- Hua Hin News
China fines five phony Disney hotels
PHUKET MEDIA WATCH – World news selected by Gazette editors for Phuket’s international community China fines five phony Disney hotels Phuket Gazette / Reuters PHUKET: Nov 25 China has fined five knock-off Disney hotels for infringing on the iconic U.S. entertainment company’s trademarks, state-run Xinhua news agency said on Wednesday in the run-up to the opening of a Walt Disney…
- Phuket News
Police hunt Phuket purse snatcher
PHUKET: Police are hunting a snatch thief that made off with a woman’s purse near the Heroines’ Monument last night. Sukanya Koisinsok, 40, was on the way to a bus stop with her husband in preparation for a trip to Hat Yai. “As my husband slowed down our motorbike, a man in a white shirt rode by and grabbed my…
- Property
Boat Pattana chases middle-class segment
PHUKET: Boat Pattana Co Ltd has announced a new 400-million-baht residential development in Chalong that aims to target middle-class families. “We don’t think any other properties are really targeting this segment with a project concept like ours; they seem to have forgotten the importance of family space,” said Panupong Kritchanarat, chief executive officer (CEO) of Boat Pattana. The daring move…
- Phuket News
A Decade Ago: Development zoning takes center stage
PHUKET: Though the page one story of the 2005 November 19-25 issue is without a doubt the sexiest story of the week, it is the editorial that strikes to the heart of an issue that remains unresolved even now, ten years later: land zoning. Just 15 years ago it was apparently easy enough for corrupt officials in the Land Office…
- Phuket News
Two-year-old drowns after wandering away from home
KRABI: A two-year-old boy drowned in Krabi on Monday after falling from his home in a mangrove forest. The body of Kritsada Kaykina was found under the roots of mangrove trees, about 500 meters away from the family’s home, in Baan Bangkhanoon fishing village, confirmed Anurak Parinyasathiragul, Krabi Marine Police chief. Officials believe that the boy wandered off after his…
- Phuket News
Two busted for smuggling 2.6kg of cocaine into Krabi
KRABI: Officers arrested two women on Sunday for their alleged role in smuggling more than 10 million baht worth of cocaine into the country via Krabi International Airport. Siriwan Yodtheerak, 32, arrived in Krabi on a flight from Manila on Saturday. However, she came to claim luggage on Sunday at about 7:30am, explained Vichak Apirugnunchai, director of Thailand Customs Department’s…
- Business News
Methods of developing sustainable growth
PHUKET: In six months, Thanyapura has doubled web traffic and engagement with our audience. But how did we do this? Is it possible for anyone to do so? These are all questions we were asking several months ago when we turned a corner in our marketing efforts and began to look at different strategies to make sure we saw growth,…
- Thailand News
Educator dreams up hydropower plant
BANGKOK: Vocational teachers and students have joined forces with local people to construct a hydropower plant at the foot of Doi Luang Chiang Dao Mountain in Chiang Mai. Manus Daomanee, president of the Toyota Automotive Technological College, is credited with starting the innovative project in the remote location. Mr Manus hopes his charity-funded project will provide free electricity for a…
- Phuket News
Taxis, tuk-tuks continue to concern UK Ambassador
PHUKET: Tuk-tuks and taxis continue to undermine the progress being made in Phuket’s tourism industry, the British Ambassador to Thailand Mark Kent told the Phuket Gazette yesterday. The ambassador’s concerns remain despite the National Council for Peace and Order’s cleanup of illegal taxi and tuk-tuk operators in July last year (story here). “Some of the behavior and prices we’ve seen…
- Cannabis News
Region 8 Police seize more than 100 guns in crackdown
PHUKET: Region 8 Police sized more than 100 firearms, including one weapon of war, in a week-long crackdown ahead of tomorrow’s Loy Krathong festivities (story here). “Region 8 Police and local officers in Surat Thani, Nakorn Sri Thammarat, Chumphon, Ranong, Krabi, Phang Nga and Phuket conducted massive raids to get guns and drugs off the streets this week,” said Chalermkiat…
- Phuket News
All invited to cleanup Nai Harn Beach today
