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A JOB? SEE PAGES 19, 20

XPRESS

DAILY

Friday, December 26, 2008 VOL 1, NO 247 dailyxpress.net

Four years after the catastrophic tsunami, communities find their own formula for >PAGE 2 rehabilitation and development

THE FUN takes a ride on Cambodia’s Great Lake

WEEKEND TRAVEL CELEBRATE

HARNESSING THE POWER OF YOUTH

IF BANGKOK IS WHERE YOU’RE GOING TO BE FOR THE NEW YEAR, HEAD TO RAJPRASONG PAGE 7

2 TODAY

Friday, December 26, 2008

THE CITY

DAILY XPRESS

407

THE NUMBER of coastal villages devastated in six provinces by the tsunami on December 26, 2004.

Bodies still unidentified

A youngster poses with a mantis shrimp, which will be processed as food under a project initiated by tsunami-affected youths.

DAILY XPRESS

T H E N AT I O N

The bodies of nearly 400 victims remain unidentified four years after the wave hit Thailand, according to the Thai Tsunami Victim Identification and Repatriation Centre in Phang Nga. Speaking ahead of the fourth anniversary of the tsunami today, centre director Nitinai Sornsongkram said that despite ongoing efforts, 388 of the 3,696 bodies the centre received in February 2005 have yet to be identified by relatives. At present, 445 persons are still unaccounted for. Of these, 290 are Thai, 95 are Burmese and 60 are Scandinavian.

Indonesia, India, Sri Lanka and Thailand were all hard hit.

More than 5,000 people were killed when the killer waves struck Thailand’s six Andaman coastal provinces.

YOUNG MINDS, BIG HEARTS Youth volunteers give new meaning to lives of tsunami victims D A I LY X P R E S S

F

or two years now, some 360 youth volunteers have been working to rebuild their tsunami-devastated villages, at least 135 of them spearheading community-development projects.

Impressed with their successes, local administrative organisations have begun including the youngsters’ work in their bigger plans.

Success stories One success story is the Ban Thung Wa Nursery project, which helped around 70 DAILY

XPRESS

Moken families deal with changes to their livelihoods brought on by the tsunami, said Foundation For Children official Wanwimol Ekobol. When their parents had to give up fishing and find another living, the kids lost out care-wise.

Sponsored by the Siam Commercial Foundation, the Ban Thung Wa nursery stepped in to help out in 2006, taking care of kids everyday and providing them with free lunches and snacks.

It also trained Moken babysitters for the place. A

member of the Network for Andaman Coastal Rehabilitation, Pakpum Witan-tirawat links up community development projects through some 50 youth volunteers covering 44 villages in Satun, Krabi, Phang Nga, Phuket and Trang.

The projects – also sponsored by the Siam Commercial Foundation – focus on the community economies, marine and coastal preservation and children’s education, he said.

The projects’ fish pier, boatyard, seafood-processing

group and souvenir-making group helped the tsunami-affected communities to get rid of debts, he said.

Kids become leaders Amnuay Chunoo from Krabi’s Community and Population Development Association points to a project that supported activities in 20 villages in Krabi and Phang Nga by training eight youths from each village in leadership, social activity and business planning.

He cited the successful case of Hin Rom village in Phang Nga’s Takua Thung district

where the youths got a business selling cooking gas up and running.

At the recent opening ceremony of an exhibition to mark four years since the tsunami, Siam Commercial Foundation manager Piyaporn Manthajit said the Siam Commercial Bank had been funding projects by the Population And Community Development Association, the Sustainable Development Foundation and the Foundation For Children since 2005.

The projects, she said, had helped people back on their feet.

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

Friday, December 26, 2008

THE WORLD

DAILY XPRESS

-76 Degrees Celsius, the average winter temperature in Antarctica.

briefly Santa spirit in lotto winner The Christmas spirit reigns in the Belgium village of Riemst, where a lottery winner is giving half his 7.5-million euro (Bt362 million) scoop to the poor, reports said.

The Flemish commune’s mysterious “Father Christmas”, as one newspaper dubbed him, says he intends to share his massive win from the EuroMillions draw on December 12. “His first gesture: cheques for 1,000 litres of fuel for 100 poor families,” according to Hubert Cleuren, who heads an aid agency in the village of 16,000. – AFP

A customer uses a ‘Metronaps’ sleeping capsule in Hong Kong.

Man held with mummified cat

Mother held over bid to kill daughter A F P , Tokyo

Japanese police arrested a woman believed to be a devoted mother for allegedly trying to murder her toddler daughter by injecting her with rotten water in hospital, an official said yesterday.

The woman, 35, whose name was withheld for the sake of the surviving girl, was arrested on Wednesday in the western city of Kyoto on suspicion of attempted murder, a police spokesman said.

Police said the girl was the youngest of the woman’s five daughters. Reports said three of them had died before they turned four due to illness.

The mother denied the intention to kill, while admitting she made “rotten water”.

MALL OFFERS STRESS BUSTER High-tech beds invite exhausted Hong Kongers to snooze at Bt420 a nap A F P , Hong Kong

A

s Hong Kong’s alreadyfrantic workers cling to their jobs amid the global economic downturn, the hectic and the exhausted are being offered a haven of relaxation in the overcrowded finance hub.

One of the ubiquitous shopping malls in the city’s most frantic shopping district of Causeway Bay has installed high-tech beds where tired executives and exhausted shoppers can escape the fast lane for a quick snooze.

Looking like futuristic firstclass airplane seats, the pods

are designed to provide overwrought Hong Kongers with 20 minutes of down time during which the city’s sounds and sights are blanked out in total darkness. And there is whale music, too.

“Hong Kong is a really crazy place – you do not have time to rest at all,” says Benjamin Lau, founder of Delay No Mall, where the sleep-pods are based, and chief executive officer of trendy style firm G.O.D. “We put these sleep pods in the mall because we wanted a place where people could relax.”Lau said that at 90 Hong Kong dollars (Bt420) a nap, the

shut-eye is worth the investment. According to Metronaps, the US-based firm which launched the sleep capsule in New York in 2003, the benefits of a mid-afternoon nap have proven scientific value.

They cite a 2007 study by the Harvard School of Public Health which found that regular daytime naps can help reduce the risk of heart disease by up to 37 per cent.

Angela To, a Hong Kong artist and self-confessed shopaholic, emerges from a reclining, bubble-shaped sleep pod and says it provides a welcome break in her hectic schedule.

“I feel relaxed. My mind and breath are calm and peaceful.

For me a good nap is better than a cup of coffee,” she says.

An Australian man has been arrested in Egypt after allegedly attempting to leave the country with a 2,000-yearold mummified cat and other antiquities in his suitcase, reports said yesterday.

Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade confirmed that a 61-year-old man was arrested and detained in Cairo on Tuesday. His cache of antiquities included mummies of a cat and an ibis believed to be more than 2,000 years old, national news agency AAP reported. – AFP

Singapore’s ferris wheel stays shut The world’s biggest observation wheel will remain shut pending a probe into a fire that led to a breakdown while 173 passengers were suspended mid-air, Singapore police said yesterday.

A fire in the control room of the Singapore Flyer late Tuesday caused the shutdown that left passengers, including tourists, trapped for about six hours. – AFP

6 THE FUN

Friday, December 26, 2008

DAILY XPRESS

THE FUN.

TRAVEL

SOMETHING FOR THE WEEKEND

The temptation of

Tonle Sap DAILY XPRESS: EKKARAT SUKPETCH

Cambodia’s Great Lake has grace and beauty to entice you away from old Angkor

By Manta Klangboonkrong

XTRA

D A I LY X P R E S S

S

iem Reap always has the magnificent Angkor ruins to reward visitors, so compelling that the peaceful town’s other charms might be overlooked. Chief among these is a cruise on Tonle Sap – the Great Lake.

