Phuket News & Events

[halfway inn]

YA ICE, GUN & AMMUNITION


Gun-toting Aussie tourist nabbed with crystal meth in Phuket





PHUKET: Patong Police arrested an Australian tourist today after finding him in possession of 530mg of ya ice (crystal methamphetamine), a gun, and ammunition.

Mark Robert Coutelas, 53, was apprehended at the Green Mango Apartment complex on Nanai Road after the police received a tip-off.

“We went to the apartment and found Mr Coutelas at his rental room at about 2pm,” said Lt Col Suttichai Thianpho of the Patong Police.

“We searched the room and found 530mg of ya ice in a small plastic bag and drug paraphernalia. We also found an illegal 9mm handgun, bullets and a BB gun.”

Mr Coutelas was charged with illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition, as well as possession of a Category 1 Drug, said Col Suttichai.

“A woman showed up after the raid and told police that she and Mr Coutelas were dating,” added Col Suttichai. “But we did not press charges against her, as she was not present when officers searched the apartment.”

“We are questioning both Mr Coutelas and his female companion about the gun and possible drug networks.”

Police declined to name Mr Coutelas' female companion.


Phuket Gazette - Tuesday, May 27, 2014 6:23:00 PM

[Oytopikos]

YA ICE, GUN & AMMUNITION


Gun-toting Aussie tourist nabbed with crystal meth in Phuket

http://www.smh.com.au/world/australian-tourist-among-first-foreigners-to-be-arrested-after-thailands-coup-20140528-zrqdk.html

[halfway inn]

ILLEGAL LAND DOCUMENTS

Dozens of Phuket officials under fire for allegedly issuing illegal land documents


PHUKET: At least 30 officials in Phuket are under investigation for their alleged involvement in illegally issuing land documents for plots in Sirinath National Park.

Tawichat Nillakan, chief of the Phuket office of the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC), told the Phuket Gazette that his office had received at least 77 formal complaints against local officials for abusing their positions of power since the Phuket NACC office opened on March 4 last year.

“About one-fifth of those complaints are related to land,” he said.

Three cases are specifically in regard to officials issuing land documents for plots in Sirinath National Park.

“One case in particular involves 10 to 15 officers,” Mr Tawichat said.

The complaints filed target officials at all levels, from those previously stationed as high as the Governor’s Office, to local Ministry of Interior and Land Office officials, former Sirinath National Park officers, right down to tambon chiefs (Kamnan) and village chiefs (Phu Yai Baan).

“A former park chief at Sirinath is under investigation, but that person was the park chief decades ago,” Mr Tawichat said.

None of the officials currently under investigation have been charged, Mr Tawichat confirmed.

“Once we have concluded our investigation into each complaint, we will hand the case over to the public prosecutor to decide whether or not to proceed with formal charges,” said Mr Tawichat.


Phuket Gazette (23 July 2014)

[labiko]

70 ταξιτζήδες του πουκετ, (ταξι μαφια - οσοι εχουν παει ταιλανδη ξερουν) οδηγούνται στα δικαστηρια . Να πω επιτελους!!!!!!


http://www.thephuketnews.com/70-phuket-%E2%80%98mafia%E2%80%99-taxi-drivers-get-dates-with-court-47928.php

[Oytopikos]

The news was published by the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) on its website yesterday evening (August 27).

In a letter attached to the announcement, the company wrote, “Bangkok Dusit Medical Services PLC (BDMS) would like to announce the result of the board management meeting on August 27 at which we approved setting up a branch under the name ‘Bangkok Phuket International Hospital’ to expand our medical businesses in Phuket.”

The deal sees BDMS take over 99.99 per cent of the partnership that owned PIH.

“BDMS will also take responsibility for debt of Phuket International Hospital, which is not more than B416 million,” the latter said. “the transfer of ownership is expected to be finished by the end of 2014.”

PIH was registered as a 151-bed hospital on June 22, 1990, with capital of B195 million under the name ‘Siriroj Hospital’. It has since been expanded to 281 beds.

“The propose of taking over the [International] hospital is to improve our efficiency in serving Thais and foreigners in southern region of Thailand; to improve the logistics of transferring patients from one hospital in the group to another; and to support medical tourism in Phuket.”

Bangkok Hospital Phuket’s PR officer confirmed the news this morning but could give no details.

“The board [in Bangkok] are now in discussions and we will call a media conference as soon as we can reveal details,” she told The Phuket News.

