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DAILY

Wednesday, August 26, 2009 VOL 2, NO 404 dailyxpress.net

A DOSE OF LOVE

Having a problem performing in bed? Well, tennis star Paradorn Srichaphan recommends that you try his adult tonic if you want to start serving aces under the sheets >PAGE 2 GOOD MORNING BANGKOK!

Let film viewers be the judge

By Jakrawal Nilthamrong

What’s on

Film director

A

month ago I sat in a room surrounded by doctors, people from the National Culture Commission, scholars from the National Institute for Child and Family Development and film-makers. They were discussing how watching people smoking on the cinema screen could be as bad as actually smoking.

After an hour of hearing the “prosecutors” accuse filmmakers of “brainwashing” audiences, particularly kids, I finally spoke up. We allow people over 18 to vote, I said, so why can’t they have the right to freely watch any film and judge for themselves? Perhaps the problem is that these dinosaurs don’t believe in their own kids?

Catch transgender rockers Venus Butterfly; take a walk down memory lane with ‘Charin Show: The Original’; watch ‘Asurakai’ by the Naked Masks Troupe, and a lot more...

Check out Nissan’s hot, new ELECTRIC CAR

>PAGE 10

>PAGE 9

2 TODAY

Wednesday, August 26, 2009

THE CITY

6

PEOPLE PER HOUR DIE of cancer, making it Thailand’s No 1 killer disease.

– Chulalongkorn University

Hitch up that plough!

briefly Top universities hit the jackpot

DAILY XPRESS/KWANDAO JITPANA

New scheme offers unemployed the chance to become farmers D A I LY X P R E S S

T

he unemployed are being given training and land to become farmers under a scheme jointly run by the Agriculture Ministry’s Agricultural Land Reform Office (ALRO) and the Labour Ministry.

Since its July 3 launch, 274 applicants have signed up for the scheme, the majority from the Northeast (129) and Greater Bangkok (74), said Labour Protection and Welfare Department chief Amporn Nitisiri. The application period ends on August 31.

Free training and land Participants will get three to six months’ training in farming, with free accommodation, meals, training materials and a daily allowance of Bt100.

The ALRO will then provide each with a plot of land of between 2.5 and 10 rai to farm. After two years, officials will assess each farmer and decide whether to grant him/her the right to make a living out of the land permanently.

The ALRO has earmarked about 2,000 rai of land.

Those interested in joining the scheme should call (02) 246 8994, contact their local employment office or visit www.Labour.go.th.

DAILY

XPRESS

DAILY XPRESS

Panda

partnership Launching the ‘Pandas Help Thai Elephants’ Project at Chiang Mai Zoo yesterday are Zoological Park Organisation director Sopon Damnui, left, and Chiang Mai Deputy Governor Chumporn Saengmanee, right.

The idea is to sell limited-edition panda-cub teddy bears to raise funds for a project that will return 100 street-wandering elephants to their natural habitat.

WHAT’S UP, BALL? The tennis celeb is facing awkward questions after launching his herbal boost for men’s sex lives ho would have thought that a macho man like Paradorn Srichaphan would be into “adult tonic”? Catching everyone by surprise, the former world No 9 recently launched a product he claims will crank up the love lives of long-time married couples.

verse? And: Is the tennis hunk really so desperate he has to seek assistance?

The celeb was bound to be teased for introducing Majic Iris, a dietary supplement for adults, to the public. After satisfying himself that the product was potent, he decided to buy the licence under his new company, Magic Thaiherbs.

Married to Miss Universe

‘My mojo’s fine’

Questions are being asked: Almost two years after his wedding with ex-Miss Universe Natalie Glebova, and still no offspring? Who needs extra stimulation when the person who shares your bed is the most beautiful girl in the uni-

But Paradorn, who has been sidelined with a wrist injury for the last two years, played down suspicions that he has lost his mojo. He said unlike Viagra, his product was made of herbs (such as ginseng) beneficial to the health and without side ef-

By Lerpong Amsa-ngiam D A I LY X P R E S S

W

fects. “It makes you feel energised and fresh. With a chemical substance like Viagra, you have to take higher and higher doses, but when it’s herbal, the dose gets smaller once your body system is re-balanced,’’ said Paradorn, now 30.

“I’m still strong, but no one stays young forever. The herbal product can help,’’ he added.

Certified by the Food and Drug Administration, Majic Iris is already on sale and being “tested” by consumers.

Paradorn plans to launch more products in the future. A dietary supplement to boost women’s sex lives is being planned. “What goes on below the belly button shouldn’t be taken for granted. Some of the heat is bound to go out of longterm relationships. I’m just offering something that can help improve married life.”

Nine universities will be granted up to Bt9 billion in research funds between 2010 and 2012.

King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi, Suranaree University of Technology, as well as Chulalongkorn, Mahidol, Kasetsart, Thammasat, Chiang Mai, Khon Kaen, and Prince of Songkla universities were selected from among 15 applicants, said Education Minister Jurin Laksanawisit, who heads the National Research University Project.

“We expect the chosen universities to conduct research that will improve people’s quality of life. We want to see practical applications,” Jurin said.

Each participating university must produce at least 100 research studies per year.

Jurin said his ministry had also earmarked Bt3 billion for research at 69 other universities.

Actor nabbed Veteran film star Arun Pawilai was yesterday given a suspended jail term for drunk driving. The court also suspended his driving licence for six months and ordered him to pay a fine of Bt7,250.

The actor was nabbed by police at around 3am yesterday, but angrily refused to take a breathalyser test.

Arun was brought to the Makkasan Police Station where, after talking to the station’s superintendent, he eventually agreed to have his bloodalcohol level checked. It was found to be well in excess of the legal limit. – 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.

ENERGY FOR ENVIRONMENT FOUNDATION (E FOR E) is looking for competent, energetic, and motivated candidates for the following positions.

FINANCING OFFICER:

Bachelor’s Degree in Finance/Banking/Business Administration or Engineering with MBA; 3 years experience in the banking/business sector; Experience of financial analysis, financial modelling in power or petrochemical plant; Demonstrated experience and skills in preparing for financing arrangement and project evaluation for energy projects.