Tonle Sap is Southeast Asia’s biggest freshwater lake, sprawling across Siem Reap province, but quite apart from its startling size, it’s fascinating for the fact that its waters are always flowing, like the river to which it’s eternally bonded.

Most of the year the lake is relatively small – 2,700 square metres and just a metre deep.

But when the monsoon rolls over the floodplain, Tonle Sap swells to 16,000 square metres, running to a depth of nine metres.

Fields and forests are submerged as the lake renews its timeless sisterhood with the mighty Mekong River, shifting direction twice a year.

Comes the dry season, December through April, Tonle Sap supplies half of the Mekong Delta’s water, all the way to Vietnam’s coast. When the rains return, the current reverses and the Mekong is kept from overflowing.

Despite such dramatic perennial fluctua-

GET ON BOARD >> There are tourist boats for hire at various points around the Great Lake, offering hour-long scenic cruises until 6pm.

tions in their habitat, Cambodians live on and around the lake, adapting as needed.

No matter how high the water level, they stay dry and comfortable in their floating villages, a few hundred households on rafts scattered all over Tonle Sap. This floating community has it all – churches, schools, hospital, markets and even playgrounds for the little ones.

Wildlife prospers as well. The current’s flow brings nutrients for the fish as well as rich sediment for the croplands. More than a hundred varieties of water birds, including several endangered species, and 200 kinds of fish can be found among the crocodiles, turtles and mangroves.

The lake is at its most charming when it sparkles in the sunset. Ask your boat skipper to make a short stop in a bay on the eastern shore so you can catch the last flickers – but stock up first on the great local dishes and handicrafts.

Friday, December 26, 2008

2.7

THE FUN 7

DAILY XPRESS

NEW YEAR HOTSPOTS

METRES The length of the Mekong giant catfish caught in Chiang Rai in 2005 – the largest freshwater fish ever recorded.

Find the perfect party to dance away 2009. >Page 13

Pedal

power One of the best ways to explore Thailand is on two wheels. The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has released “Cycling in Amazing Thailand” – an English-language biking guide – for free download.

Produced in PDF format, the 32page guidebook suggests 12 cycle routes and destinations around the Kingdom. The routes are designed for various fitness levels, covering eight-kilometre casual rides up to 800km, and from beach pedalling in Hua Hin to up and down the hill in Thailand’s north. Download your copy from www.TourismThailand .org/news/content-1382.html.

NEXT STOP

In full bloom Brave the high road to Doi Pui Mountain in Chiang Mai and feast your eyes on the pink Thai cherry blossom as the enchanting phaya-suekhlong come into full bloom from mid January to early February. Baan Khun Chang Khian, a Hmong village beyond Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep and Bhuping Palace, is the best place to walk under the blossoms.

Go for the day or pitch your tent by the village and stay overnight.

Bangkok with a bang Stuck in Bangkok this New Year? Then follow the crowd to the Rajprasong intersection on December 31 and enjoy the city’s biggest party: “Bangkok 2009 Countdown”.

The venue covers the Ploenchit, Rajprasong and Pathumwan area and the event , which starts at 7.30, features concerts, fireworks and lots more. For the complete schedule, visit www.HandsBangkokCount down.com.

Good deal Imm is the inn for savings All residents of Thailand can enjoy the cool northern breeze at Chiang Mai’s Imm Eco Hotel, a chic hostel that offers standard services and facilities in a natural setting.

Until March, a night’s stay in a single room is Bt222, with a healthy breakfast costing an additional Bt123. Visit www.ImmHotel.com.

Phuket package ahoy Until April 16, take advantage of the Cape Panwa Hotel and Spa Phuket’s great deal: three days and two nights in a superior room for Bt12,100. That includes a welcoming drink and fruit basket, set lunch or dinner at Cafe Andaman, the daily breakfast buffet and round-trip transfers to the airport, plus discounts at the hotel spa and shops. Check it out at www.CapePanwa.com.

U plan the holiday U Chiang Mai is offering discounts and privileges for Thailand residents right through next September. For Bt3,100 you get a night’s stay in a superior room, or for Bt1,000 more, a deluxe room.

The rates cover breakfast for two and free Internet access, and you can check out the next day at the same hour you checked in. Customise your stay at www.UHotelsResort.com.

8 THE FUN

Friday, December 26, 2008

WKND.EVENTS 3.5

DAILY XPRESS

MILLION VIEWERS in Sweden tune in annually to watch Donald Duck’s Christmas TV special.

DAILY XPRESS/EKKARAT SUKPETCH

Cambodia’s Angkor Wat is the dramatic backdrop for an epic soundand-light show that’s running until January 31.

C U LT U R A L S H O W

ANGKOR WAT LIVES! Alight and reverberating with song, the ancient Khmer temples dance to 21st-century technology

By Manta Klangboonkrong D A I L Y X P R E S S , Siem Reap

T

here are few better ways to see the storied Angkor temples than during the lightand-sound presentations held this time each year through January.

Cambodia’s thousand-year history and the glorious Khmer civilisation it embraces come alive after dusk in the shows, with illuminated Angkor Wat itself as the stunning backdrop.

In “The Legend of Angkor Wat: When History Comes to Life”, 160 dancers and other performers retell the story amid wondrous visuals projected on water screens.

With narration in English, the hour-long production tells how French explorer and naturalist Henri Mouhot came upon the “lost” Angkor ruins in 1860.

An apsara appears to guide

the mesmerised foreigner back in time to witness the creation of the earth, as interpreted in the Hindu faith of the 12th-century Khmers.

Milk churned National heartthrob Tep Rindaro takes the lead role, and sweet-faced Sim Solika of the National School of Traditional Dance plays his apsara guide.

Expect a lot of elegant, wellrehearsed traditional dance and great costumes. The show features many memorable scenes, such as the Churning of the Sea of Milk, which beautifully simulates the naga and angels and demons in battle.

Perhaps most moving of all is the scene in which Angkor’s chief architect, King Suryavarman II, appears on the temple in the distance.

Some might feel the show could use more lighting, but

Cambodian tradition allows just a few colours to be displayed against the kingdom’s most venerated temple.

The show does lack balance between education and entertainment, however, and some viewers might overdose on the historical details.

XTRA DAZZLE TIME >> “The Legend of Angkor Wat: When History Comes to Life” runs until January 31. >> Shows are at 8pm daily except Sundays and New Year’s Eve. >> Book seats with Thaiticketmajor for Bt2,100 or Bt2,800. An international buffet before the show costs an additional Bt890. >> Call (02) 262 3456.

Friday, December 26, 2008

12

THE FUN 9

DAILY XPRESS

TRACKS are on a new greatest-hits compilation

by Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band that will be sold exclusively at Wal-Mart.

WKND.EVENTS North Pole

A slice of reggae in Pai

melts

AP

Santa Claus (the other two must be clones) entertains the turtles and fish at an ocean park in Fuzhou in south China. The message in the background reads, sure enough, “Merry Christmas”.

D A N C E PA RT Y

Beautiful buys TOMORROW IS THE LAST DAY to shop for cool gifts at the Art Market Festival: Bangkok 2009 at the Bangkok Art and Culture Centre.

Go between 10 and 9 and snap up paintings, sculptures, ceramic goods and jewellery by 100 local artists. Call (02) 214 6630-1.

City of dreams UNTIL FEBRUARY 15, 50 local artists look at the metropolis under different themes at the Bangkok Art and Culture Centre.

