Andaman News Friday 11 January 2008

[NBT TV Phuket]

MiniVDO: Senior citizens and business people in Phuket show their condolences for the passing of HRH Princess Galyani Vadhana.

To see or download mini-video, go to http://news.prd.go.th/news_detail.php?newsid=215905

Phuket Governor Nirund Galyanamit led Phuket Red Cross members to pay their condolences for the passing of HRH Princess Galyani Vadhana in front of her portrait at the second floor of the provincial hall. Meanwhile Patong hotelier Preechawut Keesin led hotel employees and tourists to sign their condolences in a book at the provincial hall. Over 30 elderly from the Home in Paklok of Thalang district also came to provincial hall to write their messages in mourning of the passing of the princess.

MiniVDO: The TAT invites tourism operators to join the Thailand Travel Mart 2008 in Bangkok in June.

To see or download mini-video, go to http://news.prd.go.th/news_detail.php?newsid=215904

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) will host the Thailand Travel Mart 2008 Plus Amazing Gateway to Greater Mekong Sub-Region or TTM 2008 during June 5-8 at the Impact Arena, Muang Thong Thani in Bangkok. The event aims to boost marketing potential as it showcases tourism product diversities as well as opportunities for small and medium enterprises to seek channels for overseas marketing trips. It is also a forum for sellers and buyers to meet and discuss as TAT will invite around 400 buyers plus media members from around the world to attend the event. The discussion or buyers meet sellers will be scheduled during 5- 6 June while the general public can visit the exhibition on June 7-8th. More information can be obtained at TAT head office in Bangkok or web site www.thailandtravelmartplus.com

MiniVDO: The Krabi airport shows increases of over 60% compared to the previous year.

To see or download mini-video, go to http://news.prd.go.th/news_detail.php?newsid=215903

Krabi International Airport, under the Civil Aviation Department, has just reported its figures up to November 2007for the first 11 months of last year, with a total of 7,820 aircraft movements or 60.08% increase over same 11 months in 2006. The total numbers of passengers arriving and departing was over 769,255, showing an increase of 64.64% in the same period in 2006, with 427 transits in 2007 compared to none in 2006. The total freight showed 1,008,940 kilograms in and out, which in fact was a 4.84% decrease, compared to 2006.

MiniVDO: Phuket police still search for a gold shop robber.

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Phuket police on Wednesday rushed to the scene after they were alerted of a robbery at ‘Srithong’ Gold shop, situated on Chao Fa East road. Police was informed that the incident occurred at around 11 am. While Petchdamrong Changthong was on duty alone, two men on a motorbike with safety helmets on pulled over with one rushing in a use a pistol to force the man. The robber then snatched a large number of gold accessories, and fled on a motorbike to Chalong. Patrol police tried to search and stop the robbers, but failed to identify them. After investigation, police stated that over 1.7 million baht worth gold was taken away. The shop CCTV identified one robber as short and thin, while the motorbike was a ‘Honda Wave’ with no license plate. The CCTV also helped the shop owner to believe that the robbers are the same as those who robbed a nearby gold shop ‘BR’ in April and police still could not bring the culprits to justice.

Phuket Police have now come up with sketches of the gold shop robber.

Following the gold shop robber incident on Wednesday, police have now come up with the robbers’ sketches. The two thieves aged between 25–30 years old are believed to be experienced in the crime as they were swift in their operation. Deputy Commander of Phuket region 8 Pol. Major General Thavatch Bunfueng stated that police now know that the vehicle used for crime operation is the Honda Wave 100 S model motorbike with a Phuket number plate. The crime scene investigation also got the robber’s finger prints while the shop attendant’s statement was useful for the investigation. The Deputy Commander instructed his officers to work on their part and gather to conclude any clues to lead to the culprits.

MiniVDO: Phuket police impose strict patrols for yachts after a foreign yacht skipper was attacked by a foreign robber who died.

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The incident occurred on Wednesday night on a yacht moored in the sea off Kata beach. After being informed of a shooting on a yacht, police led by Chalong superintendent Pol. Col. Samarn Chainarong rushed to the scene and found a New Zealand man Pierre Alain Oberson badly wounded. The man was sent to Phuket International Hospital. A girl/friend of the victim who declined to give out her full name told police that while she was on board with Mr. Alain, a foreign robber who wore a diving suit, climbed up to the boat and used a gun in a plastic bag to force the victim to give him valuables. Mr. Alain fought back and got shot in the chest and leg while the robber was also shot and pushed off into the sea during the fight. They then fired the firework for a distress signal. A man, Weeraphol Jaiyen who was on board another tourist boat, heard the sound and came to help. Police used a long tail boat to search for the robber and found his body floating dead nearby with no identification papers. The Chalong Police superintendent said this is the first time such a robbery on a yacht occurred and that he instructed officers to impose strict patrols around the bay to prevent such bad incidents reoccurring. Police also took photos of the dead man and seek public cooperation if they know the man as it would help police to further investigate the case.

