/20081218

PY O C E FRE

WIN exciting Promod gift vouchers SEE PAGE 11

XPRESS

DAILY

Thursday, December 18, 2008 VOL 1, NO 241 dailyxpress.net

MELTDOWN Between 1.5 trillion and 2 trillion tonnes of ice in Greenland, Antarctica and Alaska have melted since 2003. Global warming is threatening to swamp the planet. >PAGE 4

GOOD MORNING BANGKOK!

Hitting a sweet spot

By Thongchai Jaidee Golfer, two-time Asian Tour No 1

A

fter the birth of my son on December 5, good things have come into my life. The day seems to have a special magic for Thais as it’s His Majesty the King’s birthday. First I won at the Vietnam Masters, then I repeated the feat by taking the Cambodian Open.

My old form is coming back.

I’m joyful to be giving my success as a birthday present to my son.

What’s on Pick up a cool festive gift or enjoy some goodies this season, meet your favourite cartoon heroes, take part in the KTD rock fest and a lot more...

AP

>PAGES 9&10

2 TODAY

Thursday, December 18, 2008

THE CITY Let’s roll

‘Big Eyes’ lashed down

PATTAYA CITY will provide free high-speed wireless Internet connection

by TOT along its beaches and piers from

Dec

25-31

for votes

briefly Roads home

New law on its way to regulate sale of dangerous smuggled lenses

By Pongphon Sarnsamak

T

he Food and Drug Administration (FDA) will issue a public health regulation to control the import and selling of contact lenses, said the FDA deputy secretary general Dr Pongphan Wongmanee.

The move follows health fears surrounding the smuggled “Big Eye” fashion contact lenses that are now widely available on the market. It has been reported that wearers risk blindness, or could even contract HIV through sharing the lenses.

Health fears FDA chief, Dr Pipat Yingseri, said the agency had studied the issue for a year before deciding that regulation was necessary.

The new rules will define the lenses as medical equipment and then regulate imports and license sales.

Those who violated the law would face a fine of Bt300,000 and imprisonment of three years if convicted of selling or importing illegal products, Pipat said.

Those concerned about the safety of different colours used in contact lenses, as well as other non-standard features, should consult ophthalmologists, said Pipat.

DAILY

DAILY XPRESS/PRASERT THEPSRI

D A I LY X P R E S S

XPRESS

DAILY XPRESS

The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration yesterday launched a campaign caravan for the January 11 gubernatorial election in a bid to boost voter turnout in the city’s 50 districts.

HOWLS OF COMPLAINT Consumer watchdogs are barking after being flooded with gripes about credit cards and fitness centres

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

C

redit-card debt was the issue that Thai consumers complained about most this year, the Foundation for Consumers (FFC) revealed yesterday.

Of the 3,435 consumer complaints to the foundation over the past year, 2,300 were about credit-card debt, says FFC secretary general Saree Aongsomwang, with insurance second on the list at 496 gripes, service quality third at 217, and property development third with 122 complaints.

Fitness centres are a new hotspot of dissatisfaction, and the rising number of com-

plaints about them needed to be tackled by the Consumer Protection Board, says Saree.

Have your say The FFC is encouraging Thai consumers to share their experiences by voting for the best and worst products, services and television advertisements of 2007.

“We want consumers to answer our six questions and give reasons why they think the products are good or bad. The brands have to be sold or known nationwide, not just in a particular region,” says Saree.

Consumers can download the questionnaire from

the FFC website (www.ConsumerThai.org) or vote on the website. They can also send their answers to FFC and its 101 consumer protection centres spread across 58 provinces.

Assumption University is also carrying out a countrywide ABAC poll, testing the consumer satisfaction – or otherwise – of more than 3,000 correspondents.

Members of the public can vote until January 20. The results will be announced on April 30 to mark Consumer Protection Day. “We don’t want to destroy any company’s reputation,” says Saree. “The aim of this project is to make people aware of consumers’ rights and their violation, and to ensure that companies respect those rights.”

A Highway Police spokesman yesterday suggested six routes for those travelling to their hometowns from Bangkok over the New Year holidays.

Colonel Pinit Maneerat advised motorists heading north to take the PetchkasemNakhon Pathom Road towards Kanchanapisek Road (West Outer Ring Road) and then the Taling Chan-Suphan Buri Road (Si Prachan district) and the Chai Nat-Nakhon Sawan Road.

An alternative route, he said, was to take Petchkasem Road and the West Outer Ring Road for Nonthaburi’s Bang Bua Thong district, then make a right turn onto Rattanathibet Road. This leads to Ngam Wong Wan Road, from where motorists can take the Udon Rattaya expressway, turning off at Bang Prahan. Head through the intersection for Ayutthaya’s Bang Pa-in district, then turn right onto the Asia Highway at the 88 kilometre marker.

Details of these and the other four routes are available at www.HighwayPolice.org.

Smugglers caught The Customs Department has arrested several people, including an Australian passenger nabbed at Suvarnabhumi Airport with heroine worth Bt12 million.

The suspect, Andrew Hood, 30, was carrying three kilograms of the drug, while another traveller (unnamed) was caught with 980 karats of diamonds. Customs officials at Bangkok Port have seized 149,210 contraband items worth in total Bt12.5 million.

– Daily Xpress

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 18, 2008

THE WORLD

DAILY XPRESS

0

3-4 C The increase in average temperatures in Alaska, western Canada, and eastern Russia in the past 50 years

briefly Member of teen gang gets life A teenage gang member was jailed for life on Tuesday for murdering a schoolboy caught in the crossfire of a dispute between gangs, in a shooting which shocked Britain.

Sean Mercer, 18, will serve a minimum of 22 years for firing three bullets across a pub car park, one of which hit 11-yearold Rhys Jones in the neck on August 22, 2007, as he cycled home in Liverpool.

“You are not soldiers. You have no discipline, no training, no honour. You do not command respect,” Judge Stephen Irwin told Mercer. – AFP

Icebergs float in a bay off Ammassalik Island. Nasa has found that in the past five years Greenland has lost enough ice to raise global sea levels about .5mm a year.

AP

Wives’ fight

Near-total face transplant A woman so horribly disfigured that she was willing to risk her life to do something about it has undergone the first near-total face transplant in the US. Reconstructive surgeon Dr Maria Siemionow and a team of other specialists replaced 80 per cent of the woman’s face with that of a female cadaver in a bold and controversial operation certain to stoke the debate over the ethics of such surgery.

The patient’s name and age were not immediately released, and the hospital said her family wanted the reason for her transplant to remain confidential.

The transplant was the fourth worldwide; two have been done in France, and one was performed in China.

Surgeons not connected to the Cleveland case reacted cautiously, but generally praised the operation. “There are patients who can benefit tremendously from this.

It’s great that it happened,” said Dr Bohdan Pomahac, a surgeon at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston, which plans to offer face transplants, too. – A P

NORTHERN ICE MELTING FAST Greenland losing 160 gigatonnes of ice each year, Alaska glaciers 84 gigatonnes AGENCIES

I

f you think global warming is being taken too seriously, think again: between 1.5 trillion and two trillion tonnes of ice in Greenland, Antarctica and Alaska have melted at an accelerating rate since 2003.

Nasa has found that in the past five years Greenland has lost between 150 gigatonnes and 160 gigatonnes each year, (one gigatonne equals one billion tonnes) or enough to raise global sea levels about .5mm a year.

Mountain glaciers in the Gulf of Alaska lost about 84 gigatonnes each year, about five times the average annual flow of the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon.

Nasa’s Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment, or Grace, mission uses two orbiting satellites to measure the “mass balance” of a glacier, or the net annual difference between ice accumulation and ice loss.

Sea levels rising “A few degrees of change [in temperature] can increase the amount of mass loss, and that contributes to sea-level rise and changes in ocean currents,” said agency geophysicist Scott Luthcke.

The data reflects findings from his Nasa colleague Jay Zwally, who uses different satellite technology to observe ice volume in Greenland, the Arctic and Antarctica.

“Every few extra inches of sea level have very significant economic impacts, because they increase flooding and storm damage,” said Zwally.

“It’s a warning sign.”

Global-warming warning Melting ice, especially in Greenland and the Arctic, is also thought to contribute to global warming, Zwally said.

When the vast ice sheets and glaciers melt, they lose their reflective power, and oceans and land absorb the heat, causing the Arctic waters and the atmosphere to warm faster.

“The best estimates are that sea levels will rise about 18 to 36 inches by the end of the century, but because of what’s going on and how fast things are changing, there’s a lot of uncertainty,” he said.

A Malaysian mortuary refused to release the body of a 38year-old Indonesian man because of a spat between his wives over his burial.

Muslam Sukarno, a Pahang resident, died in a car accident.

His current Indonesian wife and former Malaysian wife got into a fight over who was entitled to bury him.

Police chief Yahya Otman said the body would not be released until the women reached a solution. – DPA

Engineer jailed An Australian court sentenced a bogus aircraft engineer to nearly three-and-a-half years in prison for endangering thousands of lives by conducting crucial safety checks on Qantas Airways aircraft without the qualifications.