The City of Angels is portrayed in various dimensions from past into the future in “Bangkok: Early Day”, “Modernised Bangkok”, “Nostalgic Past”, “New Bangkok Skyline” and “Dream Bangkok”. Call (02) 214 6630-1 or visit www.BACC.or.th.

Make poverty history IRISH ROCK GROUP U2 sends out a cheery message to their fans in the music video “I Believe in Father Christmas”.

The song is one of many tracks specially put together by artists like John Legend, Jay-Z, the Killers, Elvis Costello and Coldplay on RED(WIRE), the groundbreaking digital magazine service supporting the fight against global poverty.

Check out the video at www.U2.com and www.RedWire.com.

Hot like a ‘Flash’ France’s hottest record label returns to the Big Mango tomorrow night – be there

By Manta Klangboonkrong D A I LY X P R E S S

H

ot label Ed Banger returns to 808 Bangkok tomorrow for another roof-raising night, this time round introducing superstar producer and DJ Mr Flash to the Big Mango. If you missed Ed Banger’s August debut, make sure you don’t make the same mistake again!

Mr Flash, or Gilles Bousquet as he’s also known, started off in 1999 as a producer under the pseudonym Flash Gordon. His debut featured a number of France’s well-known rap artists, including ATK, CMP, Familia and La Caution, and in 2002 he released his first EP, “Le Voyage Fantastique”.

Soon after creating Ed Banger Records, founder Pedro Winter met Mr Flash, and signed him as the first artist on the label. He’s since collaborated with many French hip-hop and house artists, releasing “Radar Rider” in 2003 and “Monsieur Sexe” in 2005.

He recently finished mixing “Life in Marvellous Times”, a track off New York rapper Mos Def ’s fourth album “Ecstatic”, which is due for release in February.

T-Bone

The most-awaited music event in the North, the Reggae Festival 2009, takes place over the weekend of January 25 and 26 at the Pai Treehouse Resort in Mae Hong Son. Featuring all homegrown acts, including national favourites Job2Do, T-Bone, Teddy Ska and the Kai-Jo Brothers, the fest also showcases lesser-known groups.

Passes with one drink cost Bt390 for one day and Bt700 for two days with the music running from 6.30 till late.

Reservations are essential, because tickets will not be available at the venue. Tickets go on sale soon at Thaiticketmajor. Call (02) 262 3456.

Rocking with Music Express Send in your rock demo and

XTRA ED BANGER’S BACK >> Mr Flash plays tomorrow night at 808 in RCA’s Zone C. >> Tickets are Bt600 with a drink. Remember that ID.

>> Call (02) 203 1043 or see www.808Bangkok.com.

you could win the country’s first rock-music contest.

Thailand’s respected music magazine, Music Express, is staging a competition in February to search for new talent.

Submit two original songs no later than January 15 either as a group or solo act, in English or Thai. The 10 finalists will be announced late January. Visit www.Music Express.in.th or call (02) 508 8176.

10

ALTERNATIVE / SOHO

so-ho-t The Ministry of Silence The historic statement affirming the human-rights principle of universality and non-discrimination regardless of sexual orientation and gender identity was read at the United Nations General Assembly on December 18. It won the support of 66 countries, but Thailand wasn’t one of them.

Our representative declined to endorse the statement regardless of a signed petition sent to the Foreign Affairs Ministry by local LGBT activists.

Campbell chows down Despite pressure from the conservative American Family Association to “remain neutral in the culture war”, iconic US company Campbell Soup is standing by its decision to advertise in the gay magazine Advocate.

The two-page spreads for its Swanson products represent Campbell’s first foray into the gay market. The ad in the December 2 issue featured a lesbian couple and their young son enjoying Swanson Chicken Broth.

Au revoir parties Tickets are still available for two mega-parties saying goodbye to 2008. Visit www.GCircuit .com and www.Mighty-Asia .com for the venues and other details.

Friday, December 26, 2008

DAILY XPRESS

A little warmth

for the Mormons, please They helped block gay rights in California, but they’re not bad people

By Paisarn Likhitpreechakul SPECIAL FOR D A I LY X P R E S S

I

was going to take our Foreign Affairs Ministry to task for ignoring our signed petition and spurning the UN General Assembly’s statement reaffirming rights regardless of sexual orientation.

But it’s Boxing Day, so I’ll set aside that baggage for the moment. The New Year is approaching, and it’s a time to forgive those who have wronged us in the past 12 months.

So today we’ll take a stab at reconciliation with an organisation that has been heavily criticised in this space: the Mormon Church.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was one of the biggest sponsors of Proposition 8, the referendum

call that ended same-sex marriage in California. The church contributed a whopping $20 million and mobilised its followers to lobby voters by phone.

“Proposition Hate” is now

being challenged by LGBT groups as well as the state’s attorney general, and the California Supreme Court will decide next year whether to overturn it.

In the meantime what we

can do is find in our hearts the magnanimity to forgive what Mormon leaders did to our sisters and brothers.

To make it easier for readers, I offer Brian Dalthrop’s photos of young Mormons from the “Mormons Exposed” 2009 calendar, which appears on the website Advocate.com.

If these images help you enjoy the festive season a bit more, please remember Chad Hardy in your prayers.

As the producer of this calendar and 2008’s “Men on a Mission” – which sold more than 10,000 copies – the 32year-old Mormon entrepreneur was expelled from the church and deprived of his degree from the churchowned Brigham Young University.

Some people really need loosening up.

12

ENTERTAINMENT

Friday, December 26, 2008

DAILY XPRESS

clubscene B*PM Pre New Year Party 2009

Swag Attack!!

Tonight, Indus 71 Sukhumvit 26 (BTS: Phrom Phong) (02) 258 4900; www.IndusBangkok.com

Rasm us

DJ Rasmus Faber Tonight, Bed Supperclub Sukhumvit Soi 11 (BTS: Nana) (02) 651 3537; www.BedSupperclub.com Dress code; ID

Swedish producer, pianist, songwriter and DJ Rasmus Faber returns to the Big Mango with his ever-elegant sets of house, Latin and soul. A ticket with two drinks is Bt1,000.

Extreme Night Out Glow Tonight Sukhumvit Soi 23 (BTS: Asoke) (02) 261 4446 www.GlowBkk.com

A fun night out with big discounts on drinks! Beers start at Bt100, cocktails Bt180 and appetisers from Bt100. Plus music from resident DJs and guests DJ Goww (Sound Element) and EK from the USA. Entry is Bt200.

The hottest hip-hop is served up in a buffet of beats by DJs TJ and G Sehgal plus guests. Entry is free and there are discounts on the booze.

DJ Richard Dorfmeister

Richard

Q Bar Tonight Sukhumvit Soi 11 (BTS: Nana) (02) 252 3274; www.QBarBangkok.com Dress code; ID

One half of the internationally celebrated KruderDorfmeister phenomenon, DJ Richard Dorfmeister touches down at Q, bringing along down-tempo and jazzy tunes for a chill-out party. A ticket with two drinks is Bt600.

Curve Tomorrow Ekamai soi 1 (BTS: Ekamai) (02) 714 2323

Warming up to the big bang party with finest hip-hop tunes by most respected local DJs – old school style. Admission is free but don’t forget your ID.

Indigo Nights III Gazebo Tomorrow Rooftop, 1 Building, Sukhumvit 1, (BTS: Phloenchit) (02) 655 2471-6

A trip through a bizarre bazaar of Bollywood tunes, Bhangra and hip-hop with Bangkok’s very own DJ Ash. Entry for gents is Bt1,200 -Bt800 for ladies. All-night bar.

