Phuket Cobra and DSI

At 9:45 pm on August 29^th  the call went out for help from Somneuk Pramod , 57, assistant to the village head, that a king cobra had been spotted in a tree overhanging a worker camp in the village, in the Baan Chalong area. The Kusondharm volunteers, arriving at the scene, tried to catch the snake, but it crawled up to the top of a tree. In the dark it was hard to see the snake, much less catch it. The villagers, it was reported, were “freaked out” and worried that the snake might slide down the tree in the wee hours and attack them. They refused to let the volunteers go until the snake was dealt with. The decision was then made to shoot the snake. Almost three hours later a marksman managed to hit it and the cobra fell lifeless from the tree The villagers were reported to be happy and very relieved.

DSI at Phuket

he Department of Special Investigation hit a new level of flamboyance last week. A team led by DSI chief Tarit Pengdith landed at Phuket airport, lined up the notoriously unfriendly taxi drivers for inspection, and began issuing summonses for illegal activities. Mr Tarit then held a press conference, in which he named 11 prominent Phuket businessmen and groups, frequently and pointedly using that well-known code word "influential".

Those on the list were not accustomed to or pleased with being the subject of such attention on their turf. Some summoned their lawyers and threatened lawsuits.

The DSI was trying to show it had drawn a line in the white sand of Phuket's famous beaches. It clearly hopes to shut down the increasingly notorious mistreatment of visitors to Phuket. Because the word is most definitely out, and spreading worldwide: Phuket rips off, abuses, hurts, beats up, robs and generally turns up its collective nose at millions of tourists.

The DSI hopes to shut all that down, and return Phuket to the attitude of the rest of Thailand _ that visitors are not just welcome, but deserve to be safe.

The responses of the named tourist operators to the DSI's aggressive approach are depressing. One insisted that he paid rent every month, that he has done everything by the book, and that he always "talks with officials". There is a missing component in this and other statements by the operators named by the DSI. That word is "tourists".

 

Jellyfish warning for Phuket waters and tourist

The DMCR announced, “Our records show no sightings or encounters this year of these jellyfish in the waters around Phuket, but just in case we have erected warning signs at 11 beaches along the west coast of the island that are most likely to be affected. “These are Nai Yang, Patong (two places), Racha Yai, Naithon, Bangtao, Surin, Kamala, Kata, Karon and Nai Harn. “It should be noted that the jellyfish might appear at other beaches.” The DMCR believes that seven species of jellyfish could pose a danger to swimmers. Of these, Tripedalia cystophora and Chiropsella are venomous but not likely to cause death. The others are four types of box jelly – Chiropsoides buitendijki, Carybdea sivickisi, Chironex sp. A and Chironex sp. B – and Morbakka fenneri, first identified five years ago, and highly venomous. “We have briefed life guards and local people on first aid for jelly fish poisoning.” The DMCR has also issued an information sheet (download here) giving first aid advice, primarily to use vinegar to neutralise the venom. Lacking vinegar, any mildly acidic liquid (lime juice, perhaps or, in extremis, urine) can be used. Phuket Police must stamp out abuse of tourists Mr Qin told The Phuket News, “I have received a report from the Thai police though I have not been able to read all the details yet. He said he could not comment on this particular case. “I have spoken with the victim already, but I will wait for the results of the police investigation. However, he added, “I have noticed that in the past couple of years there have been many cases [of this sort] in which tourists have been victims – not just Chinese – and the incidents seem to be increasing. “I would like to ask for the help of the police to suppress and reduce such crimes.” Police told The Phuket News this evening that the taxi driver involved in the alleged molesting of the tourist has denied all charges. They said he will be held in police custody until Monday (May 20), when he will appear in court.

Cricket training for Phuket's HeadStart students

About 55 children aged between 8 and 14 took part in the coaching session, part of efforts by the Phuket Cricket Group (PCG) to develop cricketing skills among young people on the island. PCG chairman Mark Ashman said children at the HeadStart session were enthusiastic and looking forward to playing children from other schools in the upcoming Sawasdee youth cricket league, which will be held at the Alan Cooke Ground (ACG) on Saturday, March 2 and Saturday, March 16. The PCG has been rolling out cricket training to schools across Phuket, to develop skills for a regular junior cricket league at the ACG. Students from Kajonkiet school visited the ACG in Thaland for coaching last month, and this month the PCG coaches visited HeadStart. The Youth Academy has also been holding regular Saturday-morning coaching sessions at the ACG. Coach John King said the children at the sessions were now equipped with basic cricketing skills and the Sawasdee league would take their cricketing to the next level. The PCG Youth Academy is sponsored by Property Care Services (PCS), who have funded the purchase of cricket equipment for the schools and after-game refreshments. Muay Thai legend Yodtong Senanan dies, aged 75 Muay Thai Legend and Sityodtong founder Kru Yodtong Senanan passed away earlier today in Phuket . A revered teacher, trainer and fighter his death will be mourned all over the world. Born in Banpong Kru Yodtong had around 50 Muay Thai fights but discovered that he had an amazing aptitude for instructing others and decided to focus his efforts on teaching rather than competing hismelf. He founded the Sityodtong camp in Pattaya which is now over 50 years old and has produced famous fighters such as Samart Payakaroon, Kongtoranee Payakaroon, Nuengpichit Sityodtong, Detpitak Sityodtong, Chartchai Sityodtong, Yoddecha Sityodtong, Daotong Sityodtong and Yodsanan Sityodtong. His influence spans the globe and there are Sityodtong camps in Boston and Los Angeles while Evolve MMA in Singapore was founded by one of Kru Yodtong’s long term students, Chatri Sityodtong.

