PY O C E FRE LOOKING FOR
A JOB? SEE PAGES 14&15
XPRESS
DAILY
Thursday, May 21, 2009 VOL 2, NO 338 dailyxpress.net
COURTESY OF THE THAI FILM FOUNDATION
The World Comedy Film Festival will also screen classic Thai movies by comedian Lor Tok.
COMICrelief GOOD MORNING BANGKOK!
10 million angels must have some answers! By Chompoonut Sawaetwong (VJ Alex)
W
hen kids in children’s model governments know better than the adults responsible for the nation’s well-being, and when common men preach back to monks on TV, point scoring just like politicians do, it’s sad. What is happening to our “land of smiles”? Have the powers above turned their back on us? Well, maybe we City of Angel citizens can attract their attention by asking how we can help get this country back on track? Send answers to MTV Thailand’s e-mail... it’s your cue.
What TO SEE, What TO DO, Where TO GO >PAGES 10&11
From romance to food, marriage, satire and classic slapstick, the World Comedy Film Festival is guaranteed to leave you tickled pink >PAGE 6
Your health >> Check out seminars, a competition and a marathon to keep you fighting fit >> Head to Bumrungrad’s Big Heart event to get a free check-up and learn more about cardiac disease >PAGE 8
2 TODAY
Thursday, May 21, 2009
THE CITY Thai teen hunts for dad A second youngster searches for her Japanese father
DAILY XPRESS
4pm-5pm THE TIME most Internet surfers go online in Thailand – TrueHits
Narumi Hamada, 18, a Thai-Japanese girl, asks media in Chiang Mai to help locate her father. Ryuiji Hamada lost contact with her and her mother, Sangwan Bamrung, left, 15 years ago.
By Kwandao Jitpana D A I LY X P R E S S Chiang Mai
One happy ending Sangwan said she wanted nothing from the Japanese man and affirmed that it would be okay if Hamada had remarried. She simply wants her daughter to meet the father she keeps asking about. She admitted that the recent news of Phichit boy Keigo Sato’s success in finding his Japanese father had encouraged her own renewed efforts to find Hamada.
Keigo to meet dad In related news, Keigo will travel to Bangkok today for a private chat with his Japanese father tomorrow, Matichon’s website reports. Katsumi Sato will make a phone call to the Japanese embassy to talk to his Thai son.
DAILY
XPRESS
DAILY XPRESS/KWANDAO JITPANA
A hearing-impaired Thai teenager and her mother yesterday sought help from the media to locate her Japanese father, who lost touch with the family when she was three years old. Sangwan Bamrung, a 44year-old resident of Sansai district, brought her vocational-student daughter Narumi Hamada, 18, to the Thai News Office in Chiang Mai yesterday morning to ask for help in locating Ryuiji Hamada, 45.
NO LAUGHING MAT-TER Australian holidaymaker accused of stealing a beer mat from a Phuket pub spends 2 days behind bars D A I LY X P R E S S , PHUKET GAZETTE Phuket
T
he Phuket Court yesterday imposed a Bt1,000 fine on Australian holidaymaker Annice Smoel for stealing a branded mat from the Aussie Bar in Patong earlier this month. The bar mat, measuring 145cm by 45cm, was worth Bt4,000. The court also handed Smoel a one-year jail term, but agreed to suspend it on grounds that the tourist has no criminal record in Thailand.
Smoel’s case has made major headlines in her native country, which is a prime source of tourists to Phuket at this time of year. Smoel caught the media spotlight partly because she was detained for nearly two days. “She was not granted a temporary release right away because she had no assets to secure her Bt100,000 bail,” PolMajor Jongserm Preecha of the Kathu Police Station said yesterday. “We have done everything in line with proper procedure,” Jongserm said.
At the court, Smoel insisted she was just the victim of a practical joke played on her by friends who slipped one of the bar’s trademark mats into her handbag as they left. Aussie Bar manager Udom Thongdaeng, who represents the bar’s owner Steve Wood, said he noticed that the bar mat had gone missing from Smoel’s table.
‘She went ballistic’ “When we found it in her handbag, she went ballistic and threw the mat at me. She also tried to run away,” Udom said.
He said the decision to bring Smoel to court was Wood’s, who is also an Australian. Kathu Police Station chief Colonel Grissak Songmoonnark confirmed that the bar owner had demanded that she be brought to justice. “The mat is worth Bt4,000. If a customer wants one, he or she can buy it. But when it went missing from the table, Smoel and her group didn’t show any responsibility,” Grissak said. Phuket Tourism Association vice-chairman Phurit Maswongsa said news reports about Smoel’s case might have some impact on local tourism. “We hope the media coverage will give both sides of the story,” Phurit said.
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.
4
GLOBETROT
THE WORLD 47M-YR-OLD HUMAN LINK REVEALED
was preserved through the ages in Germany’s Messel Pit, a crater rich in Eocene Epoch fossils.
Human characteristics Although bearing a long tail, she had several human characteristics, including an opposable thumb, short arms and legs, and forward facing eyes. She also lacked two key elements of modern lemurs: a grooming claw and a row of lower teeth known as the toothcomb. “This is the first link to all humans – truly a fossil that links world heritage,” Hurum said in a statement. David Attenborough, the renowned British naturalist and broadcaster, said the “little creature is going to show us our connection with all the rest of the mammals. The link they said until now is missing... it is no longer missing”. Ida gives a glimpse into a
Known as Ida, the 47-million-year-old fossil primate is 20 times older than most fossils that provide evidence of human evolution.
EPA
S
cientists in New York have unveiled the skeleton of what they said could be the common ancestor to humans, apes and other primates. The tiny creature, officially known as Darwinius masillae, but dubbed Ida, lived 47 million years ago and is unusually well preserved, missing only part of a leg, or five per cent of the skeleton. The finding was displayed at a press conference at New York’s Natural History Museum, and is due to be the subject of a documentary on the History Channel, BBC and other broadcasters. Organisers said that scientists led by Norway’s fossil expert, professor Jorn Hurum, worked for two years on Ida, first discovered in 1983 by private collectors who failed to understand her importance and split the bones into two lots. The monkey-like creature
time when the world was just taking its present shape. Dinosaurs were extinct, the Himalayas were forming and a huge range of mammals thrived in vast jungles. According to the international team, Ida had suffered a badly broken wrist and that this might have been her undo-
ing. The theory is that while drinking from the Messel lake she was overcome by carbon dioxide fumes and fell in. “Ida slipped into unconsciousness, was washed into the lake, and sunk to the bottom, where the unique conditions preserved her for 47 million years,” a statement said.
Rumours of actor Swayze’s death denied A spokesperson for Patrick Swayze condemned “reckless” reports that the cancer-stricken star had died, saying the actor was alive and well and responding to treatment. The Internet was abuzz with rumours that “Dirty Dancing” and “Ghost” star Swayze – who has been fighting a brave battle against pancreatic cancer since
being diagnosed last year – had passed away. Swayze’s page on online encyclopedia Wikipedia was updated to indicate the 56-year-old had died, before swiftly being changed as doubts about the accuracy
Top music companies are suing Spaniard Pablo Soto for
13 million
¤
for designing three popular programs that allow Internet users to download music for free
Info highway Drill used to save boy’s life
Scientists claim skeleton of tiny creature is a common ancestor to humans, apes and other primates A F P , New York
DAILY XPRESS
Thursday, May 21, 2009
of the reports emerged. “This is to confirm that Patrick Swayze did not pass away contrary to severely reckless reports stemming from a radio station in Jacksonville, Florida,” said Swayze’s publicist Annett Wolf. “Patrick Swayze is alive, well and is enjoying his life and he continues to respond to treatment.”
