PY O C E FRE A HEAD-SPINNING VIEW OF CHICAGO PAGE 4
XPRESS
DAILY
Friday, July 3, 2009 VOL 2, NO 369 dailyxpress.net
CATCH A SHOW
GRAB A DRINK
WATCH LOVE ‘GLIDE’ ON TO THE STAGE
EVEN ‘STATUS QUO’ WILL GET YOU TIDDLY PAGE 9
PAGE 8
WEEKEND TRAVEL THE FUN takes you on a tuneful journey to Pattaya
ACTIONS SPEAK LOUDER Two plays, debuting on television tomorrow, have deaf students in stitches, but it’s the one about friendship that wins hands down! >PAGE 3
2 TODAY
Friday, July 3, 2009
THE CITY
Bt15
THE STARTING PRICE of a plate of food offered at the 50 BMA stalls citywide aimed to help low-income earners
A world without Dee’s jokes
Veteran comedian Sapha Srisawas, better known as Dee Dorkmadan, died yesterday from lung complications, after spending three years in a coma following a collapse. He was 58. Wife Saowapha and daughters Wanwanat and Monchaya said they spent their last moments with Sapha before retiring on Wednesday night. Sapha’s nurse reported that his pulse stopped at around 5am. He was taken to hospital and pronounced dead. The Comedians’ Asso-ciation of Thailand will host Sapha’s funeral at Wat Nualjan in Bangkok’s Bang Khen district, with the cremation set for July 12. “From now we will have to battle alone,” said Wanwanat. Sapha was born in Narathiwat and worked as a teacher before he began his career in showbiz, initially as emcee of a folk music band, in 1975. Sapha became famous after joining a quartet of comedians known as Den Der Doo Dee. He later formed his own troupe and became a stand-up comedian. Sapha was voted chairman of the asssociation in 1988 and ran as Democrat candidate for the Bangkok City Assembly in 2006. – DAILY XPRESS
Monchaya Srisawas with a portrait of her late father, comedian Sapha,.
DAILY
XPRESS
DAILY XPRESS
Info highway Panda cub about to see
THE KINGDOM CLICKS FOR LOVE New networking website www.iLoveThailand should give FaceBook a run for its money By Kornchanok Raksaseri, Piyanart Srivalo DAILY XPRESS
I
f you’re a fan of Hi5, MySpace, Multiply or Facebook, you might want to check out a new website where you can personalise your space, have your own network, plus show your love for the country. Tomorrow, Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva is launching the “I Love Thailand” project, which includes the website www.iLoveThailand.org – an online community promoting national unity. PM’s Office Minister Satit Wongnongtaey, in charge of the project, said the “I Love Thailand” project will include
activities and events for people around the country to join. “I Love Thailand” signs will be distributed to those joining the campaign. Foreigners can also join, Satit said. “What can you do to show your love for the country?” is a key question of the project. Answers can be posted on the website in the form of articles, messages, pictures and videos. Prime Minister’s deputy secretary-general Panitan Wattanayagorn, said the government would then pick up the best of the ideas posted and implement them. After signing up for membership, the website’s users get access to a forum, polls, live chat
and instant messenger facilities, allowing them to chat with friends from anywhere in the world. The website also features music videos of songs with patriotic themes, like “Bang Rachan, King of Kings” and “Rak Kan Wai Terd” (“Let’s Love Each Other”). Also worth checking out is a gallery of photographs of Old Thailand, some showing Bangkok when it still had trams. In amongst them are beautiful scenes of modern-day life in the country. Messages so far posted include “Thais need to love each other”, and “Please show kindness to one another”. The love-and-harmony theme also stretches to downloadable games like Magic Academy, Pantheon, 10 Talismans and Chuzzle.
The one-month-old panda at the Chiang Mai Zoo is about to see its world for the first time. “We expect the cub to open its left eye in the next day or two,” panda project chief Prasertsak Boontrakulpoontawee said yesterday. As of yesterday, the cub weighed 1.84 kilograms and measured 36 centimetres long. “She is getting fluffier too,” Prasert said. Three days of celebrations for the panda will start tomorrow and a traditional Lanna blessing ceremony will be held on Sunday.
Monitor lizard keeps name The Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation has abandoned plans to give the water monitor lizard a new Thai name of “Voranuch” or “Voranus”. Earlier this week, director of the department’s wildlife conservation office suggested a replacement should be found for hia (which has many negative connotations). “We don’t plan to change the lizard’s name,” the department’s director general Kasemsan Jinnawaso said yesterday. “We would like to apologise for any confusion”. Kasemsan acknowledged that people named Voranuch and Voranus had contacted the office to complain that they would have to share their name with the reptile. DAILY XPRESS
Editor: Tulsathit Taptim / Managing Editor: Thanong Khanthong / Deputy Managing Editors: Kumar Krishnan, Jintana Panyaarvudh / Design Editor: Leroy A Sylk Web Co-editors: Marisa Chimprabha, Paisal Chuenprasaeng / The City Editor: Chularat Saengpassa / The Fun Editor: Veena Thoopkrajae / Sport Editor: Preechachan Wiriyanupappong / Group Editor in Chief: Suthichai Yoon
>>DAILY XPRESS is edited by Tulsathit Taptim and published by NMG News Co Ltd, at 1854, Bang Na-Trat Road, Bangkok 10260, and printed by FOR DISPLAY ADVERTISING,PLEASE CALL (02) 338 3000 # 1 WPS (Thailand) Co Ltd, Tel (02) 338 3000, Fax (02) 338 3334. EDITORIAL: Tel (02) 338 3333. ON THE WEB: DAILYXPRESS.NET >>DAILY XPRESS is a supplement to subscriber copies of THE NATION with bonus distribution in selected areas of Bangkok and its environs every Monday to 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.
TODAY 3
DAILY XPRESS
Friday, July 3, 2009
BEAUTY beats the flu Thailand’s ‘Miss Leisure’ hopes to lure back tourists as she vies for World crown next month
Silence speaks
loudest
Two plays designed for deaf audiences get a raucous response ahead of their debut on TV
D A I LY X P R E S S
E
ven though I can’t hear, the shows made me feel as if I’d heard every word ever uttered,” signed student Thipwadee Wongsiri with a big smile after performances at Setsatian school for the deaf. On Monday, performers from Thammasat and Srinakharinwirot universities impressed judges as well as the 75-strong hearing-impaired audience. The plays, designed specifically for the deaf, made people laugh and cry. The performers were competing in an event called “Kid Kam Mek”, which will be aired on TV this Saturday on the ModernNine channel. The Thammasat University team won.
‘Listen with your heart’ “Whether you are deaf or not, if you don’t listen with
your heart, you will never understand the other person,” said the winning team’s leader, Vasin Kaewfanapadol. The play put on by Thammasat was based on harmony and friendship – topics that seem to be popular where plays for the deaf are concerned. The plot impressed the audience, not just with its magnificent props, but also the actors’ superb facial expressions and body language. The use of sign language made the plot even clearer.
By Pattarasuda Prajittanond SPECIAL TO D A I LY X P R E S S
Giggles and frantic signing The constant giggling, guffawing and smiling faces as the audience members signed at each other showed just how much they were enjoying themselves. “They gave me happiness,” student Sureerat Keurkamolsuk signed, adding that a great play does not just have to be
communicated through words – body language also breaks down barriers between the deaf and the rest of the world. Judge and teacher at the Setsatien School, Sumalee Sriyakan, said that though her students had watched several shows before, the ones put on
by these two universities were the best. The winning team will hold the “Love Is Hear” concert for the deaf on July 9 at Scala Theatre. Enjoy a viewing of the plays at nationmultimedia.com.
DAILY XPRESS/SUKUL KERDNAIMONGKOL
By Juthamard Komin
Aiming to lure back tourists scared off by the global flu outbreak, Thailand will be sending Kuntida “Lukpla” Tada to set things straight during the Miss Leisure World 2009 contest in China next month. “I’m going to explain that the swine-flu outbreak is well under control in Thailand. I also want to tell tourists that there is no more risk of infection in the Kingdom than anywhere else in the world,” the 25year-old, who holds the Thai Miss Leisure title, said at a press conference in Bangkok’s Pan Pacific Hotel yesterday. Kuntida is joining the contest as one of the beauty queens from 85 countries, including China, Russia, Mexico and the United States, all of which have been adversely affected by the virus. Already fluent in Japanese, English, French and Italian, the Thai beauty is now learning Chinese. The organisers are using the international beauty contest to promote Thai culture and traditions as well as clear up confusion about the swine-flu situation. “Our country has great history and traditions, and people with good hearts. So why not visit Thailand?” Kuntida asked with a smile.
