Thai Life
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Phuket Entertainment: Giving women what they want
PHUKET: What began as a language-learning exercise – watching Thai soaps with English subtitles online – has become, well, a problem. I stay up too late, watch during breakfast and abandon unessential tasks until I finish the series, all 20-plus hours of it.I became addicted despite the fact that from the first moment I know what will happen – the…
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A glimpse into the future
PHUKET: “I never think of the future – it comes soon enough,” said Albert Einstein. Maybe it works for the geniuses but for the rest of us, a look forward from time to time is inevitable, especially at the brink of the new year. Here are the Gazette’s predictions for 2014 – because as Malcolm X said, “The future belongs…
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Enjoying the fruit of Thai land
PHUKET: In the last Property Legal column (published in print on November 30 and online December 3, story here), Phuket’s International Law Office (ILO) touched on the topic of usufruct agreements, a lesser known form of property contract that could be a considerable option for those looking to secure interests in Thai property; particularly foreigners who cannot outright, legally own…
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Big fun for the little ones
PHUKET: This one is for the kids! Thailand is celebrating its annual Children’s Day on Saturday, January 11 and there sure won’t be a lack of good fun for the little ones on the island. Planned activities in Phuket are as follows:Phuket MunicipalityAt the grounds of Phuket provincial hall, from 8am to 4pm, this year’s festivities will encompass the theme…
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Phuket Health: Seminar on colorectal disease
PHUKET: Leading medical professionals from all over the world gathered at Bangkok Hospital Phuket last month for the first annual Colorectal Disease Symposium.Organized from December 8-10 by the director of the Colorectal Disease Institute at Bangkok Hospital Phuket, Dr Art Hiranyakas, the symposium consisted of panel discussions, guest speakers and live surgeries. Topics included different types of colorectal diseases, research…
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Tesco says no to plastic bags with new store in Phuket
PHUKET: Tesco Lotus has reaffirmed its commitment to preserving the environment with its new “no bag store” concept for Express format outlets, having recently launched two pilot stores – in Koh Samui and Phuket. Tesco Lotus Head of Public Affairs Charkrit Direkwattanachai remarked: “Tesco Lotus has been able to save the use of eight million plastic bags and this year…
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Phuket Environment: Summarizing sustainability for future
PHUKET: Recently, the Prince of Songkla University, Phuket Campus, held an “Open Week” conference with a wide range of activities and lectures. One of the highlights was a talk given by the eminent Korean environmentalist Professor Dai-Yeun Jeong, entitled “Beyond Sustainable Development: Towards Ecological Modernization”.Supported by many visual aids projected onto a large screen, Professor Jeong gave a detailed and…
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Tesco Extra officially open in Phuket
PHUKET: Tesco Lotus recently held the official grand opening for its first “Extra” format store in Phuket. The rebranding and re-opening of the shopping center, its main Phuket store located off the bypass road in Sam Kong, follows an extensive renovation project undertaken in the final quarter of 2013. The development also complements the grand opening of a new, full-sized…
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Phuket Explore: Escape to Koh Kho Khao
PHUKET: You know it’s going to be a good day’s cycling when you see more water buffalo than you do hurtling pick-up trucks, and when the smiling locals stop what they are doing and rush out to greet you with a hearty “Hello Farang!” Such pleasures are rarely found in Phuket these days, but just 80 kilometers north of the…
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Phuket Property Watch – Not such a long way from home
PHUKET: It’s that time of year again – Christmas. And while Phuket’s idea of a whiteout is sand swept beaches, I find it hard not to get into a sentimental mood as soon as the calendar rolls around to the twelfth month of the year. Somehow the pace quickens in December, year in and year out. A few weeks ago…
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Phuket Property Watch: A case of tech-induced nostalgia
PHUKET: It’s festive time in the US, which is where I am, hacking out this column caught in the joys of the holiday season. Or perhaps not. Having spent three days here since taking the great plane trip over the ocean, my mind calculates the time-line as some thirty-eight hours. But who’s counting? The short and sweet “me” springs to…
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Tech: Be forwarned about 4G in Phuket
PHUKET: Lest you think it’s 3G dejavu all over again, the current state of 4G in Phuket has a few interesting, new wrinkles. In many ways, the impending 4G roll out – which is already under way, at least in theory – isn’t nearly as confusing as the 3G rollout two years ago. Thank heavens! Let’s start with the basics.…
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Boutique or bust – Phuket Prop Watch
PHUKET: Obsession is quite a long word – with its three little Ss that sort of roll off the keys with winding twists and turns. Nothing is as it appears, nor is there a straightaway to pull away from the pack. When it comes to design hotels, these enigmatic properties just love to live the “S” life, where the squares…
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Phuket Town’s Thavorn Grand Plaza Hotel acquired by Accor Group
PHUKET: Some good news for the property market in the heart of Phuket Town: the old Thavorn Grand Plaza Hotel has been acquired by an owner affiliated with the Accor Group of hotels and is now undergoing a complete renovation for a scheduled rebranding under one of that group’s many hotel chains. Work at the site had been underway for…
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Superyachts rock Kata
PHUKET: The Asia Superyacht Rendezvous kicks off today in the island’s south with a stunning array of sail and motor superyachts. S/Y Yanneke Too Sun, sailing and socializing will reign as sponsors Feadship and Boat International Media join the Rendezvous in welcoming owners, captains, crew and invited guests from around the globe to the host venue, Kata Rocks in Phuket’s…
