ft.com Sir Terry Leahy is to step down as chief executive of Tesco next year. Britain's biggest supermarket group said Sir Terry would retire in March 2011 at the age of 55 after orchestrating its growth for 14 years. [Sir Terry has an interest in West Sands Phuket, along with Splash Jungle waterpark.]
A daily wrap of Thailand news, with a Phuket perspective, plus relevant reports from national and international media. PLUS World Cup Watch, every day.
nationmultimedia.com After enduring three days of sparsely attended screenings, Phuket Film Festival director Scott Rosenberg came to a realisation: ''Phuket isn't ready for an international film festival.'' He has decided to cut his losses and shorten the festival from 10 to seven days. It will still end on Sunday, but some screenings during the week have been cancelled. Rosenberg blamed the rainy weather for keeping people from wanting to travel to Old Phuket Town, where the films were being shown in the venerable Coliseum Paradise Cineplex. Headline: A Soggy Island Bummer.
Phuket Ad-Fest Founder Vows to Outdo Cannes - Thinks Industry Execs Will Go From Swilling Rose to Pounding Singhas in Three Years - adage.com
AS CREATIVES have begun stretching their booze muscles in advance of downing bottle after bottle of Rose along the Croisette at the 2010 Cannes Lions advertising fest, just two weeks away, one adman, Patrick Ferrara, has launched a campaign to promote a different awards show: the Global Advertising Awards, which describes itself is an ''annual awards competition honoring creative excellence in advertising worldwide that possesses a different philosophy of evaluation than any other advertising award.'' Mr Ferrara, in an article published by a Thai paper [Phuketwan, which is not paper], proclaimed that the Global Advertising Awards, slated to take place in February 2011, could outdo the existing advertising awards in Cannes and become the ''world's most coveted award'' within three to five years.
nationmultimedia.com The economic ministers approved Bt16.8 billion to help tourism operators affected by the recent political turmoil, Tourism and Sports Minister Chumpol Silapaarcha said. The amount will be proposed for Cabinet approval today. Thai Airways International may post a second quarter net loss of Bt5.4 billion, with passenger numbers plunging in the wake of the political turmoil.
afp The Iranian Red Crescent says it will send three aid ships to Gaza, in the latest attempt to break the blockade imposed on the Palestinian territory and setting up a showdown at sea with Iran's arch-foe, Israel.
smh.com.au Travellers are increasingly going online to book their holidays, believing it to be a cheaper option, a consumer survey has found. The survey of almost 4000 found 80 percent chose to book their holidays on the internet, either directly with an airline or through an online travel agent. The results show that consumers are trying to avoid hidden commissions from bricks-and-mortar travel agents, said Choice spokesman Christopher Zinn.
cnn.com A court in central India ruled that seven top executives and the company they worked for are guilty for their role in the 1984 industrial disaster that killed thousands in Bhopal, India. The leaking of poisonous gas from Union Carbide India Limited was one of the world's worst industrial disasters. Plaintiffs had waited more than two decades for the verdict.
nytimes.com Karuna Buakamsri writes: In 1992, I joined hands with Jatuporn Promphan, Veera Musikapong and Dr Weng Tojirkan - now leaders of the red shirt movement. I also joined hands with Pipob Dongchai, Somkiat Pongpaiboon, Suriyasai Katasila - now leaders of a group of protesters known as the yellow shirts, bitter enemies of the reds. Also among us were two promising young politicians: Abhisit Vejjajiva and Jaturon Chaisaeng. Abhisit is now prime minister, while Jaturon opposes Abhisit. Then we were all united in wanting democracy. Today we are divided over what we believe democracy is or should be.
bangkokpost.com Many school executives lack skills in English and information and communications technology, despite having master's degrees, the Office of the Basic Education Commission says. The office asked Srinakharinwirot University earlier this year to test the abilities of about 40,000 school directors and deputy directors under its jurisdiction. They were tested for administrative knowledge, leadership and abilities in English and information and communications technology (ICT). The school executives were fair at administration and leadership but were found lacking at English and ICT, the tests found.
