Monday, August 3, 2009 VOL 2, NO 388 dailyxpress.net
DAILY
XPRESS
PY O C E FRE LOOKING FOR
A JOB? SEE PAGES 14&15
GOOD MORNING BANGKOK!
The Asian Institute of Technology team led by Methee Srisupundit, second right, pose with their ‘intelligent’ sedan after beating 20 other squads from 15 institutions.
Determination and tall dreams By Kiattipong Radchatagriengkai Head coach national women’s volleyball team
F
DAILY XPRESS/WANNAPA PHETDEE
or my players, the World Grand Prix is a very tough competition. The other teams are much stronger than we are. I have my fingers crossed that my players will do well. In a sporting event, every team has a similar goal – to win. Mine does likewise. My players are short, but they have tall dreams. They are very determined to go for the best.
Take your pick of HOT GADGETS >PAGE 9
SMART CAR A DRIVERLESS SEDAN
invented by Asian Institute of Technology students conquers the Thailand Intelligent Vehicle Challenge >PAGE 2
What to see Where to go What to do >PAGE 10
2 TODAY
Monday, August 3, 2009
THE CITY
7,041
SEXUAL-ABUSE CASES were recorded by the police in 2008, up from 5,155 cases in 2007
Lost your car? Check out this website...
Reference for motorists Also launched is a companion website, www.rodthai.com, which serves as an additional reference for motorists and those whose cars have gone missing. In www.mpblostcar.com there are details about car thieves and other people involved in illegal businesses related to auto theft, such as owners of garages that transform stolen cars or forge false serial numbers, and dealers of used cars who knowingly buy stolen cars. Pol Lt-Colonel Atthaphorn Suriyalert, a senior centre official, said the MPB has its own database on all stolen cars, which would soon be made accessible to visitors of both websites. – DA I LY X P R E S S DAILY
XPRESS
Photo shoot
DAILY XPRESS/THAWECHAI JAOWATTANA
Instead of rushing to the police station to lodge a complaint about your missing car, you can now submit a statement through a new website launched recently by police, who will pursue your case. At www.mpblostcar.com, you can also search a database to find out roughly whether a used car you have bought, or are about to buy, has been stolen or reported missing, by putting in the licence-plate number or chasis or engine serial number. The launch of the website is part of a campaign by the Metropolitan Police Bureau’s (MPB) Anti-Auto Theft Centre to tackle auto thefts, which number around 7,000 cases each year, in addition to an internal training programme to further educate more than 700 officers about new techniques to combat vehicle theft.
DAILY XPRESS
Thai and Lao students show the train tickets they used for travelling from Vientiane to Bangkok yesterday on arriving at Hua Lumpong train station to join a photo-taking activity held to mark the State Railway of Thailand’s 112th anniversary. They had earlier taken part in a photo shoot in Vientiane. Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva will welcome them today at Government House, where he will pose for photos.
Look, ma, no driver! A notebook computer-controlled car by AIT students goes 7.9 km in 20 minutes and avoids 18 obstacles to win the intelligent vehicle contest
Says Methee: “Our car was able to move faster this year – 45 km per hour – compared to only 10-15 km per hour last year.
Steering past obstacles By Wannapa Phetdee D A I LY X P R E S S
A
driverless car invented by Asian Institute of Technology (AIT) students has conquered the Thailand Intelligent Vehicle Challenge 2009. With the car’s strong point being to mimick how a human thinks when driving, AIT’s Khuen Chai Team beat 20 other squads from 15 institutions nationwide. Methee Srisupundit, one of the intelligent car’s three inventors, said his team had decided to programme the sedan
so that it knows what its priorities are when it’s on the move and when it detects an obstacle.
Neck-and-neck final In a neck-and-neck final, the sedan beat another driverless vehicle shaped like a golf cart, invented by the Royal Thai Air Force Academy’s (RTAFA) Air Force 2 Team. AIT’s car drove 7.9 km in 20 minutes and avoided 18 obstacles, whereas the RTAFA vehicle was able to drive 7.1 km and avoid 14 obstacles.
“Its driver is a notebook computer that controls all the systems, including a microcontroller that injects fuel, and motors that control the brakes and steering wheel. The notebook ‘instructs’ the steering how to avoid an obstacle that’s detected beforehand by a laser scanner. A GPS and electric compass are used to help the sedan change direction.” AIT provided Methee and his team Bt425,000 to invent the car. “The RTAFA vehicle uses fewer tools than our car, so is
more suitable for developing for commercial purposes. We’ll try to reduce the hardware in our car so that it is similar to cars used on city roads,” Methee adds. Mae Fah Luang University’s Arrive II Team won the Excellent Technique Award, King Mongkut’s University of Technology North Bangkok’s Duck Riders Team bagged the Excellent Energy-Saving Design Award, and the Excellent Creativity Award went to AIT’s Pak Chee Team. The champions received Bt300,000 and a trophy. The first runner-up got Bt200,000 and a plaque. The excellent technique, energy-saving design and creativity award winners were given Bt50,000 each and a plaque.
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
Monday, August 3, 2009
THE WORLD Costume drama
DAILY XPRESS
MORE THAN
1 million Italian families languish in ‘absolute poverty’
Info highway
EPA
Car for the blind
Two women representing France take part in the Cosplay Parade held as part of the World Cosplay Summit 2009 in Nagoya, Japan. Fifteen pairs of anime and cosplay (costume play) fans representing 15 countries have gathered to compete to become the World’s Best Cosplayer 2009.
New robots help humans cope with illness Robots that can cook, dance to Michael Jackson songs or guide the blind are among the latest gadgets aimed at helping humans cope with illnesses. Standing 58 cm tall and with a plastic shell for a body, a humanoid robot called Nao drew a crowd at the Campus Party in Valencia, Spain, as it danced to Jackson’s “Billie Jean”. The robot can recognise voices and faces and be instructed to turn on a personal computer, read e-mails or an online newspaper as well as be used to stimulate sufferers of Alzheimer’s disease with memory exercises. Another star at the week-long event is a robot covered in artificial white fur called Paro that resembles a seal pup which can perceive people and its environment. It was designed with the aim of helping people with cognitive problems like autism or dementia. – A F P
Cyber-criminals target Facebook, MySpace Data such as name, date of birth, address, job details, e-mail and phone numbers are a windfall for hackers A F P , Valencia, Spain
F
acebook, MySpace and other social networking sites are inceasingly being targeted by cyber-criminals drawn to the wealth of personal information supplied by users. Data posted on the sites – name, date of birth, address, job details, e-mail and phone numbers – is a windfall for hackers, participants at Campus Party, one of the world’s biggest gatherings of Internet enthusiasts, said. A vicious virus Koobface – “koob” being “book” in re-
verse – has affected thousands of Facebook and Twitter users since August 2008, said Asier Martinez, a security specialist at Panda Security.