Timothy Leslie McCormack pleaded guilty to the deception at Sydney Airport, where he worked for 10 months.

McCormack had conducted 30 safety checks on airliners departing Sydney, putting 12,000 lives at risk, Judge Mark Marien said. “The potential consequences of that course of conduct might have been catastrophic.” – AP

6 ENTERTAINMENT

THE FUN

Thursday, December 18, 2008

DAILY XPRESS

JENNIFER ANISTON, ON HER NUDE PHOTO SPREAD FOR ‘GQ’.

“I’m healthier. I’m more at peace in my mind and with my body.”

E N T E RTA I N M E N T

BACK ON TRACK

,,

‘Ong Bak 2’ is only the beginning for Tony Jaa, who will soon be back on the set, filming scenes for ‘Ong Bak 3’

By Parinyaporn Pajee D A I LY X P R E S S

T

Star Tony Jaa with producers Prachya Pinkaew, Panna Rittikrai and Somsak Techaratanaprasert celebrate the Bt100-million success of ‘Ong Bak 2’.

XTRA S TA M P E D E ! >> The key scene in “Ong Bak 3” will see elephants invading the palace.

COURTESY OF SAHAMONGKOL FILM INTERNATIONAL

>> “Ong Bak 3” will be in cinemas next year.

he new martial arts film “Ong Bak 2 has been in cinemas for just two weeks and already Sahamongkol Films’ president Somsak “Sia Jiang” Techaratanaprasert is talking up a storm about the next episode in the franchise.

He’s even sunk more than Bt200 million in “Ong Bak 3”. “‘Ong Bak 2’ is just the prologue,” he explains. “The climax of the story comes in ‘Ong Bak 3’, with lots of excitement in the key action scenes, on which we’ll be spending more than Bt100 million.”

“Ong Bak 2” has so far earned more than Bt100 million at the box office, not bad for 13 days but still far short of the Bt300 million it cost to make.

The studio and the film’s director and star, Phanom “Tony Jaa” Yeerum, were able to resolve their conflict over budget overruns but the long delay in shooting led to Somsak deciding to split the film in two parts, with the rest of the story being told in “Ong Bak 3”.

“After Jaa returned to work, we had little time to finish the film in time for the December 5 deadline and we couldn’t postpone the release,” he says.

Restored faith Filming of “Ong Bak 3” will commence before the end of the year and will only take a short time since there’s plenty footage from “Ong Bak 2” that can be used.

‘ONG BAK 2’IS JUST THE PROLOGUE.THE CLIMAX OF THE STORY COMES IN ‘ONG BAK 3’.

Somsak Techaratanaprasert, executive producer

However, there are concerns that the decision to split the film into two parts may negatively affect foreign sales.

“We’ll know the response at the Cannes film market in May,” Somsak says.

Japanese and North American distributors have already cancelled pre-sale deals for “Ong Bak 2”, causing a loss to the company of more than US$5 million (Bt175 million).

Somsak says he has faith in Jaa and believes the superstar is back on track.

“What happened in the past was caused by people around him. We have cleared the air and Jaa is enthusiastic about returning to work.”

And Somsak is already thinking about “Ong Bak 4”, saying he hopes to persuade Jackie Chan to play a role in the project.

Thursday, December 18, 2008

9

ENTERTAINMENT 7

DAILY XPRESS

CELLULOID SOUNDS

TRACKS from the Guns N’ Roses’ ‘Chinese Democracy’ were uploaded to the Internet before the album’s release. Blogger Kevin Cogill has pleaded guilty to copyright violation over the leak.

When it comes to classic movies, Vijjaphat Kojew knows the score. > Page 12

soopsip

On safari

in Lumpini Yes, that’s a four-metre-tall giraffe you’ll see wandering around Lumpini Park this weekend, but it’s just the Dutch entertainers of Teatro Pavana participating in the Beauti Drink Street Show. Lots of great street theatre is on tap from 3 to 9pm on Saturday and Sunday.

Cash prizes for ‘Kati’fans STUDENTS CAN TRY for a share in Bt90,000 worth of prizes by submitting an essay before January 11.

The movie “The Happiness of Kati”, based on the SeaWrite Award-winning novel by Ngarmpun Vejjajiva, hits theatres on January 8, and the studio behind it is holding an essay contest called “Sang Sook Baeb Phor Phiang Kab Khwamsuk Khong Kati”.

Send your entry to Sahamongkol Films International Co, 388 SP Building 9th floor, Paholyothin Road, Samsen Nai, Phaya Thai, Bangkok 10400. Call (02) 273 0930-9, extension 164.

Phol back onstage with ‘Tuen’ “TUEN TUEK SEESIB PEE PHAN KHAN PHERNG KHAYAB” will be restaged from February 6 to 8 at 2 and 7pm daily at M Theater, with Phol Tantasatien replacing Saranyu Wongkrajang, as he did to acclaim last month when Saranyu opted instead to participate in anti-government protests. Get a seat at Thaiticketmajor.

‘Tuen Tuek Seesib Pee Phan Khan Pherng Khayab’ is back for another run.

L O S T H E R I TA G E

Too hot to handle The National Film Archive urgently needs funds to build a new climate-controlled vault D A I LY X P R E S S

A

fter the mammoth task of putting together more than 500 master copies of classic Thai films, the National Film Archive now finds itself faced with another massive challenge: raising Bt10 million for a climate-controlled storage room in which to keep the treasured celluloid.

“Ruam Hua Chuay Hor Nang” is the latest activity launched by the archive , by which the Thai Film Foundation is hoping to get enough money to finish the vault before the films deteriorate.

Some are already in poor condition and need to be kept at a temperature of four degrees Celsius and at a humidity level of 30 per cent. Those conditions will prolong their shelf life for the next 150 years but the archive, which is home is more than 1,000 masters, only has space for 20 more films.

XTRA HAND IT OVER >> Donations can be made at Kasikorn bank, Mungkorn Road sub branch, savings account “Kongtoon Sang Hong Yen Keb Nang Thai by Moon Nithi Nang Thai,” 605-2-01111-4. >> Call (02) 800 2716 or see www.ThaiFilm.com.

With time running out, film fans are invited to help out by taking part in this weekend’s event.

On Saturday from 2 to 10, at the archives in Salaya, you can enjoy screenings of Apichatpong Weerasethakul’s shorts “Luminous People” and “Morakot”, live music by Phumijit, the Bang Lamphoo Band and Sunday Morning, and an indie market.

‘Smarten up!’ designer fusses Fashion designer Ong-art

Niramol recently closed his shop on Sukhumvit Road. The economic crunch was the main reason, but Ong- Ong-art art is also fed up with Thais who make no effort to dress well.

Even at elegant parties, he says, the best you can expect to see is “almost beautiful”.

That’s nice, but it’s a long way from his idea of ideal.

“I like expensive and beautiful clothes, but these days people only wear T-shirts,” Ong-art grumbles, perhaps forgetting that millions of Thais do so to indicate they love the King, or either love or hate Thaksin Shinawatra.

Materialism Girl On tour with Madonna it’s spend, spend, spend while you earn, earn, earn.

The bill at her hotel in Buenos Aires Madonna this month was the equivalent of around Bt350 million.

That included her own US$9,000-a-night “room” – actually a mansion on the grounds – and the 110 rooms she needed for her posse.

More than 200 people cloy to the Sticky and Sweet Tour – backup dancers and singers, makeup artists, choreographers, security and the management squad. And no one wants to stay in a room that costs less than $600.

Contact Soopsip at veenxpress@gmail.com.

8

ART

Thursday, December 18, 2008

show s This is how it’s done Learn how an exhibition is put together in the conceptual show “XKIN 6”, featuring paintings, drawings, photography, video and multimedia pieces by young artists Thaweesak Srithongdee, P7, Boonchai “Giam EEE” Apinthanapong, Chayaporn “Musetew” Maneesutham, Thanomkhwan Chutithanawong and Hathairat “OH+” Charoenchichana.

The show continues until December 27 at the J Gallery on the fourth floor of J Avenue on Soi Thonglor 15. It’s open daily from 11 to 8.

Kiss of

death

In New York, Marlene Dumas ponders lust and loss

Call (02) 660 9403 or visit www.JGalleryBangkok.com.

Tools that define space

By Linda Yablonsky BLOOMBERG

The oil paintings in “Meditation”, a show by Bangkok-based French artist Rene Metral at the Rotunda Gallery, are characterised by a kaleidoscope of contrasting soft colours and clear lines that suggest different spaces.

It’s at the Neilson Hays Library until December 30, Tuesday to Sunday from 9.30 to 5. Call (02) 233 1731.

A

kiss is not always just a kiss for the painter Marlene Dumas. It can be the picture of death – or one way to show your love for life.

In her first retrospective in the US – “Marlene Dumas: Measuring Your Own Grave”, at New York’s Museum of Modern Art through February 16 – the South African-born expressionist has it both ways at once.