4
GLOBETROT
Friday, July 3, 2009
THE WORLD
DAILY XPRESS
$27m Angelina Jolie’s take-home pay last year, making her the highestpaid actress in the world.
briefly Indian court makes gay sex legal A court in India has made a groundbreaking ruling to decriminalise gay sex in the capital of the deeply conservative society. The Delhi High Court ruling, the first of its kind, applies only in New Delhi. The ruling says that treating consensual gay sex as a crime is a violation of fundamental rights protected by the constitution. Sex between people of the same gender has been illegal in India since British colonial times and can be punishable by up to 10 years in prison. – AP
Python kills girl
Chicago at your feet Visitors to the Sears Tower’s new glass balconies all seem to agree: The first step is the hardest. “It's like walking on ice,” said Margaret Kemp, of California. “That first step you take – ‘am I going down?’” Kemp was among the visitors who got a sneak preview of the balconies on Wednesday. “The Ledge”, as the balconies have been nicknamed, opened to the public yesterday. The balconies jut from the building’s 103rd floor Skydeck, 412 metres above the streets. Visitors are treated to unobstructed views of Chicago from the building’s west side and a heart-stopping vista of the street and Chicago River below – for those brave enough to look straight down. A S S O C I AT E D P R E S S
NO RETURN TO NEVERLAND Ranch viewing of Jackson’s body ruled out as will surfaces, Diana Ross named A F P , LOS ANGELES
T
he family of Michael Jackson ruled out holding a poignant funeral at the star’s Neverland estate on Wednesday as details of the tragic pop icon’s will were made public for the first time. An army of journalists and crowds of fans had flocked to Jackson’s sprawling Neverland Ranch estate on Tuesday after reports the “King of Pop’s” body would be placed on display for a public viewing before a private service on Sunday. However the Jackson family dispelled frenzied speculation that the funeral could see
Neverland evolve into a permanent resting place for the singer similar to Elvis Presley’s Graceland in Memphis. “Contrary to previous news reports, the Jackson family is officially stating that there will be no public or private viewing at Neverland,” a statement released by the family said. Local media reported a public memorial for Jackson may now be held on Tuesday at the Staples Centre or the bigger Los Angeles Coliseum, venue for the 1984 Olympic Games. The confusion over Jackson’s funeral arrangements came as the picture surrounding the
star’s estate appeared to clear with the emergence of a 2002 will filed at Los Angeles Superior Court. In yet another surprising twist, the will names soul legend Diana Ross as back-up guardian to the singer’s children in the event of his mother Katherine’s death. While Katherine was named as carer for her son’s children, the 65-year-old Ross was named as guardian if the singer’s mother died before him. Meanwhile Jackson has shot to the top of the charts in the United States, with Billboard revealing that the singer’s music now occupies nine of the top 10 spots on the Top Pop Catalogue Album chart.
A 3.7-metre pet python killed a two-year-old in her Florida home on Wednesday, police told local media. The albino Burmese python slithered into Shaiunna Hare’s bed and suffocated her to death. The snake belonged to the boyfriend of the girl’s mother, Jaren Hare, 23. The boyfriend, Charles Jason Darnell, 32, told police he had put the snake in a bag inside a glass aquarium on Tuesday night, but saw that it had escaped when he woke up the next morning. – DPA
Air hostesses strip for flight safety New Zealand’s national airline has come up with an imaginative way of getting passengers to pay attention to the preflight safety video – showing cabin crew in the nude. The Air New Zealand video for domestic flights features staff covered in body paint mimicking their uniforms, their modesty concealed by careful camera angles and strategically placed seat belts and other equipment. – AFP
6 ENTERTAINMENT
Friday, July 3, 2009
THE FUN.
DAILY XPRESS
TRAVEL & ENTERTAINMENT
M U S I C AWA R D S
good deal
POP GOES PATTAYA A local music TV channel is ready to hand out its first trophies, with the help of South Korean stars By Kitchana Lersakvanitchakul
Live like a VIP Until the end of this month,
stay at the Radisson Hotel Bangkok on Rama IX for two consecutive nights and you’ll enjoy a special rate of Bt3,599. That includes round-trip airport transfer, buffet breakfast, laundry, hors d’oeuvres and cocktails at the Sky Lounge from 5 to 8pm, access to pool, fitness and Jacuzzi and private check in. Visit www. Radisson.com/Bangkokth.
Dusit daze Stay at the Dusit Thani Bangkok on Rama IV and with the Thai Residents Package. Until August 31, residents and citizens of Thailand get a room rate of Bt2,499 per night plus daily buffet breakfast for two, wireless Internet and access to the fitness centre. Reservations are required. Visit
D A I LY X P R E S S
A
ccording to a survey conducted by AGB Nielsen Media Research Music, the Thai channel known simply as Pop is the most watched on local cable TV among viewers between the ages of 15 to 24. Now, after three years on the air, Pop is holding its first music awards tomorrow in a glittering ceremony in Pattaya. “Music awards are all about popularity,” says Kulpong “Byrd” Bunnag, managing director of Live TV. “I think a music channel should offer viewers more than just music. It should include lifestyle clips and features on the Internet, fashion and games.” The Pop Music Awards 2009 are divided into 11 categories with prizes for top hit, download, idol, international artist, male and female singer, indy artist, newcomer, performance, rock artist and pop group.
www.Dusit.com.
Bevy of stars
Celebrating The Pullman Bangkok King Power Hotel celebrates King Power’s 20th anniversary with a promotional rate of Bt3,000 net. The deal covers one night in a superior room, breakfast for two and a Bt1,000 voucher to spend at King Power Downtown Duty Free. The offer is valid until July 31 for bookings through September 30. Visit www. PullmanBangkokKingPower. com.
The ceremony, themed “No Music No Life”, is expected to be attended by Thai and South Korean artists including AJ, Nam Hyun Joon and 2PM. The channel has budgeted Bt20 million for the event. “The viewers are helping us to decide who will be the most popular,” says the managing director, one of the pop duo Byrd and Heart. “I was genuinely surprised to receive so many calls on the first day of Pop’s broadcast. “Unlike in foreign countries, we have no channels that focus on a specific sport, on cooking
,, THE VIEWERS ARE HELPING US TO DECIDE WHO WILL BE THE MOST POPULAR.
The South Korean boy band 2PM, featuring Thai singer Nichkhun, will be at the Pop Music Awards.
Kulpong ‘Byrd’ Bunnag or even just on weddings. When I visited England, I discovered one cable channel that was dedicated to gardening. I think our segmentation is more like magazine coverage. “I would like our Pop Awards to continue and eventually reach their 10th anniversary in 2019. Maybe they’ll become like the Oscar Awards,” he says.
XTRA W I N N I N G WAYS >> The Pop Music Awards take place at Bali Hai Cape in Pattaya tomorrow from 3 to midnight. >> For a list of the nominees, go to www.LiveTV.co.th.
Nam Hyun Joon, left, and AJ, below, will be there too.
Friday, July 3, 2009
ENTERTAINMENT 7
DAILY XPRESS
“THE MADONNA NUDES” are on show until July 19 at the Seven Dials gallery in London. The photos were taken in 1979 before the pop star became famous. She was paid US$30. Photographer Martin Schreiber later sold the snaps to Playboy.
KARL MALDEN, OSCAR-WINNING ACTOR IN “ON THE WATERFRONT”, ON HIS CAREER. HE DIED ON WEDNESDAY IN LOS ANGELES. HE WAS 97.
“I’m a workaholic. I love every movie I’ve been in, even the bad ones, every TV series, every play, because I love to work. It’s what keeps me going.”
