/20081211

PY O C E FRE LOOKING FOR

A JOB? SEE PAGES 19-20

XPRESS

DAILY

Thursday, December 11, 2008 VOL 1, NO 236 dailyxpress.net

GOOD MORNING BANGKOK!

Sing those traffic blues!

By Kornchanok Raksaseri Reporter

D

riving a car in Bangkok can drive you crazy. But singing or listening to lively

DAILY XPRESS/NANTHASIT NITMATHA

music helps.

One busy day, I was stuck in traffic and singing along happily to a song when I noticed that the driver of the car behind was singing too.

At first I got self-conscious, thinking that he must have seen me, and started singing himself. Then I realised there was nothing wrong with that. I’ve got friends!

MobADDICTION Supporters of the People’s Alliance for Democracy have been so passionate about their marathon 193 days of protest that they’re at a loss now that it’s over, nostalgically recalling their anti-government demonstrations. >PAGE 2

What’s on in the city Catch the ‘Groove My Dog Unplugged’ concert or the festive music fest; don’t miss a charity party, a dazzling jewellery show and much more... >PAGES 9&10

2 TODAY

Thursday, December 11, 2008

THE CITY

DAILY XPRESS

A SURVEY OF

627

vehicles stolen in Bangkok and surrounding provinces in the past 9 months shows that Isuzus & Toyotas are thieves’ favourite targets

Flaming fury

Fire-fighters battle a blaze that erupted at a plasticsrecycling plant in Samut Prakan’s Bang Phli district yesterday.

WITHDRAWAL SYMPTOMS Protest is addictive, say the PAD supporters suffering cold turkey for Christmas

By Wannapa Phetdee D A I LY X P R E S S

“I

miss my friends from the Bangkok protests so much,” says Nam (not her real name), a 56-year-old government official from Nakhon Ratchasima province and veteran of the People’s Alliance for Democracy (PAD) demonstrations. “At the moment I’m monitoring the political situation round the clock via the anti-government ASTV.” Nam is just one of many PAD supporters who miss the camaraderie of protests that lasted a record-breaking 193 days, from the second-largest PAD rally on May 25 to the end of the Suvarnabhumi DAILY

XPRESS

Airport siege on December 3.

“I’m probably addicted to the mob,” she says, adding that she follows ASTV news on the Internet when she works, on the car radio while driving, on TV at home and even via mobile-phone alerts when she’s in a meeting. Nam and her friends returned to their Government House protest site last Saturday to take photos as souvenirs.

Govt House nostalgia Another veteran of the protests, 55-year-old businesswoman “Koi”, says she also tunes in regularly to get her “fix” from ASTV. “I used to leave my office

every evening and go straight to the demonstration at Government House,” she says.

“Now I have no idea where to go in the evenings after work.”

Koi is planning to hold a party for her demonstrator friends on December 20, and of course politics will be the hot topic.

Tui, a 40-year-old PAD-supporting housewife from Pattaya, says she feels lonely and bored now that she’s back at home. “I miss my friends and the great atmosphere at the protest site. I hardly talk about politics now.”

All three would like to see PAD leaders organise a big gettogether for protest regulars. It would help fill the hole in their lives, they say, as well as keeping up morale for future action if the next government tries to amend the 2007 Constitution.

Fighting fit The Public Health Ministry will study the impact of the recent political demonstrations on the mental health of the participants – both the anti-government People’s Alliance for Democracy (PAD) protesters and pro-government supporters, said a senior health official.

The move comes after the PAD announced the end of its siege of Suvarnabhumi Airport and Don Mueang Airport on December 2.

Department of Mental Health Spokesman Dr Taveesilp Wisanuyothin said plans for the long-term project were put in place soon after October 7, the day of the first bloody clash between PAD protesters and police. The project aims to study 600 people who joined the demonstrations.

Taveesilp believes the results will be a key to preparing individuals for times of political tension in the future. He said that people who had joined the demonstrations were optimistic about the political situation because the protests had taught them how to control their emotions, and express their feelings to those on the other side.

Moreover, people on the same side had made strong relationships. “ Protesters have created close friendships with each other during the protests,” commented a mental-health expert. “That should have a positive rather than a negative effect on their mental health.” – Pongphon Sarnsamak, D A I L Y X P R E S S

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 / Sport Editor: Preechachan Wiriyanupappong / Group Editor in Chief: Suthichai Yoon

>>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 FOR DISPLAY ADVERTISING,PLEASE CALL (02) 338 3000 # 1 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 Bt4,900 within regular delivery areas; please contact Customer Service on (02) 338 3000. For bulk copy subscription rates please call (02) 338 3532.

4

GLOBETROT

Thursday, December 11, 2008

THE WORLD

DAILY XPRESS

72

YEARS AGO TODAY England’s King Edward the 8th abdicated the throne so he could marry Wallis Simpson, an American citizen

briefly Hubby wins big, thanks to wife A “nagging” Auckland wife who pushed her husband to buy a lottery ticket helped scoop the NZ$7.7-million (Bt148-million) first prize – with only minutes to spare.

Out shopping for bargains, the man said he didn’t have enough money to buy his wife a sausage she’d asked for. So he decided to check his Saturday lottery ticket in case he’d won a small prize. “I could not believe it when they said I was actually the big winner,” he said. When he told her, “she fell to the floor, and then said: ‘but all I wanted was a sausage’.” – AP

By the horns Cash Myers of Athens, Texas, competes during the sixth round of steer wrestling at the National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas on Tuesday.

AP

It’s him not her

Life on a distant planet?

A F P , Washington

N

asa’s Hubble Space Telescope has discovered both carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide in the atmosphere of a distant planet, in a key step to finding extraterrestrial life.

Detecting organic compounds that can be a by-product of life processes on an Earth-like body could one day “provide the first evidence of life beyond our planet”, Nasa said in a statement.

The discovery was made on a Jupiter-size planet 63 light years away from Earth that is thought to be too hot for life and is all gas and liquid.

“We’re not closer to discovering life on this particular planet,” admitted Ray Villard of the Space Telescope Science Institute. “But it could be a biotracer for life."

G L O B A L WA R M I N G

SWEDEN CLEANEST, S ARABIA DIRTIEST Germany, France, Britain, India in top 10; Malaysia, Australia, US at the bottom A F P , Poznan, Poland

S

weden does the most of any country in tackling greenhouse gases emissions while Saudi Arabia does the least, according to a barometer published yesterday by watchdogs at the UN climate talks here.

But the annual “Climate Change Performance Index” placed Sweden only fourth on its list – no prizes were allotted for the top three places.

“Not a single country is to be judged as satisfactory with regard to protecting the climate,” NGOs Germanwatch and Climate Action Network

Europe said. No country had shown willingness “to engage themselves more strongly” to avoid dangerous climate change, they explained.

The dangerous level The groups categorised dangerous climate change as an increase in temperature beyond two degrees Celsius over pre-industrial levels.

Sweden’s fourth place was followed by Germany, France, India, Brazil, Britain and Denmark.

The bottom 10 were listed in descending order as Greece, Malaysia, Cyprus, Russia,

Australia, Kazakhstan, Luxembourg, the United States, Canada and Saudi Arabia.

The Climate Change Performance Index compares 57 states that together emit more than 90 per cent of the world’s annual output of carbon dioxide, the principal greenhouse gas.

The benchmark is derived from 12 national indicators, based on the level of emissions, trends and climate policies.

The 20C warming target is embraced by the European Union as well as many green groups. But scientists say there is no guarantee that achieving this figure will avoid inflicting bad damage on Earth’s fragile climate system.

A man wearing a black dress, matching stockings and a long blonde wig robbed a bank at gunpoint in Sydney, but blew his disguise by failing to shave, police said.

The unshaven cross-dresser tied up three employees of the Commonwealth Bank in Sydney before fleeing on foot with an undisclosed amount of cash.

“After the offender escaped, we don’t know which way he went,” Detective Inspector Hans Rupp said.

“It appeared to be a guy dressed as a lady,” an employee of a neighbouring business said. “He was dressed in black, with black stockings, a blonde wig about shoulder length and he had facial hair.” – AFP

Panda Peace bites A giant panda named Peace bit a park keeper’s leg while he was laying bamboo leaves in the animal’s pen at the Hong Kong Ocean Park. He was recovering well in hospital.

Though pandas look cute and cuddly, they are wild animals that can be violent when provoked or startled. – AP >> ON THE WEB: YouTube: http://hk.youtube.com/watch ?v=GY4bWo-0FSA

Thursday, December 11, 2008

THE WORLD 5

DAILY XPRESS

The Obama craze: now it’s knick-knacks AP

Choose from the Obama coffee mug, cufflinks, Christmas bulbs and more...

Investigators scan the crash scene next to the engine of an F/A-18 that crashed into a San Diego neighbourhood. Young Mi Yoon, left, and her husband Dong-Yun.

