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DAILY

Friday, March 27, 2009 VOL 2, NO 308 dailyxpress.net

HANDOUT HEADACHE Rein in Islamic art in the Gulf with THE FUN

Did you know that the Bt2,000 gift cheque from the government is actually worth Bt5,000?

Find out how at The Nation booth at the 37th Book Fair, or at our CentralWorld outlet.

CATCH A FILM CUTE KHAN KLUAY IS BACK PAGE 11

Thousands swamp CentralWorld and City Hall to get their ‘Help the Nation’, only to be left sizzling in the midday sun due to crashing computers. >PAGE 2

2 TODAY

Friday, March 27, 2009

THE CITY

DAILY XPRESS

VEHICLES are expected to be sold during the 30th Bangkok International Motor Show this year.

How will you spend it?

I’m going to cash my cheque because I need the money for basic necessities.

Wanpen Muangkosol, 48, grocery-store owner

I won’t be using mine at a shopping mall because I think their campaigns encourage people to buy unnecessary stuff. Why do I need new clothes, handbags, shoes or cosmetics during an economic crisis?”

Pornpen Kesorndokmai, 39, vendor

The money is going straight into the bank – I have to save for a rainy day.

Phadungsak Pimla, 25, security guard

I’ll be cashing it in to buy learning materials and other necessities for my kids. I don’t see the point of buying luxury items.

Siriporn Thongthep, 40, handyman

CASH CRUSH Thousands crowd around delivery points at launch of Bt2,000 cheque handout; heat claims victims queuing

By Wannapa Phetdee, Thidarat Na Pattalung, Damrongphan Jaihao DAILY XPRESS

huge crowd of people eligible for the so-called “Help the Nation” cheques sizzled in queues that snaked for hundreds of metres in front of Lan Khon Muang Plaza yesterday. A computer error on the first day of the cheques’ distribution left thousands waiting for hours beneath the hot midday sun and 80 fainted from heat exhaustion.

A

Rushed to hospital “I arrived at the plaza at 7am – it’s now 11 and I still haven’t even got a queue card,” said Umporn Nakwiset, 32, a worker DAILY

XPRESS

in the clothing trade. “The chaotic system and queues are a big problem.”

Uraiwan Assawapikul, 50,

was even more unlucky. A surgical wound on her knee opened up after she was jostled in the crowd and she had to be

rushed to hospital.

To ease the pressure, Labour Minister Paitoon Kaewthong said the 157, 000 people volun-

Little interest in gift vouchers Few recipients stopped to exchange their cheques for supermarket gift vouchers at booths set up by four leading supermarkets.

They preferred cash instead. At 4pm, some 7,500 recipients had already cashed their cheques, worth a total of Bt15 million.

The supermarkets hoping to

attract people included Tesco Lotus, Tops, Carrefour and Big C. At 11am, a Tesco Lotus staff member told Daily Xpress that though some people had shown interest in their promotions, few had actually exchanged their cheques for coupons. However, a few minutes later, a woman stopped by to just that and

By Thidarat Na Pattalung DAILY XPRESS

tarily registered at 11 local Bangkok social security offices can get their cheques at their own social security offices from Sunday.

Queues also built up outside CentralWorld, another distribution point. Here too, people waited for hours in the sun.

Loan sharks circle received much applause. Some 50 cheques were exchanged at the Big C booth, while a few cheque holders stopped by at Tops and Carrefour.

According to unofficial numbers, about 965,000 people have already received the handout.

By Wannapa Phetdee, DAILY XPRESS

In Nakhon Sawan, some recipients were harassed by a group of hooded men bent on recovering debts.

Handing over the first cheque in Bangkok, PM Abhisit Vejjajiva said he wanted people to spend in order to boost the country’s economy and encouraged recipients to buy locally made products.

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 Friday. Subscription rates for THE NATION: 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.

Friday, March 27, 2009

THE CITY 3

DAILY XPRESS

BOOKING THE TREND A new generation of bookworms cut their teeth at the country’s biggest book fairs this week and next DAILY XPRESS he number of readers in the country is rising and books are still a great way of expanding the mind, according to Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn.

The Princess opened the 7th Bangkok International Book Fair along with the 37th National Book Fair at the Queen Sirikit Convention Centre yesterday, before presenting awards to top Thai publishers.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, she emphasised that reading was the foundation of knowledge.

“In previous times it was difficult to study because of the limited availability of books but modern technology has solved all those problems.”

T

The word from France More than 450 publishers are manning some 900 booths at the fairs.

This year’s highlight is the French Pavilion, which should be easy to find thanks to its scaled-down replica of the Eiffel Tower. Four leading French writers – Daniel Picouly, Bernard Werber, Claire Keefe and Frederic Lepage – have jetted in for the fairs and were busy giving interviews yesterday.

Fashion and films They will be joined by foreign authors from other countries, who will be giving talks and joining discussions during the event (all with Thai translation). Other attractions include fashion shows and film screenings.

HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn receives a gift of Nation Books publications from Thanachai Santichaikul, president of Nation Multimedia Group, at the opening of the 37th National Book Fair.

The fair organisers have declared their goal is to instil youths with a love of the printed page and put reading on the

Packing their trunks Bangkok’s jumbos will be tagged before being returned to the wild DAILY XPRESS

U

nder a joint effort by government and city officials, the 200 elephants that roam Bangkok’s streets will be freed in the next two years and sent home.

Mammoth microchips Before they are returned to their native habitats, the elephants will be implanted with microchips to track their future movements.

Some 81 of the elephants are reported to be sick or disabled and will be treated or rehabilitated by the gov-

ernment and various charity foundations.

The unlucky few Some elephants with entertainment skills will be kept back and sent to shows at zoos or venues, including Safari World in north Bangkok, Suan Sam Phran in Nakhon Pathom and Suan Nongnuch in Chon Buri.

About 100 elephants will simply be sent home and supported by a Bt12million budget granted by the government. Each mahout will be paid Bt8,000 as a salary and Bt10,000 a month for food.

After being rounded up the elephants will be taken to a military compound in northern Bangkok to be implanted with the microchips.

DAILY XPRESS/THANIS SUDTO

Elephant-free Bangkok

A baby elephant roams Siam Square in Bangkok.

All local administrations will be asked to monitor the elephant population in their areas to make sure the pachyderms do not re-enter Bangkok.

The use of elephants as a carriage animal will be outlawed and people who abuse them or bring them to Bangkok will face tougher penalties in the future.

national agenda. Education Minister Jurin Laksanavisit is considering putting their proposal into action.