A different
haunting
briefly It’s French film month
DAILY XPRESS/SUPAKIT KUMGUN
Five French films will be showing in Bangkok cinemas this month. The actionpacked “Largo Winch” opened last week at SFW CentralWorld and “Public Enemy No 1 Part 1” started playing yesterday at the Apex cinemas. The new adventure of Leito and Damien in a Parisian ghetto, “Banlieu 13: Ultimatum”, hits screens next Thursday, Francois Ozon’s comedy “Ricky” begins on July 23 at House and the sequel “Public Enemy No 1 Part 2” starts on July 30 at Apex. Teeranai na Nongkai stars in “Mae Nak the Musical”, which director Daraka Wongsiri promises will show a side of the ghost wife from Phra Khanong that’s never seen on stage or in the many filmed versions of this tale. Her co-stars in the Dreambox production include Maneenuch Samerasut, Narinthorn na Bangchang, OrawanYenpoonsuk and Rudklao Amaratisha. The three-hour musical, with more than 50 songs, opens tonight at MTheatre and runs until July 19. The First weekend is already sold out. Visit www.Dreambox.co.th or www.TotalReservation.com.
DJ SHOW
Duguid does good The hot mixer behind ‘Hypocrisy’ rolls out the rhythm at 808 on RCA tomorrow night D A I LY X P R E S S
T
he wait is over. The sensation starts tomorrow night with renowned trance DJ Andy Duguid manning the deck at 808. Being one of the most talented and aspiring DJs on the scene, Duguid is closely associated with mega-superstar DJ Tiesto as his touring spinner and is soaring on his own right. Duguid started spinning and experimenting at age 13, but his career took off in 2006 when his “Hypocrisy” was picked up by the mighty Tiesto. Black Hole signed up Duguid and “Hypocrisy” landed in fifth spot on the Dutch dance charts and made him famous. The follow-up “Don’t Belong” was snatched for Tiesto’s “In Search of Sunrise”,
but it didn’t take long for Black Hole to put it out as an official release. Duguid soon became a frequently requested remixer for prolific artists like Johan Gielen and Mr Sam. His debut album “Believe” has 11 high-quality tracks on which he collaborates with acclaimed producers and vocalists such as Mr Sam, Julie Thompson and Dutch singer and songwriter I-Fan. Alongside his productions, DJing is taking Duguid to every corner of the world, from supporting Tiesto during the “In Search of Sunrise” tour last September to Ukraine, Amsterdam, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Britain, South Korea, Indonesia and South America. “Believe” came out on Black
The real deal Be among the first to hear British rock trio Placebo’s new album “Battle for the Sun” tonight at 8 at Bangkok Rock on Sukhumvit Soi 19. You can also watch the music videos and buy their gear – or maybe get a free boxed set or an autographed album. DJs Montonn Jira and Simon Subsonic will keep the party rolling late.
Largo Winch
2PM teams up with rising local star Tu Poptorn for a free concert at Siam Paragon’s Parc Paragon on Monday at 6.30pm. The seven-member 2PM will perform pan-Asian hits including the catchy “Again and Again”.
Fast cinema XTRA
The free-admission Tropfest Short Film Festival on July 12 at the Scala on Siam Square Soi 1. Thank the Australian embassy for bringing in 13 movies ranging from comedy to drama. There’s a prize drawing and other stuff going on from 6.30 and the show’s at 7.30. The flicks have Thai subtitles. See the details at www.Tropfest.com.
2PM at 6.30pm A N DY, A N DY, A N DY >> DJ Andy Duguid performs at 808 tomorrow night. >>The first 200 inside get his promo CD. >> The club is on RCA. Call (02) 203 1043 or view www.808Bangkok.com.
Hole Records, and the first single “To the Floor” hit the streets in November.
South Korean pop sensation Placebo
View the illusion The Silom Galleria Art Space has oil paintings by Tanarit Tipwaree and Navin Biedklang until July 31. The exhibition “Maya” takes its inspiration from the way truth is altered. The gallery is on the first floor of the Silom Galleria on Silom Soi 19. Preview the paintings at www.SilomArt.com.
8
ENTERTAINMENT
Friday, July 3, 2009
DAILY XPRESS
T H E AT R E P R E V I E W
Love ‘Glides’ on
The double suicide 20 years ago didn’t happen. That young couple survives in the imagination
,, I WANT THE AUDIENCE TO BE ENGAGED WITH THE PLAY AT ALL TIMES WITHOUT SCENE CHANGES INTERRUPTING. By Pawit Mahasarinand SPECIAL TO D A I LY X P R E S S
I
n the midst of the “Mae Nak” rivalry, let’s not forget another original Thai play – “Ron” (“Glide”) by a young writer-director and long-time member of Naked Masks Theatre Group. “I began where my first play ‘Plew’ ended,” says Jaturachai Srichanwanpen, “where the two young lovers ended their lives by jumping off the Rama I Bridge. “What if they hadn’t committed suicide, but instead the man yielded to his parents’ requests and took over the fami-
ly business and married the woman his mother had picked out, while the woman on the bridge left for the US?” “Ron” picks up the story 20 years on. The former lovers, now in their 40s, have never been in touch. Yet the man returns home suspiciously late almost every night. In the US, the woman has had no other romances and is staying with a woman friend of the man. “I’m sure you didn’t have to see ‘Plew’ four years ago in order to enjoy ‘Ron’,” says Jaturachai. “I’d finished half the play before casting and starting
rehearsals, and then kept adjusting the dialogue so it fit both the characters and the actors.” The cast comprises five Naked Masks members and two young actors who recently took a workshop with the troupe. The one-hour, one-act play is entirely set in the living room of the man’s house. “I want the audience to be engaged with the play at all times without scene changes interrupting,” Jaturachai says, “and this fits our small playhouse much better.” His main message in his fourth play is simple and as
timely as ever: “Smile, and the whole world will smile with you. “Yes, you can call me an optimistic person!”
Jaturachai Srichanwanpen Director - Writer
XTRA DONNING MASKS >> “Ron” is at the Naked Masks Playhouse in Phyathai Plaza, near the Phyathai Skytrain station, today through Sunday, daily at 7.30 with 2pm matinees on the weekend. >> Tickets are Bt200 and Bt150 for students from (083) 277 5356.
Friday, July 3, 2009
AFTER DARK
DAILY XPRESS
9
clubscene Tuesday and Wednesday are Buddhist holidays and alcohol cannot be sold. Most clubs will be closed.
Neon Nights Tonight Dream Hotel Sukhumvit 15 (BTS: Asoke) (02) 254 8500; www.DreamBkk.com
Join Leon Neon and friends for the second series of the illuminating party with music from DJs Tech 12, Verse@ille, Simon Mackay, Tony Hughes and live saxophone. Entry is free all night.
Don’t Stop the Beats
No 2 and still
intoxicated Sarawut Permnan is Asean’s second-best bartender By Manta Klangboonkrong D A I LY X P R E S S
T
he fifth Asean Bartenders Championship took place on June 19 in Manila, under the auspices of the Hotel and Restaurant Association of the Philippines and the Department of Tourism. First prize, US$700, went to Anthony Richard Viola of the Philippines for his drink mix “Bunny’s Bite”. Thailand’s Sarawut Permnan took the US$400 second prize with “Status Quo”, and the third prize of US$250 was claimed by Singapore’s Alex Tang Say Leng for “Heart of the Ocean”. Though $400 isn’t a massive prize considering his hard work and struggling, Sarawut is expecting a salary raise on the job at Siam@Siam Hotel. “The prize sure takes my career up another notch,” says the 23-year-old. “I’m not famous yet, but at least I’m getting better pay!” Kanchanaburi-born and bred, Sarawut started bartending at the Felix River Kwai Hotel in his hometown, where he learned the basic arts of
mixology as well as the acrobatic moves. “I watched a lot of CDs and learned from my mistakes. I’ve been practising the bottles for four years now, while most bartenders in this competition only had two or three years’ experience.”
Sarawut had just three months to prepare for the contest. His “Status Quo” is a sweet and tangy fusion of Smirnoff vodka, Limoncello liqueur, strawberry, fresh orange and lime squash. “Manila was definitely an eye-opener. I know more now
and I’ve seen what tricks bartenders in Asia have up their sleeves. Hopefully this will help with the next competition.” Sarawut is competing in Finlandia’s showdown on Monday. The Thai winner will join the world finals in Finland. Good luck, and cheers!
