Phuket

Phuket Gazette Sports: Premiership managers fed up with questions over future

Published

7 years ago

February 23, 2013

Legacy Phuket Gazette

Phuket Gazette Sports: Premiership managers fed up with questions over future | The Thaiger

Mancini swears he is fed up of questions over future

Reuters / Phuket Gazette

PHUKET: If Mario Balotelli had left his “Why Always Me?” T-shirt behind in Manchester, his former manager Roberto Mancini might well have fancied wearing it yesterday.

The Manchester City boss, who used to joke that all his news conferences started with questions about fellow Italian Balotelli before the striker’s move to AC Milan last month, greeted the new must-ask query about his future at the English champions with an expletive.

“I cannot continue to answer about this every week,” he fumed after first swearing when asked about media reports suggesting Malaga’s Manuel Pellegrini could be in line to take over at City at the end of the season.

“I don’t understand the reason for this – why would Manchester City change their manager? For which reasons?

“In the last 18 months after 2011 since Manchester United won the Premier League and we won the FA Cup, there were seven trophies (to play for) and Manchester City won three of those,” he added, referring to the league, FA Cup and Community shield.

“I’m not the chairman or CEO, if you want to ask these questions maybe ask them.”

City could be 15 points behind Premier League leaders Manchester United by the time they host third-placed Chelsea on Sunday (19:30 PHUKET) but Mancini said they were not merely scrapping for the runners-up spot.

“Our target is of course the battle to win the Premier League, we don’t play (for) second,” he said.

City have 53 points from 26 games, four more than Sunday’s visitors, and anything other than victory over Chelsea will leave Mancini facing yet more questions about his future.

His team will probably take on Rafael Benitez’s men without captain Vincent Kompany, whose recovery from a calf injury is taking longer than expected. Midfielder Gareth Barry will also face a late fitness test with an ankle problem, Mancini said.

“When we lose Vinny it is difficult for us,” the Italian said of the Belgian centre back whose commanding presence was one of the keys to last season’s title-winning campaign.

Mancini’s frustration at being asked again about his future comes in a week when Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger also lost his cool over similar questions earlier in the week.

But the City manager did manage to look on the bright side.

“In Italy it is worse, there are some teams that sometimes change manager three or four times in one year,” he said. “It is an improvement (in England).”

“Why me and not Moyes?” asks West Ham’s Allardyce

Reuters / Phuket Gazette

PHUKET: West Ham United manager Sam Allardyce questioned yesterday why his job is under more scrutiny than his Everton counterpart David Moyes when both bosses’ contracts are up at the end of the season.

Speculation has continued to grow about Allardyce’s future at West Ham with club hero Paolo Di Canio linked with his job after the Italian resigned at third tier Swindon Town four days’ ago.

“It’s a bit of an old hat story because we’ve been talking about it for such a long time,” Allardyce, whose direct style of play does not appeal to many West Ham fans, told reporters.

“But you haven’t been talking about David Moyes in the same context.

“His contract is up at Everton this year and it doesn’t look like there has been any negotiations.

“I’ve clearly explained to everybody several times this is a both parties’ agreement. Both parties will sort it out privately and confidentially when the time is right.”

Allardyce has yet to discuss a new deal with West Ham co-owners David Sullivan and David Gold, but they have said talks would start when the club’s Premier League safety was secured.

West Ham, who host Tottenham Hotspur on Monday, are 11th in the Premier League with 30 points from 26 games. Everton are 12 points and five places above West Ham.

Wenger’s desire burns bright despite Arsenal’s dim hopes

Reuters / Phuket Gazette

PHUKET: Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger adopted a fresh approach yesterday to the persistent questions over his future, swapping tetchiness for humour as he stressed he was committed to getting the best out of his beleaguered side.

The Frenchman has endured a series of back-page headlines to forget this week after a 3-1 home defeat by Bayern Munich in their Champions League last-16 first leg followed a humiliating 1-0 loss to second-tier Blackburn Rovers in the FA Cup.