ENERGY POLICY ANALYST: Postgraduate in Economics/ Science/Engineering field; 3-5 years experience in energy; Experience in renewable energy or CDM is a plus.

Interested candidates are invited to visit our website at www.efe.or.th for detailed information of each position.

Please send your application letter, indicating position applied, with resume and expected salary to: Energy for Environment Foundation, fax 0 2642 6426 or email: efe@efe.or.th by 31 August 2009.

For more information please contact

K. Jaijin Tel: 0 2642 6424-5 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

4

GLOBETROT

Wednesday, August 26, 2009

THE WORLD

DAILY XPRESS

Thousands of children working in Malawi’s tobacco fields suffer nicotine poisoning equal to smoking

50

cigarettes a day

Info highway ‘Slip carefully!’: Shanghai tackles bad English

Mid-air skills

AFP

A Sri Lankan army commando displays his skills during a graduation ceremony of 41 men in the eastern district of Ampara.

Je t’aime: French text messages now divorce evidence Unfaithful spouses in France beware: passionate text messages sent to mistresses and lovers can now be used as evidence against you in a divorce.

Experts say the recent ruling by France’s Supreme Court to accept phone exchanges as legitimate proof of adultery will make it easier for the French to get divorced.

Previously, French husbands and wives often had to wait for years to escape a marriage if they could not prove that their spouse was misbehaving or mistreating them.

Text messages have long been accepted as official proof in murder and other criminal trials in France, and the new decision extends such practice into family law. E-mails are also accepted as evidence in trials.

Getting a divorce can be a lengthy and painful procedure in France. – A P

Jackson’s death a homicide: coroner Ruling does not necessarily mean a crime was committed, but it’s more likely criminal charges will be filed against pop star’s cardiologist A P , Los Angeles

M

ichael Jackson’s death has been ruled a homicide caused by a mix of drugs meant to treat insomnia, a law enforcement official said, while his personal doctor told investigators he was actually trying to wean the King of Pop off the powerful anaesthetic that did him in.

Forensic tests found the anaesthetic propofol combined with at least two sedatives to

kill Jackson, according to the official, who spoke on condition of anonymity because the findings have not been publicly released.

Based on those tests, the Los Angeles County Coroner has ruled the death a homicide, the official said.

Murray in hot water The coroner’s homicide ruling does not necessarily mean a crime was committed. But it

makes it more likely criminal charges will be filed against Dr Conrad Murray, the Las Vegas cardiologist who was caring for the pop star when he died on June 25 in a rented Los Angeles mansion.

Through his lawyer, Murray has said he administered nothing that “should have” killed Jackson.

Murray told investigators that Jackson stopped breathing about 10 minutes after he relented and finally gave in to his patient’s demands for propofol around 10.40am, following a night-long regimen of sedatives that did not work, according to court documents unsealed on Monday.

Tourists visiting Shanghai for next year’s World Expo could be confused by signs on wet floors reading “Slip carefully!”

So authorities in China want to make sure they never see them.

The Shanghai government published a 20-page guide book this week to standardise signs and eliminate notoriously bad, and sometimes amusing, English translations.

At Shanghai’s iconic Oriental Pearl Tower, visitors are warned “Ragamuffin, drunken people and psychotics are forbidden to enter”, according to the Shanghaiist city blog.

The nearly 400 standard translations range from the basic labelling of men’s and women’s toilets to a stern “No Smoking, Eating, Drinking or Loitering”. – AFP

‘No thanks’ to plastic glasses British government plans to curb alcohol-fuelled violence by introducing plastic beer glasses in pubs are unlikely to be popular, the pub industry warned.

The Home Office has commissioned a new design for plastic containers in an attempt to stop glasses being used as weapons.

The plan is in response to official figures showing that 5,500 people are attacked with glasses and bottles every year in England and Wales.

The British Beer and Pub Association said it did not want the new plastic glasses to be made compulsory.

“For the drinker, the pint glass feels better; it has a nice weight and the drink coats the glass nicely. That’s why people go out for a drink, to have a nice experience.” – DPA

6 ENTERTAINMENT

Wednesday, August 26, 2009

THE FUN

DAILY XPRESS

CHRISTOPH WALTZ, AUSTRIAN ACTOR, ON HIS ROLE AS A MULTI-LINGUAL NAZI COLONEL IN “INGLOURIOUS BASTERDS”.

“I’ve been in places in Europe where you need a different language if you go out for dinner ... You just go across the river, different language, different culture, different food, different everything. So it’s nothing extraordinary.”

C O N C E RT R E V I E W

COURTESY OF WORK POINT ENTERTAINMENT

LAUGHS WITH CULTURE

TV’s popular ‘Kun Phra Chuay’ variety show comes to the stage

By Kitchana Lersakvanitchakul D A I LY X P R E S S

M

uch to my astonishment, last weekend’s stage adaptation of popular Thai art and culture-promoting television show “Kun Phra Chuay” (“Oh My God”) proved so successful that it played to four full houses at King Power’s Aksra Theatre and could probably have drawn even more punters had more seats been available.

Are Bangkokians really so hungry for Thai culture and contemporary art? Or are they more in search of a comedy fix in today’s depressing climate? In fact, the answer is probably irrelevant, as all three are served up in ample quantities in both the studio and live versions of Modernine’s variety programme.

The four-hour live show was played out in an atmosphere redolent of Thai culture, with fragrant hints of Malaysian, Korean and American art. The Kun Phra Chuay Orchestra performed a musical marriage of traditional Thai and Western music instruments and before the curtain rose, the 600-strong audi-

ence paid respect to His Majesty the King with a new version of the royal anthem, “Sansoen Phra Barami”, played on two ranad (xylophone) and the khim (hammered dulcimer).

Cheers could be heard as the orchestra played the overture before segueing into a string of golden oldies with today’s artists on vocals. One particularly interesting act blended Queen’s “We Will Rock You” with the traditional Thai tune “Lao Krathop Mai”.

