May 2013

NEW OPENINGTHE COFFEE CLUB Banana Walk

Dining with a view in Phuket

for travelers, the expatriate community & everyone in Phuket

May 2013

GET TO KNOW LTE

THAILAND’S GREAT HISTORY WITH MOTOR SPORT AND FORMULA 1

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Editor: Russell Smith

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in Phuket is published byFour Seasons Info Media Co., Ltd.50/21 Moo 4, Chao Fa Nok Rd.,Vichit, Muang, Phuket 83000, ThailandTel.: +66 (0) 7624 8715Fax: +66 (0) 7624 8901Email: [email protected]

ContentsEditor’s NoteCover PhotoTHE COFFEE CLUB BANANA WALK

Now that Songkran is out of the way it’s time for those involved in the tourism industry to start unwinding and preparing for the next high season. Resorts, hotels and restaurants will undergo refurbishments, new menus will be tried and tested and most importantly staff will be able to experience a well deserved breather.

Reports are continually advising us of record breaking arrival figures at Phuket International Airport, while hotels are also advising us of record breaking occupancy figures. So what will the next high season bring? I don’t have the answer to that question, but we will only have to wait a few months to find out for ourselves.

Russell Smith Editor

09 The Coffee Club at Banana Walk

12 Dining with a view in Phuket

16 Events & News

04

Thailand’s great history with motor sport and Formula 1 10 Miang Kam & Recipe

Thailand traditional appetizer

15 What you should know before buying a house

18 Quiz

14 Prohibited and restricted items in Thailand

06 Phuket’s Sea Gypsies

08 Get to know LTEWhat is LTE?

for travelers, the expatriate community & everyone in Phuket

07 Divorcing in ThailandA marriage in Thailand can be terminated due to death, divorce or it being cancelled by the Court.

The place for coffee, treats and relaxation!

What will happen and what has happened in Phuket


Daily baked Italian Breads and Italian Pastries, from our Executive Pastry Chef Francesco Giordano.

Wide selection of Italian cold cuts and cheeses, delicatessen, fruit and vegetables, pasta, fine extra virgin olive oils, and special gourmet products.

Enjoy our Illy coffee at the coffee bar, or a nice lunch from our carte of Italian traditional specialty.


Lifestyle4 in Phuket, May 2013

The foundation of Formula One began in 1946 with the Federation Internationale de l’Automobile’s (FIA’s) standardization of rules. A World Drivers’ Championship followed in 1950 and Thailand was represented from the beginning of the World Championship races.

Thailand''s great history

with motor sport and

Formula 1

Thailand''s great history

with motor sport and

Formula 1

Prince Birabongse Bhanudej Bhanubandh better known

as Prince Bira, or by his nom de course B. Bira, was the

only Thai racecar driver to race in Formula One. He raced in

Formula One and Grand Prix races for the Maserati, Gordini, and

Connaught teams, among others. He also was an Olympic sailor in

the Melbourne Olympics, 1956 in the Star, Rome Olympics, 1960

in the Star, Tokyo Olympics, 1964 in the Dragon and the Munich

Olympics, 1972 in the Tempest. He was the only Southeast Asian

driver in Formula One until Malaysia’s Alex Yoong joined Minardi

in 2001.

Early Racing Career He first raced with his cousin’s team, White Mouse Racing, driving a Riley Imp

at Brooklands in 1935. In this car he established the national motor racing

colours of Siam: pale blue with yellow. Later in 1935 he was given one of

the new ERA voiturette racing cars – R2B, which was nicknamed Romulus.

He finished second in his first ever race in Romulus, despite needing to stop

for repairs. The remaining races of the season saw him consistently plac-

ing amongst the more powerful Grands Prix vehicles, with another second

place, and fifth at the Donington Grand Prix.

In 1936 it was decided that the previous season’s results

merited a second ERA. They purchased Remus to use in

British events and retained Romulus for international

races.

A Maserati 8CM was also purchased to complete the

White Mouse roster. Bira’s expertise behind the wheel

earned him the Coupe de Prince Rainier at Monte Carlo.