Tomorrow Glow Sukhumvit Soi 23 (BTS: Asoke), (02) 261 4446; www.GlowBkk.com
Another 611 official bash with live house and minimal techno sets from Bangkok’s favourite DJs, Knatz and Magic Muffin. Entry with a drink is Bt300. Sign up for the VIP list and get an extra free drink at www.611bkk.com.
America’s Independence Day Tomorrow Club Culture Sri Ayutthaya Road (BTS: Phya Thai) (02) 642 5499; www.Club-Culture-Bkk.com Dress code; ID
Both natives of San Francisco, house DJs MFR and Morrisson are raising the roof to celebrate Independence Day. Entry is Bt500 with two drinks – discount for USA citizens.
DJ Pierre Thursday Bed Supperclub Sukhumvit Soi 11 (BTS: Nana), (02) 651 3537; www.BedSupperclub.com Dress code; ID Hailing from the home of house, Chicago, DJ Pierre makes his first stop in Bangkok. The acid-house mix master holds a summer residency in Ibiza and a spot on Ministry of Sound’s Acid World Tour. Entry is Bt800 inclusive of a drink and a jello shot.
10
ALTERNATIVE / SOHO
so-ho-t
Friday, July 3, 2009
DAILY XPRESS
Drag queens wave from a float in New York’s Gay Pride
Parade last month, evoking the 40th anniversary of the Stonewall riots, a defining moment for the gay-rights movement.
Gender and sexuality The Consortium is calling for applications for its eighth Leadership Course. This 16-day course aims to provide participants with context-specific and gendersensitive knowledge on sexuality and health in Southeast Asia and China. Go to www.SEAConsortium. net for more information.
Viva la Diva
The 9 Night club on Silom Soi 4 will hold its 2009 Diva Model Contest on July 31. Applications are welcome from both TGs and non-TGs. More information at www. 9NightClub.com/events/.
The view from inside the fish tank Forty years after New York cops cracked gay skulls for no good reason, prejudice hasn’t let up By Paisarn Likhitpreechakul SPECIAL TO D A I LY X P R E S S
T
he first time I went scuba diving I managed to get my thumb bitten by a “cute” puffer fish. I saw this dark green goo coming from the bite mark and marvelled at what the creature had left me. Only when I came out of the water did I recognise the oozing “dark green” stuff to be my own blood, which hadn’t appeared red in the filtered light of deep water. In his remarks commemorating the 40th anniversary of the Stonewall riots last week, US President Barack Obama astutely captured the reason why the even turned out to be a pivotal point for the US gay-rights movement. “It was at this defining moment that these folks who had been marginalised rose up to challenge not just how the world saw them, but also how they saw themselves.” That pretty much explains why the LGBT-rights movement in Thailand has made little headway over the years, al-
though, like our Western brothers and sisters, we have to endure similar equality-shunning, indifferent governments, social oppression and bigots who twist interpretations of religious teachings to justify their bigotry. I used to think the lack of overt discrimination in the form of hate crime and state persecution explains the general apathy. Now I realise that the fight to change how the world sees
AFP
In an historic judgement, the Delhi High Court on Thursday decriminalised homosexuality by rejecting Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code, which it said is a violation of fundamental rights, in as far as it criminalises gay sex among consenting adults. Britain and its former colonies of Australia, Fiji, Hong Kong and New Zealand have struck down similar laws while Malaysia, Singapore, Bangladesh, Pakistan and Sri Lanka, among others, continue to criminalise gay sex. Indian LGBT activists last weekend held their second gay-pride celebrations, anticipating the decision.
AP
Salaam India
Participants in last month’s New York City Gay Pride March promote gay marriage and mark the 40th anniversary of the Stonewall riots that erupted after a police raid on a Manhattan gay bar.
us must start from how we see ourselves. And I think one factor plays much more powerfully against LGBT rights in most of Asia than in the West: family expectations and pressure. No matter how liberated gay and lesbian Thais may seem when they hang out, and no matter how much they hate the prejudices working against them, very few would think of countering their families’ expectations. Living a double life is a
much easier way out. It is this ever-present body of water that constantly suffocates us and distorts how we see ourselves. Sometimes we even laugh at the injuries inflicted upon us. When you’re made to believe you’re a fish, you can’t even imagine that the full spectrum of light and lungs full of air are things that exist outside your fish tank. Share idea on gay issue via e-mail : asiantrekkor@yahoo.com
Friday, July 3, 2009
THE SCREEN 11
DAILY XPRESS
“TRANSFORMERS: REVENGE OF THE FALLEN” was the No 1 movie in North America last weekend, earning US$200.1 million. It places second behind “The Dark Knight” for biggest five-day opening ever.
TO SEE
don’t miss!
lao i “Mum Wongkam orial effort, comedian Petcs, hpta laying the
p opera st direct For his late gkamlao parodies soa lthy family. Akamsiri n ea o Jokmok” W ically dysfunctional w English subtitles in h m it co W a . stars head of ansuk also w u S ” n ja “Jakkra
Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosa urs The talking preh istoric m
they contend w ith
e cinemas.
mas. some cine
Public Enemy No 1 Part 1
Thai subtitles at the Siam and House. ★★★★
Vincent Cassel stars in this epic biographical drama about French gangster Jacques Mesrine, covering his rise to power. In French with English
Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen
and Thai subtitles at the Lido.
Largo Winch The brash hero from a long-running Belgian comic comes to the big screen. Tomer Sisley stars. With English and Thai subtitles at SFW CentralWorld. ★★★
(02) 247 9940
House (02) 641 5177-8
Major Cineplex/EGV Bangkok: (02) 515 5555
Major Hollywood Bangkok: (02) 718 7999
Paragon Cineplex Bangkok: (02) 129 4635 IMAX: (02) 129 4631
SF cinemas Bangkok: (02) 268 8888
UMG RCA: (02) 641 5913-14
A man gets an awkward second chance to experience his teenage years. Zac Efron stars. ★★★
some cinemas. ★★★
CentralWorld. ★★
Century – The Movie Plaza
Pixar’s latest animation has an elderly man and a little boy embarking on an adventure in a flying, helium-balloon-equipped house. In digital 3-D in some
Fireflies in the Garden
Japanese with English and
Lido: (02) 252 6498 Siam: (02) 251 3508 Scala: (02) 251 2861
17 Again
cinemas. ★★★★
An unemployed musician finds a new calling in a taboo profession as an “encoffineer”. In
Apex
Up
Young Sam Witwicky (Shia LaBeouf) again finds himself at the centre of a war between giant alien robots and lots of things that explode. Megan Fox also stars. Also at IMAX. ★★
A family gathers after a fatal car accident, stirring painful childhood memories for the son of a domineering father. Ryan Reynolds stars. At SFW
Departures
ammals addr giant reptiles. In ess family issues as 3-D in som
Anuban Dek Khong The overgrown leader of a kindergarten gang is overcome with a crush on a high-school girl. With English subtitles at
Roommate In this musical romantic drama, flatmates form a rock band, but their friendship is tested when a new singer is brought in. No subtitles.
Home A sobering perspective of our planet. At the Lido. ★★★★
New York Back for a second weekend in Bangkok after a big worldwide opening in which it earned 350 million rupees (Bt249 million) is this drama about three friends (John Abraham, Nitin Mukesh and Katrina Kaif) living in the Big Apple in 2001. In Hindi with English subtitles at 8 tomorrow and at 5 on Sunday at SFW CentralWorld. Visit www.BollywoodThai.com or call (02) 225 7500 or (089) 488 2620.