Silpakorn alumni get happy Silpakorn University graduates making a gift of “Sor Kor Sor” (“Art for Happiness”) at Tadu Contemporary Art until December 27.

The media and themes merge in the gallery on the seventh floor of the Barcelonamotor Building on Tiamruammit Road, off Ratchadapisek Road. Head over Monday to Saturday from 9 to 6.

Call (02) 645 2461 or visit www.Tadu.net.

A 2003 canvas ironically titled “The Kiss” is almost too small to contain the head that has fallen flat on its bleachedout face.

The eyes are closed, while the slightly parted lips press the ground, as does the nose.

It’s impossible to know if these

features belong to a man or woman, but easy to see this person has been knocked down for the count.

The dead, the dying and the grieving are a central subject for Dumas, though her portraits give equal time to newborns, strippers, prisoners, prostitutes and herself.

The show, with 70 paintings and 35 works on paper, is more hypnotic than depressing.

Dumas, who is 55 and left her native Capetown for Amsterdam in 1976 during apartheid, doesn’t condemn humanity so much as elevate the conditions it seeks to escape, be they physical, psychological or political.

Working from news photographs as well as her own snapshots and Polaroids, she takes on sex, death, birth, race and motherhood without sensationalising or sentimentalising.

In one piece an adult woman lies face-up. What looks at first like a gaping wound in her pale throat turns out to be the nipple in one breast.

The image is startling, and so, for different reasons, is profile of a squatting, black-booted prostitute back-lit against the window where she’s advertising herself, her hands between her legs.

DAILY XPRESS

Thursday, December 18, 2008

EVENTS 9

DAILY XPRESS

WHAT’S ON/WHAT’S UP see it!

Sports st slugfe ay, nd Saturd

Rocking with the Bull Krathing Dang (Thailand), makers of the popular energy drink, is making sure that rock fans outside Bangkok don’t miss out on festival fun this year.

Taking part in the KTD Rock Festival 2008 are Moderndog, Slot Machine, Flure, Apartment Khunpa, Ebola, Harlem Belle, Hop Beat, and Richman Toy, and they’ll be in Surat Thani tomorrow and in Chiang Mai on

a Tomorrow

rtoon favourite ca ize meet your ts in cheer on p heroes and s at The Mall am sporting te wan as the g n o Ngamw inistry d Sports M Tourism an en students art pits kinderg ther in “The o ch a against e 008”. orts Hero 2 g p S e tl Mall Lit din a e o be cheerl There’ll als with Bt100,000 ns competitio s up the grabs. ze ri p worth of 00.

(02) 310 Call (02)

December 28.

10

Find out more about the fest at www.KTDThailandRock.com.

Beauty in the dark

sa Christma la carteark Hotel offers

een P Imperial Qu options this festive ing several din ffet style h dinner bu view it w , n so a se ark as Eve at P on Christm r Bt950 and an a la fo Restaurant d wine and with mulle u n e m e rt ca heas t Les Nymp Kir Royale a rant for Bt1,500. au French Rest Day, enjoy brunch as m st ri h On C .30 to iew from 11 d all v at the Park an i sh su , ysters 2.30 with o l treats for Bt710. na the traditio 00 261 90 Call (02) 5938. extension

Until January 3, Boaz Zippor

reveals the theatrical beauty of darkness in his photographic exhibition “Butoh” at Patravadi Theatre Gallery. The Israel-born artist displays a series of figurative shots that depict the beauty and mystery surrounding this Japanese dance form. The exhibition is on view daily from 10 to 6. Call (02) 412 7287-8

The media is the message Painter Thakol Khaosaard has digested his fascination with newspapers and magazines, overlaying their text and images with his visions of natural beauty. He has also captured everyday scenes with his mobile phone to create images – some realistic, some abstract – for his “An Empty Mind with What Eyes Have Seen” landscape oils collection. The Silpakorn graduate’s solo show runs through Saturday at Gallery Ver in Thonburi’s Klong San. Visit www.GalleryVer.info.

Thinking out of the frame

Eye-popping Yule gifts Looking for cool festive gifts?

Then check out Loft in Siam Discovery Centre as well as its recently opened Chamchuri Square branch. Newly arrived products include zodiac music boxes, sushi set flash drives and panda teapots.

Call (02) 658 0328-30 or (02) 160 5161-3.

a 2 Africa” at SF adagascar: Escape Out of Afrgaic “M film ed at im an izes include scar? Then watch the island. Other pr to da ,000-package tour Want to explore Ma s on u could win a Bt170 yo . The campaign begin d es an s tch tre wa ea nd th a rla be Cinem Tim d an op Sh 531. m The Body 611 7111 extension natural gift sets fro nuary 4. Call (02) to Ja Thursday and runs

Fasang Navaaran 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.

10 EVENTS

Thursday, December 18, 2008

DAILY XPRESS

WHAT’S ON/WHAT’S UP do it!

Foods for all Seasons Enjoy a festive afternoon tea with finger sandwiches, scones, cakes and traditional Christmas goodies at the Four Seasons Hotel’s lobby weekdays from 2 to 6 for Bt750++ or go along at weekends for the tea buffet style at Bt850++. On Christmas Day, you can have brunch at Aqua, Madison and Spice Market from 11.30 to 3 complete with Sydney oysters, rock lobster and foie gras plus unlimited martinis. A jazz trio entertains.

The price is Bt3,230++.

A step in time If you missed the recent spate of watch fairs in Bangkok, don’t worry.

Trocadero Group, a local distributor of timepieces, is holding a major festive season sale until January 15.

Dubbed “Thank You Party – city of timepieces”, the promotion features discounts of between 10 and 50 per cent on selected items from such big names as Carl F Bucherer, Seiko, Orise, Gucci, Issey Miyake, Jill Stuart, Orient and J Springs. Customers of Watch Clinic service receive additional discounts, as do holders of Citibank and SCB credit cards.

Shopping for a cause Saturday, from noon to midnight, take time out to go to a great Gift Fair at Dan Niramit on Phaholyothin Road. There you can shop for handmade presents and souvenirs made by independent artists, chic designers and even celebrities! There’ll also be live concerts! Entry is Bt50 with proceeds goes to charities in Chiang Rai.

Sensatio Sukhothanal i Sukhothai

Hotel offers Champagn e cocktails and New Year Eve din ner, buffet style at Colonnade , an at La Scala d a seven-course set fo festive men r Bt4,500++ with us created by Maurizio. O n New Year’ Chef s Day, from noon to 4, enjo buffet for B y a refreshing lunch t3,300++ in cluding creamy egg nog and lu scious desserts. C all (02)

extension 5104.

344 8888

Call (02) 641 5393.

A calendar of memories The loving nature of Her Royal Highness the late Princess Galyani Vadhana, especially towards her dogs is known to all. In memory of her kindness, Tippaya Insurance and DMG Books have produced a 2009 calendar with portraits of the late Princess with her many dogs at Le Dix Palace. The calendar is now available at all bookstores and costs Bt199. Proceeds after expenses will be donated to charities under Princess Galyani Vadhana’s patronage.

Art from the h eart Nonthiwat Chan tanapalin

ind Art on mscyapm rtraits, es, seascapes, po

nd More than 200 la gs by veteran i-abstract paintin m se d abstracts an from tists go on show and young Thai ar River City in ugh January 4 at Wednesday thro My Mind”. the exhibition “In drawn in ve their portraits ha so al 7 0077-8.

Visitors can 23 d pencil. Call (02) chalk, crayon, an

, Rung Theerapi Itthipol Tangchal chit, ok and Panya W ijinthanasarn ar among the 15 le e cturers and artis ts from Silpakor University’s Pain n tings, Sculpture and Graphic Arts faculty showcasin g their works at the Queen’s Park Ho tel in “Pure Art fro Imperial m Pure Heart”, an exhibition celebr atin Parts of the proc g the hotel’s 15th anniversary. eeds will go the university’s educ tion fund for ne aedy art students .

The show, which is open daily fro m 10 to 8, runs un December 31. Ca til ll (02) 261 93 00 extension

5938.

12

HOBBIES

Thursday, December 18, 2008

DAILY XPRESS

The sound of celluloid A talented film editor reveals a passion for movie soundtracks

By Parinyaporn Pajee D A I LY X P R E S S

H

From Top: His latest favourite “Atonement”, “Aliens” by James Horner (“Titanic”), “The Untouchables” by Ennio Morricone, “Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind” by John Brion.

e may not be able to play a musical instrument, but spin the first few bars of a movie soundtrack for Vijjaphat Kojew and he’ll be able to name the tune.

The only member of the “Fan Chan” gang of six who has chosen not to opt for a solo directing career, Vijjaphat office and home piled high with CDs of original soundtracks, which he’s been collecting for years.

The first CD he bought was “The Mission” by the composer Ennio Morricone. Recorded in 1992 by the London Philharmonic Orchestra, it’s still his favourite score.

“I bought the CD before I even had a CD player,” he says.