PHUKET: Representatives of the Rawai and Nai Harn Business Community, along with staff and other members of the southern Phuket area, are invited to take part in the Nai Harn Beach cleanup from 3pm to 5pm today. Drinking water, bags and gloves will be provided, so participants just need to show up to the beach and be ready to clean,…
- World News
Flight bookings to Paris down over a quarter after attacks
PHUKET MEDIA WATCH – World news selected by Gazette editors for Phuket’s international community Flight bookings to Paris down over a quarter after attacks Phuket Gazette / Reuters PHUKET: New flight bookings to Paris, one of the world’s most visited cities, have fallen by over a quarter in the week following attacks there that killed 130 people. Bookings to Paris…
- Phuket News
Jet-skis threaten Phuket tourism industry, says Ambassador
PHUKET: Jet-ski safety issues were again pushed to the front line during a meeting today, as they remain a serious concern on the island, explained the Netheralands’ ambassador to Thailand. “There are number of issues that are important to us, such as beach safety, beach management accommodations, competitive pricing for taxis and tuk-tuks, and jet-skis,” said Karel Hartogh, the Netherlands’…
- Phuket News
Phuket Governor hosts five ambassadors for roundtable talk
PHUKET: Phuket Governor Chamroen Tipayapongtada sat down with ambassadors from five countries today to review a number of issues affecting citizens from their nations. The ambassadors in attendance were from Canada, Germany, Ireland, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom. Some of the major issues raised included marine and road safety, prison conditions, drug use and visa overstays. “After discussing a…
- World News
ASEAN establishes landmark economic and security bloc
PHUKET MEDIA WATCH – World news selected by Gazette editors for Phuket’s international community ASEAN establishes landmark economic and security bloc Phuket Gazette / Reuters PHUKET: Southeast Asian nations yesterday established a formal community that attempts to create freer movement of trade and capital in an area of 625 million people with a combined economic output of $2.6 trillion. The…
- Phuket News
Phi Phi management plan tackles anchors on corals, feeding fish
PHUKET: The first step in saving the marine ecosystem within Phi Phi National Park is to put an end to boats dropping anchor on corals and tour operators allowing clients to feed fish (story here), an expert study announced last week. Damage done by the tourism industry was seen at 12 of the 14 marine areas within Hat Noppharat Thara…
- World News
Hopes fade for 100 miners missing after landslide near Myanmar jade mine
PHUKET MEDIA WATCH – World news selected by Gazette editors for Phuket’s international community Hopes fade for 100 miners missing after landslide near Myanmar jade mine Phuket Gazette / Reuters PHUKET: * Hopes faded on Monday that any of 100 people still missing would be found alive two days after a landslide near a jade mine in northern Myanmar smashed…
- Thailand News
Security beef-up ordered for Loy Krathong, festive season
BANGKOK: Prime Minister Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha has ordered security agencies and related ministries to beef up security during the Loy Krathong and New Year festivals. Government spokesman Maj General Sansern Kaewkamnerd said PM Prayut had instructed security agencies and the ministries of Tourism and Sport, Transport and Culture to be extra vigilant. The prime minister has instructed the Department of…
- Phuket News
Join Angsana Laguna’s stuffed turkeys for Thanksgiving lunch
PHUKET: People of all nationalities, prepare to gobble up a hearty American serving of Thanksgiving specialties at a networking lunch at Angsana Laguna Phuket on Thursday. The Greater Phuket Chapter of the American Chamber of Commerce (AMCHAM) is celebrating this American holiday with a festive turkey lunch for everyone and their colleagues, friends and family members. The event, running from…
- Phuket News
World champion returns to win Laguna Phuket Triathlon
PHUKET: More than 1,300 athletes representing 44 nationalities crowded Laguna Phuket this weekend to participate in the 22nd Laguna Phuket Triathlon. Germany’s two-time Ironman 70.3 world champion Michael Raelert made an impressive comeback to take the top position on the podium with a time of 2:30:14 (swim 23:55, bike 1:20:06, run 43:44), followed by Switzerland’s Ruedi Wild (2:32:57) and Stuart…
- World News
Indonesia may offer island to process refugees to Australia