Bira won a further four races in the ERAs that season, and

took the Grand Prix Maserati to 5th at Donington and 3rd

at Brooklands.

This was the high point for Bira and the White Mouse

team. Following Dick Seaman’s move to Mercedes in

1937, the White Mouse Racing Team purchased his Grand

Prix Delage and all of its spare parts, along with a second

Delage. In spite of these new race car additions, Prince

Bira preferred to drive his ERAs and Maserati 8CM #3011

The ERA R2B Romulus

The now Beautifully fully restored 1926 Delage 15-S-8 chassis no.4 Once owned by White Mouse Racing >>


5in Phuket, May 2013 Lifestyle

After the war and the World Championship (Formula 1)Although he raced in Formula 1

before the start of the World Cham-

pionship in 1950 we will cover the

five years he took part only in the

championship races, in 1950 he

raced in a Maserati 4CLT/48 in the

British, Monaco, Swiss and Italian

Grand Prix’s.

In 1951 the only championship race

he took part in was the Spanish Grand

Prix again in the Maserati 4CLT/48

however this time the engine was an

Osca 4.5 V12.

Driving for the French Equipe

Simca-Gordini team in 1952

he raced in the Swiss, Belgian,

French and British Grand Prix’s.

Racing for both Scuderia Milano in

a Maserati A6GCM and Connaught

Engineering in a Lea-Francis engine

Connaught A-series in 1953 he took

part in the French, British, German

and Italian championship races.

By 1954 in a Maserati 250F, he

finished fourth in the French Grand

Prix and also entered the Argentine,

Belgian, British, German and Spanish

Grand Prix’s. In 1955, he took part

in some races but no championship

events and he retired at the end of

that season.

This article only covers a fraction

of the great achievements that

Prince Bira made to motor sport

as the first Asian in Formula 1

representing Thailand. He was a truly

courageous driver as fatalities

were many in those years, and he

competed against many other

famous drivers in his career including

Juan Manuel Fangio, in this exciting

era in motor racing.

The futureThere are possibilities that Thailand

may in the future host a Formula 1

race, and will up and coming Nor-

wegian/Thai driver Sandy Nicholas

Stuvik make it to the starting grid.

He is making great progress up the

ranks and you can visit his website

www.sandystuvik.com to find out

more about him.

Prince Bira driving his Maserati 4CLT/48

Prince Bira racing his Maserati 250F1 2.5 L6 In the French Grand Prix in 1954

<< A Connaught- Francis A-series in the pits

52-Gordini-T16

^ The 1933 Maserati 8CM “The Whitney Straight Special’Chassis No 3011. Driven by Prince Bira.

Still racing in many historic car racing events today.



There are about 12,000 sea gypsies in 5 provinces of Andaman

region including Phang Nga, Satul, Trang, Krabi and Phuket.

Believed to reach Phuket island hundreds year ago by boat, living as

nomads, Sea gypsies earn their living by fishery , diving for pearls and

collecting bird nests. Also known as ‘Chao Le’ or ‘Thai Mai’, sea gypsies can

be catergorized into 3 ethnic groups. There are Moken, Moklen and Urak

Lawoi which speak different languages.

The Moken still live as nomads, mostly in the northern islands of Phuket,

the Moklen and Urak Lawoi settled down along the coastlines of Phuket

namely in Rawai, Sapam Bay, Laem Tukkae on Sirey island in Phuket Town

and Laem Lah in Maikhao.

Sea gypsies or Chao Le speak their own language and own religion. They

believe in animism, respect ancestor spirits and supernatural power. “Toh

Moh” will be the leader of any rituals such as “Loy Rue” meaning boat re-

lease festival which will be held twice a year. In the festival, the wooden

boats containing offering and objects of evils such as fingernails, hair and

miniature weapons will be released into the water to please the ghosts of

the sea and let go off all evils. In the evening, they will sing and dance “Rong

Ngeng” until the next morning.