Grieving husband forgives pilot A man whose wife and two baby daughters died when a US military jet slammed into his house in California said that he bore no ill will towards the pilot involved in the tragedy.

In harrowing comments to reporters gathered near the charred remains of his family home, Yoon Dong-Yun said he forgave the pilot whose F/A-18 fighter jet ploughed into the building, killing three generations of one family.

Yoon’s mother-in-law was also killed in the accident, which happened on Monday in the San Diego suburb of University City as the plane attempted to land at the Marine Corps Air Station.

Choking back tears, a distraught Yoon said he did not blame the pilot, who ejected safely after failing in desperate attempts to direct his stricken craft away from the densely populated residential neighbourhood. “I don’t want him to suffer from this accident,” Yoon told reporters. “I know he did everything he could.”

Yoon, who was at work at the time of the accident, said he had met his wife four years ago. “She’s just such a lovely wife and mother who always loves me and [our] babies. I miss her so much.” – A F P

A F P , Washington

A

mericans who can’t get quite enough of Barack Obama can share a quiet moment with the popular president-elect each day as they sip their morning brew in a Barack Obama coffee mug.

Or, those who don’t drink coffee might prefer a pair of Obama cufflinks to dress up their shirtsleeves, or perhaps an Obama Christmas bulb to adorn the holiday tree.

There has been a sudden explosion of collectible Obama coins, Barack Obama porcelain plates and gazillions of other items capitalising on the popular president-elect’s very marketable image.

Even as Americans tighten their purse strings with the country in a full-blown financial crisis, a surprising number

appear eager to part with 20 or 30 bucks (Bt700-1,000) for their very own Obama treasure.

The Obama marketing blitz – evident in US convenience stores, corner kiosks and especially on the Internet – comes just in time for the Christmas holiday shopping season, when consumption-oriented Americans are even more ready than usual to part with their money.

Brisk sales “We are expecting huge crowds during the holidays and Inauguration Week,” says Audrey Cooper, sales clerk at the new “Obama Inaugural Gift Centre” opened earlier this month in downtown Washington.

In the wake of last month’s

groundbreaking election, anything with the president-elect’s name or face printed on it has gained sudden popularity – and often a hefty pricetag to match.

The shop on 15th Street Northwest, just blocks away from the White House, does a brisk business in Obama Christmas decorations and “first family” buttons for sporting on lapels, with the beaming faces of the future president, his wife Michelle and two photogenic daughters, Sasha and Malia.

The Obama-commercialism that is raging across this consumption-crazy country has even infected visitors from overseas.

“There are floods of people during lunch time or before and after work and a lot of tourists from England, Brazil, France, Germany or Russia, even from Africa,” said Cooper.

6 ENTERTAINMENT

THE FUN

Thursday, December 11, 2008

DAILY XPRESS

BARACK OBAMA, US PRESIDENTELECT, IN RESPONSE TO A QUESTION ABOUT WHETHER HE’S QUIT SMOKING.

“There are times where I have fallen off the wagon.”

G R E E N S PA C E

SEASIDE SOUNDS COURTESY OF GREENSPACE

The second in Heineken’s series of musical stand-offs pitting foreign acts against local favourites heads to Pattaya

Crystal Night, a modern jazz band from France, above, will appear with Radklao Amaradit, while Club 8, an indie pop/electronic group from Sweden, right, teams up with ETC. Below, T-Bone’s Gab gets together with Jamaican singer Little Roy, who’ll jam with the the Thai ska outfit.

XTRA HOW GREEN IS IT? >> Admission is free but is limited to the first 500 GreenSpace members who apply online. >> For information on how to join the network, as well as how to add friends, visit www.I-GreenSpace.com.

By Kitchana Lersakvanitchakul D A I LY X P R E S S

T

he second Heineken GreenSpace party and music festival takes place on Saturday at Pattaya’s Ocean Marina Yacht Club and it promises to be a blast with three international acts handpicked by Montonn “Jay” Jira going head to head with local favourites under the night skies.

Jay headed to Europe to find the artists for the show, choosing Little Roy, a legendary reggae singer and songwriter from Jamaica, who will jam with Thai ska outfit T-Bone, Crystal Night, a modern jazz band from France, who’ll appear with Radklao Amaradit; and Club 8, an indie pop/electronic group from Sweden, to team up with ETC. “Little Roy is little known outside the roots reggae circle so we are really lucky to have him. He was working with British sound engineer and record producer Mike Pelanconi, aka Prince Fatty, at a studio in England when we were there. T-Bone's Gab jammed with him, then the

two went on to write and record ‘Jamming in the Sun’,” Jay recalls.

“Later, we travelled to France where we met Crystal and her husband. They invited us to a French jazz festival and we followed them to England for their show. After that, we flew home and discovered Club 8 playing here. They’re already well known to many Thais.”

Surf or turf Saturday’s festival will be on a larger scale than the first GreenSpace party, with two stages set up on the beach and in the garden of the private yacht club.

“Guests can chill on the beach, or listen to more laidback sounds on the grass or in a lounge with a view of sea and yachts," says Nipol Swadipongpan, marketing manager.

The main stage will feature the Thai and international bands, while four other outfits, among them Crescendo and foreign resident bands, will entertain the crowds from the smaller stage.

Thursday, December 11, 2008

ENTERTAINMENT 7

DAILY XPRESS

30

Bt

MILLION was

MAKING CHRISTMAS

earned by ‘Ong Bak 2’ last Friday – a record opening for a Thai film. The previous top-grossing opener was ‘Tom Yum Goong’ at Bt29.5 million.

Pedal power lights the holiday display at the Tate Britain. > Page 8

soopsip No devils

in this town

AFP

Members of the Sparifankerl Pass group take part in the KrampusLauf parade at Marienplatz in Munich on Sunday. The traditional parade in Bavaria and other alpine regions dates back 500 years to the days of Bishop Nicholas and sees “Krampus” figures wearing wooden masks to banish demons and evil spirits.

Learn salsa,do salsa,be salsa DJ HENRY KNOWLES is at the Ultimate Salsa Party at the Amari Boulevard Hotel’s Peppermill restaurant tomorrow.

Born in New York City’s “Spanish Harlem” neighbourhood of Puerto Rican descent, the Grammy-nominated Knowles knows about Latin music.

Bangkok is the latest of the 250-plus cities on his itinerary. The party starts at 9pm with beginners’ lessons, and the real dancing starts at 10. Admission is Bt250, including the class and a drink. Call (085) 252 1262.

Monsters under the Bed FRENCH DJ MARTIN SOLVEIG rolls into Bed Supperclub on Sukhumvit 11 tonight at 11, loaded with pop, modern and electronic tracks.

He’s the guy whose first album included the global smash “Madan”. His 2005 followup CD “Hedonist” was also a monster, and this year he’s going for a hat-trick with “C’est la Vie”.

Admission is Bt1,000 including one drink.

REVIEW

Loud whispers This year’s Acoustic Winter Festival at Khao Yai was better organised but too wired

By Budsarakham Sinlapalavan D A I L Y X P R E S S , Khao Yai

T

housands of fans headed to Khao Yai last weekend for the third Acoustic Winter Festival organised by RS Fresh Air and hosted by Bonanza Resort, camping out in the cool air for the show, which featured 25 artists.

The music started at dusk on Saturday with Peet Peera, the Sincharoen Brothers and Sobchai “Ford” Kraiyoonsen among the first to take the stage, before teen idol Pankorn “Dunk” Boonyajinda and Pong from former hard rock band Hin Lek Fai. Koh Mr Saxman and Jennifer Kim slowed the pace with smooth ballads, bringing a jazzy quality to the night air.

The audience was up and dancing as Groove Riders took the stage after midnight, playing several of their hits, including “Superstar”, “Hor-mone”, “Yud” and “Kae-Tur-Kor-Por”.

Electronic wizard Mr Zomkiat was joined by special guests from Dojo city plus girl group Triumph Kingdom.

Lipta and Peter Cop Dyrendal performed next, then Noi from Pru, who drew screams as he descended the stairs and mingled with the crowd.

The closing acts were Sqweez Animal, Po Yokee Playboy and 2 Days Ago Kids.

All plugged in This year’s festival was better organised with new roads allowing easier access to the venue and an additional 350 restrooms serving the 10,000 fans.

But with rock, ska and pop high on the musical menu, the acoustic concept of two years ago that had so delighted families had vanished, leaving an event no different from any other festival aimed at the teens.

Narcissism can be justified Sanya “Doo” Kunakorn, the

host of Channel 7’s “Tee Nee Morchit”, asked Jeeranan “Yui” Manojam the same question Yui he asks almost every guest: “Who do you admire most?”

“Myself,” the soap star replied, “and I’m not joking.”