DJ Dee Montero Monday Bed Supperclub The former Amnesia/Pascha resident ramps up the rhythms with Bed’s Saint Vincent as opening act. Tickets are Bt600 with two drinks.

Absinthe Road: New Years Eve Extravaganza Bed Supperclub Wednesday December 31 A celebratory nod to the Beatles’ Abbey Road as Bed’s four resident DJs walk you into the New Year accompanied by green fairies and pixie dust. Entry is Bt1,000 with one drink.

Friday January 2 Raving Dalek Disco Divas Club Culture Sri Ayutthaya Road (BTS: Phya Thai) (02) 642 5499 www.Club-CultureBkk.com Dress code; ID

Isaac

Raving Daleks invade Bangkok for the first party of 2009 with guest DJ Isaac Tucker from UK’s Specktrum and Filthy Dukes fame, plus resident DJ Bradley on the deck and Beat on the drums. Entry with a drink is Bt250. If you’re a student it’s Bt150.

Friday, December 26, 2008

AFTER DARK

DAILY XPRESS

You need to get out more Check your calendar, buddy – it’s New Year’s Eve! D A I LY X P R E S S

Entry is Bt1,000, and you’ll get a drink for the toast. See www.808Bangkok.com.

Planning a night out on New Year’s Eve? Here are some cool spots.

W

By Manta Klangboonkrong

A

DJ T-Base

ant something more festive? Gazebo on Sukhumvit Soi 1 is promising an extravagance of food, drinks, entertainment and all-night fun. From 8pm until sometime early in 2009, the Gazebo crew will keep you busy with lucky draws, activities with the Bozo, dance-

t 808 on RCA, take a roller coaster ride into 2009 at a countdown party with Krafty Kuts and Dynamite MC. Having played in front of thousands of fans at festivals all over the world, the duo is landing in Bangkok with some amazing breaks and electro on the deck.

Finishing off this special night is Bangkok’s drum-and-bass DJ TDynamite Base, accompanied by Emcee Emjay.

Krafty Kuts

able DJ sets and raunchy coyote moves.

Don’t go home just yet – hang around for the countdown and stay on for the party!

Entry is Bt1,000 with two drinks and snacks. Take the BTS and get off at Phloenchit.

Call (02) 655 2471.

F

ancy something underground? The good news is that underground theme party group Kaos Bangkok is bring-

ing London’s East End vibes to Rain Dogs Bar & Gallery for a unique, exclusive New Year’s Eve party.

The 12-hour celebration will kick off at 10pm with guest DJs Oran Bilsen from Malaysia and Mirror Image from the UK. Joined by resident Bradley Kaos, the night also features Beat and guests in special shows and some unmentionables.

Entry with a drink is Bt200.

The bar is in Soi Phrayapiren off Rama 4 Road, close to MRT Khlong Toei.

B

razilian DJ Edson Pride is rocking the crowd into 2009 with an upscale party called “Fantasia NYE 09”, complete with the gCircuit crew, at Moon Star Studio 8.

The night promises give-away prizes, drinks in full flow, out-of-thisworld music and a lot of dancing. Dress up and enjoy the ride!

Entry is Bt2,200. Check out www.GCircuit.com or drop

by Customer Service on the sixth floor of Babylon Sauna on Sathorn Road for discount presale tickets.

I

f a view from the top is your preference, hit the newly refurbished rooftop bar and restaurant Aura, which is throwing a countdown party with lots of food and drinks.

DJ TJ will lull you into the New Year from 7pm onwards.

Entry is Bt700 inclusive of two champagne cocktails and food buffet.

If you’re here to just toast, pay Bt500 and get two champagne cocktails.

Entry is limited, so make sure you show up early.

The bar, formerly known as Sin Bar, is on Sukhumvit Soi 2, near BTS Nana. Call (02) 656 4842.

13

14

THE SCREEN

Friday, December 26, 2008

TO SEE

DAILY XPRESS

‘YES MAN’, starring Jim Carrey, opened as the No 1 movie in North America last week, earning US$18.2 million.

on tv

Good Luck Chuck A man with a curse thinks he’s hit the jackpot when single women want to sleep with him. But then he must try to reverse his good fortune when he falls in love for real. Stars Dane Cook and Jessica Alba.

Madagasc ar: Escape 2 Africa The escaped New York zo o to

animals ma the African ke mainland w here they en their way species of th counter eir own kind fo include Ben Stiller, Chris r the very first time. Voic Rock, David es Jada Pinkett Schwimmer Smith. Also and at Krungsr i IMAX. ★★ ★

Australia Baz Luhrmann’s sweeping epic is set in the Northern Territory prior to World War II, with Nicole Kidman as an aristocratic English widow who arrives to whip a struggling cattle ranch back into shape with the help of the heroic Drover (Hugh Jackman). ★★★

HBO (TrueVisions), 10.15pm

The Blues Brothers As they struggle to get their old band back together, Jake and Elwood must evade Nazis, a gun-toting jilted lover and the Illinois State Police in this song-and-dance-filled cultclassic comedy.

Cinemax (TrueVisions), 6pm

The X-Files FBI Special Agents Fox Mulder (David Duchovny) and Dana Scully (Gillian Anderson) investigate the mysterious bombing of a federal building.

Star Movies (TrueVisions), 10.30pm

Kob Nok Kala A look at the history of weightlifting and the lives of the Kingdom’s best-known strongmen.

Modernine, 8.30pm

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

don’t miss!

Chulalongkorn International Film Festival Generational and cultural clashes colour “The

Band’s Visit”, showing today at Chulalongkorn University.

In this dry-witted Israeli comedy, an Egyptian police band is sent to Israel to perform at the opening of an Arab cultural centre, but the group – turned out in natty sky-blue uniforms – ends up in the wrong town. It’s a dusty village where a hardbitten cafe owner declares there is “no culture at all”. The musicians have no choice but to spend the night in the town. A conflict between the band’s austere, tradition-minded conductor and a young, hot-to-trot trumpeter develops. Meanwhile, the cafe owner has an eye for the band leader.

It was Israel’s pick for last year’s foreign-language Oscar, but was disqualified because it has too much English.

The showtime is 5. The movie is on DVD with English subtitles. Admission is free.

After today, the festival goes on hiatus until January 23, and then runs until February 6. The screenings are in Room 503 on the fifth floor of the Boromrajkumaree Building. Call (02) 218 4802 or visit ChulaFilmFest.multiply.com. – Daily Xpress

Fan Waan Aai Joop

Happy Birthday

Chukiat Sakveerakul, Prachya Pinkaew, Bhandit Thongdee and Rashane Limtrakul each direct a short love story.

Stars include Shahkrit Yamnarm and Mario Maurer. With English

A photographer (Ananda Everingham) and a tour guide (Chayanan Manomaisantiphap) meet cute and fall in love. Then tragedy strikes, leaving the woman in a coma and her boyfriend as her devoted caregiver. With

subtitles at some cinemas.

English subtitles at some cinemas. ★★★★

‘Fan Waan Aai Joop’ (‘4 Romance’) stars Witwisit “Pitch” Hiranyawongkul.

Pride and Glory A family of New York City Police officers are pitted against each other in the investigation of a drug bust that went horribly wrong.