The fair runs until April 6 from 10am to 9pm. For more information, visit www.BangkokIBF.com

4

GLOBETROT

Friday, March 27, 2009

THE WORLD When Manhattan

1624 The year New York was founded as a trading post

by Dutch East India Company.

briefly World’s best job goes to...

A Taiwanese interpreter has been shortlisted for “the best job in the world” after launching an online pitch that highlighted her ability to sell Australia to a billion-plus Chinese speakers.

Clare Wang is now in with a shot at securing the dream job, in which the successful applicant will be generously paid to spend six months on a tropical Australian island, organiser Tourism Queensland said.

Wang made the final 11 applicants as a wildcard entrant, attracting 151,676 votes from the public, almost three times as many as her closest rivals in the last 50 of a field that originally included 34,684 hopefuls.

AP

was country

Between the American Revolution and the Starbucks revolution, the Upper West Side of Manhattan was open countryside, with large estates, white picket fences and wagons trundling along a road already known as Broadway.

Photographic evidence of that era is scant, but this daguerreotype, believed to date from 1848, was recently discovered in New England and is expected to go for US$50,000 to $70,000 (Bt1.8 million to Bt2.5 million) at a Sotheby’s auction on Monday.

DAILY XPRESS

Comfort food?

People still treated for being gay AFP, Paris

small but significant number of mental health professionals in Britain offer treatments to lesbians and gays so they can become heterosexual, according to a study released yesterday.

Of the 1,400 therapists questioned, 4 per cent said they would try to change a client’s sexual orientation if asked, and 17 per cent, said they had helped at least one client to reduce gay or lesbian feelings.

Most of the therapists said they were responding to anguished pleas from the clients themselves. “There is very little evidence to show that treating a person’s homosexual feelings is effective and in fact it can be harmful,” the study team’s leader said. “It is surprising that practitioners still offer this to their clients.”

A

HARD-HITTING POLITICIANS Survey shows that South Koreans find their lawmakers least law-abiding A F P , Seoul

outh Koreans have named their legislature – the scene of fierce brawls in recent months – as the country’s least law-abiding organisation, a survey showed yesterday.

The telephone survey of 800 adults, conducted by a private think tank and a polling institute, showed only 5.3 per cent believe parliament abides by the law, according to Chosun Ilbo newspaper.

S

Upstanding citizens Civic groups headed the list of upstanding bodies with 35 per cent support, followed by

One of the many scuffles between parliamentarians in Seoul. labour unions with 23.3 per cent, the presidential office with 18.4 per cent, prosecutors and police with 16.2 per cent, and large business groups with 16.2 per cent, it said.

Out of control Lawmakers have faced arrest and trial for corruption or other irregularities, with some losing their seats.

Last December rival party members battled over planned legislation, with the opposition using a sledgehammer and an electric saw to try to break into a barricaded meeting room.

There were similar clashes in January.

The survey showed some 72.7 per cent of respondents believe law-abiding people are at a disadvantage in South Korea, while 60.6 per cent believe laws are not enforced fairly.

No margin of error was given in the report.

A baseball park in Michigan has created an artery-busting hamburger containing 4,800 calories and is daring fans to eat the “snack”, promising a free Tshirt to anyone who succeeds.

In an apparent bid to cook up some comfort food during tough times, the West Michigan Whitecaps are offering fans a behemoth dubbed the Fifth Third Burger, which comes with five beef patties and smothered with chilli, salsa, sour cream and topped off with Frito chips, lettuce, tomato and cheese.

Hitler the artist Landscapes painted by Adolf Hitler are to be sold by an auction house in Britain next month. The 13 paintings are mainly watercolours. One of a man sitting on a stone bridge appears to be a self-portrait.

They were found in a garage about a month ago. In the past, paintings by Hitler have fetched huge sums – in 2006, 21 works sold in Britain for £118,000 (Bt6.1 million). – AFP

6 ENTERTAINMENT

Friday, March 27, 2009

THE FUN. Golfers can tee off at Centara Hotels and Resorts, which offers a stay for Bt4,850 (or Bt19,950 during the high season). The price includes a buffet breakfast, fruit basket, greens fee, cart and caddy and as well as transfer to the airport for hotels outside Bangkok and Hua Hin. The offer is good until December 22. Visit www.CentaraHotels Resorts.com/golf.asp.

View from the top Residents of Thailand have special privileges at the Baiyoke Sky Hotel until April 30. Bangkok’s tallest hotel offers breakfast plus full amenities for Bt2,000 per night. Visit www.Baiyoke Hotel.com.

Easy at the Eastin The Eastin Hotel Makkasan Bangkok has a rate of Bt2,599 net per room per night, including breakfast, Internet and laundry. Stay in an executive deluxe room or suite and get complimentary evening cocktails, unlimited local calls and discounts at the spa. Visit www.EastinBangkokHotel. com.

G E TAWAY S

A gallery for the Gulf

Qatar’s new Museum of Islamic Art has a powerful, surprising simplicity

By Anne-Beatrice Clasmann D P A , Doha

T

here was incredulous murmuring when the Arab Gulf states announced ambitious plans for art museums: the sheikhs who, swimming in petrodollars, had turned their palaces into monuments of kitsch?

But the money was enticing and the sheikhs were serious.

Soon branches of New York’s Guggenheim Museum and the Paris-based Louvre will open on an island in Abu Dhabi, and Dubai is building a Culture Village.

Four months ago in Doha, capital of a third emirate, Qatar, the first of the big new museums on the Gulf opened: the Museum of Islamic Art. Imposing without being ostentatious, its surprising design is reminiscent of the minaret gracing Cairo’s Ahmad ibn Tulun Mosque and the step pyramid at Saqqara.

gers from India, and editions of the Koran from Afghanistan.

While connoisseurs of Islamic art are impressed by the collections, Westerners unfamiliar with devout Muslims’ idea of art and beauty will find the museum unappealing.

Owing to religious reservations against depicting living creatures, Islamic art is often restricted to geometric forms, vegetal patterns and the use of precious stones.

The museum isn’t so rigid in rejecting such images.

“While it is true that the depiction of humans and animals is avoided in religious contexts such as mosques and in Qur’ans,” visitors are informed, “much of Islamic art is for domestic or non-religious use.

“Here, the depiction of figures is seen continuously from the early Islamic times.”

AFP

Par for the course

TRAVEL & ENTERTAINMENT

Singaporean President SR Nathan was at the Museum of Islamic Art this month.

XTRA I F YO U G O >> The Museum of Islamic Art is open daily except Tuesdays. >> Admission to the general gallery is free. >> On the Web: www.MIA.org.qa

The rule of Pei Qatar’s rulers succeeded in persuading American architect IM Pei, now 91, to build the museum, which stands on a manmade islet off the coast.