That was a first for Doo, but Yui is entitled to her selfadmiration. She’s one of the most popular actresses on TV and the breadwinner for a family of six, occasionally taking the whole clan on holiday.

“My mum says we may have to travel by bus soon,” she quipped.

PAD helps tourism Who else was bummed out

by the airport closure? British Ambassador Quinton Quayle had to get back from New Quayle Zealand for Environment Day to honour the young winners of an embassy-sponsored competition.

He had a stop in Singapore, then Phuket and then hopped in a car.

“Last night I had to sleep in Chumpon, get up again at 4am to get to Bangkok in time for this very important event,” he told the youngsters.

They’d come from as far away as Chiang Mai and Narathiwat. His Excellency wanted them to know he’d come a lot further.

Contact Soopsip at veenxpress@gmail.com.

8

ART

show s

Thursday, December 11, 2008

DAILY XPRESS

HAPPY YULE FOOL

Merry DIY Christmas You have to pedal a bicycle to fire up the lights on the tree at the Tate

By Martin Gayford BLOOMBERG

His Majesty in action “Portraits of the King” is the title of ML Chiratorn Chirapravati’s exhibition of watercolours on display at Habitat in Siam Discovery Centre. Thirty-six paintings depict His Majesty’s work for his people through royal activities and projects. All proceeds from the sale will be donated to a charity under the patronage of the King. The exhibition continues until December 31.

Call (02) 655 5188.

Thinking out of the frame Fasang Nava-aran is featuring his latest abstract creations in the show “Appropriate” at H Gallery until December 30.

The artist has experimented by attaching panels to his 15 canvases to escape the confines of the frame and give the mixedmedia works extra space and depth.

The gallery at 201 Sathorn Road Soi 12 is open daily except Tuesday from 10 to 6.

Call (081) 310 4428 or visit www.HGalleryBkk.com.

n London, this year’s Tate Britain Christmas Tree by Bob and Roberta Smith, entitled “Make Your Own Christmas”, looks like an ominous portent of future yuletides.

A ramshackle construction of recycled materials, it is decorated with homemade-looking slogans about, well, recycling. Its lights are powered by the exertions of the gallery visitors.

Visitors can mount one of the bicycles that surround it, provided by electric pedals, and generate some wattage. It takes a group of energetic art lovers, all pumping furiously, to produce a dim glimmer in the lanterns above.

It seems like a convincing vision of the years to come.

“Bob and Roberta Smith” is the whimsical pseudonym of one artist whose real name is Patrick Brill.

According to the Grove Dictionary of Art, R and B Smith is/are “attracted to postures of amateurism and failure”.

While the tree isn’t very festive, it is a little more cheery than Tracey Emin’s effort of a few years ago: a handwritten injunction to give to charity.

There’s always a tension between modern art and the Christmas spirit. That, perversely, is what makes the Tate tree so entertaining. Half the fun of it is watching how a succession of contemporary

BLOOMBERG P

I

‘Bob and Roberta Smith’ powers his tree installation at Tate Britain in London.

Adam Coffman and his daughter check out the interactive Christmas tree. Visitors use static bicycles to power the lights.

Ruby Seber gets in touch with the season.

art stars – the Tate invites a different one each year – deal with this profoundly un-avantgarde subject.

The festival just isn’t modernist. No one ever dreamed of a cubist Christmas, or wished each other a dadaist

Noel. A Damien Hirst Yule is too grim to contemplate.

Imagine pickled animals around the crib.

Friday, December 12, 2008

134

THE FUN 9

DAILY XPRESS

FILMS were featured at the recent Jakarta International Film Festival, which was cut to five days this year, down from its usual 10.

WKND.EVENTS Fur heaven’s sake!

Glass slipper

COURTESY OF MUANG THAI RATCHADALAI THEATRE

time

Tony Award-winner Lea Salonga stars in Rodgers & Hammerstein’s classic musical “Cinderella” Tuesday through December 21 at the Muang Thai Ratchadalai Theatre. Famed for her performance in “Miss Saigon”, the Filipina singer and actress is joined by Peter Saide as the Prince. Shows are at 7.30 Tuesday through Friday, with weekend matinees at 2pm.

Tickets are Bt1,000 to Bt4,000 at Thaiticketmajor. Call (02) 262 3456.

How about chipping in to help

save hundreds of stray Bangkok cats and dogs? Bt100 can vaccinate a dog, Bt200 can neuter a cat and Bt1,500 can get some would-be pet’s skin cleaned up. Donations to Scad – formerly Soi Dog Rescue – can be made via (02) 713 3345 or www.ScadBangkok.org.

PERFORMANCE

Global chilling The British indie-rock outfit Arctic Monkeys is coming to

Thailand, but only on DVD, so just calm down a bit. It hits the stores on Tuesday.

“Arctic Monkeys: At the Apollo” is a live concert disc filmed in Manchester in front of thousands of fans: two hours, 20 songs, and behind-the-scenes footage.

These are the blokes who did “Whatever People Say I Am, That’s What I’m Not”, so get stuck in.

Road thrills Next week’s International Street Show will fill Lumpini Park with mimes, mayhem and much more

Arctic Monkeys

By Manta Klangboonkrong

XTRA

D A I LY X P R E S S

O

Simply Red finally makes it Chart-toppers in the ’80s, the British pop-funk band Simply Red is at Impact Arena on February 1 – first time in Thailand – with hits “If You Don’t Know Me By Now”, “Thrill Me”, “Holding Back the Years”, “Ev’ry Time We Say Goodbye” and many more.

Ginger-haired singer Mick Hucknell was inspired to start a band in 1976 after seeing the Sex Pistols play in Manchester. His group eventually became Simply Red in 1985.

Grab a seat from Bt1,000 to Bt4,500 at (02) 262 3456 or www.Thaiticketmajor.com.

h, stop looking so miserable.

We’ve cleared the protesters off the streets (for now) to make way for the International Street Show. Amusement abounds, and it’s all free.

Thai and Japanese performers will be running amok in Lumpini Park for three days late next week, so the joggers will just have to step aside.

Mimes and other clowns, jugglers, acrobats, fire eaters, sword swallowers, puppeteers and those people who make an incredible racket twisting balloons into balloon dogs will be among the 40 acts on view.

Keep an eye out for James Yogi, the Japanese-born Brazilian who does things on two wheels for which bicycles were never intended.

Japanese and South Koreans tumble together in the acrobatic collective Dabu, and Japan is also shipping us the mime duo S’il Vous Plait and the master mime Yamamoto Koyo, who’s back by popular demand.

Barbara Murata will take street theatre into new territory,

GET IN ON THE ACTS >> Catch the International Street Show at Lumpini Park from December 19 to 21, daily from 3 till 9pm. >> The nearest public-transit stations are Silom on the subway and Sala Daeng on the Skytrain. >> Need more details? See www.BangkokStreetShow.com.

Jazz nights with Alice Day A playful explorer when it comes to the more obscure tunes, American jazz singer Alice Day returns to the Sheraton Day Grande Sukhumvit’s Living Room.

Known as “The Lady”, she’s performing until February 1 with the Shawn Kelley Trio and the Randy Cannon Power Trio.

Catch them Tuesday till Thursday and any Sunday at 9pm or Friday and Saturday at 9.30. Check out the vibes at www.SheratonGrandeSukhu mvit.com.

Baht for bedtime What does a visit to Bed

Damejan Koide will juggle with your funny bone, and Tenshow will put on a masked play.

Bring your own chair There will be 10 stages for “spot” performances, but the other category is “walk-act”, and there’s no telling where those acts will show up.

Joggers: we were just kidding.

The organisers will make sure the performances don’t block traffic.

They certainly aren’t setting up seats, so fans will have to pack their own folding chairs and picnic gear.

Supperclub on Sukhumvit Soi 11 cost these days?

Western fusion cuisine in the White Room goes for Bt1,450 Sunday through Thursday, the four-course dinner on Friday and Saturday Bt1,850.

You get in for Bt600, which gets you two drinks, except on Wednesdays when it’s Bt700 and Friday and Saturday, when it’s Bt800. Ladies get in for free on the first Wednesday of every month and someone hands them three drinks.

Call (02) 651 3537 or check www.BedSupperclub.com.

10 EVENTS

Thursday, December 11, 2008

DAILY XPRESS

WHAT’S ON/WHAT’S UP

Modern Dog run with the pack Lullaby and Amthai from England will host the “Groove MY Dog Unplugged” concert at Thunder Dome in Muang Thong Thani on December 26. Kicking off at 8pm, the show will feature Groove Riders, Palmy and indie rockers Modern Dog. Tickets are Bt1,000, Bt1,500, Bt2,000 and Bt2,500 and are available at Thaiticketmajor.

Call (02) 262 3456.

do it!