Gomorra This gritty drama intertwines five stories about lives touched by organised crime in Naples. In Italian with English and Thai subtitles at House. ★★★★★
on tv
Let the Right One In A boy befriends a girl vampire. In Swedish with English and Thai subtitles at House. ★★★★
Nang Mai (Nymph) Director Pen-ek Ratanaruang follows a young married couple into the jungle, where a mysterious tree makes their troubled relationship even more dire. Wanida “Gybzy” Termthanaporn stars. With English subtitles at some cinemas. “Cannes Version” at SFW CentralWorld and Paragon Cineplex, “Director’s Cut” elsewhere. ★★★★
The Door in the Floor An adaptation of John Irving’s novel “A Widow for One Year”, the film chronicles one pivotal summer in the lives of author Ted Cole (Jeff Bridges) and his wife Marion (Kim Basinger). True Movie Hits (TrueVisions), 11.40pm
Channel links www.NationChannel.com Channel 3 – www.ThaiTV3.com Channel 5 – www.TV5.co.th Channel 7 – www.CH7.com Modernine – www.MCOT.net NBT – TV11.prd.go.th 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, July 3, 2009 DAILY XPRESS
Friday, July 3, 2009
LEISURE
DAILY XPRESS
Games&YourStars SUDOKU
The last word in
ASTROLOGY
By Eugenia Last
Today’s Birthday: Deal with many issues this year pertaining to your health and emotional wellbeing. It’s time to stop letting others take advantage of your kind nature. Don’t neglect your own needs or those of your loved ones. A strong sense of responsibility will guide you in the right direction. Payback is just ahead.
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 Be careful where you put your money or prized possessions. Someone may be eyeing something you have of value or may even want to take advantage of your generosity. Good fortune is heading your way. TAURUS *** April 20-May 20 Make changes before someone makes them for you. Stay on top by acting swiftly. Don’t take what’s said as the whole truth. Go to the source and find out what’s fact and what’s fiction. GEMINI *** May 21-June 20 As soon as you bring someone else on board, you will have to deal with opposition. Use your ideas and put your communication skills to the test. You will come out on top by offering solutions.
DIFFICULTY RATING ★★★★★
CANCER ***** June 21-July 22 Love is in your corner and, if you get involved in activities you enjoy, your effervescent personality will shine through. Children will make you see something you may not have noticed. LEO ** July 23-Aug. 22 Take a deep breath and refrain from saying something you might regret. Good times are just around the corner if you can avoid controversy and trouble in the interim.
CELEBRITIES BORN ON THIS DAY
VIRGO ** Aug. 23-Sept. 22 Put your heart in the right place and help someone who needs you. Emotional issues may be brought to the surface regarding a situation you face with a friend, neighbour or relative. LIBRA **** Sept. 23-Oct. 22 You can do no wrong if you follow through with your plans. Your ideas are stupendous and your knowledge and experience will serve you well. Reward those who help you achieve your goals. SCORPIO *** Oct. 23-Nov. 21 Don’t trust anyone. Problems with a partnership will flare up, causing you to rethink your next move. Making a sudden and unexpected change will enable you to confuse anyone causing you trouble. SAGITTARIUS *** Nov. 22-Dec. 21 You’ll be flighty and excitable, causing some problems for the people around you who want peace and quiet. A private affair may be in jeopardy if you are too talkative. Be discreet.
Tom Cruise
Movie director Ken Russell is 82. Singer Fontella Bass is 69. Actor Kurtwood Smith is 66. Writer Dave Barry is 62. Talk show host Montel Williams is 53. Actor Tom Cruise is 47. Actor Thomas Gibson is 47. Actress Hunter Tylo is 47. Actress Connie Nielsen is 45. Keyboardist-guitarist Kevin Hearn is 40. Singer Tonia Tash of Divine is 30.
CAPRICORN *** Dec. 22-Jan. 19 Keep an eye on what everyone else is doing before you offer your assistance. You don’t want to be the only one taking responsibility. Put your money and time into upgrading your skills. AQUARIUS **** Jan. 20-Feb. 18 Make things happen by taking action. There is a chance that someone will be interested in one of your ideas but if you don’t start talking about your plans, no one will be aware that you need help. PISCES ** Feb. 19-March 20 Someone may question you about your plans or the way you feel about your personal life. Don’t give away too much information. This is a waitand-watch situation that requires patience.
13
A US $29.2 billion corporation, the Aditya Birla Group is in the League of Fortune 500. It is anchored by an extraordinary force of 130,000 employees, belonging to 30 different nationalities. In India, the Group has been adjudged “The Best Employer in India and among the top 20 in Asia” by the Hewitt-Economic Times and Wall Street Journal Study 2007. Over 60 per cent of its revenues flow from its overseas operations. The Group operates in 25 countries - India, UK, Germany, Hungary, Brazil, Italy, France, Luxembourg, Switzerland, Australia, USA, Canada, Egypt, China, Thailand, Laos, Indonesia, Philippines, Dubai, Singapore, Myanmar, Bangladesh, Vietnam, Malaysia and Korea. Globally the Aditya Birla Group is: Thai Rayon Public Company Limited, a flagship company of Aditya Birla Group, Awarded Best Employer in Thailand in 2005 by Hewitt Associates, is a leading manufacturer & exporter of viscose staple fibre with annual turnover of baht 9 million & listed on the stock exchange of Thailand. The company exports 60% of its production to almost 20 countries. The company is looking for qualified candidates for following positions based at factory:
1. Manager - Electrical • Age 35-45 years, Male. • B.E. (Electrical) 12-15 years experience in Process Industry. • Should have handled High voltage 69kv/115kv supply with transformer, switch gear etc. • Should be able to deal with government bodies like PEA, EGAT etc.
2. Manager - Maintenance • Age 35-45 years, Male. • B.E. (Mechanical) with 15 years experience in Maintenance function in large process manufacturing industry.
3. Manager - Production • Age 35-45 years, Male. • B.E. (Chemical Engineer) with 15-20 years experience in Process / Manufacturing Industry.
5. Superintendent - Accounts • Male or Female. • Certified Public Accountant or Graduate from reputed University in the field of Finance or Accounting. • Minimum 5-7 years experience in preparation of financial statements in large manufacturing & preferable multi-national organization listed on SET. • Know and should have experience of Thai accounting standards as well as IAS, corporate and personal tax, costing systems and other regulatory compliance.
6. Plant Manager • Age 35-45 years, Male, B.E. Mechanical / Electrical / Production with 15-25 years experience in heading a small / medium scale industry (Manufacturing / Process / Chemical plant.
4. Manager - Accounts • Age 35-45 years, Male or Female. • Bachelor degree or Higher in Accounting or Finance, CPA/experience in Account function in a manufacturing Industry for 15-20 years. • Should be conversant with Thai Tax level.
* All positions requires Good Command of Spoken & Written English and candidates should possess excellent managerial skills and are for Thai National only. ** Position 1-5 - based in Angthong and Position 6 - based in Saraburi
Interested candidates may send their resume stating present & expected salary along with recent photograph to the address below : Human Resources Department
Thai Rayon Public Company Limited
888/160-1 Mahatun Plaza Building, 16th Floor Ploenchit Rd., Lumpini, Pathumwan, Bangkok 10330 Tel. 662 2536745-54 www.thairayon.com e-mail banthoeng.c@adityabirla.com, ruchikarn.k@adityabirla.com
SUMMIT AUTO BODY INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
SAB is BOI-promoted and involved in automobile parts and mold manufacturing. Due to an increasing demand of our products, we are looking for high caliber and qualified people to fill the following positions:
HR & ADMIN. DIRECTOR Responsibilities ● Report to Managing Director. ● Oversee the HRM/HRD functions of the Group (comprising of 6 Companies) in Samutprakarn, Chonburi, Rayong and Ayuthaya. ● Manage and develop tools to improve the organization's operation. ● Oversee HR operation to insure efficiency, quality, service within cost-effective management of resources. ● Responsible for administrative and IT Department ● Monitor, follow-up and assess the HR operation in accordance with the plan. ● Logical thinking, hands-on approach, able to lead the HR management team of the Group. Qualifications ● Male/Female, age over 40 years old. ● Bachelor’s Degree or Master’s Degree in HRM, Political Science, Laws or related field. ● Experience working in medium or large industry or automobile industry will be an advantage. ● At least 8 years experience in HR & ADMIN. function. ● Good managerial skills, strong leadership, strategic thinking, planning and problem solving skills. ● Good command of both written and spoken English.
CFO Responsibilities ● Reporting to Vice President. ● Monitoring finance, cost accounts and taxes for group of companies. ● Responsible for capital sourcing and budgeting. ● Co-arranging business plan. ● Consolidating budget for all the group. Qualifications ● Male / Female ,age over 35 years old. ● Bachelor's or Master's degree in Accounting or Finance. ● CPA, CIA, Tax Auditor, preferable. ● Experience in account system management of large production or automobile industry. ● Awareness of SAP or Oracle system. ● Be teamplayer with leadership and good interpersonal skill.