afp Estimates of the size and composition of Indonesia's booming population may remain just that despite an ongoing census, if the ''discovery'' of a 157-year-old woman is anything to go by. Census officials have said they believe the woman's claims to have been born in 1853. ''There's no authentic data to prove her age but judging from her statements and the age of her adopted daughter, who's now 108 years old, it's difficult to doubt it,'' a statistics bureau official said.
todayonline.com Police have confirmed they are looking for a second man over the MRT vandalism and trespassing case. Lloyd Dane Alexander, a British national, left Singapore before the incident in mid-May was reported to police. The police have issued a warrant. A Swiss national accused of vandalising the MRT train with spray paint has been released on $S100,000 bail with his passport impounded.
xinhuanet.com About 200 mugs celebrating US President Barack Obama's cancelled visit to Australia had to be destroyed because of an embarrassing misspelling of the president's name. The mugs carried pictures of the President's face with his first name spelt as ''Barrack''.
ftnnews.com Phuket's Most Spacious All-Suite Family Resort invites everyone for the perfect beach club experience! The Bel Air Resort & Spa, Panwa - Phuket announces the opening of ''Capri Beach Club,'' a stunning, private and beachfront club facility for members and resort guests at the frontage of the Panwa peninsula in Phuket. As a year round beach and dining haven, Capri Beach Club is the perfect place to enjoy your daily vacation. Located on one of the most beautiful crescents of beach along the west coast of Phuket [west, or east?], the Capri beach club is close to home, yet very much removed from the stresses of daily life.
todayonline.com Finance Minister Najib Razak, who is also Prime Minister, said the government had not yet concluded its discussions and terms regarding the legalisation of sports betting. ''The government is still sourcing feedback from various quarters for the proposal to license bookmaking in Malaysia, with the aim of reducing and subsequently eradicating illegal gambling,'' Malaysikini reported. Last month, it was widely reported that the government granted a sports betting licence to Ascot Sports.
sify.com Disgruntled Singapore football enthusiasts staged a protest against high TV fees for watching the World Cup in a rare public demonstration in the tightly controlled city-state. In statements posted on the organiser's website on Facebook, protesters said about 200 fans of the game gathered Saturday at Speaker's Corner in Hong Lim Park, a venue for public protest, created in response to criticism that Singapore's strict laws were not giving enough space to public debate. Singapore's two TV broadcasters raised the price for watching the World Cup seven-fold since the most recent 2006 tournament.
smh.com.au Star striker Benni McCarthy and goalkeeper Rowen Fernandez were dumped from South Africa's World Cup squad for allegedly entertaining women at the team's hotel in Sandton, Johannesburg. Coach Carlos Alberto Parreira axed the players after being shown CCTV of them going back to their rooms with ''some company,'' South African media reports.
reuters Robinho scored twice and Kaka was also on target as Brazil routed Tanzania 5-1 in their last friendly before the World Cup. Midfielder Ramires added the other two goals, his first for Brazil. Kaka, who suffered niggling injuries in a frustrating first season at Real Madrid, netted his first international goal in nearly a year.
Until June13 Prison Products Fair, each evening at Saphan Hin park, Phuket City. On-stage entertainment, food stalls, refreshments, furniture for purchase.
June 13 Laguna Phuket International Marathon. Fun runs, too.
June 25-26 Phuket Music Festival, Full Moon Version, at Karon beach. [Last year it was called the RoyFest. It's no longer the RoyFest.]
June 25 to 27 Second Kathu Culture Road Fair, recalling the region's history
July 21-25 Phuket Six Senses Race Week, Evason, Rawai
July 4 US Phuket Navy League Independence Day free family picnic at the Headstart International Learning Center directly across from Makro (near Central Festival) in Phuket City from 10am-7pm.