Stars Edward Norton, Colin Farrell, Noah Emmerich and Jon Voight. ★★★

Friday, December 26, 2008

THE SCREEN 15

DAILY XPRESS

TO SEE

‘SEVEN POUNDS’, starring Will Smith, opened at No 2 in North America last week, earning US$14.8 million.

on dvd REGION 1

nage ky old The Orpha couple after they buy a sphoaoi su btidT aunts a English an The past h nish with a p S In . e orphanag ★★★★ Siam. tles at the

The Day the Earth Stood Still In this update 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. ★★★

Transporter 3 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. ★★

Transsiberian Toi et Moi

Ong Bak 2

The Duchess

Julie Depardieu and Marion Cotillard star in this romantic comedy. In

Phanom “Tony Jaa” Yeerum co-directs his magnum opus, starring as a fierce young warrior who has only a taste for vengeance. With English

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

French with English and Thai subtitles at House.

Ikigami Citizens are issued death messages, telling them they have only 24 hours left to live. In Japanese with English and Thai subtitles at Apex.

subtitles at some cinemas. ★★★★

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

At the Lido. ★★★

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 the Lido. ★★★★

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. ★★★★

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

Major Cineplex/EGV Bangkok: (02) 515 5555 www.MajorCineplex.com

Twilight

Paragon Cineplex

A teenage girl (Kristen Stewart) risks everything when she falls in love with a vampire (Robert Pattinson). Based on the novel by Stephenie Meyer. ★★★

Japanese with Thai and English subtitles at House and the Lido. ★★★★

Lido: (02) 252 6498 Siam: (02) 251 3508 Scala: (02) 251 2861 www.ApexSiam-Square.com

(02) 247 9940 www.CenturyTheMoviePlaza.com

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

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

Apex

Century – The Movie Plaza

Beverly Hills Chihuahua

Tokyo Sonata

Sir Ben Kingsley plays a Russian police detective in this thriller set in frozen Vladivostok, where Woody Harrelson and Emily Mortimer are a clueless couple travelling on the titular train and are caught up in a drug deal and murder. Critic Mike Mayo says it’s “an excellent, if modest, alternative for moviegoers who have been blockbustered into submission”. – Washington Post

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

SF Cinemas Bangkok: (02) 268 8888 www.SFCinemaCity.com

Super Hap A record compa ny aims to mak e big baht with pretty-boy mix Rattapoom). Bu ed-race singer Tom (Film t Tom’s hiding a secret: ghost singer Tu eng (Kiatisak U domnak) whose looks ar e not superstar quality. Also stars Naowarat Yuktanan. With English subtit les at some ci nemas.

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

Critical consensus ★★★★★ = Must see! ★★★★ = Solidly entertaining ★★★ = It’s okay ★★ = Barely watchable ★ = Don’t bother

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

Friday, December 26, 2008

Comics&Games

Red and Rover

DAILY XPRESS

Friday, December 26, 2008

LEISURE

DAILY XPRESS

Games&YourStars SUDOKU

The last word in

ASTROLOGY

By Eugenia Last

Today’s Birthday: Don’t expect things to run smoothly or turn out as planned. Be ready for the unknown and you will manoeuvre your way through. Taking on too much can be just as bad as taking on too little. Balance will be needed, along with a solid plan that will leave no doubt about what you must do.

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 It’s important to visit friends or family or enjoy a community activity. Being a participant will motivate you for what’s to come. Don’t lend or borrow money or possessions.

TAURUS *** April 20-May 20 You’ll be in a generous mood, so watch out for anyone trying to take advantage of you. Put your cash in a safe place. This is a great day to figure out your strategy for the new year.

GEMINI *** May 21-June 20 There is plenty to take care of, so don’t whittle the day away on nonsense. Consider your financial position and what you can do to make it better. Love is also up for grabs.

CANCER *** June 21-July 22 Don’t worry about the things you cannot change, especially if they have to do with work. This is a holiday so spend your time with friends and family, not conjuring up problems about your career.

DIFFICULTY RATING ★★★★★

CELEBRITIES BORN ON THIS DAY

LEO *** July 23-Aug. 22 Get your heart racing and your mind set on a challenge and a change. You are up for some interesting times. Talking to those you are close to and you’ll understand what’s required to progress.

VIRGO ***** Aug. 23-Sept. 22 You can accomplish all sorts of little things if you put your mind to it today. It may be a holiday but, if you focus on the young and the old in your life, you can make a difference that will count.

LIBRA **** Sept. 23-Oct. 22 Don’t stick around home if things aren’t going well.

Get out with someone you truly love or enjoy spending time with. Overindulgence and heated conversations with family will not bode well for you.

SCORPIO *** Oct. 23-Nov. 21 You have some great ideas that you should share with someone you respect. An idea will help you change your business model or fine-tune a project you are working on.

SAGITTARIUS *** Nov. 22-Dec. 21 You’ll want to speak from the heart but that doesn’t mean you should make commitments or promises you may not want to keep. A change of plans can be expected.

CAPRICORN *** Dec. 22-Jan. 19 There is something you should consider doing before the year comes to a close regarding an idea an older relative gave you. Look into how you can make a little extra cash.

Krissada Singer Abdul “Duke” Fakir (Four Tops) is 73.

Drummer Lars Ulrich (Metallica) is 45.

Krissada “Noi” Sukosol Clapp (Pru) is 38.

Actor Jared Leto is 37.

Actor Zach Mills is 12.

AQUARIUS **** Jan. 20-Feb. 18 A little help will go a long way. You can make a difference by getting others to join in a community outreach project. A partnership can develop between you and someone with the same mindset.

PISCES ** Feb. 19-March 20 Don’t let someone else’s emotional tantrum stop you from doing what you want. Be true to yourself. Make your intent clear and be prepared to walk away from anyone trying to hold you back.

17

Index Living Mall : Special Mall for Home Furnishings.

Challenges... opportunities... come alive at Index Living Mall in Dubai Got potential and self drive? Take it now!

Attractive salary, great benefits await you!

Store Manager & Assistant Store Managers

Sales Coordinators

Responsibilities: • Manages the store, performs to achieve sales target.

• Maintains store's standard performance.

• Develops services and ensures effectiveness.

Qualifications: • Bachelor's Degree in any related field with at least 10 years experience in retail operations.

• Dynamic, team player, leadership skill and work hard.

Sales & Customer Service Responsibilities: • Advises customers and offers right products and services solutions.

• Maintains store's standard performance, performs to achieve sales target.

Qualifications: • Bachelor's Degree in any related field with 2 years experience in retail operations.

• Dynamic, self-disciplined, high responsibility and work hard.

All positions require:

Responsibilities: • Summarizes sales ordering documents, plans and coordinates all logistics.

• Coordinates all sales activities within the store to ensure customer satisfaction.

Qualifications: • Bachelor's Degree in any related field with at least 2 years experience in coordinating sales activities or logistics.

• Dynamic, well-organized, self-disciplined & responsible.

Section Managers Responsibilities: • Manages sales floor, schematic, replenishment, stock availability, performs to achieve sales target and maintains store's standard performance.

• Trains and develops staff for operation effectiveness.

Qualifications: • Bachelor's Degree in any related field with at least 5 years experience in retail operations or similar.

• Dynamic, team player, leadership skill and work hard.

- Service minded with good personality., Good command of English, preferably writing skills.

- Can work in Dubai, UAE for a minimum of 2 years.

Interior Designers / Visual Display Professionals Interior Designer's

Responsibilities: • Provides 3D services, including interior design housing and residence.

• Advises customers about interior design, furniture and decorative items.

Visual Display's

Responsibilities: • Interior design, display room setting in the store.

• In store communications (e.g. design, placement of POSM in points of sale, etc.)

Qualifications: • Bachelor's Degree in Interior Design, preferably interior housing, visual merchandising in housing or retail business.

• Dynamic, self-disciplined and high responsibility.

Cashiers Responsibilities: • Handles cash and registers sales transactions.

• Process and control documents.