Seen from the street, the building Pei created is as sleek and solid as a modern fortress. From the water, though, it appears airy and delicate.

Almost all of the Muslim visitors find something from their homeland, such as Ottoman tiles from the Turkish city of Iznik, 1,200-year-old relief art from Mesopotamia, dag-

COURTESY OF THE MUSEUM OF ISLAMIC ART

good deal

DAILY XPRESS

IM Pei designed the Museum of Islamic Art in Doha.

Friday, March 27, 2009

ENTERTAINMENT 7

DAILY XPRESS

54

MINUTES was all it took for U2 to sell out the 90,000-seat Barcelona stadium for the start of its world tour on June 30.

MICHAEL JACKSON’S gloves were on display at the Hard Rock Cafe in New York’s Times Square in a preview of an auction next month of 2,000 items from the pop star’s Neverland Ranch.

Love, jealousy

Music in mid-air

& forgiveness

COURTESY OF BROOKLYN ACADEMY OF MUSIC

Ethan Hawke joins a stellar cast from the US and UK in Sam Mendes’ production of Shakespeare’s “The Winter’s Tale”, which is being staged at the Esplanade Theatres by the Bay in Singapore until Tuesday after a successful run in New York. Visit

Janice Martin – a violinist, an opera singer and an aerialist – will complete this year’s International Dance Festival at 7.30 tomorrow at the Centrepoint Playhouse in CentralWorld.

In “Gershwin Fantasy” the American performer fiddles and sings in the midst of mid-air acrobatics.

Students pay Bt250 and everyone else up to Bt1,500. Call (085) 839 6969 or head to www.Thaiticketmajor.com.

www.SRT.com.sg.

C LU B B I N G

Krazy with Kentaro XTRA

Japan’s favourite scratch DJ comes to Bangkok

IN THE MIX >> Kentaro performs at Bed Supperclub next Thursday night. A ticket with a drink is Bt800.

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

C

lub-night organiser Champion Sound holds its fourth party at Bed Supperclub next week with mash-up and scratch DJ Kentaro from Japan.

With Stanton Warriors, the Freestylers and Doc Scott each hosting earlier parties, Champion this time turns to Kentaro to showcase the art of mixing, matching and scratching.

Last year, Japan’s most successful DJ blew the roof off 808 on RCA in his Bangkok debut with an

Janice Martin would

>> Bed Supperclub is on Sukhumvit Soi 11, near Nana Skytrain station. >> Dress properly and bring your ID. >> Call (02) 651 3537; www.BedSupperclub.com.

eclectic set of sounds that “fit with the beats” – spinning everything from hiphop, drum and bass, electro, jungle and breaks.

Calling himself a mainly hip-hop DJ, Kentaro came third in the Technic DMC

World DJ Final in 2001 and nailed the competition the following year at the tender age of 20. He is the one of the first Asians to have won the DMC event and received the highest score in DMC history.

be a tough act to follow, which is why she’s the finale of the International Dance Festival.

DJs in open warfare The Pioneer Pro DJ Digital Battle Final Mixing will have Narz Narcissus on Sukhumvit Soi 23 thumping tonight starting at 6.30 with a set by the Pioneer Pro DJ Ladies.

The spin competition begins about 8.30, and Suharit Siamvala and Sunzone Teerasak Sakuldis will finish things off very late. Call (02) 643 9519.

See Sunset, enjoy Holiday Rockers Brand New Sunset will give free

Kentaro recently supported rap group the Roots and the Pharcyde. He’s known in Japan for his remixed versions of songs by Japanese superstar Ayumi Hamasaki.

concert at the Museum of Siam at 5 today. Buddhist Holiday will also perform.

Call (02) 225 2777, extension 414, or (087) 288 2811 or see www.NDMI.or.th.

8

ENTERTAINMENT

Friday, March 27, 2009

DAILY XPRESS

T H E AT R E P R E V I E W

The tracks of a life ,, In ‘The Story of Footprints’, Shoko Tanikawa looks back and wonders if he should continue on the same path SPECIAL TO D A I LY X P R E S S

F

ollowing up on its acclaimed drama “Water Time” earlier this month, Life Theatre is staging “The Story of Footprints” this weekend.

The new play is penned and performed solo by Shoko Tanikawa, who burst onto the Thai theatre scene with the highly memorable “Christmas Story” and has since become one of the country’s most prolific theatre artists.

In “The Story of Footprints”, Tanikawa portrays a Japanese businessman who wishes to be Pierrot, the sad clown of classic stage comedy.

“He’s an ordinary salary man, someone we can all relate to,” says Tanikawa.

“Pierrot may be a clown, but look at his facial makeup – it has both tears and a smile. My stories told through this character are likewise both tragic and comic.”

The play’s title is intended to make people think about whether their forebears’ footprints – and their own – will ever fade away. Tanikawa wants us to track our footprints backward while thinking of the future.

Director Bhanbhassa “Kru Ning” Dhubtien underlines Tanikawa’s unique style, as

seen in “Christmas Story”, “Pattaya” and “Green Concerto”.

“He knows how to come back to certain details from the beginning of the play. As familiar as I am with his style, when I first read this script I couldn’t figure out how it would end.”

“Footprints” derived in part from the recent death of Tanikawa’s grandmother, Bhanbhassa says. “The script is both believable and full of passion.”

Shoko speaks in heavily accented Thai. It sounds cute but is sometimes a little hard to understand. A one-hour solo drama is daunting, even though the accent fits his character.

Next week Life Theatre is in Lampang and Chiang Mai presenting “Water Time” and “The Story of Footprints”.

PIERROT MAY BE A CLOWN,BUT LOOK AT HIS FACIAL MAKEUP – IT HAS BOTH TEARS AND A SMILE.MY STORIES TOLD THROUGH THIS CHARACTER ARE LIKEWISE BOTH TRAGIC AND COMIC.

XTRA FOLLOW THE TRAIL >> See “The Story of Footprints” today at 7.30 or on

Saturday or Sunday at 2 or 7.30.

It’s at Makhampom Studio at the Saphan Kwai intersection.

COURTESY OF LIFE THEATRE

By Pawit Mahasarinand

>> The shows are in Thai with Japanese and English surtitles.

Tickets are Bt300 and Bt150 for students from (082) 558 6163 or http:// LifeTheatre.webs.com.

Friday, March 27, 2009

AFTER DARK

DAILY XPRESS

9

clubscene DJ Nakadia Tonight Glow Sukhumvit Soi 23 (BTS: Asoke) (02) 261 4446 www.GlowBkk.com

Bangkok’s best house DJ Nakadia makes a pit stop at home before flying off to Europe. Entry is Bt200 with a drink.

