XPRESS
DAILY
Wednesday, March 19, 2008 VOL 1, NO 15 dailyxpress.net
DAILY XPRESS\PRASERT THEPSRI
Temple FOR THE KING
The majestic Wat Boromracha Kanchanapisek Anusorn, which took Chinese Buddhists 12 years to build as a tribute to His Majesty, opens to the public tomorrow. >PAGE 4
GOOD MORNING BANGKOK!
Don’t blame the kids Kiatisak ‘Zico’ Senamuang Former captain of the national soccer team
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e’ve often heard complaints from parents about their children’s addiction to computer games. I think the children are not at fault, but the parents are. Nowadays, people pay more attention to work rather than family. Many kids are left at home alone, so its no surprise they become hooked on either the TV or computer. I think we could easily prevent children becoming addicted to such distractions by trying to spend as much time as possible with them.
Lifestyles of the rich
Dig into a tasty snack
A Bt800-million private jet, a Bt65-million Merc, a Bt22-millon diamond watch... These are among a host of super luxury items awaiting buyers at The Glitz. >PAGE 18
Like to have some fun in the kitchen while rustling up something delicious to eat? Go ahead, try out these bagle & smoked salmon sandwiches. >PAGE 21
2 TODAY
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
THE CITY
Central begins cloth-bag campaign
1947
WAS WHEN Siam officially adopted Thailand as its name.
A tourist photographs murals depicting details of traditional massage at Wat Pho.
briefly Heavy fines for arsonists Anyone who starts a bush fire
Concerned with global warming, stores are now offering discounts to shoppers who bring their own bags DAILY XPRESS/KITINUN RODSUPAN
will face up to seven years in jail and/or a maximum fine of Bt14,000, according to the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA).
By Wannapa Phetdee DAILY XPRESS
D
on’t be surprised if you are given a cloth bag instead of plastic ones when you next go shopping. This enviorment-saving exercise began at 13 Central Department stores nationwide yesterday. These cloth bags, in pink, green, light blue, red, grey and brown, are available at Central stores until Sunday. The store will also be giving 10 to 30 per cent discounts to customers who reuse these bags or bring their own between March 24 and 30. “This is just the initial part of the campaign. We will be producing cloth bags regularly in the future,” said Yuwadee Chirathivat, president of Central Department stores. Apart from Central Group, other private firms like The Mall Group, Advanced Info Service and Carrefour Thailand have also joined in on the act.
DAILY XPRESS
W O R L D H E R I TA G E
WAT PHO GETS ITS DUE Unesco names Bangkok’s oldest temple and repository of traditional knowledge as Memory of the World showpiece By Pakamard Jaichalard DAILY XPRESS
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at Pho, known locally as the source of traditional wisdom, has been recognised by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (Unesco). Wat Pho, home of the Reclining Buddha and world-famous Thai massage, has been registered as a Memory of the World Programme showpiece under the World Heritage Memory Net in a recent Unesco meeting in Australia, Khunying
Manmas Chawalit, head of the national committee under Thai Memory of the World Programme, said yesterday. The temple, officially named “Wat Phra Chetuphon Vimolmangklararm Rajwaramahaviharn”, contains ancient wisdom, including Buddhist scriptures, books on Thai massage, yoga and traditional medicines. Much of this is depicted on murals or in the shape of statues. Unesco officials will present a citation for the title to abbot
BMA spokesman Thanom Onketphon was speaking after the capital saw 441 bush fires this month. He said the BMA’s Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Department and district offices had been instructed to draw up a fire-prevention plan.
Have food ‘mailed’ to your door
Phra Thamma Panyabodee on March 31, the birthday of King Rama III (1788-1851) who chose the temple as a custodian of traditional knowledge. Wat Pho is one of the oldest temples in Bangkok and is home to more than 1,000Buddha images. The Culture Ministry’s permanent secretary Weera Rojphojjanarat welcomed the recognition of Wat Pho, and said he would order new traffic regulations to be imposed in the temple compound to make sure tourist coaches and taxis were parked properly.
Food lovers will soon be able to feast on their favourite flavours from around the country at their local post office when Thailand Post launches a new “yummy” service. The plan is for customers to place an order online or at a call centre, and budget airlines would fly the meals around the country. – AFP
A bit of Bangkok subsides The road surface of Bangkok’s Saphan Kwai intersection subsided by two metres late on Monday night. The area was fenced off for public safety. The cause is said to be the digging of manholes in the area.
>>DAILY XPRESS is edited by Tulsathit Taptim and published by NMG News Co Ltd, at 1854, Bang Na-Trat Road, Bangkok 10260, and printed by WPS (Thailand) Co Ltd, Tel (02) 338 3000, Fax (02) 338 3334. EDITORIAL: Tel (02) 338 3333. ON THE WEB: DAILYXPRESS.NET >>DAILY XPRESS is a supplement to subscriber copies of THE NATION with bonus distribution in selected areas of Bangkok and its environs every Monday to Saturday. The Sunday edition of DAILY XPRESS incorporates THE NATION. Subscription rates: one year 4,900 Baht within regular delivery areas; please contact Customer Service on (02) 338 3000. For bulk copy subscription rates please call (02) 338 3532.
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4
COVER STORY
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
DAILY XPRESS
PHOTOS: PRASERT THEPSRI
Tribute to THE KING
Magnificent Wat Boromracha Kanchanapisek Anusorn, which took 12 years to construct by Thailand’s Chinese Buddhists, is set for a grand opening tomorrow in honour of His Majesty XTRA By Sirinya Wattanasukchai D A I LY X P R E S S
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he breathtaking Wat Boromracha Kanchanapisek Anusorn – just completed in Nonthaburi’s Bangbuathong district – will delight photographers, but visitors will soon be reminded that the Chinese Buddhist temple was chiefly built to commemorate at that time His Majesty the King’s 50th anniversary on the throne and his 80th birthday. His Royal Highness Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn will preside at the magnificent wat’s opening tomorrow, which will be followed by a week-long celebration. The construction project was conceived 12 years ago by
Phra Kanajanjin Khamma Punya Jariyaporn, vice-patriarch of the Chinese Buddhist Sect and abbot of Wat Mangkornkamalavas. He found his temple – the original home of the Chinese Buddhist sect in Yaowarat district, which the King and Queen visit every year – too crowded for its 200 novices and monks and hundreds of worshippers.
Learning centre The 11-rai site of the new wat in Nonthaburi was tiny at the time, occupied only by a vegetarian kitchen run by the Yawarat temple. Today there is the main edifice with three Buddha statues, a secondary structure
I N S I D E T H E WAT >> The first floor contains the parsonage and refectory. The second floor consists of the Jathulokabal Shrine Hall, the bell tower, the changing hall and the Burapajarn Hall. The Uposatha Hall, housing the Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva image is on the third floor while on the fourth floor is the Meun Buddhasukkhavadi Buddhakaset Hall.
HOW TO GET THERE: >> Take the outbound Rattanathibet Road across the Chao Phya River on Phra Nangklao Bridge, then turn right to BangkruaySai Noi Road. Follow the signs for about 3 km and you’ll come to Wat Borom Raja Kanchanapisek Anusorn on the left. The spot is also the starting point for Bus No 127. Entrance is free
dedicated to Guan Yin, the Goddess of Mercy, and two other buildings for the novices and monks. The temple is expected to be more than a new monastery for seekers of peace and guidance. It will be a learning centre for all of the country’s Chinese Buddhists.
Vibrant with colour Thais are familiar only with Theravada Buddhism. Phra Kanajanjin wants people to know more about Mahayana Buddhism, and plans to establish a hall retelling Buddhism’s history. Drawing inspiration from the art of China’s Ming and Qing dynasties, Wat Boromracha Kanchanapisek
Anusorn is vibrant with colour. Most of the construction material was handmade in China, including the engraved granite columns, brass Buddha statues and carved wood murals. For the design, a team of Thai architects was joined by a Chinese architect who has designed numerous temples in his homeland. Donations to the Chinatown temple covered the cost. The figure hasn’t been disclosed, but the abbot insists it was less than Bt1 billion. If that still seems like a lot, he points out, “This temple can’t be any less luxurious, because it’s meant to honour the King.”
6
LIFE
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
DAILY XPRESS
CITYSCENE IN PICTURES
Harry wows Bangkok Harry Connick Jr and his jazz band
were in great form during their concert on Monday at the Bangkok Convention Centre, CentralWorld Plaza. Connick has been enchanting the music world for long, and his more than 20 albums have sold in excess of 25 million copies. He also has a huge number of followers in Thailand as witnessed by the crowd that thronged the concert hall. Connick charmed his audience by saying he had been waiting all of his professional life to have a chance to perform in Bangkok. He did not disappoint his audience, which was largely made up of expats and high-society people, with his fine voice and piano skills. With tales of his impressions of the City of Angels and the lively jazz style performance, he successfully enticed concert-goers to dance as he sang the final song. Harry Connick Jr
Saksith Vejsupaporn, singer
The Sukosol family From left, super models Methinee ‘Luk Ked’ Kingphayome and Sonia “Pim” Couling, with their husbands.
Luk Ked or Jirada Yohara, Channel V’s VJ.
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
NEWS 7
DAILY XPRESS
Suankularb top choice for Grade 7 students
briefly Guidelines for pay rises The Cabinet yesterday
acknowledged the proposed salary adjustment guidelines for the private sector. According to the guidelines, employees with outstanding performances should receive a salary increase of 6.9 per cent while those with good performances should be entitled to 4.9 per cent. The guidelines said salary increases for employees with normal performances should be 2.9 per cent.
D A I LY X P R E S S
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angkok’s Suankularb Wittayalai School topped the list of schools that attracted thousands of student applications for Grade 7 class (Mathayom 1), a senior official said yesterday. Kasama Voravarn na Ayudhya, secretary-general of the Office of the Basic Education Commission (Obec), said that Suankularb Wittayalai School had 2,781 students applying for the 400 available places, followed by Samsen Wittayalai School’s 2,660 applicants for 440 places and Suankularb Wittayalai Nonthaburi School’s 2,503 applicants for 508 places. As for the Grade 9 level (Mathayom 4), the city’s most popular Triam Udom Suksa School saw 18,802 student applications for its 1,184 places, she said.
Massive demand As on Monday, the 369 most sought after schools across the country had received 263,998 applications for Mathayom 1 level while only 163,554 places were available, Kasama said. As for Mathayom 4 level, there were 118,261 applications for 133,745 places. As the student application period ended yesterday, the entrance exams nation-wide would be held on March 22 and the results would be announced on March 25, when the student draw would also be held. Kasama also said her office was working with legal experts to determine if schools could collect additional fees from students’ parents.
XTRA ACADEMIC RUSH >> 266,998 students are vying for 163,554 places at Mathayom I level. >> 118,261 applications have been received for 133,745 Mathayom 4 places. >> Entrance exams will be held in March 22 and the results declared on March 25.
Pornthip finally gets prize job
A panda in the Chiang Mai Zoo yesterday licks a block of ice.
CHIANG MAI ZOO
COOL SNACKS FOR PANDAS As temperatures begin to rise, every effort is being made to ensure the two Chinese imports don’t feel the heat D A I LY X P R E S S
T
emperatures are on the up, but two pandas in Chiang Mai are lucky to have a nice cool environment to live in. To ensure the summer is not too much for the black-andwhite Linhui and Chuang Chuang, the Chiang Mai Zoo is now serving them special snacks – huge ice blocks and frozen carrots. “They look so happy while eating these snacks,” Prasertsak Boontrakoonpoontawee said yesterday in his capacity as the head of the project relating to the research and the display of the two pandas from China. Under this project, Chuang Chuang and Linhui will stay in Thailand for 10 years.
The two pandas arrived in 2003. Prasertsak said the ice-cold snacks will not only relieve the panda’s stress, but would also bring more smiles to visitors’ faces because the two mammals enjoyed them so much.
XTRA TA K I N G C A R E >> Chuang Chuang and Linhui arrived at the zoo in 2003. >> The zoo is also equipped with reflective curtains to reduce the heat of the sun. >> The zoo has some 300 species of animals.
Plan to merge South schools
Sprinklers and piped music According to Prasertsak, the air-conditioned habitat of Chuang Chuang and Linhui at the zoo is also equipped with reflective curtains to reduce the heat from the sun. Meanwhile, a zoo in the northeastern province of Nakhon Ratchasima is trying to refresh its animals with frozen watermelons, pineapples, guavas, bananas and mangoes. In the chimpanzee cage, the
Noted forensic scientist Pornthip Rojjanasunant has been appointed director of Central Institute of Forensic Science Thailand. Pornthip finally has the chance to head the civilian forensic agency which she was instrumental in establishing in 2002. Her appointment has been effective retroactively since February 25, when a transfer order was issued. The transfer order also appointed former Department of Special Investigation official Sunai Manomaiudom as the secretarygeneral of the Prevention and Suppression of Corruption in State Authority Commission under the Justice Ministry.
zoo has also piped in music. “The heat can adversely affect the health of animals,” Nakhon Ratchasima Zoo director Banyat Insuwan said yesterday. If exposed to intense heat, the animals could turn aggressive or fall ill. “That’s why we have to introduce cooling measures like frozen fruit, more sprinklers and more electric fans,” Banyat added.
Some small-sized schools in sensitive areas in the restive South may be merged for security reasons, Deputy Prime Minister and Education Minister Somchai Wongsawat said yesterday. Somchai said the integration would also solve the teacher shortage problem.
8 TODAY
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
CRIME
51
DAILY XPRESS
cases of car theft were reported across Bangkok in January, according to the Metropolitan Police Bureau
Phuket Governor Nirun Gallayanamitr shows the picture of murder suspect Akardej Tankae at a press conference yesterday.
Briton busted over land scam Laurence James was arrested for buying illegally acquired land in Koh Samui with Thai partners DAILY XPRESS
T
PHUKET MANHUNT
POLICE ISSUE ARREST WARRANT Fisherman named as prime suspect in murder of Swedish tourist DAILY XPRESS
A
n arrest warrant has been issued for a man suspected of murdering a Swedish woman in Phuket last weekend. Admitting that the case had damaged the island’s reputation, provincial governor Nirun Gallayanamitr told a press conference yesterday that local fisherman Akardej Tankae, 32,
was the prime suspect in the brutal killing of tourist Hanna Charlotta Backlund, 27. An arrest warrant has been issued for Akardej, who was believed to have fled his home in Thalang district and gone to the southern province of Chumphon after the murder. The combined police forces of Phuket and Chumphon have
launched a manhunt to find him, he said. The suspect, who has changed his name many times, was convicted for theft in 2006 and is known to have a habit of targeting tourists relaxing on beaches. Authorities have offered a Bt100,000-reward for information leading to the arrest of Akardej. Nirun said the province would send a condolence letter to the victim’s family and beef
up security for tourists. He said the murderous attack had taken place in an isolated area. Officials could not cover all areas due to manpower shortages, he said, revealing a current ratio of one Phuket police officer to 6,000 residents and tourists. Backlund was found hacked to death on Mai Khao Beach. Police believe she was killed some time between 11.30pm on Saturday and 1am on Sunday.
he Department of Special Investigations (DSI) said yesterday its officials had arrested a Briton for his suspected involvement in property development on illegally-acquired government land on the southern island resort of Koh Samui. Laurence Daniel James, 32, was escorted to the DSI headquarters in Bangkok for further questioning after his arrest yesterday. Investigators accused James of having collaborated with Thai partners in buying plots of illegally-acquired land on the island’s Mai Kaen Cape to build houses and condominium units for sale. According to the police investigation, the land in question belongs to the Crown Property Bureau and its ownership cannot be transferred to private owners under Thai law.
Laurence James is apprehended in Koh Samui yesterday.
Samak wants thieves of state property caged DAILY XPRESS
P Police found a pile of stolen copper wires at a scrap metal shop in Nakhon Sawan yesterday.
rime Minister Samak Sundaravej said yesterday he would push for a legislation that prevents convicted vandals or those jailed for destruction of public property from ever being pardoned or having their
terms reduced. He said he would also seek to impose heavier fines or lengthy prison sentences on buyers of stateowned property. This comes in the wake of two cases of theft in which power poles collapsed after
bolts were stolen. Samak also cited the execution of arsonists by former prime minister Sarit Thanarat at the very locations of the fire six decades ago, saying the practice might be illegal but would be effective. Nakhon Sawan police earlier
raided a scrap metal shopand found “mountains of stateowned property”. The owners of Mong Huad Jan Loha Kij Limited Partnership as well as Sor Sab Thawee and Thepphakij warehouses have been arrested and charged.