Two percussionists then took the stage for a perng mang khok (big drum) competition.

Southern sounds A musical performance followed the intermission and led into a delightful likay hulu from Pattani. This form of folk opera commonly performed in Pattani, Yala and Narathiwat is different from other Thai likay in that the Malay dialect is used in the accompaniment of indigenous musical tunes.

Khlui (flute) player Thanis Sriklindee and pianist Tor Saksit joined the orchestra for some more modern interpretations of old songs before the

Flute player Thanis Sriklindee and pianist Tor Saksit, top left, mixed Thai and Western classical music and pop while hosts Teng Terdterng, Thongchai Prasongsanti and Todd Thongdee made jokes and performed skits. Teng also took part in an act that blended Queen’s ‘We Will Rock You’ with a Thai folk tune. Below, a hulu likay troupe brought Malay folk opera to the show.

stunning orchestral blend of Beethoven’s “Symphony No 5” and mor lam music by blind khaen (reed pipe) player Sombat.

And of course, there was the comedy. Between each act, the show’s three hosts Teng Terdterng, Thongchai Prasongsanti and Todd Thongdee were keeping the audience in stitches with their jokes. >> TUNING IN “Kun Phra Chuay” (“Oh My God”) airs on Modernine every Sunday at 4pm.

Wednesday, August 26, 2009

ENTERTAINMENT 7

DAILY XPRESS

Moderndog and Tik Shiro led with NOMINATIONS each at the Channel [V] Thailand Music Video Awards.

JESSICA BIEL is the most dangerous celebrity on the Internet, says tech-security company McAfee.

Searches for the 27-year-old actress are more likely to lead to spyware and computer viruses than any other celebrity.

4

XTRA

AWA R D S

Visionaries in pop music Channel [V] rewards the top stars of the past year

By Kitchana Lersakvanitchakul D A I LY X P R E S S

A

fter scooping up prizes all year, Moderndog collected two more at the Channel [V] Thailand Music Video Awards 2009 on Saturday in Royal Paragon Hall.

“Our big thanks to Channel [V] for this award. I know [director] Zoran [Bihac] will be thrilled to hear about this.

He’s in Germany right now,” said Moderndog frontman Tanachai “Pod” Ujjin. The band won Best Music Video and Best Music Video Director for “Niyai” from its album “Ting Nong Noy”.

Boy Peacemaker also received two awards – Popular Thai Music Video for “Jai Chan Pen Khong Ther” and Popular Thai Male Artist.

Nine indie artists took turns to open the ceremony before the big acts show ed up. Among them was South Korean boy band Xing, which took its time to saunter along the red carpet.

Performances alternated with distribution of the awards.

VETERANS REMEMBERED >> Thongchai “Bird” McIntyre and Busaba Daoruang received the Thai Pradith Award.

South Korean boy band Xing was among the performers.

Universal Music Thailand snatched three awards, with Lady Gaga grabbing Popular Artist and her “Poker Face” won Popular Music Video.

Taylor Swift was named Popular New Artist.

Popular Asian Artist went to South Korea’s TVXQ! The seven-member boy band had fans screaming as they performed “My Girl” and “Hi 5”.

Superstar Tata Young wowed the packed auditorium with her new cut “Ready for Love”.

Other awards included Best Editing for Parn Tanaporn’s “Het Karn Mai

Of pals and parasites A tangy quote from Tata Young has caused a buzz. She was talking about the song “Exposed” during a press preview of her new album, “Ready for Love”. It’s about a small-town girl whose boyfriend dumps her when she moves to the big city and becomes famous.

“It’s not about me,” Tata pointed out. “I’m from Bangkok and men started Tata attaching themselves to me when I became famous, just the opposite.”

If there was hidden meaning in those words, it had her ex-fiance Prem Busarakamwong insisting he wasn’t one of those men.

That’s one way to sell Por an album.

soopsip Virtual pitch man Actor and Liverpool addict Nattwut “Por” Sakitjai scored a dream gig starring in a TV commercial for TrueVisions’ English Premier League broadcasts.

Por is in a Liverpool jersey, running down the pitch alongside Steven Gerrard – not that he ever got that close to the star.

“Shooting it was fun,” he says. “I had to run back and forth in front of a blue screen.”

Now, as he watches his ad during the match telecasts every Saturday night, Por’s thinking, “This is one to show the grandkids!”

CONTACT SOOPSIP at veenxpress@gmail.com.

Plien Plag”, Best Art Direction for Hangman’s “Bun Khun Poo Dam” and Popular New Thai Artist for the August band.

>> The [V] Grow Together Award went to Blackhead and Eed Fly. >> The Lifetime Achievement Award was given to Nitipong Hornak.

ENTERTAINMENT

sound bytes

By Mr Badboy

Genie

Girls’ Generation (GMM) South Korea’s nine-member girl group hit the big time with “Gee”, the title track from their first mini album, which topped KBS Music Bank’s charts for nine consecutive weeks. Now, the girls are back with their second mini album, “Genie” and a new image that has them dolled up as Goddesses of Luck. “Genie” features six tracks including “Etude”, which sees the girls dancing in Euro style, “Girlfriend”, a remake of the hit 1980 song plus “Boyfriend”, “My Child”, “One Year Later” and the title track, which is a sequel of “Gee”.

All songs are musically designed

by European songwriters.

DJ Green Wave Recommend Various Artists (A-Time)

As you’ll probably guess from the album title, this compilation is made up of recommendations by nine DJs from Green Wave 106.5 FM and features 16 songs most often played on the air. DJ Chod favours Calories Blah Blah’s “Yak Roo … Tae Mai Yak Tham” and Da Endorphine’s “Mai Tong Roo Wa Rao Kob Kan Bab Nai”, while DJ Oy opts for AsaneeWasan’s “Dai Yang Sia Yang”.