PIH Marketing Manager Piyarat Kulvanit also confirmed the buyout.

However, she said, “Our management team is still managing the hospital as usual.”

[halfway inn]

ILLEGAL BEACH BUSINESS

29-08-2014

80pc of people hit by Phuket beach clean-up apply for help


The destruction of illegal beach businesses has left hundreds jobless.

PHUKET: About 80 per cent of the people in Kathu District who have lost their livelihoods because of Phuket’s massive military-backed beach clearance have registered at the District Office for help in getting their lives restarted.

Registration was open for residents of Kamala on Monday and Tuesday and for Patong on Wednesday to today (August 29).

The main targets were beach chair renters, masseuses and roaming food and drink vendors. Jet-ski and para sailing operators can qualify under the "other" category.

“The total number who registered with us is 371 from a total of 466 beach businesses operators we inspected before the beach clean-up project began,” Kathu District Chief Sayan Chanachaiwong told The Phuket News this afternoon (August 29).

Of the 371, 81 registered in Kamala and 290 in Patong.

“After completing registration we will begin discussion and inspection of all the people on the list to get more detail,” Mr Sayan said.

“We have already made some preparations.

For example we will ask the hotels to help by taking on masseuses in their spas, and some of the beach vendors will move to booths provided on municipal land,” he explained.

Patong Municipality has already prepared half a dozen booths at Loma Park.

“We will try to find out first what they need, and if they want a change of career the Labour Department will provide them with training courses,” Mr Sayan said.

Anyone else who has been affected by the clean-up can still come to Kathu District Office after today, but the 371 already registered will get priority, he said.

Muang District (which covers Kata, Karon and Nai Harn Beaches) and Thalang (Surin, Laypang, Bangtao, Layan, Naithon, Naiyang and Mai Khao Beaches) are carrying out similar exercises.



Phuket News (29-08-2014)

[thailandgr]

Thai Lion Air to launch Phuket-Bangkok with B515 fare



PHUKET: New low cost carrier Thai Lion Air is to launch five destinations in its domestic network this month, including Phuket-Bangkok.
Thai Lion Air will use Boeing 737-900 ER aircraft for the Phuket-Bangkok Route. Photo Alec Wilson
“The five new routes will begin in September with flights between Don Muang Airport and Udon Thani, Surat Thani, Krabi and Phuket, as well as between Haad Yai and Udon Thani,” said Numpon Rungsawang, Sales and Marketing Manager of Thai Lion Air.
“We have two hubs, one in Bangkok and the other in Haad Yai,” he added.
Daily flights between Phuket and Bangkok will begin on September 15, with one flight a day, taking off from Bangkok at 5:45pm, arriving in Phuket at 7:10pm, with the return flight taking off at 8pm and landing in Bangkok at 9:25pm.
Thai Lion Air, a subsidiary of Lion Air of Indonesia, had a faltering start as political unrest deterred flights to and from Thailand, but now, said Mr Numpon, “The low cost airlines businesses is growing rapidly and it is the time for Thai Lion Air to introduce its products and service while expanding the network in Thailand.
“In the future, we expect to increase frequency on the Phuket-Bangkok route to five flights a day,” he added.
During the introductory period, until October 31, the airline is offering a fare of B515 from Phuket to Bangkok, including a 15kg baggage allowance. The return flight is priced at B665.
“The ticket price is normally about B1,000,” Mr Numpon said.
The route will be served using two new Boeing 737-900ER aircraft, from a total of 780 new aircraft the parent airline recently committed to buy.
“This aircraft is the latest model offered by Boeing and comes equipped with the latest cockpit and cabin innovations including adjustable sky interior, spacious legroom and upgraded avionics,” Mr Numpon explained.

Bookings may be made online at lionairthai.com, by calling 02 529 9999 or through local travel agents.






http://www.thephuketnews.com/thai-lion-air-to-launch-phuket-bangkok-with-b515-fare-48551.php

[thailandgr]

Novotel Phuket Karon Beach to open next month

The Novotel Phuket Karon Beach Resort and Spa is the latest addition to quality life style breaks in Phuket, located in Karon, only a very short walk to the beach, and a fun ride from Patong or Karon’s eclectic mix of pubs, clubs and restaurants. From the seclusion of a Plunge Pool Suite to the funtastic Kids Club, the resort offers a wide variety of relaxing pastimes to enjoy the style of your choice. With 3 pool options of fun, chill out and kids adventure time you may not even want to leave the resort!