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
3.2
TODAY 9
DAILY XPRESS
days is the average length of stay for tourists in Phuket.
TOURIST HAVENS The island’s pier is in need of repairs. Below: Koh Tapao Noi is home to about 50 pairs of Oriental pied hornbills.
AN ISLAND YOU’VE NEVER SEEN BEFORE Koh Tapao Noi off Phuket will be opened for eco-tourism by the Navy within two months PHUKET GAZETTE
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oh Tapao Noi is little more than an island with a lighthouse, but it looks set to become the latest attraction on the Phuket tourism trail. Plans are in place for an eco-tourism project that will see an increase in visitors to the island, currently managed by the Royal Thai Navy. The eco-tourism project was proposed by the Navy’s Hydrographic Department and is awaiting approval by Navy chiefs. Five department employees live on Tapao Noi. Their job is to keep a lighthouse alight to warn boats not to get too close to the shore and report on tidal and weather patterns, as well as seismic activity. Tapao Noi, which is about 58 rai, is expected to be ready for tourists within two months. Lighthouse chief Suchin Rakchard was unsure how many tourists would visit the island per day, but he believed the influx would not disturb the ecology. Two nature trails have been proposed for the project. The first would be about 700 metres long, while the second would be an extra 500-metre trail, from the end of the first trail to a vantage point suitable for bird-watching, Suchin said.
Lighthouse an attraction The lighthouse, which was built in 1890 during the reign of King Rama V, would be another attraction on the island. It uses an acetylenic lamp powered by solar energy. The light from the 11-metre tower flashes every 15 seconds, day and night. Aside from the Navy officers, the island is home to flocks of oriental pied hornbill – about 50 hornbill couples, in fact. “It is not easy to find these birds in Thailand. You see them more often in Phang Nga and Narathiwat. They mate in February and March,” Suchin said. The Navy officers spend about Bt1,000 a month on bananas and rice to feed the birds, which have become increasingly used to human contact. Feeding the birds will be a primary activity for tourists visiting the island. It’s possible to visit the island even before the project starts. A boat can be hired from Ao Makham Pier for Bt200-300 and the trip takes 10 to 15 minutes. Ao Makham is 6km from Phuket City and can be reached by bus.
XTRA N E W D E S T I N AT I O N
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>> Tapao Noi is about 58 rai, and is expected to be opened to tourists within two months. >> Two nature trails have been proposed for the project. >> Naval officers spend Bt1,000 a month on bananas and rice to feed the birds
IT IS NOT EASY TO FIND THESE BIRDS IN THAILAND.YOU SEE THEM MORE IN PHANG NGA AND NARATHIWAT. Suchin Rakchard, lighthouse chief at Koh Tapao Noi
10 LIFE
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
EXPAT PAGE 2,100
DAILY XPRESS
PEOPLE WERE DISPLACED IN NORTHERN Karen state by the latest Burmese Army attacks
what’s on Expat writers going global? FOUR OF THE BEST KNOWN and
most prolific expat writers living in Thailand will take part in a panel discussion next week on the “present state and future direction of expatriate fiction in this part of the world”. Dean Barrett, Christopher Moore, Stephen Leather, and Colin Cotterill will participate in the talk – “Writing for a Niche Market or a Wider World?” – at the Foreign Correspondents Club at 8pm on Wednesday March 26. The blurb for the event notes that “expatriate writers in Southeast Asia were known mostly for what came to be called ‘sexpat’ literature”. Their books were often dramas about girls from go-go bars with themes that were “variations on every man’s search for the
Keith Allmark and wife Conny relax near the River Kwai in Kanchanaburi after their latest mission to the Thai-Burma border.
The Burmese Army forced him to flee, but he’s a
REFUGEE SAVIOUR Christopher Moore is a fulltime writer with 17 novels to his credit, including the “Land of Smiles” trilogy, a behind-thesmiles study of Thailand, which is now his home. hooker with the heart of gold, and the ruin that befalls him”. “And while there is still enough of a sexpat market to keep several authors quite comfortably employed, other writers have sought to step out of the genre and produce fiction to today’s world standards and tastes. Their work may be set in Southeast Asia or built around Asian themes, reflecting their own personal history or perhaps convenience, but the stories themselves could easily be from anywhere. “Is this the future of expat fiction in Southeast Asia? More to the point, is it any good?” Perhaps we’ll find out next week. Stayed tuned. – Jim Pollard
Keith Allmark has devoted his life to helping refugees to gain freedom and resettle in Australia By Peter Hill D A I LY X P R E S S
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eith Allmark fled Burma 44 years ago with his wife and six children after facing Army persecution for refusing to change his English name or renounce his Anglo-Burmese heritage. But he never forgot the people he left behind and has devoted his life to giving them a chance of freedom. The 74-year-old greatgrandfather has helped more than 800 Burmese refugees to resettle in Western Australia since setting up Tribal Refugee Welfare in Perth in 1986. He and wife Conny recently visited Thailand so that they could check on the condition
of Karen refugees forced to live in camps or in the jungle along the Thai-Burma border because of brutal persecution by the Burmese military junta. “These people have suffered terribly. They have seen their villages burned to the ground and some were forced into hard labour. You cannot help but feel compassion for their plight,” he said.
New life for the persecuted “When we are able to sponsor refugees and give them a new life in Australia, it is so satisfying to see the relief on their faces when they arrive in a safe place.” Allmark is affectionately known as “Po Po”, which means grandfather, by the
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THESE PEOPLE HAVE SUFFERED TERRIBLY. THEY HAVE SEEN THEIR VILLAGES BURNED TO THE GROUND AND SOME WERE FORCED INTO HARD LABOUR.YOU CANNOT HELP BUT FEEL COMPASSION FOR THEIR PLIGHT. Keith Allmark
people he has helped over the years. “I have hundreds of grandchildren and even a 90year-old calls me grandfather,” he joked. This tireless humanitarian helps refugees adapt to Australian life by meeting them at the airport and organising housing, medical care,
schools, banking and English lessons. While he admits his unpaid work can be exhausting, he intends to keep on doing whatever he can to help Burma’s oppressed refugees. “The need is so great that my desire to help overcomes my exhaustion,” he said.
12
NEWS
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
THE WORLD
DAILY XPRESS
15,250 The number of times the average driver will honk in a lifetime
EPA
Lieutenant-Governor David Paterson, right, accompanied by his wife Michele, centre, is sworn in by New York State Chief Justice Judith Kaye as the 55th Governor of New York.
CONFE SSIONS OF NEW GOVERNOR
CHINA HUMAN RIGHTS
Dissident faces NEW YORK: THE trial for subversion STATE OF AFFAIRS A G E N C I E S , Beijing
Just hours after being sworn in, David Paterson admits to adultery A P , Albany, New York
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ust hours after he got a standing ovation from lawmakers chanting his name, New York’s newly sworn governor was answering questions about straying from his own marriage. David Paterson became the state’s first black chief executive and the second legally blind governor in United States history almost exactly a week after allegations first surfaced that now-former
Governor Eliot Spitzer was a client of a high-priced call girl service. Paterson told the Daily News of New York City that he had a relationship with another woman from 1999 to 2001 during a rough patch in his marriage. He and his wife eventually sought counselling and repaired their relationship. The couple agreed to speak publicly about their marriage in response to rumours about Paterson’s personal life that
have been swirling in Albany since Spitzer resigned, the report said. Paterson and his wife, Michelle, acknowledged to the newspaper that they each had affairs but did not go into details. “This was a marriage that appeared to be going sour at one point,’’ Paterson said. “But I went to counselling and we decided we wanted to make it work. Michelle is well aware of what went on.” Paterson, who becomes New York’s 55th governor, has said he will get right to work.
P
rominent dissident Hu Jia went on trial yesterday, as China scrambled to deflect international criticism of its human rights record. Hu is being charged with incitement to subvert state power in the trial. Evidence in his trial is based on his articles and interviews he gave. “Hu Jia’s arrest was political, the charges are political and his trial is political,” Sophie Richardson of New York-based Human Rights Watch said. Although Hu’s trial was open to the public, several of Hu’s friends and relations, including his wife, were not allowed to attend the hearing.
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HU’S ARREST WAS POLITICAL,THE CHARGES ARE POLITICAL AND HIS TRIAL IS POLITCAL Sophie Richardson If guilty, Hu could face a sentence of up to five years, his lawyer said.
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
NEWS 13
DAILY XPRESS
US VICE PRESIDENT Dick Cheney spent a noisy night at an airbase in Iraq amid heavy shelling of insurgent camps just a few miles away.
BRITNEY SPEARS has been ordered by court to pay $375,000 of ex-husband Kevin Federline’s legal bills, as she “caused the great majority of the litigation”.
Elton John to play concert for Clinton
briefly Former Abba drummer dies after freak fall Ola Brunkert, the drummer on nearly every Abba hit song in the 1970s and 1980s, has died after a freak accident on the Spanish island of Majorca, authorities said on Monday. The 61-year-old apparently bled to death after a shard of glass pierced his neck when he stumbled through a glass door leading from the kitchen to the garden of his holiday home, where he lived alone. – DPA
A F P , New York
E
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I’M NOT A POLITICIAN BUT I BELIEVE IN THE WORK THAT HILLARY DOES Elton John
Gay ex-governor admits to threesome
Nicolas Sarkozy, France’s president, is planning an image makeover, hoping to come across as a serious lawmaker. AP
lton John is to give a solo fund-raising concert in New York next month for Democratic presidential hopeful Hillary Clinton, under the unlikely billing “Elton and Hillary: One Night Only.” The April 9 concert at Manhattan’s pre-war Radio City Music Hall will be the British pop icon’s first solo concert in New York City without his band since he performed alone at Madison Square Garden in 2000. “I’m not a politician but I believe in the work that Hillary Clinton does,” John said. “I’m excited to support Hillary by performing at what will be a truly memorable night,” he said. Tickets for the fundraiser start at US$125 (Bt3,902). Clinton’s celebrity supporters include Hollywood icon Jack Nicholson and basketball legend Magic Johnson, while Obama is backed by chat-show queen Oprah Winfrey and Oscarwinning actors Robert De Niro and Forest Whitaker.
SA R KOZ Y I I
‘Hyperpresident’ to try a new look
Former New Jersey Governor Jim McGreevey said he, his wife and a male aide engaged in sexual threesomes, contradicting a denial by his estranged spouse. The first openly gay governor in the United States said on Monday that reports by former aide Teddy Pedersen are true. Pedersen has said he had sex with the couple for about two years, but his contact was only with Dina McGreevey. – AP
France’s “bling-bling” president plans to present a more statesman-like public face A F P , Paris
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attered by a drop in his approval ratings and local election losses for his party, French President Nicolas Sarkozy is changing his style to project a more statesman-like image, aides said. Gone are the photos of the 53-year-old “hyperpresident” dressed in t-shirt and shorts out on his daily jog. Also gone is presidential spokesman David Martinon who has been sacked in a shake-up of Sarkozy’s communications team, Elysee sources said. Controversy about his blunttalking style heated up last month when he told a bystander who refused to shake his hand at a fair to “get lost” and called him a “stupid b-----d.”
After his divorce in October 2007, Sarkozy was photographed with supermodelturned-singer Carla Bruni at the Disneyland park near Paris and on vacation in Egypt and Jordan, becoming the hottest item in the press. Dubbed the “bling-bling” president, Sarkozy married Bruni in February at a ceremony in Paris. Sarkozy has been unapologetic about his flashy style, saying he wants to break with the “hypocrisy” of his predecessors who kept their private lives offlimits to the press. “Act I of the Sarkozy presidency is over. Act II is starting on March 17th,” wrote political commentator Alain Duhamel, who called the changes a “repackaging of the presidency.”
Mugabe threatens Western journalists Zimbabwe’s government has threatened to arrest western journalists who it accuses of spying on behalf of “hostile” countries ahead of next week’s presidential election. President Robert Mugabe’s spokesman said the government would “flush out agitators embedded in journalism”. – Guardian News Service
Man to put his ‘life’ on auction A painful breakup with his wife
has prompted a man to put his entire life – his house, his car, his job, even his friends – up for sale online in an effort to start over. Ian Usher, a British immigrant to Australia, said yesterday he would auction everything he owns on e-Bay starting June 22. “I intend to walk out with my wallet, my passport [and] nothing else at all,’’ Usher said. – AP
Hotel minibar to offer sex toys A hotel at a seaside resort in England is to offer guests a sex toy minibar when it opens this year, its owner said on Monday. The Vincent Hotel near Liverpool will have “intimate seduction kits” in each of its 60 rooms, containing lubricating gel, massage oil, a vibrating ring and two condoms. Guests can request an extra special kit containing a whip, mask and bondage tape. – AFP
US censors Gitmo prisoner’s drawing The United States has censored a gruesome drawing by a Guantanamo Bay detainee depicting him as a skeleton and being force-fed at the military prison, the man’s lawyers said on Monday. The detainee, Sami al-Haj, a Sudanese cameramen for the Al-Jazeera television network, marked his 431st day on hunger strike at the prison base on Monday. – AP
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THE WORLD
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
DAILY XPRESS
A N I M AT I O N C L A S S I C S
OLD TOONS COME HOME A collection of rare cartoon art will return to Disney after more than four decades
Disney characters welcome visitors to an exhibition of classic films by the animation pioneer in Chiba University. The collection will soon be returned to Disney.
AFP
A
Japanese university said yesterday it would return some 250 vintage animation works from classic Walt Disney films to the United States entertainment company. The rare collection had travelled to Japan in the early 1960s for exhibits at stores and museums but then faded from view. The current owner, state-run Chiba University in suburban Tokyo, said it decided to return the collection to Walt Disney to ensure it was well preserved for future generations. In return, Disney would give the university digital copies of the work as well as US$1 million (Bt31.40 million), which the school would use to start a fund to promote education on art and animation, the university said. The collection features work from “Flowers and Trees,” the world’s oldest colour animation, which was released in 1932. It also includes original painted work, drawings and back-
Too much TV is a pain in the back When children watch television or sit at the computer for a long time, they have a weak posture. The reason is that they develop a disturbed sense of their own bodies, says Germany’s University of Saarbruecken. The conclusion comes from a nine-year-old programme called Kid Check in which scientists conducted tests on 1,600 children between the ages of 7 and 16 and found that 40 per cent were unable to stand upright. Their heads tipped forward, shoulders sank and their bodies tilted. These problems were pronounced in children who spent a lot of time on television or computers, the university said. – DPA
Behemoth
takes flight
ART FROM SLEEPING BEAUTY,FANTASIA AND CINDERELLA FEATURES IN THE LIST ground pictures from movies such as “Sleeping Beauty”, “Fantasia”, “Bambi” and “Cinderella”. After the exhibitions in the 1960s, Disney donated the collection to the National Museum of Modern Art in Tokyo. The museum later gave it to Hidesaburo Genda, a late animation scholar at Chiba University, for educational purposes. Most forgot about the collection, which was being stored at the university and its historical value came to light only in 2004 when the university decided to make digital copies and asked Disney about copyright issues.
An Airbus A380, the world’s biggest commercial aeroplane, takes off from Changi International Airport in Singapore yesterday on its first flight to Europe. The double-decker Singapore Airlines flight boasts 12 suites that include a fulllength bed, sheets by French design house Givenchy and flat-screen televisions.