Virus hijacks accounts “Its spread has been very significant and it has been detected in 4,000 different variants,” he said. The virus hijacks the accounts of social networking site users and sends messages steering friends to hostile sites containing malware, a malicious software often designed
to infiltrate a computer system for illicit purposes.
Flash-player warning In one of its variants, Koobface sends the victim a warning that its Flash player is outdated along with an invitation to download a new version, which is in fact the virus. Malware can be used to steal bank-account data or creditcard information once installed on a personal computer. Facebook has sought to resist attacks by Koobface and similar viruses by blocking links to hostile sites and shutting down accounts from users that show signs of infection, such as sending too many messages.
Several blind people were able to get behind the wheel of a new high-tech vehicle designed by Virginia Tech engineering students. Twenty blind people took turns manoeuvring the retrofitted dune buggy in a parking lot at the University of Maryland. The test drive capped a National Federation for the Blind summer camp for 200 blind youth from across the country. Virginia Tech was the only university to take on a 2004 challenge from the federation to build a vehicle that could let blind people drive. The buggy they designed uses a laser sensor to figure out the road ahead. A special vibrating vest worn by drivers communicates speed and warns when to stop. And a headset relays voice commands signalling which way to turn. – AP
Sneaky migrant The government says an illegal immigrant sneaked into the UK by smuggling himself aboard a bus full of British border agents. Britain’s Home Office says the man hid in the small space between the bus chassis and its fuel tank as it travelled through the Channel Tunnel from the French town of Coquelles to the British coastal city of Dover. The Daily Mail newspaper reported that the bus carried at least 20 Border Agency staff, whose job it is to keep illegal immigrants out. The newspaper says the man was spotted dropping from the bus on to the road but ran away before he could be caught. – AP
6 ENTERTAINMENT
Monday, August 3, 2009
THE FUN
DAILY XPRESS
GUGULETHU ZUMA, 24-YEAR-OLD DAUGHTER OF SOUTH AFRICA’S PRESIDENT JACOB ZUMA, ON LANDING A ROLE IN THE POPULAR SOAP OPERA “IDIDINGO”.
“It’s been something I’ve really wanted to do and I get to work with awesome people. I hope to learn from them and grow to be a better actress from the experience.”
XTRA
T H E AT R E P R E V I E W
S P R E A D T H E FA I T H >> “We’re Gonna Go Dancing” is at the Chiang Mai University Museum Theatre on August 9 at 7pm. Tickets are Bt50 via (081) 884 3687. For more details, see CNXArtconnex. wordpress.com.
ALL THE RIGHT MOVES
>> The Bangkok show is at Patravadi Theatre on August 14 at 8pm. Tickets are Bt400 to Bt700 (half off for students) at Total Reservation. Book today for a 20-per-cent discount. >> On the Web: www.PatravadiTheatre.com and www.JCDN.org.
A hit here in 2007, ‘We’re Gonna Go Dancing’ is revisiting from Japan
S P E C I A L T O D A I LY X P R E S S
T
he Japan Foundation Bangkok is hoping to reprise the success of “We’re Gonna Go Dancing” two years ago with a second look at the show, bringing the Japan Contemporary Dance Network back for performances in Bangkok and Chiang Mai. Ritzuko Mizuno, the network’s artistic director, wants to show his countrymen that other Asian lands have their own “wonderful and rich” traditional dance forms to which their can refer in their creations.
This is the designated “Mekong-Japan exchange year”, and Mizuno and his troupe will be hosted in the North by Chiang Mai University’s Japanese Studies Centre and CNX Art Connex. Maki Morishita will conduct a “creation workshop” at the Wandering Moon Theatre starting on Monday, with the work-in-progress being shown the following Sunday. The same workshop will be offered in the network’s stops in Kuala Lumpur and Phnom Penh. Also on August 9, “Debutante”, Morishita’s award-winning solo work, will be presented. The promotional material promises “grace, gorgeousness, transform, impatience, threat, narcissism, escape, luxury, passion, tsuku-paya, giggle, laugh, candid, Maki Morishita, soaking wet.”
Two more for Bangkok
Hiroyuki Miura and Masanori Hoshika will perform the savage duet ‘Musingai’.
In Bangkok, “We’re Gonna Go Dancing” will be co-hosted by Patravadi Theatre. In addition to “Debutante”, the audience will see two more Japanese works and a Thai piece. The savage and futuristic duet “Musingai” showcases dancer-choreographer Hiroyuki Miura and veteran dancer Masanori Hoshika in insectlike movements, accompanied by wacky soundscape by Haco.
P’Lush’s “Headache” features a trio of female dancers, each with her own style – Shuko Tamauchi, Yuki Sawada and Yui Yoshizawa. And Thanapol Virulhakul and Vidura Amranand will offer “Unknown Landscape”, a collabora-
tion with short-film director Tossapol Boonsin-sukh. On August 15, Pichet Klunchun will conduct a khon workshop for the network’s dancers. If you want to join, email toby_patravaditheatre@yahoo. com.
P’Lush brings their ‘Headache’ to Bangkok. COURTESY OF THE JAPAN CONTEMPORARY DANCE NETWORK
By Pawit Mahasarinand
Maki Morishita will put on a dance workshop and perform her solo work, ‘Debutante’.
ENTERTAINMENT 7
DAILY XPRESS
Monday, August 3, 2009
40
%
ANG LEE heads the jury of the 66th Venice Film Festival, which has new movies from Michael Moore, Werner Herzog and George Romero in its 24-strong Golden Lion competition. The fest runs from September 2 to 12.
OF THE ROYALTIES for “A Whiter Shade of Pale” go to former Procol Harum organist Matthew Fisher, per a ruling by Britain’s highest appeal court.