PHUKET MEDIA WATCH – World news selected by Gazette editors for Phuket’s international community Indonesia may offer island to process refugees to Australia Phuket Gazette / Reuters PHUKET: Indonesia is considering offering a small island to process refugees captured en route toAustralia, its security ministry said on Friday, in what would make it the third country this year to offer…
- Phuket News
Push for 24-hour tourist help centers on Phuket beaches
PHUKET: Plans are underfoot to establish 24-hour tourist service centers at more than a dozen popular Phuket beaches, Phuket Vice Governor Prajiad Aksornthammakul announced on Friday. “We all know that millions of tourists visit our island every year. It is our responsibility to come together and ensure their safety and security while on holiday here,” said V/Gov Prajiad. “We can…
- World News
Facebook CEO Zuckerberg to take two months of paternity leave
PHUKET MEDIA WATCH – World news selected by Gazette editors for Phuket’s international community Facebook CEO Zuckerberg to take two months of paternity leave Phuket Gazette / Reuters PHUKET: Facebook Inc Chief Executive Officer Mark Zuckerberg said on Friday he will take two months of paternity leave after his daughter’s birth, a strong statement from one of the busiest and…
- World News
More than half of Amazon tree species seen at risk of extinction
PHUKET MEDIA WATCH – World news selected by Gazette editors for Phuket’s international community More than half of Amazon tree species seen at risk of extinction Phuket Gazette / Reuters PHUKET: South America’s vast Amazon region harbors one of the world’s most diverse collection oftree species, but more than half may be at risk for extinction due to ongoing deforestation…
- Phuket News
Phuket Dinghy Series wraps up
PHUKET: The Phuket Dinghy Series 2015 wrapped up off the coast of Cape Panwa recently, with Optimist and Laser sailors competing from Phuket and Songkla. A total of 53 young sailors joined the competition in stiff winds and manageable swells. Among the Optimists, male sailors from the Phuket Youth Sailing Club (PYSC) took the three top places, with Nattapong Yongram…
- Phuket News
Another police station riot suspect arrested for unrelated crimes
PHUKET: A second police station riot suspect was arrested for unrelated crimes, confirmed Thalang Police yesterday. Noppon Songkram, 31, was netted in possession of an illegal firearm during a police raid in Srisoonthon yesterday. The raid focused on suspected criminals involved with illegal firearms and drugs. “It wasn’t until we ran his name in our system that we realized he…
- Phuket News
Laguna Tri-Fest organizers announce Phuket road closures
PHUKET: Officials will close down sections of road to accommodate Challenge Laguna Phuket Tri-Fest practice events and races. This will cause traffic tailbacks during the 10-day triathlon extravaganza starting this weekend. Race organizers are asking that all drivers prepare for a 30-minute increase in travel time due to traffic congestion. Additionally, the following roads should be avoided if possible: 4030,…
- Business News
Finance: Growth or value stocks, that is the question
PHUKET: Many investors do not understand the differences between growth stocks and value stocks, with the latter often being synonymous with Warren Buffett, the disciple of Benjamin Graham, who’s classic 1949 book The Intelligent Investor is considered the value stock investing bible. GROWTH STOCKS Growth stocks tend to be high-quality stocks of successful companies whose earnings are expected to continue…
- Opinion
Opinion: Time to mobilize Phuket speed traps
PHUKET: Efforts to crack down on speeding and other forms of reckless driving took a turn for the serious recently with the news that the Phuket Provincial Police Office is seeking assistance from the Royal Highway Police to set up radar-equipped ‘mobile units’ to help catch offenders (story here). Phuket has emerged as seventh in the nation for the most…
- Phuket News
Popular British International School access road temporarily closed
PHUKET: Popular British International School access road Soi Koh Kaew 33, behind the Isuzu showroom, will be closed from today until November 30. The road was originally closed in late July, after nearly half of its width had fallen into a parallel drainage ditch. The Koh Kaew Tambon Administration Organization (OrBorTor) was then forced to build a new retaining wall…