Swayze’s health has been the subject of intense speculation in the tabloid media, and the actor angrily condemned reporting of his illness earlier this year. Swayze said he had tried to keep his illness secret but went public to protect family and friends after tabloids reported he was close to death. – A F P
A small-town Australian doctor used a household drill to release a blood clot from the brain of a boy following a bicycle accident. Nick Rossi, 13, began bleeding on the brain after hitting his head on concrete in a bicycle fall in Maryborough, northwest of Melbourne. One of the doctors, David Tynan, said it fast became apparent that if they didn’t act to relieve the pressure on Nick’s brain he would die. But the small hospital surgery was not equipped with a drill powerful enough to pierce the boy’s skull, “so we sent down to the maintenance department”, Tynan said. “Under [telephone] instructions from ... a neurosurgeon in Melbourne, we made an incision in his scalp down to the bone and then drilled through it with a drill,” he said. Nick’s neurosurgeon said the gutsy act had meant the difference between life and death. – AFP
Spector faces long prison term A prosecutor asked a judge to sentence music producer Phil Spector to 19 years to life in prison for his second-degree murder conviction in the shooting death of actress Lana Clarkson. Although the mandatory sentence is 15 years to life, Deputy District Attorney Alan Jackson said that four years should be added for personal use of a gun – a circumstance that can draw an extra three, four or 10 years. Spector, 69, a legend in the world of rock music, was found guilty by the second jury to hear his case. His first trial ended in a jury deadlock. – AP
Thursday, May 21, 2009
GLOBETROT 5
DAILY XPRESS
Astronauts say goodbye to Hubble for good
Google adds automatic translation to Gmail
A P , Cape Canaveral, Florida
A
tlantis’s astronauts gingerly dropped the Hubble Space Telescope overboard on Tuesday, sending the restored observatory off on a new voyage of discovery and bidding it farewell on behalf of the planet. Hubble – considered better than new following five days of repairs and upgrades – will never be seen up close by humans again. This was Nasa’s last service call. The shuttle and telescope had just crossed the Atlantic, and were soaring 560 kilometres above the coast of northwestern Africa, when astronaut Megan McArthur used a robot arm to release the snares gripping Hubble. Then the shuttle slowly backed away.
“Hubble has been released,” reported commander Scott Altman. “It’s safely back on its journey of exploration as we begin steps to conclude ours. Looking back on this mission, it’s been an incredible journey for us as well.” Mission Control radioed congratulations: “It’s wonderful to see Hubble, the most famous scientific instrument of all time, newly upgraded and ready for action thanks to you.” With Hubble flying on its own again, the seven astronauts looked ahead to tomorrow’s planned landing. But first they had to inspect their ship one last time to make sure it had not suffered any serious damage from space junk. The wing and nose survey, similar to one per-
AP
Upgraded space telescope, which has set off on a new voyage of discovery, will never be seen up close by humans again
The Hubble Space Telescope just before being released by shuttle Atlantis on Tuesday. formed last week to check for launch damage, got under way on Tuesday afternoon. The telescope’s unusually high orbit had placed the shuttle and its crew at increased risk and, because of the lack of a refuge, prompted Nasa to
keep a rescue ship on standby until the end of the 11-day flight. To improve their safety, the astronauts dropped Atlantis into an egg-shaped orbit that is, much of the time, lower than the telescope’s junk-ridden orbit.
Google added automatic translation technology to Gmail on Tuesday, allowing users of its e-mail service to translate messages in another language with a single mouse click. The Internet giant said it had integrated its Google Translate program into Gmail, allowing automatic translation of messages in several dozen languages. “When you receive an e-mail in a language other than your own, Gmail will help you translate it into a language you can understand,” Google said in a post on the company blog. “If all parties are using Gmail, you can have entire conversations in multiple languages with each participant reading the messages in whatever language is most comfortable for them.” Google has already made Google Translate available to provide automatic translations of entire Web pages or blogs. AFP
6 ENTERTAINMENT
Thursday, May 21, 2009
THE FUN
DAILY XPRESS
BARACK OBAMA, US PRESIDENT, ON WHY HE SAW “STAR TREK”. “Everybody was saying I was Spock.”
UPCOMING EVENT
WHO’S LAUGHING NOW? Singaporean comedian and filmmaker Jack Neo, right, will come to Bangkok as part of a career retrospective at the World Comedy Film Festival, which will also screen classic old Thai movies like the 1950s feature “Sao Dao Tiem” featuring Amara Assawanon, Chusree Mesommon and Dokdin Kanyamarn.
After several delays, the World Comedy Film Festival is set for Bangkok from June 10 to 16 By Parinyaporn Pajee D A I LY X P R E S S
I
t’s been fraught with delays and dilemmas, but now at long last there’s something to smile about as the first World Comedy Film Festival is set for June 10 to 16 in Bangkok. Even this scheduling has not been without its problems, partly due to an overlap with the now-cancelled Phuket Film Festival, which was to have been held from June 4 to 11. “I don’t think it would have been harmful to overlap. In fact, it may even have benefited
both of us, with people travelling from Phuket up to Bangkok for the comedy festival,” says programme director Chalida Uabumrungjit of the Thai Film Foundation. Supported by the Tourism Authority of Thailand and run by the Federation of National Film Association of Thailand, the festival offers a variety of comedy styles very different from those in Thai cinema. “Foreign countries have many concepts of comedy while Thai films really have only one popular comedy
genre,” Chalida notes. From romantic comedy to madcap, food, wedding, satirical and classic slapstick, the festival features films from all over the world and will be joined by guests William Shatner of “Star Trek” fame, actress Brittany Daniel and Eric Roberts (“Heroes”).
Regional funnymen The retrospective will focus on talented Singaporean Jack Neo, who’s done everything from scriptwriting to acting and directing. Three of his movies will be screened: “Money No Enough”, “Money No Enough 2” and his latest work “Love Matters”. Neo will also attend the festival.
Ten Thai films have been selected for the Chronology of Siamese Humour category featuring work by such comedians as Lor Tok, Chusree Mesommon, Thep Thianchai and Teng Terdterng. Among them will be the 1950s feature “Sao Dao Tiem” featuring Amara Assawanon, Chusree Mesommon and Dokdin Kanyamarn. Other classics will be screened, among them the 1970s comedy “Theppabutr Ta Ting Nong”, starring the comic trio of Den Dokpradu, Der Doksadao and Thep Pho-ngam. “There are problems with the film’s soundtrack but we are working on it so as to be able to show it at the festival,” says Chalida.
XTRA S P E E DY D E L I V E R Y >> There will also be standup shows from foreign and local comedian such as the host of language programme “Chris Delivery”, Christopher Wright. >> The opening and closing films have been yet announced, though it’s understood that one of these is likely to be a comedy from a neighbouring country directed by a Thai. >> The festival venues will be CentralWorld and Siam Paragon. >> On the Web: www.ThailandWorldComedy Film.com.
Thursday, May 21, 2009
4
ENTERTAINMENT 7
DAILY XPRESS
ANGRY FRENCH electricity and gas workers briefly blacked out theatres at the Cannes Film Festival on Tuesday as part of their union’s labour protest.
VIEWERS FAINTED at a screening of Lars von Trier’s “Antichrist” in Cannes, compared to 20 who felt unwell during the Monica Bellucci rape scene in “Irreversible” at the film festival in 2002.
Eric Cantona, right, plays himself in ‘Looking for Eric’, in which the footballer appears like a vision to help a troubled Manchester postman, played by Steve Evets.
soopsip Thanks to Hanks
F I L M F E S T I VA L
Cantona scores at Cannes A F P , Cannes
T
emperamental football legend Eric Cantona has scored a new triumph, this time as star of a potential awardwinner at the Cannes Film Festival in British director Ken Loach’s “Looking for Eric”. Hilariously funny but with a quintessential Loach undertone of social and human drama, the movie was warmly received, becoming one of the front-runners for the festival’s top award, the Palme d’Or. The former Manchester United star, who quit football 12 years ago and has acted in a handful of films, plays himself, appearing like a vision to help a Manchester postman also named Eric whose life is spiralling out of control. “I am not a man. I am Cantona!” the larger-than-life former striker tells his namesake.