Annop makes the time shift soopsip have to change – Annop’s an early-morning guy now.
Pattarawadee counts down with Nichkhun.
Mind the minutes with Nichkhun Getting an interview with
Nichkhun Horvejkul, the young Thai who’s become a pop star in South Korea, isn’t difficult, but it’s no fun. Our Pattarawadee Saengmanee found herself posing the questions in the midst of his huge entourage, and even though she asked her questions quietly,
Nichkhun made sure everyone could hear his answers. Meanwhile a member of his entourage was announcing the time at one-minute intervals. “Ten minutes! … 11 minutes!”
Lilliputian
EPA
Good FM 98.5 has suffered a serious blow with popular DJ Viroj Kwantham moving to TrueVision’s Majung music channel, but things aren’t all bad for Good. Starting today and daily from 6 to 10am, Annop Kittikul is back on the airwaves after a few years’ Annop absence. It took some coaxing to get him back, though – he’s had a cushy time in the emcee business and doing that Facebook thing in his slack hours. But the slack time was always late at night, so that’s going to
The world’s biggest teddy bear is wildlife unveiled in Incheon, South Korea, for the Global Fair and Festival Incheon beginning this week. Ten metres long, it will help illustrate a scene from “Gulliver’s Travels”.
Let’s cool this place down D A I LY X P R E S S
D
o your bit to make the world a better place by joining the British Council’s Climate Cool Campaign, in which anyone who’s 18 to 35 years old who can muster a three-person team can undergo training in the war on climate change. You have to commit to the project from September through next March.
The training is in project management and developing solutions, securing funding for projects, organising events and getting the public involved. Apply now to Penrapee Ram-Indra at (02) 657 5625, climatecool@britishcouncil.or.th or Penrapee.RamIndra@britishcouncil.or.th or visit www.BritishCouncil.or.th.
Despite the human stopwatch and other distractions, though, the interview went quite well. CONTACT SOOPSIP at veenxpress@gmail.com.
The troubled wildlife HUA HIN HILLS Vineyards is hosting an exhibition of wildlife photography by Bruce Kekule from Saturday to September 15. The American photographer and conservationist has lived in Thailand for more than three decades. The exhibition represents also a call for action to preserve and protect habitats. Sales of the photos will help wildlife-conservation projects in Kaeng Kracharn National Park. Kekule’s book “Wild Rivers” is on sale at Asia Books. Call (02) 260 5820, extension 121-113.
8
LIFE
Monday, August 3, 2009
DAILY XPRESS
ATHOME
The display of elegant dining table
The Teardrop collection
Sensational sipping Wedgwood glassware by Barbara Barry makes the evening taste better D A I LY X P R E S S
R
aising a toast to the lifeenhancing virtues of glassware design, Barbara Barry has created a Wedgwood collection for a
XTRA PUT THIS IN YOUR GLASS >> One of Barbara Barry’s
favourite drinks is the martini, and here’s her “Barbara Blend”: 1 oz Bombay Sapphire gin 1/4 oz jasmine syrup 1/2oz Martini Bianco Dash of bitters Stir and serve with an orange twist.
chic but casual cocktail party. It features three distinctive looks in stemware – Oval Link, Teardrop and Facet – covering the range from wine glasses and water goblet to champagne flutes. Brent Smith of Chanintr Living explains that Barry believes your home’s importance should be reflected in refined, high-quality decor. “She has a passion for beauty and a devotion to rich materials and a remarkable ability to marry the two,” he says. “The Teardrop, for example, with a single elegant teardrop at the base of this
beautiful glass, will add unrivalled elegance to your evening. The generously sized bowl, coupled with superior design execution, make this stemware collection unlike any other.” The Oval Link has gracious, functional bowls and ample proportions that display Barry’s commitment to balance. The Facet collection serves the same inspiration, a perfectly proportioned bowl atop a textured, faceted. With such rich material and beauty of design, says Smith, each glass can stand alone or mingle with other dinnerware.
“Barbara Barry for Wedgwood serves as a quiet backdrop for a casual and elegant lifestyle,” he says. “In setting the table, place a large Barbara Barry Crystal vase in the centre. Stack the place settings, including the breadand-butter plate, on top of each other. “Place the teacup and saucer to the left and put the crystal on the right. Use a white linen tablecloth and napkins, simple elegant flowers like tulips or lilies, and white or ivory straight-sided candles.” Barbara Barry’s boutique is on the third floor of Siam Paragon.
Monday, August 3, 2009
NEW GADGETS
DAILY XPRESS
9
love scope BY EUGENIA LAST
August 3 to 8, 2009
ARIES March 21-April 19
You may want to experiment when it comes to love but, before you decide to take a ride on the wild side, consider the dangers that exist. Ill health and poor treatment will cloud your fantasies and create personal dilemmas. TAURUS April 20-May 20
Travel, attending events and Internet dating can lead to interesting and romantic encounters. Judge the people you meet by what they are willing to do for their friends and family. A good catch should know how to treat loved ones. GEMINI May 21-June 20
You’ll be able to convince anyone to come check out your world. Your ability to express your feelings, desires and interests will be hard to resist and should lead to someone who has just as much to offer as you do. Share your goals.
Cinemas a thing of the past The Sony VAIO LV27GJ could be your all-in-one entertainment hub. It’s a new wall-mountable desktop computer with just one main unit integrated into the 24-inch wide-screen LCD monitor without a separate CPU case. And it’s only 175mm thick. The computer is powered by a 3GHz Intel Core 2 Duo Processor E8400 with 4GB of memory and 500GB in the hard drive. It has a built-in TV tuner, a Bluray disc drive and HDMI port. So, apart from watching high-definition movies on LV27GJ, you can also use it as a Bluray player and view movies on your large-screen LDT TV. The computer uses NVIDIA GeForce 9600M GT with 512MB of memory for processing the video display. The suggested retail price is Bt89,900.
TO DO buy it! There are things we can’t do without, and some of them are here.
So go ahead and take your pick!
Keep right up to date The Nokia 5730 XpressMusic is the company’s first music phone with a full QWERTY keyboard for quick messaging. Its Homescreen for XpressMusic provides access and dynamic information on music, people, games and e-mail, plus a calendar. The contact display can show up to 20 friends and family members, there’s direct access to applications like Facebook, Photos, Ovi Contacts, Maps, messaging and more, and you can play N-Gage games. It’s in the stores for Bt12,390.