The Nest’s First Anniversary Tonight

The unmissable duo

Drum-and-bass wizard LTJ Bukem is here tomorrow with his main man, rapper MC Conrad

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

D

rum-and-bass superstar LTJ Bukem and his longtime collaborator MC Conrad will be back at Q Bar tomorrow.

Briton Bukem – whose real name is Danny Williamson – is respected globally for his atmospheric, jazzy drumand-bass tunes.

He’s released many studio albums, as well as the live compilation series “Logical Progression” and “Progression Sessions”.

LTJ Bukem’s shows are hot tickets for fans of the genre, and the Bangkok gig is even more tantalising with guest vocalist MC Conrad Thompson, known for his witty rap.

Here’s the plan.

Conrad, whatcha working on?

I’ve kept the label GLR waiting for some time now for a solo LP, so I’m still dealing with that.

Le Fenix Hotel Sukhumvit Soi 11 (BTS: Nana) (02) 305 4000 www.NestBangkok.com

,,

It’s been a year! Celebrate the rooftop bar’s first birthday with wine, champagne, tapas, music, a fashion show and art from 9 onwards.

Earth Hour

IF YOU’VE NEVER BEEN TO AN LTJ BUKEM AND MC CONRAD SHOW,THIS IS A MUST-GO-TO DATE IN THE DIARY.

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

The club shows it loves Planet by turning off the electricity for one hour from 8.

What’s it really like partnering with Bukem?

It’s an experience like no other – the exposure, the journeys, the pressures, the pleasure and the opportunities are endless. To stand next to a global-dominant drum-andbass DJ as the vocal representative for his sound is a huge honour, which I take very seriously.

DJ Raghav with MC Ice Tomorrow Club Ibiza Basement, Intercontinental Hotel (BTS: Chidlom) (02) 656 0382 www.IbizaBkk.com

Globally known Indian rhythm and blues DJ teams up with the club’s MC for a night of fun. Tickets with a drink are Bt 1,200.

Who takes the lead?

The music takes precedent, so it’s a team effort to bring it across in an appealing way.

What do you mostly rap about?

Lots of things – life, death, earth, space, comedy, tragedy, war, peace. I like to bring a bit of fantasy to the listener’s mind.

Ever been speechless onstage?

Yes, there’ve been a few times. I tend not to dwell on them too much, though.

What’s in store for Bangkok?

For followers of our style, this is a very exciting time right now, with the amount of quality music being produced currently.

You can count on LTJ Bukem to have the best of that to play, and from myself a good selection of rhymes and vocals to sit tight with that.

If you’ve never been to an LTJ Bukem and MC Conrad show, this is a must-go-to date in the diary.

XTRA T H U N D E R AT Q

Animated Adventures

>> Conrad and Bukem are at

Tomorrow

Q Bar on Sukhumvit Soi 11 near the Nana Skytrain station tomorrow. Entry with two drinks costs Bt800.

Nomad Club Sukhumvit Soi 12 (BTS: Asoke) (02) 229 4448 www.NomadBangkok.com

>> Call (02) 252 3274 or beam up to www.QBarBangkok.com.

Dance to animated beats with scratch DJ Solo from Belgium and Bangkok’s finest funky hip hop DJ Knatz.

10

ALTERNATIVE / SOHO

Friday, March 27, 2009

DAILY XPRESS

so-ho-t Sao-Sao-ed on Facebook Join the Sao-Sao-ed (Saturday 21st) network and help promote LGBT rights in Thailand. Join the online group “Ending violence against LGBTI people in Thailand” at www.Facebook.com/group. php?gid=62902871889.

In a book is a world

Under the rainbow flag ‘Pride’ of a different sort stirs on a march between memorials

By Paisarn Likhitpreechakul

WE ARE NO LONGER ALONE.IT IS EQUALITY-MINDED PEOPLE LIKE THIS WHO MAKE ME PROUD TO BE THAI.

SPECIAL TO D A I LY X P R E S S

For gay-theme novels and lesbian magazines, visit the LGBT booth in the W38 Atrium Zone at the Queen Sirikit Convention Centre. The National Book Fair takes place today through April 6.

Obama’s new world order

In a 180-degree turn from the Bush era, the United States under Barack Obama has signed on to a UN General Assembly statement calling for the global decriminalisation of homosexuality.

America was the 67th country to do so, and the last in the West.

Thailand has not supported this statement of non-discrimination, despite an appeal by Thai activists to the Foreign Ministry.

A

fter an emotional discussion at last Saturday’s “Chiang Mai Pride – One Month of Shame” forum, held at the October 14 Memorial, we marched a thousand paces to the Democracy Monument.

We carried giant rainbow flags and signs with messages like “Why is cultural ownership limited only to some?” and “Stop using us as political tools”.

Passers-by and motorists watched our small parade with great curiosity. A shopkeeper asked what country the beautiful flags represented.

Each step on this historic walk gave me goose bumps.

Flying the rainbow flag along Ratchadamnoen Avenue is more poignant than any number of “Pride” marches on Silom, where almost anyone with money is welcome.

The avenue, however, is where thousands before have stood up for democracy and paid for it in blood and tears.

I was shocked at the courtesy of the police. What a difference from four weeks ago, when we were abused and intimidated by homophobic thugs while the Chiang Mai police looked on.

Is Chiang Mai another country, with different laws? I had to wonder what the Bangkok police would do if a mob tried to stop our parade here.

At the Democracy Monu-

ment, LGBT representatives demanded an apology from the government for tacitly approving the Chiang Mai violence.

It didn’t matter that few reporters were present. Those were words that needed to be said in a democracy: words for human rights, dignity and equality.

Although numbering only a few dozen, we were free to be who we were and say what we felt. There were new faces among us. Young people and even straights support our demand for justice and an end of violence against LGBT people.

We are no longer alone. It is equality-minded people like this who make me proud to be Thai. This may be the kind of “pride” that I’ve wanted all along.

But the reality persists: A deep-rooted cultural homophobia exists alongside the generally easy-going Thai nature. What happened in Chiang Mai is a painful reminder of that paradox.

The October 14 Memorial also testifies to the fact that all liberty comes at a price.

Before the march, I saw the Democracy Monument as the

last refuge, the end of the journey. But standing there looking around, I knew I was wrong.

Even in countries where it’s already achieved, democracy must be defended against challenges that continually chip away at it. The rainbow flag flying at the Democracy Monument was only the beginning.

Reach the writer at asiantrekker@yahoo.com and see more here: http:// blog.NationMultimedia.com/ soho.