Opening Date – 15 October 2014

Accommodation Type
Standard Rooms
Located at the quietest end of the resort a short walk from the main swimming pool, 28sq. m. Of well appointed practicality. Equipped with King Size or twin Single beds, Air-conditioning, Minibar fridge which can be fully stocked on request, Rainforest and hand held shower. LCD TV, tea and coffee making facilities and complimentary WiFi access.

Superior Rooms
Located near the hub of the resort. 28sq. m. room with King Size or twin Single beds, Air-conditioning, Minibar fridge fully stocked, Rainforest and hand held shower. LCD TV, tea and coffee making facilities and complimentary WiFi access. Interconnecting room options for those travelling as a group.

Superior Plunge Pool Rooms
Located near the hub of the resort, Step into your own plunge pool bordered by a lush garden area, 28sq. m. room with King Size bed, Air-conditioning, Minibar fridge fully stocked, Rainforest and hand held shower. LCD TV, tea and coffee making facilities and complimentary WiFi access. Interconnecting room options for those travelling as a group.

Deluxe rooms
Situated with the large balcony looking over the Oasis pool or outwards towards the Andaman sea. 33sq. m. room situated in the heart of the resort. Features a King Size bed, Air-conditioning, Minibar fridge fully stocked, Rainforest and hand held shower. LCD TV, tea and coffee making facilities and complimentary WiFi access. Turn down service, Oasis pool access with Pool Butler service – water sprays, cold towels, bottled water.

Deluxe Family Rooms
Situated with the large balcony looking over the Oasis pool and next to the Kids Club. 38sq. m. room situated in the heart of the resort. Features a King Size bed, bunk beds for children up to 12 years old, Air-conditioning, Minibar fridge fully stocked, Rainforest and hand held shower. LCD TV, tea and coffee making facilities and complimentary WiFi access. Turn down service, Oasis pool access for mom & dad with Pool Butler service – water sprays, cold towels, bottled water. Kids welcome pack and games galore a the best kids club in town!

Suites
52sq. m. of seclusion. Features a King Size bed, Living area with couch and pull out bed facility for children up to 12 years old. Oversized balcony feature. Air-conditioning, Minibar fridge fully stocked, Rainforest and hand held shower and a large bath tub, upgrade amenities. 2 LCD TVs, tea and coffee making facilities and complimentary WiFi access. Turn down service, Oasis pool access with Pool Butler service – water sprays, cold towels, bottled water.

Plunge Pool Suites
60sq. m. of luxury lifestyle with private plunge pool. Features a King Size bed, Living area with couch and pull out bed facility for children up to 12 years old. Outdoor dining and relaxation areas.Air-conditioning, Minibar fridge fully stocked, Rainforest and hand held shower and a large bath tub, upgrade amenities. 2 LCD TVs, tea and coffee making facilities and complimentary WiFi access. Turn down service, Oasis pool access with Pool Butler service – water sprays, cold towels, bottled water.

All rooms and suites feature
42 inch flat screen TV
Working desk
WiFi connection
In room safe
Fridge
Hair dryer
Coffee and tea making facilities
Individual temperature control
Bathroom amenities
IDD telephone

Available on request
Iron and Ironing board
DVD player

Bars & Restaurants
Horizon, All Day Dining
Open Plan buffet restaurant with show kitchen. Offering true international buffet and a la carte dining options
Open from 06:30 – 24:00
Buffet Breakfast served 06:30 – 11:00

Joe Kool’s Pool Grill
Casual dining at the poolside, pizza, pasta, burgers and local snack dishes
Open from 10:00-22:00

TAi Restaurant
Enjoy Asia with food from China, Japan, Korea, Vietnam, Philippines and of course Thailand in modern chic surroundings
Open from 17:00-24:00

Champions Sports Bar
The latest Sports action bar from around the globe in the relaxed surroundings of a lounge bar atmosphere
Open from 10:00-24:00

Pool Bar
A poolside bar offers refreshing cocktails, cool drinks, and light snacks for the perfect complement to a day.
Open from 10:00-18:00

In Room Dining
Selection of our favorite dishes available for delivery to your room 24 hours a day.

Leisure activities
Main Pool – 75 meters of Lagoon Pool setting – well spaced sun loungers and poolside service
Oasis Pool – Quiet getaway pool with pool butler service
Kids Club Pool – safe swimming adventures contained within the secure Kids Club environment
Kids Club – Large section of games and activities contained within the supervised environment of a large kids club includes DVD selection, Gaming consoles and fun activities for all ages

In Balance Fitness
Feel fit and alive with a choice of dynamic aerobic exercise machines or strength and conditioning options with weights.