CANCER June 21-July 22
Your Cancer charm will reel in a prize catch. Don’t sit at home when you should be out getting involved in hobbies or events that have an unusual spin. A change of plans will turn in your favour. Jump on whatever opportunity arises. LEO July 23-August 22
Wooden speakers? Woof! A new home-theatre system with a silk dome tweeter and HDMI 1080p for perfect sound and image, the Philips DVD Micro Theater MCD772 sounds great thanks to its wooden speakers and an aluminium cabinet. It will can play DVD, DivX, (S)VCD, MP3-CD, WMA-CD, CD(RW) & Picture CDs, and allows you to view photos and listen to music directly from USB devices. Expect to pay upwards of Bt15,000.
Don’t settle for just anyone. You will have plenty of opportunities to hook up with someone but, in the end, if it isn’t “the one”, you won’t be any further ahead. Hold out for the gal or guy who steals your heart, body and soul. VIRGO August 23-September 22
You will meet someone if you get involved in a cause you believe in or you volunteer your services to work for an historic or cultural event. Someone from a different background is likely to excite you mentally and physically. LIBRA September 23-October 22
Take your time before you decide to become an item with someone you just met. You are better off taking part in events and activities that you enjoy and letting things develop naturally with someone you consider to be just a friend. SCORPIO October 23-November 21
The skinny on movie magic The Samsung Series 8 B850 50-inch plasma HDTV can turn your home into a cinema. Its wide screen displays sharp and fluid-motion movies thanks to a Dynamic Contrast Ratio of 3,000,000:1, brightness of 1,500 nits, 600Hz subfield motion technology and Ultra FilterBright Plus. The resolution is full HD at 1,920x1,080 and you get all this in a 1.16-inch-thick package. The B850 retails for Bt89,990 and comes with a free BD-P3600 Bluray player.
A contractual agreement with someone you have designs on may backfire. Keep your distance and refrain from having any legal ties that may jeopardise your assets, position or your emotional wellbeing. Play it safe. SAGITTARIUS November 22-December 21
You’ll play the game of love to win. Your ability to embellish and make everything you do seem amazing will capture someone’s heart. Before you decide to play house, ask yourself if you really want a live-in partner. CAPRICORN December 22-January 19
All you have to do is spend a little cash and love will find you. Pamper the person you want and you will have him or her eating out of your hand. Draw up an agreement that suits you as well as the needs of the person you love. AQUARIUS January 20-February 18
Your emotions will be difficult to tame and the individual who can ease your stress yet keep you excited about the things you do together will win your heart. It’s time to make a move and a life-altering decision regarding your home. PISCES February 19-March 20
Beware of anyone who comes on too strong. You will be prone to attracting partners who are already involved with someone else. Before you give your heart away, ask pertinent questions regarding status, commitment and intent.
10 EVENTS
see it!
Monday, August 3, 2009
DAILY XPRESS
WHAT’S UP
Dressed to kill Spot the latest trends at the Bangkok International Fashion Fair and Bangkok International Leather Fair from August 13 to 16 in Challenger Halls 1 to 3 at Impact in Muang Thong Thani. More than 1,000 brands will show off their designs and products. There’ll be trendy clothes, accessories, jewellery and leather goods as well as fashion shows, business meetings, exhibitions and seminars. Admission is free. Call (02) 513-0093-104 or visit www.ThaiTradeFair.com and www.BiffAndBil.com.
Art anonymous New Zealand-born, Australiabased artist Godwin Bradbeer is putting on his first solo show in Bangkok with “Portraits in Exile” at the Ardel Gallery of Modern Art until August 20. At the centre are are several recent works under the theme of “Imago”, which continue the artist’s preoccupation with the staring face of an anonymous person, ambiguous in its description in terms of sex, race, age and character. The gallery is at 99/45 Belle Ville, Boromrachachonnanee Road Km 10.5, Thawee Wattana, Bangkok. It’s open Tuesday to Saturday, from 10.30 to 7 and Sunday until 5.30. Call (02) 422 2092 or visit www.ArdelGallery.com.
Between the lines Dasa Book Cafe, 710/4 Sukhumvit between Sois 26 and 28, is holding a clearance sale of its used books in preparation for a move to bigger premises. More than 14,000 titles are priced at just Bt19 a pop. The sale runs until August 15. Visit
ther! Relaxummto o t the a session a
kramness by signing up for an loannnguwalith i B e k i l t i Bend get a discount at True Fit’ll get three months freeoanal training , you pers ape and e The deal is e round of Get into sh m Yoga, on ’Est. Check it out at th August 31. ra y b ik B ip h in rs s e e e ss ru a T cl d memb g n in a at ges, includ e True Spa 99, or Zen other privile for a treatment at th 2) 663 49 (0 r, e r w e To and a vouch ranches at Exchange b True Fitness (02) 610 0999. , d rl o lW Centra
m Treat your at the rt Day Spa a ch a m Tam m Square. S gkok on ia machart n a B l te vo No , Tam ut August ts Througho f treatmen o ty e vari is offering a ns. Buy a five-time tio and promo t five free Thai masge d n a e rs u co to package ell as a pho orth w s sages, a w de L’Amour from Jardin (02) 209 8888. all Bt5,000. C
www.DasaBookCafe.com.