October 1-3 Asian Hospitality and Travel Show, Central Festival Phuket Convention and Exhibition Center, Phuket City
December 4-11 Phuket King's Cup Regatta
2011
January 6-9 PIMEX boat show, Royal Phuket Marina
February 9-13 The Bay Regatta - Phuket, Phang Nga, Krabi
Phuketwan MediaWATCH, with World Cup Watch
A daily wrap of Thailand news, with a Phuket perspective, plus relevant reports from national and international media. PLUS World Cup Watch, every day.
nationmultimedia.com After enduring three days of sparsely attended screenings, Phuket Film Festival director Scott Rosenberg came to a realisation: ''Phuket isn't ready for an international film festival.'' He has decided to cut his losses and shorten the festival from 10 to seven days. It will still end on Sunday, but some screenings during the week have been cancelled. Rosenberg blamed the rainy weather for keeping people from wanting to travel to Old Phuket Town, where the films were being shown in the venerable Coliseum Paradise Cineplex. Headline: A Soggy Island Bummer.
Headline of the Day
Phuket Ad-Fest Founder Vows to Outdo Cannes - Thinks Industry Execs Will Go From Swilling Rose to Pounding Singhas in Three Years - adage.com
AS CREATIVES have begun stretching their booze muscles in advance of downing bottle after bottle of Rose along the Croisette at the 2010 Cannes Lions advertising fest, just two weeks away, one adman, Patrick Ferrara, has launched a campaign to promote a different awards show: the Global Advertising Awards, which describes itself is an ''annual awards competition honoring creative excellence in advertising worldwide that possesses a different philosophy of evaluation than any other advertising award.'' Mr Ferrara, in an article published by a Thai paper [Phuketwan, which is not paper], proclaimed that the Global Advertising Awards, slated to take place in February 2011, could outdo the existing advertising awards in Cannes and become the ''world's most coveted award'' within three to five years.
nationmultimedia.com The economic ministers approved Bt16.8 billion to help tourism operators affected by the recent political turmoil, Tourism and Sports Minister Chumpol Silapaarcha said. The amount will be proposed for Cabinet approval today. Thai Airways International may post a second quarter net loss of Bt5.4 billion, with passenger numbers plunging in the wake of the political turmoil.
afp The Iranian Red Crescent says it will send three aid ships to Gaza, in the latest attempt to break the blockade imposed on the Palestinian territory and setting up a showdown at sea with Iran's arch-foe, Israel.
smh.com.au Travellers are increasingly going online to book their holidays, believing it to be a cheaper option, a consumer survey has found. The survey of almost 4000 found 80 percent chose to book their holidays on the internet, either directly with an airline or through an online travel agent. The results show that consumers are trying to avoid hidden commissions from bricks-and-mortar travel agents, said Choice spokesman Christopher Zinn.
cnn.com A court in central India ruled that seven top executives and the company they worked for are guilty for their role in the 1984 industrial disaster that killed thousands in Bhopal, India. The leaking of poisonous gas from Union Carbide India Limited was one of the world's worst industrial disasters. Plaintiffs had waited more than two decades for the verdict.
Today's Must Read
nytimes.com Karuna Buakamsri writes: In 1992, I joined hands with Jatuporn Promphan, Veera Musikapong and Dr Weng Tojirkan - now leaders of the red shirt movement. I also joined hands with Pipob Dongchai, Somkiat Pongpaiboon, Suriyasai Katasila - now leaders of a group of protesters known as the yellow shirts, bitter enemies of the reds. Also among us were two promising young politicians: Abhisit Vejjajiva and Jaturon Chaisaeng. Abhisit is now prime minister, while Jaturon opposes Abhisit. Then we were all united in wanting democracy. Today we are divided over what we believe democracy is or should be.
bangkokpost.com Many school executives lack skills in English and information and communications technology, despite having master's degrees, the Office of the Basic Education Commission says. The office asked Srinakharinwirot University earlier this year to test the abilities of about 40,000 school directors and deputy directors under its jurisdiction. They were tested for administrative knowledge, leadership and abilities in English and information and communications technology (ICT). The school executives were fair at administration and leadership but were found lacking at English and ICT, the tests found.
afp Estimates of the size and composition of Indonesia's booming population may remain just that despite an ongoing census, if the ''discovery'' of a 157-year-old woman is anything to go by. Census officials have said they believe the woman's claims to have been born in 1853. ''There's no authentic data to prove her age but judging from her statements and the age of her adopted daughter, who's now 108 years old, it's difficult to doubt it,'' a statistics bureau official said.