Princess Caroline loses paparazzi case Princess Caroline of Monaco suffered a legal setback yesterday in her bid to prevent German magazines publishing paparazzi photographs of her leisure pursuits. The German Constitutional Court in Karlsruhe ruled that the High Court had restricted the freedom of the press by banning photographs that had appeared in the magazine Sieben Tage showing Caroline and her German husband, Prince Ernst August on holiday in Kenya. – DPA
Murdoch opens largest press A printing plant being billed as the world’s largest is now in operation cranking out newspapers for Rupert Murdoch’s News International. The plant in Broxbourne, north of London, represents the final phase in a £650-million (Bt40.85 billion) investment in three state-of-the-art printing plants. It houses 12 presses capable of producing more than 1 million colour papers per hour on a site that can house 23 soccer fields. – AP
Toilets installed amid checkpoints Stricter checks at Singapore border points are going into effect in the search for an accused terrorist. The waits for vehicles were expected to be so long that portable toilets have been put on roads leading to the inspection areas, immigration officials said yesterday. The National Environment Agency put the toilets on roads leading to the Woodlands and Tuas checkpoints. – DPA AP
A F P , Tokyo
b r i e f ly
OPINION
WEDNESDAY 19.03.2008 EDITORIAL
IT’S TIME THE POLICE WOKE UP TO REALITY Law enforcement officers should realise that solving high-profile murders quickly does not ensure the safety of everyone. They need to be working hard all the time
S
erious crimes like rapes, murders and armed robberies must be diligently suppressed no matter where they take place. Perpetrators of the crime should be relentlessly pursued, brought to justice and punished to the fullest extent. Public safety, which is the prerequisite for any community, is compromised unless the police step in to resolve crimes speedily. As long as criminals continue to run loose, the public will be gripped by fear and there will always be the possibility for another victim. It should matter little whether the victims of such crimes are locals or foreigners. Phuket police have made remarkable progress in investigating the murder of a Swedish woman this weekend. Already an arrest warrant has been issued for a man suspected of what police describe as an attempted rape and murder.
XPRESS
DAILY
16
Editor: Tulsathit Taptim Managing Editor: Thanong Khanthong Deputy Managing Editors: Kumar Krishnan, Jintana Panyaarvudh Design Editor: Leroy A Sylk Web Co-Editors: Marisa Chimprabha, Paisal Chuenprasaeng The City Editor: Chularat Saengpassa The Fun Editor: Veena Thoopkrajae Politics Editor: Kittipong Thavevong Opinion Editor: Thana Poopat Sport Editor: Preechachan Wiriyanupappong Group Editor in Chief: Suthichai Yoon
STILL CAN’T BUY ANY LOVE Paul McCartney has finally paid for ‘loving’ Heather Mills, though she’s hoping to make more through ‘kiss and tell’ accounts
The authorities, on both the provincial and national levels, have attached great importance to this particular case, not just because it has been widely reported in the international press but also because “the reputation of Phuket as a major tourist destination is at stake”. It is therefore understandable that the authorities are under tremendous pressure to resolve the case quickly. However, proving that they can resolve a crime quickly should not override the most important thing of all: snagging the actual perpetrator of the crime. The case at hand may prove to be difficult to solve. Partly because the crime was committed late at night on an isolated beach, with little chance of there having been an eyewitness, and also because the killer may have acted on his own, may have already disposed of the weapon and gone into hiding. In a case like this, the police must rely on whatever forensic evidence they can gather from the scene of the crime. Police authorities, not just those in Phuket but also in the rest of the country, still have much room for improvement in terms of crime prevention and suppression. Warnings about the danger of travelling alone in isolated places, particularly after dark, should be posted at all hotels and places frequented by foreign tourists. It may be true that not all crimes are preventable or solvable. But organising a regular patrol, an effective deterrent against crimes, is something that Thai police are not doing enough of.
AP
It reflects badly on Phuket
OPINION 17
OTHER VOICES
The curse of oil
Yomiuri Shimbun
Here is a riddle: Although Indonesia continues to produce crude oil, it is now importing more than it exports, thanks to a declining output and rising demand. But in spite of this change, how does the “curse” that befell many oil-producing countries continue to be with Indonesia? The answer is clear: As long as it continues to pretend to be a major oil-producing country, the spell will remain. As it is, the nation remains a member of the Opec cartel, paying a hefty fees each year for the privilege of attending meetings in luxurious settings.
By Anna Tomforde DPA, London
P
China’s policies led to Tibet riots
Jakarta Post
erhaps he should have known better but now, at the mature age of 65, exBeatle Paul McCartney will have fully understood the message of his best-selling title “Can’t Buy Me Love”. Almost six years after he tied the knot with Heather Mills, the former British model and human rights campaigner, a judge at the Family Division at the High Court in London declared their marriage annulled. It had all started so well. When Paul met Heather in 1999, while recording a charity single for people who lost their limbs in war zones, he believed he had found “a second Linda” – a reference to his first wife Linda Eastman who died of breast cancer in April, 1998. “I’m lucky to have found a good woman who is strong like Linda,” said the ex-Beatle, whose 19-year-marriage with the campaigner for animal rights and vegetarianism had by all accounts been a happy one. Mills, meanwhile, had taken up the anti-landmine campaign after losing her left leg when she was hit by a police patrol car on a chase in London in 1993. The couple tied the knot in June, 2002. But the stormy nature of their relationship soon became apparent. The British tabloids had it in for Heather, calling her the “gold digger”. Immediately after announcing their separation in May, 2006, McCartney changed the locks of his London home, took possession of his modern art masterpieces and froze joint bank accounts. Heather, prone to emotional outbursts, toured the television studios claiming she had been beaten abused by her “alcoholic” husband. McCartney rejected the allegations he branded as lies, but otherwise kept a dignified silence. The former model, who only enhanced her “hate figure” status in the media with her outbursts, has let it be known that she plans to leave Britain and that she will “kiss and tell”.
It is ironic that the riots occurred when China’s parliament was in session, because harmony among ethnic groups, was one of the main themes of its session. But the riots were the product of China’s failed policy toward Tibet. Since the mid-1990s, China has been encouraging the ethnic Han majority to migrate to Tibet through commercial development and other projects. As a result, Chinese became the dominant language in Tibet and the assimilation of Tibetans into China has progressed in the educational and cultural fields.
Glad to be gay and grey in Berlin By Jess Smee THE GUARDIAN
A
fluffy yellow bedspread is severely tucked around the hospital-style bed, there’s a wheelchair-accessible shower and a token pot plant. At first glance, the Asta Nielsen Haus in Berlin looks like the average old people’s home. But this is a pioneering facility – the first in Europe to cater exclusively for gays and lesbians. “We just want people to be able to speak freely of their pasts. They shouldn’t have to worry about reactions or prejudices,” says Kerstin Wecker, who runs the centre. “It’s simple really: no one should be shocked to go into a man’s room and see a picture of another man. No one should have to explain themselves to others at this stage of life.” Tucked away in a quiet corner of the city’s northern Pankow district, the home
has space for 28 residents. Half of the care assistants working there are also homosexual – something a survey of potential residents showed was a priority. Aside from an automatic acceptance of their past, the home is run like any other, Wecker says. “We don’t want to be exotic, just a slice of everyday life.” The idea of a gay-only project for elderly people was first mooted at a “gay and grey” congress in Cologne in 1995. It reflects fears among
Germany’s first openly gay generation about what will happen when they are too frail to care for themselves. “At the moment, most gay and lesbian residents keep themselves hidden. “Imagine one gay person in a home of 100 people. It can be lonely and isolating,” says Christian Hamm, who is on the board of the organisation behind the carehome plan. Hamm and his associates are now drawing up plans for an assisted-care retirement centre for gay people in another Berlin district.
,, NO ONE SHOULD BE SHOCKED TO GO INTO A MAN’S ROOM AND SEE A PICTURE OF ANOTHER MAN... Kerstin Wecker Asta Nielsen Haus
Old-fashioned journalism shines on Net By Andy Goldberg DPA, San Francisco
A
study of the changing face of journalism in the Internet age found that “old media” content was as popular as ever but said that advertising executives had failed to find new ways to earn money. The report released on Monday also found that the scope of news coverage in the US was narrowing – and tend-
ed to focus on a few topics. The State of the News Media report released by the Project for Excellence in Journalism (PEJ) said that mainstream media as a whole were keeping their audience. But it had not devised ways to get its new online customers to pay for the information. The finding ran contrary to many earlier predictions that the Internet would create a
citizens’ media in which grassroots reporting would challenge the coverage offered by the old media titans. To the contrary, the report found that the top 10 online news sites in 2007 were either big-media operations – such as The New York Times or ABC News – or online aggregators such as Yahoo News or Google News, whose content is largely produced by tradi-
tional media outlets. “The fact is that the audience still sees a lot of value in reporting about public life,” said PEJ director Tom Rosenstiel. “What [media firms] need to do is figure out how to make money doing that. It would be a lot harder if the audience didn’t like the product, but they do. It’s much easier to fix problems on the business side.”
18 ENTERTAINMENT
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
THE FUN
DAILY XPRESS
ZHOU HEPING CHINESE VICE CULTURE MINISTER, ON BJORK’S PRO-TIBET SONG IN SHANGHAI
“It is hoped that [foreign] artists can understand Chinese laws and the feelings of the Chinese people and not do things against our laws or feelings.”
Sermkhun Kunawong, right, and former Miss Thailand Chalisa Boonkrongsub sit aboard a Bt800million personal jet.
CONSPICUOUS CONSUMP TION
COURTESY OF CM ORGANISER
LIFESTYLES OF THE RICH AND FAMOUS Have a look at how the seriously wealthy live in the jaw-dropping display of luxury goods at The Glitz By Phatarawadee Phataranawik D A I LY X P R E S S
S XTRA PIECE OF THE ACTION >> The Glitz runs from 10am to 10pm until Monday. >> Events are in Royal Paragon Hall at Siam Paragon. >> Call (02) 559 0505 or see www.TheGlitzBangkok. com.
Respected lensman Surat Osathanu-grah will be showing his cameras and photos at the event. Diamond tiaras and fancy cars, like the McLaren Roadster will be on display.
hoppers at Siam Paragon may be surprised today at the number of security guards milling around. Their mission is to take care of the priceless diamonds, super cars and even private jets that are on display at The Glitz. The luxury lifestyle event is the brainchild of Sermkhun Kunawong, chief executive of CM Organiser, the event management company behind the recent light-and-sound shows at Angkor Wat. “The showcase is a meeting
place for high-end customers who enjoy a stylish and luxurious lifestyle,” says Sermkhun. The event targets royalty, celebrities, businesspeople, politicians and well-off foreigners.
Your own personal jet Highlights include a 10-seat personal jet aeroplane priced at Bt800 million, a Bt65-million Mercedes Benz SLR McLaren Roadster and a 23-karat Polar Star diamond watch valued at Bt22 million. There are Ferraris, Porsches, speedboats, yachts, hotel pack-
ages that include personal butlers, cameras and other hi-tech toys. Art lovers will want an oil painting by the late Thai artist Chamras Khietkong, valued at Bt3.5 million. Stylish parties are held nightly, each with a different theme. Host Sermkhun gets the ball rolling this evening with a photo exhibition called “Symbol Stream, Stone and Surrender”. Tomorrow night, Supornthip Choungrangsee will put on a fashion show for her “Asian Magic” party. On Friday, Deuntemduang na Chiang Mai serves up French cuisine, while businesswomen Yaovanee Nirandara and Punchalee Phenjati team up a hot “Casablanca Night” on Saturday.
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
ENTERTAINMENT 19
DAILY XPRESS
45.1
LOVE STORY
MILLION US dollars was earned by ‘Horton Hears a Who’, the No 1 film at the US box office.
Book a keepsake for fans of the upcoming teen summer vacation romance, ‘Hormones’. >Page 20
Jet set
‘Sunshine’the brightest The Korean film “Secret Sunshine” was the top winner at the second Asian Film Awards on Monday night, Jeon winning best film and best director honours for Lee Chang-dong, and best actress for Jeon Do-yeon. Tony Leung Chiu-wai was named best actor for Ang Lee’s sexually explicit drama “Lust, Caution”. His co-star, bestactress nominee Tang Wei, stayed away from the ceremony because of a reported Chinese media ban against her. AFP
Jet Li arrives at the second Asian Film Awards ceremony on Monday night at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. Li was a nominee for best actor for “The Warlords”, which won for best visual effects. The awards ceremony marks the opening of Entertainment Expo Hong Kong, which encompasses nine events promoting film, television, music and digital entertainment. Among the events is the Hong Kong Filmart and the Hong Kong International Film Festival. The festival runs until April 6. See www.HKIFF.org.hk.
SOOPSIP
A S A N E E - WA S A N
Miser of the purse,not the spirit FRIENDS OF SOAP-OPERA queen Ann Thongprasom chortle over her “careful” spending and call her ngok, but she’s not offended if people who think she’s stingy also know that she’s giving and always ready to share. “A lot of people are richer than I am and they hardly ever give,” she told Daily Xpress’ big brother Kom Chad Luek. “That’s worse, isn’t it?” Absolutely: Being a penny-pincher is one thing, but being selfish is something else. Point well taken, Ann.
Singing for Singha ‘What Santana is to the West’, the rocking Chotikul brothers will tour four continents, bringing their music to Thai people around world
Our cover girl switches looks SARUNRAT “LYDIA” VISUTTHITADA is really busy these days, and no, for the umpteenth time, it’s not because she’s tagging along with Thaksin everywhere he goes. Lydia’s been working hard promoting her latest album, “Nueng Vinati” (“One Second”) on the RS label. Up next is the video version of “Kiew Kan Mai” – debuting on TV on March 26 – in which Lydia is set to surprise viewers with an abrupt change in her look. “It’s the costume and makeup, which are really different from what I’m used to. My eyelashes are immense!” We’ve seen some pix from the video session, and her makeup really is beautiful. But, yeah, “immense” is the word for the lashes. She must have had help getting them on from those guys that put up billboards.
COURTESY OF RS PUBLIC COMPANY
Lydia shows a brave new face.
By Kitchana Lersakvanitchakul
XTRA
D A I LY X P R E S S
T
hai communities all over the globe will be rocking to the sound of legendary duo Asanee and Wasan Chotikul, as the brothers embark next month on their first world tour. It’s in celebration of Boonrawd Brewery’s 75th anniversary. “Asanee-Wasan are to Thailand what Santana is to the west,” says Somthop Thithathan, chairman of SR2 Entertainment. “They’ve been on the music scene for more than two decades and have a very high musical standard.” Nitipong Hornak has penned a new song, “Khon Huajai Singha”, especially for the tour. “I believe it will be a musical phenomenon for the Kingdom’s music circle. The
FREE CONCERTS >> The duo will play 12 concerts on four continents, with gigs in Laos, Sydney, Los Angeles, San Francisco, New York and London. >> Local fans can catch them in Phitsanulok, Lamphun, Lop Buri, Ubon Ratchathani, Sakon Nakhon and Chumphon. >> Admission to all concerts is free.
tour will make music history,” says Chutchai Wiratyosin, Boonrawd Trading’s marketing director. “We’re sponsoring the concert to thank Thai people over the world for supporting our products.”
Calling Harry Potter fans! Harry Potter’s translator and SEA Write Award winner Ngarmphan Vejjajiva has finished translating “Pajon Pai Tai Umong” (“The Tunnels”), an adventure story by Roderick Gordon and Brian Williams. Published by Workpoint, Ngarmphan says it is a book every child should read or have read to them. “Tunnels” is also set to become a movie, with Zack Snyder (“300”) directing.
Painting Chidlom all in Pink Bellisimo, the importer of Thomas Pink luxury shirts from the UK, has opened a new branch at Central Thomas Childlom. It is the brand’s sec- Pink shirts on the rack. ond, following one at Gaysorn. Pink offers a peek at its spring-summer collection, which features vivid colours and motifs of famous British artists. – Daily Xpress
20
ENTERTAINMENT
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
DAILY XPRESS
sound bytes PS, I Love You Various Artists (Atlantic) There are plenty of love songs on this soundtrack album, most of them based on easy-listening acoustic guitar and piano and some, such as “My Sweet Song”, jazzed up with orchestral strings. Punk band Flogging Molly give an Irish flavour to “If I Ever Leave This World Alive” while rock leads the way on “Last Train Home”, “Everything We Had” and “In the Beginning”. Nellie McKay’s jazzy vocals add timbre to the title track.
