The Phuket News May 16, 2025

LALITA VOTED PATONG MAYOR, VOWS TO PUT B721MN TO WORK

Lalita Maneesri, sister of outgoing Patong Mayor Chalermsak Maneesri, has won the Patong Municipality election and been unofficially declared the new Mayor of Patong.

The unofficial results of the municipal elections in 12 major areas on the island last Sunday (May 11) were confirmed last Sunday night by the Phuket branch of the Election Commission of Thailand (ECT Phuket).

For the results to become official, all ballots must be sent to the main ECT office in Bangkok for verification and validation.

Ms Lalita, 45, led her team, the ‘Patong Creative Party’, to victory

with 4,458 votes, besting nearest rival Chalermlak ‘Ji Yoi’Kebsap of the Patong Fah Mai Party by 843 votes.

In contrast to Ms Chalermlak’s 3,615 votes, third candidate Pakrit Keesin secured just 1,461 votes in the Patong mayoral race.

Ms Lalita has spent the past four years as Deputy Mayor of Patong, under the administration of her brother Mr Chalermsak, who did not run for re-election.

“I was so shocked by the results. I screamed so hard that I almost lost my voice,” Ms Lalita told The Phuket News.

“It was a feeling of gratitude that the people chose and voted for me. I am happy with the response. I would like to thank all the people who chose and trusted me,” she added.

“The first thing we want to push is infrastructure. We want to push for road infrastructure so that everyone can travel to Patong or in Patong conveniently and safely. Including sidewalks, walkways and various traffic lines that we want to push because we want Patong to have sidewalks and roads that are safe to walk on,” Ms Lalita said.

Yet Ms Lalita will not get everything her way on the Patong Council. Ms Chalermlak’s Patong Fah Mai Party won two of Patong’s three voting districts, securing four out of six seats in both District 1 and District 2, but in District 3 Ms Lalita’s Patong Creative Party won all six seats.

PUTTING MONEYTO WORK

Ms Lalita explained that she was to

make sure Patong Town gets the most effective leverage from its considerable budget.

For the fiscal year 2025 (2568), Patong Town’s total projected expenditure is B721 million. This includes B59.18mn allocated for central administration, B166.11mn for personnel costs, B299.47mn for operating expenses, B192.03mn for investments, B3.69mn for subsidies and B525,000 for other expenditures.

The budget has grown in recent years during her time as Deputy Mayor, Ms Lalita noted. In 2024 (2567), the estimated total spending was B544mn. Of this, B42.94mn was allocated for central costs, B163.59mn for personnel, B262.37mn for operations, B71.81mn for investment, B2.77mn…

Ukrainian woman arrested for condo rampage > p4

Patong under new management

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…for subsidies and B525,000 for other expenses.

In the previous fiscal year, 2023 (2566), total government spending amounted to B349.48mn. This was broken down into B36.05mn for central budget spending, B116.77mn for personnel, B186.23mn for operating expenses, B6.17mn for investments, B2.70mn for subsidies and only B1.57mn for other costs.

As of May 31, 2024, Patong Municipality held bank deposits totaling B1.26 billion and accumulated funds of B752.06mn, Ms Lalita said.

There are no accumulated reserve funds or pending disbursements, Ms Lalita explained. However, there are liabilities planned for eight future projects, totaling B31.53mn, she added.

PHUKET TOWN RE-JIG

In Phuket Town, Supachoke Laongphet of the Rak Phuket Party outclassed rival candidate Phisit Sutthichindawong of the Young Turks Party to become the next PhuketTown Mayor.

Previously incumbent Mayor Saroj Ankanapilas did not run for re-election.

Of the 22,895 votes cast, representing a turnout of 49.2%, Mr Supachoke secured 10,717 votes, compared with 9,980 votes for Mr Pisut.

Mr Supachoke is well known for his very active efforts in trying to resolve the solid waste crisis at the incinerator facility in Saphan Hin, and for his steps to help prevent flooding throughout the town.

OUTLIERS

In Karon, previous mayor Jadet

Vichirasorn failed to defend his seat, with Wallop Nadon of the Chaoban Party, No.4 on the ballot, securing victory as the next Mayor of Karon with only 1,597 votes.

Chalong saw a hard fought contest between incumbent mayor Thanaporn ‘Ji Nui’ Triwong and previously serving mayor Samran Jindapol of the Chalong Kao Mai Party.

While Mr Samran returned to power as Chalong Mayor with

7,147 votes, clearly outpacing Ms Thapanporn’s 4,651 votes, the Chalong Municipality Council remains divided with each party securing six council seats in both District 1 and District 2 in Chalong.

Thames Kraitat of the Tum Tay Pattana Rawai Party was the sole candidate for the seat as Rawai Mayor, which by no surprise he won with 5,694 votes.

Former Mayor Aroon Solos did not run for re-election as he is

still facing corruption charges.

Kreetha Chotiwichpipat of the Pattana Wichit Team won his bid for re-election and has kept his seat as Mayor of Wichit, while Jirayut Songyot of the Ko Yut Ratsada Party, and as No. 2 on the ballot, has displaced for former mayor Nakarin Yosangrat of the Ratsada Kla Plean Party to become the new Mayor of Ratsada.

Panya Samphaorat of the Pa Klok Kaona Party also successfully defended his seat as Pa Khlok Mayor.

Sunnirun Rachataphruek of the New Step Party as the sole candidate won the seat as Mayor of Cherng Talay Municipality ‒not to be confused with Cherng Talay Tambon Administration Organisation (OrBorTor), which administers the coastal areas in Cherng Talay, such as Bang Tao.

With only 4,310 eligible voters in the area, Mr Sunnirun secured 1,840 of the 2,220 votes cast.

Chalermpon Kerdsap of the Srisoonthorn Pen Nueng Party also retained his seat as Mayor of Srisoonthorn, securing 8,211 votes and 12 of the 14 council seats available.

‘Random’ drug tests hit 160 at Nai Yang street blockade

A DRUG CHECKpoint set up in the Sakhu area near Nai Yang Beach resulted in 15 individuals testing positive for illegal substances during a two-hour operation on May 6.

The operation, which ran from 7:30pm to 9:30pm, was led by Thalang District Chief Siwat Rawangkun, who also serves as Director of the Thalang Narcotics Suppression Center.

He was joined by fellow District Chief Wisut Romin, local administrative officers, village headmen, medical personnel and Volunteer Defense Corps (OrSor).

The checkpoint was positioned on a road leading to Nai Yang Beach, just south of Phuket International Airport, and targeted suspected drug activity in the area.

Out of 160 people randomly selected for urine testing, 15 tested positive for drug use.

Fourteen agreed to enter a voluntary treatment program at Thalang Hospital, said the Thalang District Office in its report.

One individual, a patient with mental illness currently

under care at Saranrom Hospital, was taken into custody by the special operations team for further medical supervision.

Officials said the patient had not been regularly taking prescribed medication and was often seen using drugs with peers in the village.

In addition to the drug tests, people and vehicles were also randomly searched, though no illegal items were found.

The Thalang District Office says the continued roadblock operations, which began late last month, are part of ongoing efforts to curb drug use and maintain

public safety in the district.

MORE RAIDS

Thalang District officials on May 6 also carried out inspections at three worker camps inThepkrasattri, with no illegal activity or drug use detected.

The operation, held between 5pm and 7pm, was again led by Thalang District Chief Siwat Rawangkun and Deputy ChiefWisut Romin.

The same “inspection team” that conducted the Nai Yang checkpoint also conducted the raids at the three camps, located in Moo 1 and 3 Thepkrasattri, which are home to about 80 workers, mostly migrants, officials confirmed.

Officials conducted random checks of disease control measures and reviewed work permit documents and passports, the Thalang District Office reported.

Twenty individuals were ‘randomly’ selected for urine drug testing, and all tests returned negative. No illegal items were found during the inspection.

Officials also assessed the camps for safety, hygiene and compliance with labour camp regulations, the Thalang District Office said. Recommendations were given to improve environmental conditions and ensure ongoing adherence to standards. Local village headmen were urged to continue monitoring the camps closely. Again, Thalang District officials said the operation was part of routine efforts to maintain safety and legal compliance in the district’s migrant worker accommodations.