He snapped his way through a news conference on Monday after what he said was incorrect information that he had agreed a two-year contract extension but yesterday was in a calmer mood when asked whether he had been unfairly scrutinised this week.

“It’s not down to me to judge, my responsibility is to keep the guidelines and to guide the team and the club into what I think is right,” he told a news conference.

“I will not come out with my feelings because that is not my job. I feel what is important for me is to focus on the next game and try to give my best like all the players.”

Demonstrating he was still as motivated as ever after being in the job since 1996, he issued a challenge to one reporter in jest.

“I do think that spark is nothing to do with the length of your life. It’s just that’s how you are. You are motivated by how much you want to win and how much you win,” he said.

“If I go out now and play with you one against one you will see that I will beat you and at least if I don’t manage to beat you I will want to beat you so that will not change as long as I can move.

“We can organise that if you want,” he added before the reporter told him his knee was not what it used to be.

“Don’t look for excuses before the game,” he grinned.

Huge desire
While he might have made time for jokes, his team’s season has become no laughing matter.

Any realistic chances of silverware have vanished, leaving the north London club trophyless for an eighth season, and the only sliver of redemption would be finishing in the top four of the Premier League to secure a Champions League berth.

Sitting fifth with 44 points from 26 games, four behind fourth-placed Tottenham Hotspur and a further point away from third-placed Chelsea with Everton, in sixth, breathing down their necks, Arsenal cannot afford any more slip-ups.

They host relegation candidates Aston Villa on Saturday (22:00 PHUKET) seeking to avoid a third successive home defeat.

“We are in a position where we cannot afford to drop points. We will go into the game with a huge desire to get out the disappointments we have had,” Wenger said.

“Apart from Manchester United, for all the other positions, I feel it’s very open. It’s just down to us now to continue to be consistent like we have been. We have to focus on continuing to get the points.”

Asked if he had felt like quitting this week, Wenger was emphatic.

“Never, not one second,” he said.

“I have a contract until the end of 2014 and at the moment we are on a short-term plan. I have been here for a long time and have to consider what I want to do. That will be decided in 2014, not before.”

— Phuket Gazette Editors

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Phuket

Rawai beachfront water shut-off tomorrow for mains works

Published

16 hours ago

October 14, 2019

The Thaiger

The Phuket Provincial Waterworks Authority says Rawai’s mains water supply will be shut off tomorrow (Tuesday, October 15) as new water pipes are fitted in front of The Title Beach Front condo resort complex on the town’s beachfront.

The mains water supply will be shut off from 9am until 4:30pm along the beachfront strip.

The PWA says the areas affected will be along Wiset Road along the Rawai beachfront road, as well as Soi Yanui and Soi Ruafaed.

Residents and businesses are being urged to collect water for use during the day today, before tomorrow morning’s shut-off.

As usual, the PWA say…“We apologise for any inconvenience caused.”

Contact the Phuket Provincial Waterworks Authority on 076 319173 or 082 7901634 for more details.

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Phuket

Top 10 spas and massages in Phuket

Published

2 days ago

October 13, 2019

Donna Toon

Top 10 spas and massages in Phuket | The Thaiger

One of the best things about living in Asia, and in particular Thailand, is the abundance of fabulous places to have spa treatments. From the true local experience on the beach, to the ultra chic five star luxury treatments here is, in no particular order, our Top Ten Phuket Spa Experiences.

1. Let’s Relax (Boat Lagoon)

Let’s Relax’s latest addition to their Thailand spa portfolio is located in the residential area of Boat Lagoon in Koh Kaew and by accounts a winner in our books! It is a beautiful space with the natural light also bringing a sense of calm as you walk down the long entrance. With multiple treatment rooms as well as a well appointed foot massage space that can accommodate a large gaggle of girls it is has become popular very quickly with the local ladies.

Being brand new it also is a treat to sit in lush white comfy chairs while having your foot massage and a chat to your girlfriend or boyfriend. Priced on the lower end of the market, but higher than the local spas on the side of the street and well worth the extra baht, Let’s Relax is fabulous new addition to the flooded spa market.