Sea gypsy’s “Loy Rue” festival is rarely to be seen nowadays due to the

change and development of today’s society. The festival however still can

be seen at Rawai, Sapam, Phi Phi, Lanta Island and Sirey Island.

Sea gypsies are in public interest recently since they has been forcing to

move out from the land they are residing for over 300 years. Visiting sea

gypsies village is ideal for those who wish to explore Phuket’s local way of

life.

Phuket locals consist of many ethnics. Beside Chinese immigrant, the island also welcomed sea gypsy nomads long time ago.

SEA GYPSIESIN PHUKET



1. By Mutual Consent of the SpousesThis is an uncontested divorce whereby husband and wife are both in agree-ment to terminate their marriage as well as being 100% in accord as to how they wish to divide any assets and share custody of children. Available only to those whose marriage was previously registered in Thailand, the divorce proceeding is a simple procedure conducted at the local district office with both spouses required to be physically present when applying. A divorce effected by mutual consent must be made in writing and certified by the signatures of at least two witnesses. A divorce agreement can be made on the spot at the district office or earlier by a law firm; however it is best to show up at the district office with the settlement of assets and custody of children already decided and recorded in a divorce contract as this will expedite the process. And while there is no specific format to follow, the simple requirement is that both spouses understand and agree to divorce. Provided you are prepared as described above, the entire pro-cess takes approximately an hour.

2. By Judgment of the CourtThis is a contested divorce whereby either one or other of the spouses does not agree on the divorce itself or where the settlement of assets and child custody are in dispute. This article deals specifically with the legal grounds for divorce required by Thai law and not on the aspects of settlement. In accordance with Section 1516 of the CCC, a spouse wanting to divorce shall file a complaint with the Court on any of the following grounds:

(1) If the husband has provided maintenance, treated or honoured another woman as his own wife, or the wife has committed adultery.(2) One spouse has committed a criminal offence or a serious act of misconduct. (Thai law does not define misconduct, which leaves it open to broad interpre-tation, however it does state that acts that shame the other spouse or subject them to insults or ridicule are sufficient).(3) One spouse has caused serious harm or torture to the body or mind of the other, or has seriously insulted the other or his or her ascendants.(4) One spouse has deserted the other for more than one year.(5) Either party has lived separately for three years or more.(6) One spouse has disappeared for three years or more. This is different from desertion, which is intended, as opposed to disappearance, which is not.(7) There is a lack of marital support from the other. (Thai law requires both par-ties to the marriage to support the other to the extent they are able to. If one party does not, it is grounds for divorce.)(8) One spouse has an incurable disease that may affect the other.(9) One spouse has a permanent physical handicap that makes it impossible to cohabitate as husband and wife. The process of petitioning the court is complicated, so you should use the ser-vices of a lawyer. It takes two months or longer to get a court ordered divorce. Remember that Thai law is a community property country, so matrimonial prop-erties are divided equally between each spouse, as is child custody under nor-mal circumstances. Also, both parties are responsible for debts incurred during the course of the marriage. Finally, if the division of assets, child custody and support cannot be agreed on, the court will decide.

A marriage in Thailand is terminated by death, divorce or being can-celled by the Court. All of these are governed by the Civil and Commer-cial Code of Thailand (CCC), with Section 1514 specifying the only two available options for the dissolution of a marriage by divorce as follows:

DIVORCING IN THAILAND



What is LTE?LTE stands for Long-Term Evolution. LTE, marketed as 4G, is a wireless communications developed by the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) that is designed to reduce GSM/ GPRS/ EDGE limitation for mobile devices such as smartphones, tablets, netbooks, notebooks and wireless hotspots by increasing the data transferring rate to the maximum 100 Mbps and significantly decreasing data latency.

Will it make a difference?LTE will allow you to surf the worldwide web faster than when you use cable, DSL services or older wireless networks. Downloads will be more than ten times faster when LTE is available. The 4G technologies are designed to provide IP-based voice, data and multimedia streaming at speeds of at least 100 Mbit per second and up to as fast as 1 GBit per second.