Recreation Activities
An action packed weekly activities program includes cultural classes (language, introduction to Thai massage, arts and crafts, Thai boxing, Batik painting, origami), yoga, meditation, stretch classes, snorkeling introduction, Pilates and much more.

A variety of excursions are available on the island, and can be booked through tour desk Including:
• Hiking
• Diving and snorkeling; the Resort is the closest property to the departure point for the Similan Islands, renowned as one of Thailand’s finest reef diving locations
• Shopping
• Boat trips to nearby islands, including day trip to Phi- Phi islands
• Elephant trekking
• Tours around Phuket

Airport Transfer
The Resort can arrange airport transportation for arriving and departing guests.
Charges are as follows:
Limo Service THB 2,500 each way (maximum 3 people)
Van Service THB 3,000 each way (maximum 7 people)
Rates are quoted per vehicle, per way and are inclusive of prevailing tax and service charge. Prices are net-non-commissionable.
Airport tax is not included in above prices. 24 hour cancellation notice required otherwise full charges will be applied to the individual account.

Free services
Wireless Internet Access
Concierge Service
Outdoor Parking Lot
24-hour Security

Paid services
Currency Exchange Service
Laundry and Dry Cleaning Service
Limousine Service
Babysitting Service

In Balance Spa
With a choice of 10 treatment rooms and a large range of Spa therapies
Open 10:00-24:00 daily

Shuttle Service to City
The Resort’s shuttle service to Phuket Town and Patong Beach operates several times daily on a scheduled basis. A nominal fee applies

[thailandgr]

Is Thailand really losing Russian arrivals?

PHUKET; The news about the decrease in Russian arrivals to Thailand prompted an active discussion in social media last week with Thai nationals and foreign residents alike sharing their views of Russians as a tourists.


Sunbathers on a Crimean beach. Photo Vyacheslav Argenberg

The war of words turned out to be fierce enough for all sides to forget about the main topic: the decrease in Russian arrivals and thus in the revenue of the Thai tourism industry.

According to Kasikorn Research Center in 2014 Thailand will see 1.65 million visitors from Russia – 5.5 per cent down from 1.75 million last year. Is this a scary figure for the industry?

The answer is yes and no. The drop alone is not dramatic. But things are not looking bright if what we see is just a beginning of a long-term negative trend. So let us have a closer look at the figures and the factors behind them.

Both Russian and Thai state agencies have already admitted that 2014 is a tough year for Thai tourism. Political disturbances followed by martial law, the coup and curfew hit the arrivals greatly.

Most significantly, all those events took place during the high season from November to May. And the 5.5 per cent drop in Russian arrivals can be explained by the consequences of the negative factors listed above.

Russian tour companies were strongly advised by the Russian authorities to cancel or limit trips to Bangkok and that affected the figures. At the same time Phuket benefited from all the disturbance simply because companies and their clients switched to this destination instead of places perceived as risky.

So 5.5 per cent is a reasonable drop nationwide. In Phuket the drop was less than the national one so now it is time to regain the losses with the new high season coming and the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) guaranteeing safety.

Taking all these observations into account the future of Phuket tourism looks bright.

There remains, however, a list of Russian "domestic" factors that Thai authorities have no way of influencing.

    This year Russian authorities started promoting domestic tourism, notably at Sochi (with its Olympic facilities) and Crimea (desperately needing to replace lost Ukrainian tourist arrivals). Both resorts can hardly be listed among Thailand’s competitors in the November-to-May season (most of it winter in these places), but have been able to replace it in case of urgent need.

    Russia’s economy has been badly hit by the consequences of the Ukrainian conflict and the sanctions imposed by the USA and EU. The Russian currency has dropped significantly against both the USD and the Euro -- and the Thai baht. It is widely recognised that leisure and travel expenses are among the first to be cut when people need to save money.

    The wave of bankruptcies among Russian tour companies has made people less confident about their safety wile travelling abroad (let alone the negative effect for the industry proper).

    A new tax on international flights is being currently discussed in Russia. If accepted it will significantly increase the cost of a vacation in Thailand, thus making domestic destinations more attractive.

    Another proposal being discussed presupposes compensation of up to 50 per cent of travel expenses for those choosing domestic resorts. And if these two drafts are accepted as law it will definitely effect international tourism.