To help restore the postman’s confidence, Loach and writer Paul Laverty have the Frenchman deliver a stream of the odd comic proverbs he is known for – often in French – such as “he who sows thistles shall reap prickles”. Cantona’s best-known such quote from 1995, after his infamous kung-fu kick at a fan, closes the film – “When the seagulls follow the trawler, it’s
because they think sardines will be thrown into the sea.”
An ode to the game The two-hour comedy is also a hymn to football, with a message about team play. “These are wonderful people with wonderful solidarity,” Loach says. “Matches bring people together. They’re one of the only moments when you can be nationalistic, and they’re
AFP
Former Manchester United star Eric Cantona teams up with Ken Loach for a touching comedy
Director Ken Loach and Cantona at the Cannes festival screening of ‘Looking for Eric’ on Monday night.
also a time when people can let their feelings out. A lot of people, specially men, have trouble expressing their feelings.” The postman’s own difficulties in expressing his feelings are at the root of the plot. “A comedy after all is a tragedy with a happy end,” Loach says. Cantona says he has seen most of Loach’s socially relevant movies and likes them. “I’ll continue acting. The day I no longer have the passion I’ll do something else, like play jazz,” says Cantona, who in the film plays the trumpet. He compared Loach to Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson, who was leading the team back in the 1990s when the French footballer was there. “The way they work is 100 per cent for the players They are both very humble. They got me to give every bit of myself. Alex Ferguson is a great coach and Ken Loach is a great director.”
Tom Hanks had a dual role as an angel while filming “Angels and Demons” at Rome’s Pantheon Church. A bride-tobe showed up for her wedding and wasn’t being allowed into the church because it was temporarily a movie set. Self-appointed best man Hanks not only offered her his arm so she could get inside, he held the train of her gown as she walked down the aisle.
Man o’ Man U Krungthep Turakij columnist Nantakwang Sirasoontorn has a new book out called “100 Sua Ball Tua Por” – the 100 best football jerseys – but that doesn’t mean he’s going to stop collecting them. The die-hard Manchester United fan has just returned from another footie pilgrimage to England, where he spent all of his savings, reportedly Bt40,000, on a single, used jersey. The shirt was worn by United winger Gordon Hill and, says Nantakwang, is extra special because it was made the year David Beckham was born, 1975. Plus, the shirt saw action in United’s 1977 FA Cup victory over Liverpool. So Nantakwang’s broke, but he’s already packing for Rome to see Man U in the Champions League final against Barcelona. “I borrowed the money from my mum,” he confesses.
Contact Soopsip at veenxpress@gmail.com.
8
HEALTH & FITNESS
Thursday, May 21, 2009
A hospital with a ‘Big Heart’
DAILY XPRESS
quick shots
Bumrungrad attempts to close the door on cardiac disease with an interactive event at CentralWorld By Parinyaporn Pajee D A I LY X P R E S S
Take a deep breath
I
DAILY XPRESS/ SUKOL KERDNAIMONGKOL
t may have been a workday, but Bumrungrad Hospital’s Big Heart event at CentralWorld on Tuesday certainly drew the crowds. Shoppers were fascinated by the “Big Heart” installation, a model of a human heart on a massive scale that allows people to walk inside and explore their most vital organ. The four interior rooms of this walk-in museum, which is on show until Sunday, offer a fascinating journey through the heart’s valves and show exactly how the organ works via a multimedia show, as well as explaining heart disease. Promsorn Dejakawincool spent ages exploring the giant heart and also opted for a free check-up. “I’m surprised it’s so crowded, especially as it’s the middle of a working day,” he commented. Promsorn was impressed by the activity but felt that Bumrungrad should provide more staff. “A lot of people are interested in the activities and the queues are too long,” he noted. That was especially true for the free check-ups, which saw lines forming for blood-pressure checks as well as the new Carotid Intima Media Thickness machine. Heart disease currently causes the death of 236 Thai people every day. And treating it is one of the two medical strengths that earned Bumrungrad the international JCI credit. They are also accredited for their care of stroke patients. Bumrungrad’s medical director Chamaree Chuapetcharasopon says Thai people have good knowledge about heart disease. “But unfortunately, they don’t put what they know into practice,” she says. Risk factors for coronary artery disease include poor eating habits, stress and a sentient lifestyle. Over the next three days, doctors and cardiac specialists will offer advice on how to avoid heart disease as well as talk about treatment and protection.
The Thai Asthma Council is holding the Bangkok AsthmaAllergy Mini Marathon this Sunday at 5am at Suan Luang Rama IX Park. After the run, participants are invited to have a free check-up and also learn the correct ways of breathing as well as exercises suitable for asthma sufferers. Exhibitions and games will also be available. Call (02) 278 3200, (02) 741 0633 or visit www. JogAndJoy.com.
Healthy bites Everyone needs an energy boost from time to time, and those living with HIV need more energy to improve their immunity. Sadly, most store-bought snacks are full of carbohydrates and fat and while they may taste great, they are not a healthy option. Now, the Thai Red Cross Society’s Aids Research Centre and Mahidol University's Institute of Nutrition are launching a healthy snack menu competition. The easy-to-make dish must use local ingredients. The winning idea nets its creator Bt30,000 and a trophy from HRH Somsawali. Visit www.TRCARC.org or call (02) 253 0996. The deadline is June 19.
Can cancer be cured? Thai Nakarin Hospital and Roche Thailand host a free seminar titled “How To Cure Lung Cancer” at the hospital’s Holistic Cancer Centre on Saturday at 8. The speaker is Dr Akhom Wichainsilp. Call (02) 361-2727 extensions 3042 and 3056.
Easing rheumatoid arthritis Learn to fight rheumatoid arthritis with the Rheumatoid Club, which is hosting a seminar on June 7 at 8am on the 12th floor of Rajvithee Hospital's Chalerm Phrakiat Building. Doctors from the Thai Rheumatism Association will talk about living with this painful condition and discuss the benefits of aquatic therapy. A mobile clinic with free check-ups will also be available. Call (085) 675 6472.
Thursday, May 21, 2009
HOBBY
DAILY XPRESS
The biggest and best toy
companies gather in New York at the annual Toy Fair to show off their new products. Here, the Pet's Eye View Camera, the EyeClops Mini Projector) and UCreate Music.
The annual Toy Fair in New York is where stores get the first look at the cool products they'll be selling later in the year.
One cool play list
Great craft sets also are
New York’s annual Toy Fair showcases some of products that should be on sale later this year By Margaret Webb Pressler THE WASHINGTON POST
E
very year, the biggest and best toy companies gather in New York at the annual Toy Fair to show off their new products. It’s where stores get the first look at the cool toys and games they’ll be selling later in the year. With the times hard for most, toy companies reckon families will be staying home a lot this year, so there were plenty of family games on display at the Toy Fair '09 held in March Some games came with great technology, such as the ability to read your brain waves and at least two companies introduced games in which you move the game piece by just thinking about moving it! It certainly helps you get in touch with your inner wizard.
Puzzles and word games received a lot of attention, too, so expect to see some cool new versions, including a 3-D puzzle. Animal lovers will find a new way to bond with the family pet thanks to the collar camera, something the whole family can enjoy. Most of the items on this list will not be available until the fall, but some are out now or coming soon. Here’s a selection.
Mindflex Game, Mattel Strap on the headpiece and start thinking — hard. If you concentrate enough on making the ball float, eventually it will. But then you have to get it to go through a tiny obstacle course.