Frequency Band?The LTE standard can be used with many different frequency bands. In North America, 700, 800, 1900 and 1700/2100 MHz (AWS) are used; 2500 MHz in South America; 800, 900, 1800, 2600 MHz in Europe; 1800 and 2600 MHz in Asia; and 1800 MHz in Australia. As a result, phones from one country may not work in other countries. Users will need a multi-band capable phone for roaming internationally.

LTE in Thailand?LTE 4G trials have already been carried out in Thailand early this year: True Corp has trialed the service on the 2100MHz spectrum. The Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Ministry announced the country’s first LTE trials in the Bangkok and Maha Sarakham provinces. While Advance Info Service (AIS) at the same time trialed the service on the 2300MHz band on around 20 base stations in Bangkok. AIS also carried out a 4G trial with CAT Telecom on the 1800MHz band at 8 cell sites in Maha Sarakham. The Thai MVNO Samart Corporation also announced that it would trial 4G services on TOT’s 2100MHz spectrum. Hopefully Thailand can have 4G technology fully serviced throughout Thailand soon.

Are there any LTE devices available on the market now?Currently, there are devices that can be used on a 4G network on the market. They are similar to those used on 3G technology but the LTE supported specification will be described clearly. The devices that support 4G which are now sold in Thailand are The New iPad, iPhone5, Mini iPad with Retina Display, and also some Samsung, LG, Nokia, Sony and HTC smartphones.

Thailand has only recently moved from 2G to 3G technology while some other countries have already provides 4G technology. However, Thailand is expected to experience 4G in the near future.

Get to know LTE



In addition to their Maikhao, Kata and Jungceylon branches, The Coffee Club has now been introduced a new outlet

to Phuket at the new ‘Banana Walk’ shopping plaza located just a stone’s throw from the sandy beach on the north of the beautiful Patong bay.

Despite the name, that might have you believe the place offers you only coffee and some bakeries, The Coffee Club is also where you can also go to enjoy big meals, snacks, drinks and of course a nice cup of coffee.

Coffee Club at Banana WalkTel: 0-7634-0870 The Coffee Club Thailand @thecoffeeclubth

THE PLACE FOR COFFEE, TREATS AND RELAXATION!If you’re wet and exhausted from the beach, you can just walk directly to The Coffee Club, grab some comfortable seats on the patio and order a Chicken Club Sandwich together with a frosty cold drink such as its signature ‘Mango Mojito’ or ‘Pink Margarita’ before returning for your next round on the beach.

Dinner set menus with a free glass of drink is also available at a reasonable price. The Coffee Club provides free Wi-Fi internet and has no service charge and you are sure to be welcomed by very attentive and excellent staff.

The Coffee Club is the largest home-grown cafe group from Australia with over 300 stores across Australia and Asia including Thailand.

They say a great cup of coffee is the ideal start to the day and at The Coffee Club you are guaranteed to enjoy it whether you’re a coffee aficionado or not. The Coffee Club’s Signature Blend has a full-bodied, rich and delicately smooth taste that will satisfy your senses and awaken your spirit for a busy day ahead. On a hot sunny day when the tropical heat is almost melting you away it’s a great idea to try their signature iced coffee. The smooth and aromatic drink, served in a parfait glass and topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, will impress you in a way that you will never forget. Ask for iced chocolate if you prefer no caffeine, this is also the perfect choice for your kids.

The Coffee Club at Banana Walk provides both alfresco and air-condi-tioned seating area with a total seating capacity for about 80. Its interior and decoration is simply minimal, dominated with wooden and metal materials. The space has been designed to give customers the most relaxing atmosphere.

The Coffee Club serves international favourites and all day breakfasts from 8:00 in the morning until it closes its doors at midnight. So don’t worry if you get up late, at The Coffee Club you can have your breakfast whenever you want. Its Egg Benedict with Bacon and Caesar Salad with Grill Chicken are two recommended items you should not miss.