Be still,
my beating heart
These Are The Facts Milburn (Mercury) The young indie rockers from Sheffield in the north of England have been heavily influenced by the music of the ’60s on this, their second album, with twanging guitars, retro riffs and terrific Mammas and the Papasstyle choruses dominating on several tracks. There’s not a bad number on the album but the standouts are “Lo and Behold”, “Cowboy and Indians”, “Count to 10”, “Wolves at Bay” and “What Will You Do (When the Money Goes)?”, which is reminiscent of the Shadows’ sound. “Rubicon”, on the other hand, is an emotional acoustic number with striking cello and melancholic
quote I DON’T TRY TO THINK ABOUT [BEING JUDGED] ... I JUST ...MIND MY OWN BUSINESS. IF YOU LET YOURSELF FEED INTO THAT, YOU’LL GO CRAZY. Janet Jackson
The director of teen-love movie ‘Hormones’ brings out a book of photos shot on set By Kitchana Lersakvanitchakul D A I LY X P R E S S
S
ongyos Sugmakanan hasn’t just come up with what promises to be the teen movie of the year. He’s also given his audience a different angle with a book of photographs that
XTRA RAGING HORMONES >> Pu and Mai (Charlie Trairat and Sirachat Jianthavaorn) are competing to win the heart of Nana (Angsumalin Siraphatsakmetha). >> College student Jo (Ratchu Surajaras) is in love with the most popular girl on campus, Cee (Chutima Theepanat). >> Oh Lek (Focus Jeerakul) is crazy about Taiwanese singer Lu Ting Wei. >> College student Hern
(Chanthavit Sunasewee) forgets about his girlfriend Nual (Thaniya Amaritachote) after meeting a cute Japanese tourist Aoi (Sora Aoi) during a train trip to visit Nual in the south. >> “Pid Term Yai Huajai Wawun” (“Hormones”)
opens in cinemas tomorrow.
A scene from “Pid Term Yai Huajai Wawun” capture the stars of the romantic comedy on the set. The book, which like the movie is called “Pid Term Yai Huajai Wawun” (“Hormones”), will be available from tomorrow to coincide with the release of the flick. “I’m fascinated by photographs,” says Songyos, who graduated from Chulalongkorn University’s mass communications faculty. “I always carry my camera around with me. “One day, I found I had lots of images and decided it would be good to use them to promote the film.” Songyos won an award at the
Berlin Film Festival for his debut solo effort “Dek Hor” (“Dorm”) and was one of the six directors behind the 2003 blockbuster “Fan Chan”. Published by In, the book features scenes from the movie plus an entire section of images of outtakes that are guaranteed to delight fans of the Thai and Japanese cast. “My favourite photo is from a scene where Nong Nak [Charlie Trairat] is gazing at Nong Pat [Angsumalin Sirapatsakmetha] while they’re watching a movie. It’s so expressive of puppy love,” he says.
,,
I DON’T MEAN FOR THE BOOK TO TELL THE STORY. IT’S MORE OF A COLLECTION ON THE SAME THEME – HOLIDAY LOVE AND HORMONES RUNNING WILD. THE PHOTOS SPEAK FOR THEMSELVES Songyos Sugmakanan Filmmaker
“I don’t mean for the book to tell the story of the movie. It’s more of a collection on the same theme – holiday love and hormones running wild. The photos speak for themselves; they depict the confusion caused by mood swings.”
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
EAT IN 21
DAILY XPRESS
Food stylist Suthipong shows the simple ingredients to make a perfect bagel sandwich.
A BAGEL BRAINSTORM
The finished bacon bagel with smoked salmon.
DIY bagel sandwiches require no technical skill, just a yen for some fun
By Lemonade D A I LY X P R E S S
Bacon bagel with smoked salmon
Simple ingredients in a few steps to make a perfect sandwich at home.
Ingredients:
Bacon bagel Mixed herb cream cheese (available at Au Bon Pain) Smoked salmon, finely sliced Asparagus, boiled or steamed Japanese cucumber, finely sliced Fresh baby spinach, washed and dried Large, ripe tomato, sliced Large mushroom, sliced Carrot, shaved
N
o one’s trying to distract you from the great Bt40 bagel sandwiches at Au Bon Pain or the Bt125 bagel-lunch combos, but it’s fun making your own at home too. Once you’ve stocked your fridge with some fresh bagels, it only takes a minimal effort to whip up your dream sandwich, and to prove it, we’ve got a great suggestion from food stylist Suthipong “Karb” Suriya.
Method: Halve the bagel and toast it a light brown. Spread the cream cheese on both halves. Stack up the other ingredients in neat layers, starting with the spinach and ending with the tomato. Pop on the lid and press lightly. Turn on television and apply teeth to sandwich.
Celebrating a great grain Nine top chefs offer their favourite rice dishes in various savoury categories D A I LY X P R E S S
R
ice is the staple Thai food and sometimes we seem to take it for granted. To truly appreciate it, you have to think of its versatility. As well as main meals, rice can be the No 1 ingredient for appetisers, even desserts: think sushi, rice puddings, rice salads and rice crackers. “The Great Chefs Share Their Secret Rice Recipes” book offers almost 60 recipes
from nine star chefs. Published by Chaitip, the producer of Panomrung Rice, the book took one year to complete. Recipes are presented in nine categories, each of them containing one recipe from each chef. Sofitel Silom’s Chinese master chef Jacky Chan reveals his secrets for making rice soup, while Dieter Paul
Bender, executive chef at Siam@Siam Design Hotel & Spa, presents his recipes for fusion food. Beautiful photos display the cooked creations in the kind of gorgeous presentations that nowadays are rarely seen outside of top restaurants. If you are planning a party, these make great guides
for presenting an array of dishes you will be proud to serve. Besides the recipes the book offers short interviews with each chef and tips for choosing the right type of rice for different dishes. The book is available for Bt395 at B2S and Kinokuniya. Only 3,000 copies have been printed so if you want one, get scooting. The proceeds will go to the Thai Rice Foundation. For more information, visit www.PanomrungRice.com.
22
AUTOMOBILES
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
DAILY XPRESS
Driving round
in circles
Close on the bumpers of the new Minis and Beetles, the revamped Fiat 500 is wowing critics. So what’s so special about retro cars? XTRA By Giles Smith THE GUARDIAN LONDON
T
he Fiat 500 is European Car of the Year 2008, and little wonder. It is smart, sassy and, for what is basically a small, soft blob of metal, enormously covetable. Despite being essentially half a century old, it has taken 105,000 advance orders in four months in Italy and France.
One of differences between the new 500 and the old models is that it will be fitted out with modern comforts now taken for granted: electric windows, remote locking, probably even compatibility for an MP3 player. And it will be fatter all round than the original 500, making it far harder to squeeze it into the gaps between other parked cars. Nevertheless, it is clear that, as with the revived Mini, and
the retro VW Beetle before it, the passion is back for a new car that is significantly an old car. And at the same time, after more than a decade in which people-carriers and sports utility vehicles have bulked ever larger, there seems to be a
THERE SEEMS TO BE A GROWING DEMAND FOR ANYTHING SMALL AND NIPPY.
growing demand for anything small and nippy. The Mini, of course, has been able to trade easily on its firmly embedded cultural and counter-cultural associations. So, to a lesser extent, has the revived Beetle, with its dash-mounted vase and ditzy silk flower. But the Fiat 500 has some powerful ’60s cachet, too, with roles in the Pink Panther movies and as a race car on the rally circuits of Europe.
THE FIAT 500 >> First launched in 1957
The original ceased production in 1975 >> The 2008 model was first launched in Italy and France, where it took 105,000 advance orders >> Awards: won the European motor industry’s most coveted recommendation >> Other retro cars: BMW
Mini Cooper, New VW Beetle
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
SOCIETY 23
DAILY XPRESS
Support for underp
rivileged kids Miss Thailand World 20 07 runner-up Amrapas Julkasien along with other runners-up and for mer Miss Thailand Wo rld Papassara Tejapaiboon hosted a charity lunch for the Fo undation for Slum Child Care under the pa tronage of HRH the lat e Princess Galyani Vadhana in Klong Toei. They also donated mo ney to assist the foundation in improvin g the lives of underprivil eged children.
city The Art of mchaisiri hosted “Zen: Summer in thZeen De partment Store Alan Na summer. est makeup styles for Managing director of 08” to introduce the lat 20 s nd Tre er ira Thanavisut. mm Su – Beauty n na Songkhla and Int tor jna Ro ML s est gu rity Joining him were celeb
A glamorous life
Chairman of Gaysor n Land Asset Mana gement Charn Siviko together with Olivi rn, second left, a Diamonds designe r Orawan Ingkhasit, Rojsiriphan, centre, third left, and Adisa designer and Gaysor k n’s lifestyle consult the “Pure Glam” fa ant, recently stage shion show which fe d at ured Olivia Diamon Zenithorial fashion ds jewellery and a collection presente d by 25 young celeb Srikhumrung Yukol, rities including MR Sikanya Saktidej Bh anuband and Tiraw an Pangsrivongse.
r pooches ekul, Nakwan Rayananonda, Poowadee Kunpalin Playthings foula , Sunansa Jiramane The Dog, The the launch of ML Abhawadee Devak r’s Rama IV branch for fou rre Ca at re we n an ed in Thailand. and Natasha Kaufm posh toys for pets launch of e lin t firs the n, tio Cat Artist Collec
A celebration of friendship Class 24 of Chulalongkorn University’s Communication Arts Faculty were led by Kijmanoch “Kru Lilly” Rojanasup, Dr Asawin Netrpohkaew, Dr Rungthip Chotinapalai and Werakiat Aueprasertvanich in the “20 Years, And Still Friends” celebration at the Rafa Rooms on 75th floor of the Baiyoke Sky hotel.
er e Defence Happily ever, seacoft anent secretary at th nd right, former perm rat De-
ipa Gen Oud Buangbon dding reception of W t of honour at the we es ntara Grand gu e Ce th el s fit wa , So try at nis tly Mi nt held recen ha ap an rat orn Ph te Ong and Col Kana Bangkok.
24 EVENTS
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
DAILY XPRESS
WHAT’S ON/WHAT’S UP Otterly adorable Siam Ocean World
Come take a look at the aquarium’s new family of playful oriental small-clawed otters. Mum has given birth to three adorable cubs – two females and a male. Feel the warmth in the Rocky Shore Zone at Siam Ocean World at Siam Paragon. Call (02) 687 2000.
4 Elements Exhibition Hall ver City anom Malanon, Fourth Floor, Ri Thin Srithong, Ph
tion by tawepron strips A painting exhibi d Tetat Tanachok an i sir ha nt Ju rn Winyago s. its primary colour the world down to City.co.th. er iv .R w ww 30. Visit Today to March
see it! Light of Life D Gallery, Royal Phuket Marina Silpakorn University graduate Therdkiat Wangwatcharakul displays ordinary acrylic-and-oil canvases alongside oil paintings on aluminium sheets, all evoking familiar yet peaceful scenes in bustling Bangkok. Until March 29. Call (076) 360 867.
French film classic Alliance Francaise
The 1955 French film drama “Gervaise”, directed by Rene Clement, will be screened today at 7.30pm. Based on the novel by Emile Zola, the story follows Gervaise Macquart, a young, lame laundress who is left by her lover Auguste Lantier to bring up their two young sons. She manages to survive and a few years later marries Coupeau, a zinc worker. After years of hard work she succeeds in buying her dream laundry. But Coupeau turns to drink and Lantier returns. With English subtitles.
Thumping beats Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit Hotel
DJ David Dee spins his magic at the turntables in BarSu till Friday, treating clubbers to hot, uptempo rhythms nightly, from 10 until 2. Call (02) 649 8358.
Pop goes the bullet
Tamarind Cafe/Gallery F-S top Sukhumvit Soi 20
French pop-art artist Alan Ber g’s screen prints of timeless icon s of American and European pop culture are on display unt
Call (02) 663 7421.
il March 31.
Call (02) 670 4241.
Orchestral and choral music Church of Christ in Thailand Auditorium The Siam Philharmonic with the Orpheus Choir present works by Mozart, Haydn and Beethoven. Tickets are Bt800, Bt500, and Bt200 for students. Tomorrow, 8pm
Classical harmonies Music Auditorium Mahidol University, Salaya
The Thailand Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Claude Villaret presents concertos by Mozart, Beethoven and Chopin. Tickets are Bt500 and Bt300 (Bt100 for students). Thursday at 7pm and Friday at 4pm.
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
EVENTS 25
DAILY XPRESS
WHAT’S ON/WHAT’S UP over Roll over, R of r Stray Dogs Project fo The Finding Homes ary s Faculty of Veterin ty’ rsi ive Un rt tsa Kase ng ini tra o-day dogScience presents tw 26 and 30, and April 29 rch Ma courses, on e Th ss. cla r pe s ce pla and 27. There are 30 ral 800 for the gene registration fee is Bt r those who have fo 0 public and Bt60 ll from this project. Ca adopted a stray dog ext 8107 or visit (02) 579 8574-5 ac.th. www.VetTech.KU.
do it! Persians in Siam The Siam Society Soi Asoke
Check the Megatone sound
A lecture by Julispong Chularatana, who specialises in the history of relations between Thailand and western Asian countries in the Ayutthayan and early Rattanakosin periods. Special attention will be paid to the cultural and commercial exchange with Persia (Iran). Admission is Bt200 for non-members.
Novotel Bangkok on Siam Square
Enjoy a non-stop mix of live funk, rock, R&B, soul and easy listening music from Megatone at Concept CM2. Every Wednesday, 10.15pm. Call (02) 209 8888.
Tomorrow, 7.30pm. Call (02) 661 6470-7.
Aussie tipples top fusion flavours The Sukhothai Ho tel
Dim sum unlimited Rama Gardens Hotel
d buffet plus a variety of frie Zhang offers a dim-sum er oth of nu me A . 90 for Bt3 rice, noodles, and soups, ilable. Until May 31, ava o als is hes dis se Chine 0022. ll (02) 561 11.30am to 2.30pm. Ca
77 7 Ways in 7 Days for Bt7 Holiday Inn
an all-you-cann-drink bar to accompany Cafe G offers an all-you-ca imited arak for an ht. On Monday, enjoy unl eat theme buffet each nig a Caribbean sday offers rum punch and Arabian night while Tue an flavour and xic Me a dnesday night with evening. Salsa away We an barbecued ribs eric Am oy enj hursday night, unlimited Corona beer; T es; Saturday, Italian specialities and win with vodka; Friday night, an dishes and rm s; and Sunday night, Ge Australian grub and tipple . beers. Call (02) 656 0360
South Australian wi nes from the d’Arenberg winery accompany yumm y specialities in the stunn ing Garden Villa. Chef Pe ter Reschke blends the flavours of the world from his experiences in kit chens across the globe inc luding Hong Kong, London and Croatia. Today to March 21 . Call (02) 344 88 88.
A portrait of pre-colonial Laos Auditorium, National Museum
Dutch historian Jeroen Rikkerink will trace the ways that the Dutch established themselves in 17th-century Southeast Asia. Rikkerink will explore this pioneering journey from the standpoint of King Surinyavongsa, the ruler of Lan Xang – pre-colonial Laos. Tickets are Bt150 or Bt100 for museum members. Tomorrow, 10am. E-mail pollneranette@yahoo.co.uk for details.
Wear pink and save Dusit Princess Srinakarin Hotel
Wear a pink shirt on Tuesday at Miyuki for lunch or dinner, and receive a 20-per-cent discount on food and drinks. Until April 30. Call (02) 721 8400.
A feast of Easter fun Holiday Inn
Cafe G offers an Easter brunch where children can enjoy their own buffet, egg painting, balloon art, face painting, pizza making, a rabbit house, magic show and more. The price is Bt990. Saturday. Call (02) 656 0360.
Dig in at the Deli! Intercontinental Hotel
The Deli offers a range of goodies and sweets like chocolate eggs, cookies, boiled coloured eggs, marzipan rabbits and hot-cross buns. Espresso: Sunday brunch at Bt1,590, Saturday. Balcony Lounge: high tea and goodies buffet for Bt450 until Sunday. Call (02) 656 0360.
26 THE SCREEN
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
DAILY XPRESS
TO SEE on tv No Countr y
The Good, the Bad and the Ugly In Sergio Leone’s epic western, an enigmatic loner (Clint Eastwood), a ruthless bounty hunter (Lee Van Cleef) and a fast-talking con artist (Eli Wallach) try to find hidden gold. MGM, (TrueVisions), 8pm
Riddles of the Bible: Dead Sea Scrolls Accidentally found by a Bedouin shepherd in 1947, the scrolls hide a secret.
for
Old Men A weary sher iff (Tommy Lee the case of a deadly drug Jones) pieces together d (Josh Brolin ) has fled w eal while another man ith a satchel psychopath of ic hitman (J avier Bardem money and a Siam, Emp ) in pursuit. orium, Para At gon. ★★★ ★★
don’t miss this!
