Year: 2016

  • 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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  • Phuket NewsDamaged road not to affect underpass construction

    Damaged road not to affect underpass construction

    PHUKET: The severely damaged road near the Samkong intersection has had no effect on underpass construction, confirmed a Phuket Highways Office official. Heavy rains on Thursday left sections of the road running alongside the underpass, as well as one of the underpass walls, heavily damaged (story here). “As of last night, the road can be used as normal and traffic…

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  • Phuket NewsPhuket police struggle to identify dead foreigner | Thaiger

    Phuket police struggle to identify dead foreigner

    PHUKET: Dysfunctional CCTV cameras in the area where a foreigner was killed after allegedly jumping in front of a bus on Wednesday (story here) have left police clueless. “We had hoped to find CCTV footage showing where the man had come from so that we could identify him and track down his relatives or friends. However, we came up empty…

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  • Phuket NewsBlood donations save German crash victim

    Blood donations save German crash victim

    PHUKET: A motorcycle crash victim is out of danger after undergoing surgery and receiving seven units of A-negative blood following a plea last week for donations of the rare blood type. German national Bernd Langer, 51, is recovering at Bangkok Hospital Phuket after coming off his motocycle in Rawai on January 24 (story here). Mr Langer underwent emergency surgery at…

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  • Hua Hin NewsNavy seizes alleged IUU fishing boats in Phuket

    Navy seizes alleged IUU fishing boats in Phuket

    PHUKET: The Royal Thai Navy seized two fishing vessels for illegal, unreported, unregulated (IUU) fishing when the ships returned to Phuket after tuna fishing in the Indian Ocean. Mook Anda 018 and Mook Anda 028 arrived at the Phuket Deep Sea Port on Saturday, where Rear Admiral Kittipong Rumakom, deputy commander of the Royal Thai Navy Third Area Command, was…

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  • Thai LifeSea Breeze Cafe brings a whole new level to buffet-chic

    Sea Breeze Cafe brings a whole new level to buffet-chic

    PHUKET: It is a common misconception that resort bars and restaurants are for in-house guests only. Among others, the Holiday Inn Resort’s dining venues are open to all comers. At the Sea Breeze Cafe, they offer their popular bi-weekly seafood buffet, and there is no place better suited for this delicious spread than the resort’s poolside with its view of…

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  • World NewsAustria says it plans to step up deportations of migrants | Thaiger

    Austria says it plans to step up deportations of migrants

    PHUKET MEDIA WATCH – World news selected by Gazette editors for Phuket’s international community Austria says it plans to step up deportations of migrants Phuket Gazette / Reuters PHUKET: Austria will step up deportations of migrants and is adding Morocco, Algeria and other states to a list of countries it deems safe, enabling it to send people back there more…

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  • World NewsDebris found on Malaysia’s east coast not from flight MH370 | Thaiger

    Debris found on Malaysia’s east coast not from flight MH370

    PHUKET MEDIA WATCH – World news selected by Gazette editors for Phuket’s international community Debris found on Malaysia’s east coast not from flight MH370 Phuket Gazette / Reuters PHUKET: Jan 29 Aviation officials said on Friday a metal object recovered from Malaysia’s east coast a day earlier was not from missing Malaysia Airlines flight MH370. It was the second time…

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  • World NewsSuu Kyi allies to form Myanmar ruling party after decades of struggle | Thaiger

    Suu Kyi allies to form Myanmar ruling party after decades of struggle

    PHUKET MEDIA WATCH – World news selected by Gazette editors for Phuket’s international community Suu Kyi allies to form Myanmar ruling party after decades of struggle Phuket Gazette / Reuters PHUKET: After decades of struggle, hundreds of lawmakers from Aung San Suu Kyi’s camp will form Myanmar’s ruling party on Monday, with enough seats in parliament to choose the first…

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  • Phuket NewsA Decade Ago: Soi dog woes as medical tourism grows

    A Decade Ago: Soi dog woes as medical tourism grows

    PHUKET: Similar to Phuket attempting to turn back the wheels of time on its beaches – by deeming some of the island’s well-trampled sands to be ‘virgin’ – a decade ago, officials were trying to ensure that Phi Phi Don remained an idyllic paradise island, following the destruction of most of the island’s man-made structures by the tsunami’s waves. “We…