Looking for some dishes to tempt your taste buds then how about mellow Thai flavours, The Coffee Club offers you a find selection of Thai dishes from the all time favourite ‘Pad Thai’ to creative fusion ‘Tamarind Barramundi’ plus a lot more.

AT BANANA WALK


Travel & Eateries10 in Phuket, May 2013

Miang Kam is a traditional appetizer found in Thailand and Laos. The

dish is very unique and fun to eat. In one bite, Miang Kam combines

various fresh vegetables, dried shrimps and fresh Piper sarmentosum

or chaplu leaf.

Miang Kam is tasty as well as healthy. The filling is usually roasted

coconut shavings and few small pieces of shallot, fresh red or green

bird’s eye chilis, garlic, lime with its peel, roasted peanuts and small

dried shrimps. Pieces of cashew nut are sometimes used instead of

peanuts and pieces of sour green mango are occasionally used.

This bite sized snack is served together with a specially prepared, thick,

sweet and spicy sauce. To eat Miang Kam, you have to take a chaplu

leaf and fold the bottom to make a pouch. Put a large pinch of roasted

coconut in first, then follow with a piece or two of everything else from

the serving bowls: shallots, lime, ginger, peanuts, dried shrimp and a

chili if desired. Then, add a bit of sauce on top. Now roll the leaf to

make a packet, it is then ready to eat in one bite.

Do it yourself Miang KamA bite of Miang Kam has sweetness from palm sugar syrup, a

distinct aroma from the shrimp paste, sourness from the lime

or mango and crispiness from the dry roasted coconut. If the

Miang Kam

Wrapping Miang Kam maybe a little bit

difficult at first but you will enjoy the experience

and have the required skills after a few tries.

Nowadays, Miang Kam are not easily found, but

pre-wrapped Miang Kam can sometimes be

found at markets and fairs.

Besides traditional Miang Kam, a variation with fish or

lettuce, Chinese broccoli leaves instead of the chaplu leaf are

recommended at some restaurants.

delighting flavours of Miang Kam amaze you so

much that you want to do it at home, try this.

Although the making may be a little time

consuming, it is not too complicated to achieve.

Savoury Bite


11in Phuket, May 2013 Travel & Eateries

Pizzeria and Steak HouseHome Made Pasta

Since 1985Real Italian Restaurant, Italian Chef - in the heart of Patong. All

the best of Italian and International Cuisine for every Taste.

DA MAURO

100/7 Taweewong Rd., Soi Post office, Patong Beach Tel: 076 292 731, Email: [email protected]

Ristorante Italiano Cuoco Italiano

IngredientsSauce :

1 tbs shrimp paste

½ tbs sliced shallots

½ tbs sliced galangal

1 tsp sliced ginger

2 tbs chopped dried shrimps

2 tbs grated coconut

3 tbs chopped unsalted peanuts

1 cup chopped palm sugar

2 ½ cups water

Filling:1/4 cup chopped dried shrimp

1/4 cup unsalted roasted peanuts

1 finely diced lime (with skin)

1/4 cup finely diced shallots

20 chopped bird’s-eye chilies

1/2 cup grated coconut in roasted until light brown

1/4 cup chopped fresh ginger

20-30 Chaplu leaves, lettuce leaves, or Chinese broccoli

Directions1. In a saucepan, combine and heat the shrimp paste, shallots and

galangal until you smell the aroma, then let it cool.

2. Blend the shrimp paste, shallot and galangal mixture with the

coconut, peanuts, shrimp and ginger in a food processor, or, if you

really want to do it the old-fashioned way, pound the ingredients

with a pestle and mortar.

3. Pour the contents into a saucepan, adding the sugar and water.

Mix well and keep stirring as it comes to a boil. Reduce the heat and

simmer while the mixture shrinks to about a cupful, then let it cool.

4. To serve, pour the sauce into a small serving bowl and arrange the

edible leaves, dried shrimps, limes, shallots, chilies, peanuts, gingers

and roasted coconuts in separate, very small bowls around it on a

medium sized platter.