MARKETING MANAGER ● ●
●
●
Male or Female, age over 35 years old. Bachelor’s Degree or Master’s Degree in Industrial, Mechanical Engineering, Marketing, Business Administration or related field. At least 8 years experience in sales & marketing or engineering in automobile or parts industry will be an advantage. Good command of both written and spoken English or Japanese.
Interested applicants are welcome to apply in person or submit a resume with full details of qualifications and experience by mail or e-mail to: Human Resources Department
Summit Auto Body Industry Co., Ltd. 32-33 Moo 17, Bangna-Trad Road, Bangpleeyai, Bangplee, Samutprakarn 10540 Tel: 0-2338-6000 ext. 1804, 1807 www.summitautogroup.com E-mail: suphannee.sab@summitautogroup.com
Big C Supercenter PCL, Thailand's leading hypermarket, is looking for highly motivated men and women to join our professional team of more than 14,000 employees working in our Headquarters Office in Bangkok and in Big C stores throughout Thailand.
Come to join the Big C Management Team in any of the following open positions:
1. Store General Manager ✔ ✔ ✔
Bachelor’s degree or higher in Business Administration or related fields At least 8 years experience in retail business with 3 years as a store manager in large hypermarket store, proven track record of successes required Good command of both spoken and written English
2. Assistant General Manager/Division Manager/Department Manager 2.1 Fresh Food Division 2.2 Dry Food Division 2.3 General Merchandise Division ✔ Bachelor’s degree in any field ✔ At least 5 years experience in retail business ✔ Good knowledge of each product category 2.4 Customer Service Division/Department ✔ Bachelor’s degree in any field ✔ At least 3 years experience in retail business in the area of customer service, cashier and invoice & claim 2.5 Replenishment Division/Department ✔ Bachelor’s degree in any field ✔ At least 3 years experience in retail business in the area of inventory control and goods receiving 2.6 Maintenance Division/Department ✔ Bachelor’s degree in Electrical or Mechanical Engineering ✔ At least 3 years experience in retail business in the area of all maintenance services such as water, electrical, air-conditioning and telephone systems 2.7 Plaza Division/Department ✔ Bachelor’s degree in any field ✔ At least 3 years experience in retail business in the area of rental space and tenancy services Qualifications for all positions ➢ Strong leadership with very good people skills ➢ Open minded, strong negotiation and communication skills ➢ Good interpersonal skills, flexibility and financially competent ➢ Able to relocate and work on shift schedule ➢ Good command of both spoken and written English would be an advantage ➢ Computer literacy As a member of the Big C team, you will enjoy participating in a competitive package of salary, annual bonus, incentive bonus (in some jobs), and a benefits package which will provide financial security to both you and your family - now and in the future. Interested applicants are invited to apply in person or send their application with full resume indicating qualifications and experience, transcript, current & expected salary and recent photo to:
Human Resources Division (Recruitment Dept.) Big C Supercenter Public Co., Ltd. 6th Floor, 97/11 Rajdamri Road, Lumpini, Pathumwan, Bangkok 10330 E-mail: recruit@bigc.co.th Website: www.bigc.co.th
Forbest Properties Co., Ltd.
Tel. 02-287-4568-70, 677-5550 / www.fbprop.com nd
BROKER ¡“™‘° ¡“§¡π“¬Àπâ“
Expert in 2 hand houses in the city. Property investment consulting service. Ploenchit Rd.
Sukhumvit 39 Rd.
Condo 96.22 sq.m., 2 brs., 2 bths., 1 kitchen, furniture near BTS Ploenchit, Central Chidlom
Condo 160 sq.m. 3 brs., 2 bths.
Sell@15.9 MB.
(50,000 Baht/sq.m.) No.28938-029
Rent@80,000 Bt/mth. No.28937, 28936-025
Chan Rd.
Sell@8 MB.
Sukhumvit 15 Rd.
Extra Cheap!
Jaroennakorn 39-41 Riverside condo 140 sq.m. 3 brs., 3 bths., new condition 15th Fl. and higher near BTS, Chaopraya River
Sell@11 MB.
No.28982-031
Condo 163 sq.m. Yen Akart Rd. Condo 42 sq.m., 1 br., 1 bth. 3 brs., 3 bths., convenient Condo 73 sq.m., 2 brs., 2 bths. full furniture, near BTS, MRT transport, near BTS 3 a/c, near MRT Sell@2.2 MB. Chongnonsee, Central, Lotus Sell@5.95 MB. (52,381 Baht/sq.m.) No.28912-029 Sell@10.5 MB. No.28950-041 (81,500 Baht/sq.m.) No.28965-029
Sukhumvit 49 Rd.
Sukhumvit 63, Ekamai
Condo 104 sq.m., 3 brs., 2 bths. furniture, near shopping mall Samitivej & Bangkok hospitals
Condo 116 sq.m. 2 brs., 2 bths., furniture full facilities
Rent@60,000-70,000 Bt/mth. No.28934-025
Sukhumvit 26 Rd.
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Jaroennakorn 13 Condo 76 sq.m. 2 brs., 2 bths., nice view near BTS Taksin
Sell@8.9 MB.
No.28963-025
Jaroenrat 8 Rd. Condo, studio room near BTS
Rent@20,000-25,000No.28149-031 Bt/mth. Ladprao 132 Rd.
Condo 30 sq.m. x 39 units Condo 310 sq.m., 3 brs., 3 bths. 50 m. from main road 1 maid room, 1 kitchen convenient transport fully furnished, convenient, estimated 845,000 Baht/unit near CBD, BTS, mall Rent@45,000 Baht/month Consign. sell@14.5 MB. No.28932-025
Sukhumvit 55 Rd.
Ratchadapisek Rd.
Condo 170 sq.m. 2 brs., 2 bths., full furniture near BTS Thonglor
Condo 142 sq.m., 2 brs. full furniture, near MRT Rama IX, Esplanade, Fortune
Rent@100,000 Bt/mth. No.28955-023/025
South Sathorn Rd. Condo 40 sq.m., studio 1 bth., fully furnished, new
(or 350,000 Baht/unit) No.28986-001/099
Krungthonburi Rd. 4.5-storey comm. bldg., 25 sq.w. 4 m. wide, 25 m. deep, near BTS Jaroennakorn, suitable for office
Rent@52,000-63,000 Bt/mth. Rent@25,000 Baht/month Rent@15,000 Baht/mth. Rent@30,000 Baht/month No.28926-025 No.28935-025
No.28951-043
No.28966-058
COURSE MEMBERSHIP EXCHANGE CENTRE THE FIRST IN THAILAND Tel: 081-5555888, 081-5555999 02-259-0980-5 www.thaigolfcentre.com
1.Bangpra International 2.Muang Kaew 3.Muang Ake 1 4.Muang Ake 2 5.Tanya Thanee 6.Spring Field
BUY 350,000 270,000 -
SELL 145,000 260,000 150,000 365,000
24 GAMES
Friday, July 3, 2009
THE SPORT
DAILY XPRESS
1-0 The Los Angeles Dodgers prepared to welcome back Manny Ramirez by edging the Colorado Rockies 1-0 in the National League yesterday.