2. Oasis Spa (Kamala)

Oasis Spa Group has a few little gems around the island including one in Laguna and also another great one on the beach road in Kamala, however this hidden sanctuary located on the back roads in Kamala is our pick of the bunch. From the main street you would never know there is a tranquil ten treatment room spa and delightful pool setting behind the single wooden door. With an impressive and consistent list of treatments, positioned above the street-side prices but below the five star offerings, Oasis Spa is wonderful place to pamper away your day.

3. Kata Rocks Infinite Luxury Spa

Winning the World’s Luxury Spa Awards for 2015, 2016 and 2017 we couldn’t put together a top ten spa list without including the very modern and chic Infinite Luxury Spa at Kata Rocks.

The spa blends the beyond organic philosophy of ILA spa products with its own “Me Time” philosophy, the latest spa massage technology in its eight luxury treatment rooms and suites, each designed around specific treatments. This includes two rooms for couples complete with luxurious his and her bathtubs, a chromotherapy room for coloured light therapy, a waterbed room equipped with Italian-made Iso-Benessere, a water massage bed for aiding spinal integration, a sleeping pod room with Metronap rest pod, traditional Thai spa massage treatment room, consultation and treatment room, pedicure and manicure treatment room and a contemporary tropical relaxation patio for after treatment chill down.

Positioned in the very high end of the spa market, Infinite Luxury Spa is an impressive and fabulous space to spend your day, worth every baht!

4. 4th Floor Central Festival Phuket

‘It’s not a very accurate location’ I hear you say, but I love this spa, and whenever I am at Central I always try and allow at least 60 minutes extra to escape the crowds and enjoy a foot massage while reading my book. Located on the top floor of Central on the left hand side as you head towards Central Department Store (sort of above McDonalds), it’s hard to miss it but the staff are always outside greeting you and encouraging you to come in and take a load off. Priced perfectly at 300 baht for a 60 minute foot massage (plus tip of course), the experience is consistent and friendly. Full body treatments are also available behind the traditional curtain.

5. Amatara Wellness Resort

Located at the very South of Phuket at Cape Panwa, Amatara Wellness Resort as the names suggests has an incredible spa perched high on the cliffs overlooking the Andaman Sea. One of the largest spas in Asia with over 2000 square metres of dedicated spa bliss, paralleled by the extensive menu and holistic and wellness packages, it really is an experience not to be missed.

Amatara has also just opened a new spa wellness experience, the exquisitely designed Thai Hammam brings together traditional Turkish and Moroccan bathing practices with the wisdom and gentleness of Thai spa therapies. Soak your worries away.

Make a whole day of it, indulge in their fabulous Sunday Brunch and then move through to the spa! Perfection!

6. Banyan Tree Spa

A market leader for many years not only in Phuket but around the world, Banyan Tree is has provided us with professional and impressive spas for decades. Banyan Tree Phuket Spa with it’s impressive 24 treatment rooms hidden in lush surroundings within the gardens of the resort has well trained and dedicated therapist giving you the ultimate in spa experiences. The attention to detail which is synonymous with the spa philosophy of the group together with the consistency and surroundings makes it one of the best spa experiences certainly in Thailand. I can highly recommend the three hour Royal Banyan package, which included a cucumber and coriander scrub, Banyan Tree herbal pouch massage, jade chilled facial and flower bath. My girlfriends and I indulged just last week, and it was such a treat.

7. Beach Shack next to Dream Beach Club on Layan Beach

We are creatures of habit in our house, we have been in Phuket for ten years now and when we like something we tend to go back regularly. Sunday’s are for chilling and we tend to either head to brunch or down to the local beach at Layan, away from the larger more commercial eateries and clubs we like eating and massaging with the locals.

Purely bang for your buck, the full body oil massages on the beach for 300 – 400 baht are an absolute must. I would love to say head to “Phung’s Massage Shack” next to Dream Beach Club but to be honest it doesn’t have a name but that doesn’t mean it shouldn’t get a mention and make our list. Head to the top end of Layan and facing the beach next to Dream go left, it’s worth the trip!