Friday, March 27, 2009

THE SCREEN 11

DAILY XPRESS

TO SEE

‘KNOWING’ was the No 1 movie at the North American box office last weekend. It earned US$24.6 million.

don’t miss!

y II Khan Klua luay (voiced by Atthapornis King and

nt Khan K n duty to h War elepha must choose betwee his mate Chaba ) rn arns that n herdTheemako when he le s have bee e ily lv m ca fa ir e is h th English love for m) and army. With Thongpraso Kaew (Ann border by the Burmese e ed across th me cinemas. t so subtitles a

Six Degrees of Separation

Knowing

Seven shorts by animator

Nicolas Cage st ars as a schoolte acher who disc encrypted mes overs that an sage from a tim e capsule accura major disasters. tely predicts Rose Byrne and Laura Robinson ★★★ also star.

Chuead Kon Chim

New in Town

Bolt

Song of Sparrows

A struggling noodle-shop owner (Mai Charoenpura) takes a stab at a special recipe that makes her soup a hit. With English

An executive (Renee Zellweger) finds herself at odds with her quirky blue-collar workforce. At

In this Disney animated feature, a TV-show pup (John Travolta) escapes from the set and is shocked to discover he doesn’t really have superpowers. ★★★

A man loses his job on an ostrich farm and ends up in the city, where he accidentally becomes a motorcycle-taxi driver. In Persian with English and

SF Cinemas. ★★

subtitles in some cinemas. ★★★★

Make It Happen

Seven Pounds

A young dancer (Mary Elizabeth Winstead) has dreams of entering arts school but ends up working at a burlesque club.

Will Smith stars in this twistfilled melodrama as a taxman on a complicated path to redemption. ★★★

Watchmen Retired superheroes in a dystopian 1985 America don their masks again to solve a mystery and hopefully prevent nuclear war. ★★★

A-Nueng Kidtueng Pen Yang Ying A school’s former students reunite to try and save the building from being razed to make way for a superstore. No English subtitles.

Dragonball Evolution Young warrior Son Goku (Justin Chatwin) sets out on a quest to collect a set of seven magical orbs. Also stars Emmy Rossum and Chow Yun-fat.

Thai subtitles at House.

Khwamjum Sun Tae Rak Chan Yao A lovelorn veterinarian sees a chance for romance with his old high-school crush. With English subtitles at some cinemas. ★★★

Maradona by Kusturica

Slumdog Millionaire

Emir Kusturica presents an admiring portrait of the “Sex Pistol of football”. At House. ★★★

An epic story of a boy from the slums and his lifelong love for a girl. At the Lido. ★★★★

Boonsri Tangtrongsin will be featured at this week’s “Six Degrees of Separation” series at the Kiosk cafe in the Thailand Creative and Design Centre at the Emporium.

Boonsri’s works will include “The Invisible City”, an imaginative look at what the world would be like if where suddenly invisible. It won the Payut Ngaokrachang Award for animation at last year’s Thai Short Film and Video Festival. Other works include “I Wanna Be A Red Fish”. The showtime is 5.30. Admission is free. The series continues on Saturdays until April 11. – DAILY XPRESS

on tv

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

The Last King of Scotland

Century – The Movie Plaza (02) 247 9940

A naïve doctor (James McAvoy) gets an insider’s look at the brutal regime of Idi Amin (Forest Whitaker).

House (02) 641 5913-4

Major Cineplex/EGV

Star Movies (TrueVisions), 8pm

Bangkok: (02) 515 5555

Major Hollywood Bangkok: (02) 718 7999

Channel links

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

SF Cinemas Bangkok: (02) 268 8888 Pattaya: (038) 361 500

Twentieth Century Boys: Chapter Two The year is now 2015, and the cult of Friend has taken over the world. The plucky band of school chums are framed as terrorists and go on the run. In Japanese and Thai and English subtitles at the Siam, Paragon and Major Cineplex Ratchayothin.

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 TV Thai – www.ThaiPBS.or.th True – www.TrueVisionsTV.com

12

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

Comics&Games

Red and Rover

Friday, March 27, 2009 DAILY XPRESS

Friday, March 27, 2009

LEISURE

DAILY XPRESS

Games&YourStars SUDOKU

The last word in

ASTROLOGY

By Eugenia Last

Today’s Birthday: This can be an emotional year, full of change, desire and the courage to follow matters through to the end. Aggressive action will help you put things behind you that have clouded your vision. You can show how well you adapt to whatever change is thrown your way. Your truthfulness and drive will lead to your success.

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 will be emotional about the things you feel strongly about - stand firm for your beliefs and the reforms you want to see happen. The way you go about things will set the stage.

TAURUS *** April 20-May 20 This is not the time to pussyfoot around. By showing everyone you mean business, you are likely to land something that will contribute to your goals.

Don’t be shy to ask for what you want.

GEMINI **** May 21-June 20 Use your wit and charm to manipulate situations in your favour. Don’t let someone else’s disgruntled attitude get you down or hold you back. Look for any opening.

DIFFICULTY RATING ★★★★★

CANCER ** June 21-July 22 Keep your thoughts to yourself, especially if sharing will cause friction. A loved one may be difficult to understand or to deal with if you divulge secret information. Don’t make promises.

LEO ***** July 23-Aug. 22 You’ll want to be where the action is. Take a trip or get involved in something you find interesting.

Make demands that will give you strength and position you for the future.

CELEBRITIES BORN ON THIS DAY

VIRGO *** Aug. 23-Sept. 22 Back away from anyone who is pushing you for a decision or cash. Do not get involved in a joint effort that leaves you doing all the work. Work alone so you get exactly what you deserve.

LIBRA *** Sept. 23-Oct. 22 Things that were difficult to accomplish will now be easy. Refuse to let your lazy side take over. If you miss an opportunity now, you may not get another one for a long time.

SCORPIO *** Oct. 23-Nov. 21 You may question someone you’ve been close to regarding a problem you have been facing. It may not be your fault that things are going the way they are. Say what’s on your mind and clear the air.

SAGITTARIUS ***** Nov. 22-Dec. 21 Take some time to do things with someone you love. Take on a challenge and you will not only win, you will convince others that you have a lot to offer in other areas of life.

CAPRICORN ** Dec. 22-Jan. 19 Do not give in, back down or ignore issues that must be dealt with. It may not be the nicest situation to be in but, if you don’t take care of matters quickly, they will escalate.

Fergie

Actor Julian Glover is 74.

Actor Austin Pendleton is 69.

Actor Michael York is 67.

Keyboardist Tony Banks of Genesis is 59.

Actress Maria Schneider is 57.

Saxophonist Dave Koz is 46.

Director Quentin Tarantino is 46.

Singer Mariah Carey is 39.

Singer Fergie of Black Eyed Peas is 34.