Wednesday, August 26, 2009

DAILY XPRESS

Spinball wizard

A Japanese DJ will represent Thailand at the DMC World Championship in London next month

By Kitchana Lersakvanitchakul D A I LY X P R E S S

A

Japanese DJ by the name of Maiam with some striking skills at the turntable beat nine other contestants hands down at the DMC Thailand World DJ Championship at 808 pub on RCA last Friday and will be jetting to the UK next month to represent the Kingdom in the World Finals showdown.

“I took a special sound from Japan and combined it with my own techniques,” says 38-year-old Maiam, aka Masaomi Fukurono, who’ll be up against the best in London on September 11 and 12. “I got the idea from DJ Zoe in Osaka.

“The Thai contestants have lots of ability but they are a little lacking in creativity and entertainment,” he adds.

“Right now, the leading countries in the DJ field are France, Japan and Germany. They’ve replaced England, America and Canada as the big three.”

As a teen, Fukurono was fascinated not by turntables but by the Thai sport of sepak

COURTESY OF MTV THAILAND

8

takraw, which he first saw on TV in Japan. In 1988, he decided to come to Thailand.

“At that time, you couldn’t find a takraw ball in Japan. I used to practise it by myself at night in Yoyogi Koen Park by hanging the hoop on tree,” he recalls.

The youngster went on to play on Japan’s national sepak takraw team, training in Udon Thani and Nong Khai with a Thai coach. The national team participated in the King’s Cup

World Championships as well as in the Asian Games in Hiroshima in 1994.

In 1997, he quit sepak takraw and took a DJ course in Yokohama after watching American DJs perform on TV. “Hip-hop music was starting to find its way into Japanese popular culture. DJ Honda was among the pioneers,” he says.

In 2002, he joined up with Arz (Arisara Wathano) and Fiona (Manassawee Wongsiri) to form Maf, a hip-hop trio on the Gancore Club label under GMM Grammy. In 2003, they released the album “Bangkok”, which spawned the hit song “Hua Lai Tood”. The album was launched in Japan in 2004.

XTRA W I N N I N G W AY S >> In 2004, Maiam received Popular Vote in the Vestax Extravaganza contest. >> DJ Maiam and Som Amara leave today for a show in Australia.

Wednesday, August 26, 2009

AUTOMOBILES

DAILY XPRESS

Turn over a new Leaf?

Nissan’s gadget-rich electric car goes on sale next year – though not in Thailand

By Vijo Varghese D A I LY X P R E S S

W

ho told you an electric car is just some imaginary vehicle that Tom Cruise drives in the movies? Last month Nissan unveiled the world’s first mass-market electric car, the Leaf.

And we’re not talking about a “niche” car that’s destined only for rich men’s garages, taking up space beside the Ferrari.

Nissan says the Leaf will cost as much as a top C-segment car – in

Thailand that’s about Bt1 million.

So why sets this car apart from the electric ones that automakers have been promising?

For starters, Nissan will actually start selling the car in the US, Japan and Europe next year.

The best thing about the Leaf is that it can drive 160 kilometres on a single charge, and you can get speeds topping 140kph!

Surveys done by car companies indicate that more than 80 per cent of people around the globe drive less than 50km a day, so it’s worth remembering that, when you’re stuck in traffic, the only energy lost by the Leaf is running the air-conditioner.

What about charging? The Leaf uses lithium-ion batteries that take eight hours to charge from a 200volt source.

But if you’re in a hurry, 80 per cent of the juice can be injected in 30 minutes using a 400-volt supply.

The Leaf comes with software to tell your iPhone how much charge it has and lets you remotely switch on the air-conditioning.

The car will even e-mail you when it’s fully charged.

There’s a whole lot of other gadgetry at work here, like regenerative braking and special headlights that

use only 10 per cent of the energy of conventional lights.

Jump into the Leaf and the first

thing its GPS navigation system tells you is how far you can go on the current charge in your battery. And if you’re close to running out of juice, it’ll list the locations of the nearest electric charging stations.

So can you put your money down for a Leaf? Well, not it Thailand, at least in the foreseeable future.

Considerable government support is needed for such a vehicle, and the only country in Southeast Asia that seems to be going for it is Singapore.

9

10 EVENTS

Wednesday, August 26, 2009

DAILY XPRESS

WHAT’S UP

do it!

Elephantine task More than 100 children have created cards to welcome Luk Chai, the first Thai elephant calf born at Taronga Zoo in Sydney. The young artists, some just two years old, enthusiastically flocked to a corner of TK Park to join the card-making activity, expressing warm wishes to the calf born to Thongdee and Gung, Thai elephants who have lived in Australia since 2006. Around 120 beautiful cards were made and they’re on display at TK Park on the eighth floor of CentralWorld until Monday.

dies emories of l o n e d l o G gs back m nakorn brin how: The

Choral challenge

ta Charin Nan ays with his “Charin S ing ld d o d tre in the K the goo Aksra Thea morrow at 2. e th t a l” a Origin and to past as plex today Power Com r such blasts from the i”, a e a h ”, “Klu yma Expect to ”, “Karaked k Khamtai”. n a F i a N i ja “Duang onrak Do e on” and “M “Klangsaish Pisamai Wilaisak, Are e de th u d cl n in a s n st ri e k Gu Boonna g n jo ,000 to in t1 L B i, Nakdontr ickets cost T . d n a B alin Kanchanap aiticketmajor.

Th t a 0 0 ,5 Bt2

The Mahidol University Choir performs Brahms’ “German Requiem” at two recitals next week. On September 2 at 8pm, the choir will be at Mahidol University College of Music in Salaya. On September 3, they’ll sing at 7 at Assumption Cathedral on the river near the Oriental Hotel. Call (02) 800 2525, extensions 154 and 155, or visit www.Music.Mahidol. ac.th.

Sea, sand and song Pop artists will be unplugged for a concert on Saturday at Suan Buak Hat in Cha-am.