Phuket Gateway

On the occasion of King Bhumibol’s 80th Birthday Anniversary in 2007, the Phuket Gateway was established on 10 acres of land in Thalang District to be the first stop to welcome tourists who arrive on the Island by crossing Thao Thep Krasattri Bridge. Its outstanding feature is the alignment of 29 sculptural pillars. The number of pillars comes from the auspicious numbers 2 and 9, which respectively represent the two heroines in the war with Burma in 1785, Thao Thep Krasattri and Thao Sri Sunthon and the 9th king of the Chakkri Dynasty, King Bhumibol Adulyadej.

Tourists can appreciate arts, culture, and Phuket’s history, which are inscribed on each pillar. The inscriptions cover the prosperous mining and agricultural periods, and today’s tourist industry. Another interesting point here is the sculptural works of art displaying a sea turtle and several of its gigantic eggs. Furthermore, the tourist information, a mini-theatre, coffee corner, souvenir shops as well as a library, and the Internet are provided.

Bangkok Security Notice for Tourists

For over 3 months of a mass demonstration by the People's Alliance for Democracy, Thailand has experienced some damage in its economic and tourism sectors. Although certain areas of Bangkok are affected by the street protest, downtown Bangkok such as business and entertainment areas of Silom, Sathorn, Sukhumvit, Siam Square, Pratunam and Petchburi are still fully accessible including all retail shops, shopping centers, restaurants, banks, embassies, office buildings. Bangkok Sky Train (BTS), Underground train (MRT) networks, Taxi and Bus services are still in operation.

For capital's major attractions, the Thonburi side of town featuring Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn) and Wat Rakang is not affected by the protest, so sightseeing and tours can be arranged as normal. At this moment, the Grand Palace, the Temple of Emerald Buddha and Wat Pho are all accessible, but tourists should take caution before visiting the historic district and update with local media whether or not the protestors would use Sanam Luang field in front of the Palace to hold further gatherings.

However, tourists should avoid the affected areas including some parts of Bangkok Rattanakosin Island, the Government House, the United Nation Building area (Makawan Rangsan Bridge) and Ratchadamnoen Road. Some local banks, including Bangkok Bank, Krung Thai Bank and Siam Commercial Bank, closed all their branches around Ratchadamnoen Road for fear of violence in the area.



Thailand Airports
Bangkok Suvarnabhumi International Airport operates as normal. So far there is no report of International flight cancellations or reductions with increased level of security. Domestic Flight operations through Phuket and Krabi airports are still operating according to schedules and same for other destinations. Future closure of the Southern airports by the anti-government group may be possible, but should only take a day or two at most to re-open.

Thai Airways International, Thai AirAsia and Nok Air cancelled some flights out of Hat Yai International Airport where the protesters blocked the entrances and forced the airport to close again. Visitors travelling to Hat Yai for business or holiday should postpone their travel schedule till further notice.

Kenny G

Kenny G, who's playing his saxophone or whatever it is at the Jazz Royale Festival continuing through Saturday, is going to be spending some time linking with the links as well as his fellow entertainers.
Kenny (it just feels stupid calling him "G") is planning to tee off with his personal manager, and he takes the sport seriously enough that he's asked that all the hotels he's booked into are near golf courses.
Jazz Royale is a moveable feast. Having just wrapped up in Bangkok, it's in Pattaya today and tomorrow, Chiang Mai on Wednesday and Thursday and Phuket on Friday and Saturday.
They've heard of golf in all those places, and in Phuket it's some sort of religion. Kenny will be staying at the Banyan Tree Phuket, which is surrounded by straightaways, doglegs and sand traps big enough to accommodate Bedouin tribes.
Autograph hunters should wear helmets in the vicinity.
It's quite possible, by the way, that Kenny's "G" stands for "golf". He was recently named Best Musical Golfer by Golf Digest magazine, driving country singer Vince Gill into the water hazard with an impressive +0.6 handicap.
Wow. Another feather in his hair.
Next time we're going to try and get Tiger Woods to come and play the clarinet. Or whatever it is.

beach volleyball tournaments in Phuket

Americans Misty May-Treanor and Kerry Walsh, the 2007 world champions and 2004 Olympic winners, have been named the top seeds for the Phuket Thailand Open which is the final round of this season's Swatch FIVB Beach Volley World Tour. Seeded number two are current world number one pair Larissa and Juliana of Brazil. Chinese Tian Jia and Wang, who were runners-up in the event last year, are seeded third and defending champions Zhang Xi and Xue of China fourth.There are two Thai teams competing in the tournament _ Kamolthip Kulna and Yupa Pukrongploy of Thailand A and Jarunee Sanok and Usa Tenpaksri of Thailand B.The Phuket Thailand Open offers prize money of US$200,000 and is one of the biggest beach volleyball tournaments in Asia. The tournament will be held on Karon beach in Phuket from October 31 to November 4.