Festive t music f.5eGsood FM

Baskets of plenty

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Gourmet Markets at Siam Paragon, the Emporium, the Mall and all Home Fresh Mart outlets are introducing “Blissful Hampers 2009” stacked with food, drinks and Thai gourmet goodies for shoppers to give away as New Year presents. Citi M Visa and SCB credit-card holders get a 15-per-cent discount. The promotion runs through January 16.

Charity party Baan Silom Arcade will host a New Year’s Eve charity party from December 17 to 20. The fair will offer a wide range of quality handicrafts, accessories, OTOP products, jewellery and fashionable garments from Silpacheep shop 904 and the Royal Chitralada Projects.

79 1810 call (02) 2

Call (02) 630 1000.

Life is like a mall of chocolates Chocoholics, don’t miss the Gift Wonderland: The Star of Chocolate festival at Central Lat Phrao where chocolates of different flavours, shapes and colours have turned the vast hall into a sweet wonderland. World famous brands are on sale at special price for you to choose as presents or for your own personal delight. The festival runs through January 15.

Deck the halls Loft at Siam Paragon celebrates the Christmas season with an innovative selection of stationery and home-decor items in vibrant shades of red and green. On offer are tree-shaped music boxes, snowman multi-purpose buckets, Christmas piggy banks, clocks, Santa glasses and glass trees. Call (02) 658 0328-30.

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Mau 2) 310 184 (0 Seiko. Call

Tune in toair the gift10f3.5 FM One is

station The radio e season g the festiv celebratin al gift fair at old nu with its an neramit on t park Dan n e midamusem om noon to n fr 0 2 r e b Decem ooths ru than 100 b rown re o M t. h nig e-g es and hom by celebriti l be selling eyewil designers nging from roducts ra p g in tionery catch st ems to a aking it e v ti ra co de s. T handicraft and toys to time will e m sa e at th otato, the stage t, h Saksi P o T , ss A ig be B Vanilla, ula, Black L t, u O l u o S p, wut, Stam Chin China nd Joe-Pop. Tickets ea Herspectiv vailable at the door. a re a 0 t5 ated to at B will be don hiang s d e ce ro p ll A in C Ku School Baan Huay Call (02) 641 5393 ce. .com.

Rai provin hisIsClick ww.T or visit w

12

SECOND HAND

Thursday, December 11, 2008

DAILY XPRESS

‘NUMBER 2’

In the bag Brand-name products with plenty of life left in them are on sale at a funky store in Siam Square

By Parinyaporn Pajee

Hermes Kelly 50cms priced at Bt340,000.

Chloe Paddington bag, Bt25,000.

XTRA

D A I LY X P R E S S

E

ven wanted to be turned out like a celeb but can’t quite stretch your credit card to cover the latest in designer wear?

Well, now you can buy that Louis Vuitton, Hermes, Gucci or Coach bag you’ve been ogling at a cheaper price and even trade in your brand-name clutch while you’re about it.

Just make a beeline to Number 2 shop on Siam Square and chat with its experienced owner Singchai Chaipitakroj, who worked as a brand-name shopper before opening his second-hand shop six years ago.

A mechanical engineer by training, Singchai 36, used to travel all over Europe buying up leading brands for a Thai store.

But he was quick to realise the potential for a shop where customers bored with their earlier buys could trade them in and put the money towards buying a newer model.

Singchai insists he never buys fakes but admits that some visitors still try to con him with counterfeit goods.

“I wouldn’t buy anything I wasn’t sure about. My credibili-

BAG A BRAND >> Number 2 is on Siam Square Soi 3 next to Dokya Book Shop. >> Check out the stock at www.BestNumber2.com. >> Call (02) 654-6311-2 or (089) 773 1111

ty relies on my stock being genuine and that’s essential for a second hand shop,” he explains.

It’s taken time and effort to earn trust from customers as, in the beginning, Singchai was not just buying used goods but also showcasing consignment products costing hundreds of thousands of baht.

Today, he has regular customers and offers a range of products priced from Bt1,000 to Bt400,000.

The consignment price is set by the owner before Singchai adds his own profit. “But everything should remain reasonably priced,” he says. “And the most popular items are still bags from Louis Vuitton’s Neverfull collections.”

Fendi Bucket, Bt7,000

Prada shoes at Bt4,500.

Singchai is already feeling the effects of the credit crunch, and reports a 40-per-cent decrease in sales over the past couple of months. He’s reduced prices and selected items for a special sale.

And while next year will be worse, he remains optimistic. “I should get more products at cheaper priced,” he grins.

He’s also hoping to boost sales through his new website even though he doesn’t have enough time to keep updating the pages with new arrivals.

Customers vary from high school students to celebrities.

Prices start at Bt2,000 for brand name shades from Gucci and CK.

Number 2 shop has more than 1,000 products in stock, all of them genuine brand names.

“One superstar brings her old bags to sell and lets it be known so members of her fan club can rush to acquire them. But most celebrities don't want anyone know that they sell their things here,” he says.

LV Nocturne PM Epi in lilac for Bt18,000.

Wallets from various brands start at Bt2,000.

Thursday, December 11, 2008

HEALTH & FITNESS 13

DAILY XPRESS

quick shots

The eyes

have it

Gym slips and mind games

Ophthalmologists plead with teens to think twice before buying ‘big eye’ contacts

Pattarada Rittang S P E C I A L T O D A I LY XPRESS

O

FORMERLY CONSIDERED LUXURY GOODS, CONTACT LENSES HAVE BECOME ACCESSIBLE TO ALMOST EVERYONE.

riginally developed to replace conventional glasses and give their users a wide field of vision, contact lenses are now often used for purely cosmetic reasons. Wearers don a pair when they fancy changing their eye colour and more recently, teens born with narrow eyes have been buying up “big eye” lenses, which make the irises and pupils appear larger.

These lenses, which measure between 14mm and 15.5mm, considerably bigger than standard lenses, which are less than 13mm, hit the headlines earlier this week following warnings that improper use could cause irreversible damage to the eyes of the young wearers.

Formerly considered luxury

goods, contact lenses have become accessible to almost everyone thanks to improved technology and lower prices.

But the new fad for “big eye” contacts has the Public Health Ministry worried.

With more and more teens who dream of having the same wide-eye look as their Korean pop heroes wearing smuggled lenses, the Food and Drug Administration has yet set up regulations to control imports.

Tapanee Tantisavee, who is short sighted, admits she's been influenced by Japanese and Korean pop stars, and opted for the 14mm lenses from Korea because she found them more attractive. She doesn’t want to risk wearing the “big eye” lenses because she’s worried about developing an infection.

Lenses with bad shapes or

not kept clean can cause red eyes or more serious infection and even blindness, warns ophthalmologist Nuntawan Thamawarakul.

In a worst case, a patient may needs a corneal transplant, warns Dr Thidanan Rattanatam, and it may be five years before a cornea is donated.

Both doctors recommend anyone wishing to wear contact lenses, whether to correct their vision or for cosmetic reasons, to consult an ophthalmologist, since most of the products available in the market are beyond FDA control.

Unlike teeth that can easily be replaced, says Thidanan, loss of vision cannot be brought back, regardless of the treatment.

So think twice before you insert those small lenses in your eyes.

Diets are about balance, not starving I think I’m becoming overweight. At 160 centimetres tall, I now weigh 67 kilograms and my weight’s rising. I’ve tried to watch my diet, but it doesn’t work. I’ve been advised to try a lowcarb diet or skip high-calorie food.

Remember this golden rule: A certain amount of food from each category is important for the body. Never skip any food category.

Dieting doesn’t mean fasting, in the sense many Thais understand it. It’s about having a balanced diet.

Here’s another simple rule: The more you eat, the more

weight you gain.

So, before putting any food in your mouth, think twice as to whether it’s your body or just your appetite that “needs” the food.

Here are some guidelines: Think of your drink.

Whenever you’re thirsty, have plain water instead of soda, which offers calories but no nutrition.

Try to minimise your food intake every day, and go for more healthy food.

Stop eating when you’re full.

Don’t overeat. And always eat slowly, because it takes about 15 minutes for the brain to realise that you’re full.

Eat less, but more often. That

will automatically decrease your calorie consumption in each meal.

Eat more fruit and vegetables to get more fibre, which is good for your digestion.

Avoid all processed foods, most of which are high in calories and low in nutrition.

Last but not least, don’t skip any foods from the five main categories. Diet plans telling you to skip either fat or carbohydrates won’t work, because you do need energy for your daily routine.

If you’re afraid of carbohydrates, choose unpolished rice, which tends to have more fibre and helps reduce the cholesterol and sugar in your blood.

ask

the pros

Assoc Prof Somjai Wichaidit is a nutritionist and Secretary General for Foundation for Health Sciences Promotion.

Send your question about health to contactsirinya@gmail.com.

Is your local gym hazardous to your health? Quit possibly, as it can be a breeding ground for the bacteria that cause such skin problems as athlete’s foot, ringworm and staph infections.