In the deep Photographer Laurent Ballesta and marine biologist Pierre Descamp showcase images of amazing fish and other denizens of the deep in “Planet: Voyage to the Heart of the Marine Realm”, at Zen’s outdoor area and CentralWorld’s Amphitheatre until August 12. Call (02) 100 9962-3.
king ising the Chao o o c r e v i R e while cru barge with Thai cuisin
Italian sensations on Samui Discover the world of Italian cuisine with a menu created by chefs Giovanni Ranaudo from the Amari Watergate Hotel, Silvano Amolini from the Amari Boulevard and Marco Boscaini of Samui’s Prego, at from August 17 to 22 at the Amari Palm Reef Resort on Chaweng Beach. Visit www.Amari.com/PalmReef.
t Learn abou ry-refitted antique rice e fee is rs xu lu a es. The cou the ingrePhya on oking class nd co a r ra u h o to n t a the M a marke g in d u cl eld from h in t Bt2,800 ne dishes. The classes are all (02) C . ve n fi dients for 8am to noo w. Friday from visit ww Monday to on 1416 or extensi 476 0022 . ruises.com ManohraC
Monday, August 3, 2009
THE SCREEN 11
DAILY XPRESS
TO SEE
on dvd REGION 3
The Taking of Pelham To 1
ny Scott rem 23 Washington akes the 1974 thriller w ith Denzel sta faced with a rring as a New York City n arch-crimin subway disp a al (John Tra train. ★★ volta) who’s tcher hijacked a
Death in the Land of Encantos A poet returns to his village after it’s been wiped out by a landslide and reconnects with his artschool classmates, who think their old friend might be suffering. Nine hours long, director Lav Diaz’s psychological drama examines the artistic soul of the Philippines. It starts at 10am today at the Film Archive in Salaya, Nakhon Pathom. The Diaz retrospective continues on Saturday with the 11-hour “Evolution of a Filipino Family” at 10am at the Conference of Birds Gallery. Visit Bit.ly/DiazRetro or e-mail filmsick@gmail.com.
Apex Lido: (02) 252 6498 Siam: (02) 251 3508 Scala: (02) 251 2861
Century – The Movie Plaza (02) 247 9940
House (02) 641 5177-8
Major Cineplex/EGV Bangkok: (02) 515 5555
Major Hollywood
Ong Bak 2
piracy Echelon Cons to an s untold wealth
rsage promise akes him the ta A cellphone mes West) – and m d ne ar ha w (S Ed er d ne an gi es American en . Ving Rham ot pl l na io at rn inte get of a deadly attana. SFX Chaeng W At . ar st so al s Burn
The Hangover
also stars. With English subti-
Europe. With English subtitles
Three groomsmen wake up after a rauscous bachelor party in Las Vegas and discover the groom is missing. ★★★
tles at some cinemas.
at some cinemas. ★★★
Book of Blood
April Bride
A paranormal researcher investigates an intersection of spectral highways in a house. Based on stories by Clive Barker. At Paragon Cineplex. ★★
A young woman conceals her breast-cancer diagnosis from her boyfriend, and though she has one month to live, he plans an elaborate wedding anyway.
Public Enemies
In Japanese with English and Thai subtitles at the Lido.
L’ennemi public no 1 French gangster Jacques Mesrine (Vincent Cassel) tries to stay a step ahead of the law. In French with English and Thai subtitles at the Lido.
6:66 Tai Mai Dai Tai A crime reporter (Susira Angelina Nanna) starts uncovering strange and scary facts after her father comes back from the dead. Jason Young
Johnny Depp stars as bank robber John Dillinger with Christian Bale as the man tasked with catching him. ★★★
Nee Tam Galileo Two young Thai woman embark on adventures and romance in
Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince The evil Lord Voldemort tightens his grip, escalating the peril for Harry (Daniel Radcliffe) and his best pals, Hermione (Emma Watson) and Ron (Rupert Grint). In 3-D at IMAX. ★★★
Thatchakorn “Tony Jaa” Yeerum made his directorial debut with this historical martial-arts drama about a young man bent on avenging the murder of his parents. The story continues in the upcoming “Ong Bak 3”, and somehow it all ties in with his 2003 original “Ong Bak”. Three editions of the “Ong Bak 2” Thai DVD have been released. The bare-bones disc with no extras costs Bt170. The special edition for Bt270 includes interviews, clips and galleries and sells. Then there’s one with a postcard and T-shirt for B300. There are no subtitles. English-friendly releases are available from Malaysia and South Korea, and later this year from the US, the UK and Australia, where the movie is called “Ong Bak 2: The Beginning”. – DAILY XPRESS
on tv
Bruno Sacha Baron Cohen’s gay Austrian fashionista seeks celebrity status in the US. Censored. At House, Paragon, SF World.
Witchboard 2 A shy young woman is transformed by the spirit of a former tenant who was murdered in her apartment.
Bangkok: (02) 718 7999
Cinemax (TrueVisions), 8pm
Paragon Cineplex
Channel links
Bangkok: (02) 129 4635 IMAX: (02) 129 4631
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
SF Cinemas Bangkok: (02) 268 8888
UMG RCA: (02) 641 5913-14
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
Monday, August 3, 2009
Comics&Games
Red and Rover
DAILY XPRESS
Monday, August 3, 2009
LEISURE
DAILY XPRESS
Games&YourStars SUDOKU
The last word in
ASTROLOGY
By Eugenia Last
Today’s Birthday: Make sure that you are enjoying the things you do and sharing experiences with the people who inspire you. Walk away from a partnership if you feel you have been treated unfairly. If someone or something costs you too much, put an end to it and rethink your strategy.
Saturday’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 Don’t put so much emphasis on what others do. Focus on your work, your talent and offering all you can to organizations that appreciate what you do. Don’t let personal changes upset your world. TAURUS ***** April 20-May 20 Travel and participating in events that interest you will lead to conversations with people who can help further your goals. Don’t let someone’s jealousy hold you back. Do what’s best for you. GEMINI *** May 21-June 20 Paying for someone else or giving money to something you don’t know enough about will work against you. Don’t change your plans because someone has unexpectedly decided not to take part.
DIFFICULTY RATING ★
CANCER *** June 21-July 22 Don’t back away from an emotional matter that needs to be resolved. You will find the right words to accommodate the situation. Be honest about the way you feel and how you see things unfolding. LEO *** July 23-Aug. 22 Share your ideas and you will make headway where career and vocational interests are concerned. A change in direction won’t hurt the outcome of what you are trying to pursue.
CELEBRITIES BORN ON THIS DAY
VIRGO ***** Aug. 23-Sept. 22 Use your charm and expertise and you will advance fast in a direction that will add to your future security. An emotional matter can be dealt with in a way that will stabilise your personal life. LIBRA ** Sept. 23-Oct. 22 Don’t slip up now when you are so close to getting what you want. Don’t give in to ultimatums, manipulation or blackmail. Love problems are likely. Be positive to avoid opposition. SCORPIO **** Oct. 23-Nov. 21 You need to readdress what you are doing and make things more efficient. It’s not about how much you do it’s about how effective you are. There is money to be made so make your best efforts. SAGITTARIUS *** Nov. 22-Dec. 21 Change is inevitable so don’t fight what’s coming in your personal life. A vendetta that arises must be put to rest. Honesty must be enforced if you don’t want things to backfire.