Travel & Eateries12 in Phuket, May 2013

Promthep Cape RestaurantA long established restaurant sat shoulder to shoulder with Phuket’s famous

view point Promthep Cape. You can easily walk to the restaurant to enjoy a

selection of delicious Thai cuisine and fresh seafood with the sunset or after.

Cuisine: Thai, seafood and local specialties

Dress Code: Casual

Operation Hours: 10:00 am - 10:00 pm daily

Address: 764/6 Moo 6, Viset Road, Rawai, Phuket 83130

Tel: 0-7628-8656

Dining in Thailand can often be a memorable occasion with many tourists remembering their trip due to a dining experience. Among the thousands of choices of food outlets, from street stalls to restaurants in luxury resorts, there are some that offer great food together with magnificent wide angle views from a height.

DINING WITH A VIEW

IN PHUKET

Secret Cliff RestaurantSecret Cliff Restaurant is tucked away in nature, nestled in the

tree-clad slopes of the fabulous Phuket coastline in Karon. The restaurant

is peaceful and provides panoramic views of Karon Beach from every

corner. Ideal for either lunch or a sunset dinner.

Cuisine: European, Thai, seafood

Dress Code: Casual

Operation Hours: 06:30 - midnight daily

Address: 707 Patak Road, Karon Cliff, Muang, Phuket 83130

Tel: 0-7628-6702

RICE Restaurant Perched on a hilltop overlooking Patong city and bay, the restaurant is locat-ed next to the road to Tri Trang Beach. RICE is part of the inspiring Thai style Baan Yin Dee Boutique Resort and dining there gives you different experience whether it is in the day or night.

Cuisine: Thai and Western

Dress Code: Casual

Opening Hours: 7:00 am - midnight daily

Address: 7/5 Muean Ngen Road, Patong Beach, Kathu, Phuket 83150Tel: 0-7629-4104-5Email: [email protected]

www.journeyful.com/baanyindee

DINING WITH A VIEW

IN PHUKET


13in Phuket, May 2013 Travel & Eateries

The 9th FloorDine on delectable European cuisine and international favourites

while taking in high views of Patong city. The 9th Floor defines itself as a hip open air restaurant and features an award-wining wine cellar, together with well-trained staff and sommeliers. Advanced reservation is

recommended.

Cuisine: Mediterranean, Alpine specialties and Thai

Dress Code: Smart Casual

Opening Hours: 4:00 pm - late daily

Address: 47 Rat-U-Thid Road, Sky Inn Condotel, Patong, Kathu, Phuket

83150

Tel: 0-7634-4311

Email: [email protected] , www.the9thfloor.com

Khao Rang BreezeKhao Rang Breeze is an excellent choice when you are travelling

around Phuket town and would like to enjoy a city view from

the very top. Climb up Rang Hill and isolate yourself from the

bustling city. The restaurant offers a wide selection of Thai and

international foods in quiet and lush surroundings.

Cuisine: Thai, seafood, international

Dress Code: Casual

Opening Hours: 10:00 am till 11:00 pm daily

Address: 87/8 Moo 5, Korsimbee Road, Rang Hill , Muang ,,

Phuket 83000

Tel: 0-7635-5772-5

Email: [email protected]

Baan Rim PaThe award-winning Baan Rim Pa Restaurant is set on a rocky

outcrop by the sea at the north end of Patong Beach. Baan

Rim Pa provides sweeping dramatic views of the sandy Patong

beach and the bay of Kalim. Its wine cellar has been the winner

of the prestigious Wine Spectator’s Award of Excellence each

year since 2002.

Cuisine: Royal Thai Cuisine

Dress Code: Smart Casual

Opening Hours: 12:00 pm noon till midnight daily

Address: 223 Prabaramee Road, Patong Beach, Phuket 83150

Tel: 0-7634-0789

www.baanrimpa.com



PROHIBITED GOODSAn absolute prohibition, which means that you are not allowed

to import the goods in any circumstances. Prohibited Goods

are goods for which either the import into or export out of

Thailand are prohibited. Those are:

• Obscene objects/literature/pictures

• Pornographic materials

• Goods with Thai national flag

• Narcotics e.g., marijuana, hemp, opium, cocaine, morphine,

heroin

• Fake currency, bonds, or coins

• Fake Royal Seals/official seals

• Intellectual Property Rights infringing goods e.g. musical

tape, CD, VDO, computer software, etc.