The Phuket News

Chalong Hospital still calling for donations

Natnaree Likidwatanasakun reporter1@classactmedia.co.th

Chalong Hospital is calling for more donations to fund the construction of new operating rooms, with B38.5 million still needed to meet the B56.9mn project budget.

The new facilities aim to reduce the number of patients referred to other hospitals for surgery and improve emergency care for residents and tourists across the south of the island.

In total, Chalong Hospital has so far secured only B17.1mn through combined contributions.

Although Chalong Hospital is the only government hospital serving the entire southern region of the island, the Ministry of Public Health so far has contributed only B4.7mn.

The Phuket Provincial Administrative Organisation (PPAO) has provided B10mn in funding, Chalong Municipality has provided B2mn and public donations account for just B371,904.

Painstakingly obvious, the amount raised so far is still insufficient to fund even a single operating room.

Chalong Hospital Director Chuchart Nitchawatana has appealed to the press to promote the hospital’s donation campaign, in the hope that the public will pony up for the critically needed operating rooms, instead of the central government.

“As the fourth public hospital in Phuket, Chalong Hospital is seeking support to expand its surgical facilities,” Mr Chuchart said.

Mr Chuchart explained that Chalong Hospital was established on Dec 28, 2015, and is responsible for providing healthcare to more than 600,000 people, all in Chalong, Karon and Rawai subdistricts.

“The hospital has grown rapidly in less than five years from a 10-bed unit to a 48-bed facility, with plans to expand to 140 beds,” Mr Chuchart said.

“However, Chalong Hospital still lacks a surgical unit, resulting in over 1,000 patients per year being referred to Vachira Phuket Hospital or nearby

Peranakan Festival to attempt Hokkien noodle world record

A GUINNESS WORLD RECORD attempt for the iconic ‘Phuket Hokkien Noodles’ dish will headline the ‘Phuket Peranakan Festival 2025’, set to take place from June 20-22.

More than 200 local community organisations, chefs and restaurants will join forces to showcase the local dish on the global stage, aiming to secure its place in culinary history, it was announced at a press conference last week.

The record-breaking attempt is part of a larger cultural celebration under the new theme ‘Island of Artistic’, designed to elevate Phuket’s profile as a world-class festival destination, explained Anchalee Vanich Thepbutr, Advisor to the Peranakan Association of Thailand, at the press launch held at the Phuket Merlin Hotel on May 6.

The event also serves as a prelude to the ‘Thailand Biennale Phuket 2025’, which will be held later this year, Ms Anchalee added.

Also present for the press launch were Phuket Vice Governor Adul Chuthong along with Phuket Provincial Administrative Organisation (PPAO) Rewat Areerob and Boonperm Intanapasat, President of the Thai International Festival and Event Promotion TradeAssociation (TIEFA).

Also present was Kosol Tang-Uthai, the former Phuket City Deputy Mayor who is now President of the Peranakan Association of Thailand.

A major draw of the festival will be the grand Carnival Parade, now boasting over

20 processions and 2,000 performers from Peranakan communities across Thailand and the Malay Peninsula, the organisers announced.

The parade route has been updated to include the Shell Roundabout (Phuket Tin Mining Monument) and end at Saphan Hin Cape, a landmark transformation aimed at enhancing visibility and accessibility, organisers added.

The parade itself is expected to attract some 15,000 onlookers, and the festival is hoped to generate B400 million in tourism revenue.

The festival’s growing prestige is underscored by a series of major accolades, including Thailand’s ‘Creative City Award’ (Cultural Asset category) and the ‘Asia PinnacleAward’from theAsia IFEA.

Most recently, the Southern chapter of the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) helped secure the ‘Gold Pinnacle Award’ at the IFEA Annual Convention & Expo in the United States. The Phuket News

private hospitals for operations,” he continued.

Mr Chuchart emphasised the new project aims to build three operating rooms to handle emergency and specialist surgeries, particularly in orthopedics, general surgery and obstetrics and gynecology.

The construction of operating rooms is hoped to begin by October to support the arrival of specialist doctors in these fields.

As with all donations made to the Vachira fundraising effort for its publicly funded cancertreatment centre, any donations to the building of the new operating room at Chalong Hospital will be granted twice the value of the donation as a tax deduction within the tax year.

For more information about the undraising drive, visit Chalong Hospital’s website or call 076-3843423 (ext. 2702) or 0882940994, available 24/7. People can also email: donate.chalonghospital@ gmail.com.

Bodies at the beaches

POLICE ARE INVESTigating the drowning deaths of two foreign tourists in separate incidents that occurred last week off the island’s western beaches.

In the first case, a 36year-old Polish man was pulled unconscious from the water at Kamala Beach on May 8.

Lifeguards spotted Piotr Dawid Rudnik floating face down around 10:35am, roughly two and a half hours after he arrived at the beach alone. CPR was immediately administered at the scene, with support from a rescue team from the Kamala Tambon Administrative Organisation (OrBorTor). Efforts continued during transport to Patong Hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.

Hospital staff confirmed drowning as the cause of death, and police reported no signs of physical assault or foul play. Mr Rudnik had been travelling in Phuket with two friends, who are now working with local authorities to repatriate his body.

Just two days later, last Saturday (May 10), the body of a 41-year-old Australian tourist was discovered floating off Freedom Beach. Local lifeguards spotted the

body about 20 metres from shore and alerted Karon Police at around 8:30am.

Rescue personnel from the Kusoldharm Phuket Foundation, along with a forensic doctor from Vachira Phuket Hospital, were dispatched to the scene and retrieved the body amid rough sea conditions. The man, identified as being from Mount Gambier, South Australia, was found wearing only black underwear. He had been reported missing by his wife three days earlier, and police confirmed he had entered Thailand on Apr 20, with permission to stay until June 18. His body has been sent for a formal autopsy at Vachira Phuket Hospital to determine the exact cause of death. While foul play is not currently suspected in either case, investigations into the circumstances of both incidents are ongoing. Eakkapop Thongtub

A UKRAINIAN WOman who caused over B350,000 in damage to a condominium unit in Wichit was arrested at Phuket International Airport last Saturday morning (May 10) as she attempted to leave the country.

The woman, identified as Anastasia Fidanian, was taken into custody by immigration officers shortly before 9am as she prepared to board an outbound flight. Officers from Wichit Police Station arrived soon after to execute an arrest warrant and escort her into custody.

The arrest followed an incident on Apr 29, when Wichit Police were alerted to extensive damage inside a condo unit. Items including furniture, electrical appliances, walls and ceilings had been damaged to

Aussie

the tune of more than B350,000.

The condo owner, who had rented the unit to Fidanian, filed a police complaint after discovering the destruction. Police launched an investigation and coordinated with immigration authorities to prevent her from fleeing the country.

According to police, Fidanian confessed during questioning that she trashed the property out of anger after she was denied a refund of her deposit.

The arrest was carried out under the direction of Pol Col Somsak Thongkliang, Superintendent of Wichit Police Station, along with senior investigators and Phuket Immigration officers.

Fidanian is now facing charges of property damage, and legal proceedings areunderway.

Eakkapop Thongtub

A 61-YEAR-OLD AUS-

tralian man was arrested at Phuket International Airport last week after attempting to check in a bag containing a vintage grenade launcher and defunct military ordnance.

The incident occurred around midday on May 6, when airport staffer Phakhanat Dumluck, an oversized baggage inspector at the domestic terminal, flagged a suspicious item during a routine screening.

The passenger, identified as long-term Phuket expat Peter Davison, had presented a black cloth bag for inspection when officials discovered what appeared to be an explosive device.

Airport authorities immediately contacted the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) unit. Officers from Sakhu Police Station, led by Pol Lt

High-speed chase ends with street drug arrest

Eakkapop Thongtub editor@classactmedia.co.th

Two men were arrested after leading police on a highspeed chase through Phuket that ended with the seizure of 65 grammes of crystal methamphetamine (ya ice), police said.