Singer Wattana “Jiab” Weerayawattana will be joined in “Love Song @ Sea” by Te Witsarat, Ann Thitima, Lookpad Chonlanan, Oum Waritada, Deep O Sea and Mon Rak Bora Bora. Tickets cost Bt500 for the show or Bt2,800 including accommodation and a barbecue party with the artists. Visit www.Total

Met rt in the monthly Met Bar e h t t a c i Mus cond conce e Metropolitan Hotel’s dline the se

gha at th erfly hea on Venus Butt 009 sponsored by Sin nock the Knock, and K 2 arts at s s st e re ri c e tu si S a u Music also fe . The m e w g o a sh e 20 st ’s e y th a s d take u have to b Met Bar. Fri eez Animal eer, and yo b w f q o S 5 le 2 tt r o e b Septemb including a or e-mail y is Bt300, . Call (02) 625 3391 10pm. Entr ID .como.bz. bring your tropolitan e m to get in, so @ g n lu hattha khattiya.p

All about jewelgler,ejerweyllery

Reservation.com or call (02) 833 5555.

Biting moon cakes Hong Kong master chef Lau Chi Kwong has created several new flavours including prune and ginger for the Moon Cake Festival at the Ambassador Hotel until October 5. Of course you can get your fill of standard flavours like custard cream and egg yolk too. Until September 15, order 40 moon cakes or more and get a discount of 10 per cent. Until October 5, buy 10 boxes get one box for free. Call (02) 254 0444 extension 1592-3.

Superstitious story The Naked Masks Troupe looks at superstitions and their effects on an urban family in “Asurakai” from September 3 to 6 and September 10 to 13 at the troupe’s playhouse in Phayatai Plaza. The show time is 7.30 with 2pm matinees on Saturday and Sunday.

Tickets cost Bt250 (Bt150 for students). Call (085) 503 4525 or e-mail nakedmaskstheatre@gmail.com.

Doris Manin irector of dd designer an ute in Italy, it st In ia im ent Alch , “Developm lk ta e th s e iv g ery and Jewell of Jewellery urope: Past, in E Education nday ture” on Su tive u F t, n se Pre a re C d Thailan at 2 at the e th n o e tr Cen and Design rium. o p m E e th f sixth floor o present the ill w r e g in n a M as jewellery h ys many wa pe ro u E in g pin been develo and discuss 0s since the ’6 s. Admission is nd e possible tr 48 2) 664 84 (0 ll free. Ca 214. s 213 or extension

Wednesday, August 26, 2009

THE SCREEN 11

DAILY XPRESS

TO SEE

in cinemas tomorrow

>> Fan Kao (My Ex) –

Buppah Ra htree

3.2

A pair of com ical cops (Bo o Adirek Watt aleela) make ntthin Thuaykeaw and "U their return tion of Yuth in the fourth ncle" lert installafranchise. W Sippapak’s genre-blen ding horrorith English su co btitles in so 18+. me cinemas. medy Rated

Coco avant Chanel Audrey Tautou portrays the fashion icon from her days as an impoverished seamstress to her life as a sought-after couturier in Paris. In French with English and Thai subtitles at Apex and SF World CentralWorld. ★★★★

Orphan An angelic little girl (Isabelle Fuhrman) displays an unforeseen devilish streak upon moving into the home of her new parents (Vera Farmiga and Peter Sarsgaard). Censored.

Polamuang Juling This four-hour documentary by

Kraisak Choonhavan, Ing K and Manit Sriwanichpoom examines Thai politics and society and how they relate to the Islamic insurgency in southern Thailand after the brutal beating of teacher Juling Pongkunmul. At 6.30 tonight with English subtitles at House. ★★★★★

E-Som Somwang Cha Cha Cha In this sequel to the 2007 comedy, young couple Som (Suwanan Kongying) and Somwang (Pitisak Yaowananon) arrive in Bangkok with Som’s dad (Note Chernyim) and Somwang lands a job as a nightclub singer.

Ricky

like an angel. In – he has wings by ba l ua us un se. ★★★ Ricky is a very btitles at Hou h and Thai su glis French with En

Jeeja Due Suay Du A headstrong young woman (Jeeja “Yanin” Vismitananda) must learn the meaning of true love in order to reach the top level of her fighting skills. With English subtitles at some cinemas. ★★★

The Wedding Game

cub and sets out on an journey to bring the furry black-andwhite bear back to its mother.

In Mandarin with English and Thai subtitles at SFW CentralWorld.

GI Joe: The Rise of Cobra

A pair of superstars (Christopher Lee and Fann Wong) stage a marriage even though they dislike each other intensely. In

A pair of young soldiers join a highly trained secret force tasked with bringing down an evil arms dealer and his ruthless assassins. ★★

Mandarin with English and Thai subtitles at Lido. ★★★

Bruno

Trail of the Panda An orphan boy (Daichi Harashima) rescues a panda

Sacha Baron Cohen’s gay Austrian fashionista seeks celebrity status in the US. At

Shahkrit Yamnarm portrays a womanising actor who is haunted by the vengeful heartbroken ghost of one of his many spurned girlfriends.

Also stars Wanida “Gybzy” Temthanaporn, Navadee “Aom” Mokkhavesa and Atthama “Bowie” Cheevanichpan. >> Ponyo on the Cliff by the Sea – Animator Hayao

Miyazaki’s latest fanciful tale is about a goldfish who wishes she were human. >> Bandslam – Teen misfits form a group for a battle of the bands. >> Water Drops of Life – The short-film compilation celebrating the Royal Development Centre will screen for free.

on tv

House. ★★★

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

Century – The Movie Plaza (02) 247 9940

Bruce and Lloyd: Out of Control

House (02) 641 5177-8

Two nerdy technicians must prevent an invisibility cloak from falling into the hands of KAOS in this direct-to-video spin-off of the “Get Smart” movie.