So sanitise all gym equipment before and after you use it. Yoga mats trap sweat that can turn into infection-causing bacteria, so invest in one of your own. Always wear flipflops in the shower and locker rooms.

Most importantly, monitor your skin and visit a dermatologist if you have a persistent irritation or infection.

Alzheimer’s can be avoided Diet, stress, exercise and exposure to chemicals may impact your chances of getting Alzheimer’s or Parkinson's diseases, and you can apparently reduce risk by leading a nutrition-conscious, active lifestyle.

Here are some more tips: >> Avoid saturated and trans fats, and eat plenty fresh fruits and veggies. Get lots of omega-3s from eating fish regularly, but limit your consumption of fish that tend to be high in mercury like mackerel and tuna. >> Limit your exposure to lead and pesticides. They are known to increase the risk of Alzheimer's and diabetes, which also comes with a risk of dementia. >> Stay socially and physically active, and exercise your brain regularly with crossword puzzles, word games, chess and other activities that require critical thinking.

– The Washington Post

Contact Quick Shots at contactsirinya@gmail.com.

14 THE SCREEN

Thursday, December 11, 2008

DAILY XPRESS

TO SEE on tv

Waitress When a waitress (Keri Russell) in a roadside diner meets the town’s new doctor (Nathan Fillion), she finally gets the courage to create the life she’s always dreamed of.

Ong Bak

After witnes 2 sin nobleman g g his parents’ death, th e rows up to b ecome a fier son of a rior, skilled in ce young wa many martia rl for vengean ce. With Eng arts, who has only a ta ste lish subti mas. ★ ★★★

Star Movies (TrueVisions), 8pm

Town and Country Warren Beatty and Diane Keaton star in this comedy about life, love, friendship, having everything and not getting caught.

True Movie Hits (TrueVisions), 11.10pm

The Day the Earth Stood Still In this remake of the 1951 sci-fi classic, Keanu Reeves plays an alien who comes to warn Earthlings of their impending doom. Jennifer Connelly also stars. Also at Krungsri IMAX.

Shipbuilders race to install a 320-tonne generator in an ocean liner in just under three weeks.

National Geographic (TrueVisions), 9pm

Some Came Running A war veteran with literary aspirations returns to his hometown after a failed writing career. Stars Frank Sinatra Dean Martin and Shirley MacLaine.

terrorist organisations lead to his being doggedly tracked by an FBI agent (Guy Pearce). ★★★

The House Bunny Anna Faris plays a former bunny determined to turn her life around after being expelled from the Playboy mansion.

Twilight

★★★

A teenage girl (Kristen Stewart) risks everything when she falls in love with a vampire (Robert Pattinson). ★★★

Tokyo Sonata

Traitor

World’s Toughest Fixes

tles at som e cine-

Don Cheadle stars as a conflicted secret operative whose ties to

Kiyoshi Kurosawa’s dark drama is about a Japanese family that disintegrates after its patriarch loses his job. In Japanese with Thai and English subtitles at House and Apex. ★★★★

Saw V Jigsaw might be dead, but his grisly traps live on in this fifth instalment of the torture-porn franchise. Costas Mandylor stars as a detective trying to piece things together. At SF Cinemas. ★

Beverly Hills Chihuahua A pampered Beverly Hills Chihuahua named Chloe (voiced

by Drew Barrymore) finds herself accidentally lost in the mean streets of Mexico. ★★

Burn After Reading

Kids Asato (Teppei Koike) has the power to transfer other people’s wounds to his own body. His strange healing powers lead to a friendship with the troubled Takeo. In Japanese with Thai and English subtitles at House and Apex. ★★★★

In this rollicking black comedy by the Coen brothers, a disk containing the memoirs of a CIA agent (John Malkovich) ends up in the hands of two unscrupulous gym employees (Brad Pitt and Frances McDormand) who then attempt to sell it. At

The Duchess

Paragon Cineplex and Apex.

At Apex. ★★★

Keira Knightley plays Georgiana Cavendish (Keira Knightley), a beautiful and clever woman who becomes a celebrity of British high society when she marries the Duke of Devonshire.

★★★★

‘The Day the Earth Stood Still’ stars Jennifer Connelly and Keanu Reeves.

Apex Lido: (02) 252 6498 Siam: (02) 251 3508 Scala: (02) 251 2861

Century – The Movie Plaza (02) 247 9940

House (02) 641 5913-4

Major Cineplex/EGV Bangkok: (02) 515 5555 Chiang Mai: (053) 283 939

Major Hollywood Bangkok: (02) 718 7999

TCM (TrueVisions), 2pm

Paragon Cineplex Channel links www.NationChannel.com Channel 3 – www.ThaiTV3.com Channel 5 – www.TV5.co.th Channel 7 – www.CH7.com Modernine – www.MCOT.net NBT – TV11.prd.go.th Thai PBS – www.ThaiPBS.or.th True – www.TrueVisionsTV.com

Bangkok: (02) 129 4635 IMAX: (02) 129 4631

SF Cinemas Bangkok: (02) 268 8888 Phuket: (076) 209 000

Vista Chiang Mai: (053) 894 415

Thursday, December 11, 2008

DAILY XPRESS

CITYSCENE IN PICTURES Environment Day kudos British Ambassador Quinton Quayle hosted a gathering at his residence to celebrate Environment Day with guests of honour Orapin Wongchumpit of the Environmental Quality Promotion Department, HSBC chief Willie Tham, Barry Breary of the British Council, former Bangkok governor Apirak Kosayothin and Kulpariya Tansiri, who won the embassy’s Earthfriendly poster competition.

Certificates and prizes were presented to schools participating in the Ecological Footprint Challenge, with 20 receiving Bt30,000 each.

Highlights of the day were a tree planting and the decorating of cotton shopping bags, with the ambassador and other guests artistically expressing their views on climate change.

AROUND BANGKOK 15

16

Close to Home

By John McPherson

LEISURE

Pooch Cafe

The Buckets

Adam

Calvin and Hobbes

By Brian Basset

By Paul Gilligan

By Scott Stantis

By Bryan Basset

By Bill Watterson

Thursday, December 11, 2008

Comics&Games

Red and Rover

DAILY XPRESS

Thursday, December 11, 2008

LEISURE

DAILY XPRESS

Games&YourStars SUDOKU

The last word in

ASTROLOGY

By Eugenia Last

Today’s Birthday: You can secure your professional position by picking up additional skills and preparing for a career change. Use your ingenuity and talent to come up with services that can parlay into your own business. Being insightful regarding your ability and what others need will separate you from the crowd.

Yesterday’s Puzzle Answer Complete the grid so that every row, column and 3x3 box contains every digit from 1 to 9 inclusively.

ARIES **** March 21-April 19 Educate yourself so you are prepared to put any services you can offer into play. You don’t want to miss the festive rush when what you have to offer could be exactly what others will pay for.

TAURUS *** April 20-May 20 Don’t get run down because you are too nice to say no. Put things in perspective and decide what’s really important to you. If a relationship is causing stress, rethink the connection.

GEMINI *** May 21-June 20 You can pull off the impossible and entice everyone to side with you. You have the chance to make a go of something that may have been out of the question in the past. Don’t hesitate now.

DIFFICULTY RATING ★★★★

CANCER *** June 21-July 22 You may want to spend a little extra to please someone who means a lot to you. In the long run, your investment in a good relationship will secure your financial and emotional future.

LEO **** July 23-Aug. 22 Focus on having fun with the ones you love. Get involved in a unique group that offers help to the needy. Your contributions will lead to positive contacts for your own projects.

CELEBRITIES BORN ON THIS DAY

VIRGO ** Aug. 23-Sept. 22 Don’t be fooled by someone putting unreasonable demands on you. Keep your emotions out of the workplace. Being non-productive will cause someone you respect to question your ability.

LIBRA *** Sept. 23-Oct. 22 You will feel better once you have things in place at home. Inviting guests over will speak volumes about who you are and what you stand for.

Expand your interests and your friendships.

SCORPIO *** Oct. 23-Nov. 21 Put more focus on home and family, especially if you have neglected some of your personal duties. A partnership may appear sound but unless you come out with cash in hand, take a pass.

SAGITTARIUS *** Nov. 22-Dec. 21 Expect someone to stand in your way. Don’t take no for an answer but also do not let emotions interfere with what needs to be done. A new professional direction could be interesting. Check it out.

CAPRICORN *** Dec. 22-Jan. 19 By taking a fun-loving approach to the things you do today, you will throw any competition offbalance. Your spur-of-the-moment changes and inconsistent decisions will keep others guessing.

Gary Dourdan

Musician David Gates (Bread) is 68.

Actress Donna Mills is 66.

Actress Teri Garr is 64.

Singer Brenda Lee is 64.

Actress Bess Armstrong is 55.

Singer Jermaine Jackson is 54.