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  • Hua Hin NewsChina police arrest 21 over $7.6 bln online financial scam | Thaiger

    China police arrest 21 over $7.6 bln online financial scam

    PHUKET MEDIA WATCH – World news selected by Gazette editors for Phuket’s international community China police arrest 21 over $7.6 bln online financial scam Phuket Gazette / Reuters PHUKET: Feb 1 Chinese police have arrested 21 people involved in the operation of peer-to-peer (P2P) lender Ezubao, the official Xinhua news agency said on Monday, over an online scam it said…

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  • Thai LifeBlazing Saddles: Dreams of Bang Wad Dam mountain biking

    Blazing Saddles: Dreams of Bang Wad Dam mountain biking

    PHUKET: Undoubtedly the Bang Wad Dam and its surrounding mountainous environs high above the Phuket Country Club and golf course could offer fabulous recreational and cycling potential if it is developed with foresight and care. I have written previously about the current plans to develop this area and why I think there needs to be a serious re-appraisal of the…

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  • OpinionMinistry of Farang Affairs: Two-tiered pricing

    Ministry of Farang Affairs: Two-tiered pricing

    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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  • OpinionOpinion: Creating sustainability in tourism

    Opinion: Creating sustainability in tourism

    Bhummikitti Ruktaengam, 43, is the vice president of the Phuket Tourist Association (PTA). Born and raised in Phuket, he graduated with a Masters in Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Missouri, Kansas City, USA. Here he talks about different tourist markets and how the PTA plans on making them more sustainable. PHUKET: In terms of tourism, the island is…

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  • OpinionIsland View: Downside of micromanaging Phuket

    Island View: Downside of micromanaging Phuket

    PHUKET: Phuket is basking in the financial waterfall of government funded projects from Bangkok, as exports slump to a five-year low and the entire country becomes increasingly reliant on the tourism industry. However, with it comes the type of micromanagement that reaches even beyond the imagination of Bill Lumbergh. If I want to have an ice-cold beverage, umbrella and sun…

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  • Phuket NewsDSI vows to back Phuket sea gypsy land claims

    DSI vows to back Phuket sea gypsy land claims

    PHUKET: The Department of Special Investigation (DSI) vowed to renew its efforts in backing the Rawai sea gypsies’ claim of having lived on a disputed piece of beachfront property for more than 100 years. “At the meeting with Phuket Governor Chamroen Tipayapongtada on February 2, we will provide all the DNA evidence collected from the archaeological dig we conducted on…

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  • Phuket NewsLadyboy burglar targeted foreigners’ homes in Phuket

    Ladyboy burglar targeted foreigners’ homes in Phuket

    PHUKET: Police yesterday arrested a 28-year-old ladyboy and his or her partner for the burglary of foreigners’ homes in Kamala and Kathu. Boonrit Anchaisiri, 28, and Teerawat Boonampol, 29, were arrested in their rental house in Srisoonthorn with more than 300,000-baht’s worth of stolen goods, said Kamala Police Superintendent Pattanachak Jakkapan. “The two confessed to targeting homes where tourists were…

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  • Phuket NewsSouthbound bypass closed at Samkong underpass

    Southbound bypass closed at Samkong underpass

    PHUKET: Southbound traffic at the Samkong underpass construction site is being diverted east toward Samkong and west toward Kathu after recent heavy rain wreaked havoc on a section of road alongside the site and cracked one of the underpass walls (story here). “Those who want to go straight on to Central Festival now have to turn left, drive through the…

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  • Phuket NewsWat Chalong Fair kicks off on February 7 [video] | Thaiger

    Wat Chalong Fair kicks off on February 7 [video]

    PHUKET: It’s that time of year again. Phuket’s biggest annual temple fair, held at Wat Chalong, will kick off on February 7 to offer one week of local fare and entertainment. “There will be plenty of food vendors, circus rides, games and stalls set up at the fair. Everyone is more than welcome to come and enjoy themselves,” said Chaiwat…

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  • World NewsBritish, French journalists free in Burundi, one day after arrest | Thaiger

