It may be hard to believe, but I've noticed something at these anti-Thaksin demonstrations. All of a sudden, different groups of anti-Maew activists are dying to express their gratitude to Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra for various reasons. Strange it is, but let me tell you who they are and why:
Street vendors
Meatball and dried-squid vendors would love to have 10 prime ministers like Thaksin. They just won back all those long-lost customers who have acquired a taste for dining out at high-end shopping malls. Now they're patronising roadside vendors once again. And the smiles on the vendors' faces reflect their skyrocketing revenues. They were more than willing to serve the anti-Thaksin crowd.When the protesters marched to Democracy Monument in the wee hours of Monday morning, quite a few vendor carts travelled alongside them.
Santi Asoke
This unorthodox and long-reclusive Buddhist sect has suddenly received free publicity as the Dharma Army.
When the sect, comprising monks, nuns and lay followers, marched to Sanam Luang last Sunday morning, it boosted the morale of the other protesters, and the sect re-entered mainstream society. Thanks to our political leader, Santi Asoke has emerged as a symbol of "moral" force against evil.
Human-rights advocates
Isn't Thaksin a heaven-sent gift to human-rights advocates? They preach philosophically that human rights are natural rights. The United Nation's Declaration of Human Rights states; "All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights." That's also spelled out in our Constitution, but little did Thais realise there even were such rights.
Now, after five years of Thaksin's rule, Thai citizens have become increasingly aware of these rights. Sondhi Limthongkul put it succinctly when he told the rally that exercising these rights is as natural as breathing the air.
University and high-school students
They used to be accused of indulging in drugs and other social ills and blamed for the Kingdom's moral decay. But a lot of these students have apparently broken their stereotype and showed that they, too, care about Thailand's future and refuse to stay apathetic.
When these students announced their anti-Thaksin stance, they provided a much-needed boost to the morale of grown-ups.
Folk artists
Before Thaksin's time, when did you last experience the improvised folk chant lam tat? And how long has it been since a song-for-life band or Chinese-opera troupe performed in front of tens of thousands of people? Now they perform political satire before appreciative crowds.
The Chinese opera "Justice Pao Struggles with the Square Face" and some hilarious lam tat sessions would never have pulled in such big crowds if Thaksin and his cohorts had not provided good material.
News media
In my own industry, journalists and photographers - despite their exhaustion from covering protest after protest - are indebted to Thaksin for all he has said and done during the five years. In modern Thai history, no political leader has inspired as much investigative reporting into corruption. Journalists should also remember Thaksin as the man who successfully created awareness about press freedom by stomping on it every so often.
But only when he made frustrated citizens take to the streets did newspaper sales start soaring. News websites experienced a meteoric increase in their number of hits. To give you a rough idea, The Nation website reported the highest traffic of all time this past Monday, the day after the big Sanam Luang rally.
Snoh Thienthong
Once he left the stage at Sanam Luang, Snoh would probably have loved to say a big "Thank you" to the man he once supported. As Thaksin stubbornly adhered to "my brand of democracy", Snoh whitewashed himself and emerged as a ray of hope for democracy. By condemning the premier onstage, the veteran politician was reborn as Righteous Snoh from his previous existence as a political dinosaur.
Me and my fellow protesters
Throughout my life, I always wondered what it would be like to participate in a demonstration and march along Thailand's historic Rajdamnoen Avenue. My generation learned about the student uprisings of October 14, 1973, and October 6, 1976, largely from textbooks and old news clippings, but nothing can compare with the real thing.
A genuine sense of excitement and comradeship transform everyone who joins in. They have nothing else in common except showing up to exercise their rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly. It was inspiring to see one woman coming straight from the office in high heels, a family bringing their little toddler along, groups of senior citizens, even some disabled in wheelchairs. Who says Thai democracy is in decay?
We might be shouting, "Thaksin, awk pai!" ("Thaksin, get out!") but I and all of the other protesters would like to thank the prime minister for branding us a "stupid mob". Little did he realise that so many would consider it a rare honour to be a part of such a stupid mob under his CEO-ship.
Sunday, December 31, 2006
Getting in touch with football's feminine side
I am not a soccer guru or anything like that. I'm merely a female football fan who was bitten by the World Cup bug in 1986, when the tournament was held in Mexico, and France defeated Brazil in a penalty shoot-out while I was in high school.
That sensational match turned me into a lifetime supporter of the Samba. Now it's 2006, and I can't believe it's been 20 whole years since I first became hooked on football.
Surprisingly, after these two decades, so many still think of football as a "guy" thing. Do I agree with that? No! I believe football is good for all ages and both sexes, even though I indulge in the game rather differently than do my male counterparts.
I got a disgusted look when I told a male colleague that with as many as 22 guys to watch on the field in a single match, there's a good chance of spotting at least a few very good-looking men. He was not amused by my light-hearted comment and told me, "You'd do better to stick to the game rather than to the players."
True, female supporters do follow the game, but you can't overlook the beauty of men, their nice bodies and legs. It's the same with men watching tennis and lusting over how Anna Kournikova, Maria Sharapova and Martina Hingis look.
The physical beauty of the players is arguably a large part of the pleasure of watching football. The male fans fancy the beautiful goals that are made, and so do we. While my male counterparts can watch repeated replays of a goal, we also love to see repeated close-ups of the faces celebrating the goal.
But we also love all the sentimental moments, like when national squads walk out from the tunnel singing their national anthem. For us, that's a fantastic moment. We watch them chat with their team-mates while they stand in the tunnel before coming out onto the field. We watch each one closely.
And when guy fans evaluate each player's skill in defence or striking, we ladies do the same. While men may ignore some of the "lighter" moments, we observe the relationships among the team-mates and the mannerisms of each player.