Musician Nikki Sixx (Motley Crue) is 50.

Actor Gary Dourdan (“CSI”) is 42.

Producer Mos Def is 35.

AQUARIUS ***** Jan. 20-Feb. 18 Make a move to a larger place or invest in something that will allow you to make extra cash from home. This is the perfect time to offer your services and open up possibilities for more cash.

PISCES ** Feb. 19-March 20 Too much can go wrong if you let your emotions take over. Think before you act and refrain from letting your temper get the better of you.

Problems with a friend will escalate if you refuse to listen.

17

Bangkok Bank, the career partner you can rely on to bring out your best With our 60-year track record of success, and our reputation as Thailandís leading bank, we offer a secure employment environment with great opportunities for career advancement.

To create your great future career, Bangkok Bank - opening the door to new opportunities.

Positions available: Management Level ● ●

● ●

●

Relationship Managers-Overseas Branch Credit Analysis Managers-Credit Acceptance Unit Card Marketing Manager Product Managers (Reward/Retention) -Credit Card Assistant Vice President-Product Development, Global Payment Services

Senior Level ● ●

Accounting Specialists Product Development Specialists

Officer Level ●

● ●

Relationship Officers-Corporate Banking Division Marketing Officers-Credit Card Programmers

If you recognize yourself in any of these profiles, please apply online via www.bangkokbank.com/careers

Vacancy Announcement

Managing Director Small and Medium Enterprise Development Bank of Thailand is inviting application for the position of Managing Director with details as follows: 1. General Requirement : Candidates must have the qualifications stated in The Standard Qualifications for State Enterprise Executives and Officers Act B.E. 2518 and amendments, Banking Act B.E. 2545 and the SMEBANK announcement.

2. Position Requirement : - Age not over 60 years.

- At least Bachelor's Degree with high integrity and ethics.

- Knowledge or expertise in banking, economics, industry or law.

- Never been in a position of director, manager, deputy manager, assistant manager of a commercial bank or other financial institutes and caused such bank's or institute's license to be revoked.

- Used to be in a position of at least assistant manager (or equivalent) of a private organization or state enterprise.

- Over 10 years management experience in setting policy and managing economic project plan.

- Able to demonstrate a strong vision in SME development.

- Leadership quality, organization building and development skills - Good human relations in working with others.

- Good command of English communication.

- Good knowledge and experience in using information technology.

The maximum term of engagement of the position is 4 years or when the person becomes 60 years old. The contract can be extended according to the rules and regulations stated in the Standard Qualifications for State Enterprise Executives and Officers Law and the SMEBANK announcement.

Interested applicants, please contact for more information, application form and application submission at: Human Resource Department Small and Medium Enterprise Development Bank of Thailand SMEBANK Tower, 10th Floor, Paholyothin Rd., Samsennai, Phayathai, Bangkok 10400, Thailand or Download application form at www.smebank.co.th For further information, please contact tel: 02-265-3886-7 Monday - Friday, 08.30 - 16.30 hrs.

Apply during office hours before 16 December 2008.

Importer and distributor of pharmaceutical products from Italy - Fluimucil® is looking for:

BKK/UPC Medical Representative (MC) Male or Female, age not over 35 years old.

Bachelor's degree in any related fields. ● Minimum 2 years experience in pharmaceutical products. ● Good personality & service mind with excellent negotiation and communication skills. ● Own transportation.

Apply in person or send resume with photo and transcript to: Personnel Department ● ●

S.M. PHARMACEUTICAL CO., LTD. 82, 84 Mansion 2, Rajdamnoen Klang Ave., Phranakorn, Bangkok 10200 Tel. (02) 2243226, (02) 2243235 E-mail: narong@smpharmaceutical.com

ITALIAN-THAI DEVELOPMENT PUBLIC CO., LTD.

Urgently Required An associated company of Italian-Thai Development PCL. inwrites the condidates for following positions.

Mechanical Engineer

Qualifications - Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering - At least 3 years experience in machinery maintenance such as Backhoe Loader, HYD, Excavator, Bulldozer, Motor Geader and other heavy machinery such as Dump Truck and Transit Mixer, Batching Plant and Crushing Plant - Good command of reading, speaking and writing in English - Pleasant personality, able to work well as a team - Able to work in Philippines

Giffarine Skyline Laboratory and Health Care Co.,Ltd. Thai manufacturer and exporter of cosmetic, aromatherapy and food supplement products under “GIFFARINE” brand and “PATTRENA” established in March 1996 by the Thai medical doctors together with a group of pharmacists and scientists. Our factory and laboratory complied with GMP, ISO 9001, servicing customers up to 30 countries. Not only offering products under our own brand, we also have isolated R&D team to our Private Label customers.

As a part of Giffarine’s rapid expansion in global business, we are now looking for qualified candidates to join our team in the following positions:

1. IMPORT-EXPORT OFFICER Qualifications:• Male or Female, age over 25 years.

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, International Marketing, Marketing or other related fields.

• At least 2-3 years experience in international marketing.

• Good command of written and spoken English.

• Knowledge of computer PC, Microsoft Office, Email, Internet.

• Good contact with customers and ability to develop and contact new customers and products.

• Service-minded, good interpersonal and communication skills. *** All applicants will be required to take an English test.***

2. IT SUPERVISOR Qualifications:• Male or Female, age over 27 years.

• Bachelor’s degree in any related fields.

• Knowledge of ERP, LIMS, network systems.

• Database knowledge of Microsoft Windows 2003 Server, MS SQL Server and Visual Basic • At least 5 years experience in IT To apply, please send resume with academic transcript and a recent photo to:

Human Resource Department

Please apply in person or send your application letter, transcript and recent photo to:

GIFFARINE SKYLINE LABORATORY AND HEALTH CARE CO., LTD.

Vice President (Personnel and Legal)

222/1-3 Navanakorn Industrial Estate, Moo 13, Phaholyothin Rd., T. Klong Nung, A. Klong Luang, Pathumthani 12120, THAILAND. Tel. 0-2834-9222 Fax: 0-2909-1844 Email: hr@giffarine.co.th

2034/132-161 Italthai Tower 37th Fl., New Petchaburi Road, Bangkapi, Huaykwang, Bangkok 10310 Tel: 02-716-1600-9 # 4012 E-mail: recruit@itd.co.th

22

THE SPORT

Thursday, December 11, 2008

THE SPORT DOWN

DAILY XPRESS

WERDER BREMEN vs INTER MILAN

2:1

Werder Bremen booked their place in the Uefa Cup as they bowed out of the Champions League with a shock win.

briefly

Duncan drops in 32, Spurs down Mavs

BUT NOT OUT

The calendar reads December, but to Texas powerhouses San Antonio and Dallas, an early season Western Conference match-up felt more like an intense spring play-off game. Tim Duncan scored eight of his season-record tying 32 points in the second overtime and grabbed 14 rebounds, carrying the San Antonio Spurs to a thrilling 133-126 Tim Duncan road victory over the Dallas Mavericks. “Yeah, it was (like a play-off game) from beginning to end,” Duncan said. – DPA

Hoffenheim to sign goalie Hildebrand Former Germany goalkeeper Timo Hildebrand is to join Bundesliga leaders TSG Hoffenheim during the winter break. Hildebrand, 29, can join a club for free after being released out of his contract by Spain’s Valencia last week. – DPA

Aust commits $30m to WC bid Australia’s bid to host the 2018 World Cup received a major boost yesterday when the government agreed to spend more than 45 million dollars to back the campaign. Prime Minister Kevin Rudd, Sports Minister Kate Ellis and Tourism Minister Martin Ferguson said in a statement the US$30 million cash injection “sends a clear message to the football world that Australia is serious about hosting the 2018 Fifa World Cup.” – AFP

Warne bowled over by musical Australian cricket legend Shane Warne threw his support behind a musical stage show that presents a warts-and-all account of his controversylaced career.

Shane Warne The bowler

lashed out at the show’s producers when they announced plans for “Shane Warne – The Musical” earlier this year, believing they should have sought his permission before proceeding.

But Warne said he decided to see the musical for himself before it opened in his hometown of Melbourne this week and was pleasantly surprised at the tenor of the production starring comedian Eddie Perfect as the wayward spinner.

“I think Eddie and his team have written the musical in a respectful and sympathetic way, and that they have captured my fun, larrikin [lovable rogue] side,” Warne said. – AFP

K-Rod to Mets; Wood to Indians?

Closing pitcher Francisco Rodriguez became the first toptier free agent to join a new club in winter trade meetings, agreeing to join the New York Mets on Tuesday in a $37 million, three-year deal. In other free agent developments Tuesday, former Chicago Cubs ace pitcher Kerry Wood was close to a deal with the Cleveland Indians and New York Yankees general manager Brian Cashman travelled to California to meet again with pitcher CC Sabathia. Coming off a record 62 saves for the Los Angeles Angels, Rodriguez was signed as a cure to the Mets’ notoriously shaky bullpen. – AP

Barcelona, Inter lose but go through; Drogba returns to save Chelsea blues with a late strike AFP, Paris

R

eturning striker Didier Drogba hit the winner in Chelsea’s 2-1 victory over Romanian team CFR Cluj on Tuesday to see last season’s Champions League finalists safely through to the knockout stages.