National Geographic (TrueVisions), 5pm
Dead Calm A troubled couple (Sam Neill and Nicole Kidman) on a yacht rescue an even more troubled stranger, turning their holiday into a nightmare. Cinemax (True Visions), 8pm
Ta Khun Nae Ya Pae Por Si Celebrities and children join in this charity game show to raise funds for the Royal Projects under the patronage of HRH the late Princess Galyani Vadhana. Channel 3, 7.15pm
Channel links www.nationchannel.com Channel 3 – www.thaitv3.com Channel 5 – www.tv5.co.th Channel 7 – www.ch7.com ModernNine – www.mcot.net Channel 11 – tv11.prd.go.th Thai PBS – www.thaipbs.or.th True – www.truevisionstv.com
10,000 BC We know there’s no historical basis for most of the stuff depicted in Roland Emmerich’s “10,000 BC”. But heck, this is fantasy territory. The people who inhabit this prehistoric land have such perfect teeth, cool hairdos and way too much clothing; sabretooth tigers don’t instinctively eat or disembowel the first warm body trapped in a pit with them. But enough nitpicking. It’s just entertainment, after all. The impressive set design and occasional big action sequence help to pull this one out of the tar pit of obscurity and unintentional hilarity. When you think about it, it’s actually the laughs that lift 10,000 BC above being just plain average. ★★★ – The Star/Asia News Network
The Mist Director Frank Darabont adapts Stephen King’s 1980 short story about a deadly mist that engulfs a small town. As mysterious creatures come out of the fog, residents trapped in a shop find themselves at odds. ★★★★
Salad Ta Diaw Kab Dek 200 Ta Nine children are lost in a storm, and then proceed to upstage the pirate captain (Saranyu Wongkrajang) who rescues them, as they proceed to battle a rival crew for hidden treasure.
cult childhood growing up in Iran during the Islamic revolution. In French with English and Thai subtitles at House. ★★★★★
The Kite Runner
With English subtitles at some cinemas. ★★
Amir must return to Talebanruled Afghanistan in a dangerous bid to rescue the son of his childhood friend. At the Lido in
Persepolis
Dari and English with English and Thai subtitles. ★★★★
In this controversial black-andwhite animated feature, based on her illustrated novel, artist Marjane Satrapi recalls her diffi-
Dan in Real Life
Jumper features Hayden Christensen as a young man with the ability to instantly teleport himself anywere in the world.
A melodramatic, awkward love-
triangle plays out during a family reunion among a widower (Steve Carell), his slacker brother (Dane Cook) and a woman (Juliette Binoche) who charms them both. At Paragon. ★★
Once Winner of the Academy Award for best song, this Irish film is a simple story of two artists falling in love. Glen Hansard, lead singer of the Frames, stars a heartbroken Dublin busker who one day meets a charming Czech woman pianist (Marketa Irglova). At the Lido. ★★★★★
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
THE SCREEN 27
DAILY XPRESS
TO SEE
rwick The Spidlees Chronic leads Highmore)
y (Freddie an A lonely bo er and older sister on eld th ro l b a a magic fi his twin er he finds . ft a rs e re st n tu o n adve and m ies, sprites ir fa to e id gu ★★★
P2 Angela (Rachel Nichols) is staying late at work and is the last one out to leave the building, except for creepy carpark attendant Thomas (Wes Bentley) on Level P2. At SF. ★★★
The 8th Day (Paed Wan Plaek Khon) A mentally unstable old woman (Watsana Chalakorn) brings a little girl into her house and then forgets about her, setting off a panic in the neighbourhood. The only person who saw the girl en-
Step Up 2: The Streets A rebellious street dancer (Briana Evigan) struggles to fit in at an elite arts school, where she meets Chase (Robert Hoffman), the hottest dancer on campus. ★★
ter Choom’s home is a medical student, who only sits and watches. With English subtitles at some cinemas. ★★★★
place he wants to go. Directed by Doug Liman, it’s all fun and sexy until you start wondering: Who is this guy, and how can he do this?
Rambo 4
He didn’t a sk for it, he didn’t wan but Rambo t it, (S again beco ylvester Stallone) once mes an upst op mon of dea th as he en pable deters Burma save some to kidnapped missionarie ★★★ s.
★★★
The Ghost and Master Bo (Phee Taa Waan Kab Ajarn Taa Bo) Waan (Pansachol Khumpraewpan) is in love with Wit (Weerayuth Naburana). Problem is, Wit doesn’t know his ladyfriend is a ghost. Medium Ajarn Bo (Jaturong Mokjok) tries to intervene. With English subtitles at some cinemas.
Soul’s Code A detective (ML Nattakorn “Pleum” Devakula) investigates the murder of a woman found dead and naked with some ancient writing engraved on her body. An autopsy reveals her identity leading the detective to believe that the dead woman’s soul is communicating with him. With English subtitles at some cinemas.
There Will Be Blood An obsessive turn-of-the-century oilman (Daniel Day-Lewis) will stop at nothing to best his competitors, even at the cost of his own sanity. His ego gushes out of control until he’s left a sputtering madman, hollering “I drink your milkshake!” At the Lido. ★★★★★
Jumper This globe-trotting thriller is about a young man named David Rice (Hayden Christensen) who has the amazingly cool ability to jump anywhere in the world at any time, just by thinking of the
Kung Fu Dunk A Shaolin-trained martial artist (Jay Chou) uses his skills on the basketball court. Thai dubbed with English subtitles at some cinemas.
Dead in Three Days In this Austrian teen slasher-horror, a group of friends each receive the SMS message on their cellphones: “In 3 days you're dead!” German with English and Thai subtitles at House.
L: Change the World Eccentric secret agent L (Ken’ichi Matsuyama) must stop a mad scientist from spreading a lethal virus. In Japanese with English and Thai subtitles at Paragon; Thai-dubbed elsewhere. ★★★★
Kris-Ka-Ja (Valentine) A lesbian and a transvestite man trade bodies. With English subti-
Cinema information Unless otherwise noted, films are playing at most multiplex cinema chains. For showtimes, call the cinemas or check their websites. Seat prices in Bangkok cinemas range from Bt80 to Bt500.
This bittersweet nostalgic melodrama set in 1958 Tokyo might make you cry, despite your best efforts to keep it from happening. Directed by Takashi Yamazaki, the film focuses on characters in a working-class neighbourhood within sight of the under-construction Tokyo Tower. In Japanese with English and Thai subtitles at House on RCA. ★★★★
REGION 1
The King’s anthem is played before the main programme and it is obligatory to stand as a sign of respect.
Apex Lido: (02) 252 6498 Siam: (02) 251 3508 Scala: (02) 251 2861 www.apexsiam-square.com
Century – The Movie Plaza (02) 247 9940 www.centurythemovieplaza.com
EGV, Major Cineplex, Esplanade, Paragon Bangkok: (02) 515 5555 www.egv.com www.majorcineplex.com
House UMG RCA: (02) 641 5913-4 www.houserama.com
tles at some cinemas.
Always: Sunset on Third Street
on dvd
Major Hollywood Bangkok: (02) 718 7999 www.majorhollywood.co.th
SF Cinema Bangkok: (02) 268 8888 www.sfcinemacity.com
Critical consensus ★★★★★ = Don’t miss! ★★★★ = Solidly entertaining ★★★ = Better than nothing ★★ = Barely watchable ★ = Don’t bother No star rating means no reviews were available from Daily Xpress staff or agencies.
13: Game of Death Originally “13 Beloved” (“13 Game Sayong”), this 2006 psychological thriller by director Chukiat Sakweerakul is rife with satire and social commentary. Krissada “Noi” Sukosol portrays a failed salesman who is drawn into playing a dangerous underground Internet reality game in a desperate bid to win Bt100 million. With English subtitles and a making-of featurette (also subtitled), this release on the Dimension Extreme label in the US is the one to have if you can’t speak Thai, even if you have to seek counselling to deal with the gory packaging. – Daily Xpress
Adam By Bryan Basset
The Buckets By Scott Stantis
Pooch Cafe By Paul Gilligan
Red and Rover
By Brian Basset
By Bill Watterson
Calvin and Hobbes
By John McPherson
Close to Home
28 LEISURE Wednesday, March 19, 2008 DAILY XPRESS
Comics&Games
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
LEISURE
DAILY XPRESS
29
Games&YourStars SUDOKU
The last word in
ASTROLOGY
By Eugenia Last
Today’s Birthday: Luck is with you this year. A serious but innovative approach will bring encouragement from people who want to see you excel. An opportunity will come through someone you once knew. Don’t stop short of your goals. It’s your determination that will count. Aries (March 21-April 19)
Yesterday’s Puzzle Answer
You won’t get a whole lot of help, so don’t take on too much. Pay close attention to the small but important detail. You don’t want to miss something that can add value to what you do. Take care of any minor health issues.
Complete the grid so that every row, column and 3x3 box contains every digit from 1 to 9 inclusively.
Taurus (April 20-May 20)
Form friendships with people who are interested in the same things you are but don’t be too willing to share your personal feelings just yet. A contract or settlement will turn in your favour. Use your charm. Gemini (May 21-June 21)
Don’t take chances. Keep tabs on what everyone wants from you. It’s likely you will be taken for granted if you don’t learn to say no. Focus on the things you like to do and future goals. Cancer (June 22-July 22)
DIFFICULTY RATING ★★★★★
Participate in what you feel is important and everyone who cares about you will join in. Love is in a high cycle so don’t forget to put time aside to meet new people or to spend time with your current squeeze. Advancement and greater security are within your reach. Leo (July 23-August 22)
You may feel a little out of place today or just not in sync. Don’t let this frustrate you. There is a lesson to be learned that will lead you in a new direction and get you back on track. Don’t donate money or lend anyone your possessions or your cash.
CELEBRITIES BORN ON THIS DAY
Virgo (August 23-Sept 22)
Don’t rely on someone else’s information. Go to the source. The choice you make could easily influence your professional future. Love is in the stars so be ready to make a romantic move. Libra (Sept 23-Oct 22)
Use your talent, savvy, sophistication and clout to get you what you want. Even if someone tries to push you into a heated discussion, remain calm. Take care of a domestic problem before it festers. Scorpio (Oct 23-Nov 21)
This isn’t the time to trust anyone with your ideas, plans or financial dealings. Someone may want to steal your thunder. Take a look at an investment that allows you to make an alteration to your living arrangements. Sagittarius (Nov 22-Dec 21)
You may be in an entertaining mood but beware: Someone may take advantage of your generosity. Travel will not turn out as planned. Although your charm may help you out, it’s the delays and repercussions that will bog you down. Capricorn (Dec 22-Jan 19)
Glenn Close Actor Patrick McGoohan is 80. Actress Renee Taylor (“The Nanny”) is 75. Actress Phyllis Newman is 75. Actress Ursula Andress is 72. Singer Clarence “Frogman” Henry is 71. Singer Ruth Pointer of the Pointer Sisters is 62. Actress Glenn Close is 61. Actor Bruce Willis is 53. Guitarist-keyboardist Gert Bettens of K’s Choice is 38. Drummer Zach Lind of Jimmy Eat World is 32. Actor Craig Lamar Traylor (“Malcolm in the Middle”) is 19.
Don’t trust anyone with your cash or belongings. A money deal may not turn out to be as good as you are led to believe. Be sure to give everything your thorough inspection before you sign on the dotted line. Aquarius (Jan 20-Feb 18)
Do a little personal house cleaning. Rid yourself of the problems that have been dragging you down. Be honest with yourself and the people around you. Once you clear the air you will be able to accomplish the dreams. Pisces (Feb 19-March 20)
Don’t take everything you are told to heart. Someone may want to keep you out of the loop by withholding information. Let your Pisces charm take over and handle the people of whom you are most suspicious.
30 LANGUAGE LAB
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
TOEICTest
DAILY XPRESS
Rev up your word power By Ajarn Parnsap Yomanaga parnsap@nationgroup.com
Directions: Choose one answer choice that best completes the sentence. Surin Pitsuwan, secretary general designate of Asean, was caught by surprise yesterday when he found ............... surrounded and petitioned by Burmese exile groups after delivering a speech on human security at Chulalongkorn University’s international seminar – without mentioning Burma. a. his b. him c. himself d. by himself
Last Wednesday’s answers: 1. B (ᡌ໚¹ look)
Explanations: µŒÍ§ãªŒ look ã¹ÃÙ»¤Ó¹ÒÁàÍ¡¾¨¹
(Singular Noun) à¾ÃÒТŒÒ§Ë¹ŒÒ¤Ó¤Ø³ÈѾ· (Adjective) in-depth ÁÕ article “an”
2. B (ᡌ໚¹ consorts)
˹Öè§ã¹ ... µŒÍ§µÒÁ´ŒÇÂ¤Ó ¹ÒÁ¾ËÙ¾¨¹ (Plural Noun) ã¹·Õè¹Õé¾Ù´¶Ö§ªÒÂÒ¾ÃÐͧ¤ ˹Öè§ã¹ºÃôҪÒÂÒ·ÕèÁÕËÅÒ¾ÃÐͧ¤ 3. C (ᡌ໚¹ information) Explanations: ¤ÓÇ‹Ò information ໚¹¤Ó¹ÒÁ¹ÑºäÁ‹ä´Œ (Uncountable Noun) ¨Ö§äÁ‹ÁÕÃÙ»¾ËÙ¾¨¹ (Plural Form) ʋǹ¤ÓÇ‹Ò police 㪌໚¹¤Ó¹ÒÁ¾ËÙ¾¨¹ àÊÁÍ áµ‹ËÒ¡ µŒÍ§¡Òþٴ¶Ö§µÓÃǨ໚¹ÃÒºؤ¤ÅãËŒãªŒÇ‹Ò a police officer ËÃ×Í a policeman (a policewoman) 4. C (ᡌ໚¹ depend) Explanations: à¹×èͧ¨Ò¡ depend ໚¹¤Ó¡ÃÔÂÒá·Œ ·ÕèÁÕ »Ãиҹ¤×ͤӹÒÁ¾ËÙ¾¨¹ many asthmatics ᵋ¶Ù¡ÅÐäÇŒ ËÅѧ¤ÓÇ‹Ò so Explanations: one of … =
7 days MMS FREE TRIAL Press *424080111 for TOEFL Press *424080211 for TOEIC for AIS network only Only Bt 49 /course/month
By
Do you have a few minutes to find out the meanings of these words?
A. Choose the correct meaning of these words 1. compartmentalise a. to divide something into sections b. to build an accommodation c. to divine mental ability d. to arrange something in a case 2. disenfranchised a. to stop franchising a business b. to be expanded through many small businesses c. Having had the right to vote taken away d. being forced to migrate 3. globetrotting a. migrating to a faraway land b. travelling frequently to many different countries c. to go on a pilgrimage d. to cause the world to rot 4. implement a. to say something is the case b. to announce policy of an organisation c. to take action d. to put a plan or measures into operation 5. nomination a. being refused a position b. the state of not having any money c. being chosen for a job or position d. being in thought but not in reality
B. Use the 5 words on the left to complete the following sentences. 1. Many new cabinet members were accused of spending the money of the taxpayers on .......... and enjoying the high life. 2. The master marketing plan was carefully .......... into the activities in the towns of the province and the rural areas of the province. 3. The government will .......... a plan which directly supports SMEs and stabilises the baht’s value. 4. Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama are competing fiercely to win the Democratic Party’s .......... for the presidential race. 5. Many ethnic minorities along the Thai-Burmese border are .......... because the local authorities refuse to acknowledge their existence.
Last Wednesday’s answers: A. 1. b, 2. c, 3. d, 4. a, 5. a B. 1. epitome, 2. mellifluous, 3. fluctuated, 4. juxtaposition, 5. governess
By Red and Rover
What’s so funny?