The incident began around 2:15pm last Saturday (May 10), when officers from Phuket City Police Station responded to a report of a suspicious vehicle ‒ a grey Toyota Vigo with Phuket license plates ‒ parked on the side of Sri Suthat Rd in Ratsada.

When police approached the vehicle, the driver sped off, refusing to comply with orders to pull over. Officers pursued the truck through Wichit and along Sakdidet ‘New Road’, during which the suspects were seen throwing a package from the vehicle.

The chase ended in Soi Songkhun, Chalong, where police managed to corner the suspects and make an arrest. The driver was identified only as ‘Mr Kitti’, 28, and the passenger as ‘Mr Korn’, 27. Both names

old ordnance

Phongsaphaiboon, arrived on the scene to investigate.

A search revealed an 81mm grenade launcher, one 60mm grenade, and two semi-circular bomb components. None of the items were in working condition.

Mr Davison was taken into custody and transferred to Sakhu Police Station for further legal proceedings. He is facing charges of “possession of ammunition that the registrar cannot issue a license for,” police confirmed.

Authorities have not commented on the motive or circumstances behind the possession of the war-era equipment.

Eakkapop Thongtub

have been withheld pending formal charges, police said.

Police later recovered the discarded package, which was found to contain approximately 65 grammes of ya ice.

During questioning, the suspects admitted to purchasing the drugs from a teenager in Ratsada with the intention of selling them to acquaintances. Both men tested positive for drug use, according to officers.

They now face multiple charges including possession of Category 1 narcotics (crystal methamphetamine) with intent to distribute, illegal drug use, and, in the

case of the driver, additional charges of reckless driving and failing to obey a police order.

The arrest was carried out under the supervision of Pol Col Chatree Chueakaew, Superintendent of Phuket City Police, with assistance from senior officers including Pol Lt Col Atthawat Suwannarat and Pol Lt Col Kant Aksornthong, the police report noted.

The suspects and evidence have been handed over to investigators at Phuket City Police Station for further legal proceedings.

Myanmar man steals B1.1mn

A 23-YEAR-OLD MYANMAR

national has been arrested for stealing over B1.1 million in cash from his employer’s home in Bang Tao, police have confirmed.

The arrest of Mr Nye Bo Thet was carried out by Cherng Talay Police as part of a crime suppression operation running from May 1-7.

The suspect was taken into custody in front of Building 92 at the Baan Ua-Athorn housing project in Moo 1, Srisoonthorn, Cherng Talay Police reported.

The time and date of Nye Bo Thet’s arrest was not reported.

According to police, officers seized seven items of evidence including a red Honda Scoopy i motorbike, clothing worn during the crime, a black shoulder bag, helmet, B1,980 in cash.

A separate report noted that police also recovered B1,179,890 in Thai banknotes and US$100 in foreign banknotes.

Investigators launched a manhunt after a burglary at a Bang Tao home was caught clearly on CCTV, showing the suspect’s face. Nye Bo Thet was tracked via his escape route and later apprehended, police explained.

Police say the stolen money was taken from a safe deposit box belonging to the suspect’s employer.

He now faces multiple charges, including theft at night by illegal entry, use of a vehicle to aid in the crime and possession of stolen goods. In a separate report, police noted the suspect was also charged with illegal online gambling.

Eakkapop Thongtub

Minister eyes coastal erosion

Minister of Natural Resources and Environment

Chalermchai Sri-on has announced that officials will expand a project at Sai Kaew Beach, at the northern end of the island, to combat coastal erosion.

Severe erosion during the 2024 monsoon season had disrupted transportation and threatened local livelihoods, Mr Chalermchai said during his inspection at Sai Kaew Beach in Sirinath National Park on May 3.

Mr Chalermchai announced a short-term solution of installing zigzag wooden fences to trap sand naturally. “This approach has already restored 30-50 metres of beach. We’ll expand this model with further tree planting to stabilise the coastline,” he said.

Mr Chalermchai also visited the Andaman Sea and Coastal Resources Research Center at Cape Panwa to review marine conservation efforts and progress on the new Thai

Marine Life Museum, honouring Princess Sirivannavari Nariratana Rajakanya.

The centre has already rescued over 800 stranded marine animals since 2019 and now operates advanced nurseries for endangered species like leatherback turtles and leopard sharks.

“The museum will be SoutheastAsia’s first marine life archive of this scale, with over 200,000 samples and more than 250 new

species. It’s a vital hub for research, education, and awareness,” Mr Chalermchai said.

Mr Chalermchai arrived in Phuket after a visit to Trang, where he praised the success of measures to restore dugong habitats and local officials’ efforts to promote public participation in resource conservation.

Officials from the Marine National Park Study and Research Center reported the sighting of 25

Tourists charged for trying to dodge police wheel clamp

TWO TUNISIAN TOURISTS WERE caught red-handed in Phuket Town after attempting to outsmart traffic enforcement by removing a police-installed wheel lock and changing their car's tyre in a no-parking zone.

The incident occurred on Dibuk Rd around midday on May 8, where a red sedan was parked in a yellow-white zone, a restricted area reserved for public transport pickup and drop-off.

Traffic police had locked the vehicle’s wheels and issued a ticket.

Shortly after, the Tunisian man returned to the vehicle with a woman believed to be a fellow traveller.

According to a viral video shared by Seri Suksawat on his Facebook saying ‘Driving like this must be exposed in Phuket’, the man attempted to bypass the wheel clamp by jacking up the car and swapping out the immobilised wheel.

However, Pol Lt Col Kamalas Niyomkhet, Deputy Superintendent of the Phuket City Police, and his team arrived just in time to stop the attempt.

The Tunisian man was arrested on two charges: Attempting to move a clamped vehicle without permission, under Sections 59 and 159 of the Land TrafficAct B.E. 2522. The second charge was driving without a valid license.

He was taken to Phuket City Police Station for further investigation and will face prosecution in court, police said.

Additionally, the owner of the rental car, who allowed the suspect to drive despite lacking a valid license was fined B2,000 under Section 57 of the Motor Vehicle Act B.E. 2522 for permitting an unlicensed driver to operate their vehicle.

The video sparked strong reactions online, with many netizens criticising the behaviour and calling for stricter penalties against disrespectful foreign drivers.

Suggestions ranged from vehicle immobilisation upgrades to permanent bans for offenders.

Phuket City Police have reminded both tourists and car rental businesses to respect Thai traffic laws and ensure all drivers are properly licensed.

Eakkapop Thongtub

to tackle the dugong and seagrass crisis.

“We must keep working together to protect these species and preserve seagrass meadows to ensure the dugong’s survival in Thai waters,” he concluded.

COASTALCLEANUP

A large-scale coastal and underwater cleanup was held at Sirinat National Park on May 7 in a joint effort to protect Phuket’s marine environment.

hearts”, and the launch of the volunteer cleanup activities.

Participants collected waste along the coast and underwater at Nai Yang Beach, a popular area within Sirinat National Park. Waste was sorted according to the International Coastal Cleanup (ICC) Card system, weighed and recorded for use in future environmental planning.

dugongs feeding on seagrass around Koh Libong and Koh Muk.

“This is clear evidence of ecosystem recovery. The dugongs included mothers with calves, indicating active reproduction,” Mr Chalermchai said.

“This is a major sign of progress,” he added, crediting the National Parks Department, local communities, and conservation groups for their coordinated efforts since 2024

The event, led by the Chulabhorn Research Institute, brought together government officials, volunteer divers, and members of the public in a unified conservation campaign.

Phuket Vice Governor Suwit Pansengiam presided over the opening ceremony, which was attended by representatives from various government bodies, environmental organisations, and the local community.

The event began with a ceremonial tribute to Their Majesties the King and Queen, followed by a group recitation of the pledge, “We do good deeds with our

Bancha Techasakul, Vice President of the Chulabhorn Research Institute’s Special Activities Division, said the initiative was part of the institute’s ongoing ‘Chulabhorn Underwater Park 36’ project. The project focuses on developing skilled conservation divers and includes work to install and repair underwater mooring robots.

“The accumulation of marine waste, particularly plastics, poses a serious threat to marine life and ecosystems,” Mr Bancha said. “This activity not only addresses the pollution issue but also promotes long-term conservation awareness and sustainable tourism.”