Actress Emily Ann Lloyd is 25.

AQUARIUS **** Jan. 20-Feb. 18 Self-improvement will impress the people you have known for a long time and attract someone with whom you will enjoy spending more time. A new way of seeing things is apparent.

PISCES *** Feb. 19-March 20 You’ll be anxious and wanting to get everything done quickly. Patience will be required. Keep busy but don’t expect others to feel the same need or urge to get things done that you do. Don’t be pushy.

13

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(1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) (8) (9) (10) (11) (12) (13) (14) (15) (16) (17) (18) (19) (20) (21) (22) (23) (24) (25) (26) (27)

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24 GAMES

Friday, March 27, 2009

THE SPORT

DAILY XPRESS

84-82 Dwight Howard played big at both ends from start to finish, scoring 24 points for Orlando Magic, who defeated champions the Boston Celtics.

briefly Clijsters to return from retirement

Wigan chief gives stadium his name English Premier League side Wigan will play their home matches at the re-named DW Stadium from next season after club chairman Dave Whelan’s company purchased the naming rights. DW Sports Fitness.com, Whelan’s latest company, has bought the nationwide chain of fitness clubs from his former firm JJB Sports. – AFP

Israeli lucky loser Dudi Sela 3-6 6-4 6-3 in the ATP Masters and WTA hardcourt tournament in Miami. Hewitt dropped his serve five times but capitalised on six of his own 11 break chances to notch the win in just under two Hewitt hours.

Hewitt said the swirling winds made for a difficult match for both players.- AFP

Aust wants India Davis match shifted Finally, a cold beer in your seat Tennis Australia has confirmed it wants its Davis Cup match against India moved out of the southern city of Chennai in May due to security concerns.

“We have received advice from a variety of sources referring to traveling to India,” Tennis Australia chief executive Steve Wood said. “It is on that basis of security concerns that we have asked for the tie to be moved out of India. The ITF has received our request and is doing its own security assessment. The safety of our players and staff is of paramount importance to Tennis Australia.” – AP

Wild card Hewitt rallies for win Australia’s Lleyton Hewitt rallied from a first-set deficit to down

The time-honoured tradition Down Under of drinking a beer in your seat while watching a sporting event is coming to Adelaide’s main Australian Rules football stadium, ending a 35year-old ban.

And local officials helped get the prohibition overturned by citing the global economic crisis.

On Sunday, for the first time since its gates opened in 1974, AAMI Stadium (formerly Football Park) will join all other Australian Football League venues in allowing spectators at the Port Adelaide-Essendon match to drink beer in their seats.

Previously, spectators had to drink beer in designated bar areas inside the stadium.

Officials aren't sure why the ban was put into effect.– AP

AP

Kim Clijsters

Former world No 1 Kim Clijsters yesterday announced her return to competitive tennis almost two years after retiring from the sport at just 23 years old. “I intend to play in the US Open and almost certainly in the tournaments at Cincinnati [early August] – and Toronto,” she said. “I have been practicing on a regular basis with my training partner Wim Fissette and by physical coach Sam Verslegers, sometimes as much as six hours a day.” – AFP

England goalkeepers Robert Green, front left, Ben Foster, centre, and David James.

STOPPER MUST GO Man Utd’s Foster faces England World Cup choice A F P , Watford, England

B

en Foster admits he might have to sacrifice his dream of becoming Manchester United’s first choice goalkeeper if he wants to play for England at the World Cup. Foster is widely regarded as the best of England’s young keepers. But injuries and the superb form of Edwin van der Sar have restricted the 25-yearold to just one league appearance and a handful of cup

starts for United since signing from Stoke in 2005.

And with the World Cup just over a year away, Foster is well aware he needs to find regular football quickly if he is to play any part in Fabio Capello’s plans for South Africa.

“It’s a bit of a fine line for me. I want to be at Manchester United for as long as I can but then I do want to be playing as well,” Foster said. “You can’t expect to go to the biggest competition in the world not playing regular football.

“It’s a balancing act. I’ve got no desire to move away from United. I love the team and all

the lads.

“But I’ve got ambitions with my career. I want to do stuff.

I’m not happy just to sit around being a number two keeper.

“There’s the World Cup coming up next year. There’s a lot of English players who want to be picked and involved in that.”

Foster is likely to be given only occasional moments at Old Trafford. For such an ambitious young player that is an unacceptable state of affairs.

“I’d like to think I am good enough to be England and United’s No 1,” Foster said.

No world-class goalies: Kahn

Oliver Kahn is worried.

Germany does not currently have a world-class goalkeeper worthy of helping the national team win next year’s World Cup, insists both excaptain Oliver Kahn and national goalkeeping coach Andreas Koepke.

“We have very good goalkeepers in the Bundesliga, but from my point of view we have no absolute world-class goalkeepers at present,” Koepke told Sport Bild ahead of tomorrow’s World Cup qualifier against Liechtenstein. And Kahn – who led Germany to the 2002 World Cup final defeat against Brazil – said the national team is lacking consistency from any of the current crop of ’keepers. “This situation, which does not please me at all, is that all the current goalkeepers have all fallen into a rut and none of them have a high-level of consistency,” he said.

Friday, March 27, 2009

THE SPORT 25

DAILY XPRESS

FORMULA ONE

Protest lodged over car legality

REVVING FOR RED? Speculation grows that Hamilton will be joining Massa at Ferrari AFP, Melbourne

elipe Massa says he would have no problem driving alongside Lewis Hamilton in a future Ferrari team amid speculation that the world champion may be looking to switch camps next season.

Hamilton, 24, is into the second year of a five-year contract with McLaren, and has repeatedly said that he would be happy to spend his career with the English team.

But he was quoted in a British newspaper on Wednesday as saying: “I haven’t had offers from other teams and I am not talking to anyone.

“But I would listen to an offer from another team if someone asked me. It would be a great compliment and it would be silly if I did not.”

Massa, who lost last year’s championship to Hamilton by a point in the final Brazilian Grand Prix, was asked yesterday for his reaction to Hamilton not discounting an early departure from McLaren-Mercedes.

“I drove alongside Michael [Schumacher], I drove alongside Kimi [Raikkonen] and I’ve heard for some time that Fernando [Alonso] will come to Ferrari, he’s just another one, I don’t care,” Massa quipped. “[MotoGP champion] Valentino Rossi as well and maybe my father will drive for Ferrari next year.”

There has also been speculation that Massa’s Ferarri team-

,,

AFP

F

Lewis Hamilton of McLaren Mercedes appears open to offers. Inset: Felipe Massa mate, Raikkonen, may be on borrowed time with the Italian outfit, given his lacklustre 2008 season of just two wins, compared to Massa’s six.