Qualifications: • Vocational or Commercial Certificate in any related field, preferably with experience in retail business.

• Accurate, self-disciplined and high responsibility.

If you are seeking a dynamic, exciting work environment and everyday challenges, apply now!

Human Resources - Recruitment

Index Living Mall Co., Ltd.

43/15 Moo 7, Rama 2 Road Soi 50, Samaedam, Bangkhunthien, Bangkok 10150, Thailand Tel: 0 2898 5544 ext. Recruitment Fax: 0 2898 4377

Email: recruitment@indexlivingmall.com Visit: www.indexlivingmall.com

Listed on the Stock Exchange of Thailand, Laguna Resorts & Hotels is Thailand’s largest integrated resort operator in Phuket comprising Banyan Tree Phuket, Dusit Thani Laguna Phuket, Sheraton Grande Laguna Phuket, Laguna Beach Resort, Laguna Holiday Club Resort and a wide range of resort amenities and services. Our Phuket operations are complimented by Banyan Tree Bangkok hotel, centrally located in Bangkok’s central business district. We are currently seeking candidates for the following positions.

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

SENIOR MANAGER - PROPERTY LEGAL Requirements ❁ Thai, age 35-40 years ❁ Bachelor’s degree or higher in Laws ❁ Strong legal knowledge with experience in laws of property and land development ❁ Good interpersonal skills and the ability to work independently and under time pressure ❁ Proficiency in written English and communication skills ❁ Good computer skills ❁ Based in Phuket

SECRETARY TO ASSISTANT VICE PRESIDENT - LEGAL Requirements ❁ ❁ ❁ ❁ ❁ ❁ ❁

Thai, female, age 25-35 years Bachelor’s degree in Secretarial, Laws or related field Minimum 3 years working experience in executive secretarial work with international companies Good interpersonal skills and the ability to work independently Good computer skills of Microsoft Office Program Mature with pleasant personality Based in Bangkok

Applicants are invited to submit a detailed resume in English, stating current as well as expected salaries, and a recent photograph. An attractive remuneration package will be offered to the successful candidates. Please mail, fax or email to: Human Resources Department, Laguna Resorts & Hotels Public Company Limited 21/11, 21/12B, 21/13, 21/65B, 21/67, 21/68A, 6th Floor, Thai Wah Tower 1, South Sathorn Road, Bangkok 10120 Tel. 0-2677-4455 ext. 272, 862 Fax: 0-2677-4455 ext. 265 Email: janpen@lrh.co.th

22

THE SPORT

Friday December 26, 2008

THE SPORT

DAILY XPRESS

NOTRE DAME vs HAWAII

49:21

Notre Dame ended a 15-year drought without a college football bowl title, beating Hawaii in the Hawaii Bowl.

Quarterback Jimmy Clausen set a bowl record with 406 yards passing.

briefly

M

Cologne say no to Podolski

B

Cologne will not sign Bayern Munich’s international striker Lukas Podolski during the winter transfer period. Cologne manager Michael Meier said there was no chance that Podolski, who started his professional career with Cologne, would return to the club. “It would be a wonderful Christmas story, but it will not happen,” he Podolski said. Meier confirmed that his club had made Bayern an offer and were still interested in signing Podolski. – DPA

Owner set to offload CSKA Indian businessman Pramod Mittal is on the verge of selling top Bulgarian football club CSKA Sofia, the club announced.

Mittal, the brother of steel magnate Lakshmi Mittal, is reported to have agreed terms of the sale with Bulgarian company Titan.

No financial details of the deal, which is set to be finalised in the next two months, were made available. Pramod Mittal bought the club two years ago but his spell as club owner was marked principally by a series of financial problems. – AFP

Brewers owner suggests salary cap Milwaukee Brewers owner Mark Attanasio said Major League Baseball may need to impose a salary cap to preserve competition after the New York Yankees spent $424 million to sign three players. “At the rate the Yankees are going, I’m not sure anyone can compete with them,” Attanasio said. “Frankly, the sport might need a salary cap.”

Baseball is the only one of the major US professional sports that operates without a salary cap, which sets a ceiling on payroll. The sport imposes a tax when teams surpass a payroll threshold and redistributes revenue from the highest-grossing teams like the Yankees to the clubs that produce the least rev-

enue like Milwaukee.

The Yankees have exceeded the payroll limits every year since baseball began imposing a penalty in 2003 and has accounted for 90 per cent of the money collected. The methods baseball implements to curb spending aren’t working for the Yankees, Attanasio said. – Bloomberg

Ronaldo gets a baby girl Ronaldo’s fiancee, Maria Beatriz Antony, gave birth to the striker’s second child. Antony gave birth to Maria Sofia in Rio de Janeiro’s Clinica Perinata.

The baby was born weighing Ronaldo 2.98 kilograms.

She said Ronaldo was present when his daughter was born and cut the umbilical cord. – AFP

Steve Francis is a Grizzly again Steve Francis, the ageing former all-star, was traded by Houston to Memphis where the former Vancouver franchise moved when it left western Canada.

Francis was drafted second by Grizzlies but never played a game there saying he wanted to play in a bigger NBA market. – AFP

Liverpool facing Premiership endurance test as they take on Bolton Wanderers AFP, London

I

t was legendary Liverpool manager Bill Shankly who said the race for the English league title is a “marathon not a sprint”.

But lasting the distance has proved a problem in recent seasons for the club the Scot moulded into one of the giants of the English game.

Liverpool head into the busy festive period, which sees them welcome Lancashire rivals Bolton Wanderers to Anfield today, with a one-point lead at the top of the table.

However, not since 1990 have Liverpool, who’ve won the title a record 18 times, been able to call themselves champions of England.

Sammy Lee, now back at Anfield as assistant manager to Rafael Benitez following an illfated spell in charge of Bolton, said: “People ask and expect more, and they are entitled to want that. “We are stronger, getting stronger,” added Lee, an exEngland midfielder who won several English titles with Liverpool as a player.

Liverpool, who could have star striker Fernando Torres back in their side for Friday’s Boxing Day clash, haven’t lost to top-10 team Bolton at Anfield since 1954.

Twice in successive games have second-placed Chelsea failed to take advantage of Liverpool draws to go top themselves.

But should Benitez’s side, held to a 1-1 draw by Arsenal last time out, drop more points it is hard to see Chelsea being quite so generous at home to bottom-ofthe-table West Brom, even though the Baggies come into the game on the back of a win over fellow strugglers Manchester City.

Chelsea will, however, be without inspirational captain John Terry after the England centre-half was sent off for a dangerous tackle on Leon Osman during Monday’s goalless stalemate against Everton.

Manchester United, buoyed by winning the Club World Cup in Japan, return to domestic action away to Stoke.

Sir Alex Ferguson’s English and European champions are seven points off top spot but with two games in hand.

Stoke are one of several clubs

THE SPORT 23

DAILY XPRESS

Arsene Wenger

Tony Adams

ARSENAL MANAGER

PORTSMOUTH MANAGER

“They [Aston Villa] are mathematically in there but if you asked me if they are going to win the title I would say no because they are other teams who to me look better equipped.”

Lucas tells Reds to enjoy home comforts

MARATHON

BATTLE

Alex Ferguson above the bottom three who, even now, are involved in a scrap for survival in the lucrative top tier of English football.

“We expect Stoke to fight for everything because you look at how tight the league is,” said

L

Fernando Torres, who has unlocked the defences of most Premiership sides, will be in action today.

United manager Ferguson.

“It is the tightest I can remember. It may need over 40 points for a team to be guaranteed safety, maybe even 43.”

Aston Villa, currently third, are doing their best to edge Arsenal out of the top four.