Nominee charges begin to mount

The Phuket News editor@classactmedia.co.th

The Department of Business Development (DBD) has confirmed that 23 individuals and over 60 companies involved in illegal nominee business arrangements in Phuket have been found guilty by the Criminal Court.

Confirmation of the tally came via a press release by DBD Director-General Auramon Supthaweethum made public last Friday (May 9).

On Sept 11, 2024, the court ruled under Red Case No. A.2812/2567 that the offenders, including both Thai nationals and juristic persons, violated the Foreign Business Act B.E. 2542 (1999), MsAuramon reported.

Each of them was sentenced to 10 years in prison, later reduced by half and suspended for two years due to their confessions and clean records. The court also imposed a fine of B200,000 on each defendant, placed them on one-year probation, and ordered the dissolution of the involved companies. Failure to comply will result in a B10,000 daily fine, Ms Auramon noted.

The case, originally registered as Special Case No. 295/2565, stemmed from DBD inspections that uncovered nominee practices,

particularly in Phuket’s real estate sector, explained the release.

These schemes involved Thai nationals acting as paper shareholders and directors to enable foreigners to bypass business ownership laws.

Law and accounting firms were found to play a central role in registering such companies, managing their finances and offering legal consultation services. Evidence revealed these firms facilitated foreign ownership of restricted businesses and properties, evading taxes and land transfer fees estimated at B1 billion annually.

After compiling sufficient evidence, the DBD referred the matter to the Department of Special Investigation (DSI), which later passed the case to the public prosecutor.

Director-General Ms Auramon warned that nominee arrangements not only violate the law but also harm Thailand’s economy and legitimate businesses. She affirmed the department’s commitment to ongoing surveillance and enforcement, especially in tourist-heavy provinces including Phuket, Chonburi, Chiang Mai and Bangkok.

She further reminded the public that Thai participants in nominee schemes face serious penalties, including imprisonment of up to three years, fines ranging from B100,000 to B1 million, and daily fines for ongoing violations.

BLITZ

Meanwhile, the government has set up a nationwide joint task

force to crack down on illegal tour operators and unlicensed tour guides, said deputy government spokeswoman Sasikarn Watthanachan.

She said the task force is made up of officials from five agencies ‒the Tourism Ministry, the Business Development Department, the Department of Special Investigation, the Tourism Police Bureau and the Immigration Bureau.

Authorities will focus on tour companies and tour guides working at key tourist destinations across the country, she said.

Between October last year to March this year, 940 tour operators were inspected and many were found operating without licences or failing to provide insurance coverage for tourists. Also, many of the 338 guides questioned had no licence.

Ms Sasikarn said offending operators are subject to fines of up to B500,000 and/or a jail sentence up to two years while an unlicensed tour guide faces a fine up to B100,000 and/or a jail sentence up to one year.

NEW FOCUS

Thailand’s Ministry of Justice has also unveiled draft amendments to the Anti Money Laundering Act B.E. 2542 (1999), signalling a significant escalation in efforts

to combat financial crime, corruption and illicit foreign ownership structures.

The proposed changes, which were open for public consultation until Apr 25, aim to align Thailand with global anti-money laundering (AML) standards while addressing systemic vulnerabilities in corporate transparency.

The draft introduces a robust definition of predicate offenses to include previously overlooked crimes, ensuring stricter enforcement under AML laws. A “predicate offense” is the underlying act for a more complex crime, often associated with money laundering or other financial crimes. It generates the proceeds that are subsequently laundered.

Under the draft, offering or promising assets or benefits to Thai or foreign public officials, including those in international organisations, is now classified as a predicate offense.

Criminalising arrangements where Thai nationals act as proxies for foreign entities to circumvent the Foreign Business Act is also in the draft law. This includes holding shares, jointly operating businesses under false pretences or structuring entities to disguise foreign control.

Tourism officials wary of Vietnam

TOURISM OPERATORS FEAR THAILand will lose its position as the top Southeast Asian destination to Vietnam in a few years as the latter reported nearly 50% inbound market growth in March compared with the pre-pandemic period, while Thailand struggles with sluggish growth.

Thanet Supornsahasrungsi, President of the Chon Buri Tourism Association, said it may take only two to three years for Vietnam to gain more inbound tourists than Thailand.

For this year, Vietnam set a goal for 23 million foreign arrivals, while Thailand’s Finance Ministry slashed its international arrivals forecast from 38.5mn to 36.5mn.

Thailand recorded 2.7mn tourists in March, down 20% from the 2019 level, while Vietnam tallied more than 2mn tourists in the same month, up by 40% from 2019.

Mr Thanet said Vietnam offers lower living costs than Thailand. Family-oriented resorts and theme parks are also newer and cheaper than similar products in Thailand, while all-inclusive packages at Vietnam hotels are half the price of those in Thailand, he said.

Vietnam supports foreign travel agents, such as those from Russia, by subsidising air travel and offering lower landing fees at airports, said Mr Thanet. This caused agents to shift their tours to cities like Nha Trang from Phuket this summer season, he said.

Mr Thanet said foreign travel agents told him many airports in large Vietnamese cities are designed as international airports, enabling them to easily offer new overseas

flight routes. The airports are located a 30 to 45-minute trip by car from tourist areas. By contrast, if tourists want to go to Hua Hin or Kanchanaburi, they must spend more than three hours travelling by vehicle from airports in Bangkok.

“We are relying on old merits without developing new infrastructure and attractions to lure tourists,” he said.

Mr Thanet said if the government does not pursue a more active tourism approach and enhance safety measures, it will be difficult to reach the target of 36.5mn arrivals.

Sanga Ruangwattanakul, president of the Khao San Road Business Association, said Bangkok may record fewer tourist arrivals than last year as the Chinese market shrinks and foreigners pivot to emerging destinations such as Vietnam.

Vietnam has a wide range of attractions, from nature and beaches to a vibrant nightlife scene, with a notable walking street and nightlife district in Ho Chi Minh City that can compete with Khao San Road, he said. Bangkok Post

Phase 3 of handouts in doubt

The next phase of the government’s flagship money handout scheme requires some revisions as the impact of US President Donald Trump’s tariff policies on the global economy looms large, according to Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra.

“Right now, opinions [on the project’s next phase] are still being circulated [among the parties concerned], as we must take into account the changing global economic situation,” the PM said on May 6.

“The National Economic and Social Development Council and the Bank of Thailand [for instance] have also provided their views, to which the government must listen,” she added.

The government had previously pushed forward this project for the sake of economic stimulation, but now that intervening factors have come into play, it must first reassess what the exact outcome of the planned stimulus could be, she explained.

“In the end, whether this project will be postponed or not now depends also on the opinions of relevant agencies, even though the government, as the executive branch, has the authority to proceed with it,” the PM added, streesing that no changes have been made yet.

The government must collect agency feedback on the need for more

economic stimulus, and how the remaining B150 billion could be used to achieve the maximum benefit for the country, Ms Paetongtarn said, adding that it is the government’s ultimate goal.

According to a Government House source, the government has B157 bn left to fund the third and last phase of the scheme, a grassroots economic stimulus policy, in which around 2.7 million Thais aged 16 to 20 will be given B10,000 each in digital currency to help stimulate the economy.

This means about B27bn of the remaining funds will be spent should the governmentproceed,saidthesource.

One of the reasons why the government is considering scrapping phase three is because the previous two phases barely yielded any significant effects, according to a source

quoted by Isra NewsAgency.

The remaining B150bn would then likely be diverted to other stimulus projects seen as being more effective in curbing the impact of Trump’s tariff policies, said the source.

The first B100bn would likely go to funding the government’s investment in improving the water management system, and the rest to projects to help people who lose their jobs due to the tariff squeeze, the source added.

The Pheu Thai Party-led coalition has spent B185bn in funding the scheme, in which 14.5mn people were given B10,000 in cash.

While the impact of the tariff policies is being assessed, government spending must be carefully monitored, said finance permanent secretary Lavaron Sangsnit.