MiniVDO: Victims of a cheating case objected to the bailed release of the cheater.

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More than 40 victims who were cheated by Monkol or ‘Nok’ Siriniyom on Tuesday night gathered at Phuket Town police station to state their objection to the release on bail of the man. Mr. Mongkol, a Krabi native, was detained by police for ‘cheating of others’ property’. The victims were concerned that if released on bail the man would flee. Monkol was reported to cheat people pretending that he could put down payment for those who wish to purchase a car at a cheaper price as he knew the agent or dealer. He then would get the money from the victims, purchase a car in his name and never transfer into the customers’ name, but in turn fled with the car and cash. About 50 people are reported to have been cheated by the man. Mongkol admitted to police that after purchasing the car he would send them for sale in the Deep South while police will further investigate to lead to his gang members.

MiniVDO: The Phuket Aquarium is holding a special activity for Children’s Day tomorrow.

To see or download mini-video, go to http://news.prd.go.th/news_detail.php?newsid=215898

Saphan Jai is an exciting cultural event with presentations of beautiful photographs taken by children in the InSIGHT Out! Creative Workshop and Exchange Project. The famous Thai band Caravan and the German world musicians The Durgas provide the frame for the presentations of the children’s stories and artwork. The children come from local communities of different ethnic origin and have received free training by professional photographers. Phuket Aquarium partners with INSIGHT Out! to raise awareness about the marine environment through creative techniques, to promote youth leadership and cultural exchange. Many local organizations also join to present their activities and products, on Children’s Day, 12th January with the opening of a 2-month photo-exhibition at Phuket Aquarium, Cape Panwa. On this day entrance for children to the aquarium is free and many activities will be happening! More information is on the website www.phuketaquarium.org

MiniVDO: Phang-Nga Education Office invites businesses and the general public to donate gifts or funds for children on Children’s Day.

To see or download mini-video, go to http://news.prd.go.th/news_detail.php?newsid=215897

The Children’s Day activities in Phang Nga will be organized at the Srinakarin Public Park in town tomorrow during 8.30am to 2pm. The event will be hosted by the Phang Nga Education Office and supported by many public agencies. It also invites any organizations to donate gifts or cash for children’s gifts acquisition. More info can be found at the Phang Nga Education Office at tel. 076 412180

MiniVDO: The TAT are to arrange some other activities for Children’s Day.

To see or download mini-video, go to http://news.prd.go.th/news_detail.php?newsid=215896

In celebration of this year’s Children’s Day, the Tourism Authority of Thailand or TAT will take around 30 students from Komneeyakhet School in Thakuapa to plant 200 trees in Thai Muang-Lampi National Park. The activity aims to promote environmental awareness among young people, especially those who live in tsunami affected areas. After the tree planting activity, the children will be led to on an educational tour in Phuket including a visit to the Phuket Gateway, cultural sites, & Jungceylon before the day ends at Phuket FantaSea. According to the TAT local office director in Phuket, Suwalai Pinpradab, the TAT had also arranged activities for children in Krabi and Phuket focusing on environmental and educational programs.

Vox Pop - 4 children at Kajonkietsuksa School, Phuket

To see or download mini-video, go to http://news.prd.go.th/news_detail.php?newsid=215895

As tomorrow, Saturday 12 January, is Children’s Day in Thailand, we went out to Kajonkietsuksa School, Phuket and asked a few young children, what they like about Phuket & Children’s Day activities; let’s hear what Daniel, Suzy, Ambre & Angelo say: ----- Tel. (076) 248975 • Fax (076) 248976 www.kajonkietsuksa.ac.th

Discussion - 6 students at British International School, Phuket

To see or download mini-video, go to http://news.prd.go.th/news_detail.php?newsid=215894

As tomorrow, Saturday 12 January, is Children’s Day in Thailand, we went to British International School, Phuket and filmed a round-table discussion among 6 older students, to find out what they like or not like about Phuket, and what activities they want to do or not do on Children’s or any day: First we let the rather nervous students introduce themselves, so let’s join Lilou, Api, Carlo, Alex, Josie & Archie now: ------ Contact: www.bcis.ac.th Tel: (0)76 238711-20 Fax: (0)76 238750

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from Andaman News TV11 (VHF dial) & KPP Cable TV channel 1 at 8.30am + maybe FM90.5 Radio Thailand 6pm, both broadcast to Phang Nga, Krabi & Phuket provinces, FM108 Mazz Radio 7.30pm in Phuket & Phuket Cable TV Channel 1 at 7, 10.30 or 11pm, Friday 11 January 2008 & http://news.prd.go.th