“I can’t explain why I love it so much but I keep listening to it,” Unlike other teenagers obsessed with rock or pop, Vijjaphat started off listening to classical music as well as film scores after attending a musicappreciation class. He checked out the Oscar nominations for original music scores during a visit to the National Library and started reading reviews of soundtracks in entertainment magazines.

Other favourite composers include John Brion (“Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mine”) and John Barry.

“When I was young I listened to mellow scores before turning to more complicated composing. Now I’ve gone back to the nice, simple melodies again,” he says.

His passion reaped rewards when he started actually working in the film business.

“It helps me with pacing,

which is a useful skill in film editing, where you need rhythm to get the right emotion,” he explains.

Today, working as an editor, he often acts as the medium between the composer and director, communicating the filmmaker’s need to whoever is writing the soundtrack.

“Sometimes they can’t find the right words so I become the translator,” he grins.

XTRA MUSIC FOR THE MOVIES >> Vijjaphat’s best editing work was on the 2006 romantic comedy “Puan Sanit” (“Dear Dakanda”), where he was also involved in guiding the music score. >> His other works include “Dek Hor” (“Dorm”) and “Faed” (“Alone”). >> Ennio Morricone’s also wrote the scores for “Cinema Paradiso” and “The Untouchables”.

Vijjaphat Kojew and his original-soundtrack CD collection.

Another favourite: soundtrack: “Kundun” by the composer Phillipe Grass.

Thursday, December 18, 2008

HEALTH & FITNESS

DAILY XPRESS

Ginkgo blows the big test

What promised to be a wonder remedy in preventing dementia has merely sputtered in try-outs THE WASHINGTON POST

L

ong cultivated by the Chinese, the ginkgo biloba tree has been credited with such life-enhancing powers as augmenting blood flow, increasing libido and improving memory.

But a new study suggests its fruit is not effective at

reducing the rate of dementia among the elderly, as has been claimed.

A leading cause of disability among the elderly, dementia affects tens of millions of people around the globe.

The study, the results of which were published recently in the Journal of the American

Medical Association, was carried out at five academic medical centres in the United States.

It involved 3,069 volunteers age 75 and up with normal cognition or mild cognitive impairment.

They were randomly assigned to one of two groups: Half re-

ceived a twice-daily dose of extract of ginkgo biloba, and the other half received a placebo. In trials that lasted six years on average, 523 participants received diagnoses of dementia: 246 of them in the placebo group and 277 in the ginkgo biloba group.

The rate of dementia did not differ between the two groups, and ginkgo biloba did not have any effect on the progression of dementia.

“Some people will believe what they believe [about alternative treatments] no matter what the data are,” says lead researcher Steven DeKosky of the School of Medicine at the University of Virginia. “But, based on this trial, ginkgo doesn’t work for preventing dementia.” In an accompanying editorial, Lon Schneider of the University of Southern California warns that, when it comes to clinical uses, ginkgo biloba has not lived up to its almost magical promise.

“Despite two decades of research with standardised extracts of ginkgo biloba, considerable uncertainty about its pharmacology and clinical effects remains,” he writes.

ask

Let the laser be your helper the pros There seem to be more technological ways to stay young these days.

I’ll be 50 soon, so I’m worried about face showing its age.

But I don’t like the idea of injecting chemicals and I don’t know how much I can rely on laser treatment.

Dr Nantapat Supapannachart is a dermatologist at Bumrungrad Hospital and a co-founder of Apex Profound Beauty.

Many people regard laser treatments as the best way to reduce facial lines and wrinkles, but studies show that the skin itself is best at repairing

the damage that age brings.

The self-healing process slows as we age, however, so laser treatments remain an important option, since they act as a catalyst for the skin’s self-help.

There is safety in using lowintensity laser beams that open small lesions in the skin at the cellular level. This triggers the healing process, in which amino-peptides are released as signals that damage needs to be repaired.

The skin responds by pro-

ducing more structural proteins, such as collagen and elastin – its own building blocks. These will firm the skin and smooth wrinkles and fine lines, making your complexion appear younger and healthier.

So the healing process triggered by laser treatments is a good alternative for people who wish to look younger.

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

13

14

THE SCREEN

Thursday, December 18, 2008

DAILY XPRESS

TO SEE on tv

Goal II: Living the Dream Santiago (Kuno Becker) is transferred to Real Madrid but can he stand up to playing in the UEFA European Champions league alongside David Beckham, Raul and Zinedine Zidane?

Pride and G lory

A family of N ew York City Po against each other in the lice officers are pitted investigatio bust that w n of ent Norton, Colin horribly wrong. Stars E a drug dward Farrell, Noah Voight. ★★★ Emmerich a nd Jon

After her husband is killed in a fishing boat explosion, in which police say drugs were involved, a woman uncovers a web of lies and betrayal.

Cinemax (TrueVisions), 8pm

Transporter 3

Ong Bak 2

Twilight

Tokyo Sonata

The Duchess

Driver Frank Martin (Jason Statham) has a new assignment: deliver the feisty daughter of a Ukrainian official from Marseilles to Odessa. For added excitement, Martin is fitted with a bracelet that will explode if he fails to make his delivery on time. ★★

After witnessing his parents’ death, the son of a nobleman (Tony Jaa) grows up to become a fierce young warrior, skilled in many martial arts, and who has only a taste for vengeance.

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

Based on the first book in a series of novels by Stephenie Meyer. ★★★

Kiyoshi Kurosawa’s dark drama is about a Japanese family that disintegrates after its patriarch loses his job. In

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. At the Lido.

Saw V

Life is Wild This series follows a New York veterinarian, who has moved with his second wife and their two sets of children to a South African game reserve run by his father-in-law.

Jigsaw might be dead, but his grisly traps live on. Costas Mandylor stars as a detective trying to piece things together. At SF Cinemas. ★

With English subtitles at some cinemas. ★★★★

Beverly Hills Chihuahua A pampered lap dog named Chloe (voiced by Drew Barrymore) finds herself accidentally lost in the mean streets of Mexico. ★★

True Series (TrueVisions), 10pm

Jor Jai Sekpol Unsumran, better known as Koh Mr Saxman, is tonight’s guest.

Channel 5, 10.15pm

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

Director Pongpat Wachirabunjong’s follow-up to “Me … Myself” stars Ananda Everingham as Ten, a photographer who becomes close to Pao (Chayanan Manomaisantiphap) while working on a travel book. The two vow to stay together until death do them part and when Pao falls into a coma, Ten proves he is a man of his word. With English subtitles at some cinemas.

Star Movies (TrueVisions), 8pm

Live Once, Die Twice

Happy Birthday

The Day Stood Sttilhe Earth l

In this upda te of the 19 51 sci-fi cla Reeves pla ss ys an alien who comes ic, Keanu Earthlings o to warn f their impe nd Connelly als o stars. Als ing doom. Jennifer

★★★

o at Krung sri IMAX.

Japanese with Thai and English subtitles at House and Apex. ★★★★

★★★

Thursday, December 18, 2008

THE SCREEN 15

DAILY XPRESS

TO SEE on dvd REGION 1

nage The Orpha wakens old memories fornr Laanudrao

child a rlos (Fe An adopted and her husband Ca old orphanage ) a d e e e u e cr ky (Belen R uple buys th e past begins to co e th d n a Soon th Cayo), agined are was raised. ra u a L d what’s im d Thai re n e a l wh a re s t’ nd wha glish an haunt her a . In Spanish with En e se to difficult ★★★ t Apex. ★ subtitles a

Burn After Reading In this black comedy by the Coen brothers, a disk containing the memoirs of a fired CIA agent (John Malkovich) ends up in the hands of two unscrupulous gym employees (Brad Pitt

and Frances McDormand). At Apex. ★★★★

Ikigami Imagine an ugly future in which the government randomly selects individuals under the age of 24 for sudden death – and taps others to deliver the death warrants. Such is the vile realm on display in this dark and disturbing Japanese science-fiction saga from director Tomoyuki Takimoto. In Japanese with English and Thai subtitles at Apex.

(Guy Pearce). ★★★

Traitor

The House Bunny

Don Cheadle stars as a conflicted secret operative whose ties to terrorist organisations lead to his being doggedly tracked by an FBI agent

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

Kids

Haa Thaew

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

Produced by the man who etched the tiger on Angelina Jolie’s back, spiritual tattoo master Noo Kanpai, this action drama tells the story of a man empowered by an inked alphabet. With

with Thai and English subtitles at House and Apex. ★★★★

English subtitles at some cinemas.

Star Wars: The Clone Wars Critic Hank Stuever says this animated chapter of George Lucas’ “Star Wars” saga “unfolds with all the entertainment value of watching somebody else play a video game.

From the first frame, all but the learned geeks won’t know what the heck is going on.”