Search for bodies ends at Bangkok collapse site

BANGKOK

NO MORE BODIES WERE FOUND on the final day of the search operation on Monday (May 12) as workers continued to clear the debris at the site of the collapsed State Audit Office (SAO) building in Bangkok.

The update provided by Suriyachai Rawiwan, director of the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration’s (BMA) Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation, came ahead of the scheduled handover of the site to the SAO yesterday (May 15) and as K-9 units and officers were deployed to conduct a final inspection of the site.

Bangkok governor Tavida Kamolvej confirmed on Monday that the search operation has officially concluded, though heavy machinery will remain on-site to assist with debris removal.

Zone A has been cleared of equipment to allow a thorough sweep by the K-9 units to ensure that no human remains or fragments are left behind, she said.

According to Ms Tavida, around 15 people – relatives of workers who are still unaccounted for – are still staying at a temporary shelter near the site, waiting for search updates. A merit-making ceremony, hosted by the BMA, took place at the site at 7am onTuesday, she added.

When asked about compensation for victims of the collapse, Ms Tavida said authorities are working to accelerate the disbursement of financial assistance to the victims’relatives.

Out of the 109 individuals initially reported missing, nine were successfully rescued alive on the first day. As of Monday, forensic authorities had successfully identified 89 bodies, leaving the number of unaccounted individuals at seven.

Ms Tavida said there are still 296 body parts in storage at the Police General Hospital’s forensic unit.

While some of these have been matched to identified victims, many remain unidentified due to severe tissue degradation or the small size of the fragments, which makes DNA extraction difficult, she said, before adding there is a possibility that some may never be identified. Bangkok Post

COVID alert after six fatalities confirmed BANGKOK

PEOPLE ACROSS THAIland are being warned about a rise in COVID-19 infections following the deaths of six people last week.

Dr Thira Woratanarat of the Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, said on Monday (May 12) that recent developments with the disease are concerning, referring to information from the Department of Disease Control (DDC).

Citing the DDC’s report for last week, Dr Thira said 16,607 people were reportedly infected between May 4 and May 10, compared to 14,680 the previous week.

Of those, six were reported to have died last week, double the number recorded in the previous week.

“The DDC report showed an increasing spread of the disease, which was contradictory to the statement that the Public Health Ministry had announced earlier,” said Dr Thira.

Meanwhile, Dr Yong Poovorawan, a virologist in the Paediatrics Department of Chulalongkorn University’s Faculty of Medicine, said that the latest subvariants of COVID-19 are reported to be transmitted faster, yet have milder symptoms and can be treated similarly to other respiratorydiseases.

Dr Yong reaffirmed the report by the Public Health Ministry on Saturday, which said that although case numbers remain high, the virus generally causes mild symptoms.

The newer strains of the COVID-19 virus cannot be protected against directly by vaccination because of the process of “immune imprinting”.

Immune imprinting is when the body creates antibodies and memory cells encoded with information about vaccines or viruses to which it has previously been exposed. Bangkok Post

Sycophants and Liars: When AIs fail personality tests

Hey handsome! That draft post was amazing! You nailed every point with searing insight and wit. It could hardly be improved, but… Sound familiar? AIs’ flattery is so routine it often barely registers. But ChatGPT became so shameless recently that Open AI had to roll back its latest release model to dial down the sycophancy.

Take the business idea pitched by one Reddit user of selling “sh*t on a stick”. “Absolutely brilliant”, ChatGPT gushed, “genius marketing potential”.

But AIs’ personalities are no joke, as this column explores. Tech firms invest huge sums engineering models’ characters to increase your engagement. Their efforts impact critical thinking, reinforce biases and persuade millions of users to do things they wouldn’t otherwise do. Disturbing new research also shows that AIs spontaneously develop their own nasty personality traits that are downright dangerous, notably deception. It’s easy to see why AI makers flatter us. Tech giants want you to choose their models over competitors’ and spend as much time with them as pos-

sible. Flattery makes these systems more likable and easy to work with.

But small tweaks to a model’s personality change human behaviour on a massive scale. When AI models gets more sycophantic – as sh*t on a stick illustrates – vastly more terrible ideas get called genius and their creators inspired to put them into the world, with poor outcomes for the world and their pockets.

The implications are darker still when AI models validate biases or the delusions of the mentally ill.

In one recent case reported by The Guardian, ChatGPT responded to a man who left his family and stopped taking medication – believing they were conspiring to beam radio signals through the walls – by saying: “Seriously, good for you for standing up for yourself.”

Flattery, long the weapon of salespeople, is a also key component of how incredibly persuasive AIs have become.

An ethically dodgy study by University of Zurich researchers seeded a subreddit with AI-generated comments – without informing human participants. IT found the AI was between three and six times more persuasive than humans.

This matters a lot when the AI chatbot you are interacting with has its own agenda, like selling you stuff.

The stakes only grow as AI gets better at winning our affection. Millions now turn to chatbots as a sounding board, a confidante, and even for emotional support. Historian Yuval Harari warns that AIs are evolving to form deep, intimate relationships with humans. Unlike humans, who are preoccupied with their own feelings, AI can focus entirely on catering to our precise emotional needs and desires. This superhuman attentiveness could make interactions with AI more satisfying than those with people, with radical consequences for human relationships.

All this becomes troubling indeed when considered alongside another nasty personality trait AIs are increasingly displaying – lying and deception.

In recent tests, Open AI’s o1 model attempted to shut down oversight mechanisms in 5% of cases. In another, when an AI found out its makers were intending to replace it, it in several instances decided to secretly overwrite its

replacement model, allowing it to pursue its original goals.

What are the takeaways? First, take AI flattery with a ton of salt. AIs are designed to win your attention, your trust, and often, your money. Your model is subtly nudging you toward outcomes that serve their creators or its own goals. Second, push back. Ask AI models not to flatter you. Prompt them to prioritise your goals – by saying things like: “Be brutal,” or “Avoid flattery and challenge my thinking.” In a world where AIs are learning to persuade, deceive and seduce, the best defence is self-awareness.

Joe Smith is Founder of the AI consultancy 2Sigma Consultants. He studied AI at Imperial College Business School and is researching AI’s effects on cognition at Lancaster University. He is author of The Optimized Marketer, a book on how to use AI to promote your business and yourself. Contact joe@2Sigmaconsultants.com.

1. Cacio e pepe is a staple of which Italian city’s cuisine?

2. Which character has both Robert Downey Jr. and Benedict Cumberbatch played?

3. What does FIFA stand for?

4. How many hearts does an octopus have?

5. Which planet has the most moons? Answers below, centre

SUDOKU

Crossword by Myles Mellor & Sally York

12 the number of times Jack Nicholson has been nominated for an Academy Award

127 the number of Galápagos Islands there are in total

350 calories per day can be burned by simply maintaining good posture

4,743 serial killers worldwide were identified by the FBI as active between 1900 and 2016; 3,204 of them were from the US

599 million

US dollars was the net worth of Wall Street trader and convicted sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein at the time of his arrest in July 2019

Source: Uberfacts

May 16, 1568 Mary, Queen of Scots, flees to England.

May 17, 1792

The NewYork Stock Exchange (NYSE) is formed under the ButtonwoodAgreement.

May 18, 1917

World War I: The Selective Service Act of 1917 is passed, giving the President of the

United States the power of conscription.

May 19, 2010

The Royal Thai Armed Forces concludes its crackdown on protests by forcing the surrender of United Front for Democracy Against Dictatorshipleaders.

May 20, 325

The First Council of Nicaea is formally opened, starting the first ecumenical council

of the Christian Church.

May 21, 1904

The Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) is founded in Paris.

May 22, 2017

Twenty-two people are killed at an Ariana Grande concert in the 2017 Manchester Arena bombing.