They will be looking to complete a double over the Londoners, who are without injured captain Cesc Fabregas and suspended striker Emmanuel Adebayor.

Moneybags Manchester City’s descent into the bottom three contrasts sharply with the position of Hull, today’s visitors to Eastlands.

iverpool midfielder Lucas Leiva has warned the Premier League leaders they can’t afford any more slip-ups at Anfield if they are to end their 19-year-wait for the English title.

Despite going into the Christmas fixture list as Premier League leaders for the first time since 1996, Liverpool face Gary Megson’s Bolton tonight having drawn their last three home games, against Fulham, West Ham and Hull.

On each occasion Liverpool had been expected to comfortably claim all three points having already beaten champions Manchester United and title rivals Chelsea in the league this term.

But on top of those costly dropped points Rafael Benitez’s players also failed to claim three points against ten-man Arsenal on Sunday.

With newly-crowned world club champions United now just seven points adrift of Liverpool with two games in hand – at home to Wigan and Fulham next month – Brazilian midfielder Lucas admits that Benitez’s men must quickly rediscover their best form at Anfield.

“We should have beaten Arsenal last Sunday, but we must now focus on our next

game and try to get the three points at Anfield against Bolton,” Lucas said. “We have had three draws in a row at home, so it’s important we win this game. We need to win our home games. We are at the top of the league and we have to keep going, be confident and just do our job.”

Liverpool manager Benitez is expected to return to the dug-out today after being laid low with kidney stones over the past week.

Bolton travel to Anfield having climbed into the top ten in recent weeks, however, and the club are beginning to display the same qualities that made them a feared Premier League force under former manager Sam Allardyce.

And captain Kevin Nolan, a boyhood Liverpool supporter, insists his team’s recent revival is down to the efforts of manager Megson.

“Sam Allardyce had a plan when he was here and Gary has got a plan too,” Nolan said.

“It was about stabilising at first, getting back into the top 10, then maybe next year top eight and then Europe after that. I thought it was completely unfair the criticism he got when he first came in. He stood tall, took it all on his shoulders.”

Craig Bellamy, Number 10, is a fiery character.

Redknapp targets hot Bellamy A F P , London

T

Fixtures: Aston Villa v Arsenal, Chelsea v West Brom, Liverpool v Bolton, Manchester City v Hull, Middlesbrough v Everton, Portsmouth v West Ham, Sunderland v Blackburn, Tottenham v Fulham, Wigan v Newcastle, Stoke v Manchester United

AP

IT MAY NEED OVER 40 POINTS FOR A TEAM TO BE GUARANTEED SAFETY,MAYBE EVEN 43.

A F P , Liverpool, England

EPA

,,

“The midfield from the FA Cup final has been pretty much ripped out. That is the heart of your team and your protection for the defence. But I will pick up the pieces, work with the lads here and try to get some results.”

AP

Friday December 26, 2008

Lucas Leiva, right, says Liverpool need to make Anfield a fortress if they want to take the Premier League title.

ottenham coach Harry Redknapp revealed yesterday that he was interested in luring West Ham striker Craig Bellamy to White Hart Lane in the January transfer window.

Negotiations between the two clubs are believed to have started with Redknapp admitting he was keen on the former Celtic star who joined West Ham 18 months ago for £7.5 million.

“He’s a feisty little character and is certainly one of the options, but if they don’t want to sell him it’s up to them,” Redknapp told Sky News at training ahead of today’s game against Fulham.

West Ham coach Gianfranco Zola said this week he would be “very annoyed” to lose any members of his squad in January.

Redknapp though is keen to improve his own squad in the New Year, but the Spurs boss has insisted he is not interested in paying “crazy prices” for new players.

Tottenham would be Bellamy’s eighth club in eight years following spells with Liverpool, Blackburn, Celtic, Newcastle, Coventry and Norwich. The Wales international, who is unpopular with many fans for his fiery temper, has scored four goals in 22 matches for West Ham.

Friday, December 26, 2008

THE SPORT 25

DAILY XPRESS

FOOTBALL

THAILAND NAIVE AP

We paid the penalty, says national coach Reid after loss

Scolari’s Chelsea face an upbeat West Brom side.

Scolari focuses on team spirit

By Kittinun Sanguansak DAILY XPRESS

D

Vietnam goalie superb The Vietnamese keeper Duong Hong Son put on a heroic show – as he did against Singapore – making at least two outstanding saves when a goal seemed certain.

In the first half when the game was still locked at 0-0, Hong Son somehow managed to keep out Sutee Suksomkit’s point-blank header. If the first stop was impressive, the second one by Hong Son was even better.

Arthit Sunthonphit might

A F P , London

L DAILY XPRESS/KORBPHUK PHROMREKHA

espite suffering a 2-1 upset defeat at the hands of Vietnam, national coach Peter Reid is confident that Thailand still have a good chance of winning the title when they travel to Hanoi for the second leg of Asean Football Federation’s Suzuki Cup final on Sunday.

Having already claimed the scalp of title-holders Singapore in the last four, the Vietnam side produced another rearguard display to win on the road once again.

If there was any doubt in the stunning 1-0 away win at the city state, which propelled them to the final, Vietnam, under the guidance of Portuguese coach Henrique Calisto, proved that the upset was no fluke by nullifying the Thais’ attack, which had yielded 14 goals in six matches.

Thailand and Vietnam players battle it out in the first leg of the AFF Suzuki Cup final on Wednesday. have thought he had rescued a draw at the death when his curling freekick appeared destined for the bottom corner but the Hong Song threw himself to the left and somehow tipped the ball away. The element of fortune in the hosts’ goal – Ronnachai Rangsiyo’s headed effort going in off Hong Son’s leg after the ball first hit the post – further highlighted the keeper’s excellent form.

The result has left the Thai team, which won the title in 2002, with a mountain to climb in the return tie.

However, with the away goal rule not in operation, coach Reid, who suffered his first competitive defeat since taking

over the post in September, was confident his side could overcome the deficit and win what would be its fourth title.

“We were a little bit naive and paid the penalty,” said the former England midfielder.

“We’ve now got to fight hard but it’s far from over.”

Controversial decision The 52-year-old Englishman refused to be drawn into the debate over Teerasil Dangda’s disallowed goal, which could have put the team on level terms. TV replays proved it should have counted.

“We created a lot of chances and there is no argument on the disallowed goal,” said Reid.

Ronnie gets burgled Thieves broke into Ronaldinho’s house in Milan and made off with thousands of dollars worth of goods but left behind the football star’s Golden Ball trophy. Ronaldinho was at home in Brazil when the burglary took place, Corriere della Sera reported. Four thieves stole mainly jewellery and watches.

Ronaldinho had recently moved into the house, which has been broken into twice before. - A P

uiz Felipe Scolari has responded defiantly to Chelsea’s latest disappointment but knows his side cannot afford another setback when they begin their Christmas programme against West Bromwich Albion.

“The spirit was the spirit I like in my teams,” he said.

“If you don’t have the spirit for this competition and the understanding between players, some players helping other players, you never win, not only in football but in life.”

Scolari’s position hasn’t been helped by strenuously denied reports of player unrest at Stamford Bridge and this week goalkeeper Petr Cech spoke out in support of his manager.

“Out on the pitch nobody is complaining, nothing is being said,” insisted the Czech international.

And Didier Drogba appeared to reinforce that sense of unity by declaring his intention to remain at Stamford Bridge.

“I am not thinking about leaving Chelsea in the winter market,” Drogba said.