Tyco R/C Stunt Psycho Vehicle, Mattel There were lots of remotecontrol vehicles whirring and buzzing around Toy Fair. This clearly was one of the coolest, with springlike wheels that make the vehicle capable of amazing, bouncy, crash-proof tricks so the action never stops.
UCreate Music, Radica Let out your inner DJ with this simple machine that allows you to mix tracks, add riffs and beats and create your own unique sound from your music library.
Connect 4x4, Hasbro Connect 4 is a old favourite, but this is like a whole new game. With disks and rings, you can change the colour of your opponent's pieces as you play. It takes real strategic thinking to win.
coming out, including one for personalising your clothes like never before.
Likewise!, Buffalo Games This game rewards group thinking. The cards give you a concept or object, and each player uses a marker and board to write down the first thing that comes to mind. Players with answers that match other players' answers score points.
Pet’s Eye View Camera, Uncle Milton Ever wondered how Fluffy sees the world? Wonder no more. This ingenious little camera hangs from your dog’s or cat's collar and takes a digital picture every few minutes (you set the time intervals). Download the pictures to get a true pet's-eye view.
Companies think that because of
the hard economic times, families will be staying home a lot this year.
At least two companies at Toy Fair '09 introduced games in which you move the game piece by just thinking about moving it!
9
10 EVENTS
do it!
Thursday, May 21, 2009
DAILY XPRESS
WHAT’S UP
The perfect match Become a savvy shopper and a discerning decorator by attending a workshop by Jay Abai at the Neilson Hays Library on June 11 at 10am. Abai runs Hemisphere Home Furnishings (formerly Casa Pagoda), which specialises in the fusion of modern and traditional through the thoughtful and creative use of colour and texture. She’ll talk about making the right choice when purchasing housewares and how to blend styles to stunning effect. The fee is Bt300 inclusive of coffee and snack.
Getting to the roorodtuctss, rice and other hothmee-
Call (02) 233 7131.
dp ay as Lotus-base le from Frid derway at sa n o o g s n e grown dish i Red Cross Fair gets u h fean a h w T t, even hic Pathum angsit. The h pies made R in rk a P Future long wit products, a s cake, brown-rice tures Otop tu lo s, of other root pie from lotus- d rice waffle and lots 58 lle )9 jelly, spicy ro ntil May 31. Call (02 u s n ru s, ie good
Italian by design Chef Maurizio Menconi of the Sukhothai hotel’s La Scala restaurant has unveiled a new menu that highlights black olive gnocchi with lobster fricassee, green peas, rocket and roasted tomato pachino; ravioli of braised chicken and duck foie gras; and tenderloin of wagyu beef on wilted endive, pine nuts and raisins and sauce of summer truffle. His weekday business lunch is also not to be missed. The twocourse meal costs Bt780 and the three-course goes for B850 including the antipasti buffet. Call (02) 344 8888 extension 5736.
0010.
e e stage of th g a t s take to the n – y y d o o e B m s d o n a Sib certs-cum-c sts oom, Bern rothers – B for two con e roen b ay 30 Their gu The Sincha in Siam Square on M e turns up. n o o and n if e st tr la Billy Ogan Scala Thea they say will be their gsingkaew, d 7. Tickets are n e a S h su ic a h V shows, w are at 2 an Taepanich, om “Nose” Showtimes include Ud alamare” Benjamas. tmajor. i “K Patcharasr to Bt1,800 at Thaiticke 0 from Bt1,00
Could cut wood Silpakorn University’s Faculty of Painting, Sculpture and Graphic Arts will demonstrate woodcut and intaglio techniques at the Bangkok Art and Culture Centre every Saturday and Sunday from 2 to 5pm. The event is part of the Bangkok Triennale International Print and Drawing Exhibition that’s on view until June 18. The centre is at the Pathum Wan Intersection, facing the MBK and Siam Discovery. Call (02) 214 6630-
Artfully exotic works by 53
8 or visit ww.BACC.or.th.
Fabulous fabrics Jim Thompson will hold its annual sale at Bitec in Bang Na from June 5 to 7. Products from the silk company ranging from clothes and fabrics to home furnishings, with discounts of up to 70 per cent. The fair will be open from 10am to 5pm. Call (02) 632 8100 or visit www.Bitec.net.
Straight as an arrow The Support Foundation under the royal patronage of Her Majesty the Queen and the Costume Design Committee present “Prommas” from June 19 to 21 at the Thailand Cultural Centre. The masked-dance production aims to preserve the integrity of khon as well as offer an opportunity to a new generation to appreciate this fine art. The performers and artists come from the Office of Music and Drama, the Fine Arts Department,the Culture Ministry, Bunditpatanasilpa Institute and Bangkok College of Dramatic Art. Tickets cost Bt200 to Bt800 (Bt100 for students) at Thaiticketmajor.
100 More than n show in re artists a o FA: Exotic Art, gM “Discoverin iland” at the ha T c ti e h Aest ’s irs Ministry a Foreign Aff on Sri m o o R osorn Vithes Sam d until May Roa Ayutthaya e artists are th g n o m A . 26 wasdi chanee, Sa u D n a w a h T dam rayat Pong Tantisuk, P t iwa and Nonth drawlin. Several ter a p a n ta n a Ch inis er prime m ings by form i are also on pa Chuan Leek ibition is open xh e e h T . w Call sho to 3.30pm. 10 daily from . 5170 (02) 643
Thursday, May 21, 2009
THE SCREEN 11
DAILY XPRESS
TO SEE
don’t miss!
Water Indian-Canadian director
Krasue Fad Pop
The fearsom e ghosts Kra su just as a gro up of studen e and Pop face off in ru ra ts from Ban trip. Stars In gkok arrive o l village tira Jaroenp n a field ura and Pra ngwalai Thep sathorn.
useum 2: Night at theeMSmithsonian Battle of th more historical Ben Stiller finds eum guard Earhart (Amy Embattled mus cluding Amelia in e, lif to g in m figures co n. ne and Napoleo Adams), Al Capo
Righteous Kill
Winged Creatures
Big Stan
Saranair Haao Peng
Robert De Niro and Al Pacino are veteran detectives trying to piece together old and new cases. At SFW CentralWorld.
Survivors try to cope after a random shooting in a Los Angeles diner. Stars Kate Beckinsale, Dakota Fanning, Guy Pearce and Forest Whitaker. At the Lido.
A meek grifter hires a martialarts master to teach him some moves. Rob Schneider and David Carradine star. At
Pranks are pulled on celebrities including Mum Jokmok, Ad Carabao, Kotee Aramboy and Korean girl group Baby Vox Rev.
Paragon Cineplex.
Bangkok Adrenaline
The Horsemen
With English subtitles at some cinemas.
★★
Angels and Demons Harvard symbologist Robert Langdon (Tom Hanks) searches for clues to keep the Vatican from blowing up. ★★★
Let the Right One In A 12-year-old boy develops a friendship with a vampire in a small Swedish town. With English and Thai subtitles at House. ★★★★
Tough foreign backpackers are entangled in a kidnapping plot involving a Thai heiress. Thai dubbed.
Star Trek The 1960s sci-fi TV series is rebooted with a focus on the early careers of Captain Kirk and Mr Spock. ★★★★
Dennis Quaid is a detective on the trail of serial killings that are apparently rooted in biblical prophecy. Zhang Ziyi also stars.
Mor 3 Pee 4 Rao Rak Nai A Bangkok boy chats on the Internet with a Phuket girl. With English subtitles at some cinemas.
Where in the World Is Osama bin Laden? “Super Size Me” documentarian Morgan Spurlock searches for the al-Qaeda leader. At House.
