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.

Emergency ends at Bangkok in Thailand

The caretaker government has lifted the 12-day state of emergency in Bangkok, effective immediately.

Temporary prime minister Somchai Wongsawat make the announcement on Sunday morning, with Army chief Gen Anupong Paojinda and police chief Pol Gen Patcharawat Wongsuwan, the co-commanders of security forces during the brief emergency.


The press conference was held at the Royal Thai Armed Forces Headquarters.


Mr Somchai, who currently is the favourite to be named as permanent prime minister by parliament on Wednesday, said he would like all sides to reconcile as a present for His Majesty the King.


He called on the People’s Alliance for Democracy (PAD) to stop protesting at Government House because the government is concerned for the demonstrators. The PAD earlier rejected all calls to stop their protest and occupation of Government House.


According to the caretaker premier, the emergency decree in Bangkok has created a negative image, with the House of Representatives scheduled to vote for a new prime minister this week.


Mr Somchai refused to rule out using the emergency decree again if necessary.


On Sept 2, then-premier Samak Sundaravej declared a state of emergency in the capital region, following violent clashes between the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) and the United Front of Democracy Against Dictatorship (UDD), resulting in the death of a government supporter and dozens of injuries.



The decision to lift the emergency was made at a Saturday night meeting between Mr Somchai and Army chief Gen Anupong.


They agreed the state of emergency was merely damaging the country, and the political situation was under control.

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.