PHUKET: YouTube’s viral video stars, many of whom have a fan following in the millions, are set to appear next week in original movies and a show, as the video site attempts…

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  • Phuket NewsAustrian suffers fatal heart attack on Patong Beach | Thaiger

    Austrian suffers fatal heart attack on Patong Beach

    PHUKET: An Austrian tourist died yesterday evening while swimming with his partner at Patong Beach. Anton Heigl, 73, was out in the water with his partner Maria Tretthann, 63, when he fell unconscious, confirmed Patong Police Lt Col Anukul Nuket. Mr Heigl was rushed to Patong Hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival. Ms Tretthann told police that Mr…

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  • Phuket News‘Phuket Brand’ logo to revive consumer confidence, says Gov

    ‘Phuket Brand’ logo to revive consumer confidence, says Gov

    PHUKET: A newly revived ‘Phuket Brand’ logo can now be used by businesses to boost consumer confidence, the Phuket Office of Commercial Affairs announced yesterday. “The logo has been designed and approved since 2009 in order to promote the island’s goods and services,” said Decha Phetwong, chief of Phuket’s Office of Commercial Affairs. “But for some reason, it has not…

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  • Phuket NewsKrabi hero attains Volunteer Defense Corp certification

    Krabi hero attains Volunteer Defense Corp certification

    KRABI: A Krabi man who was hailed a hero after rescuing two tourists stuck knee-deep in mud in October last year (video report here) has now become a certified member of the Krabi Volunteer Defense Corps. Chat Ubonjinda, 44, was one of 31 new defense volunteers presented with a certificate by Muang Krabi District Chief Suriyun Damrongkul yesterday, after successfully…

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  • Thailand NewsRaid leaves one pangolin smuggler dead, two arrested

    Raid leaves one pangolin smuggler dead, two arrested

    NONG KHAI: One pangolin smuggler is dead and two others arrested following a bungled attempt to smuggle live pangolins across the Mekong River from Nong Khai Province to Laos on January 23. A 27-year-old Laos resident, named only as Mr Iaan, was loading sacks of live pangolins onto a boat when joint forces stormed the mooring point. Two of the…

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  • Phuket NewsSamkong junction set to close for two nights

    Samkong junction set to close for two nights

    PHUKET: The road at Samkong junction in front of Tesco Lotus will be partially closed between 10pm and 4am tonight and tomorrow to allow heavy lifting equipment to be used for construction of the underpass. “The section of road is being closed off at the request of the construction company in order to speed up completion of construction,” said Phuket…

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  • Phuket NewsPhi Phi scuba divers mangled by speedboat

    Phi Phi scuba divers mangled by speedboat

    PHUKET: A Russian diver lost his leg and another was seriously injured after being hit by a speedboat near Maya Bay this morning. “I was taking 30 tourists to Ao Maya when it felt like we struck a submerged object. I turned the boat around and saw scuba diving tanks, and the water began to fill with blood,” said Adisorn…

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  • Phuket NewsPhuket sea gypsies allowed access to ceremonial site, for now

    Phuket sea gypsies allowed access to ceremonial site, for now

    PHUKET: Private land owners have temporarily allowed Rawai sea gypsies access to a traditional ceremonial site, pending consideration of donating the land to the seafaring nomads. The issue was brought to a head after more than 30 sea gypsies were injured in a violent confrontation with private business owners after they blocked access to the sea gypsies’ Balai table, a…

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  • Phuket NewsAMCHAM Phuket presents trends in sustainable hospitality

    AMCHAM Phuket presents trends in sustainable hospitality

    PHUKET: The American Chamber of Commerce (AMCHAM) Greater Phuket Chapter has organized a tourism seminar on Friday (Feb 5) that will address how sustainability helps hotels cut costs and increase overall satisfaction and loyalty from both their associates and guests. The event will be led by Grace Kang of Singapore’s Greenview Hospitality company and will be held at the Keemala…

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  • World NewsIraqis running out of food and medicine in besieged Falluja | Thaiger

    Iraqis running out of food and medicine in besieged Falluja

    PHUKET MEDIA WATCH – World news selected by Gazette editors for Phuket’s international community Iraqis running out of food and medicine in besieged Falluja Phuket Gazette / Reuters PHUKET: Tens of thousands of trapped Iraqi civilians are running out of food and medicine in the western city of Falluja, an Islamic State stronghold under siege by security forces, according to…

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  • World NewsFirst U.S. Zika virus transmission reported, attributed to sex | Thaiger

    First U.S. Zika virus transmission reported, attributed to sex

    PHUKET MEDIA WATCH – World news selected by Gazette editors for Phuket’s international community First U.S. Zika virus transmission reported, attributed to sex Phuket Gazette / Reuters PHUKET: The first known case of Zika virus transmission in the United States was reported in Texas on Tuesday by local health officials, who said it likely was contracted through sex and not…

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  • World NewsSocial media make hay of Trump’s Iowa defeat | Thaiger