Martha Stewart Singer Tony Bennett is 83. Actor Martin Sheen is 69. Lifestyle guru Martha Stewart is 68. Actor Jay North is 58. Guitarist Randy Scruggs is 56. Actor John C McGinley is 50. Singer-guitarist James Hetfield of Metallica is 46. Actor Isaiah Washington is 46. Guitarist Stephen Carpenter of Deftones is 39. Actress Brigid Brannagh is 37. Actress Evangeline Lilly is 30.
CAPRICORN *** Dec. 22-Jan. 19 Your know-how and dedication will initiate many responses from people who take an interest in what you have to offer. Money is heading your way. Make it work for you. AQUARIUS *** Jan. 20-Feb. 18 Don’t let the little things slow you down. Make an effort to close deals, join forces with people who have similar interests and concerns and resolve issues that may cause a problem if left to fester. PISCES **** Feb. 19-March 20 Enhance a relationship by talking about your future plans and intentions. Combine business with pleasure and you will find out information that will help you make an important decision.
13
PECI-THAI Co., Ltd. is a member of Singaporean PEC Group, a specialist engineering group, servicing the oil & gas, petrochemical, pharmaceutical and oil & chemical terminal industries. PECI-THAI's core business includes erection & installation of mechanical, electrical and instrumentation, project & site management and maintenance & turnaround services. In line with our expansion/growth, we are seeking qualified and experienced personnel in the following positions:
1) Mechanical Operation Manager • Minimum 10-15 years construction management experience in mechanical field for power plant, oil & gas construction. • Any nationality with fluency in English. • Strong commercial & business orientation; good knowledge of technical field. • Good track record in many projects worth over THB 100 million, over seas experience will be an advantage. • Minimum Bachelor's degree in Engineering and able to work in Rayong and Chonburi areas.
2) Project Managers and/or Site Managers (for M, E and I) • Minimum 5-10 years construction management experience in mechanical, electrical and/or instrumentation installation fields for power plant, oil & gas, process plant constructions. • Strong leadership and systematic working with various levels. • Thai nationality with good command of English. • Minimum Bachelor's degree in Engineering.
4) Superintendents and Supervisors (for M, E and I) • Minimum 3-5 years experience in construction fields in M, E and/or I. • Able to work in various site locations. • Good knowledge and hands on personality.
5) Planner and Cost Controller Engineers (for M, E and I) • • • •
Minimum 3 years experience in M, E and I. Thai nationality with Bachelor's degree in Engineering. Able to use Microsoft Project and AutoCAD. Good communication skill in English both speaking and writing.
Interested person please e-mail your CV, day time contact number and expected salary to our Human Resources Division at rungsanr@peci-thai.com or somjait@peci-thai.com or mail your credentials to PECI-THAI Co., Ltd. 1/9 Jaroenpattana Rd., Huay Pong, Muang, Rayong 21150.
3) Project Engineers (for M, E and I) • Minimum 3-5 years experience as a project engineer for mechanical and/or E & I works. • Bachelor's degree in Engineering. • Good technical knowledge and skills in the construction fields.
Finance Director Haad Thip Public Company Limited is a Coca-Cola bottling company operating under a license from the Coca-Cola Company (USA) for the franchise of 14 provinces in the South of Thailand. The Company is seeking a well-rounded person to fill in the position of "Finance Director" who will be working closely with the senior management team. The applicant should fulfill the following requirements: 1. Be prepared to work in a medium-sized company whose working culture is a mix of eastern and western working philosophies and a working environment that is one of a family which values mutual trust and respect and also rewards staff according to their merit. 2 Male or Female aged over 30 years old of Thai Nationality 3. Excellent command of written and spoken English is important
4. Bachelor's and/or Master's degree in Finance or Business Administration 5. Knowledge in Financial Strategy, Planning & Analysis, including Budgeting, Financial Cost Control, and Revenue Growth Management 6. Minimum working experience of 3-5 years, preferably in FMCG companies 7. Strong leadership and good interpersonal skills 8. Articulate and be able to give sound presentations in English and Thai 9. Computer literacy (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.) 10. Be able to travel when and wherever needed within the franchise area and abroad Interested applicants please send your application letter with current resume and expected remuneration with contact details to:
Khun Naruamol Amarug, Executive Assistant Haad Thip Public Company Limited 36 Soi Ekamai 10, Yaek 2, Sukhumvit 63, Bangkok10110 Email: naruamol@haadthip.com Website: www.haadthip.com
About Transition Systems : Found in 1999, Transition Systems is a regional distributor of enterprise networking products. Transition partners with selected world-class manufacturers to provide resellers with the best-of-breed quality products. Transition’s expertise & focus in networking & security solutions, customer service & technical support, makes it uniquely positioned to deliver highly value added services & support to our resellers.
Title: Product Manager (3 Positions) • • • • •
Sumitomo Corporation Thailand Ltd. and Sumi-Thai International Ltd., the affiliated companies of Sumitomo Corporation, a Japanese leading international trading and investment company with 179 offices worldwide. We and our affiliated group companies are expanding our business and require more highly qualified and dynamic manpower for the 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
•
Job Description: Initiating business plan to grow profit, sales revenue and market share of your assigned product or brand. Establishing, growing strong network of distribution channel and identifying potential business opportunity. Cooperating closely with channel sales team, system engineer and related teams in the organization as teamwork to serve the customer effectively and efficiently. Working closely with vendors to create brand awareness and demand generation to the marketplace. Developing healthy product sales funnel and reviewing it on weekly basis to achieve the committed sales quota with vendor. Reporting and updating market situation to Business Unit Manager (BUM).
Requirements: • Bachelor's/Master's Degree (Marketing/Computer) with 3-5 years related sales and marketing experiences in IT distribution channel or direct account sales. • Good computer knowledge, fluent English language, communication skill. • Knowledgeable in networking infrastructure and security solution. • Self-motivated, organized, analytical, good attitude and result oriented. • Able to work independently, commence work wisely and handle the pressure very well. • Must possess own transport.