Hamilton has said that the McLaren team’s focus on last year’s winning car may have left him struggling to be competitive in Sunday’s season-opening Australian Grand Prix.

Massa said he had no idea whether Hamilton’s comments were a pre-race ruse.

“It is strange to see McLaren at the back. The only thing is that I think they [McLaren] are a respectful team, so we need to respect them for what they have done in the past,” he said.

“I have no idea where they are going to be on the

I DROVE ALONGSIDE SCHUMACHER,I DROVE ALONGSIDE RAIKKONEN ...HE’S JUST ANOTHER ONE,I DON’T CARE. Felipe Massa

[Australian] grid, I don’t even know where I’m going to be on the grid, that’s why I cannot answer for McLaren.”

26 cars on F1 grid in 2010 Twenty-six cars will be on the starting grid next year and a medals system will determine the championship, said Formula One boss Bernie Ecclestone.

Ecclestone said at least three new teams, including American entry USF1, are confirmed for the 2010 season. “We’ll have 26 cars on the grid next year,” Ecclestone said. “We’ve got a lot of people confirmed.”

He said F1’s 2010 regulations would include an Olympic-style medals system, with gold for first place.

Three teams lodged an official protest against the bodywork on the cars of three rival teams ahead of this weekend’s Formula One seasonopening Australian Grand Prix.

Ferrari, Renault and Red Bull entered the formal complaints yesterday after race stewards approved the design of the rear diffuser and attached bodywork on the Williams, Toyota and Brawn cars. BMW team principal Mario Thiessen indicated an intention to protest, but the team did not make the deadline to do so.

The protest was to be heard by race stewards later in the day, leaving uncertainty over the legality of the three affected teams going into Sunday’s race and the early rounds of the championship.

If the bodywork was deemed illegal, and either of Williams, Toyota or new team Brawn appealed, they would likely race with their present design until the appeal was heard.

New F1 regulations limit the size of the diffuser, and the protesting teams say Williams, Toyota and Brawn have bent the rules by designing bodywork to effectively increase its size.

The diffuser is at the rear of car’s under tray and acts to increase down force, assisting speed, cornering and smooth performance.

AP

Button says no pressure as Aust favourite AFP, Melbourne

AP

J

Jenson Button feels comfortable in the new car.

enson Button says he doesn’t feel the pressure of being an improbable favourite for the season-opening Australian Formula One Grand Prix in a Brawn GP car he has only tested for a few days.

The startling pre-season performances of the two Brawn GP cars have left rival teams admitting they will be fighting it out for third place in Sunday’s race

if the winter testing times can be reproduced in the race.

Perennial under-achiever Button said it was a “nice feeling” being the nominal race favourite ahead of today’s opening practice and tomorrow’s race qualifying.

“It’s not a pressure, definitely not,” Button said. “We’ve done seven days of testing. I’ve driven the car for three days, which normally wouldn’t be enough,

but we’ve been reliable and we’ve been able to get quite a bit done in that time.

“I feel comfortable in the car and I feel that I’ve made it quite personal to myself.”

But he cautioned against getting too carried away with his fledgling team’s prospects.

“We are coming here with an open mind for sure,” he said.

“Testing is one thing, and we’ve been reasonably reliable

and we’ve done some good lap times. But in 2006 we [Honda] had a quick car in testing and we got to the first race here and we got blown away.

“You never know until you drive here. We’re not going to be slow, I have a feeling, but how quick? We just have to wait and see for that one.

“We should be the underdog, for sure, being a private team with a customer engine.”

26

THE SPORT

Friday, March 27, 2009

G O L F – B L A C K M O U N TA I N M A S T E R S

SWEDE SENSATIONAL

DAILY XPRESS

What’s all the fuss: Tiger A P , Orlando, Florida

Edfors shades South Korean teen with a superb 64 AGENCIES, Hua Hin

weden’s Johan Edfors powered his way to an eight-under-par 64 for a two-shot lead over Korean teenager Noh Seung-yul after the first round of the inaugural Black Mountain Masters yesterday.

Edfors soared to the top of the leaderboard with an eagle and six birdies at the Black Mountain Golf Club to effectively set a new course record at the Asian Tour event.

The 17-year-old Noh, last season’s Rookie of the Year, fired a 66 to lead the chasing pack, followed closely by Filipino veteran Frankie Minoza, George Coetzee of South Africa and Australian trio Chris Gaunt, Neven Basic and Peter Cooke, all on 67s.

Thailand’s Chapchai Nirat, who enjoyed a record 32-underpar victory in India last week,

AFP

S

Johan Edfors checks the line of his putt yesterday. bogeyed his last hole for a 69 while countryman Prayad Marksaeng, who needs a topthree finish to boost his hopes of qualifying for the US Masters, returned a 70.

Edfors, a three-time winner in Europe, overpowered the Black Mountain course and tamed four of the par five holes in five under.

“I got the most out of my

round today,” said Edfors. “The winds blew in a different direction and it was a bit confusing.

But I played quite conservatively and gave myself decent chances and holed quite a few putts.”

The Swede started strongly with two opening birdies and cruised to four under through 13 holes before producing a grandstand finish with two birdies

and a closing eagle where he hammered a three wood to 15 feet of the pin on the 18th hole.

“It was a nice way to finish.

Usually when I’ve had a chance to win a tournament, I have taken that chance. I’ve not won leading on the European Tour but I’ve done it on the Challenge Tour and I know the feeling and I like it,” said Edfors.

The talented Noh sank seven birdies against a lone bogey and credited a two-week break for his solid start. “I made a few putts and every shot I hit kind of worked out,” said Noh. “I’m feeling good. I took a break recently as I was feeling a bit tired after playing in four straight events. I put in a bit of work at home which showed on the course today,” added the Korean.

After a stellar rookie season where he won once and posted three other runner-up finishes, Noh is being tipped for stardom and follow in the footsteps of Korea’s most famous golfing son, KJ Choi.

T

iger Woods says he will play the HSBC Champions in China from November 5-8,the week before he heads to Melbourne for the Australian Masters.

The trip Down Under comes with a $3 million appearance fee, half of which comes from taxpayers in the state of Victoria.

Woods defended the appearance money when asked about it at the Arnold Palmer Invitational on Wednesday.

“This is the only place that doesn’t have appearance fees,” Woods said of the US PGA Tour. “Most of the guys get appearance fees to play around the world. I’ve played all around the world and I’ve thoroughly enjoyed going.”

His attendance in Shanghai will go down well with fans there after Chinese media this week claimed him as one of their own, saying he has “Chinese blood in his veins”.