• Counterfeit trademark goods

RESTRICTED GOODSRestricted Goods are goods of which the imports and exports

are restricted by law and therefore require a permit from the

related government agencies in order to complete Customs

formalities. Here below are the examples:

• Drugs, foods, and supplementary products

• Antiques or objects of art, whether registered or not.

• Weapons and ammunition, explosives, fireworks and real

and replica firearms. Other weapons such as electric shock

devices must also be declared.

• Controlled cosmetics

• Wild fauna, flora, fish and other aquatic fauna

• Automobiles and automobile parts

• Cigars, cigarettes and alcoholic beverages (small quantities

for personal use may be brought in duty free)

• Wireless transmitters and receivers, including radio equip-

ment.

The comprehensive list of prohibited and restricted goods, as

well as information about the control and, in the case of re-

stricted goods, the permission to import may be obtained from

the Department of Foreign Trade, Ministry of Commerce. For

further inquiry and information, you may contact the Customs

Call Center at Tel. 1164

Before travelling in and out of any country, it is important for travellers to learn each country’s customs regulations; otherwise you might end up with severe penalties for trying to import prohibited items without knowing.

PROHIBITED AND RESTRICTED ITEMS IN THAILAND



1. Know where you are and want to beThoroughly question yourself about your lifestyle and future plans. There are

important factors that must be taken into consideration despite the size and

price e.g. distance from your workplace or school, children friendly surround-

ings, basic infrastructure and facilities etc.

2. Do the researchIt is also important to spend time educating yourself on all sides of the

process: mortgages, comparable properties, market trends etc. Make sure

you getting information on what you can’t see about the location and your

proposed property. Keep your eyes open for news and information for any

proposed projects that may rise among the community, promotions from

financial firms for an example.

3. Know your neighboursIt’s not easy and almost impossible to find a place with perfect neighbours,

but at least it’s good to know what you’re getting into. It is suggested you take

time to get to know your surroundings. You may want to think about renting

for a few months first. At least, try to randomly visit at various times of the day.

4. Get an inspectionDon’t judge a book by its cover. You should go and inspect with your eyes. Look

beyond decoration to the structure and the function. If you are considering

second handed, you don’t have to bother too much with the small stuff but focus

on the possibility and the potential that lies within. Some defects will be obvious

and most will be curable. Knowing what needs fixing can help you negotiate a

lower price.

5. It’s not the endAfter a big purchase, don’t think that it’s the end. It’s just the beginning. Be well

prepared for the cost of updating, furnishing, or redecorating, utilities as well as

the maintenance.

Buying a house is a major life decision. To avoid regretting making a wrong decision, there are a few things gurus suggest you should know.

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW BEFORE BUYING A HOUSE


Events & News16 in Phuket, May 2013

New Sushi bar opening in Phuket12 April 2013Twinpalms Phuket held the opening of their new sushi bar on

12 April 2013 from 17:00-19:00 at their BAKE outlet (Laguna

Entrance branch).

news

events

4025

Kamala Beach

Patong Beach

Tha Ruea Bay

Phuket City

Kathu

Phuket Bay

Panwa Cape

Nga Cape

Phuket Aquarium

Yon Bay

Chalong Bay

Karon Beach

Kata Beach

Kata Noi Beach

Nai Harn BeachRawai Beach

Phromthep Cape

Ao Makham

Koh Lon

Koh Taphao Noi

Koh Taphao Yai

Koh Maphrao

Vis

et R

oad

4024

4023

402402

40204026

4009

4233

4233

4233

4028

4021

4021

4021

4028

Pa

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Ch

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a (E

ast)

Rd.Chao Fa (W

est) Rd.