Extras include deleted scenes, six making-of featurettes and “The Voices of the Clone Wars”, which shows the voice actors and the animated characters in split screen. – Washington Post

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

House (02) 641 5913-4 www.HouseRama.com

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

Major Hollywood Bangkok: (02) 718 7999 www.MajorHollywood.co.th

Paragon Cineplex (02) 129 4635 IMAX: (02) 129 4631 www.ParagonCineplex.com

Toi et Moi

The lovelorn A novella in th riane (Julie Depardieu ) scripts wo e magazine rd Y her fiction, and this co ou and Me. She’s used balloons for a photolours how sh to seeing “l Meanwhile ’a e sees her o , he wn relation mour” in own buddin r cellist sister Lena (M ships. arion Cotill g romances. ard) is dealin In French House. with Engli g with her sh and Th ai subtitle s

‘Transporter 3’ stars Jason Statham.

at

SF Cinemas Bangkok: (02) 268 8888 Phuket: (076) 209 000 www.SFCinemaCity.com

Vista Chiang Mai: (053) 894 415 www.ChiangMaiVista.com

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 18, 2008

Comics&Games

Red and Rover

DAILY XPRESS

Thursday, December 18, 2008

LEISURE

DAILY XPRESS

Games&YourStars SUDOKU

The last word in

ASTROLOGY

By Eugenia Last

Today’s Birthday: Don’t let emotional matters cloud your vision or hold you back. Look beyond what is happening in your personal life and consider the possibilities that will help lead you to a better place. This year, strive for perfection. A change of location, vocation or direction in life will do you good.

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 You’ll be amazed how much you can accomplish if you put your mind to it. Don’t leave anything undone and you will enjoy the upcoming festivities that much more.

TAURUS ***** April 20-May 20 Get out and socialise at functions that combine business with pleasure and you will dazzle some of the most prestigious people. Set up meetings for the new year to get your foot in the door.

GEMINI ** May 21-June 20 Offer your assistance or volunteer for a cause.

Love is on the rise and making a leap toward a solid and secure relationship with someone you care about will be beneficial. Put yourself on the line.

DIFFICULTY RATING ★★★★

CANCER **** June 21-July 22 Do something nice for friends and relatives. Plan a festive event, sign up for a fundraiser or donate goods to community services for the needy.

Relieve an older family member who could use a little help.

LEO *** July 23-Aug. 22 You cannot play when there is so much to finish.

Concentrate on your finances and work. Be aggressive in pursuing your goals. Be prepared to make a quick decision.

CELEBRITIES BORN ON THIS DAY

VIRGO *** Aug. 23-Sept. 22 Don’t let the past bring you down now. If there has been a problem between family members, put it to rest now. Put stubbornness aside and let the talks begin.

LIBRA *** Sept. 23-Oct. 22 You must not allow a secret to be revealed, especially if someone is counting on you. Focus on your love life. Someone should be happy just spending time with you.

SCORPIO **** Oct. 23-Nov. 21 Accomplish all you can before everyone breaks for the holidays. Don’t be fooled by someone playing an emotional game to get you to do something that may not be in your best financial interest.

SAGITTARIUS ** Nov. 22-Dec. 21 Complaints are likely to head your way. Be prepared to do a little damage control. Don’t waste time trying to convince someone to join your pursuit or take an interest if he or she is being negative.

CAPRICORN ***** Dec. 22-Jan. 19 There is money to be made so prepare to make your move if the right deal comes along.

Rearrange whatever you must in order to get what you want. Your family will benefit but expect complaints.

Brad Pitt

Guitarist Keith Richards (The Rolling Stones) is 65.

Director Steven Spielberg is 62.

Actor Ray Liotta is 53.

Actor Brad Pitt is 45.

Actor Robson Green is 44 Rapper DMX is 38.

DJ Lethal (Limp Bizkit) is 36.

Actress Katie Holmes is 30.

Singer Christina Aguilera is 28.

AQUARIUS *** Jan. 20-Feb. 18 Be loving and attentive and you can avoid squabbles with a loved one. Volunteer to help a non-profit organisation in your community. It will give you a sense of belonging and it won’t break the bank.

PISCES *** Feb. 19-March 20 Spread some joy. Get together with old friends or someone you haven’t seen in a long time. The memories you share will help you move toward the new year with greater optimism. Make amends.

17

For For sale sale & & Lease Lease 1) 675-3,330 sq.m.

2) 1,200 sq.m.

3) 1,620 sq.m.

4) 2.3 rais Raw land 5) 700-1,000 sq.m.

6) 1,620 sq.m.

7) 2,500-5,000 sq.m.

8) 1,000-8,500 sq.m.

Tel:

: Laem Chabang Industrial Estate, Chonburi (EPZ) : Amata Industrial Estate, Chonburi : Lard Krabang Industrial Estate, (EPZ) : Lard Krabang Industrial Estate, (EPZ) : King Kaew Project, km.12 : Hi-Tech Industrial Estate, Ayuthaya : Tonglow Industrial Land, Chonburi : Samutprakarn Factory

02-676-4031-5, 081-732-8242 http://www.tfd-factory.com

WAREHOUSE FOR RENT Suitable for Store or Business/SMEs

Special Price - Ramintra outer Ring Rd., Km. 9 350-2,500 sq.m.

- Near by Rama V Bridge, Nontaburi - Tiwanon Rd., (beside Soi Tiwanon 43) Ramintra Factory Co., Ltd. Tel. 02-914-2022, 02-914-2311, 081-806-1975 www.thailandfactoryrental.i8.com

Land near Natural Creek 7 Rai and 11 Rai

Surrounded by mountains of Khaoyai, cold weather during winter, with natural creek on the rear side, Amphur Kaengkoy, 100 km. from Bangkok, near community and agricultural areas, suitable for fruit plantation and resort, ready to transfer

1,400 Baht/sq.w. Khun Mol 081-907-9783, 081-860-1442

Land 8-0-13 rai Wellgrow IE near Bangna-Trad Rd. between P&G and TOA next to a canal

7.7 MB/rai !!

(081)639-4693, (081)988-8901

Saint - Gobain, a French multinational and one of the top 100 industrial companies in the world, has been enhancing its global leadership position with operations in more than 50 countries and it fields a workforce of over 200,000 people. The abrasive division is world leader in the manufacture and distribution of abrasive products with a strong presence in the USA, Europe, Asia and Latin America.

Saint - Gobain Abrasives (Thailand) Ltd. specializes in the manufacture of reinforced cutting and grinding wheels with highly automated manufacturing process. All our products are designed to satisfy the needs of industrial application, the professional users or even the do-ityourself enthusiasts.

Saint - Gobain Abrasives (Thailand) Ltd. trades wide range of abrasive products and manufactures thin wheels under various brands i.e.

Flexovit, Norton and Atlas. Our manufacturing plant is located in Nakornchaisri, Nakornpathom province with sales office on Sri Ayutthaya Road, Bangkok.

To strengthen its operation in Thailand, we are looking for high caliber candidates to join us in this growing company.

Product Engineer - Bonded Abrasives Product Engineer - Thin Wheels

Sales Engineer - Engineering Market Sales Engineer - Distribution Market

He/she reports to Product Manager. He/she determines market and product needs, and promotes the development, testing, and introduction of improved and/or new products for his/her assigned end use product classifications. He/she provides technical service support to the field sales organization to solve customer needs and product problems for the purpose of maintaining and increasing sales. Job includes:

Reporting to Sales Manager, he determines market, approaches customers to understand product needs and to sell, promotes and introduces new products. The ultimate objectives are to increase sales turnover and to strengthen market position. Job includes:

● ● ● ● ● ● ●

Brand management & development of new products to meet market requirements and raising the performance levels of existing products.

Identify new customers and markets. Recommend strategies to make inroads into these customers' accounts, and assist the sales team to establish distribution channel in the markets.

Defining & implementation of promotional programs, laying out marketing campaigns, participation in exhibitions, trade shows, etc.

Develop product catalogues. Streamline product labels and packaging for various in-house brands and private labels products manufactured in the plant.

Acquire, analyse, evaluate and disseminate technical and market information and competitor analysis.

Understand market sizes, price points to help define the pricing policies.

Develop training programs, from basic to advance levels, to customers as well as sales team.

Set product manufacturing and safety standards (in Thailand) in accordance with International norms in coordination with Thai Institute of Standards (TIS).

Qualifications: ● ● ● ● ● ●

●

●

●

Qualifications: ● ●

●

●

Bachelor's or Master's Degree in Mechanical Engineering.

5-7 years working experience including in sales and marketing.

Good technical background with industrial consumables is a plus.

High mechanical aptitude and sales ability. Effective analytical and problem-solving skills. Able to work under pressure.

Strong leadership, interpersonal and communication skills.

Good command of spoken and written English.

Identify and build customers base and markets to increase sales and sales channel in the markets.

Retain existing customers.

Obtain, analyse, evaluate market information and competitor analysis. Understand market, its sizes, price points to help define the pricing policies.

Define and implement marketing campaigns and promotional programs i.e. exhibitions, trade shows, etc. Develop sales tools, training programs, and product catalogues.

●

Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical or Industrial Engineering.

5-7 years working experience including in sales and marketing. Sales experience of industrial products is a plus.