todayonline.com Police have confirmed they are looking for a second man over the MRT vandalism and trespassing case. Lloyd Dane Alexander, a British national, left Singapore before the incident in mid-May was reported to police. The police have issued a warrant. A Swiss national accused of vandalising the MRT train with spray paint has been released on $S100,000 bail with his passport impounded.
xinhuanet.com About 200 mugs celebrating US President Barack Obama's cancelled visit to Australia had to be destroyed because of an embarrassing misspelling of the president's name. The mugs carried pictures of the President's face with his first name spelt as ''Barrack''.
ftnnews.com Phuket's Most Spacious All-Suite Family Resort invites everyone for the perfect beach club experience! The Bel Air Resort & Spa, Panwa - Phuket announces the opening of ''Capri Beach Club,'' a stunning, private and beachfront club facility for members and resort guests at the frontage of the Panwa peninsula in Phuket. As a year round beach and dining haven, Capri Beach Club is the perfect place to enjoy your daily vacation. Located on one of the most beautiful crescents of beach along the west coast of Phuket [west, or east?], the Capri beach club is close to home, yet very much removed from the stresses of daily life.
todayonline.com Finance Minister Najib Razak, who is also Prime Minister, said the government had not yet concluded its discussions and terms regarding the legalisation of sports betting. ''The government is still sourcing feedback from various quarters for the proposal to license bookmaking in Malaysia, with the aim of reducing and subsequently eradicating illegal gambling,'' Malaysikini reported. Last month, it was widely reported that the government granted a sports betting licence to Ascot Sports.
Phuketwan World Cup Watch
sify.com Disgruntled Singapore football enthusiasts staged a protest against high TV fees for watching the World Cup in a rare public demonstration in the tightly controlled city-state. In statements posted on the organiser's website on Facebook, protesters said about 200 fans of the game gathered Saturday at Speaker's Corner in Hong Lim Park, a venue for public protest, created in response to criticism that Singapore's strict laws were not giving enough space to public debate. Singapore's two TV broadcasters raised the price for watching the World Cup seven-fold since the most recent 2006 tournament.
smh.com.au Star striker Benni McCarthy and goalkeeper Rowen Fernandez were dumped from South Africa's World Cup squad for allegedly entertaining women at the team's hotel in Sandton, Johannesburg. Coach Carlos Alberto Parreira axed the players after being shown CCTV of them going back to their rooms with ''some company,'' South African media reports.
reuters Robinho scored twice and Kaka was also on target as Brazil routed Tanzania 5-1 in their last friendly before the World Cup. Midfielder Ramires added the other two goals, his first for Brazil. Kaka, who suffered niggling injuries in a frustrating first season at Real Madrid, netted his first international goal in nearly a year.
Phuket Coming Events
Until June13 Prison Products Fair, each evening at Saphan Hin park, Phuket City. On-stage entertainment, food stalls, refreshments, furniture for purchase.
June 13 Laguna Phuket International Marathon. Fun runs, too.
June 25-26 Phuket Music Festival, Full Moon Version, at Karon beach. [Last year it was called the RoyFest. It's no longer the RoyFest.]
June 25 to 27 Second Kathu Culture Road Fair, recalling the region's history
July 21-25 Phuket Six Senses Race Week, Evason, Rawai
July 4 US Phuket Navy League Independence Day free family picnic at the Headstart International Learning Center directly across from Makro (near Central Festival) in Phuket City from 10am-7pm.
October 1-3 Asian Hospitality and Travel Show, Central Festival Phuket Convention and Exhibition Center, Phuket City
December 4-11 Phuket King's Cup Regatta
2011
January 6-9 PIMEX boat show, Royal Phuket Marina
February 9-13 The Bay Regatta - Phuket, Phang Nga, Krabi
Re your photo caption, is the net or the turtle that is making good progress?
Posted by Jean Blaireau on June 8, 2010 15:38