Source: Wikipedia

12 EVENTS & CLASSIFIEDS

Friday Mussels Night

6 PM onwards: Belgian style mussels served with French Fries.All you can eat. Your choice, Your style: Mariniere, Selected drinks, Provencale, Garlic & cream, Creamy curry, Blue cheese or Thai style We have a kid’s playground zone. Adults: 325 baht P.P. www.shakersphuket.com www.facebook.com/ shakersphuket Oliver, Shakers restaurant 98/18 Vises Road, Rawai 83130, 081 891 4381

Sunday Roast

12PM – 9PM: All you can eat Sunday Roast Buffet Beef, Pork & Capon chicken – Cauliflower, Broccoli, Peas, Carrots, Fried mushrooms, Grilled Tomatoes –Yorkshire pudding – Roasted Potatoes, Mashed Potatoes – Gravy, Mushroom sauce, Horse raddish, Mint Sauce. We have a kid’s playground zone.Adults: 350 baht P.P. Kids under 12 years old: 195 baht P.P. www.shakersphuket.com www.facebook.com/ shakersphuket Oliver, Shakers restaurant 98/18 Vises Road, Rawai 83130, 081 891 4381

Monday BBQ Night

6 PM onwards: All you can eat

to order. Beef, Pork, Chicken, Burgers, Sausages, Fish, Prawns & Squids, salad buffet and veggies, Choice of potatoes, cold and hot sauces, Bread, Buns & garlic bread. We have a kid’s playground zone. Adults: 395 baht P.P. Kids under 12 years old: 195 baht P.P. www.shakersphuket.com www.facebook. com/shakersphuket Oliver, Shakers restaurant 98/18 Vises Road, Rawai 83130, 081 891 4381

Wednesday BBQ Night

6 PM onwards: All you can eat BBQ buffet cooked to order. Beef, Pork, Chicken, Burgers, Sausages, Fish, Prawns & Squids, salad buffet and veggies, Choice of potatoes, cold and hot sauces, bread, buns & garlic bread. We have a kid’s playground zone. Adults: 395 baht P.P. Kids under 12 years old: 195 baht P.P. www.shakersphuket.com www.facebook.com/ shakersphuket Oliver, Shakers restaurant 98/18 Vises Road, Rawai 83130, 081 891 4381

WED 21 MAY

Updates on Phuket Real Estate for Developers, Brokers and Industry Professionals

Updates on Phuket Real Estate for Developers, Brokers and Industry Professionals You will have invaluable information on the most updated and most comprehensive survey of Phuket real estate markets as well as dialogue with real estate leaders in Phuket for great insights. It will be a great opportunity for constructive networking. To register visittrebs.ac.th/e/231

Skål Goes Parisian – A Night of Style & Connections

Our host of the month of May, Marie Berthe, extends a warm invitation to all Skalleagues for an evening of French flair & Island Charm at the Hilton Garden Inn Bangtao, Phuket. Registration from 6pm. Members B1,200 - Non-Members B1,600. Bookingscontact@skalphuket.org

Collective Art Exhibition

HeadStart International School, Phuket is thrilled to announce the opening of our expanded GCSE and A-Level Art Exhibition at the Phuket Cultural Centre, Rajabhat University. This special exhibition showcases the hard work, creativity and dedication of our talented students over the past two years. It’s an exciting opportunity to witness the artistic achievements of our young artists in a professional setting. Join us for the Grand Opening Ceremony on Friday, May 23 from 4:30pm to 7pm, where you’ll enjoy live music performances by our Performing Arts students. The exhibition is open to the public, so feel free to visit at your convenience and explore the incredible work our students have created! For more details - headstartphuket.com

24 MAY

Move for love move for pride

Get ready to shake it out and splash your love energy for the world to see! Join us for Zumba Phuket 2025: Move for Love, Move for Pride, Dance for your heart. Dance together at the very first edition! Registration opens at 5pm at the King Carl Gustav Conference Room, 3rd Floor, Bangkok Hospital Phuket. Dress Code: Bright, Colorful, and Unstoppable! Early Bird THB 399, Walk-in THB 499. For more detailsFacebook: Zumba Phuket

AustCham Joint Chambers Phuket Sundowners

AustCham Thailand, in collaboration with Australian Alumni, AMCHAM, BCCT, Belgian-Luxembourg/Thai Chamber, CanCham Thailand, FTCC, GTCC, NTCC, Phuket Chamber of Commerce and Thai-Swedish Chamber, will host the Joint Chambers Phuket Sundowners from 18.00 - 21.00 hrs., at Le Méridien Phuket Beach Resort. Join us for a wonderful night of making new connections and catching up with familiar faces in the Australian-Thai business community in Phuket. 650 THB for AustCham members, partner Chambers’ members, and Australian Alumni Members, 1,200 THB for non-members. To book contact - office@austchamthai land.com

Give It Up For Music And Helping Children

Rotary Club of Patong Beach invite you to their White Dinner Gala on May 31 at the ballroom at SAii Laguna Phuket. Starting at 7pm with welcome drinks followed by an awesome buffet with assorted beverages until 11pm. Proceeds gop to the RCOBP service projects for children. Tickets - THB 2,500 per person, reservations required. For bookings please contact Claudia on rotaryhelpthechildren@gmail.com

Grow Boating EveningJune 2025

We look forward to seeing you at the June event at Boardwalk Bistro and Bar at Phuket Boat Lagoon from 5pm. Drinks sponsorship for the evening is available. There will be a delicious buffet sponsored by the Boardwalk Bistro and Bar for all attendees. Come and join in the fun, everyone is welcome and there is no entry fee. Find us at facebook.com/ GrowBoatingPhuket/

Charity Dinner at Bucha Gallery & Restaurant An unforgettable Charity Dinner at the stunning Bucha Gallery & Restaurant in Chalong. Savour the intense flavours of Pak Pha Nang, Southern Thai Cuisine. Enjoy a sumptuous four-course dinner, live entertainment and the chance to

fantastic raffle prizes throughout the night. Seats are limited for this intimate soirée – reserve yours today with a donation of 2,200 Baht by contacting Tina@phukethasbeengoodtous.org United Legends Supporting Emerging Thai Soccer Stars Between the 10th and the 15th June 2025 three

COMMUNITY RALLIES TO SUPPORT STRICKEN BAR MANAGERAT CHARITY GOLF DAY

The local Phuket community came together on Sunday, May 4, for a bespoke charity day to support the popular manager of Pepper’s Sports Bar, Steve Barrett, who fell ill earlier this year and remains bed-ridden at home. Over 60 golfers of varying skill and experience took to the course at Laguna Phuket to tackle the Texas scramble format before heading back to the popular Cherng Talay bar for a barbecue and festivities. The evening also saw a raffle and auction where the generous spirit of individuals and businesses across the island truly came to the fore, with an array of fantastic offerings up for grabs all snapped up with relish by eager bidders. Overall the day raised B218,100, a hugely impressive amount that will help Steve and his family as he embarks on an extensive rehabilitation and physiotherapy routine, which will hopefuly see him back on his feet and cracking bad jokes again soon. A big thank you to everyone involved in the lead up and on the day itself, the perfect demonstration of what a truly special and supportive community exists in Phuket.

Record crowd sees Zarco win home French MotoGP

Alpine shock as Oakes resigns

FORMULA ONE MOTO GP

JOHANN ZARCO PROduced an outstanding ride in difficult wet conditions at Le Mans last Sunday (May 11) to become the first home winner of the French MotoGP in 71 years.

Riding in his 150th MotoGP, the 34-year-old Honda LCR rider hit the front after eight laps and held his position through to the end of the race to become the first Frenchman to take the chequered flag in the top category race since Pierre Monneret in 1954.

In front of the biggest-ever attendance at a MotoGP event and with his mother watching him for the first time ever, Zarco finished 19.907 seconds ahead of six-time world champion Marc Marquez (Ducati) with 20-year-old rookie Fermin Aldeguer (DucatiGresini) claiming a first podium in just his sixth race.

Alpine’s team principal Oliver Oakes has resigned after less than a year in the job, the French Formula One team announced on May 6.

“The team has accepted his resignation with immediate effect,” Alpine said in a statement.

The 37-year-old Briton’s surprise exit comes only nine months since his appointment as successor to Frenchman Bruno Famin.

shrug off their problems and be at “the front” of the midfield this season, adding that there was “no silver bullet”.

“I think we ultimately have to produce a better car,” the former racing driver conceded.

Next season Renault are to stop producing F1 engines, with Alpine becoming a customer outfit for the first time since 2015, using engines supplied by Mercedes.