High mechanical aptitude and sales ability. Effective analytical and problem-solving skills. Able to work under pressure.

Strong leadership, interpersonal and communication skills.

Good command of spoken and written English.

Interested candidates, who look for a career, are invited to write in with full resume, stating present and expected salaries, and enclosing a recent photograph to:

sea-recruit@saint-gobain.com

Saint-Gobain Abrasives (Thailand) Ltd. 539/2 Gypsum Metropolitan Tower, 13th Floor, Sri Ayutthaya Rd., Phayathai, Bangkok 10400.

Tel: 02 6405440 Fax: 02 6405441 www.saint-gobain.co.th

URGENTLY REQUIRED RENECO is a private company offering services in wildlife management projects.

- The ECWP (Emirates Center for Wildlife Propagation) is a research and conservation project based in Morocco, whose main goal is to secure sustainable populations of the endangered North African Houbara bustard (Chlamydotis undulata undulata). Its main actions are: the enhancement of fundamental knowledge of the species through research in ecology biology and behavior, the management of a conservation captive breeding programme, the reinforcement of wild populations, the protection of houbara populations into the wild, the hunting management and the public awareness. See www.ecwp.org - The SKCWP (Sheikh Khalifa Center for Wildlife Propagation) in Abu Dhabi, as part of a global strategy to breed and conserve houbara bustard worldwide, a new program focusing on the Asian houbara bustard species (Chlamydotis macqueenli), is launched in Al Ain city.

First step of this program is the establishment of a conservation captive-breeding program.

BIRD KEEPER Job description - The holder of this job will first join a breeding team in ECWP, Morocco to be trained on all houbara bustard captive-breeding techniques (bird maintenance, nutrition, artificial reproduction, incubation) and will, after months, join the SKCWP program in Abu Dhabi.

Skill required - Educational background in biology.

- A former experience in birds breeding (poultry or wild birds) would be a bonus.

- Basic computer skills (Office) will be an asset.

Language requirements - English speaking: intermediate level minimum is needed.

Additional valuable abilities - Ability to work in a multicultural and multinational environment.

Please send your full resumes and recent photo to.

The Embassy of the United Arab Emirates 82 Seng Thong Thani Bldg., 25th Floor, North Sathorn, Bangkok 10500 Tel. 0 2639 9820-4 Fax. 0 2639 9818 uae_recruitment@ymail.com

Sumitomo Corporation Thailand Ltd. and Sumi-Thai International Ltd., the affiliated companies of Sumitomo Corporation, a Japanese leading international trading and investment company with 179 offices worldwide. We and our affiliated group companies are expanding our business and require more highly qualified and dynamic manpower for the positions of:

Senior Assistant Tax and Accounting Manager Responsible for tax & accounting of Metal Department, consolidated report.

Qualifications: ● Male, age 35-40 ● Master's or Bachelor's Degree in Accounting, Finance, Audit ● CPA licence is an advantage ● Good command of English ● 10 years experience in accounting for big firms ● Knowledge of tax and accounting

Project Development To create and develop the new business opportunity.

Project: Infrastructure projects such as transportation, water, industries, etc.

Qualifications: ● Male, age 30-35 ● Bachelor's Degree in Engineering ● Master's Degree in Business Administration ● Good command of English ● 5-7 years experience in project development

Investment/Project Analyst Job Description: ● Analyze the feasibility of company's project investment from investor's point of view ● Develop & Analyze financial model ● Sensitivity analysis ● Risk & Return analysis ● Suggestion/Comment for risk protection Job Qualifications: ● Male/Female, age 30-33 ● Bachelor's/Master's Degree in Finance ● Experience 5-7 years as a project analyst, investment analyst in financial institution or project investment in the company ● Good command of English Please apply in person or send your resume in English by mail with expected salary and recent photo to

Sumitomo Corporation Thailand Limited 20th & 21st Floor, M. Thai Tower, All Seasons Place, 87 Wireless Rd., Lumpini, Pathumwan, Bangkok 10330 Ms.Pornpimol Tanpanichakul, Human Resources Development Department E-mail: tanpanichakul.pornpimol@ sumitomocorp.co.jp Tel. (02) 654-0002-29 ext. 403

22

THE SPORT

Thursday, December 18, 2008

THE SPORT

DAILY XPRESS

WASHINGTON CAPITALS vs NY ISLANDERS

5:4

Alex Overchkin scored his second goal of the game with 10.7 seconds left in overtime as the surging Capitals won to send the Islanders to their seventh loss.

briefly McGrady’s triple-double launches Rockets Tracy McGrady showed how good the Houston Rockets can be when he’s healthy.

China’s Yao Ming scored 32 points while McGrady posted his fourth career triple-double – the first of the season – with 20 points, 14 rebounds and 10 assists as the Rockets cooled off the Denver McGrady Nuggets, with a 108-96 home-court victory. “I’ve been toying with it [triple-double] for a few games now and I finally got it,” said McGrady. – DPA

Manning brothers set for matchup Eli Manning of the Super Bowl champion New York Giants and Peyton Manning of Indianapolis became the first brothers to be voted as quarterbacks in the National Football League Pro Bowl.

The annual showdown of American football stars in Hawaii will be staged February 8 at Honolulu, one week after the season title is decided at the Super Bowl in Tampa. – AFP

Tendulkar happiest and healthiest Cricket superstar Sachin Tendulkar was yesterday named in a poll as India’s happiest and healthiest role model for youngsters. “I will cherish this compliment forever,” Tendulkar Tendulkar said in health magazine Complete Wellbeing which carried the poll conducted by global research firm Synovate.

Tendulkar, who guided India to a record victory in the first Test against England at Chennai this week, pipped Bollywood icon Amitabh Bachchan and former Indian president Abdul Kalam

to claim the number one spot.

“Goodness me! Is it true?” said Tendulkar. “What a compliment! I am truly overwhelmed.”

– AFP

West Ham seeking buyer West Ham United is searching for a buyer and has been in contact with potential investors, vice chairman Asgeir Fridgeirsson said. Club owner Bjorgolfur Gudmundsson is considering a sale of the Premier League club following the collapse of Icelandic bank Landsbanki, in which he had a 41-per cent stake.

Gudmundsson wants around US$390 million for the Hammers after seeing how attractive Manchester City was to Abu Dhabi investors earlier this year. – AP

Winning will be tough: Hamilton Lewis Hamilton believes costcutting changes will make it tough for him to win the Formula One championship again next year.

“I don’t think it’s going to make it easier. Definitely with the new regulations, it’s going to be tough as it is,” Hamilton said.

“We’re working very, very hard on making sure we approach and enter the season with a fighting chance to win the championship again.” – AP

Padraig Harrington being voted US PGA Tour player of the year is no accident AP, Thousand Oaks, California

P

adraig Harrington is missing from this week’s Chevron World Challenge for the first time in seven years but he was easy to find for all those years he showed up at Sherwood Country Club.

While most everyone else treated the silly season event as a prestigious money grab, Harrington would be on the practice range until it was too dark and too cold to continue.

That he was voted US PGA Tour player of the year on Tuesday was no accident.

Vijay Singh for years was credited as the hardest-working man in golf because he spends so many hours on the practice range. Others would argue that

Tiger Woods works the hardest because he was the most efficient with his time. Harrington was a little of both.

And to what does he attribute such a work ethic?

“I’m an optimist,” he said.

“Every day I get out there, I think I’m getting better.”

In some respects, he was at his best this year. The Irishman won only two tournaments, but they put him in the record books. He became the first European in more than a century to win successive British Opens. A month later, he became the first European ever to win two straight Majors in the same season by capturing the US PGA Championship.

Who would have imagined

that? As everyone waited to see if Colin Montgomerie would win a major to validate his eight Order of Merits, or if Sergio Garcia would live up to his supreme skills by winning a major, Harrington won three of the last six majors to become the face of European golf.

“I probably never was necessarily destined as the one to be picked out to go on to such great heights,” Harrington said. “I’m somebody who has worked hard. Probably my greatest trait is my ability to learn, apply myself to tasks, find out what needs to be done and to move on.”

Harrington won 11 times on the European Tour and twice on the US PGA Tour before he won his first Major. He was known almost as much for the all those runner-up finishes he had – 14 in a four-year span at the turn of the decade. He believes he could

Thursday, December 18, 2008

THE SPORT 23

DAILY XPRESS

Sinisa Mihajlovic BOLOGNA COACH ON ROMA CAPTAIN WHOM HE HAD HELPED AT ONE TIME

“For me, Francesco Totti no longer exists. I stopped greeting him after he failed to turn up for my farewell match. He said he would come and he didn’t. He was not a man of his word.”

Tony Gale EX-BLACKBURN DEFENDER ON PAUL INCE’S SACKING AS MANAGER

“It’s far too early. I just think if you appoint these people, especially the young managers, you’ve got to stick with them or you are going to kill them, absolutely kill them. I don’t think it’s much of a chance, 17 games.”