Major Cineplex/EGV Bangkok: (02) 515 5555

Major Hollywood Bangkok: (02) 718 7999

HBO (TrueVisions), 10pm

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

Inglourious Basterds

UMG

Director Quentin Tarantino takes on Hitler with Brad Pitt leading of a group of Jewish soldiers who are behind enemy lines, scalping and brutally killing Nazis. Til Schweiger also stars. Rated 18+. ★★★★

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

Wednesday, August 26, 2009

Comics&Games

Red and Rover

DAILY XPRESS

Wednesday, August 26, 2009

LEISURE

DAILY XPRESS

Games&YourStars SUDOKU

The last word in

ASTROLOGY

By Eugenia Last

Today’s Birthday: Don’t dwell on the things that are impossible when you have so much going for your future. Let everyone see what you are capable of accomplishing. You’ll have no one to blame but yourself if you don’t make the effort to push for personal and professional advancement.

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 Pushing others will lead to resentment but doing the bulk of what needs to be done on your own will bring you greater admiration and respect. A little fun will help you find peace of mind.

TAURUS *** April 20-May 20 Your reserved approach will give you the inside scoop and help you make a very crucial, futurealtering decision. A partnership can now be developed. Be patient and willing to listen.

GEMINI *** May 21-June 20 Not everything is a top priority issue, even if someone is trying to push you to make a decision. Consider what suits you best and you will find a way to make your dreams come true.

CANCER ***** June 21-July 22 Don’t back away because you think someone can outdo you. Believe in yourself and what you have to offer and so will everyone around you. Share information and ask for suggestions.

DIFFICULTY RATING ★★★

CELEBRITIES BORN ON THIS DAY

LEO ** July 23-Aug. 22 Emotional matters will flare up, leaving you defenceless if you have promised too much. Don’t bother trying to manipulate the situation.

Confess and move on before you lose out.

VIRGO **** Aug. 23-Sept. 22 Put more effort into love and romance and you will get fabulous results. Your devotion to a cause you believe in will enhance your position and bring about a very interesting and prosperous proposal.

LIBRA *** Sept. 23-Oct. 22 Stick to the game plan you laid out or you will have to face opposition. Your knowledge and experience will pay off now if you can implement some of the lessons you have learned.

SCORPIO *** Oct. 23-Nov. 21 Lay your cards on the table and discuss any matters you feel may stifle a deal. Generate a higher level of interest by enforcing something that will be hard to resist and create a conversation.

SAGITTARIUS *** Nov. 22-Dec. 21 Dig deep and get to the bottom of any situation you face before you make a life-altering decision.

Love is in the picture but instability will result if you cannot make up your mind.

Macaulay Culkin

Singer Vic Dana is 67.

Singer Bob Cowsill of The Cowsills is 60.

Bandleader Branford Marsalis is 49.

Actor Chris Burke is 44.

Singer Shirley Manson of Garbage is 43.

Guitarist Dan Vickrey of Counting Crows is 43.

Drummer Adrian Young of No Doubt is 40.

Actress Melissa McCarthy is 39.

Singer Tyler Connolly of Theory Of A Deadman is 34.

Actor Macaulay Culkin is 29.

Singer Cassie is 23.

CAPRICORN **** Dec. 22-Jan. 19 Don’t lose sight of what’s going on around you.

Someone may try to outmanoeuvre you in hopes of taking something that belongs to you. The price you pay for a mistake will affect your selfesteem.

AQUARIUS ** Jan. 20-Feb. 18 Before you start second-guessing what you are doing, look around you. It may be that someone else is playing emotional games. Adjust your way of thinking and stop being so gullible.

PISCES ***** Feb. 19-March 20 Find out the real deal before you sign up for something that may take up too much time without enough payback. A love interest may be positive but don’t let it influence the way you do business.

13

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Sathorn-Naradivas 5-star condo, 140 sq.m.

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No.29088-025

For For sale sale & & Lease Lease 1) 675-750 sq.m. : Laem Chabang Industrial Estate, Chonburi (EPZ) 2) 1,200 sq.m. : Amata Industrial Estate, Chonburi 3) 1,620 sq.m. : Lard Krabang Industrial Estate, (EPZ) 4) 2.3 rais Raw land : Lard Krabang Industrial Estate, (EPZ) 5) 700-1,000 sq.m. : King Kaew Project, km.12 6) 1,000 sq.m. : Hi-Tech Industrial Estate, Ayuthaya 7) 1,000-8,500 sq.m. : Samutprakarn Factory 8) 1,050-1,620 sq.m. : TFD Industrial Estate, Chachoengsao(GIZ,EPZ)

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Condo 105 sq.m., 2+1 brs., 2 bths., 1 living room, 1 kitchen, fully furnished, near BTS, MRT

Sell@6.5 MB.

No.29107-029

South Sathorn Rd.

No.29089, 29090-025

Phayathai Rd.

Space for rent, ground floor, Condo 550 sq.m.

80 sq.m., on main road, 3 brs., 4 bths., 1 maid room, 5.6 m. wide, 15.9 m. deep, near BTS Phromphong next to BTS Phayathai, suitable Sell@34.1 MB. for a coffee shop Rent@120,000-150,000 Bt/mth.

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Sukhumvit 8 Rd.

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Sukhumvit 39, Phromphong

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Condo 80 sq.m.

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22 GAMES

Wednesday, August 26, 2009

THE SPORT briefly

12-7 Carlos Pena and Ben Zobrist each hit home runs as the Tampa Bay Rays handed Toronto’s Roy Halladay his worst outing.

Chappell bats for captain Ponting

Ashes hero Chris Broad wants to win the World Cup for England.

Heat’s Beasley checks into rehab

Rivers signs deal with Chargers San Diego Chargers star Philip Rivers has signed a multi-million dollar contract extension through 2015.

American media reported the six-year extension guarantees Rivers US$38 million and is worth a total of $92 million. – AFP

Haddin returns to Australia Australian wicketkeeper Brad Haddin will return to Australia to allow a broken finger to recover, officials said yesterday, placing him in doubt for next month’s ICC Champions Trophy.

Haddin missed the third Ashes Test at Edgbaston after fracturing the ring finger on his left hand during a warm-up.

Australia have Graham Manou as a back-up wicketkeeper in England, meaning no new player will be sent to the squad. – AFP

A F P , London

F

AP

Miami Heat’s troubled forward Michael Beasley has checked into a Texas rehab facility.