X Men Origins: Wolverine
Deepa Mehta struggled to make this controversial drama about widowed child brides for years, first trying in 2000 but abandoning the project after enraged locals burned the set in India’s holy city of Varanasi. She moved the production to Sri Lanka and “Water” went on to win the Oscar for best foreign-language film in 2006 and other awards, including the Golden Kinaree for best film at Bangkok International Film Festival. It’s screening at 8 tonight at the Foreign Correspondents Club of Thailand. Admission is Bt150 for non-members and Bt100 more for anyone wanting to sample the wine being uncorked by the Canadian embassy. Call (02) 652 05801 or visit www.FCCThai.com.
on tv
The steel-clawed superhero’s epic life story is revealed. Hugh Jackman stars. ★★★
Apex Lido: (02) 252 6498 Siam: (02) 251 3508 Scala: (02) 251 2861
Century – The Movie Plaza (02) 247 9940
Moulin Rouge
House
Baz Luhrmann’s lavishly outlandish musical stars Ewan McGregor as a poet who falls for a dancehall star (Nicole Kidman).
(02) 641 5913-4
Major Cineplex/EGV Bangkok: (02) 515 5555 Pattaya: (038) 052 227
Star Movies (TrueVisions), 8pm
Major Hollywood Bangkok: (02) 718 7999
Channel links Paragon Cineplex Bangkok: (02) 129 4635 IMAX: (02) 129 4631
SF Cinemas Bangkok: (02) 268 8888
Rule Number One
Vista
A couple of cops (Shawn Yue and Ekin Chen) are assigned to a little-known police unit that handles calls involving the supernatural. Thai dubbed.
Chiang Mai: (053) 894 415
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
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Comics&Games
Red and Rover
DAILY XPRESS
Thursday, May 21, 2009
LEISURE
DAILY XPRESS
Games&YourStars SUDOKU
The last word in
ASTROLOGY
Yesterday’s Puzzle Answer
By Eugenia Last
Complete the grid so that every row, column and 3x3 box contains every digit from 1 to 9 inclusively.
Today’s Birthday: You have decisions to make that will alter your life. Be perfectly clear about what you want or someone will misinterpret you. Stand alone, if you must, but do not give up your goals. It’s up to you to stick it out to the end and to question whoever doubts you. ARIES *** March 21-April 19 A challenge will be exhilarating and will boost your ego. Your hard work will pay off, allowing you to call the shots. You have someone awesome in your corner. TAURUS *** April 20-May 20 Do things because you want to not because someone else is pushing you. Keep your money tightly locked up. A longing to be with someone may cause you to do something foolish.
DIFFICULTY RATING ★★★★
GEMINI **** May 21-June 20 An opportunity is heading your way that should allow you to get ahead in an area of your life that has been suffering. Once you establish your position, it will be difficult to remove you. CANCER ** June 21-July 22 Don’t expect to get help and you won’t be let down when someone has other plans. Be quick to let everyone know what you are not willing to do. Don’t get upset over something you cannot change. LEO ***** July 23-Aug. 22 Give in to what your heart tells you. A romantic encounter will crystallise your feelings, giving you a much better idea of how to satisfy your needs in the future. A choice may cause some controversy. VIRGO *** Aug. 23-Sept. 22 You can put personal matters behind you by addressing whoever or whatever has caused problems for you. Your ability to take responsibility will allow you to move on quickly.
CELEBRITIES BORN ON THIS DAY
LIBRA *** Sept. 23-Oct. 22 Network with groups that can offer a unique spin to what you do. Your relationships will grow if you get involved in activities your loved ones enjoy. Show more of an interest in others. SCORPIO *** Oct. 23-Nov. 21 Don’t take chances. You will formulate the best possible situation to move into a lead position and take over a genre that fits your skills and personality perfectly. Working quickly will speak volumes. SAGITTARIUS ***** Nov. 22-Dec. 21 Interact with people in your community to build the support you need for an important task. The more help you have, the better your chances for funding. A relationship will grow.
Ray MacDonald Singer Ron Isley of the Isley Brothers is 68. Guitarist Hilton Valentine of The Animals is 66. Actor Richard Hatch is 64. Keyboardist Bill Champlin of Chicago is 62. Singer Leo Sayer is 61. Actor Mr. T is 57. Actress Lisa Edelstein is 41. Rapper Havoc of Mobb Deep is 35. Actor Ray MacDonald is 32 Actress Ashlie Brillault is 22. Actress Sarah Ramos is 18.
CAPRICORN ** Dec. 22-Jan. 19 You have to hold your ground. If you give in to someone who is giving you an ultimatum, you will be taken advantage of over and over again. Do not let fear cause you to dig a deeper hole. AQUARIUS **** Jan. 20-Feb. 18 Educational pursuits or honing your skills will help you land a better position or keep the one you already have. A love connection can be made through the company you keep. PISCES *** Feb. 19-March 20 Don’t give out too much information or you may face opposition. You have to complete a project before you can feel secure that everything will turn out well. Beware of being overly sensitive.
13
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 position of:
Project Manager Scope of Work: To support the implementation of the North Bangkok Power Plant Project, as the Project Coordinator of the Consortium member (Completion is scheduled on March 2010). Qualifications: ● Male, age 30-45 years old. ● Master's/Bachelor's Degree in Engineering ● Excellent in English both speaking and writing. ● 5-15 years in engineering & construction of the power plant.* Please apply in person or send resume in English by email 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
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My Condo Sukhumvit 52, brand new, BTS Onnuch, 34.75sqm., 1B1B fully furnished sale 2.45 MB.
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Contact : 081-6335958
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24 GAMES
Thursday, May 21, 2009
THE SPORT
DAILY XPRESS
13 YEARS Former England cricketer Chris Lewis was jailed for 13 years after being found guilty of smuggling cocaine into Britain in a cricket bag.
YO U T H WO R L D C H A M P I O N S H I P S
briefly Barcelona and Man City warm to Cole
Arsenal fans plan march for manager
City to go for Santa Cruz again
Hundreds of Arsenal fans are expected to take part in a march this weekend in a bid to persuade manager Arsene Wenger not to leave the club after reports linked him to Real Madrid. The march is being organised by REDaction. “The consensus among fans is not only that he should stay but also that he’s one of the few managers in the football league that’s earned the right to walk away,” it said. – AP
Manchester City are ready to sign Blackburns Roque Santa Cruz, the Sun said. While City’s earlier offer of £17-million was rejected, the club may include 19-year-old striker Daniel Sturridge, who has refused a new deal. Although Santa Cruz has scored only six times this season because of injuries, Rovers manager Sam Allardyce believes the player should bring big offers, the Santa Cruz newspaper said. – Bloomberg
Tevez strongly linked to Liverpool Liverpool are the frontrunners to sign Manchester United’s Carlos Tevez with a three-year offer worth about £50 million, including salary and transfer fee, the Sun said. Tottenham was prepared to offer about 18 million for the striker, who will leave the league champion at the end of a twoseason spell, the newspaper said. Spurs are backing away after Liverpool was willing to pay £-160,000-a-week to the player. While United want to keep Tevez, the club isn’t willing to pay the £26-million demanded by his agent, the newspaper said. – Bloomberg
Wenger handed £13m war chest Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger, who has spurned offers to join Real Madrid, will have about £13-million to spend on new players at the north London club, the Daily Mail reported. Wenger will have to sell players to increase his budget, the newspaper said. He met club chief executive officer Ivan Gazidis for lunch yesterday to discuss the plans. – Bloomberg
XPRESS/WANCHAI KRAISORNKHAJIT
Ashley Cole
Chelsea defender Ashley Cole may be lured to Barcelona, which is prepared to pay £20 million for the former Arsenal player, the Daily Express said. The Spanish champions have inquired about the 28-year-old and may make an offer at the end of the season, the newspaper said. Manchester City are also interested, and are ready to make a five-year offer that would pay Cole £130,000 a week. – Bloomberg
Phongsathon Daengsanan takes the strain in Chiang Mai yesterday.