No greater accolade than this: Harrington W

MAKES PADDY I WAS NEVER NECESSARILY DESTINED AS THE ONE TO BE PICKED OUT TO GO ON TO SUCH GREAT HEIGHTS. Padraig Harrington have won more, but at what cost? “I’m quite a risk-taker when it comes to changing things,” Harrington said. “I worry sometimes that, certainly in my initial years on the tour, I

AP

,,

Padraig Harrington of Ireland kisses the claret jug after winning the British Open Championship at Royal Birkdale earlier this year.

sacrificed short-term performances. I might have won more events but for the fact that I was always changing things.”

He can recall more than one occasion when he was leading or in contention going into the final round, and he spent his time on the practice range that morning changing his swing to get ready for a bigger tournament down the road.“Nowadays, it would be madness to do something like that,” he said.

His great season was topped off by a week that made all the work – and all the changes – worthwhile. In a span of eight days, Harrington was voted player of the year by the European Tour; by the Britishbased Association of Golf Writers; by the Golf Writers Association of America (with 75 per cent of the vote); and by his colleagues on the US PGA Tour.

the Nationwide Tour award.

Harrington presumably beat out Tiger Woods, who won four times and didn’t finish worse than fifth in his six tournaments before season-ending knee surgery in June. Woods won the US Open and still finished second on the money list.

The US PGA Tour does not disclose vote totals. Vijay Singh, Camilo Villegas and Kenny Perry also were on the ballot for player of the year.

Harrington said he abstained from voting, because he didn’t think it was proper to vote for himself, yet wanted to win the award badly enough that he didn’t want to vote for anyone else.

He felt Woods has set such a high standard that voting worked in Harrington’s favour. “If I had done what Tiger had done this year, I would have won player of the year, if you can understand what I’m saying,” Harrington said. “It’s the baggage he brought into the year and the fact that he is as talented as he is and has done as well as he has that would lead players to look to somebody like myself, who has had an exceptional year.

“I think in some ways, the fact that I had an exceptional year has swayed the vote towards me, whereas Tiger’s phenomenal year is just what we’re used to with Tiger Woods.”

Yasuhito Endo of Gamba Osaka at a training session.

Gamba eye Man United upset A F P , Yokohama, Japan

A

AP

PRACTICE

inning back-to-back Majors was the highlight of Padraig Harrington’s career. He felt winning the US PGA Tour player of the year award on Tuesday was just as significant.

Harrington, only the fourth player to win the British Open and US PGA Championship in the same season, became the first European player to win the US PGA Tour award since it began in 1990.

“It has been a fantastic season individually out there, winning a couple of Majors,” Harrington said. “At the time you win them, you certainly feel that nothing could compare to it. But to be honest, there is no greater accolade than to receive an award from your peers.

“Because it’s the players, because it’s my peers, because they’re people that I care and am concerned about their opinions deeply, for them to choose me as their player of the year is very special,” he said. “It compares equally to winning a major championship.”

Andres Romero of Argentina was voted rookie of the year, while Dudley Hart received comeback player of the year. In other awards, Bernhard Langer was Champions Tour player of the year, with Brendan de Jonge of Zimbabwe winning

AFP

AP, Thousand Oaks, California

Andres Romero won the rookie of the year award.

defiant Gamba Osaka insist they are not afraid of Manchester United, but the Japanese team face a daunting task against the European champions in their Club World Cup semi-final today.

It will be one of the biggest games in Gamba’s history, but they are handicapped by injuries to attacking midfielders Takahiro Futagawa and Hayato Sasaki, who were stretchered off during their win over Adelaide on Sunday.

A consolation is that United are also struggling, with Dimitar Berbatov sick with a virus and ruled out of the game, while Wayne Rooney is a doubt after picking up an injury in training.

Gamba captain Satoshi Yamaguchi believes they have what it takes to tame the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and Rooney, should he play.

“We have nothing to lose and we’ll go all out, leave everything out there on the pitch,” he said.

“We don’t want to be thinking after the match that we should have done this and that, and as long as we’re playing them, we’ll play to win. But we need to make sure we don’t play like we did against Adelaide.”

24

THE SPORT

Thursday, December 18, 2008

GOLF

Coach fears for Tiger’s health

A THREEPEAT! Thongchai hopes to add another trophy to his rich cabinet with home tournament win

By Lerpong Amsa-ngiam DAILY XPRESS

He said the latest addition to his family had boosted his morale and helped him in the last two tournaments. “He was born on an auspicious day and I wanted to win the title as a present for him,” said Thongchai, who is planning to nickname the baby boy either “Champion” or “Dollar”.

But with a line-up that includes 62 out of the top 65 Asian players, he’ll need all the luck he can get if he wants to get his hands on the trophy on Sunday afternoon. Current Tour No 1 Jeev Milkha Singh as well as red-hot Prayad Marksaeng are two players Thongchai’s keeping a close watch on.

“Jeev is playing well and has many wins this year while Prayad is at the top of his form.

This is the last tournament of the year and everybody wants to win. But it would be great if I can take it because it’s a home

Thai golfers Prayad Marksaeng, third from left, Thongchai Jaidee and Prom Meesawat have fun.

I’VE CHANGED MY PUTTING STYLE BECAUSE I’VE BEEN PUTTING VERY BADLY FOR THE PAST SEVERAL MONTHS. Thongchai Jaidee on his cross-handed putting tournament and I have my family around me,” said Thongchai, who is also keeping an eye on the political situation: he was going to change his hair colour to red but decided not to in Thongchai Jaidee says his luck has changed since the birth of his son. case people mistakenly thought which will guarantee me entry what happens,” said Singh. it was a political statement. to the US Masters.”

This latest edition could be Prayad factor Singh, who became the the last Volvo Masters in the Defending champion Prayad, Tour’s first million-dollar man Kingdom as the event might be despite winning three times on during the season after taking relocated to a new country next the Japan Tour, is still looking his earnings to US$1.4 million, year. for his first win on the Asian is looking to end his year on a “We haven’t decided yet Tour this season. high note despite lack of prac- where to organise the event “I come into this tournament tice. next year. But we will make under no pressure,” he said.

“I haven’t touched a club the sure that the Volvo Masters will “My goal is to finish in the top whole week. Coming into the remain in Asia,” said Per 10 so that I can end the season Volvo Masters, I’m not very Ericsson, CEO & President in the top 50 in the world, well prepared, but let’s see Volvo Event Management.

XPRESS/KORBPHUK PHROMREKHA

Lucky baby

,,

XPRESS/KORBPHUK PHROMREKHA

A

resurgent Thongchai Jaidee will look for a double hattrick in the US$750,000 Volvo Masters of Asia which starts at the Thai Country Club today.

The two-time Asian No 1, who went without a title for two years, is back on track, claiming back-to-back victories in Vietnam and Cambodia in the last fortnight. If the twice Volvo Masters champion prevails again on Sunday, it will be a first for the Thai superstar.

“I’m feeling quite comfortable at the moment, having won two weeks in a row. My top form is coming back,” said the 39-year-old.

“I’ve changed my putting style because I’ve been putting very badly for the past several months. I started putting crosshanded in the last two weeks and won both the events,” added Thongchai, who has just celebrated the birth of his second child, Kittituch, born on December 5. That date also happenned to be the 81st birthday of His Majesty the King.

DAILY XPRESS

Top coach Butch Harmon has admitted Tiger Woods’ heroics in winning this year’s US Open while seriously injured may have hit his chances of overhauling Jack Nicklaus’ record 18 Major titles.

Harmon said Woods took a huge risk in playing through the pain barrier in June, undergoing knee surgery a week later, although he expected his former pupil to make a full recovery.

“We hope that what he did by playing at the US Open with a broken bone and a problem with the cartilage in his knee, we hope that doesn’t take away his chances to win it [the record], but we don’t know,” Harmon said.

“We’ll have to wait and see. It’s either the most phenomenal feat ever in the game of golf or not a very smart thing if he played and he doesn’t come back healthy,” he added.

“I’m of the belief that he’s going to be fine, he’s going to be stronger than ever. The game needs him back and we all want to see him back.”

Harmon said Woods may have decided to play through injury because the US Open was at San Diego’s Torrey Pines, the course he played as a boy.

“I think he knew that the knee wasn’t good.

Probably if the US Open hadn’t been at Torrey Pines where he grew up and played as a kid, he might not have even played.”

Harmon said Woods, whom he coached for 10 years before being fired in 2002, would also probably have to change his super-aggressive swing to take pressure off his knee.

“I would think so, to be honest with you. It’s the fourth operation on the same knee and this is the most extensive that they had to do,” he said.

“But then again he’s Tiger Woods – he’s the greatest player that’s ever walked on this planet.”

AFP

Thursday, December 18, 2008

THE SPORT 25

DAILY XPRESS

FOOTBALL

SHOOT ON SIGHT National coach Reid wants his strikers to be sharper up front DAILY XPRESS

ational coach Peter Reid has demanded his players to be more clinical in front of goal when Thailand plays its second-leg match against Indonesia in the ASEAN Football Confederation’s Suzuki Cup on Saturday.