None of the five factors alone can threaten Thailand. Separately they are harmless and could not even result in another 5.5 per cent drop. But if combined, they could cause real problems for Thailand.

Just a simple example: Nowadays it is cheaper for a person from Siberia to fly to Thailand than to Sochi. But if overall incomes go down, international flight costs climb and government compensation become real, the possibility of taking advantage of government support and spending Christmas in Russia becomes a definite threat to Thailand. Though not this season, one hopes.

[thailandgr]

[thailandgr]

Qatar-Phuket direct flights start next month

PHUKET: Qatar Airways is to introduce non-stop flights to Phuket from October 26.

The airline currently serves the Doha-Phuket route daily via Kuala Lumpur, a service that began in 2010.

Qatar Airways chief executive Akbar Al Baker said, “The start of non-stop services from Doha to Phuket offers travellers from around the world access to the popular tourist destination in a reduced time, from across our expanding global network.

“Visitor numbers to Phuket are on the rise and Qatar Airways will look to take advantage of the non-stop connections to the city in the days to come,” he said.

The direct flights to Phuket will use an Airbus A330 in a two class-configuration of 24 seats in business class and 236 seats in economy.

[diamantis]

Πολύ καλό έχει όμως διανυκτέρευση Ντόχα και για Χριστούγεννα σε σχέση τη περασμένη χρονιά 100 ευρώ  ακριβότερα

[Oytopikos]

[thailandgr]

Three men ambush British motorist in northern Phuket

PHUKET: Three men ambushed a British national and his wife as they slowed their motorbike at a speed bump in northern Phuket last night.

“My wife and I were attacked and knocked off our motorcycle at 9:00… on the road that connects Sri Soonthorn Road with the Alan Cook Cricket Ground,” Iain Richardson told the Phuket Gazette.

“Three teenagers were waiting by the side of the road, acting as if they had a problem with their motorcycle.

“When we slowed down for the speed bump, one of them rushed out and smacked me over the head with a large stick. We came off the bike. My wife tried to go for the attacker and was hit on the arm. By the time I got up to chase them, they had run off.”

Mr Richardson suffered a perforated eardrum and his wife has bruising on her arm from the incident.

“[I have] no idea what their motive was… Luckily, we were wearing helmets,” Mr Richardson said.

The Richardsons filed a complaint with the Thalang Police, who are now searching for the attackers, confirmed Thalang Police Superintendent Sirisak Wasasiri.

“This is the first case of this kind that I've seen since I was stationed here. At this stage, the victims could not describe the teenagers. However, as soon as we collect enough information we will track them down.

“At the same time, we will be looking at what safety measures can be implemented to prevent attacks like this from happening in the future.”

Police have contacted the Sri Soonthorn local government to report the lack of lighting and CCTV coverage in the area.

“They need to consider applying for a budget to improve safety at that location.”

Col Sirisak advised motorists against taking small, less-travelled roads at night.

His warning was echoed by Mr Richardson.

“I think people need to be aware of the dangers of driving a motorcycle on small roads at night, and be on the lookout for suspicious groups of teenagers, especially in the Sri Soonthorn area,” Mr Richardson told the Gazette.

[halfway inn]

ILLEGAL TOUR SALES

Georgian arrested for illegal tour sales in Phuket



PHUKET: 24-09-2014

Phuket Tourism & Sports officials accompanied by Tourist Police officers arrested a Georgian national in Kata on Friday (September 19) for selling tour packages without a work permit or a tourism license.

“The arrest came after a complaint through Facebook and a letter saying there was a foreigner selling tour packages in the Kata area, and also driving people to Wang Talang Jewellery [on Chao Fah West Rd],” said Santi Pawai, the director of the Phuket Tourism and Sports Office.

The Facebook post was made by a Phuket green-plate taxi driver, Somchai Pruangkangnarn.

The complaint letter also contained a map showing the location of the tour shop.

“We inspected the Phuket-Phuket RU shop on Kata Rd, and caught him red-handed, selling a tour package to customer.

So we immediately identified ourselves and asked his for tourism registration card and his work permit,” Mr Santi said.

The Georgian, Tengi Andguladze, 29, could not provide either document.

“He claimed an application had been made to register a company called Sunrise of Siam, and was waiting for approval,” Mr Santi added.

Andguladze was charged with opening a tour business without a permit and working without a work permit.

“He denied the charges,” Mr Santi said.