Transition Systems & Networks (Thailand) Co., Ltd. Le Concorde Tower, 7th Floor, 202 Ratchadapisek Rd., Huaykwang, Huaykwang, Bangkok 10310 Tel. +662-694-1421 Fax: +662-694-1424 Website: www.transition-asia.com E-mail: somchai@transition-asia.com
24
GAMES
Monday, August 3, 2009
THE SPORT
DAILY XPRESS
ARSENAL vs ATLETICO
2:1
Russian Andrey Arshavin came off the bench to score twice for the winners. German Pacecho scored for the Madrid side.
T R I - N AT I O N S RU G B Y
briefly Venus to meet Bartoli in clash for title
PICK OF THE P
Venus Williams and France’s Marion Bartoli will meet in the final of the WTA Bank of the West Classic in Stanford, California in a repeat of the 2007 Wimbledon final. Third seed Williams reached her 65th career singles final on Saturday with a 6-0 6-1 rout of fourth-seeded Russian Elena Venus Dementieva. Bartoli won a roller-coaster match against Samantha Stosur 6-3 1-6 6-1. – AFP
Lee expects to be back for 4th Test Australia fast bowler Brett Lee is contemplating a return in next week’s fourth Test against England after missing the first three matches of this Ashes series with a rib injury. The 32-year-old looked poised to complete a successful return from ankle surgery when he suffered the rib problem during a tour match before the first Test in Cardiff. “I want to be going flat out by day five here so I’ve got two more days,” Lee told CA [Cricket Australia] TV after Saturday’s third day was washed out without a ball being bowled. – AFP
Witter quits fight, citing injury Britain’s Junior Witter handed American Devon Alexander the vacant WBC light-welterweight title in Rancho Mirage, California on Saturday night after quitting at the end of the eighth round. Witter, who had been attempting to win back the WBC title he lost to Timothy Bradley at the Nottingham Arena 15 months ago, said he injured his elbow. The 35-year-old had appeared to be behind on the judges’ scorecards but his decision to quit came as a surprise. – AFP
Teenager Ishikawa notches up 2nd win Japan’s teenage sensation Ryo Ishikawa hit a five-under-par 67
Ishikawa with his trophies to take the title at the Sun Chlorella Classic men's golf tournament in Otaru, Japan, yesterday. The 17-year-old high school student carded eight birdies against three bogeys for a fourround total of 17-under-par 271 for his second win of the season and fourth overall. Australia’s Brendan Jones finished second, one stroke back, followed by Japan's Yuta Ikeda in third with 275. – AFP
Hirvonen wins Rally of Finland Home favourite Mikko Hirvonen won the Rally of Finland for the first time in Jyvaskyla, Finland yesterday ahead of France’s Sebastien Loeb. The Ford Focus driver finished a comfortable 25 seconds ahead of five-time world champion Loeb to increase his lead on the Frenchman in the world championship series to three points. Finland’s Jari-Matti Latvala finished third in a Ford Focus at 49 seconds. – AFP
South Africa’s Morne Steyn, left, kicks in front of All Bla No 8 Rodney Sooialo during the Tri-Nations rugby union T match at the Kings Park Stadium in Durban.
Monday, August 3, 2009
PACK
ck Test
GAMES 25
DAILY XPRESS
David Beckham
Jenson Button
LA GALAXY PLAYER
BRAWN DRIVER
“He [spectator] insulted my wife. If you insult my family members I am going to stick up for my wife and family. But if it happens again I wouldn’t even look at him. It is not worth the time and energy.”
“This opportunity is the best I have had in Formula One and you have to take it. There might not be an opportunity again.”
Fly-half Steyn sets Tri-Nations record scoring all 31 points as Springboks beat All Blacks again
31-19 A F P , Durban, South Africa
S
outh Africa coach Peter De Villiers said it was a great honour to make history after his side beat New Zealand in successive Tests at home for the first time in 33 years. The Springboks ran out 31-19 winners, following on from last week’s victory in Bloemfontein, and De Villiers was pleased with the way his side dealt with early pressure from the visiting side. “We’re all part of history in this country and we always knew the All Blacks would come out all guns blazing,” De Villiers said. “They had a very good start and we were under pressure at times there, but then the character of the side came out on top.” South Africa fly-half Morne Steyn set a new Tri-Nations record by scoring all 31 points, eclipsing the 10-year record of All Blacks great Andrew Mehrtens by two points. On a memorable night, tighthead prop John Smit became the most capped Test captain after leading out the world champions for the 60th time. Flyhalf Steyn scored a try, converted it and kicked eight penalties with the All Blacks unable to match the Springboks’ intensity on a wet surface that hampered running rugby. “It was one of those days when everything just went through the poles,” Steyn said. “When you’ve got a pack like I had, the games become easy.” New Zealand coach Graham Henry gave credit to the home side for another commanding victory, which left the All Blacks with just one win from three Tri-Nations matches.
Tiger Woods reacts after making a birdie putt on the 17th green during the third round of the Buick Open.
GOLF
Tiger moves in for the kill with strong show Woods leads by a stroke after third round in which he got a good score but had some wild swings too AP, Grand Blanc Township, Michigan
Tiger Woods’s score was better than his play as he shot an eventful 7-under-65 on Saturday to claim the third-round lead at the Buick Open. Woods drove onto adjacent fairways twice on the back nine, hit a cup of beer in a spectator’s hand, got rattled by a bug and was relegated to shaping some shots around trees and under branches, yet still moved to a 17under 199 total. That gave him a one-stroke lead when Michael Letzig (68) double bogeyed the last hole. “The whole idea of the game is put the ball in the hole, and I did that,” Woods said. “But as far as controlling my ball, I didn’t do that.” Woods was eight shots off the lead after the opening day, when he putted poorly but roared back into contention with a 63 in the second round
and goes into the final round as leader and clear favourite to win. He moved into a tie for the lead with Letzig at 17 under with a 33-foot birdie putt at No 17. Woods pumped his fist, shouted, and the gallery roared so loud he couldn’t communicate with caddie Steve Williams. “It was pretty exciting,” said Woods, making his ninth Buick Open appearance. “The people here have been absolutely incredible, so supportive of this event over the years. That’s one of the reasons why we love coming here.” American Letzig hit a poor shot out of a greenside bunker at No 18, barely clearing it and leaving him with a tricky lie. He fell to 16 under while Woods was on the practice range.