Calvin and Hobbes Pictures by famous painters can be very expensive. So people try to find pictures from before the painter was famous, the so-called “early years”. “Early years” also refers to a child’s kindergarten years. If you look at the picture in this comic strip, you see clouds that look like a bunny rabbit and a duck – something a child might draw in his early years at kindergarten. This is very early indeed to try and make money out of an artist’s painting. — Horst Baelz
AIG Consumer Finance Group (Thailand), “AIG CFG” (Thailand) is a member of The American International Group, (“AIG”) the world’s leading international insurance and financial services organization, with operations in approximately 130 countries around the world. AIG CFG (Thailand) provides consumer financial services through its affiliates: AIG Retail Bank Public Company Limited and AIG Card (Thailand) Company Limited. To meet AIG Retail Bank’s and AIG Card’s dynamic business growth in Thailand, we are now seeking high caliber, highly motivated professionals to join our team. Please join AIG Consumer Finance Group for the following positions:
1. Country Risk Management Officer
6. Credit Analyst
12. Process Improvement Assistant Manager
Responsible to evaluate. coordinate the monitoring of and providing advice and recommendations to Risk Management Committee (RMC) of the Board in the eight (8) categories of risks, i.e., Credit Risk, Market Risk, Liquidity Risk, Interest Rate Risk, Operational Risk, Strategic Risk, Compliance Risk, and Reputational Risk, He/she is expected to contribute his/her experiences in the banking industry from both the local and international perspectives and work closely with the functional line groups and business risks officers in the performance of their functions. Qualifications ● Preferably with Master's Degree in Finance, Economics or related fields ● 10-15 years experience in risk management, operations, internal audit, internal control, or compliance in a bank of financial institution; Good knowledge of economics, finance and risk management, especially credit and treasury ● Technical skills in bank operations and other business functions ● Audit and internal control skills ● Knowledge of bank products and business processes ● Planning and organizing skills, Analytical skills ● Presentation skills and Interpersonal relations skills
Responsible to approve/decline credit application (auto loan & credit card products) within discretionary powers delegated. Qualifications ● Bachelor’s Degree (in any fields) ● Minimum 2 years experience in credit application analysis ● Have good analytical and communication skills ● Team player and be a driver, work under immense pressure to meet aggressive business targets
Responsible to lead and manage process improvement team to improve productivity in TH CFG Operation group, maximize operational efficiency, and increase opportunity for business growth and critical customer requirements. Qualifications ● Master of Science, MBA ● Strong business sense, excellent project management, analytical and problem solving skills ● At least 5 years working experience in Quality and Process improvement ● Having strong leadership skill, strategic thinking, planning and presentation skills
2. Vice President - Basel II Responsible to do the gap analysis, close the gap, workflow schedule construction, follow-up the impending task with other departments, task implementation, and coordinating with other departments for the Basel II project. Qualifications ● Master's degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, or related fields ● 5 years or more experience in Finance or Risk Management Area for Financial Institutions ● Working knowledge of the Bank of Thailand reporting requirements ● Good quantitative skills areas such as statistics and finance ● Adequate knowledge of information technology ● Asset and Liability Management Concept ● Strong fluency in both spoken and written business English is required ● Strong project management communication and organizational skills are required
3. Vice President - Bancassurance Responsible to set up and oversee Bancassurance business for AIG Bank and its sister companies and work closely with all product managers to explore any opportunity to maximize the insurance fee-based income to the business. Qualifications ● Bachelor's degree or higher ● Minimum 8 years of experience in marketing, sales or product development preferable in financial institution ● Basic insurance product knowledge ● Banking product and Bancassurance background is an advantage ● Be able to work independently ● Ability to work under pressure and with a team environment ● Computer skills in Excel, Word, PowerPoint, MIS ● Good personality, proactive, committed and dedicated person ● Good interpersonal and communication skills
4. Assistant Vice President Credit Risk Portfolio Management Responsible to handle portfolio management of secured product by performing portfolio analysis, monitoring credit performance and portfolio trends, as well as analyzing the characteristics of portfolio and recommending policies changes that can mitigate risk and maximize rewards. Qualifications ● Bachelor’s Degree or Master’s Degree in Economics, Business Administration, MIS, Statistics or related fields ● Minimum 3-5 years of experience in MIS/portfolio management preferably in Consumer Banking business ● Experience of credit scorecard monitoring would be an advantage ● Strong analytical skills and work independently ● Good computer and database literacy, knowledge of a query i.e. SAS or SPSS would be advantage
5. Assistant Vice President Credit Risk Policy Management Responsible to develop, monitor and improve credit risk policy and monitor credit operational processes, analyze the characteristics of portfolio and recommending policies changes that can mitigate risk and maximize rewards. Qualifications ● Bachelor’s Degree or Master’s Degree in Economics, Business Administration, MIS, Statistics or related fields ● Minimum 3-5 years of experience in MIS/portfolio management preferably in Consumer Banking business ● Experience of credit scorecard monitoring would be an advantage ● Strong analytical skills and good relationship of working
7. IT Help Desk and Security Administrative Manager (Production Services Manager) Responsible to manage the Production Services Team to provide helpdesk and production control to support the business processing needs of the company. Assist in the development and implementation of security awareness programs for all units within the company. Qualifications ● Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science or IT ● Minimum 5 years experience in system operation, including system infrastructure and network support of LAN/Telecom, PC/Server and application system knowledge and card application knowledge, dealing with service providers ● Good supervisory skill ● Customer-oriented, good problem solving, communication and interpersonal skills
8. AS400 Systems Analyst Responsible to require, analyze, design, programming, and implement to service request and project, and provide to support to UAT, solve the problem related to application system and solutions deployment and complete the technical document such as program flow/function, data dictionary & relationship, communicate with software development center in India for outsource support. Qualifications ● Bachelor’s Degree or higher degree in Computer Science/IT ● Minimum 4 years relevant working experience in system analysis (knowledge of ICBS system is preferred but not a must) ● Knowledge of Project Management, Visual Basic, ASP & JAVA programming, MS SQL (SQL script, data transformation) is an advantage ● Business Skills: Personal Loan/Hire Purchase/Finance/Credit Card
9. AS400 Programmer Responsible to develop, modify the AS400 application program according to the users' requirement and providing support to UAT, solving the problem related to application system and solutions deployment and completing the technical document such as program flow/function, data dictionary & relationship. Qualifications ● Bachelor’s Degree or higher degree in Computer Science/IT ● Minimum 2 years relevant working experience in AS400 platform system development (knowledge of ICBS system is preferred but not a must) ● Knowledge of Visual Basic, ASP & JAVA programming, MS SQL (SQL script, data transformation) is an advantage ● Business Skills: Personal Loan/Hire Purchase/Finance
10. CRM Professional Responsible to provide MIS reports, business and credit analytic for the company and make recommendations to the management for business decisions and analyze prospective customers, existing portfolios, pre & post-marketing campaigns, credit policies and make recommendations for improvements. Qualifications ● Bachelor’s Degree or Master’s Degree in Business Administration, Engineering, MIS, Statistics or related field ● Minimum 2-3 years experience in MIS, CRM or related field. ● Knowledge or experience in banking industry or financial services management is an advantage ● Possess analytical skills and strategic thinking ● Business Intelligence and SAS Skill is preferable ● Proactive, self-motivated and high responsibility
11. Just Cash Marketing Acquisition Officer Responsible to assist and report to AVP and AIG Just Cash Marketing Acquisition Manager and implement the acquisition campaigns to acquire new customers and boost up customer's spending to generate revenue to the company. Qualifications ● Bachelor’s Degree or Master’s Degree in Business administration, MIS or related field ● Minimum 1-3 years experience in marketing field ● Knowledge or experience in banking industry or financial services management is an advantage
13. Customer Service Manager / Call Center Manager Responsible to handle customer enquiries related to hire purchase products, banking product and complaint call efficiently, effectively and professionally. Supervise and develop teamwork to achieve a high quality service, productivity and department goal. Qualifications ● Minimum 5 years experience in Call Center ● Minimum 3-5 years of managerial experience ● Well versed in banking and auto finance products ● Good communication and interpersonal skills ● Good leadership and people management skills ● Excellent verbal and written complaint handling skills
14. Customer Service Representative Staff / Call Center Staff Responsible to be handle customer enquiries, card application and complaint calls efficiently, effectively, professionally to achieve a high quality service, and productivity. Achieve individual target and department goal of cross sell Installment loan. Qualifications ● Bachelor’s degree in any field ● Customer-oriented, good communication, call handling and interpersonal skills ● Patient, helpful and mature character ● Good problem solving skill
15. Sales Analyst Responsible to assist Sales support manager in providing financial analysis, and profitability analysis to support management on making decision related to marketing strategy, product pricing, and business deals. Qualifications ● Bachelor’s Degree in Business/Finance/Engineering or MBA ● Minimum 3 years experience preferably with financial institution ● Some experience in financial analysis, budgeting, and business forecasting ● Strong analytical skill
16. Financial Accounting & Control - Assistant Manager Responsible to prepare financial statements according to Thai GAAP and US. GAAP and manage reports by monthly and yearly tax and VAT filling according to regulations of the Revenue Department. Qualifications ● Bachelor’s Degree/Master’s Degree in Accounting ● Qualified as a Certified Public Accountant of Thailand (CPA) is preferable ● 5-7 years experience in accounting function preferably in finance or banking institutions
17. Collection Staff Responsible to assess all delinquent card accounts and introduce effective recovery actions aimed at minimizing loan losses. Qualifications ● Bachelor’s Degree (in any fields) ● Minimum 2 years experience in consumer credit lending business ● Good negotiation and communication skills ● Should have good understanding of product ● Team player and be a driver, work under pressure to meet business targets
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(Hire Purchase Business Development Officer) 𔇠πÕº≈‘µ¿—≥±å∑“ß°“√‡ß‘π¢Õß∫√‘…—∑œ „Àâ·°à≈Ÿ°§â“°≈ÿࡇªÑ“À¡“¬ µ‘¥µàÕ≈Ÿ°§â“ ·≈–√«∫√«¡‡Õ° “√‡°’ˬ«°—∫ ‘π‡™◊ËÕ‡™à“´◊ÕÈ √∂¬πµå ·≈– ªØ‘∫—µß‘ “π‰¥âµ“¡¢—ÈπµÕπ ∑’ˇ®â“Àπâ“∑’Ë π‘ ‡™◊ËÕ°”Àπ¥ §ÿ≥ ¡∫—µº‘ Ÿâ ¡—§√ ë «ÿ≤°‘ “√»÷°…“ª√‘≠≠“µ√’ ë À“°¡’ª√– ∫°“√≥å¥â“π π‘ ‡™◊ÕË ‡™à“´◊ÈÕ√∂¬πµå ®–‰¥â√—∫æ‘®“√≥“‡ªìπ摇»… ë ¡’ „®√—°„πß“π¢“¬·≈–ß“π∫√‘°“√ ¡’§«“¡µ—Èß„® ‡√’¬π√Ÿ‡â √Á« ¡’∑°— …–„π°“√𔇠πÕº≈‘µ¿—≥±å ‰¥â¥’ ë ¡’√∂¬πµå‡ªìπ¢Õßµ—«‡Õß ·≈–¡’ „∫Õπÿ≠“µ¢—∫¢’√Ë ∂¬πµå
Interested persons are invited to send their resume and recent photo to: Human Resources Department
AIG Consumer Finance Group 990 Abdulrahim Place, 7th floor, Rama IV Road, Silom, Bangrak, Bangkok, 10500 E-mail: hr.aigb@aig.com
Accor Asia is the leading international hotel management company with over 130 properties in 13 countries around the region under its Sofitel, Pullman, Grand Mercure, Novotel, Mercure, All Seasons and Ibis brands. Accor Asia is part of Paris based, Accor SA, the European leader in hotels, tourism and corporate services with over 4,000 hotels worldwide. We are currently looking for a well-qualified individual to join our team in the position of:
OLYMPUS is one of the leading international manufacturers based on Digital-opto technology. OLYMPUS (THAILAND) CO., LTD. is a subsidiary of OLYMPUS group, involved in the local sales and service of OLYMPUS medical & industrial products. We are currently seeking qualified persons to join our business in the following positions:
Medical Sales Executive 2 Positions (1 for BKK, 1 for South)
M&E MANAGER - ASIA
• Age not over 30 years, Bachelor's degree
+ 5-10 years in the field of mechanical engineering, design of HVAC, plumbing in hotel or in high-rise buildings + Experience in dealing with owners, operators, international and local consultants
• Good command of spoken English • At least 3 years sales experience in any field • Aggressive & good interpersonal skill,
Qualifications:
• Own vehicle with valid driving license • Thai nationality only
Experience:
+ Knowledge of safety & environmental engineering codes shall be an advantage + Good public relations and leadership skills + Ready to move to Bangkok + Good English, spoken & written The “M&E Manager - Asia” will: + Be integrated in our Bangkok technical team + Be able to travel to Asia hotels + Provide the technical design brief for a new project in accordance to our brand standards + Ensure compliances with our standardized products + Liaise with operators, in-house technical team, project teams and owners + Be in charge of all risk management & environmental issues + Take care of minor & medium renovation projects Interested candidates are invited to send their fully detailed CV with photo, stating your current and expected salary to: Accor Asia - Technical Services Department 36/F, The Offices at CentralWorld, 999/9 Rama I Road, Pathumwan, Bangkok 10330, Thailand Email: Human-Resources.Asia@accor.com Applications will be treated in the strictest confidence. There are other job opportunities within Accor in Asia, visit www.accorjobs.com
or higher in any field
customer relationship & team work spirit
Product Specialist 1 Position • Male, age not over 35 years, Bachelor's degree or higher in any field
• At least 3 years experience in medical related field or product sales in any field • Fluency in spoken and written English • Computer literacy (MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint) • Good interpersonal and communication skills, active with pleasant personality • Own vehicle with valid driving license • Thai nationality only
Service Engineer 4 Positions • Male, age not over 25 years, Bachelor's degree in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering • Good command of spoken and written English • Computer literacy (MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint) • Aggressive & good interpersonal skill, customer relationship & team work spirit • Thai nationality only
Technical Sales Executive, Industrial Sales 1 Position • Male, age not over 30 years • Bachelor's degree or higher in any field • Technical sales or product sales experience is an advantage
• Fluency in spoken and written English • Computer literacy (MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• IT knowledge • Own vehicle with valid driving license • Good interpersonal and communication skills, active with pleasant personality
• Enjoy working with engineers and technicians • Thai nationality only
Interested candidates, please apply in person or send application letter and complete resume in English, transcripts, current and expected salary, together with a recent photo to:
OLYMPUS (THAILAND) CO., LTD. 159 Serm-Mit Tower, 9th Floor, Unit 906-910, Sukhumvit 21 Road, Wattana, Bangkok 10110 Tel: 02-260-2730, Fax: 02-260-6600 or E-mail: adchara_r@olympus-thai.co.th
Unilab Pharmaceuticals Co., Ltd A well-established company has openings for energetic and qualified Thai nationals who are self-motivated and desire to succeed:
QC Chemist ❐ Not over 28 years old with working knowledge of English. ❐ Bachelor’s Degree in Chemistry. ❐ Able to work in Samutprakarn Province.
Please send your application or contact: UNILAB PHARMACEUTICALS CO., LTD. 21/51 Thai Wah Tower I, 18th Flr., South Sathorn Rd., Sathorn, Bangkok 10120 Tel: 02-285-0339-45 Fax: 02-2850350 Email: unilabth@unilab.co.th Website: http://www.unilab.co.th
GREAT JOB OPPORTUNIT Y 1. Accountant/Auditor Salary up to THB 50,000 2. Database Expert Up to THB 40,000 3. Corporate Account Manager Up to THB 30,000 4. Experienced Spec Technician/Pattern Maker Up to THB 20,000 5. Customer Care Consultant Salary THB 10,000-15,000 6. Shipping Officer Salary THB 10,000-15,000 7. Person with great English skills Salary negotiable 8. Sewers Great Salary
Offices in Chiang Mai, Toronto, New York and Paris www.pureandco.com/www.neonbuddha.net If you are interested in a long term employment in challenging and great working environment, please submit your complete CV to hrpureandco@hotmail.com or contact Ying or Mod at 053-221-241
ETA (Thailand) Co., Ltd. Urgently Wanted We are a leading international manufacturing company in the microelectronics and watch-making field with B.O.I. privileges, Headquarters in Switzerland. Presently, we have an opening for the following position:
Software Engineer • Bachelor’s degree or higher in Computer Science or related fields • Minimum 5 years experience in MS Access 2000 / 2003, MS Visual Basic 6, MS SQL 2000 Server • Experience with MS SQL 2005 Server, MySAP, ASP.NET, VB.NET and common Internet scripting languages (i.e. JavaScript and HTML) is an advantage • Able to conduct user training for MS Access, Visual Basic and MS SQL client
• Customer focused and result oriented with excellent communication skills • Professional and mature attitude with the ability to work in a multinational team environment • Excellent command of both written and spoken English • Willing to travel abroad if required Interested persons are invited to submit their application in English with resume, transcript and a recent photo to:
Human Resources Manager, ETA (Thailand) Co., Ltd. Bangplee Industrial Estate II, 439 Moo 17, Bangsaothong, Bangsaothong, Samutprakarn 10540 Tel. 0-2315-3161-73 ext. 2338 or E-mail: Suchart.Yingwattanakrai@th.eta.ch; Peter.Kunz@th.eta.ch Website: www.eta.ch
INTERNATIONAL RESTAURANT CAREER OPPORTUNITY !