LU LIFTS 3 RECORDS Phongsathon takes two bronzes as world bests fall By Lerpong Amsa-ngiam DAILY XPRESS, Chiang Mai
D
iminutive Chinese Lu Yuntao rewrote three world records for a clean sweep of the boy’s 50kg on the opening day of the EGAT Youth World Championships yesterday. The 17-year-old set marks of 93kg to win the snatch (previous record 92kg by Vietnam’s Nguyen Ngoc Trung), 120kg to triumph in the clean and jerk (beating Columbian Jhon
Osorio’s 116kg), and captured the overall title with a combined 213kg (bettering 206kg by Ismet Algul of Turkey). Thailand’s Phongsathon Daengsanan rebounded from a dismal performance in the snatch (85kg) to produce two bronze medals in the clean and jerk (113kg) and the Olympic total (198kg). A lack of communication with his coach meant the inexperienced Phongsathon, who lifted 85kg in his first attempt, ran out of time preparing for the second. He then failed at his final 91kg lift. “I really had no idea that time was running out. But I knew I could come
back in the clean and jerk which is my favourite category,’’ said the 16-year-old 11th grade student from Nakhon Ratchasima School. The Thailand Amateur Weightlifting Association president Bussaba Yodbangteoy reasoned that both the coach and Phongsathon had no experience on an international stage. Turkey’s Saziye Okur scooped all three gold medals in the girl’s 44kg by lifting 76kg in the snatch, 86kg in the clean and jerk and 162kg for the Olympic total. Wipada Sirimongkhon won the bronze in the clean and jerk.
Ferrari budget appeal rejected
An FIA lawyer stands firm at the court in Paris.
A French court yesterday rejected Ferrari’s bid to block controversial proposed changes to Formula One imposed by the International Automobile Federation (FIA). The Italian team, as well as Toyota, Red Bull and Renault, were trying through the French legal system to seek an injunction against the new regulations of the Paris-based FIA which runs Formula One racing. They have threatened to quit F1 unless the 2010 rules, which include a £40-million budget cap on each team, are shelved fearing the changes could usher in a two-tier championship. The French court, however, refused to grant the injunction to Ferrari with Judge Jacques Gondran de Robert ruling that Ferrari had failed to use a veto against the new rules at meetings of the FIA World Motor Sport Council in March.
Thursday, May 21, 2009
THE SPORT 25
DAILY XPRESS
FOOTBALL
Ranieri at loggerheads with Juve
RIO A BIG DOUBT Evans on hold to fill hole in Utd’s defence for C-League final AFP, Manchester
lex Ferguson admitted yesterday that Rio Ferdinand is likely to have to prove his fitness against Hull to stand a chance of featuring in next week’s Champions League final. England defender Ferdinand, 30, has missed the last three United matches with a calf problem. United travel to the KC Stadium on Sunday for their final Premier League fixture with the title already won. Ferguson was hoping to field a reserve team to keep his key men fresh for the game against Barcelona in Rome on Wednesday. The United manager maintains that he would be happy for youngster Jonny Evans, 21, who has regularly stood in for Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic this season, to play in the final. And he acknowledges there would be a risk of playing Ferdinand against the Spanish champions after a three-week lay-off. United are optimistic that Ferdinand will return to training today but Ferguson is still unsure about his chances of playing against Barcelona. He said: “I’m hoping that he’ll be fit for Sunday and if he’s not then he’s doubtful for Wednesday. “To go into the Champions League without playing for three weeks is too much so hopefully he’ll be fit for Sunday. “We hope he can start training with us on Thursday and af-
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EPA
A
Man United manager Alex Ferguson shows concern as Rio Ferdinand walks off injured.
ter the transfer to football training we’ll have a better idea about his availability for Sunday. “I think he will probably be fit before Wednesday but whether I’d start him without a game is another matter. “I’m close to knowing the team. Obviously you have to assess the performance, our own strengths and the form players. “It would be no problem at all to start with Jonny Evans against Barcelona. “He’s had a fantastic season and he grew up with Gerard Pique and it would be fitting if they’re both playing in the final. “I’m sure Gerard Pique will be playing. It’d be a nice touch. I wouldn’t worry one bit about him playing in the final.” The match has been billed as
I THINK HE WILL PROBABLY BE FIT BEFORE WEDNESDAY BUT WHETHER I WOULD START HIM WITHOUT A GAME IS ANOTHER MATTER. Alex Ferguson
a potential classic with two of the most attack-minded teams pitting their wits against each other. Ferguson accepts that Champions League finals rarely live up to their hype but is confident it will be an attractive match against Pep Guardiola’s side. He added: “The profile of the final is very good and I hope it lives up to that profile. “The players that Barcelona have got and Manchester United have got, it suggests a good final and I hope it lives up to that. “European finals can be disappointing and if you look at the results over the years there were some really disappointing games and results, penalty kicks.”
Claudio Ranieri and Serie A side Juventus seem to be heading for a showdown over payments and Ranieri’s freedom to find a new club. Italian media reported yesterday that after being fired this week, Ranieri expected the Turin club to pay him a severance fee and allow him to find a new job. It appears, however, that Juve consider the coach’s firing a mere layoff and intend paying his salary until his contract expires in June 2010. This would mean that Ranieri needs to receive Juventus’ approval before he is allowed to join another club. “When we signed that contract [in 2007], I and [Juve director general Jean-Claude] Blanc had a clear talk, face to face,” La Repubblica quoted Ranieri as saying. “He gave me his gentleman’s word that if Juve were not satisfied they would apply a severance clause [in the contract]. He didn’t do so. He didn’t keep his word. Really, I didn’t expect this. I thought certain things didn’t happen at Juve.” As Juve have not replied Ranieri, his lawyer said he “hopes that fair play and the moral commitment taken by the club can prevail in the end.” Ranieri, 57, was fired on Monday in the wake of a dismal 2-2 home draw with Atalanta.
SMC MOTORS PUBLIC COMPANY LIMITED AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES BALANCE SHEETS FOR THE YEARS ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2008 AND 2007
SMC MOTORS PUBLIC COMPANY LIMITED AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES INCOME STATEMENTS FOR THE YEARS ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2008 AND 2007
BAHT
REPORT OF THE INDEPENDENT CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS To The Shareholders and Board of Directors of SMC Motors Public Company Limited I have audited the consolidated balance sheet of SMC Motors Public Company Limited and its subsidiaries as of December 31, 2008, and the related consolidated statements of changes in shareholdersí equity, income and cash flows for the year then ended. I have also audited the financial statements for the same year of SMC Motors Public Company Limited. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Companyís management as to their correctness and completeness of the presentation. My responsibility is to report on these financial statements based on my audit. The financial statements of the Consolidated and the Separate financial statements of SMC Motors Public Company Limited and its subsidiaries for the year ended December 31, 2007, presented herein for comparison, were audited and reported by another auditor, in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards and expressed an unqualified opinion in her report dated February 29, 2008 but has drawn attention to the uncertainty of the successful in the negotiation with holders of the Companyís unsecured debentures which the Company did not redeem on redemption date. Later on March 28, 2008, resolutions of the meeting of holders of the debentures agreed the Company to redeem part of the debentures and pay interest for the period November 29, 2006 to November 28, 2007 on April 11, 2008, and redeem the remaining debentures and pay interest according to the conditions stipulated in the resolutions, thus the uncertainty to be ended as mentioned in the notes to financial statements no. 15. I conducted my audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards. Those standards require that I plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statements presentation. I believe that my audit provides a reasonable basis for my opinion. In my opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of SMC Motors Public Company Limited and its subsidiaries and of SMC Motors Public Company Limited as of December 31, 2008, the results of their operations, and cash flows for the year then ended in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles. Without qualify opinion to the above financial statements, I draw attention to note 1.2 to financial statements that the Company and its subsidiaries have capital deficiency in consolidated and separate financial statements amounting to Baht 2,091.58 million and Baht 2,074.08 million respectively, which recurring operating losses over several years. As of 31 December 2008 there are current liabilities over current assets in consolidated and separate financial statement amounting to Baht 13.55 million and 23.55 million. During quarter 4 of year 2008 the board of directors has a resolution to ceased its operations in distribution and after-sales services of Volvo passenger cars, which is the main operation of the Company. In addition, the Companyís business of motor-cycle distributor and the trading of communication equipment business of a subsidiary have been terminated. Therefore the Company remaining business is the distribution and after-sales services of Mazda passenger car in Chonburi province. However the Company is looking for new businesses to generate profit from operation to cover the deficit. The factors are significant uncertainty may cause continuity of operations of the Company. There for, the going concern of the Company and its subsidiaries are depend on the financing ability and profitability of its operation to cover the deficit. The financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis. The Financial statement do not include any adjustment relating to the recoverability and classification of the recorded assets amounts and classification of liabilities that might be necessary should the Company be unable to continue as going concern.