WIMBLEDON
briefly
Usain Bolt
Usain Bolt, the fastest man in history, insisted he can run the 100 metres in 9.5 seconds – if he can get back into his gold medal-winning Beijing Olympics form. Bolt insisted he had yet to reach his peak. “With a lot of work I think I probably can go a little bit faster with hard work and dedication. That is the key for getting there. I’m working on it,” Bolt said.“I was thinking 9.5 maybe but I’ve got a lot of work to do.” – AFP
Albiol passes Real medical Raul Albiol passed his medical examination, with Real Madrid’s staff calling the defender “perfectly fit.” “Raul is in phenomenal shape. All the results were satisfactory,” Madrid doctor Carlos Diez said. – AP
Noppawan in semis Noppawan Lertcheewakarn moved a step closer to her first junior Grand Slam singles title, easing past Silvia Njiric of Croatia 6-4 6-4 in the quarterfinals of the junior Wimbledon yesterday. The former world top junior beat the 11th seed Croat, who made a string of unforced errors, to book a semi-final spot for the second consecutive year. Her path to the final is clear after arch-rival and defending champion Laura Robson of Great Britain, the one who beat her in last year’s final and the January’s Australian Open semifinals, got knocked out by Dutch Quirine Lemoine on Wednesday. – Xpress
Barca target Mascherano Barcelona are readying an offer of ¤20 million for Liverpool’s Argentine midfielder Javier
Mascherano. Barca’s technical director, Txiki Begiristain, has received permission from Liverpool’s Spanish manager Rafael Benitez to make an offer for the 25-year-old Argentine captain, the Catalan daily Mundo Deportivo said. However, this “does not mean that the ‘Reds’ are ready to accept” it, the paper said. Benitez also told Begiristain that he is “not thinking of releasing the player,” the newspaper said. – Liverpool’s Javier Mascherano AFP
Platini wants to end big spending Uefa president Michel Platini has warned big-spending clubs that he plans to introduce tighter financial regulations within “two or three years” that would put an end to huge spending sprees in football. “We will do something. We are working on it,” Platini said. “I want to put some rules into place. Ronaldo’s transfer is striking to me,” Platini said. “Personally, I don’t understand how you can spend 90 million euros on a player. It bothers me.”
AFP
I can run 9.5,says ‘Lightning’Bolt
Andy Roddick gives the thumbs up after defeating Lleyton Hewitt in a five-set quarter-final.
ACING ANDY Roddick ready to bury Murray under avalanche of aces AFP, London
A
ndy Roddick is planning to bury Andy Murray under an avalanche of aces in today’s Wimbledon semi-final. Roddick scrambled into his first last four appearance at Wimbledon since 2005 with a dramatic 6-3 6-7 (10/12) 7-6 (7/1) 4-6 6-4 victory over Australia’s Lleyton Hewitt on Wednesday. The American, seeded sixth, had to serve 43 aces before he could finally subdue Hewitt and he knows he will have to produce more of the same to
end Murray’s hopes of becoming the first British man to win Wimbledon for 73 years. “Andy has been playing great. He’s certainly come into his own as a player but with my serve, I can give myself a chance in any match,” Roddick said. “I’ve been in this situation many times. I’m gonna have to play well, and hopefully he would probably say the same.” Although Roddick had to survive a three hour 50 minutes marathon to see off Hewitt, he insists there is no chance his performance against Murray will be seriously affected by the lengthy battle in sweltering temperatures on Court One. “At this point I feel fit and I
feel healthy,” 26-year-old Roddick said. “I felt fine out there physically. I’m sure I’ll pull up a little bit sore, but that’s to be expected. “I’m in better shape now than I was when I was 24 so it shouldn’t be too much of a factor.” The 2003 US Open champion is full of respect for the Scot. “He doesn’t really have a lot of weaknesses or any for that matter. He’s improved his serve a lot. He returns well. “I know how hard this game is, so anybody who is near the top of it certainly has my respect. I know what goes into it and what it takes on a daily basis.”
Hewitt writes off A-Rod hopes
Lleyton Hewitt says Murray is favourite for today’s semi-final.
Former champion Lleyton Hewitt has backed Britain’s Andy Murray to overcome Andy Roddick in today’s Wimbledon semi-finals. Hewitt believes Murray is more than a match for the big-serving American. The feisty Australian also hinted that Roddick’s game has hardly altered in the intervening three years. “I think it’s going to be a tough one for Roddick to win. A couple years ago I saw them play here because they were in my section, and Murray took care of him convincingly. Murray’s a lot better player now than he was then. Roddick’s going to have to play a helluva match to beat him.” Roddick refused to get drawn into a slanging match with Hewitt over his semi-final chances. “That’s fine,” he replied when told of the Australian’s opinion. “I’m not here to make predictions.”
Friday, July 3, 2009
THE SPORT 25
DAILY XPRESS
Lyon go hunting for Real’s Van Nistelrooy
FOOTBALL
KARIM MADRID BOUND Top French striker Benzema to join Real from Lyon AP, Lyon, France
yon agreed to sell France striker Karim Benzema to Real Madrid on Wednesday in a deal worth up to ¤41 million. Lyon said on their website that Madrid will pay a minimum fee of ¤35 million, rising to up to ¤41 million with performance bonuses. Madrid confirmed a transfer deal was reached, adding that Benzema agreed to a six-year deal. Madrid said on their website that Benzema would undergo a medical examination soon. “Lyon have accepted Karim Benzema’s decision and have negotiated the terms of a transfer which satisfies all sides,” Lyon said in a statement. “The club wishes Karim the best of success with Real Madrid.” The Spanish club headed off stiff competition from Manchester United to secure a deal for the 21-year-old Benzema, considered one of the most exciting young players in Europe. Lyon coach Claude Puel said the time had come to sell the club’s biggest asset. “It was an opportunity for Karim Benzema,” Puel said. “He certainly thought about the situation, and we decided to grant him his wish. All the sporting and financial aspects were taken into consideration and we decided to let him go.” Puel wants to replace Benzema – who has scored six goals in 24 games for France – with FC Porto’s Lisandro Lopez. “We have lost a player of
,,
AFP
L
Lyon’s Karim Benzema is going to Real Madrid in a deal which could be worth up to ¤41 million. quality. We will have to replace him,” Puel added. “We are working at it and hope that things will become clearer in a few hours. We are working on Lisandro Lopez, but if he doesn’t come we have other trails.” He becomes Madrid’s fourth major signing under their ambitious president Florentino Perez, who has spent ¤209 million on four players since assuming the presidency on June 1. “[Benzema] wishes to take the opportunity offered to him by Real Madrid to become one of the key players in an ambitious new policy involving several of the world’s biggest players,” Lyon said.
HE CERTAINLY THOUGHT ABOUT THE SITUATION,AND WE DECIDED TO GRANT HIM HIS WISH. Claude Puel, Lyon coach Benzema first hinted at a move away from the seven-time French champion in November,
saying he wanted to discuss his future with club president JeanMichel Aulas when the season ended. “There are a lot of clubs, Barca, Real, but also Manchester United, Milan. They are all big clubs you dream about,” Benzema told L’Equipe TV at the time. “I want to progress at the highest level to be among the world’s best.” Having tied Benzema down to a long-term deal until 2013, Aulas fully anticipated Benzema’s value on the transfer market. A good negotiator, Aulas sold midfielders Michael Essien to Chelsea at the start of the 2005-06 season and Mahamadou Diarra to Real.
Lyon want to sign Real Madrid’s Dutch striker Ruud Van Nistelrooy to replace Karim Benzema who has agreed to join the Spanish giants, sports daily Marca reported yesterday. Lyon was initially interested in another Dutch striker, Klaas-Jan Huntelaar, who has sparked interest from AC Milan, but he refused to join the French side, the newspaper reported. Lyon president JeanMichel Aulas, then asked his Real counterpart Florentino Perez to try to convince Van Nistelrooy, out injured for most of last season, to join the club, it added. The 33-year-old, who moved to Real in the summer of 2006, has said he would like to stay on at Real. But he has fallen down the pecking order at the Bernabeu following the Spanish side’s signings of Brazil’s Kaka and Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo in recent weeks. Van Nistelrooy underwent an operation in November 2008 on his right knee which the club said at the time would sideline him from six to nine months. The Dutchman has scored 45 league goals for Real, four of them last season before being injured. He was the top scorer in the league for 2006-07 with 25 goals in 37 matches. The Spanish press said Perez hopes to sell most of the Dutch players. Aside from Van Nistelrooy and Huntelaar, they are Rafael van der Vaart, Wesley Sneijder and Royston Drenthe. – A F P
Ribery demands move to Real Madrid A P , Paris
AFP
B
Franck Ribery wants away from Bayern.
ayern Munich star Franck Ribery says he wants to join Real Madrid. The France international midfielder wants a move sorted out quickly, and has ruled out the possibility of joining any other club. “It’s decided, I want to leave,” Ribery told sports daily L’Equipe yesterday. “Yes, it will be to Real or nothing.” Real Madrid have already
spent massive sums in this offseason, signing Kaka from AC Milan, Cristiano Ronaldo from Manchester United and Karim Benzema from Lyon, along with defender Raul Albiol from Valencia. Bayern chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge hasn’t completely ruled out Ribery’s departure in previous comments, but the Bavarian club would want a sizeable fee to let him go. “I would like a discussion
with the Bayern directors fairly quickly,” the 26-year-old Ribery said. Ribery has played 38 games for France, scoring seven goals, including in both 2010 World Cup qualifiers against Lithuania earlier this year – both tight 1-0 wins settled by Ribery’s goals. Real Madrid president Florentino Perez has overseen ¤209 million in transfer spending since assuming the presi-
dency on June 1 – with a record £80 million for Ronaldo alone. Perez, who in his first stint in the presidency put together Real Madrid’s ‘Galacticos’ squad including Zinedine Zidane, Luis Figo, David Beckham and Brazil striker Ronaldo, has embarked on a similar plan to bring success back to Madrid. Last season, fierce rivals Barcelona won the Spanish domestic double and the Champions League.