Friday, March 27, 2009

THE SPORT 27

DAILY XPRESS

TENNIS

IZAK CALLS THE TUNE

Taylor and Ryder blast Indian attack AFP, Napier, New Zealand

Danai swept off his feet by big-serving South African Lerpong Amsa-ngiam DAILY XPRESS, Nakhon Ratchasima

ig-serving Izak Van Der Merwe of South Africa served and volleyed his way to an upset victory over home favourite Danai Udomchoke in the second round of the US$50,000 LTAT-SAT Korat Open yesterday.

After a sluggish first set the 25-year-old from Stellenbosch kept the eighth-seeded Thai at bay with his explosive serves and aggressive net game to book a spot in the quarter-finals with a 2-6 6-4 7-5 victory.

“I didn’t serve well in the first set but I knew if I found my rhythm, I had the chance to beat him. I’m hoping to serve this well again in my next match,’’ said the world No 271 who is no stranger to Thailand after several visits in his junior years.

XPRESS/WANCHAI KRAISORNKHAJIT

B

Izak Van Der Merwe’s aggressive net game made the difference.

Danai, who reached the final in Bangkok last week, seemed too fade during the later stages of the second set. After wasting several break points at three-all in the decisive set, he never tried to wrest the momentum back.

“I was pretty exhausted from the first round. I haven’t had a rest since the Davis Cup and the pressure finally took its toll,’’

said Danai, who called a therapist on court in the third set to treat a muscle spasm in his right hip.

With Danai gone, Thai fans have the consolation of watching the Ratiwatana twins battling in the tournament.

Sonchat and Sanchai won their doubles quarter-final 4-6 3-2 when their Bulgarian rival Grigor Dimitrov, who teamed

up with Kittipong Wachiramanowong, retired with a knee injury.

“It was difficult to play them after they settled on the baseline and stopped coming to the net. That was either because of their game plan or because one of them was injured,’’ said elder brother Sonchat.

Dimitrov, the 2008 junior Wimbledon and US Open champion, had a bag of ice wrapped around his knee as he left the court. “I had my chances here but I have a problem with my knee. I’m just 17 so I know I’ll get more chances in the future. My next goal is to break into the top 200,’’ said the junior world No 2.

In other second round matches, second-seeded Go Soeda of Japan was leading 3-1 when his opponent Martin Slanar of Austria retired with sickness, Marsel Ilhan of Turkey beat Im Kyu-tae of South Korea 6-3 7-6 (7-4) and qualifier Filip Prpic of Sweden defeated Chris Guccione of Australia 6-4 6-4.

A

record-breaking partnership brought centuries for Ross Taylor and Jesse Ryder to steady New Zealand after a shaky start on day one of the second Test against India yesterday.

At stumps New Zealand were 351-4, with Ryder not out on 137 and Taylor back in the pavilion for 151 after the pair put on 271 for the fourth wicket.

It was a record New Zealand fourth wicket stand against any country, and a record for any New Zealand partnership against India.

There was an air of vulnerability about the Indian side for the first time in the series, as catch opportunities went begging and sloppy fielding gifted New Zealand boundaries.

It was a sharp turnaround in fortunes after India cleaned up the first Test by 10 wickets with a day to spare, and had New Zealand reeling at 23-3 at the start.

XPRESS

DAILY

Friday, March 27, 2009 VOL 2, NO 308 dailyxpress.net

HANDOUT HEADACHE Rein in Islamic art in the Gulf with THE FUN

Did you know that the Bt2,000 gift cheque from the government is actually worth Bt5,000?

Find out how at The Nation booth at the 37th Book Fair, or at our CentralWorld outlet.

CATCH A FILM CUTE KHAN KLUAY IS BACK PAGE 11

Thousands swamp CentralWorld and City Hall to get their ‘Help the Nation’, only to be left sizzling in the midday sun due to crashing computers. >PAGE 2

Friday, March 27, 2009

THE CITY 3

DAILY XPRESS

BOOKING THE TREND A new generation of bookworms cut their teeth at the country’s biggest book fairs this week and next DAILY XPRESS he number of readers in the country is rising and books are still a great way of expanding the mind, according to Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn.

The Princess opened the 7th Bangkok International Book Fair along with the 37th National Book Fair at the Queen Sirikit Convention Centre yesterday, before presenting awards to top Thai publishers.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, she emphasised that reading was the foundation of knowledge.

“In previous times it was difficult to study because of the limited availability of books but modern technology has solved all those problems.”

T

The word from France More than 450 publishers are manning some 900 booths at the fairs.

This year’s highlight is the French Pavilion, which should be easy to find thanks to its scaled-down replica of the Eiffel Tower. Four leading French writers – Daniel Picouly, Bernard Werber, Claire Keefe and Frederic Lepage – have jetted in for the fairs and were busy giving interviews yesterday.

Fashion and films They will be joined by foreign authors from other countries, who will be giving talks and joining discussions during the event (all with Thai translation). Other attractions include fashion shows and film screenings.

HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn receives a gift of Nation Books publications from Thanachai Santichaikul, president of Nation Multimedia Group, at the opening of the 37th National Book Fair.

The fair organisers have declared their goal is to instil youths with a love of the printed page and put reading on the

Packing their trunks Bangkok’s jumbos will be tagged before being returned to the wild DAILY XPRESS

U

nder a joint effort by government and city officials, the 200 elephants that roam Bangkok’s streets will be freed in the next two years and sent home.

Mammoth microchips Before they are returned to their native habitats, the elephants will be implanted with microchips to track their future movements.

Some 81 of the elephants are reported to be sick or disabled and will be treated or rehabilitated by the gov-

ernment and various charity foundations.

The unlucky few Some elephants with entertainment skills will be kept back and sent to shows at zoos or venues, including Safari World in north Bangkok, Suan Sam Phran in Nakhon Pathom and Suan Nongnuch in Chon Buri.

About 100 elephants will simply be sent home and supported by a Bt12million budget granted by the government. Each mahout will be paid Bt8,000 as a salary and Bt10,000 a month for food.

After being rounded up the elephants will be taken to a military compound in northern Bangkok to be implanted with the microchips.

DAILY XPRESS/THANIS SUDTO

Elephant-free Bangkok

A baby elephant roams Siam Square in Bangkok.

All local administrations will be asked to monitor the elephant population in their areas to make sure the pachyderms do not re-enter Bangkok.

The use of elephants as a carriage animal will be outlawed and people who abuse them or bring them to Bangkok will face tougher penalties in the future.

national agenda. Education Minister Jurin Laksanavisit is considering putting their proposal into action.

The fair runs until April 6 from 10am to 9pm. For more information, visit www.BangkokIBF.com