    British, French journalists free in Burundi, one day after arrest

    PHUKET MEDIA WATCH – World news selected by Gazette editors for Phuket’s international community British, French journalists free in Burundi, one day after arrest Phuket Gazette / Reuters PHUKET: A British and a French journalist arrested during a sweep for rebels in flashpoint districts of the capital were released on Friday, a witness said. Moise Nkurunziza, deputy police spokesman, said…

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  • Hua Hin NewsChinese police break silence on missing Hong Kong bookseller | Thaiger

    Chinese police break silence on missing Hong Kong bookseller

    PHUKET MEDIA WATCH – World news selected by Gazette editors for Phuket’s international community Chinese police break silence on missing Hong Kong bookseller Phuket Gazette / Reuters PHUKET: Chinese police have made their first statement on the fate of one of five missing Hong Kong booksellers, believed by many to have been abducted by mainland agents, acknowledging widespread concerns but…

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  • Phuket NewsForeigner among six charged for stealing Phuket national park land

    Foreigner among six charged for stealing Phuket national park land

    PHUKET: Six people, including a foreigner, were charged by the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) for falsifying land documents to steal Phuket national park land. “This particular encroachment case is about 92 rai of Sirinath National Park land that was stolen using a flying SorKor 1,” explained Lt Col Prawut Wongseenin, the director of the DSI’s Bureau of Consumer Protection…

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  • Business NewsBusiness Buzz: Maximize social media impact

    Business Buzz: Maximize social media impact

    PHUKET: When using social media, it is very important to establish exactly what it is that you want to achieve. It is also important to understand that each social media platform works differently and can achieve different things. Overall, there are a many purposes for which social media can be used, but the most common are branding, lead generation, information…

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  • Business NewsFinance: Fancy a punt in the semiconductor market?

    Finance: Fancy a punt in the semiconductor market?

    PHUKET: The semiconductor industry helps drive technological progress and yet many semiconductor stocks have lagged the performance of the broader technology sector recently. However, small cap MaxLinear, Inc (NYSE: MXL) is an exception as shares are up 134 per cent from the start of 2015 to November, plus shares rallied close to 28 per cent after the company reported third…

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  • OpinionOpinion: Ignorance stokes illegal tour guide problem

    Opinion: Ignorance stokes illegal tour guide problem

    PHUKET: The recent arrest and threat of deportation and blacklisting of a tour guide from China comes as little surprise given the preponderance of guides from the ‘Sleeping Dragon’ who operate illegally in Phuket. Tour guiding is one of the many occupations restricted for Thai nationals under the ‘Working of Alien Act’, which was promulgated in 2008. Regardless, foreign guides…

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

    Looking Back: When two kings sat on the throne

    PHUKET: In July of 1824, King Buddha Loetla Nabhalai, Rama II, suddenly fell very ill. Not long after, he passed away. According to the palace’s succession law, the throne would have to pass on to the son of Queen Suriyendra, Prince Mongkut. Queen Suriyendra was King Rama II’s consort and according to Siamese royal tradition, only the sons of a…

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  • PropertyBy the Book: Live in Phuket, work abroad

    By the Book: Live in Phuket, work abroad

    PHUKET: There is a growing trend in Phuket for expats in Southeast Asia to relocate their families here while commuting to work in major cities such as Singapore, Hong Kong, KL and Bangkok. Phuket’s international airport provides regional business people convenient access to multiple destinations at low costs. Therefore, the option of using Phuket as a base to do business…

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  • Hua Hin NewsFishing boat slaves rescued in Phuket

    Fishing boat slaves rescued in Phuket

    PHUKET: Phuket and Bangkok officials raided a dormitory in Koh Sireh yesterday to rescue 32 illegal Myanmar workers being held captive and forced to work without pay. Officials were alerted to the dormitory after a worker, named only as Nai, escaped from the fishing boat they were forced to work on and swam ashore to call relatives in Myanmar. “Mr…

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  • Phuket NewsChinese tourist remains unconscious in ICU

    Chinese tourist remains unconscious in ICU

    KRABI: Krabi Marine Police were called to aid in the rescue of a Chinese tourist who fell unconscious while swimming in Koh Hong yesterday. Cong Xu, 27, was swimming close to shore with friends when they noticed she didn’t come up from under the water, confirmed Krabi Marine Police Chief Anurak Parinyasathiragul. “Her friends pulled her to shore, but she…