Friday, July 3, 2009
THE SPORT 27
DAILY XPRESS
Taekwondo champ Chatchawal set to defend crown Defending champion Chatchawal Khaola-or is confident about his chances as he makes a bid for his second successive Universiade gold in the taekwondo competition in Serbia today. Chatchawal, a student of Kasem Bundit University, joins his compatriot Thanawut Klinkhachon in the opening day of the competition. Chatchawal, who burst onto the scene in the Bangkok
Universiade two years ago, and Thanawut faced a busy day on the eve of the their bouts as they had to shed one and four kilograms respectively to make the weight. After frantic exercise, the two managed to pass the weigh-in. Twenty-one-year-old Chatchawal is slotted into what seems the favourable half of the draw. “I am pitted against a Ukrainian opponent in the first
round. He’s new. I haven’t see him fight before but I’m confident I can beat him, said Chatchawal. “I’m aiming to reach the latter stages of the tournament and then see what happens. “ I could face a South Korean fighter in the semi-finals but I’m upbeat about my chances as he was my sparring partner in training camps in South Korea recently. So, I know him well.” – D A I LY X P R E S S
WIMBLEDON
VO L L E Y B A L L
MAD FOR MURRAY
A pyramid to climb for Thai girls
Hollywood stars, beauty queens watch great British hope in action
By Preechachan Wiriyanupappong DAILY XPRESS, Nakhon Ratchasima
T
A F P , London
H
ollywood queens, beauty queens and Her Majesty the Queen are among the famous faces getting behind Andy Murray in his bid to become the first British man to win Wimbledon since Fred Perry in 1936. Oscar-winning actress Kate Winslet and her Hollywood director husband Sam Mendes were in the royal box on Centre Court as Murray beat Spain’s Juan Carlos Ferrero in the quarter-finals on Wednesday. Music mogul Simon Fuller, the inspiration behind the Spice Girls, and lyricist Sir Tim Rice were also in the box as Murray cruised through to the semi-finals in straight sets. Adding a touch more glamour to the proceedings, his old school pal Katharine Brown – Miss Scotland – was also in the crowd roaring him on. “I went to school with her, my mum used to coach her, my brother was best friends with her brother, which was quite annoying, but obviously she’s a nice girl,” Murray said. “Regardless of whether it’s a Miss Scotland I’m happy that one of my school friends came to watch.” Scottish actor Ewan McGregor and British pop legend Sir Cliff Richard were among the fans on Centre Court for Murray’s fourth round match on Monday, the
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Actress Kate Winslet, centre, and her husband Sam Mendes, third right, attend Andy Murray’s match. first competitive game to be entirely played under the new Centre Court roof. Earlier in the tournament, Murray received a letter from Queen Elizabeth II congratulating him on becoming the first British man to win Queen’s, the pre-Wimbledon grass court warm-up tournament, since Bunny Austin’s triumph in 1938. The letter raised hopes that Queen Elizabeth could attend Wimbledon for the first time since her jubilee year in 1977, when Britain’s Virginia Wade won the women’s title. Scottish actor Sir Sean Connery has also sent him a good luck message.
I THINK IT’S GOOD FOR TENNIS WHEN YOU GET BIG STARS OR CELEBRITIES COMING TO WATCH.IT MAKES IT COOLER FOR KIDS. Andy Murray
“I got a handwritten note from Cliff Richard this morning,” Murray said. Asked about being watched by “Titanic” star Winslet, the 22-year-old said it all added to the glamour of tennis. “I think it’s good for tennis any time you get big stars or celebrities coming to watch. It makes it cooler for kids which is important in this country.” Despite the celebrity backing, the laid-back Murray said he was not letting the Wimbledon hype get to him. “It doesn’t make any difference to the way you perform,” he said. “If you ignore it you don’t realise it’s happening.”
he 11th FIVB Girls’ Youth Under-18 Volleyball World Championship kicks off today, with hosts Thailand opening their campaign against a tough Egypt. A total of 16 elite teams from around the world are taking part in the July 3-12 competition. Group A comprises Serbia, Egypt, Germany and hosts Thailand, while title-holders China join Turkey, Peru and African champions Tunisia in Group B. Group C consists of Italy, Slovakia, six-time South American champions Brazil and the Dominican Republic. North American champions USA, European champions Belgium, Asian to seed Japan and the North American No 2 Mexico make up Group D, dubbed the Group of Death. The 10-day top-flight event will be held simultaneously at two competition halls – the 3,500-seater MCC Hall at The Mall Nakhon Ratchasima and the 2,500-seater Chalerm Phrakiart 2 Gym. “We have the height disadvantage but we will be supported by the local crowd, which will be an advantage. It’s not going to be easy to make it to the quarters. However, we will do our best,” said coach Sanong Kulchim.
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Friday, July 3, 2009
BANGKOK
THESPORT Roger Federer celebrated reaching his 21st consecutive Grand Slam semi-final by admitting there are few players who can match his deep reserves of grasscourt secrets. The five-time Wimbledon champion is just two wins away from capturing a record 15th Grand Slam title and having become the first man at the 2009 championship to break the serve of Croatian giant Ivo Karlovic, he left his remaining rivals in no doubt as who is the grasscourt king. “Maybe I like to play short points. I don’t mind playing one-, two-shot rallies. I also don’t mind longer rallies. I think especially on grass, all my strength becomes even better. I become so much more dangerous,” said Federer. “Maybe I move better than many players on grass as well. I have a lot of experience. I think grass is a surface you maybe can’t learn to play on so much and you don’t get an opportunity that often, and that’s why I think it’s one of the reasons why it’s so hard to beat me.” The Swiss star admits that his record of making 21 Grand Slam semi-finals in a row is “amazing”. His last defeat before a semifinal in a major was against Gustavo Kuerten in the French Open third round in 2004. “It means a lot to me. Just being so consistent for so long and reaching it again, it’s amazing,” he said. “It’s hard to believe I achieved it because it’s not just I’m looking back on a few weeks or a month or a year it’s really way back now. “And even before that, I was in finals, I won a major before that as well. I just had it interrupted by Guga. But it’s been quite a streak I’m on, and I’m happy it’s still alive.”
DAILY XPRESS
BRYANT STAYING WITH LA Kobe Bryant, who guided the Lakers to the NBA championship last month, has decided not to cancel the last two years of his contract and will stay with the squad.
Roger Federer after winning his quarter-final match.
HIGH ON GRASS
FOOTBALL
TENNIS
Real or nothing, says Ribery
A-Rod has no chance, says beaten Hewitt
France star Franck Ribery is set to leave Bayern Munich, but only for Real Madrid. “It is decided. I want to leave. Yes, it will be Real or nothing." Bayern insist that Ribery is not for sale as he has a contract until 2011. General manager Uli Hoeness compared Real’s haggling for Ribery to a game of Monopoly . >PAGES 25
Most of the talk at Wimbledon has been about the likelihood of a final between Roger Federer and Andy Murray. It turns out another Andy is also making a strong title run. Andy Roddick overcame fiesty Australian Lleyton Hewitt, who believes Murray is more than a match for the big-serving American and has improved since he defeated Roddick in straight sets in 2006. >PAGE 24