    Social media make hay of Trump’s Iowa defeat

    PHUKET MEDIA WATCH – World news selected by Gazette editors for Phuket’s international community Social media make hay of Trump’s Iowa defeat Phuket Gazette / Reuters PHUKET: After what seemed like a long silence by his standards, Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump returned to Twitter yesterday morning, striking an uncharacteristically low-key tone after his defeat in the Iowa caucuses. “Because…

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  • Phuket NewsPhuket police hunt company after tourist’s watery death

    Phuket police hunt company after tourist’s watery death

    PHUKET: Police are hunting representatives of a tour company after a Chinese tourist died on a snorkelling trip off Koh Racha Yai yesterday morning. The company that booked Weidong Lu, 49, and his family on the boat, does not appear to have provided a tour guide, explained Lt Wuthiwat Leangboonjinda of the Chalong Police. “We are now trying to contact…

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  • Phuket NewsFriend identifies British man killed by Patong bus

    Friend identifies British man killed by Patong bus

    PHUKET: A Phuket expat today was able to identify a British man who allegedly jumped in front of a bus in Patong last week. The foreigner, who asked to be named only as Darren, recognized the British national after seeing a picture of him supplied by Patong Police and published by the Phuket Gazette. Following the identification of the man,…

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  • Phuket NewsThailand Yacht Show appoints event Ambassador

    Thailand Yacht Show appoints event Ambassador

    PHUKET: Rose Maitland-Smith has been appointed as the official Ambassador of the Thailand Yacht Show (TYS), which will take place at Ao Po Grand Marina under the patronage of Prime Minister Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha. Phuket’s newest, largest and most exciting gathering of yachts, boats and luxury brands, brimming with parties and glamour, will open its doors on Thursday, February 11…

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  • Phuket NewsHuman skulls in Krabi mark possible ancient burial site

    Human skulls in Krabi mark possible ancient burial site

    KRABI: The discovery of human skulls, bones, pottery and cave paintings in Krabi could mark a fishermen’s burial site dating as far back as 700 years ago, experts announced yesterday. “Everything was found in a cave about 56 meters above sea level and about three kilometers from Ao Naam Port,” explained Phuket archaeologist Tawatchai Chanpaisansilp, who visited the site yesterday.…

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  • Phuket NewsBrit arrested at Phuket airport after “tempting’ discovery

    Brit arrested at Phuket airport after “tempting’ discovery

    PHUKET: Police charged a British national who found an envelope of mixed currency and pocketed the cash at Phuket International Airport yesterday. Darren Chapman, 49, was arrested while checking in at the Bangkok Airways counter after having taken US$320 and CA$100 cash from the envelope, which had been left at an Air Asia counter. “Mr Chapman confessed that he took…

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  • Phuket NewsZ-Coaching Phuket team takes podium by storm

    Z-Coaching Phuket team takes podium by storm

    PHUKET: Last weekend saw the recently established Z-Coaching Phuket triathlon team sweep the field clean at the Surat Thani/Khao Sok National Park cycling race (70km/120km), where over 1,000 cyclists participated. Jaray Jearanai took the much coveted win in the Men’s Open 120km race, with fellow teammates Martin Brot, Oat Wongtanaponsil, Toha Navong and coach Jurgen Zack all placing in the…

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  • World NewsAsian elephant found dead at Oklahoma zoo; second to die in months | Thaiger

    Asian elephant found dead at Oklahoma zoo; second to die in months

    PHUKET MEDIA WATCH – World news selected by Gazette editors for Phuket’s international community Asian elephant found dead at Oklahoma zoo; second to die in months Phuket Gazette / Reuters PHUKET: An Asian elephant that was moved from Seattle to an Oklahoma zoo died over the weekend, renewing debate over whether 37-year-old Chai should have been retired to a California…

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  • World NewsCDC director says WHO declaration ‘calls world to action’ on Zika | Thaiger

    CDC director says WHO declaration ‘calls world to action’ on Zika

    PHUKET MEDIA WATCH – World news selected by Gazette editors for Phuket’s international community CDC director says WHO declaration ‘calls world to action’ on Zika Phuket Gazette / Reuters PHUKET: The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said on Monday the World Health Organization’s declaration of Zika as a global health emergency will focus new attention and resources on…

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  • World NewsItalian police seize Mussolini’s yacht from businessman linked to mafia | Thaiger

    Italian police seize Mussolini’s yacht from businessman linked to mafia

    PHUKET MEDIA WATCH – World news selected by Gazette editors for Phuket’s international community Italian police seize Mussolini’s yacht from businessman linked to mafia Phuket Gazette / Reuters PHUKET: Italian police said on Monday that they had seized a yacht that once belonged to Fascist dictator Benito Mussolini from a businessman possibly linked to a huge organised crime network. The…

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  • Phuket NewsOTOP gets lovely for Valentine-themed festival [video] | Thaiger

    OTOP gets lovely for Valentine-themed festival [video]

    PHUKET: Couples planning on tying the knot in Phuket in February can take part in special Valentine-themed marriage ceremonies held at Sarasin Bridge between February 14 and 23. “The 10-day ‘OTOP Lovely Phuket Festival’ will feature many activities to help promote tourism in the province,” said Phuket Governor Chamroen Tipayapongtada. Tourists, as well as locals, are welcome to register their…

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