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  • Phuket NewsAnother Phuket Boat Crash: Five Chinese tourists injured in speedboat

    Another Phuket Boat Crash: Five Chinese tourists injured in speedboat

    PHUKET: Five Chinese tourists were injured after two speedboats crashed off Koh Phi Phi yesterday . Banthita 9 and Leeloo 3, carrying a total of 80 tourists, collided near the cape of Phi Phi Lay at about 5pm, confirmed Phi Phi Police Chief Jetsada Junphum. “Of the five injured, one was taken to Mission Hospital with a broken arm, while…

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  • Phuket NewsChanotes issued in 2005 for Rawai sea gypsy land

    Chanotes issued in 2005 for Rawai sea gypsy land

    PHUKET: Representatives from Baron World Trade Co Ltd presented a thick set of documents on Wednesday backing their claim to the land that is currently occupied by Rawai sea gypsies in Phuket. Among the documents presented by Chatree Madsatun, a representative from Baron World Trade, were four Chanote land titles (9613, 78116, 12616, 12592); a letter of permission from the…

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  • Phuket NewsBreaking News: Phuket underpass damaged, roadway cracked

    Breaking News: Phuket underpass damaged, roadway cracked

    PHUKET: Heavy rains last night left a section of road running alongside the troubled Samkong Underpass, as well as one of its walls, heavily damaged. “Police and rescue workers were on site last night until about 2am to help with the traffic congestion caused by the damaged road,” Lt Col Rungrit Rattanapagdee of the Phuket City Traffic Police told the…

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  • Thai LifeExcuse Buster: Thailand full of dieting fanatics

    Excuse Buster: Thailand full of dieting fanatics

    PHUKET: I was recently sent an article titled: ‘Consumer online searches reveal the most popular diets around the world’. The article highlighted the countries that searched the most for diet plans and for which ones. Surprisingly (for me) Thailand landed in the eighth spot. Globally, it seems that the three programs that attracted the most interest are the Atkins, Duran…

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  • World News‘Plane debris’ washes up on Malaysian east coast | Thaiger

    ‘Plane debris’ washes up on Malaysian east coast

    PHUKET MEDIA WATCH – World news selected by Gazette editors for Phuket’s international community ‘Plane debris’ washes up on Malaysian east coast Phuket Gazette / Reuters PHUKET: A metal object believed to be plane wreckage washed up on the Malaysian east coast on Wednesday, prompting speculation for the second time in a week that debris from missing Malaysian Airlines aircraft…

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  • World NewsMore airlines ease policies for bookings to Zika-hit areas | Thaiger

    More airlines ease policies for bookings to Zika-hit areas

    PHUKET MEDIA WATCH – World news selected by Gazette editors for Phuket’s international community More airlines ease policies for bookings to Zika-hit areas Phuket Gazette / Reuters PHUKET: Lufthansa (LHAG.DE), British Airways (ICAG.L) and JetBlue (JBLU.O) on Thursday became the latest international carriers to offer rebookings or refunds for tickets to areas affected by the Zika virus, as the World…

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  • Hua Hin NewsChina charges Canadian with spying, stealing state secrets | Thaiger

    China charges Canadian with spying, stealing state secrets

    PHUKET MEDIA WATCH – World news selected by Gazette editors for Phuket’s international community China charges Canadian with spying, stealing state secrets Phuket Gazette / Reuters PHUKET: Canada said on Thursday it was concerned and monitoring developments closely after China indicted a Canadian citizen detained since 2014 on charges of spying and stealing state secrets. Kevin Garratt was detained in…

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  • World NewsWHO says Zika virus spreads explosively, 4 million cases forecast | Thaiger

    WHO says Zika virus spreads explosively, 4 million cases forecast

    PHUKET MEDIA WATCH – World news selected by Gazette editors for Phuket’s international community WHO says Zika virus spreads explosively, 4 million cases forecast Phuket Gazette / Reuters PHUKET: The Zika virus, linked to severe birth defects in thousands of babies in Brazil, is “spreading explosively” and could infect as many as 4 million people in the Americas, the World…

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