26

THE SPORT

Friday, December 26, 2008

FOOTBALL

GRABBING AT XABI Alonso could be Fab for Gunners as Aston Villa await AFP, Birmingham, England

rsene Wenger is expected to revive his interest in Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso as soon as the January transfer window opens to compensate for the loss of club captain Cesc Fabregas.

Spain midfielder Fabregas will be sidelined until April, with ruptured medial ligaments and his absence will been keenly felt at Villa Park today.

Aston Villa, currently third in the table, are the club posing the biggest threat to Arsenal’s perennial occupation of a top four place under Wenger.

They will now be looking to complete their first double over the Gunners since the inception of the Premier League and open up a six point gap.

Arsenal’s title chances without Fabregas, who will miss 25

AP

A

Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso’s tackle on Cesc Fabregas has created a void in Arsenal’s midfield. games if the gloomiest predictions regarding his length of absence are correct, could have to be salvaged by a move for his international colleague.

Alonso was the subject of a £14 million deadline day bid in August, but Arsenal manager Wenger refused to meet Liverpool’s valuation of £17 mil-

lion and the deal collapsed.

Ironically, it was Alonso’s tackle in the 1-1 draw with Liverpool last weekend that has created the void in Arsenal’s midfield and Wenger is also considering Barcelona’s Yaya Toure, Juventus youngster Sebastian Giovinco and Stephane Mbia of Rennes, who

claims to have been the subject of a failed 11th-hour bid from Arsenal in August.

New Arsenal chief executive Ivan Gazidis will take up his post on January 1 and brings with him great experience in player contract negotiations from America. Wenger is being encouraged by the Arsenal board to spend, the Frenchman saying: “We are now more likely to buy in January.”

Alonso is close friends with Spain team-mate Fabregas, who said pre-season that Alonso’s possible arrival in London “would be perfect – I’d love it”.

Inaki Ibanez, Alonso’s agent, has left the door open to a move by stating ambiguously: “We will see what happens in January.”

Arsenal will also be without the suspended Emmanuel Adebayor for their trip to the Midlands. Villa are looking for their first home win over Arsenal since 1998, but manager Martin O’Neill believes Wenger has not yet given up.

DAILY XPRESS

City sniff Basile Former Argentina manager Alfio Basile said yesterday that Manchester City are among several clubs trying to secure his services.

“I’ve had offers from Manchester City, from England, and from the United Arab Emirates, all of which I’m looking at,” Basile told the TyC Sports television channel.

Under-pressure Manchester City manager Mark Hughes insists he will still be at the helm come the January transfer window to take advantage of the club’s financial might.

Basile, who resigned in October and was replaced

by Argentine legend Diego Maradona, said he still had a lot to offer.

“I really want to keep on coaching,” said the 64year-old.

“I don’t know why some people say I’m past it. I think I will come back in June or July.” - AFP

Friday, December 26, 2008

THE SPORT 27

DAILY XPRESS

FOOTBALL

HAPPY WITH HIS CROP Ferguson says he is not buying any new players AGENCIES, Manchester

anchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson will be happy to see out the season with the current crop of players at his disposal.

Ferguson has confirmed he has no intention of recruiting top names when the window reopens next week.

Instead his focus remains on ensuring United are on the Man United’s manager may bring shoulders of the Barclays back players currently on loan.

EPA

M

Premier League leaders going into 2009.

United face Stoke on Boxing Day buoyed by the fact they are now Club World Champions after defeating LDU Quito in Japan on Sunday.

Ferguson feels they have the personnel to cope with remainder of the campaign.

He said: “I do not think there will be any January transfers. I am happy with what I have got.

“We are probably going to bring back a couple of young players who have been on loan.

That may just give us extra protection.

“We took 23 players to Japan and they are very substantial players. I would be happy to play any one of them.

“Winning the competition was a great boost to the club and the players. It was a great achievement and the important thing was they played well.

“They showed good enthusiasm through the matches and good concentration. We have come through it well.”

While United were away in the Far East, the top two, Liverpool and Chelsea dropped points. Most recently, Liverpool drew at Arsenal while Chelsea

had to settle for a point against Everton at Goodison Park.

United are seven points adrift of Liverpool and six behind Chelsea – but have two games in hand on both.

Ferguson is now intent on regaining the high ground.

He said: “If we get within a point or two of the leaders by New Year’s Day then we are in with a chance.

“The second half of the season is the most important because if you lose a game it means something, particularly when you get to March and April.”

Giggs points way ahead for United R

yan Giggs feels Manchester United could be on the verge of a traditional burst of form over the festive period to put themselves right back in the Premier League title race.

Sir Alex Ferguson’s English champions return to domestic action against Stoke on Friday following their victory in the Club World Cup in Japan.

Despite missing the last round of domestic fixtures due to their commitments in Asia, United are still only seven points behind leaders Liverpool with two games in hand.

Giggs accepts Stoke will be desperate to pull off a shock win as they look to boost their topflight survival hopes.

But the veteran winger insists

Ferguson’s men will come through that challenge and push themselves back into title contention in the coming weeks.

“It is December and we have won a trophy already and that should give us the confidence to go into the Christmas period,” said the 35-year-old.

“There is no reason why we shouldn’t go on a roll. We are focusing our sights on putting together a consistent run that will see us get back on track in the Premier League.

“We are in good form because we have played well in the two matches in Japan so that’s good going into the Boxing Day game.”

The now retired Wales international added: “It is going to be special for Stoke. It was always going to be some atmosphere

Basketball AFP

AFP, Stoke, England

ON TV

Man United forward Wayne Rooney, right, with Ryan Giggs. there anyway because United going there hasn’t happened for a long time.

“They were going to be up for it no matter what. Now that we are World Champions it adds an edge to it. They’ll want to beat us even more so now.

“But we have dealt with it before and can do so again.”

Wayne Rooney echoed Giggs’s

view that, with games against the Potters and Middlesbrough to come before the New Year, United could be right back in the mix by the time January comes.

“It’s a big game and a big time of the season for us so it’s important we pick up the three points,” said the striker. “We know it’ll be toughbut we’re confident we can beat Stoke and Middlesbrough.”

TENNIS

Noppawan and Bammer to play in Pattaya AGENCIES

T

hailand’s World No 1 junior tennis player Noppawan Lertcheewakarn and former Pattaya Open champion Sybille Bammer of Austria will be joining a star-studded line-up at the PTT Pattaya Open at the Dusit Thani, Pattaya from February 7 to 15.

Noppawan has been given a wild card into the main draw of the tournament due to her outstanding performance at the junior level this year, which has

seen her rise to No 1 in the world. This will be Noppawan’s third appearance in the tournament and it will give Thai tennis fans the opportunity to see her in action against some of the world’s top players.

Also entering the tournament is Austrian No 1 Sybille Bammer, who won her maiden WTA title in Pattaya in 2007.

The powerful left-hander finished the 2008 season ranked 26 in the world, with her best per-

formance being at the US Open, where she lost in the quarter-final to world no 1 Jelena Jankovic of Serbia.

Noppawan and Bammer join a powerful line-up that includes World No 7 Vera Zvonereva of Russia, World No 11 Nadia Petrova also of Russia, Caroline Wozniacki of Denmark ranked No 12 and Dominika Cibulkova of the Slovak Republic ranked No 19.

For information and ticket

bookings, call (02) 382 3491-3 or e-mail www.PentAnglePromoti ons.com.

The PTT Pattaya Open is part of the Sony-Ericsson WTA Tour and is supported by PTT Public, Pattaya City, Sports Authority of Thailand, Chonburi Provincial Administration, the Tourism Authority of Thailand, the Dusit Thani Pattaya, Wilson, Yonex, TOT, BangkokPattaya Hospital and J C Ferrero Equelite.

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