Beasley, the second-overall pick of the 2008 NBA entry draft, has spent the last two weeks in a Houston rehab as part of the NBA’s substance abuse programme to address concerns over his mental state and drug abuse.

According to the paper, the team is concerned about pictures and messages posted to the player’s Twitter page.

The photos show Beasley showing off a tattoo on his back in front of a mirror with two bags on either side which are rumoured to be filled with marijuana. The messages reportedly indicated Beasley writing that life was not worth living. Both the picture and the posts have been removed since then. – AFP

DAILY XPRESS

CRICKET

BROAD AMBITION English bowler looks beyond Ashes horizon AFP, London

A

ny thoughts that winning the Ashes might be the summit of Stuart Broad’s ambition were firmly dispelled by the England rising star just a day after the team’s series win over Australia.

“I want to play 100 Test matches for England, I want to be the highest one-day wickettaker for England but more importantly I want to win World Cups for England and an Ashes series in Australia,” Broad said.

“I want to make England the best team in the world and that prospect is the thing that really excites me and makes me want to get out of bed every day when I have bowled 30 overs the day before.”

No wonder then that pace bowler Broad, whose father Chris, the former Test opening batsman turned match referee, was a member of the last England side to win an Ashes series in Australia back in

1986/87, insists he won’t have his head turned by talk of him becoming the new ‘Andrew Flintoff’ All-rounder Broad’s five wickets for 37 runs during Australia’s first innings collapse at the Oval saw him named manof-the-match after England won the fifth Ashes Test by 197 runs and, with it, the Ashes 2-1.

Tall, blond and blue-eyed, the 23-year-old Broad, who has already appeared in adverts for a protein drink, has the potential to become the new poster boy for English cricket, particularly as the fifth Test was Flintoff’s last before his retirement from the five-day game.

But Broad, who plays for English county side Nottinghamshire, said: “I haven’t got the body to be posing in my underwear like David Beckham. I don’t think they have paparazzi in Nottingham.

Cricket comes first “My dad has always said that cricket comes first. If you get your runs and wickets then everything else will take care of itself,” he added in response to reports he could earn millions of

pounds in endorsements.

It may come as some consolation to Australian cricket fans that Broad cites Glenn McGrath as his pace bowling hero and credits a spell playing sub-district cricket in Melbourne for toughening him up.“McGrath has always been a role model for me ever since I was a really young lad,” Broad, England’s leading wicket-taker in this year’s Ashes with 18, as well as two fifties with the bat, said.

“What did he do? He just banged out length at the top of off-stump and ran it back into off stump and his record speaks for itself. If I could be half as good as Glenn McGrath, that would be fantastic.”

And as for that season in Melbourne playing for Hoppers Crossing in 2004/05, Broad said: “That six months, it was tough.

“Wherever I went they just mouthed me about my dad and they were swearing at me constantly but that really helped me develop as a cricketer.”

Broad repeatedly stressed how much his batting needs to improve before he can be considered a genuine all-rounder.

ormer Australia captain Ian Chappell has come out in support of current skipper Ricky Ponting despite the Ashes series loss in England.

But former Test batsman Dean Jones believes leg-spin great Shane Warne, widely regarded as one of the most tactically astute players never to captain Australia, could be tempted out of retirement to lead the team.

England’s 197-run fifth Test win at the Oval here on Sunday gave them the Ashes 2-1 and left Ponting with the unwanted record of becoming the first Australia captain to lose two Ashes series in England in 119 years.

But Chappell, captain of the successful Australia side of the early to mid 1970s, said Ponting could be faulted for rushing through the closing overs of the drawn first Test in Cardiff, where last-wicket duo James Anderson and Monty Panesar clung on for the final 69 balls to deny Australia victory.

“Overall I thought he did a pretty fair job as a captain,” Chappell told the Cricinfo website here on Monday.

“And when you consider the turnover of very good players that he has had under his captaincy – no other Australian captain has had to cope with that.”

Chappell, the last Australia captain to be involved in a drawn Ashes back in 1972, before going on to enjoy series wins over England in 1974/75 and 1975, added: “Now is not the right time to sack Ponting as captain.

“For starters if you sack him you will probably lose your best batsman because I don’t think he would want to continue if he was sacked as captain.

But the most important thing is I don’t believe that he deserves to be sacked as captain, he’s still the best man for the job.”

Wednesday, August 26, 2009

THE SPORT 23

DAILY XPRESS

FOOTBALL

Arsenal eye Etienne midfielder Matuidi

STOKE CALLING Reid ‘can’t wait to work with manager Pulis’ DAILY XPRESS

ational coach Peter Reid’s proposed move to English Premier League club Stoke City seems imminent with the Englishman himself lending weight to speculation by saying he’s eager to take up the role of assistant manager.

The 53-year-old’s latest remarks make it almost certain that he will be leaving the national post he has held for nearly a year to become Stoke manager Tony Pulis’s No 2. They also contradict earlier reports that he had pledged his future to the Football Association of Thailand.

“The weather is a bit colder back home but it will be great to be back in English football and at the top level,” Reid was quoted as saying on whydelilah.co.uk.

“I can’t wait to work with a true football man like Tony. We haven’t worked together before, but we have spoken plenty of times over the years about players.

“His record here is fantastic and I just hope I can play a small part in helping him continue the work done during an absolutely brilliant two years for Stoke City.

“I have worked as a No 2 under Howard Kendall at Everton and Howard Wilkinson with the England under-21s, so the role isn’t foreign to me.”

The ex-England player, who made his name as a manager during a relatively successful seven years at Sunderland, went

,,

AFP

N

Peter Reid says he has no problem with working as assistant coach at Stoke. on to express his desire to work with the players on the training pitch. “I will help Tony wherever he wants. But the best thing about being a No 2 is that you have the time and opportunity to get out there on the training pitch.

“Unfortunately for the manager, he spends too much time having to sign players, or dealing with agents,” said Reid, whose playing career was highlighted by stints at Everton and Manchester City.

