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Missing German tourist rescued from Phuket jungle recovering well
Missing German tourist rescued from Phuket jungle recovering well
PHUKET: Barbara Lange, the 75-year-old German tourist rescued from the Phuket jungle earlier today (May 16) after being missing for a week, is well and recovering at Thalang Hospital, officials confirmed this afternoon.
Power outages to affect Rawai, Srisoonthorn
Power outages to affect Rawai, Srisoonthorn
PHUKET: The Chalong branch of the Phuket Provincial Electricity Authority (PEA) has announced that the electricity supply will be temporarily shut off at the southern end of Wiset Rd, Rawai, tomorrow (May 17) as work is carried out on upgrading high-voltage cables.
Phuket Bike Week praised a success for tourism
Phuket Bike Week praised a success for tourism
PHUKET: Dr Natee Ratchakitprakarn, chairman of the advisory committee to the Deputy Prime Minister, has praised Phuket Bike Week 2022 as an event that successfully stimulated the tourism economy of Phuket and Thailand and instilled confidence among both Thai and foreign tourists to travel to the island.
Female students face police over vicious attack on 11-year-old
Female students face police over vicious attack on 11-year-old
PHUKET: Wichit Police will summon four young female students over a vicious beating of an 11-year-old girl at the girl’s own home late last month. Police became aware of the incident only yesterday (May 15) after the mother filed a complaint after she learned of the attack only over the weekend.
Missing German tourist found safe
Missing German tourist found safe
PHUKET: German tourist Barbara Lange, 75, has been found safe beside a lake in Sirinath National Park, Lt Col Ekachai Siri of the Phuket Tourist Police has confirmed.
Search for missing German tourist will continue, assures Vice Governor
Search for missing German tourist will continue, assures Vice Governor
PHUKET: The search for missing German tourist Barbara Lange will continue despite the search now entering a full week after the 75-year-old suffering from Alzheimer’s was last seen last Monday (May 9), Phuket Vice Governor Pichet Panapong said yesterday (May 15).
Storming finish sees Chen grab first international win
Storming finish sees Chen grab first international win
GOLF: Like so many players, Chen Guxin overtly idolises Tiger Woods. Even his email address references the GOAT and golf stardom.
Phuket Governor marks Visakha Bucha
Phuket Governor marks Visakha Bucha
PHUKET: Phuket Governor Narong Woonciew last night (May 15) led the island’s top-ranking officials in commemorating Visakha Bucha Day at Wat Mongkhon Nimit (Phra Aram Luang) in Phuket Town.
Biden heralds ‘new era’ in US-Asean ties
Biden heralds ‘new era’ in US-Asean ties
WASHINGTON, DC: The leaders of the United States and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) will elevate their relationship to a “comprehensive strategic partnership” later this year amid China’s growing clout in the region.
Thailand leap to second spot
Thailand leap to second spot
SEA GAMES: Thailand moved to second place in the 31st SEA Games overall standings after picking up seven more gold medals yesterday (May 15).
Worried parents told kids’ jabs are safe
Worried parents told kids’ jabs are safe
BANGKOK: The Department of Health is urging parents to take their children for COVID-19 shots ahead of the new school term this month after figures showed that almost 29% of kids aged between five and 11 have yet to receive a single dose.
Phuket marks 32 new COVID cases, no deaths
Phuket marks 32 new COVID cases, no deaths
PHUKET: The latest Phuket Provincial Public Health Office (PPHO) daily COVID situation report has marked 32 new local infections confirmed across the island yesterday (May 15), bringing the total number of infections recorded since Jan 1 to 52,701.
(EN-DE) Translator
(EN-DE) Translator
Gateway Translations is looking for translators for technical manuals (EN - DE)
Phuket Immigration seeks expat volunteers
Phuket Immigration seeks expat volunteers
PHUKET: Phuket Immigration is seeking expat volunteers to provide assistance to foreigners at the main Phuket Immigration Office in Phuket Town.
Pandemic, or Endemic Epidemic? It’s all Academic!
Pandemic, or Endemic Epidemic? It’s all Academic!
Lathers of sweat, optimism and excitement are flying about in torrents, as Thailand’s government, the Tourism Authority, and various industry ‘big-wigs’ work themselves into a frenzy of anticipation about re-naming the present viral pandemic as an ‘epidemic’. As if re-branding the horrible COVID-19 virus which has seen fit to ‘borrow’ our cellular tissues for its pre-programmed reproductive purposes, will make one iota of difference to how the virus actually behaves.
Australia PM makes final push for re-election
Australia PM makes final push for re-election
SYDNEY: Australia’s conservative prime minister sounded the gun on the last lap of a bitterly-fought election campaign Sunday (May 15), admitting “not everything went to plan” during the country’s pandemic response.
Schooling loses first SEA Games gold over swim controversy
Schooling loses first SEA Games gold over swim controversy
SWIMMING: Olympic swimming hero Joseph Schooling had a first gold of this year’s Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games) dramatically snatched away when Singapore’s sprint relay team were disqualified.