Restaurant Manager High-End Seaside Thai Seafood Restaurant in HONG KONG Required Skill & Qualifications • Male, Bachelor's degree or above • More than 5 years experience with large size restaurant or hotel or fastfood restaurant at management level • Good command of written and spoken English or Cantonese • Proficiency in MS Office and internet applications • 3 years contract to live and work in Hong Kong
Restaurant Executive Chef
Corporate Executive Chef Thai Food Chain Restaurant Required Skill & Qualifications • Proven working record as a Thai food chef • Good international food presentation skill; experience in hotel /premium restaurant is an advantage • Able to communicate in English or Cantonese • Work in Bangkok Head Office but travel oversea to support development periodically Interested persons, please send your resume and a recent photo to:
High-End Seaside Thai Seafood Restaurant in HONG KONG
E-mail : wasana.s@siamreadyfood.com
Required Skill & Qualifications • Male; at least 10 years experience in Thai seafood restaurant; at least 3 years experience at management level; preferably from hotel industry • Good command of spoken English or Cantonese • Good leadership and team player • 3 years contract to live and work in Hong Kong
318/10-22 Sukhumvit 22, Sukhumvit Road, Klongtoey, Bangkok 10110 Tel. 662 663 1777, 662 663 1888 Fax. 662 663 1333
An expanding company is looking for the following positions:
JAPAN AIRLINES
1. Project Control Engineer 2. Project Sales Officer ë Male, age over 25 years ë Bachelor's degree in Industrial Machinery or related field ë Experience in utility system will be an advantage
3. Sales Officer 4. Technical Supervisor - M/E System 5. 3D Draftsman - M/E System ë Male, Voc./High voc. certificate, age over 25 years
6. Accountant/Secretary/Admin. Please apply by mail or in person at: Head Office UNI-ROYAL PAC CO., LTD. 3 Soi Pattanakarn 50, Pattanakarn Rd., Suanluang, BKK 10250 Tel. 0-2720-4400 E-mail: urpgroup@truemail.co.th
Siam Ready Food Co., Ltd.
INTERNATIONAL Urgently requires
FLIGHT OPERATION STAFFS Qualifications - Thai nationality - Good command of English (TOEIC 550) - Graduated in Air Traffic Management - Flight operation related experience preferrable Please send your application letter, resume, transcript, TOEIC record and one recent photo with your TELEPHONE CONTACT on or before April 02, 2008 To :- The Administration Manager Japan Airlines International Co., Ltd. 12th Floor Nantawan Bldg. 161 Ratchadamri Rd. BKK 10330 TEL. 0-2257-4007 or email to: bkk.recruit@jal.com
Land 2 Rai for Sale or Rent Bangna-Trad Rd., Km.3, Soi 32 Contact: 02-468-2800 089-666-9423 Forbest Properties Co., Ltd. Tel.02-287-4568-70, 677-5550 /www.fbprop.com
‡®â“·Ààß∫â“π¡◊Õ Õß„π‡¡◊Õß „À⧔·π–π”ª√÷°…“°“√≈ÿß∑ÿπÕ ß— À“œ
BROKER ¡“™‘° ¡“§¡π“¬Àπâ“ Õ ß — À“√‘¡∑√—æ¬å
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„°≈â BTS Õ‚»°
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No.27247-014
∂. ÿ¢ÿ¡«‘∑ 21 Õ‚»° Õ“§“√æ“≥‘™¬å 4.5 ™—πÈ 14 µ√.«. æ◊πÈ ∑’‡Ë ™à“Àπâ“‚§√ß°“√ ¡.∏“√“√¡¬å ∂.√“¡§”·Àß 150 Àπâ“°«â“ß 4 ¡. ≈÷° 14 ¡. ´Õ¬°«â“ß 6 ¡. æ◊Èπ∑’ËÕ“§“√ ”π—°ß“π 226 µ√.¡. ‡À¡“–∑”¡‘π‘¡“√å∑ √â“π§â“ √â“π´—°√’¥ ∫â“π‡¥’¬Ë « 2 ™—πÈ 70 µ√.«. ™—Èπ 12 «‘« «¬ µ°·µàß·≈â« ∫√√¬“°“»¥’ ß∫ „°≈â BTS ∑ÕßÀ≈àÕ 300 ¡ 3 πÕπ 3 πÈ” ‡øÕ√åœ §√∫ ¡’ UBC æ◊Èπ∑’Ë 20 µ√.¡. ‡™à“ 15,000 ∫“∑/‡¥◊Õπ „°≈â BTS, MRT ‡À¡“–∑”√â“ππ«¥ ª“ µ°·µàß «π„Àâ „À¡à „°≈â«ß·À«π√Õ∫πÕ° æ◊Èπ∑’Ë 22 µ√.¡. ‡™à“ 17,000 ∫“∑/‡¥◊Õπ „Àâ‡™à“™—πÈ ≈à“ß ™—πÈ 3 ·≈– ™—πÈ 4 ‡™à“ 350 ∫“∑/µ√.¡./‡¥◊Õπ No.27097,27094-008/160
‡™à“ 60,000 ∫“∑/‡¥◊Õπ No.27250-027
No.27240-007
‡™à“ 30,000 ∫“∑/‡¥◊Õπ No.27258-014
No.27248-014
Urgent Sale 5-storey new apartment Soi Ram 65 (Soi Mahadthai) area 120 sq.w., 1,574 sq.m., 54 rooms (3x8 m.), a/c, f/f fridge, CCTV, key card, UBC high speed internet, washing machine, water cooler Price 27.5 MB.
✆ 089-016-0171
2-Storey Townhouse Ramindra 117, 5.42 m. wide, near Fashion Island, Lotus, Carrefour, Big C 1.48 MB.
✆ 081-666-3653
Royal Cliff Land for Sale LAND FOR SALE Garden Condo
next to Lakewood Chaokhuntaharn Rd. Golf Course Suvarnabhumi, 2 rai Pattaya for sale 189 sq.m./ Bangna-Trad km. 18 area 60 x 58 m. ~2 rai, 19,000 B/w2 35,000 B/sq.w. Bht 90,000 TEL. 081-488-9925 Tel. (02) 860-4282 Tel: 02-233-8286
WARE HOUSE FOR RENT CHIANG MAI DAILY-MONTHLY
CALL : 053-116172-3, 085-0342804
British Columbia Consultant (Thailand Limited)
PR VISA CANADA Skillworker, Family, Investor Male/Female, age over 30 years Free seminar on the Saturday, 13.30 hrs.
Education CANADA, SINGAPORE Study 6 months / work 6 months Summer 1, 2, 3 months Certified by Archer, CSLI, West Vancouver
Education Tour CANADA, SINGAPORE Canada 7 days Singapore 15, 28 days
www.bcc-thailand.com, thunyamas@bcc-thailand.com Tel. 02-539-2854, 089-498-0045, 086-617-4952
WORLD COMPASS CO., LTD.
Tel. 02-435-9069 Mobile: 085-327-1772
available courses
TOEFL (iBT)
------
IELTS
The 12-week course of TOEFL or IELTS consists of all essential parts of listening, reading, writing and speaking. The course encompasses intensive lectures, individual practices and in particular group studies.
BUSINESS CONVERSATION
The 12-week course is tailored to those who are in need of effective work place communication and conducted by an international TV correspondent based on day-to-day experience. All courses consist of lecturing and practicing parts with emphasis on understanding, group training and modern lessons. other services ENGLISH TRANSLATION - - - - for all kinds of paperwork with translation certification STUDY ABROAD overseas study consulting for students who aim for universities in the USA, the UK and Australia
Suwannin Place, near Rama VIII bridge, Thonburi Tel: 02-435-9069
42
GAMES
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
THE SPORT
DAILY XPRESS
TIMBERWOLVES vs CLIPPERS
99:90 Al Jefferson had his 48th double-double to trail only behind Orlando’s Dwight Howard, who has 60, to lead Minnesota over LA.
briefly Gebreselassie runs off from Games marathon World record holder Haile Gebreselassie has confirmed in an interview with Spanish daily El Pais that he will not run in the Beijing Olympics marathon due to the climatic conditions. “I have no intention of committing suicide in Beijing,” the Ethiopian, who suffers from asthma, said. “It’s purely a personal decision that I have taken to protect my health. I do not want to kill myself in Beijing,” he said. – AFP
Two Thai cyclists for Manchester event Juthathip Maneephan and Wathinee Luekhajorn have been selected to take part in the Track World Championships in Manchester, England, from April 25-30. The International Cycling Union announced recently that Thailand stood a chance of sending their cyclists to compete in five events in the world meet. However, after taking their chances into consideration, Thai officials decided to field only Juthathip and Wathinee for the England event. Juthathip will contest the women’s sprint, team sprint and team trial, while Wathinee will be pitted in the women’s team sprint and scratch events. – Daily Xpress
Henry has no plans to return to England Barcelona’s French striker Thierry Henry, who has admitted he is suffering poor form, has rejected any suggestion that he wants to return to England, where he spent eight seasons with Arsenal. Asked by a Spanish journalist, “Is it possible that you will return to England?”, he replied “Absolutely not.” The French attacker last week
urged the media to “stop comparing Barcelona’s Henry with the Henry who played at Arsenal”. – AFP
SCG badminton academy open The SCG badminton academy was officially inaugurated yesterday to help Thai youngsters realise their dream of making it big in the game. The academy is run by the Siam Cement Group (SCG) and has facilities for international-standard scientific training. Boys and girls aged from 14 to 17 will get a chance to experience international competition and receive coaching from Chinese trainer Xian Guo-bao. – Daily Xpress
Asian Tour appeals ‘ignorant’super tour The Asian Tour blasted what it called “ignorant” plans to sideline it in the drive for a regional super tour, pledging to appeal to golf’s international coordinating body over the move. “The PGA of Australia has stepped out of its boundaries, which the Asian Tour disapproves,” its executive chairman said in a statement. The Japan Golf Tour Organisation, China Golf Association, Korean Golf Association and the PGA of Australia last week formally endorsed the OneAsia project. – AP
Toon coach Keegan heaves sigh of relief after England striker hits equaliser in vital relegation clash at Birmingham T H E G U A R D I A N , Birmingham
F
or much of his time on Tyneside, Michael Owen has appeared to be more of a hindrance than a help to Newcastle’s cause but on Monday the England international provided a timely reminder of his innate ability to turn matches. Watched by the England manager, Fabio Capello, Owen struck his seventh goal of a troubled season to secure Newcastle the point that should help to restore a mod-
icum of stability to St James’ Park. Owen’s strike was not enough to bring Kevin Keegan his first victory since returning to Newcastle 61 days ago but after four successive defeats the manager should be grateful for small mercies. Outplayed and outfought in the first half, when James McFadden’s goal promised to deliver a much-needed Birmingham victory, Newcastle recovered to salvage a result. The draw was about as much
,, OWEN WAS SUPERB …IF YOU CREATE CHANCES HE WILL STICK THEM IN. Kevin Keegan as either side deserved, Birmingham’s dominance early on having been followed by a Newcastle revival. Owen’s goal provided reward for that resurgence and there
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
GAMES 43
DAILY XPRESS
Thongchai Jaidee
Jacques Rogge
TWO-TIME ASIAN TOUR NO 1
IOC PRESIDENT
“I would love to get back into contention again and put the injury behind me ... I hope for a turnaround this week [at the Asian Tour International]”
“There have been absolutely no calls from governments for a boycott [of Olympics over Tibet]. We have been very heartened...”
AFC CHAMPIONS LE AGUE
Chon Buri eye Victory
,,
Thai Premier League champions want to carry on from their impressive away draw to Osaka D A I LY X P R E S S
T
PREMIER LE AGUE
AFP
OWEN OMEN might even have been a winner but for Maik Taylor’s fine save to thwart Obafemi Martins. “The second-half performance was more like it,” Keegan said. “There was a lot of people showing the determination and character that you need away from home. We dominated the second half.” The reverse had been true in the opening 45 minutes, when Keegan’s bold decision to play with a three-man attack, which featured Martins and Mark Viduka either side of Owen, looked like backfiring as Birmingham enjoyed their numerical advantage across the midfield. Newcastle were clueless as to
how to turn the tide but there was much more vigour to the visitors after the interval, with Owen’s equaliser shaking Birmingham’s belief. It was a typical goal for the doyen of the tap-in although there was also much for Alex McLeish to lament in the buildup. Birmingham had several chances to clear before Martins drilled a low shot from 10 yards which Taylor could only parry. Owen, having been denied moments earlier when the Birmingham goalkeeper saved at his feet, reacted far quicker than Radhi Jaidi and Liam Ridgewell to poke a low shot into the corner of the net.
hailand Premier League champions Chon Buri are hoping to build on the impressive start to their Asian Football Confederation [AFC] Champions League campaign when they entertain Australia’s Melbourne Victory in their second match in Group G today. Having been slotted into the tough group, which includes J-League outfit Gamba Osaka and Chunnam Dragons of South Korea, the Thai side, the first team from upcountry to win the top-flight division, were deemed the outsiders to win the one qualification spot. However, Jadet Meelarp’s men confounded critics by coming away from a tricky trip to Osaka with a creditable 1-1 draw last week. Had the hosts not scored a last-gasp equaliser, the Thais could even have marked their debut in the continent’s premier club competition with a win. Jadet, though, is aware that the hard-earned point would count for nothing if they were unable to make
XTRA A F C A F FA I R S >> The 46-member Asian Football Confederation was founded in 1954. >> It runs three levels of annual international club competitions. >> 22 Asian leagues will be revamped, 10 of them by 2009-2012.
WE MUST NOT CONCEDE GOALS AS WE DID IN JAPAN Jadet Meelarp
the most of home advantage against the early pacesetters, Melbourne. He believes the visitors, who beat the Dragons 2-0, will pose a stern challenge. “The outcome in their first game is proof of their quality. We must play tight in defence and not concede goals like we did in Japan. They play the European-style of soccer so we need to close down their flanks. “We must take advantage of our attackers’ agility. We need to claim three points, especially from the home fixtures, if we are to qualify for the knockout stage. I hope my team will make the fans happy with a win,” Jadet said. The game at the Supachalasai Stadium kicks off at 7.30pm. Tickets are priced at Bt100 and Bt500. Meanwhile, Krung Thai Bank will be desperate to show they have recovered from a nightmarish start to their campaign when they visit China’s Beijing Guoan in a Group F tie. The bankmen were handed a 9-1 thumping by J-League side Kashima Antlers, their worst-ever defeat.
Yana Klochkova could only finish 12th in 400m medley heats.
SWIMMING
Klochkova fails in her pet event A P , Eindhoven, Netherlands
F
our-time Olympic champion Yana Klochkova failed to qualify for the final of the women’s 400-metre individual medley on the opening day of the European swimming championships. The 25-year-old Ukrainian, who won the 200 and 400 individual medley at both the Sydney and Athens Olympics, finished her heat in 4 minutes, 50.36 seconds – 17 seconds slower than her own European record and 12th overall. Klochkova took a break from training after Athens and is working her way back to full fitness for the Beijing Olympics. Yana Martynova of Russia qualified fastest for the evening final with a time of 4:40.47. Alessia Filippi of Italy was second in 4:42.80 and Katinka Hosszu of Hungary was third in 4:42.86 at the National Swimming Centre, where many top swimmers are treating the meet as a preparation for the Beijing Olympics. Pawel Korzeniowski qualified fastest for the final of the men’s 400-metre freestyle final with 3:47.70, more than a second faster than defending champion Yury Prilukov of Russia.