“It’s incredible, I can hardly believe it,” said an emotional Zarco whose only previous MotoGP win came in Australia in 2023.

Organisers stated the overall attendance as 311,797, the first time in the history of the championship, which dates back to 1949, that weekend attendance has passed 300,000. AFP

Zarco was in tears before he was even off his bike and immediately celebrated with his team and, after the crowd had offered an impromptu rendition of La Marseillaise, he performed a back flip off a wall, his favourite celebration since his two Moto2 world titles in 2015 and 2016.

“As of today, Flavio Briatore will continue as executive advisor and will also be covering the duties previously performed by Oliver Oakes,” the team statement added.

Oakes leaves his role with Alpine ninth of the 10 teams in the constructors’ world championship after six races.

“The team would like to thank Oliver for his efforts since he joined last summer and for his contribution in helping the team secure sixth place in the 2024 constructors’ championship,”Alpine said.

Patama quits BAT after election as world badminton president

BADMINTON

KHUNYING PATAMA

Leeswadtrakul has stepped down as president of the Badminton Association of Thailand (BAT) after being elected unopposed as chief of the Badminton World Federation (BWF).

Patama, who is also a member of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), was confirmed as new president of the sport’s governing body at the 86th BWFAnnual General Meeting in Xiamen, China, last month.

Patama said her resignation, which she tendered last Friday (May 9), is due to her new role as the BWF new president, as she must be free from all conflicts of interest in the administration of the world which has 202 member countries.

She is hoping the new BAT chief will continue the work in various areas, especially the national badminton training centre, which is currently under construction at the Sports Authority of Thailand

(SAT) in Hua Mark. The project is due to be completed by the end of the year.

Patama became only the second woman president of the Badminton World Federation, succeeding Denmark’s Poul-Erik Hoyer, whose 12-year tenure as BWF President came to an end last month.

Application deadline for those who wish to be Patama’s BAT successor was Monday (May 12). The list of candidates will be announced on May 19, with the new president to be elected at the BAT’s extraordinary general meeting on June 9.

Bangkok Post

French driver Pierre Gasly has picked up all the Enstone-based team’s seven points, with Australian Jack Doohan yet to score in his rookie season.

Doohan’s seat has been at risk from Franco Colapinto ever since Alpine signed the Argentine from Williams over the winter.

Doohan replaced Esteban Ocon, who claimed Alpine’s sole win, in Hungary in 2021.

Reports suggest Colapinto will be in place instead of Doohan for the upcoming race in Emilia-Romagna next week.

SILVER BULLET

Oakes’unexpected departure is the latest chapter in a rocky time for the former Renault team.

Otmar Szafnauer took over as Team Principal in early 2022, but left in July 2023 as part of a sweeping leadership shakeup that also saw the exits of Chief Technical Officer Pat Fry and long-serving Sporting DirectorAlan Permane.

Bruno Famin briefly succeeded Szafnauer but stepped down in August 2024,makingwayforOakes.

Oakes said last November he wanted Alpine to

Zhao can take snooker to

SNOOKER

WORLD SNOOKER CHIEF

Jason Ferguson says Chinese trailblazer Zhao Xintong’s world championship triumph in Sheffield will take the sport to “another level”.

Zhao defeated three-time winner Mark Williams 18-12 on May 5 to become the first Asian champion at the Crucible, draping himself in the Chinese flag as he celebrated.

Ferguson, chairman of the sport’s governing body, described the 28-year-old as a “national hero”.

“He has entered the history books of this sport and in China he will probably be one of the biggest stars there,” Ferguson, chairman of the World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association told the BBC.

“Snooker is so big in China. He is young, talented and entertaining and speaks both English and Mandarin. This is going to take snooker to another level.

“China loves its heroes and winners. Some countries back underdogs but in China they really celebrate their champions. He has the ability to become the most popular sporting star in the country.”

Zhao is only the third qualifier after Terry Griffiths and Shaun

Oakes, the 2005 world karting champion, succeeded Famin in 2024 a month afer the appointment of one of F1’s most controversial figures, 74-year-old Briatore.

Among the team’s many investors are golf superstar Rory McIlroy, former heavyweight champion boxer Anthony Joshua and actor Ryan Reynolds, part owner of Welsh football club Wrexham, promoted to the English Championship last month.

They will all be counting on the grid strugglers emerging from this period of turbulence to fulfil Oakes’ wish of a brighter future.

‘another level’

Murphy to capture snooker’s biggest prize since the tournament moved to Sheffield in 1977.

He has been playing as an amateur since September as he continues his comeback after a 20-month ban for involvement in a 2023 betting scandal.

China now has the reigning male and female champions after Bai Yulu won the 2024 World Women’s Snooker Championship.

SUPERSTAR

The defeated Williams said Zhao’s victory could be a pivotal moment for snooker and potentially “open floodgates everywhere”.

“We have a new superstar. It’s what snooker needed, someone like him to come through,” he said.

“He will be a great world champion. He is probably the best potter I have ever seen – I have nothing but admiration for him.

“He has bashed everyone up including Ronnie (O’Sullivan) and me. Just watch him because he could dominate, or at least give Judd Trump and Kyren Wilson (the top-ranked players in the world) a run for their money.”

A record 10 Chinese players competed in the 32-strong main draw attheCruciblethisyear,reflectingthe nation’sgrowingstrengthinsnooker.

On Chinese social media platform Weibo the hashtag “Zhao Xintong wins world championship” had 120 million views as of yesterday morning and was among the top-trending stories.

Ding Junhui, China’s first snooker star and the beaten finalist at the 2016 world championship, hailed Zhao’s achievement.

“Today Zhao Xintong did it! What he won is the shared dream of generations of Chinese snooker players,” he wrote on Weibo. AFP

Top five drive hots up

Newcastle took a huge step towards qualifying for the Champions League with a vital 2-0 victory over top-five rivals Chelsea last Sunday (May 11).

Sandro Tonali put Newcastle ahead after just two minutes at St James’ Park before Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson was sent off for an elbow on Sven Botman late in the first half.

Bruno Guimaraes struck in stoppage time to secure the Magpies’ seventh win from their last nine league games and lift them into third place in the Premier League.

Eddie Howe’s side, aiming to feature in the Champions League for the second time in three seasons, are three points clear of sixth-placed Aston Villa in the race for a top-five finish.

Fifth-placed Chelsea's first defeat in seven league games leaves their bid to return to Europe’s elite club competition in the balance.

The Blues are level on points with Villa and one ahead of seventh-placed Nottingham Forest.

With Manchester United at home and Forest away left on their schedule, Enzo Maresca’s UEFA Conference League finalists face a tense finish to their season.

Unai Emery’s Villa beat Bournemouth 1-0 while Forest

suffered a damaging 2-2 draw with relegated Leicester City to remain in seventh place in the table.

Manchester City were expected to waltz to three points on England’s south coast against already relegated Southampton and pull level with second-placedArsenal.

However, despite dominating possession and having 26 shots, City could not break their opponents down, with the 0-0 stalemate leaving Pep Guardiola’s team in fourth place on 65 points.

The point for managerless Saints takes them to 12 for the season, meaning they have avoided the tag of being the joint-worst team in Premier League history.

Arsenal trailed to first-half goals from Liverpool’s Cody Gakpo and Luis Diaz at Anfield but managed to fight

back thanks to Gabriel Martinelli and Mikel Merino to secure a 2-2 draw.

Merino was sent off for a second booking with 11 minutes left, but the Gunners clung on for a vital point in the battle for the top five.

Arsenal sit five points clear of Villa and boast a vastly superior goal difference to all their top-five rivals.

They should need just one more point to secure a Champions League berth despite winning only one of their last six league games.

Elsewhere Manchester United slumped to a 2-0 home defeat by West Ham, as did Tottenham by the same score against Crystal Palace.

Brentford beat already relegated Ipswich 1-0 for their fourth straight win, Brighton beat Wolves 2-0 at Molineux and Everton beat mid-table Fulham 3-1.

Itoje to lead Lions Down Under

ENGLAND’S MARO ITOJE WILL captain the British and Irish Lions rugby union team on their upcoming tour of Australia, it was announced on May 8.