Chelsea’s victory together with Roma beating Bordeaux 2-0 in Rome was enough to ensure Luiz Felipe Scolari’s side did not suffer the embarrassment of exiting at the group stage for the first time ever in seven Champions League campaigns.

However it meant they finished second in Group A, which in theory hands them a more

difficult clash in the last 16.

It left the combative Scolari a little underwhelmed, as he compared the spirit shown by his opponents as an example of what he wanted from his team.

“We had more of the ball but there was not a big difference between the teams. We didn’t play very well, we played ok, but they have the spirit I want in my team,” said the 2002 World Cup winning coach, who had claimed that exiting the Champions League wouldn’t be a disaster.

“They fight for the ball and even if they made mistakes, everyone understood this and fought to help them. They played as a team,” added Scolari,

who it was claimed by assistant Ray Wilkins had been looking tired and stressed last week amid reports of internal discord with several senior players.

Roma coach Luciano Spalletti could rejoice in seeing his side’s fortunes turn around over a matter of weeks when he was under immense pressure. “This is a really prestigious result (to finish top of the group),” he said.

“I would give my boys 12 out of 10,” added the coach.

Chelsea will however avoid former manager Jose Mourinho’s side Inter Milan in the last 16 as his team finished only second in Group B after being surprisingly beaten 2-1 by German side Werder Bremen.

Panathinaikos finished top after beating Anorthosis Famagusta 1-0.

Mourinho’s disappointment will have been Panathinaikos

Thursday, December 11, 2008

THE SPORT 23

DAILY XPRESS

Juande Ramos

Jose Mourinho

REAL MADRID’S NEW MANAGER

INTER MILAN MANAGER

“They didn’t even give me time to look at myself in the mirror. They gave me the tracksuit and I’m not sure if it fits me well ... This will be difficult. We don’t have any idle time.

Fatigue is accumulating, the psychological work is very important.”

Reds future good as as Rafa edges to deal AFP, Liverpool

Henk Ten Cate, Panathinaikos coach coach Henk Ten Cate’s joy as another man with a former Chelsea connection – he was assistant manager under Avram Grant till being sacked in May this year – celebrated his 54th birthday in style.

“No one can doubt us now,” purred ten Cate, who was assistant coach at Barcelona when they won the Champions League and domestic title in 2006.

“These moments, with what is going on around us [the riots in Athens], this win is a call for joy.

The team remained calm and had the opportunity to improve its image. This is the best present [his birthday] for me.”

Atletico Madrid finished second after eking out a 0-0 draw with Marseille.

Atletico’s Spanish rivals Barcelona still finished top of Group C despite losing with a largely second string side 3-2 at home to Ukrainian outfit Shakthar Donetsk. Sporting Lisbon too already knew they would finish runners-up and rounded off their campaign with a 1-0 win away at Basel.

future.”

As winners of group D, Liverpool will be seeded for the second round draw and have the advantage of playing the second leg of their last 16 tie at Anfield.

Benitez said: “We wanted to win the group to make sure that we had the second leg of the next round at Anfield.

Needing a win to secure a place in the Uefa Cup, PSV took the lead through Danko Lazovic but they never seriously threatened to pull off an upset against opponents who belied their recent sluggish form to claim a convincing win.

Ryan Babel equalised on the stroke of half-time and second-half goals from Spanish winger Albert Riera (a 30-yard screamer) and Ngog delivered what was ultimately a comfortable victory. “We were able to make a lot of changes, and all the players coming in did well,” Benitez added.

“Diego Cavalieri in goal was very good, Ryan Babel scored a fine goal and worked hard throughout.

“We are always able to say that people like Jamie Carragher, Alvaro Arbeloa and Daniel Agger have played well. But this time we are able to say that about young lads and many of our squad players. “We have won the group and that gives us growing confidence,” he said.

Luiz Felipe Scolari is looking forward to the draw.

Scolari unfazed by big guns A F P , London

L

AP

NO ONE CAN DOUBT US NOW.WITH WHAT IS GOING ON AROUND US,THIS WIN IS A CALL FOR JOY.

AFP

R

afael Benitez insists Liverpool’s future is in good hands as he edges closer to a new deal that will ensure he is at the helm of the Premier League leaders for another four and a half years.

Reports in the English media suggest the Spanish manager is on the verge of signing a contract extension that will keep him in charge at Anfield until 2013, giving him extra reason to celebrate after his side marched into the last 16 of the Champions League with a 3-1 win over PSV in Eindhoven on Tuesday night.

For Benitez, a 40th European win with Liverpool took him past Bob Paisley’s club record but it was the sight of three homegrown youngsters making their debuts on the continental stage that gave him the most cause for satisfaction.

Stephen Darby, Jay Spearing and Martin Kelly all got their first taste of European action while two of the youngsters imported by Benitez, Brazilian midfielder Lucas Leiva and French striker David Ngog, had outstanding matches.

“It is always good to be able to bring on local youngsters, produced by the club,” Benitez said. “Everything went right and I was delighted with the overall performance. There were plenty of positives for the club and its

AP

Barcelona’s Seydou Keita after losing against Shakhtar in their Uefa Cup Champions League match .

,,

“I am disappointed, but you had one side playing life-or-death football and the other just playing for a result ... so you have to accept the result.”

Liverpool’s Lucas, left, congratulates Ryan Babel after he scored the equaliser against PSV in Eindhoven.

uiz Felipe Scolari insists he doesn’t care who Chelsea play in the Champions League second round even though his side’s failure to win their group could lead to a shootout with one of Europe’s big guns.

Yet Scolari subscribes to the theory that if you want to win Europe’s top club prize you have to beat the best at some point, so why not start straight away. “I don’t choose the teams we play. For me it is not different if I play Barcelona, Real Madrid, Inter Milan or anyone because they are all the best,” Scolari said.

“If we want to arrive in the final we need to beat A, B and C. We are second. Now we will wait to see what happens in the draw.”

Chelsea’s chances of advancing in the competition could hinge on Scolari’s ability to keep Didier Drogba fit and motivated for the rest of the season.

Scolari knows he has to work out a way to harness Drogba alongside Anelka.

“All the people know Drogba is a great player. He didn’t have a pre-season and when he started to play he got injured, then he was suspended. Now it is his time,” he said.

Thursday, December 11, 2008

THE SPORT 25

DAILY XPRESS

TENNIS

CRICKET

NOPPAWAN NEW QUEEN Thai rises to the top of the ITF junior rankings

By Lerpong Amsa-ngiam DAILY XPRESS

M

XPRESS/NARIN KRUAKLAI

ake way everyone!

Noppawan Lertcheewakarn is the new queen of world junior tennis.

The Thai teenager, who was No 2 last week, rose to the top of the International Tennis Federation girls’ singles ranking with combined points of 1,082.50, becoming the first Asian girl to hold the No 1 position.

“I’m glad and a bit surprised because I haven’t played in the junior tournaments for a while. I Noppawan Lertcheewakarn hits a sweet spot – world No 1. consider it an honour to be the first Thai and first Asian to be- yearend No 1 ranking is still am not playing in any junior come the No 1 junior in the close, with No 2 Simona Halep events this year,” said the 17world,” she said. of Romania and No 5 Laura year-old from Chiang Mai. Noppawan progressed at the Robson breathing down the Noppawan, or Nok, has colexpense of the Netherlands’ Thai’s neck. “If either of them lected four junior-singles titles Arantxa Rus, who dropped win in the Orange Bowl [In this year, including three in a from pole position to No 3 this USA] this week, they will be- row – in Sarawak, Manila and week. However, the race for the come yearend No 1, because I Indore. She then polished her

resume with some astonishing results in major competitions, reaching the junior Wimbledon final and winning the US Open doubles trophy.

In the small pro events, Noppawan won the US$25,000 title in Balikpapan and a US$10,000 event in Chiang Mai. She is currently No 356 in the WTA rankings but is poised to reach break into the top 200 after her decision to concentrate on the pro circuit next season.

“I will play in junior events only at the Grand Slams as I want to focus on the pro circuit. Next year will be my last on the junior circuit and I would love to win a Grand Slam.”

Meanwhile, former French Open finalist Martin Verkerk announced he is quitting professional tennis. “It had been my plan to play more matches,” the Dutchman said. “It’s a pity it didn’t work out.”

The big serving Verkerk won two ATP tournaments, at Milan in 2003 and the Dutch Open a year later.