Beck wins Brunei Open Australia’s Darren Beck completed a remarkable comeback by winning at the third play-off hole over India’s Gaganjeet Bhullar at the Brunei Open yesterday. Beck, who had started his final round six shots off the lead and tied for 15th place, fired a sparkling six-underpar 65 to force a three-way play-off with Bhullar and Thai veteran Boonchu Ruangkit after the pair returned with 13under-par 271 total in regulation play. When Boonchu bogeyed his shot at the second play-off hole as Beck and Bhullar made pars each, it was down to the parfour ninth hole to decide the winner at the 300,000 dollar full field Asian Tour event. The 32-year-old Australian sealed his career breakthrough on the Asian Tour when he birdied from 10 feet as Bhullar could only par his shot.
26
THE SPORT
Monday, August 3, 2009
A S I A N M A RT I A L A RT S G A M E S
RATRAKORN RULES Taekwondo exponent wins first gold for hosts D A I LY X P R E S S
ormer world champion Ratrakorn Prasopsuk helped Thailand claim their first taekwondo medal in the Asian Martial Arts Games at Hua Mark Indoor Stadium yesterday. Four gold medals were on offer on the opening day of the Korean martial art competition, with hosts Thailand fielding three athletes, including Beijing silver medalist Buttree Puedpong. It was the 18-yearold girl who won the first gold for Thailand in this inaugural competition featuring nine sports. However, Buttree might wonder whether her nickname “Song”, which means second, brought bad luck as she again had to settle for a silver, as in Beijing last year. Storming into the finweight
DAILY XPRESS
F
Ratrakorn Prasopsuk carries the Thai flag after winning the first taekwondo gold for the hosts in the Asian Martial Arts Games yesterday. final with a RSC victory over a Macau opponent, Buttree came up against a Korea fighter. The Thai drew first blood with a counter kick in the opening round but the Korean got back into the fight by leveling the score in the next ses-
sion. Then just before the end of the second, both fighters suffered a point deduction after they kept dancing. Buttree must have thought she might win her first gold in the major international tournament after regaining the advan-
tage early in the decider but the Korean quickly restored parity, forcing the bout into the extra 30-second round. In the sudden death, it was the Korean who proved quicker after her kick hit the target first by a fraction of second in the exchange, which condemned the Thai hope to another heart-broken experience in the final. However, Ratrakorn lifted the mood of the home supporters by handing a lesson to Uzbekistan’s Karimova Ejenniya with a 3-0 victory in the women’s heavyweight division. “I’ve long been waiting for this. After a victory in the world championships in 2006, I’ve never won any notable medal. In the recent World University Games, I clinched just a bronze. “I’m thankful to everyone, particularly coach Choi Young Seok who trained me hard since the beginning of the year,” said a tearful Ratrakorn.
DAILY XPRESS
Phelps crushes his rival AFP, Rome
Michael Phelps beat Milorad Cavic to the punch again on Saturday, and this time he earned a clear decision by smashing the 50-second barrier in the 100m butterfly final at the World Championships. The American superstar clocked a world record 49.82sec to beat his Beijing Olympic rival by 13-hundredths of a second. Phelps had beaten Cavic by just one one-hundredth of a second in Beijing, and the Serbian turned this World Championships showdown into a grudge match. Phelps’s victory celebration was fierce. When he saw his time, he hoisted himself on the lane rope and yelled, smacking the water in triumph. Cavic had looked to have the upper hand heading into the final. He broke Phelps’s world record in the semi-finals with a time of 50.01.
Monday, August 3, 2009
THE SPORT 27
DAILY XPRESS
VO L L E Y B A L L
Aussies fight back on day 4
THAIS SCALP JAPAN TOO National squad stuns Asian giants for second victory in World Grand Prix W I R I YA N U PA P P O N G D A I LY X P R E S S , Kielce, Poland
T
he national women’s volleyball team made history on Saturday by register successive victories for the first time in the World Grand Prix including an unprecedented win over Japan. Since the team’s debut in the premier women’s volleyball tournament in 2002, Thailand had never won two matches in a row due to the presence of indomitable giants such as Brazil, China, Russia and the US. Here, Thailand are in Pool B with 2007 WGP champions the Netherlands, Asian winners Japan, and former twotime European champions Poland. The Thai team stunned the hosts 3-2 in the curtain-raiser before powering past Japan 3-2 (19-25 25-20 25-18 20-25 15-11). Thailand, ranked No 19 in
the world, had never beaten Japan in eight years. “We are young and need to gain more experience and exposure. To beat Japan is not an easy mission since they have a solid defence, excellent reception and fierce attack. I think we are very fortunate to beat them this time,” Thai head coach Kiattipong Radchatagriengkai said. “We next play the Netherlands. It’s too difficult to make a clean sweep in the Kielce leg. The Dutch women are much taller and stronger than us. However, we will try our best again,” he added. The other match saw the Netherlands thrash hosts Poland in straight sets 25-23 2520 25-21. Yesterday, Poland were to take on Japan at 4.30pm local time (9pm Bangkok time) and Thailand go up against the Netherlands at 7pm (midnight Bangkok time).
DAILY XPRESS
PREECHACHAN
A P , Birmingham, England
Thailand’s Pleumjit Thinkaow spikes past a Japanese blocker.
England reached 159-4 at lunch on the fourth day of the third Test against Australia yesterday, losing two wickets in the shortened session at Edgbaston, after play started an hour late because of a wet outfield. After England resumed on its overnight score of 116-2, Ian Bell was 46 not out, while Paul Collingwood was caught at second slip by Ricky Ponting for 13 on the stroke of lunch off Ben Hilfenhaus. England trailed the tourists’ first innings total of 263 by 104 runs. Strauss was earlier caught by wicketkeeper Graham Manou for 69 off Hilfenhaus, trying to cut a short ball that was too close to him. Hilfenhaus returned figures of 3-65 from 18.5 overs at the break, as he exploited the damp conditions in Birmingham. Australia are seeking to retain the Ashes but are 1-0 down in the five-match series.