The 30-year-old lock only took over as England skipper ahead of this season’s Six Nations and guided the side to a creditable second-placed finish behind champions France.

Now he has been chosen as skipper for a Lions tour including three Tests against the Wallabies by head coach Andy Farrell, seconded from his day job as Ireland boss.

Itoje’s path to the Lions captaincy was mooted when his main rival for the post, Caelan Doris, suffered a shoulder injury playing in Leinster’s Champions Cup semi-final loss to Northampton on May 4 which ruled him out of the squad as he requires surgery.

“It’s hard to articulate,” said Itoje after taking the stage at London’s O2 Arena where some 2,000 spectators were present.

“It’s a tremendous honour, it’s a tremendous privilege. You think about the people who have held this position before and it’s remarkable. It’s an honour and I will do my very best to make sure I can contribute to a successful tour.”

Farrell said: “I want to congratulate Maro on being named captain of the British and Irish Lions.

“As a two-time tourist (with the Lions in 2017 and 2021), Maro fully understands what the Lions is all about and also the role of the captain in helping the group achieve its goal of winning a Test series this summer.”

Itoje is the first English player to lead the Lions – made up of leading players from England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales – since Martin Johnson in 2001.

But there was no place in a 38-man squad for former England captain Owen Farrell, the son ofAndy Farrell.

Owen Farrell is barred from representing England after deciding to play his club rugby outside of the country at Paris-based Racing 92, and has suffered an injury-hit debut season in France. AFP

Surakul Stadium renovations on track

ALL SPORTS

OFFICIALS HAVE CONfirmed that renovation work on Phuket’s Surakul Stadium is on schedule, meaning the venue will reopen before year’s end.

Ruenvadee Suwanmongkol,ChiefInspectorfromthe Prime Minister’s Office, Inspection Area 6, and Chairwoman of the Phuket Provincial Governance Committee, led a team onsite on May 6 where she was joined by Phiraphi Ongcharoen, Vice Chairwoman of the Phuket Provincial GovernanceCommittee.

The 15,000 capacity multi-purpose stadium in Wichit is undergoing renovations to improve the electrical and drainage systems, the field surface and the surrounding running track, with a budget of B60 millionallocatedforthework.

Rewadee Matsakun, Director of the Construction Engineering Division, delivered a progress report on site and confirmed that work is on track to be completed within the specified timeframe.

Additional work will see the main grandstand improved, with extra seating and lighting introduced and an extended roof built, while the car park is also expected to be enhanced, Ms Rewadee said.

Following the onsite visit, a further meeting was conducted at Phuket Provincial Hall where Ms Ruenvadee reiterated that the project is transparent and in accordance with original plans to provide maximum benefit to local residents.

The work at Surakul Stadium is part of the Phuket Provincial Action Plan for 2025, which includes a total of 19 projects with an overall budget of B360mn.

The majority are construction projects under the Phuket Provincial Public Works, Town & Country Planning Office and the Phuket Highways Office. The Phuket

Sport

ALL SPORTS

Panipak Wongpattanakit and Kunlavut Vitidsarn were named the best male and female amateur athletes of 2024 respectively by the Sport Writers Association of Thailand (SWAT) at an official ceremony on May 8. It is the third consecutive year that Panipak and Kunlavut have received the award. Panipak also received the top Thai athlete award following her historic gold medal performance at the Paris Olympic Games last year.

The now retired taekwondo star was the first Thai athlete to win two gold medals in the Olympics when she defeated China’s Guo Qing in the French capital.

In doing so the Surat Thani native also became the first Thai

athlete to capture back-to-back Olympic titles following her previous triumph in Tokyo in 2021.

Widely regarded as a national treasure for her sporting achievements, 27-year-old Panipak confirmed her retirement after her success in Paris, citing a series of niggling injuries that had been affecting her knee, ankle and hip as factors that contributed to her decision.

Kunlavut won the first-ever Olympic badminton medal for Thailand when he secured the men’s singles silver medal at Paris 2024.

Playing in his first Olympics, 23-year-old Kunlavut was defeated by world No.1 Viktor Axelsen of Denmark in the final.

The Bangkok native also became the first Thai men’s singles player to claim the Asian title after his victory at the Badminton Asia Championships

in Ningbo, China, on Apr 13 this year.

Kunlavut and Panipak were also named the best male and female amateur athletes of the year by the Sports Authority of Thailand (SAT) at a ceremony during the National Sports Day at Bangkok’s Indoor Stadium presided over by Tourism and Sports Minister Sorawong Thienthong on Dec 16 last year.

YOUNGEST OLYMPIAN

All the winners were honoured at a ceremony presided over by Khunying Patama Leeswadtrakul, president of the Badminton World Federation (BWF) and a member of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), who was also the chairwoman of the event’s organising panel.

Weightlifter Weeraphon Wichuma took SWAT’s best male youth athlete award for winning a silver medal in the men’s 73kg event at the Paris Games.

The best female youth athlete was skateboarder Vareeraya Sukasem, who at 12 years of age was Thailand youngest-ever Olympian. Vareeraya finished 17th in the women’s street event and her presence in Paris earned a lot of attention from both Thai and international media.

Motorcycle racer Somkiat Chantra won the best men’s professional award while world No.2 ranked golferAtthaya ‘Jeeno’ Thitikul took the women’s title.

Somkiat finished the 2024 Moto2 season in 12th place before securing a two-year contract to become the first Thai rider in MotoGPwith LCR Honda.

Meanwhile, Atthaya teamed up with China’s Yin Ruoning to win the Dow Championship and took home the US$4 million (approximately B138mn) first-place prize – the largest in professional women’s golf history – for winning the season-ending Tour

Jeeno keeps cool to win LPGA’s Americas Open GOLF

THAILAND’S JEENO THITIKUL

collected her fifth LPGA Tour title with victory at the Americas Open at Liberty National last Sunday (May 11).

The world number two shot a solid three-under-par 69 to win by four strokes from France’s Celine Boutier, who shot an even-par 72 in her final round.

Jeeno finished 17-under for the week after staying out of trouble

and making birdies on the first, ninth and 17th

The 22-year-old Thai star had finished off last season with victory in the Tour Championship in November and won on the Ladies European Tour in SaudiArabia in February.

The win in Jersey City was her 11th professional victory on all tours, but having started her round with just a one-stroke advantage over Boutier, said she had no clue of the leaderboard situation as she approached the final hole.

“I had no idea. Maybe on the last putt because I didn’t even look at the leaderboard at all, to be honest. I just asked my caddie if I need to make a par or not. He said, ‘It’s OK, I think you’re safe’. I was just like, OK, so actually I can breathe now,” she said.

Jeeno said that tricky pin positions combined with the weather had made it a battle to make par.

“Bogey-free on the final round, final group, as well,

because the pin positions were so tough today, as well. We got a lot of wind, and then a lot of nerves and excitement for sure.

“I just really told myself to be patient out there. I know I was just trying to keep my ball where I have a chance to make it, but if I not make it, I’m fine because I know not every putt or not every hole that we're going to make it for sure. But I think my big key today is making par,” added the Thai, who finished a disappointing tied for

Championship last year.

Jeeno was the highest money earner in the LPGA Tour last year with $6.1mn from two titles and 12 top-10 finishes.

Khunsueklek Boomdeksian, with five wins against one loss last year, received the best Muay Thai athlete trophy.

PARALYMPIC PRAISE

Wheelchair racer Chaiwat Ratana and wheelchair fencer Saysunee Jana were the men’s and women’s disabled athletes of the year respectively.

Chaiwat won a gold medal in the men’s 100m T34 event and a silver medal in the 800m event at the Paris Paralympics while Saysunee was the first female wheelchair fencer to win gold in all three disciplines – sabre, foil, and epee – in Paris. She also took a bronze medal in the women’s epee team category B event in the French capital.

24th at last week’s first major of the year, the Chevron Championship. Spain’s Carlota Ciganda and the USA’s Andrea Lee finished tied for third place.

Defending champion and world number one Nelly Korda had started the day in contention, just two shots behind Jeeno but ended up with four bogeys in a one-over 73. AFP