Sustainably Yours: Make money and be more sustainable
Sustainably Yours: Make money and be more sustainable
In 2019 Phuket saw around 9 million passenger arrivals, in 2021 we saw just over 900,000, a 90% decline. Most experts predict that the industry won’t recover until 2024 or later.  The pandemic has changed the world, and as we come out of Test & Go and look toward the future, we should consider whether we want to return to business as usual or change how things are done.  B-Corporations  The term Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) was coined by Economist Howard Bowen in his book Social Responsibilities of the Businessmen’, published in 1953. He defined it as, “The obligations of businessmen to pursue those policies which are desirable in terms of the objectives and values of our society.” The main problem with CSR is that it lacks transparency and accountability.  In 2006 a new iteration of CSR was introduced called B-Corporations with the lofty goal of transforming the economic system by changing how business is done. Instead of focusing on the single-minded drive for profits, a B-Corporation has a triple bottom line that also considers their environmental impact and the community they serve. The main difference to CSR is that to become a B-Corporation there is a lengthy certification process and the businesses are regularly audited to ensure they are meeting standards. Some well-known businesses that are B-Corporations include The Body Shop, AllBirds, Ben & Jerry’s ice cream and Patagonia. They are just a few of the 4,850 B-Corporations located in 79 countries in over 150 different industries.  While most local businesses are not B-Corporations there are still things that they can do to lower their environmental impact, while saving money. 1. Offer vegan/vegetarian options on your menu ‒ A single burger uses the same amount of water as two months of showering. Studies show that 50% of Americans are trying to reduce their meat consumption and over one-third of Europeans are, too. Having plant-based menu options just makes good business sense. If you are not sure where to start, local chef Jamie Raftery, who was trained at Michelin-star restaurants, shares some of his plant-based recipes on his website Holistic Chef Academy.   2. Use soapnuts ‒ These are grown sustainably, inexpensive to buy, don’t use palm oils (which cause deforestation), are hypo-allergenic, don’t leave a perfumey smell and are actually berries, so they are okay for people with nut allergies. You can use them to do your laundry, for cleansers, hand soaps, shaving cream, dishwasher soap, body wash and shampoo. Not only will you cut down on your use of palm oil, but you will also reduce plastic waste while supporting the Indigenous Hill Tribes in Northern Thailand that grow them. 3. Compost and recycle ‒ Even during the pandemic Phuket’s waste collection has been operating beyond capacity. Overall the waste has gone down, but the lack of visitors has been made up for this with an increase in plastic trash from takeaway containers, plastic masks and hand sanitiser bottles. Studies show that between 40-60% of household waste is organic and almost 20% is recyclable. When you combine the two you can reduce your household waste by as much as 80%. Composting also reduces the need for pesticides and fertilisers and reduces water usage. 4. Use drip irrigation ‒ Although it may not seem like it in the middle of the rainy season, Thailand is becoming increasingly water-stressed because of increasing temperatures, drier dry seasons and the fact that it is one of the world’s largest rice producers. Drip irrigation is a strategy that reduces water use by about 70% by watering only the roots. Although commercial systems are available you can also DIY it.  5. Collect rainwater ‒ This can range from a simple barrel to a more complex system that integrates with your irrigation and plumbing. This water can be used to flush toilets or water the garden. Not only does this help to alleviate the burden on groundwater, but it can also reduce the amount of pollution from pesticides, fertilisers and car oil that is washed into the ocean by stormwater runoff.      6. Give out branded water bottles ‒ Almost 1 million plastic bottles are used per minute, which translates to about 62 bottles for every person on the planet per year. Plastic bottles are a scourge on our beaches. A simple way to ensure that your guests are not part of the problem is to give them a branded reusable water bottle. You can then make filtered water freely available. 7. Switch to LED lightbulbs ‒ These last more than twice as long as fluorescent lights, 25 times longer than regular incandescent ones and use 90% less energy than convention bulbs. LED light bulbs are also safer as they emit very little heat and are cool to the touch. 8. Plant flowers and plants that are pollinator-friendly ‒ One-third of our food supply is pollinated by bees, bats and birds. Most plants rely on animal pollinators for reproduction, but about 30% of plant-pollinator networks have been completely lost, which translates to the disappearance of food, bees, plants, trees and a loss of biodiversity. The main culprits driving declines are habitat loss and pesticide use. One way you can help is to plant pollinator-friendly native plant species.  9. Change your gas burners to electric ‒ Gas stoves are not well-vented and can exacerbate respiratory illnesses like asthma, COVID or even allergies. They also leak methane, a greenhouse gas 20 times more potent than CO2, even when turned off. These can be replaced with inexpensive induction burners and you will save on your monthly gas bill. 10. Check your tyre pressure every two weeks ‒ Your tires will naturally deflate by 2-3 PSI per month. For every 10% decrease in tyre pressure your fuel consumption increases by 2%. Multiply this across several vehicles driving every day and it can add up. Improperly inflated tires also affect your ability to brake and wear out your tyres and engine more quickly. Palmer Owyoung is an environmental activist working with the Kamala Green Club and the Global Sustainability Hub.  
Man City eyes on Premier League prize as Leeds face the drop
Man City eyes on Premier League prize as Leeds face the drop
FOOTBALL: Manchester City can put one hand on the Premier League trophy later today (May 15) should they beat West Ham to extend their three-point lead over Liverpool at the top of the table.
Helicopter to join search for German tourist
Helicopter to join search for German tourist
PHUKET: A Royal Thai Navy helicopter has been brought in to help search the west coast for missing German tourist Barbara Lange, 75, who was last seen walking alone in the Mai Khao area near the airport on Monday (May 9).