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at R

or 9

Roa

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Thep

krasattri Ro

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Prabaramee Road

4129

Sarasin Bridge

Mai Khao Beach

Nai Yang Beach

Naithon BeachPo Bay

Bang Rong Bay

Yamu Cape

Layan Beach

Bang Tao Beach

Surin Beach

Srisoonthorn Road

Thep

krasattri Ro

ad

Thepkrasattri Road

402

402

4026

4031

4233

4025

4025

402

4027

Phuket International Airport

4027

Phang Nga

Phuket

IBAP, the International Business Association (Phuket), has

for 13 years been holding monthly meetings open to the

public and aimed at putting business-interested people

together for an evening of social & business networking.

Most evenings include an insightful presentation of topical

interest with audience Q&As.

The May IBAP meeting is entitled “There’s no path towards true democracy for Thailand” and will be

presented by Bangkok Post political commentator Voronai

Vanijaka, speaking about democracy in Thailand.

Come and hear his insightful and entertaining views, a

sample of which follows:

“If the world was a high school class filled with jocks, preps,

cheerleaders, nerds, geeks, freaks and that kid who might

one day brings an AK47 to school, Thailand would be a

cheerleader, the head cheerleader, in fact.

“She’s an average student, not bright, not dumb, but she

gets by well enough. She doesn’t really apply herself and

no one believes she would ever amount to much, though it

really doesn’t matter. This is because she’s hot and

therefore she’s popular. Her parents spoil her, the nerds do her

homework for her, the teachers give her a pass and the

principle likes to look up her skirt. She’s the queen bee - and

a nice one at that, not a bitch.

“High school life is easy for her. The boys love her because she never says no to a date and she’s

the life of every party. While her classmates gossip about her, she also gossips about them. But

face to face, everyone smiles sweetly at her because she’s hot and popular, and she smiles back

because she knows she’s got a cute smile.

“So why would a hot, sexy, popular cheerleader with an easy life, spoiled and loved by all need

democracy? Don’t hate her just because she’s beautiful.”

When Khun Voronai spoke to IBAP in 2011 the evening became one of the most popular of all

time, come along and check it out. James Firth, President

Check-in starts at 6:15 with a 400 THB entry donation that includes a light buffet dinner with drinks.

The evening usually wraps up before 9, and the venue shifts around the island. Follow program

details, maps/instructions and members’ area on the website, www.ibap-phuket.org.

IBAPs May meeting to discuss Thailand’s true democracy

W W W. I B A P - P H U K E T. O R G .


17in Phuket, May 2013 Events & News

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Kamala Beach

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Phuket City

Kathu

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Nga Cape

Phuket Aquarium

Yon Bay

Chalong Bay

Karon Beach

Kata Beach

Kata Noi Beach

Nai Harn BeachRawai Beach

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CrosswordAcross1: Move in great numbers4: Litigate against6: Perform in a play7: Thief8: Kanga's child9: Place to leave valuables11: Self-satisfied14: Not me; thee15: Degrees separating 2 lines17: Incorporated (abbr.)18: Past of meet19: Finished

Down1: Bags2: Time gone by3: Create4: Stroke a guitar5: Self perception10: Apples, oranges or bananas12: Want too much13: Frilly fabric14: Sweet potato16: Heavenly father

SUDOKUThese Sudoku puzzles are pitched at a middle level: not too easy,

and not too frustratingly hard, for the average person.

Last month's sudoku answers

Last month's solution

1. What is the longest river in Asia?

2. What is the Cambodian Currency?

3. Where is the UNESCO World Heritage Site Borobudur located?

4. A landlocked sea between Asia and Europe, known as the world's largest inland body of water, what is its name?

5. Who was the first Asian to win an Oscar?

6. Which Disney film had the theme tune Colors of the Wind’?

7. Which country is Manny Pacquiao from?

8. What is the national airline of UAE?

9. What was Federick Chopin's middle name?

10. In which countries are the Gobi Desert located?

Trivia Quiz



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May 2013

Documents

Transcript of May 2013