8. JW Marriott Mai Khao Spa

Mandara Spa at JW Marriott Phuket Resort & Spa is an oasis within an oasis, the resort itself sits on 27 acres of lush gardens and beach side bliss just North of the airport in Mai Khao. Within it’s tropical gardens is the king pin for many years on the island Mandara Spa, its an icon in the local spa industry.

Tranquil, exotic and extremely relaxing, the Mandara Spa at JW Marriott Phuket Resort & Spa features a full service beauty salon, separate steam rooms for male and female guests, five double luxurious spa suites and eleven double deluxe rooms. The spa suites are well fitted out, with some enjoying outdoor bathrooms, but the most impressive aspect of the spa itself is the staff. They are incredibly well trained, and efficient in their craft, professional yet approachable and deliver every time.

The JW Marriott Wellness Retreat (bi yearly) is a highlight every year in my calendar, hosted and facilitated by Linda and her team, as well as the best wellness experts on the island, including Hayden Rhodes, Kim White and Andrew Stanndard. The four day program has informative workshops, wellness consultations, spa treatments, healthy meals, hands on activities, yoga, cooking classes and so much more.

9. Atmanjai Wellness Retreat

Located on the South of the island just past Chalong circle Atmanjai Wellness Retreat at Friendship Beach offers a friendly and relaxed haven where guests can participate in detox, yoga or wellness programs that help restore your vitality, happiness and health. The cute bungalows located around the pool and on the beach side are a perfect excuse to indulge just a little further and stay on location while doing your retreats.

10. Coqoon Spa at The Slate

Unlike anything else in Phuket, Coqoon Spa at The Slate is tranquil and idyllic space nestled in the lush green trees of the resort. It has a “cocoon” tree house made from bamboo and other natural products located high off the ground in true robinson crusoe style. Being in the trees is a unique experience matched perfectly with the highly trained and efficient practitioners. Subtle touches throughout the spa together with the extensive well thought out menu make Coqoon a special occasion treat.

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Phuket

Phuket Town – In CNN Travel’s “Asia’s most picturesque towns”

Published

2 days ago

October 13, 2019

The Thaiger

“Though most famous for its beaches, the Thai island of Phuket offers ample opportunities for cultural immersion as well.”

Phuket’s Old Town was listed as one of Asia’s 13 most picturesque towns by CNN Travel.

The article mentioned, that whilst the island is renowned for its world-class beaches and leisure, offshore and adventure tourism activities, Phuket Town delivers on romance, history and cultural beauty in the island’s main commercial centre.

Tourism Authority of Thailand Governor Yuthasak Supasorn says the article correctly highlighted Phuket’s cultural diversity and history; things that are often eclipsed by its beaches and Patong nightlife.

“Phuket Town retain its charm and unique identity that comes from the influence of the Baba-Peranakan culture, which started when Chinese families migrated to Phuket. We are seeing more fully independent tourists with discretionary spending power who want the unique experiences that Phuket Town is rich in.”

The pocket-sized town welcomes a large number of foreign tourists each year, a significant number of who come from China and are interested in exploring the area and its Chinese influences.

“The historic old quarter of Phuket Town, located in the centre of the island, is lined with Sino-Colonial style shop houses, built during the island’s tin-mining boom of the 18^th and 19^thcenturies.

“There are plenty of hip shops, cafés, restaurants and bars, including the batik shops along Thalang Road run by ethnic Malays and Indians. The area is also filled with Chinese temples, crumbling mansions, cultural museums and a nunnery.”

CNN also recommended that one of the best ways to soak up Phuket Town’s rich culture and bohemian atmosphere was to find a local company that specialises in walking tours of the Old Town.

In addition, CNN noted that Phuket Town is where travellers can indulge in some of the island’s best restaurants, ideal for those visitors who have had their fill of the same old tourist fare served in beach areas. Top picks according to CNN include Southern Thai specialist Raya, Tantitium and One Chun.

SOURCE: TAT News