Phuket
Tennis superstar Hingis visits Patong

PATONG: Former world number one tennis player Martina Hingis was moved to tears today as she heard about Phuket children’s experiences in the tsunami.
The tennis star visited the kindergarten of Patong Municipality School while on a whistle-stop tour of Phuket, arranged by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) to promote tourism after the tsunami.
After meeting the children – and hearing that some had been orphaned by the tsunami – Ms Hingis autographed tennis balls and racquets as gifts for them.
Ms Hingis was welcomed to Patong by Chaipak Siriwat, the Deputy President of the Lawn Tennis Association of Thailand, and Suwalai Pinpradap, director of the TAT Southern region 4.
After heading to Klong Pakbang, Patong, where she walked on the sand – which she described as “like powder”, Ms Hingis told K. Chaipak, “It’s amazing, and almost unbelieveable that this beach was hit by the tidal waves.This beach is still beautiful.”
Read more headlines, reports & breaking news in Phuket. Or catch up on your Thailand news.
Phuket
Phuket tourist decides hotel awning more comfortable than his room

PHOTOS: Rawai Rescue workers / Phuket Tourist Police
The Phuket Tourist Police have been notified that a tourist had jumped from a building in Rawai and ended up on a steel awning covering the bottom floor today. But that wasn’t, in fact, what had happened.
The local Tourist Police say the owner of the building told staff at the Tourist Assistance Centre that the tourist had checked into the room on February 13.
The tourist didn’t actually jump down from the building but had moved a mattress from his room on to the awning and slept on it (mosquitos!!) He was also drunk and damaged some property inside the room.
The man is a 37 year old Estonian tourist. He was staying at the room with a 25 year old male friend.
Chalong Police have charged them both with being drunk and damaging property. They have said that they will pay for all damages to the owner of the property. They are heading back home on February 26.
Phuket
Patong motorbike racer arrested and fined – VIDEO

PHOTO: Patong Police
Patong Police yesterday arrested a motorbike racer after identifying him and his motorbike from video clips that were popular in social media this week.
Patong Police are investigating alleged foreign motorbike racing gangs in Patong after video clips went viral in local social media.
Read more about the racing around Patong’s streets HERE.
Patong Police report that they have now arrested one motorbike racer and charged him with the maximum fine.
Patong Police are also asking motorbike rental operators to explain basic traffic rules for motorbike drivers who want to rent a motorbike.
(The Thaiger is assuming this would be covered when they get their motorbike license, which they are required to have before a motorbike is rented to them.)
PHUKETForeigners racing around Patong. Who would have thought?! https://thethaiger.com/news/phuket/police-investigate-motorbike-hoons-in-patongVIDEO: เป็นปากเป็นเสียง
Posted by The Thaiger on Wednesday, February 20, 2019
Phuket
500 free helmets handed out to motorbike drivers in Patong

Patong Development Foundation together with Patong Police and Patong Municipality have given 500 helmets to motorbike drivers in Patong today under the campaign ‘Wear your helmet’.
Handing out the 500 helmets to motorbike user in Patong was led by Patong Police Chief Col Anothai Jindamanee, Patong Municipality Chalermluck Kebsup and President of Patong Development Foundation Preechawut ‘Prap’ Keesin.
Col Anothai says, “Many motorbike drivers have been injured and died in road accident. We want 100 percent of motorbike drivers and passengers wearing helmets. ”
“More motorbike riders are now wearing helmets as the number of not wearing helmet charges has been dropping in Patong with better enforcement.”
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