The tournament’s three-time champions, Thailand, have one foot in the final, where they could face either Vietnam or title holders Singapore, after a 1-0 win in the first leg of the semifinals in Jakarta.

The only goal of the game came from ex-Manchester City player Teerasil Dangda’s looping header when the game was still in its infancy. The Thais then had several chances to ex-

AFP

N

Thai forward Teerasil Dangda celebrates his goal in Jakarta. tend their advantage but poor finishing let them down.

The chief culprit was Teeratep “Leesaw” Winothai, the 23-year-old striker deemed the team’s top forward, who extended his goal drought in the tournament by spurning two good chances in the first half.

Former Sunderland manager

Reid voiced his disappointment at the team’s lack of sharpness up front but the Englishman remained pleased with the team’s overall performance. “They're playing with pace, they’re mixing it up and they have a desire to win,” said Reid.

“I’m disappointed we didn’t convert our chances – we had

so many – but other than that, the team has been excellent.”

The veteran coach also warned that overall victory was not a forgone conclusion.

“It was a tough match, and we were lucky to come away with a goal advantage. The return leg should be equally hard, but I have faith my players will come good.”

With his striking partner struggling for form, Teerasil seems to have peaked at the right time – the young forward has found the net in two matches running, taking his tally in the biennial event to three goals.

“I’m happy to be scoring so regularly. It’s given a huge boost to my confidence,” said Teerasil.

“Leesaw deserved credit for his great cross. All I had to do was concentrate on guiding the ball to the far post,”

Scholes can play on: Fergie AFP, Yokohama, Japan

S

ir Alex Ferguson sung the praises of Paul Scholes yesterday, saying he believed he had another two years left in him.

“Paul brings an order to a game at times. We saw that in the second half against Aalborg [n the Champions League last week]. It was important in helping us take control of the game,” he said.

“He has been a fantastic player for us. When he was younger he would score 12-15 goals a season for us. He can’t do that now but he brings other things to a game – his intelligence on the field is terrific.”

Ferguson added that Scholes’ game hasn’t lost anything. “I don’t see any discerning negatives about Paul. I hope he can keep it going for a long time.”

National stars Sittichai, Jintara blaze on track DAILY XPRESS

N

ational-team athletes ruled the track-and-field events at the 37th National Games in Phitsanulok yesterday, with Sitthichai Suwornpratheep and Jintara Siangdee emerging as the fastest men’s and women’s athletes.

Sitthichai from Samut Prakarn ran away with the gold medal after clocking 10.71 seconds in the men’s 100m, while talented Jintara from Phang Nga pushed veteran

Orranut Klomee into silver in the women’s event with a time of 11.77.

Bangkok’s swimmers, led by SEA Games queen, Natthanun Chankrajang, took control at the pool after capturing five out of the seven golds on offer.

The 21-year-old Natthanun, who won four golds at last year’s SEA Games in Nakhon Ratchasima to take the Best Female SEA Games Athlete Award, won her first gold yesterday, in the 100m breast-

stroke, before assisting the team to clinch the 4x200m freestyle relay.

Bangkok also took gold in the women’s 800m freestyle, men’s 200m freestyle and 100m breaststroke. Chon Buri won the women’s 50m butterfly, while Ekkaphan Inthaya snatched Chiang Mai’s lone gold in the pool with a new Games record of 23.03 seconds in the men’s 50m butterfly.

Shooters from the capital also made their mark, winning

two out of the four events at stake, thanks to the superb efforts of Beijing-bound Thanyaporn Pruksakorn.

Yasothorn and Chon Buri took three golds each in the weightlifting competition.

Former national weightlifter Kraisorn Dutthuyanuwat from Yasothorn was in stunning form to sweep three golds with Games records in the men’s 77kg class.

Chiang Mai dominated the artistic gymnastics after the SEA Games gold medallist

Ratchawat Kaewpanya took four out of the six at stake in the men’s apparatus.

Sukhothai claimed three of four on offer in the women’s apparatus, but two golds were given away in the balance beam and floor exercise.

In the badminton competition, Bangkok beat Nonthaburi 3-1 to take the men’s team crown, but Nonthaburi avenged the loss by beating the Bangkokians with a similar margin to claim the women’s team gold.

Thursday, December 18, 2008

THE SPORT 27

DAILY XPRESS

FOOTBALL

LIGA WAVE MEXICANS GOODBYE AFP, Tokyo

E

cuador’s Liga de Quito stormed into the final of the Club World Cup yesterday with a 2-0 defeat of Mexico’s Pachuca, setting up a potential clash with Manchester United.

In persistent rain, Claudio Bieler and Luis Bolanos did the damage with first-half goals for the South American champions.

Liga started at a furious pace and were ahead after just four minutes when striker Bieler capitalised on a defensive blunder.

The Argentine pounced when a Pachuca clearance bounced off the legs of one of their own defenders and into his path and he slid the ball underneath diving goalkeeper

GM end Yanks deal, may renew with Mets General Motors Corp, the automaker that may run out of money without government aid, didn’t renew its sponsorship with the New York Yankees and is negotiating a new contract with the New York Mets.

Both the Yankees and Mets are moving into new stadiums next season after drawing the most fans in Major League Baseball this year. GM had three-year contracts with both teams that expired in November.

Baseball teams are losing sponsors amid a recession that is causing companies and consumers to curb spending.

BLOOMBERG

Miguel Calero.

It took Pachuca 10 minutes to wake up but when they did they were unlucky not to level the game.

A break down the left by Jose Cardenas fed Damian Alvarez who played the ball into the box but after a goalmouth scramble Liga eventually cleared.

Pachuca though appeared anxious and Julio Manzur was booked for handball on the edge of the penalty area on 25 minutes.

Liga took a decisive 2-0 lead from the resulting freekick when Bolanos curled the ball round the wall with his right foot from 25 yards, giving no chance to Calero, whose view was blocked.

EPA

Ecuadorean club storm into the final of Club World Cup after downing Pachuca 2-0 in the semis

Liga de Quito forward Claudio Bieler sends the ball past Pachuca goalkeeper Miguel Calero.

Concacaf champions Pachuca nearly pulled one back minutes later when Jose Cardenas appeared to be shoved from behind as he went to head into an empty net, but the referee waved play on.

With 70 per cent possession in the first half, Pachuca should have done better. They went to the break 2-0 down in their quarter-final against Egypt’s Al Ahly and won 4-2, but it wasn’t to be against Liga.

They pushed forward in the second half with Liga seemingly content to defend their lead,

but Pachuca couldn’t find the elusive goal despite a series of chances and the match descended into a scrappy encounter.

Historically one of the strongest teams in Ecuador, Liga blew a glorious chance to add a third goal in the dying seconds when substitute Reinaldo Navia blasted over the bar with just the keeper to beat.

Despite the loss, it was one game better than last year for the Mexicans, who crashed at the quarter-final stage in 2007.

Allardyce favourite Sam Allardyce became the favourite to take the job as Blackburn manager after Graeme Souness appeared to rule himself out.

Souness had been the bookmakers’ favourite to replace Paul Ince, who was fired on Tuesday after six months in the job. But Souness, who managed Blackburn for four years until 2004, said that he has had no contact with the club. “It doesn’t surprise me to see my name in there but I'm not your man,”

Mana revving for Dakar Rally DAILY XPRESS

E

quipped with a brand-new Mitsubishi Pajero Evolution, seasoned driver Mana Pornsiricherd is ready to tackle the world’ most gruelling rally, the Dakar 2009: ArgentinaChile, next month.

The Dakar Rally is resuming on another continent after the suspension of the current edition due to terrorist threats.

With security a big concern in Africa, the organisers have moved the race to South Mana faces a new course.

America.

The race, which will run be- Atacama Desert. A total of 15 tween January 3 and 18, starts stages will be driven over a twofrom the Plaza de la Republica week period. in Buenos Aires will run Despite the radical change of through Patagonia, the Andes route, the Dakar Rally should be Mountains, along the shores of as tough as usual, with competithe Pacific Ocean in Chile and tors battling the desert sand but back to Argentina through the also facing high-altitude condi-

tions and precarious mountain passes. Given the different course, Mana, the second Thai to compete in the world’s most popular rally after Pornsawan Siriwattanakul, opted to set a modest target for his fourth appearance in the event.

“Everything has changed. We cannot expect much from the first leg of the new course. The initial target is to complete it, for sure. If we manage to reach the halfway stage of the event, we can reassess our target for a finishing position.”

“Asked what would be his biggest concern in the race, Mana replied: “Obviously, the high altitude. The route on some stages goes as high as 30004000 metres above sea level. I might have trouble breathing there!”

ON TV Soccer Fifa Club World Cup Al Ahly v Adelaide 2.30pm/Star Sports Gamba Osaka v Manchester United 5.30pm/ Star Sports

Golf South African Airways Open 6.30pm/Truesport4 Chevron World Challenge

3am (Fri) / TrueSport4