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An invitation to Sleep With Me
PHUKET: A newcomer to the island’s hotel industry, “SLEEP WITH ME Design Hotel @ Patong” is comprised of 258 guest and suite rooms, overlooking the high-rises of Patong Bay. Located in the heart of Patong, close to Jungceylon Shopping Center, “Bangla Road” walking street and only a three minute walk to the beach, the hotel offers modern facilities, personal service…
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To infinity and beyond – Phuket Diving
PHUKET: A tiny helmet diver stands at attention on the red rocks of a five-gallon freshwater aquarium. Having explored the treasure chest blowing bubbles through fake gold coins, as well as the single strand of Brazilian Pennywort – and even poked around the filter, he simply stands there watching sediment build on his feet, the occasional gold fish going belly…
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The Rendezvous returns – Phuket Lifestyle
PHUKET: Final preparations are underway for the 13th Asia Superyacht Rendezvous. With nine confirmed superyachts, a stunning venue, and captains, owners and crew flying in from all over the world to attend, this looks to be the best Rendezvous to date. The Rendezvous will commence on Monday and conclude on Wednesday. With such a mix of captains and crew, from…
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Phuket photographer revels in retro-pinup revival
PHUKET: “You don’t know what you want! Luigi know what you want!” The Italian photographer holding his camera out to the side, his other hand gesturing – thumb pressed against the tips of his fingers as if he’s plucking something out of the air and shaking it – is not Luigi. It’s Adriano Trapani of Phuket Paparazzi. Standing in front…
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Phuket Boat Show (PIMEX) looks set to break records
PHUKET: From small trailer-boats to luxury sailing and motor yachts, the on-water line-up for the upcoming Phuket International Marine Expo (PIMEX) is set to be the best yet. Virtually all of the major dealers and brokers in Thailand and the region are signed up and will represent all of the major global brands, including Ferretti, Pershing, Riviera, Jeanneau, Cantiere Della…
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Phuket Diving: Plunging in before big splash in Bollywood
PHUKET: With her head down and pencil scribbling out numbers for a dive profile, it’s hard to believe that the woman on the far side of Scuba Cat’s Scuba Fun is about to make a big splash – not in the dive industry, but in Bollywood. Manasvi Mamgai, Miss India 2010 and Elite Model Management recruit, is about to debut…
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The legend of the Emerging Buddha – Phuket History
PHUKET: Wat Phra Thong, or the “Temple of the Golden Buddha”, at first glance may seem like any other temple in Phuket. This old temple, located in Thalang district in the northern part of the island, was built during the 18th century towards the end of the Ayutthaya period. Walking into the main chapel, visitors will be greeted with a…
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An incandescent talent – Phuket Books
PHUKET: Since the death of Walker Percy in 1990, Robert Stone has been the Big Kahuna of American literature. Here is what he has to say about Rachel Kushner: “The controlled intensity and perception in Rachel Kushner’s novels mark her as one of the most brilliant writers of the new century.” There is no denying the power of Kushner’s prose.…
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The ins and outs of usufruct – Phuket Property Legal
PHUKET: The right of usufruct is rarely used and often overlooked when it comes to securing one´s interest in immovable property. Usually, lease rights are registered against the property – providing use and possession rights for the benefit of the beneficiary until the lease is terminated or expired. The right of usufruct, which is a property right, the same as…
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Merry in the Maldives – Phuket Property Watch
PHUKET: I’ve spent more years than I can recall hovering around sea level. Visualize Robinson Crusoe walking around a desert island, umbrella in hand and deep in conversation with a coconut named Friday. A week ago I found myself on a small atoll about 45 minutes north of Malé, the capital city of the idyllic island nation, the Maldives. My…
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AMCHAM real estate event
PHUKET: Tomorrow (Friday November 22) the American Chamber of Commerce Thailand (AMCHAM) will hold a real estate event at Angsana Laguna Phuket. Topics covered will include the trend in leasehold ownership, regulating real estate agencies in Thailand, big development news in Phuket real estate and current property tends. Shine PR’s, Natasha Eldred will moderate the event. Audience members will be…
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EKA – Putting her heart and soul into Phuket
PHUKET: Canadian born singer EKA recently arrived in Phuket and has begun performing with her newly formed band at venues around the island. More than a decade ago she was a member of the hit Canadian girl group “Jai” which topped the Canadian charts with their first single “Checking Me Out” for three weeks in 2000. After a long hiatus…
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Much ado about Ewan McGregor – Phuket Books
PHUKET: Movie star Ewan McGregor and his friend Charley Booring rode big BMW motorcycles from London to New York, chronicled in the book and TV documentary The Long Way Around. Nathan Braund has published a book called The Wrong Way Round to Ewan McGregor (FeedARead Publishing, funded by the British Arts Council, UK, 2013, 220pp). This slim volume is based…
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Party with red passion – Phuket Events
PHUKET: SKAL International Phuket and South Thailand is holding its Annual Charity Dinner next Saturday, November 23, and it looks set to be the biggest yet, with loads of live entertainment and gourmet food. This year’s event, dubbed “Red Passion”, will be held at the island’s hottest new venue – Zazada Beach Club. It’s open to the public and will…
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Phuket hotelier seeks help to give kids a break
PHUKET: They say “what you give is what you get”. But Simon Luttrell, a Phuket-based hotel owner wants to take it one step further. His goal is to give to people who have very little and expect nothing in return. It was 2005 when Simon built his first hotel in Phuket – a small building near the international airport. And…
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