44 THE SPORT
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
DAILY XPRESS
P R E M I E R L E A G U E ‘ I N VA S I O N ’
Platini calls for fans’ mutiny Uefa chief opens fire against foreign owners and blasts Sepp Blatter over artificial surfaces
Barca lack maturity, says Xavi
A P , Manchester
U
A F P , Madrid
B
,, THE IDENTITIES OF BIG CLUBS ARE THE STORIES OF THE CITIES... Michel Platini
Michel Platini speaks during a Uefa function in Manchester. EPA
efa president Michel Platini urged English soccer fans to spearhead the opposition against foreign owners in the Premier League. Platini believes top clubs are too willing to sell themselves – particularly to wealthy Americans. “I am totally against that. Downing Street will be bought by Americans and [also] clubs bought by Americans,’’ said Platini, referring to the London home of the British prime minister. “I think the identity of the city is the identity of the club.” Nine of the 20 Premiership clubs are currently owned by foreign investors, with Manchester United, Liverpool, Aston Villa and Derby County in American hands. For months, Liverpool fans have campaigned to force out American co-owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett Jr. “The identities of big clubs are the stories of the cities,’’ Platini said on Monday. “I can do nothing by laws or rules. Your Parliament or FA [Football Association] can decide things. It’s up to you [the English] to do that. “If people would like to buy
in France, because I am a citizen of France I will do my best, but because I am not English I can do nothing.’’ Platini doubted that Fifa president Sepp Blatter’s “6+5” rule, which would limit a club’s ability to select overseas players, was feasible. Platini and Blatter will meet next month with European Commission officials to discuss the plan. Platini also appeared to differ with Blatter over artificial
surfaces being the future of soccer. Blatter has said Fifa’s plastic field at its Zurich headquarters is the best playing surface in the world, but Platini remains a firm advocate of grass. “There is more water to put on the field in Europe than in the rest of the world,’’ the former France midfielder said. “It is difficult in Africa to have good pitches or in the north of Europe or the north of Canada or the very east of Asia.”
arcelona’s missed opportunity to catch up to Real Madrid showed they lack maturity, the Spanish club’s midfielder Xavi Hernandez said. “The general feeling is that we let a great opportunity to catch up to Real Madrid go by. We have taken only one point from our last three games and it is very hard to catch up this way,” the 28-year-old said a day after their 2-2 draw at Almeria. “We have to learn how to control games better, especially when we are in the lead. We have to be more mature and competitive in certain aspects of the game, like dead ball situations which cost us two goals,” he said. The Catalan club, the only Spanish club left in the Champions League quarterfinals, will face Valencia tomorrow in the return leg of the Spanish Cup semi-finals.
‘Silverware or nowhere’ R
obin van Persie has warned his Arsenal teammates that their eye-catching soccer will mean nothing if they fail to win either the Premier League title or the Champions League. “We have to win at least one trophy this season,” he said. “At least. If we don’t, then we would have played fantastic football for nothing. We need to win something because this is our moment. We all realise we are in a fantastic position and this has to be our year, and the years to come. We have something here.” The club have earned plau-
dits for their free-flowing style while their victory at Milan, which set up a Champions League quarter-final against Liverpool, was hailed as one of their finest in recent times. But they were knocked from the top of the Premier League on Saturday, when Middlesbrough held them at the Emirates Stadium – their fourth successive league draw. Manchester United can move three points clear when they play Bolton Wanderers at Old Trafford today, while Chelsea would draw level on points with Arsenal if they defeat Tottenham Hotspur at White Hart Lane. But van
Persie believes that his team can still win the title. “I’m not a daydreamer, I think we can win it, and the Champions League, this season. Why not? We have the qualities. We have to stick together and believe in it,” he said.
XTRA R O B I N VA N P E R S I E >> Signed for English club Arsenal in 2004 for an estimated fee of £3 million. >> He was called to the Holland squad in 2005 , for whom he has scored 7 goals. AFP
T H E G U A R D I A N , London
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
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DAILY XPRESS
REVIEW OF STUDIES
THE DUD
DOPE
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Growth hormones do not seem to boost strength and athletic performance
IT DOESN’T LOOK LIKE IT HELPS AND THERE’S EVIDENCE IT MAY WORSEN ATHLETIC PERFORMANCE
A
Yankees pitcher Andy Pettitte claims players use HGH while recovering from injury.
thletes who take human growth hormone may not be getting the boost they expected. While growth hormone adds some muscle, it does not appear to improve strength or exercise capacity, according to a review of studies that tested the hormone in mostly athletic young men. “It doesn’t look like it helps and there’s a hint of evidence it may worsen athletic performance,’’ said Dr Hau Liu, of Santa Clara Valley Medical Centre in San Jose, California, lead author of the review. Growth hormone, or HGH, is among the performance enhancers tied to names of baseball players, boxers, wrestlers, NFL players, coaches and doctors and bodybuilders in a handful of ongoing investigations. Also, there is a growing perception that runners, swimmers and cyclists, among others, will use it in Beijing with little chance of getting caught. But the new research has some limitations and sheds no light on long-term use of HGH. The scientists note their analysis included few studies that measured performance. The tests also probably do not reflect the dose and frequency practised by athletes illegally
using the hormone. Experiments like that are not likely to be conducted. “It’s dangerous, unethical and it’s never going to be done,’’ said Dr Gary I Wadler, a member of the World AntiDoping Agency and a spokesman for the American College of Sports Medicine. Human growth hormone is made by the pituitary gland and promotes growth. A synthetic version has been available since the 1980s and its use is restricted for certain conditions in children and adults, including short stature and growth hormone deficiency. Although banned for other uses, growth hormone was cited along with steroids as one of the performance-enhancing drugs abused by Major League Baseball players in the report in December by former US senator George Mitchell. New York Yankees pitcher Andy Pettitte said they used HGH while recovering from an injury, an issue not covered in the review. “There are a lot of claims that it’s this wonder drug,’’ Liu said. Wadler said one of the appeals of growth hormone for athletes is that it cannot be detected in a urine test. A blood test will be available soon and another is in development, he said. AP
A P , New York
Dr Hau Liu
46 THE SPORT
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
DAILY XPRESS
TENNIS
LOVE ALL
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EVERYTHING TAKES A LITTLE BIT OF A SACRIFICE ... I STILL DEDICATE AS MUCH TIME AS I CAN TO MY CAREER Lindsay Davenport
Lindsay Davenport with ASB Classic trophy and son Jagger in Auckland.
From serving aces to attending to her son, Davenport feels lucky to do it all A P , Indian Wells, California
T
ennis mum Lindsay Davenport faces the same juggling act as most working mothers, but sometimes the WTA Tour amenities come in handy. When her nine-month-old son Jagger developed a fever and a rash during the ongoing Pacific Life Open, she took him to the tournament doctor.
Reassured that Jagger was probably feeling the effects of teething, Davenport admitted that this first brush with infant illness had been more stressful than the everyday conflicts that come with combining a career with motherhood. “I was stressed out of my mind, yelling at my husband, all because my son has a fever and he’s not sleeping,” she said.
The former world No 1, a three-time Grand Slam champion, was expected to retire after 11 months off to have Jagger, but she returned in September. Since then she has won four titles, at Bali, Quebec City, Auckland and Memphis, extending her career total to 55 WTA titles. On Monday, she defeated Taiwan’s Chan Yung-jan to set up a fourth-round clash with sixth-seeded Marion Bartoli as she continues her bid to add
L I N D S AY D AV E N P O R T >> The former world No 1 has won three Grand Slams and an Olympic gold in singles. >> At 6ft 2ins, she is the tallest woman ever to win a Grand Slam singles title. >> Her husband Jon Leach is a former All-American tennis player and investment banker. >> The 31-year-old American is the highestearning female tennis player.
AP
XTRA another Indian Wells title to those she won in 1997 and 2000. Davenport said balancing work and family was challenging, but rewarding. “Everything takes a little bit of a sacrifice, and I still dedicate as much time as I can to my career,” she said. “It’s certainly not as much as I did between 1998 and 2006. “Some days kind of bum me out, but for the most part I’m really lucky. I feel like I get a chance to do it all.”
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
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Twins not game for Davis Cup
PA C I F I C L I F E O P E N
Nadal to face Tsonga music
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Second seed braces for rubber match with Frenchman; Djokovic, Gasquet also advance
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efending champion Rafael Nadal swept aside US youngster Donald Young and booked a rematch with Aussie Open foe Jo-Wilfried Tsonga at the Indian Wells ATP Masters Series on Monday. Nadal, ranked No 2 in the world and seeded second behind Roger Federer, defeated 86th-ranked Young 6-1 6-3, taking full advantage of the 18-year-old wild card’s early nerves to pocket the first set quickly. Young steadied in the second set, but was broken in the sixth game to trail 2-4. With Nadal serving for the match at 5-3, Young was unable to capitalise on one break point and the Spaniard duly served out what he called a “comfortable” win. Next up for Nadal is Tsonga, who was unseeded when he stunned the second-seeded Spaniard in straight sets in the Australian Open semi-finals in January. Tsonga, now ranked 17th in the world, defeated fellow Frenchman Paul-Henri Mathieu 7-6 (7/5) 6-4. “It’s going to be important for me to serve well,” Nadal
HE [TSONGA] IS STRONG IN HIS SERVE.I’VE TO PLAY AGGRESSIVE Rafael Nadal
said of his looming encounter with Tsonga, who fell to the Spaniard in the first of their two meetings to date, at the US Open last year. “He’s strong in his serve,” Nadal said. “From the baseline I must try to play a little bit more aggressive than in Australia.” Third-seeded Australian Open champion Novak Djokovic had a 6-3 6-2 victory over Germany’s Philipp Kohlschreiber. Unseeded South Korean Lee Hyung-taik, ranked 52nd in the world, pulled off the upset of the day, downing world No 5 and fifth seed David Ferrer of Spain 7-6 (7/5) 6-7 (5/7) 7-6
RESULTS basketball
22) v Guyana Cricket Board President’s Select XI
NBA Orlando 104-90 Cleveland Indiana 110-98 New York Atlanta 105-96 Washington Memphis 98-80 Charlotte New Orleans 108-97 Chicago Minnesota 99-90 LA Clippers Boston 93-91 San Antonio Utah 96-79 Toronto
cycling
cricket Three-day tour match Sri Lanka 343-5 (Malinda Warnapura 132 ret. out, Mahela Jayawardene 99, Thilann Samaraweera 36, Michael Vandort 29, Kumar Sangakkara
Tirreno-Adriatico Sixth stage: 1 Oscar Freire (ESP/RAB) 196.0 km in 4hr 46min 45sec 2 Filippo Pozzato (ITA/LIQ) 3 Danilo Di Luca (ITA/LPR) 4 Giovanni Visconti (ITA/QST) 5 Tadej Valjavec (SLO/A2R) 6 Thomas Lovkvist (SWE/THR) 7 Emanuele Sella (ITA/CSF) 8 Jose Serpa (COL/SDA) 9 Nicklas Axelsson (SWE/SDA) 10 Markus Fothen (GER/GST) Overall: 1 Fabian Cancellara (SUI/CSC) 23 hours, 17 minutes, 31 seconds. 2 Enrico Gasparotto (ITA/BAR)
EPA
A F P , Indian Wells, California
XTRA Jo-Wilfried Tsonga beat Paul-Henri Mathieu. (7/3). France’s Richard Gasquet, the eighth seed, advanced with an impressive 6-2 6-1 victory over Argentina’s Juan Ignacio Chela. Gasquet booked a meeting with ninth-seeded American James Blake, who beat former world No 1 Carlos Moya of Spain 6-3 6-4.
3-1 16 seconds behind 3 Thomas Lvvkvist (SWE/ THR) :40 4 Markus Fothen (GER/ GST) :53 5 Nicklas Axelsson (SWE/ SDA) 1:32
ice hockey NHL Minnesota 3-1 Colorado Vancouver 3-1 Phoenix
soccer English Premier League Birmingham 1-1 Newcastle Portuguese Liga Sporting Lisbon 4-1 Nacional
JO-WILFRIED TSONGA >> He won US Open Juniors in 2003 and reached semis of three other junior Grand Slams. >> His father Didier Tsonga moved from Congo to France in the 1970s to play handball. >> He rose to fame beating Nadal in the semi-final of Australian Open 2008.
he Ratiwatana twins had already decided to withdraw from the Davis Cup team with or without Phitsanu Artthakornsiripo in the team to pursue their Olympic dream. Sonchat and Sanchai will not make the journey to Townsville for the tie against Australia and will look to improve their ranking, which currently stands at No 42. They had threatened to leave the team following rumours that team supervisor Phitsanu would be sacked. “We want to play in the Olympics. Frankly we stand a slim chance against Australia even with Paradorn [Srichaphan] in the team,’’ Sonchat said. The twins need to break into the top 30 before mid-June to guarantee a spot in Beijing. Their attempt to compete in the Pacific Life Open was in vain as the cut-off for the doubles was high. Besides, their chance to play next week’s Masters Series in Key Biscane is also uncertain. Both have spent nearly three weeks without playing any tournament. Meanwhile, Lawn Tennis Association of Thailand president Suwat Liptapanlop denied the removal of Phitsanu, saying that only a reconstituted executive board can take any decision.
Two for twins Henrik Sedin scored two, both on rebounds of shots by twin brother Daniel, as the Canucks beat the Coyotes in the NHL.
tennis ATP/WTA Indian Wells Men’s third round: Richard Gasquet (FRA) b Juan Ignacio Chela (ARG) 6-2, 6-1 James Blake (USA) b Carlos Moya (ESP) 6-3, 6-4 Rafael Nadal (ESP) b Donald Young (USA) 6-1, 6-3 Jo-Wilfried Tsonga (FRA) b Paul-Henri Mathieu (FRA) 7-6 (7/5), 6-4 Stanislas Wawrinka (SUI) b Marcos Baghdatis (CYP) 6-3, 6-7 (1/7), 6-0 Novak Djokovic (SRB) b Philipp Kohlschreiber (GER) 6-3, 6-2 Guillermo Canas (ARG) b Juan Monaco (ARG) 6-3, 6-7 (1/7), 6-2
Lee Hyung-Taik (KOR) b David Ferrer (ESP x5) 7-6 (7/5), 6-7 (5/7), 7-6 (7/3) Women’s third round: Jelena Jankovic (SRB) b Ai Sugiyama (JPN) 6-1, 6-1 Casey Dellacqua (AUS) b Tamira Paszek (AUT) 6-1, 4-0 retired Francesca Schiavone (ITA) b Flavia Pennetta (ITA) 6-3, 6-4 Vera Zvonareva (RUS) b Galina Voskoboeva (RUS) 6-0, 6-3 Anabel Medina Garrigues (ESP) b Evgeniya Rodina (RUS) 6-3, 7-5 Marion Bartoli (FRA x6) b Angelique Kerber (GER) 6-3, 7-6 (7/3) Ana Ivanovic (SRB) b Tathiana Garbin (ITA) 6-3, 6-0 Lindsay Davenport (USA) b Chan Yung-Jan (TPE) 6-4, 5-7, 6-2
ON TV Soccer Premier League Spurs v Chelsea 3am (Thu)/True Sport 1 AFC Champions League
Chunnam Dragons v Gamba Osaka 4.25pm/Star Sports Chon Buri v Melbourne Victory 7.30pm/True Sport 3
Games National Youth Games
Opening Ceremony 6pm/ True Sport 2
48
BANGKOK WEDNESDAY, March 19, 2008
DAILY XPRESS
THESPORT
PITCHERPERFECT Daisuke Matsuzaka will be Bosox’s starting pitcher against the Oakland Athletics on MLB’s opening day on March 25 in Tokyo
PREMIER LE AGUE
REVENGE MISSION
AFP
Joe Cole expects Chelsea to emphasise their Premiership title credentials by gaining revenge over Tottenham, who beat them in the League Cup final, in today’s vital clash at White Hart Lane. In another match, Manchester United host Bolton Wanderers >PAGE 44
PREMIER LE AGUE
TENNIS
Magpies get lift from drop zone
The ‘mother’ of all comebacks
Watched on by England coach Fabio Capello, Michael Owen’s second-half goal allayed Newcastle manager Kevin Keegan’s relegation fears in securing a 1-1 Premiership draw at Birmingham >PAGE 42
Former world No 1 Lindsay Davenport was expected to retire after 11 months off to have a baby, but she returned and has won four titles. Like all working mums, she’s learning >PAGE 46 to juggle her responsibilities