Testing time in India Rival captains Kevin Pietersen of England and Mahendra Singh Dhoni of India urged team-mates to forget tragedy and focus on cricket when the twoTest series starts in Chennai today.

“This is an emotional time for all of us, but we must try to forget the past and get on with the job at hand, which is to play cricket,” said Dhoni.

“It was difficult to think of cricket when the attacks took place, and I am glad England are back to play the Test series because we have to move on.”

Pietersen said now that his team was back in India, any debate about the decision to play the Tests in the wake of the Mumbai attacks had to be put aside. “We need to chuck everything away and make sure that now our primary goal and focus is to try and win this Test match series.”

AFP

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THE SPORT

Thursday, December 11, 2008

FOOTBALL

THAIS EYE PRIZE Hosts canter to an easy victory over Malaysia DAILY XPRESS

T

hailand cruised into the semi-finals of the Asean Football Federation’s Suzuki Cup after completing its groupstage campaign with a convincing 3-0 victory over Malaysia and maintaining their perfect record in Phuket yesterday.

The Thai team’s performance in the group stage – scoring eleven goals without conceding to secure the top spot in Group B – was nothing short of spectacular.

The hosts, who are threetime champions in the tournament, had earlier notched up 2-0 and 6-0 victories over Vietnam and Laos thanks to a brace from ex-Manchester City player Teerasil Daengda and veteran Sutee Suksomkit’s Thailand’s Surat Sukha shoots for goal during the game yesterday.

RESULTS basketball NBA Yesterday’s results: Cleveland 114, Toronto 94; Washington 107, Detroit 94; Utah 99, Minnesota 96; Chicago 105, New York 100; San Antonio 133, Dallas 126 (2 OT); Houston 92, Atlanta 84; Phoenix 125, Milwaukee 110; Orlando 109, Portland 108; Sacramento 113, LA Lakers 101.

ice hockey NHL Yesterday’s results: Philadelphia 4, NY Islanders 3; Montreal 4, Calgary 1; Vancouver 3, Nashville 1; Colorado 6, Los Angeles 1

soccer English FA Cup Tuesday’s 2nd round results: Chesterfield 2 Droylsden 2 European Champions League Tuesday’s results: Group A In London: Chelsea (ENG) 2 (Kalou 40, Drogba 71) CFR Cluj (ROM) 1 (Kone 55) In Rome: AS Roma (ITA) 2 (Brighi 61, Totti 79) Bordeaux (FRA) 0 Group B In Athens: Panathinaikos (GRE) 1

(Karagounis 69) Anorthosis (CYP) 0 In Bremen, Germany: Werder Bremen (GER) 2 (Pizzaro 63, Rosenberg 81) Inter Milan (ITA) 1 (Ibrahimovic 88) Group C In Basel, Switzerland: Basel (SUI) 0 Sporting Lisbon (POR) 1 (Djalo 19) In Barcelona, Spain: Barcelona (ESP) 2 (Sylvinho 59, Busquets 83) Shakhtar (UKR) 3 (Gladkiy 31, 58, Fernandinho 76) Group D In Eindhoven, the Netherlands: PSV Eindhoven (NED) 1 (Lazovic 36) Liverpool (ENG) 3 (Babel 45+2, Riera 68, N'Gog 77) In Marseille, France: Marseille (FRA) 0 Atletico Madrid (ESP) 0 Champions League first knockout round qualifiers Group A: AS Roma (ITA), Chelsea (ENG); UEFA Cup Bordeaux (FRA); Eliminated: CFR Cluj (ROM) Group B: Panathinaikos (GRE), Inter Milan (ITA); UEFA Cup: Werder Bremen (GER); Eliminated: Anorthosis (CYP) Group C: Barcelona (ESP), Sporting Lisbon (POR); UEFA Cup: Shakhtar Donetsk (UKR); Eliminated: Basel (SUI) Group D: Liverpool (ENG), Atletico Madrid (ESP); UEFA Cup: Marseille (FRA); Eliminated: PSV Eindhoven (NED Wednesday's final round Group E: Villarreal (ESP), Manchester United (ENG); UEFA Cup: Aalborg (DEN); Eliminated: Celtic (SCO)

4-1

effort. Thailand will face Indonesia, the Group A runners-up, in the two-leg semi-final, with the Thais playing the away tie on December 16 before the home game five days later.

Having witnessed his side maintained their winning record, the 52-year-old Reid paid tribute to his players.

“We’ve now accomplished our first objective of reaching the last four. Everyone did his job very well. I coudn’t be more pleased. We defended and attacked as a team,” said a delighted Reid. “Today we showed real team spirit. You must have seen that our strikers went back and helped the defenders. Although we still have room for improvement, I must praise the attitude of each player.”

“The game against Indonesia will be hard but we still have time to prepare for it,” Reid added.

Canadiens crush Calgary Flames Robert Lang had two goals and an assist and Matt D’Agostini extended his goalscoring streak to four in Montreal’s win.

Group F: Bayern Munich (GER), Lyon (FRA); UEFA Cup or eliminated: Steaua Bucharest (ROM), Fiorentina (ITA) Group G Arsenal (ENG), FC Porto (POR); UEFA Cup or eliminated: Fenerbahce (TUR), Dynamo Kiev (UKR) Group H: Juventus (ITA), Real Madrid (ESP); UEFA Cup: Zenit St Petersburg (RUS); Eliminated: BATE Borisov (BLR)

ON TV Soccer Fifa Club World Cup

Adelaide United v Witakere United 5.30pm/Star Sports

Ince backed at Blackburn D P A , London

B

lackburn Rovers coaching staff member Nigel Winterburn moved yesterday to give his support to under-fire manager Paul Ince.

Ince was one of the most respected young English managers when he took over from Mark Hughes in the summer, but after five straight defeats Blackburn lie second-bottom of the Premier League table.

His future is believed to have been discussed at a board meeting on Tuesday, with rumours of player unrest mounting.

But Winterburn, the former Arsenal defender who is the defensive coach at Rovers, insisted that Ince retains the confidence of the squad.

“The players are certainly behind him and it looks like the board will back him as well,” he told the BBC. “That is the most important thing. It doesn’t matter what other people think, it is just case of starting to put the results right on the pitch.

“That will dispel all the rumours flying around at the moment and that will happen very quickly.

“He has adapted very quickly, especially over the last couple of weeks with the things which have been written against him,” he said.

DAILY XPRESS

Reds close in on Utd in fan survey It is not just on the pitch that Liverpool are closing the gap on Manchester United: the English Premier League (EPL) leaders are also winning the battle for new fans around the world.

The biggest-ever survey of EPL fans across the globe has revealed that Liverpool are on the verge of toppling United from their perch as the best-supported club in the world’s favourite league.

The survey, organised by the EPL’s principal sponsors, Barclays, polled 32,000 fans in 185 countries and territories.

United remain the most popular club but only by the tiniest of margins with both teams attracting the backing of 26 per cent of the supporters who took part in the voluntary survey.

For Liverpool, that represents a significant advance on the 18 per cent figure they registered in a similar but smaller survey carried out

by Barclays three years ago. The popularity of Liverpool’s biggest stars also suggests that United’s status as the most valuable brand in English football is under siege.

Cristiano Ronaldo may have been a near unanimous choice for this year’s Ballon d’Or after inspiring his club to a Premier League and Champions League double. But he trails behind Liverpool duo Fernando Torres and Steven Gerrard in terms of popularity among fans. Historically, Thierry Henry continues to be regarded as the greatest player to have graced the Premier League since its launch in 1992 – although it is Henry’s Barcelona teammate, Lionel Messi, that fans regard as the most desirable target.

The survey is not encouraging for Chelsea’s hopes of supplanting Manchester United as the English club with the biggest international fan base.

AFP

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Thursday, December 11, 2008

BANGKOK

THESPORT

DAILY XPRESS

REALRELIEF Real Madrid’s sacked manager Bernd Schuster will get US$5.8 million in compensation.

FOOTBALL

DROGBA ENIGMA

Chelsea manager Luis Felipe Scolari knows he has to work out a way to harness Didier Drogba alongside Anelka.

“All the people know Drogba is a great player. He is one of the best in the world and I have more options. If there are no injuries I have a chance to play a different system. But don’t forget we qualified in Europe and reached second position in the Premier League with Anelka. Drogba is very important but I need to think about Anelka. I need to say he is as important as Drogba.”

AFP

SOCCER

TENNIS

Liverpool closing in on Man Utd

Noppawan is No 1 in the world

It is not just on the pitch that Liverpool are closing the gap on Manchester United: the English Premier League leaders are also winning the battle for fans around the world, >PAGE 26 according to a new survey.

Noppawan Lertcheewakarn is the new queen of world junior tennis. The Thai teenager, who was No 2 last week, rose to the top of the International Tennis Federation girls’ singles ranking, with 1,082.50 points. >PAGE 25