The veteran coach, who has openly admitted that he would take the opportunity to return home if the offer was right, also believed he would be a good acquisition for the Potters.

“I know what the fans are like

THE BEST THING ABOUT BEING A NO 2 IS THAT YOU HAVE THE TIME AND OPPORTUNITY TO GET OUT THERE ON THE TRAINING PITCH .

Peter Reid, manager

here from the past, and I’d like to think I am from a similar working-class background.

“I played at the old Victoria Ground and managed at the Britannia Stadium, so I know they’re fanatical and love their football club.

“I just hope I can help them and Tony to carry on improving the stature of this club.”

Grosso to go home?

Meanwhile, Italy full-back Fabio Grosso is nearing a return to his homeland with Serie A club Juventus, according to press reports.

Grosso plays for Lyon in France but on Monday pulled out of the club’s trip to Belgium with a “mystery illness”.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger will step up his pursuit of Saint-Etienne midfielder Blaise Matuidi with captain Cesc Fabregas expected to miss three weeks with a hamstring injury, the Daily Telegraph said.

Nemanja Vidic has told Ferguson that he’s staying at United after his agent last week said the defender would welcome a move to Barcelona, the Daily Mail said.

West Ham manager Gianfranco Zola has flown to Italy to complete a deal for Livorno striker Alessandro Diamanti, the Daily Mirror said.

Barry Moat’s hopes of buying Newcastle hinge on the club either reducing its overdraft with Barclays Plc or the bank easing its rules on lending to Championship clubs, the Guardian said.

Nicolas Anelka says he’s ready to see out his career at Chelsea after playing with seven other clubs, the Sun said.

Blackburn manager Sam Allardyce will try to sign Le Mans defender Gregory Cerdan once he sells Stephen Warnock to Aston Villa, the Daily Mail said.

Lens and Ivory Coast striker Aruna Dindane has become the first signing for Portsmouth boss Paul Hart, the Sun reported.

Chelsea, who have strengthened their squad, are watching a trio of Benfica players: midfielder Angel Di Maria, defender David Luiz and winger Fabio Coentrao, the Sun said.

BLOOMBERG

Sneijder signing imminent, say Italian press A F P , Rome

AP

W

Wesley Sneijder is likely to join Inter Milan.

esley Sneijder is on the verge of joining Inter Milan, according to Italian press reports yesterday.

The Dutch attacking midfielder is surplus to requirements at Real Madrid following the big-money signings of Cristiano Ronaldo and Kaka and has been linked with a move to the Italian champions for several weeks.

Inter coach Jose Mourinho is

known to be in the market for an attacking midfielder who can play at the head of his midfield diamond formation and now seems to have got his man.

“The agreement between Inter and Sneijder is imminent,” said La Gazzetta dello Sport on its website.

“Real Madrid’s Dutch midfielder is expected in Italy in the afternoon to finalise the deal’s last details and then the nerazzurro will be able to

make the official announcement.”If Sneijder, 25, does join he will complete an impressive set of acquisitions during the off-season by Mourinho, who has already added Samuel Eto’o, Diego Milito, Thiago Motta, Lucio and Marco Arnautovic to his squad.

The first four of those all started as Inter were held to a disappointing 1-1 home draw against newly-promoted Bari on Sunday.

Desperate to stay at the Bernabeu and apparently supported by coach Manuel Pellegrini in such a desire, Sneijder has been told by the club’s hierarchy that he has no future with Los Merengues.

Remarkably, given the player’s pedigree, it appears that even a 5m reduction (down to 15m) in the 25-year-old’s valuation hasn’t spurred Europe’s top club’s to challenge the San Siro club for the former Ajax man.

24

Wednesday, August 26, 2009

BANGKOK

THESPORT Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez has jumped to the defence of his players and his system despite losing two of his opening three matches of the season.

The Reds were beaten 2-1 at Tottenham on the opening day of the campaign and were defeated 3-1 by Aston Villa at Anfield on Monday night.

Benitez lost key midfielder Xabi Alonso to Real Madrid in the summer and has only managed to bring in Glen Johnson, Alberto Aquilani, who is out injured for at least six weeks, and back-up defender Sotirios Kyrgiakos.

Tight finances at Anfield mean Benitez, whose only points came from a 4-0 win over Stoke last week, is unlikely to be able to bring in any more new players before next week’s transfer deadline.

The Spaniard has stuck with the same system, despite Alonso’s departure, and, having finished second last season, maintains his side can still mount a challenge, even though they have just three points from three matches. “Our target is to win against Bolton and that’s it. We’re not thinking about anything else,” he said.

“Everything could change. The first game against Tottenham, if we had a penalty and in this game to score early like against Stoke could be a difference. Anyway, we weren’t playing well and we were giving the ball away against a team that is good on the counter attack and that was the difference.”

Despite being unable to strengthen in the transfer market, Benitez maintains his current squad is good enough. “With this squad we were winning a lot of games in the last year and we have to do the same this year.

“I think that when you are losing you want to change and have to win.

We lost against Tottenham and won against Stoke and we have to try to do the same against Bolton. It’s the only way.”

DAILY XPRESS

PUT UP OR SHUT UP Anderson has been told by manager Alex Ferguson that he is free to leave Man United after the Brazilian reacted badly to not starting in the Community Shield.

RED

Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard reacts after missing a chance against Aston Villa.

ALERT

FOOTBALL

CRICKET

Reid between the lines

Broad ambition for England star

Thailand coach Peter Reid’s proposed move to Stoke City looks imminent with the Englishman lending weight to speculation by saying that he can’t wait to take on the role of assistant manager at the Premier League club. >PAGE 23

Any thoughts that winning the Ashes might be the summit of Stuart Broad’s ambition were firmly dispelled by England’s rising star just a day after the team’s series win over Australia.

“I want to play 100 Test matches for England, I want to be the highest one-day wicket-taker for England but more importantly I want to win World Cups for England,” Broad said. >PAGE 22