A.M.T. & ASSOCIATES Bangkok, Thailand March 16, 2009
BAHT
Consolidated financial statements Separate financial statements Note 2008 2007 2008 2007 Current assets Cash and cash equivalents Temporary investments Trade and other accounts receivable - net Amounts due from and loans to susidiary companies - net Inventories - net Other current assets Total current assets
4 5 6 3.1 7 8
13,368,782 377,352 26,660,440 46,035,851 5,963,758 92,406,184
47,712,447 23,129,840 111,693,687 94,756,961 18,465,432 295,758,367
12,675,518 377,352 26,660,440 3,647 45,300,278 5,258,294 90,275,529
46,610,273 23,029,424 111,693,687 12,515 91,140,942 17,260,982 289,747,823
Non-current assets Restricted fixed deposits 9 2,991,700 1,914,400 2,851,100 1,773,800 Investments in subsidiaries - net 3.2 11,999,400 21,999,330 Investment in associated company - net 3.3 112,891,537 144,909,610 144,909,610 144,909,610 Property, plants and equipment - net 10 455,917,773 474,758,131 454,077,685 471,626,567 Refundable deposit 11 20,823,144 44,581,389 20,821,644 44,548,989 Other non-current assets 12 23,444,171 25,750,170 22,634,870 24,547,142 Total non-current assets 616,068,324 691,913,700 657,294,309 709,405,438 TOTAL ASSETS 708,474,508 987,672,067 747,569,838 999,153,261 The accompanying notes to financial statements are an integral part of these statements. LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY Current liabilities Trade accounts payable 30,069,983 141,340,196 30,069,983 141,340,196 Short-term loans and accrued interest - subsidiary companies 3.4 13,304,054 11,868,650 Short-term loans and accrued interest - related companies 3.5 22,482,697 39,894,396 18,482,697 35,894,396 Current portion of long-term loan 14 12,000,000 30,250,000 12,000,000 30,250,000 26,991,679 39,971,912 25,415,019 Other current liabilities 13 41,400,403 Total current liabilities 105,953,083 238,476,271 113,828,646 244,768,261 Non-current liability Rental received in advance and deposits 10 10,692,617 10,692,617 Long-term loans - net of current portion 14 175,640,000 163,390,000 175,640,000 163,390,000 Debentures 15 71,648,000 88,848,000 71,648,000 88,848,000 Total non-current liability 257,980,617 252,238,000 257,980,617 252,238,000 Total liabilities 363,933,700 490,714,271 371,809,263 497,006,261 Shareholders' equity Share capital Registered 500,000,000 ordinary shares of Baht 10 each 5,000,000,000 5,000,000,000 5,000,000,000 5,000,000,000 Issued and fully paid-up 235,556,388 ordinary shares of Baht 10 each 16 2,355,563,880 2,355,563,880 2,355,563,880 2,355,563,880 Paid-in capital Share premium 18,910,600 18,910,600 18,910,600 18,910,600 Revaluation surplus on assets 17 32,167,355 32,167,355 32,167,355 32,167,355 The Company's shares held by its subsidiary (13,722,700) (13,722,700) Retained earnings (Deficit) Appropriated - legal reserve 18 43,200,000 43,200,000 43,200,000 43,200,000 Unappropriated (Deficit) (2,091,578,327) (1,939,161,339) (2,074,081,260) (1,947,694,835) Total shareholders' equity 344,540,808 496,957,796 375,760,575 502,147,000 TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY 708,474,508 987,672,067 747,569,838 999,153,261
(Phannivat Srikrivin) Managing Director
Consolidated financial statements Separate financial statements Note 2008 2007 2008 2007 Revenues Sales and services income Rental income Commission income Interest income Gain on sales of property, plant and equipment Dividend Income 3.3 Reversal of Assets impairment Reveraal of Allowance for doubtful accounts Reversal of impairment of investment in associated company Other income Share of income from investment 3.3 in associated company- equity method Total revenues Expenses Cost of sales and services Selling and administrative expenses Employees termination Allowance for doubtful accounts Allowance for doubtful accounts amounts due from and loans to subsidiaries Loss on unuse assets written off Allowance for diminution in value of inventories Loss on impairment of investments in subsidiary companies 3.2 Loss on impairment of investments in associated companies Loss on exchange rate Share of loss from investment in associated company - equity method 3.3 Total expenses Profit (loss) before interest and financial cost Interest expense Net profit (loss) for the years Attributable to : Equity holders of the parent Minority interest
1,126,770,831 1,658,995,689 1,126,665,194 1,654,180,302 4,319,266 4,261,685 4,319,266 6,061,685 5,803,654 9,034,015 5,803,654 9,034,015 1,038,021 1,597,950 8,181,501 8,521,662 325,448 1,513,021 329,327 1,540,010 7,485,001 44,910,003 173,767 68,767 10,046,812 234,552 5,911,105 34,131,602 4,334,640 7,484,555 4,310,390 7,398,301 91,781,145 1,152,638,672 1,775,076,379 1,163,005,438 1,765,846,347 1,016,109,444 1,503,194,115 1,016,029,226 1,498,314,052 195,667,230 248,510,130 190,848,945 233,825,926 20,289,729 - 20,184,729 1,563,682 1,563,682 715,448 3,572,271 22,550,978
-
6,196,468 3,572,271 19,746,395
8,858,416 -
754,267
12,739,540 -
9,999,930 754,267
9,000,000 -
24,533,073 1,285,040,674 1,764,443,785 1,268,895,912 1,750,713,842 (132,402,002) 10,632,594 (105,890,475) 15,132,505 (20,014,986) (19,829,136) (20,495,950) (20,718,439) (152,416,988) (9,196,542) (126,386,425) (5,585,934) (152,416,988) (152,416,988)
(9,196,542) (126,386,425) (9,196,542) (126,386,425)
(5,585,934) (5,585,934)
(0.04) 235,556,388
(0.02) 235,556,388
Basic earnings per share ¢“¥∑ÿπ ÿ∑∏‘ (µàÕÀÿâπ) ”À√—∫ß«¥ Equity holders of the parent (Baht) Number of weighted average shares (shares)
(0.65) 235,556,388
(0.54) 235,556,388
(Vannivat Srikrivin) Director
ª√–°“» ∫√‘…—∑ ‡ÕÁπ.∑’.‡®. Õ‘¡ªÕ√åµ ®”°—¥
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Thursday, May 21, 2009
THE SPORT 27
DAILY XPRESS
Over 4,000 runners for the Laguna Phuket International Marathon next month By Werapol Temchotikosol DAILY XPRESS
Over 4,000 runners, including 1,500 visitors from 40 countries, have confirmed their participation in the fourth Laguna Phuket International Marathon, which will be held on June 14. The steep increase in entries – from 2,038 runners in 2006’s inaugural marathon to 4,450 this year
– has delighted organisers Go Adventure Asia. Race director Raimund Wellenhofer said he’s convinced the event will attract more and more runners over the coming years. “When we envisioned a marathon in Phuket as early as 2004 we knew that success would not happen overnight. We have worked continuously over the past five years to bring the event
to the world’s attention. We’re excited to see this hard work pay off,” he said. Meanwhile, Pinnaratana Dasanabyaggha, marketing manager of Nike (Thailand), said her organisation would go the full distance to support the race. “Nike is proud and honoured to be the sponsor of Laguna Phuket International Marathon, which is one of the biggest marathons in
Southeast Asia,” she said. A series of events will kick off on Friday, June 12 with a two-day expo featuring sponsor booths and a number of activities including a welcome pasta party at the Laguna Beach Resort. The race day on June 14 will be divided into a 42.195km full marathon, a 21.10km half-marathon, a 10.5km quarter-marathon, a 2km kids run and a 5km walk and
LABEL
LA SLAP DENVER Bryant’s 40 lifts the Lakers over the Nuggets in WC opening match
Detroit take 2-0 lead over Chicago AP, Detroit
T
DPA, Los Angeles
W
hen it mattered most, Kobe Bryant took charge. Bryant scored 18 of his 40 points in the final quarter, and the Los Angeles Lakers rallied past the visiting Denver Nuggets for a 105-103 victory yesterday (Bangkok time) to take the opener of the Western Conference play-off finals. “We were down virtually the whole game,” Bryant said. “We had to dig a little bit deeper to see if we could pull it out. “Once I sensed we didn’t have the energy, I had to take it upon myself to lead by example. It’s just part of my responsibilities to this team.” Bryant’s brilliance is something team-mate Lamar Odom says he never gets tired of seeing. “It’s crazy, but you start to get used to his greatness,” he said. “Kobe is always going to be able to make plays to bail you out. That’s why he’s the best.” Spaniard Pau Gasol had 13 points with 14 rebounds, Derek Fisher scored 13 as well for the Lakers. Carmelo Anthony scored 39 points, Chauncey Billups had 18 while Kenyon Martin finished with 15 for the well-rested Nuggets, who led virtually the entire game, but failed to steal the opener. “They’re a great team, they were great at the end of the game and they have the game’s best closer,” said Denver coach George Karl referring to
run for health. Elsewhere in the athletics world, after a car crash and injury scare, Jamaican sprint star Usain Bolt is all set to lower his 100-metres world record again at the Berlin world championships in August. “Bolt is a fantastic young athlete. The people really appreciate him,” the head of the ruling athletics body IAAF, Lamine Diack, said.
,,
Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant fends off Denver Nuggets’ Chauncey Billups . Bryant. “We didn’t do enough to win the game.” “There are no moral victories in play-off basketball,” he added. “The next 48 hours are going to be difficult.” The emotionally fatigued Lakers fell behind by 13 in the first half, and 89-82, when, at the 7:27 mark, Bryant began to lead the comeback. Gasol’s two free throws knotted the game at 99, and two more by Bryant put the Lakers ahead for good with 30.5 seconds remaining. The next play proved to be biggest of the night. Denver’s Anthony Carter looked to get the ball inbound following a timeout, but Trevor Ariza jumped in front of Billups to intercept the lazy pass at mid-court. The Lakers ran
THEY’RE A GREAT TEAM,THEY WERE GREAT AT THE END OF THE GAME AND THEY HAVE THE GAME’S BEST CLOSER. George Karl, Denver coach
down the clock before Bryant made another pair of free
throws with 10 seconds left, pushing the lead to 103-99. “He threw the ball and gave me just enough air to go get it,” Ariza said. “That’s all it took.” The Nuggets wouldn’t quit, though. Billups buried a threepointer from the left corner with 6.1 seconds to go, making it a one-point game. Bryant answered with two more from the stripe, boosting it to 105-102. Trying to avoid a game-tying three-pointer, the Lakers fouled sharpshooter J R Smith with 3.2 ticks remaining. He made the first toss, but purposely missed the second, hoping his teammates could get a play on the ball. However, Bryant grabbed the rebound in traffic, and threw the ball high in the air as time expired.
he Detroit Red Wings are two wins away from getting back to the NHL finals, and a chance to defend their Stanley Cup title, after a 3-2 win over the Chicago Blackhawks yesterday. Mikael Samuelsson scored 5:14 into overtime and Chris Osgood made 37 saves, helping Detroit to a 2-0 lead in the Western Conference finals series. Red Wings coach Mike Babcock was relieved to win a game in which his team was often outplayed. They played for the fourth time in a week, including two hard-fought games against Anaheim. “I don’t think we had any legs or any pop whatsoever,” Babcock said. “We had good will and good determination, but no legs.” The Blackhawks had nothing to show for their gritty effort and now have the daunting task of beating the defending champion in four of five games if they are to advance. “It’s a brutal loss,” Chicago coach Joel Quenneville said. “We want to beat them one game, the next one, and that’s our concern. We should be excited about being back in the United Center to recapture some excitement.” Game 3 is Friday in Chicago. Detroit are trying to become the first defending champions to get back to the finals since New Jersey in 2001.
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Thursday, May 21, 2009
BANGKOK
THESPORT
DAILY XPRESS
PEDJASHOWN THE DOOR Sporting director Pedja Mijatovic, who made himself an unpopular figure at the Estadio Bernabeu, has been sacked by Real Madrid.
AA
Barcelona’s Argentine star Lionel
Messi has rejected a multimillion-euro offer to move to big-spending English Premiership club Manchester City, a Spanish sports newspaper reported yesterday. Representatives from the English club, owned by the Abu Dhabi United Group, offered to buy out the striker’s contract for ¤150 million and pay him ¤10 million per season over four years, the Marca newspaper said. It said Messi, 21, who has always insisted he wants to stay at Barca, immediately rejected the offer. The paper said Real Madrid’s Spanish striker Raul had also recently rejected a similar offer from Manchester City. Another Spanish sports newspaper, AS, said yesterday that City are also interested in two Atletico Madrid strikers – Argentina’s Sergio Aguero and Uruguay’s Diego Forlan – as well as Valencia’s Spanish international David Villa. City’s takeover by the Abu Dhabi United Group last year left them as one of the world’s wealthiest clubs – a point they proved with the British record ¤36 million capture of Brazil star Robinho in September. Meanwhile, Messi insists that the Champions League final is much more than a personal battle with Cristiano Ronaldo. Barcelona go head-to-head with Manchester United in Rome on May 27, with their respective attacks spearheaded by two of the best players on the planet. The United winger pipped Argentina playmaker Messi to the Fifa World Player of the Year award, but the Barca star insists he is more interested in seeing his team lift the Champions League trophy. He said: “Nobody plays to be the best player in the world. This is a team game. I don’t see it as a tussle between Cristiano and me. It will be a Barca-Manchester battle.”
CITY SEEK A MESSIAH
FOOTBALL
NBA
Shape up or just sit out, Ferdinand told
Bryant clinches it for the Lakers
Man United defender Rio Ferdinand has been told to prove his fitness in Sunday’s league game against Hull or risk missing out on a starting place against Barcelona in next week’s Champions League final in Rome. The centre-back has missed the last three matches since sustaining a calf injury in the >PAGE 25 Champions League semis.
Kobe Bryant scored 40 points to lift the Los Angeles Lakers to a 105-103 victory over Denver in game 1 of the NBA Western Conference finals. Bryant’s tally included six free throws in the last 30 seconds, helping the Lakers to triumph despite having been behind for much of the >PAGE 27 contest.