Female attendance in football stadiums is on the rise and hooliganism on the decrease. I doubt that's a coincidence, but whether it is or not, women certainly don't fancy violence.
Apart from that, we also observe whether our favourite player has changed his hairstyle or which national shirts are cool. For example, we've always admired Italy as the nation with the best team shirts. All those little things add to the fun of the game. For us, our interest in football consists of bits and pieces on the field and beyond.
Male supporters may follow match analyses on the Internet, but we study the footballers' wives, girlfriends and children. We love to read about every facet of our favourite footballers and their teams.
Whether male fans like it or not, female fans do contribute a lot to football culture and strengthen the cult of the game. Our interest in football is not contained solely in the sport itself, but also by the presenters. The most obvious example is David Beckham, who takes football to pages of women's magazines like Hello! and OK! Even to the cover of the US version of Vanity Fair magazine.
Other evidence is the growing numbers of merchandise targeting women supporters. This traditional male pastime is getting a feminine touch. Walk into any football-club store, and more and more you see fashionable women's wear and accessories.
Whether male supporters like it or not, they may want to thank us female fans for making football a more beautiful cult.
Yes, our rituals include reading football gossip, and some of the scandals may not be to the guys' liking. But we've broadened the perspective of the game. We also don't need any beers in hand to enjoy the games and be as happy as any male fan.
And for you broadcasters, it would be nice if you could try not to cut any of those "lovely" player moments from the screen. You should know better than most that football is a human sport and not a computer game, so a sensational moment here and there would be perfect.
That sensational match turned me into a lifetime supporter of the Samba. Now it's 2006, and I can't believe it's been 20 whole years since I first became hooked on football.
Surprisingly, after these two decades, so many still think of football as a "guy" thing. Do I agree with that? No! I believe football is good for all ages and both sexes, even though I indulge in the game rather differently than do my male counterparts.
I got a disgusted look when I told a male colleague that with as many as 22 guys to watch on the field in a single match, there's a good chance of spotting at least a few very good-looking men. He was not amused by my light-hearted comment and told me, "You'd do better to stick to the game rather than to the players."
True, female supporters do follow the game, but you can't overlook the beauty of men, their nice bodies and legs. It's the same with men watching tennis and lusting over how Anna Kournikova, Maria Sharapova and Martina Hingis look.
The physical beauty of the players is arguably a large part of the pleasure of watching football. The male fans fancy the beautiful goals that are made, and so do we. While my male counterparts can watch repeated replays of a goal, we also love to see repeated close-ups of the faces celebrating the goal.
But we also love all the sentimental moments, like when national squads walk out from the tunnel singing their national anthem. For us, that's a fantastic moment. We watch them chat with their team-mates while they stand in the tunnel before coming out onto the field. We watch each one closely.
And when guy fans evaluate each player's skill in defence or striking, we ladies do the same. While men may ignore some of the "lighter" moments, we observe the relationships among the team-mates and the mannerisms of each player.
Female attendance in football stadiums is on the rise and hooliganism on the decrease. I doubt that's a coincidence, but whether it is or not, women certainly don't fancy violence.
Apart from that, we also observe whether our favourite player has changed his hairstyle or which national shirts are cool. For example, we've always admired Italy as the nation with the best team shirts. All those little things add to the fun of the game. For us, our interest in football consists of bits and pieces on the field and beyond.
Male supporters may follow match analyses on the Internet, but we study the footballers' wives, girlfriends and children. We love to read about every facet of our favourite footballers and their teams.
Whether male fans like it or not, female fans do contribute a lot to football culture and strengthen the cult of the game. Our interest in football is not contained solely in the sport itself, but also by the presenters. The most obvious example is David Beckham, who takes football to pages of women's magazines like Hello! and OK! Even to the cover of the US version of Vanity Fair magazine.
Other evidence is the growing numbers of merchandise targeting women supporters. This traditional male pastime is getting a feminine touch. Walk into any football-club store, and more and more you see fashionable women's wear and accessories.
Whether male supporters like it or not, they may want to thank us female fans for making football a more beautiful cult.
Yes, our rituals include reading football gossip, and some of the scandals may not be to the guys' liking. But we've broadened the perspective of the game. We also don't need any beers in hand to enjoy the games and be as happy as any male fan.
And for you broadcasters, it would be nice if you could try not to cut any of those "lovely" player moments from the screen. You should know better than most that football is a human sport and not a computer game, so a sensational moment here and there would be perfect.
Don't blame Isaan wives; women are all the same
I've never thought of dating a farang. I've never thought of getting married to a farang.I've never thought of staying abroad with a farang husband.
But I'm by no means romantically xenophobic and I do understand why an increasing number of Thai women prefer Westerners to Thai men. It is also easily understood that Thai women are a popular choice for foreigners seeking help from Internet matchmakers.
What I doubt is the research finding by Khon Kaen University which suggests that Isaan women who marry foreigners cause major social changes, as they adopt their husbands' customs and lifestyles. The research, led by Asst Professor Supawatanakorn Wongtha-nawasu, on the effect of cross-cultural marriages on families in the northeast of Thailand made headlines and caused hot discussions in Internet chat rooms.
Well, it is just too hard to swallow when the study says that Isaan wives are more fond of Western fast food like pizza or hamburgers rather than their staple somtam (papaya salad) and pla-ra (fermented fish).
I guess the research methodology was a questionnaire. If it was, why don't we adjust a question and ask the 231 respondents in the same study: "What would you choose if you had to eat the same food for a week?" We'll give them choices of somtam, hamburger or pizza. We shall see if somtam has lost its charm and whether foreign husbands make the spicy yet delicious dish dull.
With a spouse, regardless of nationality, a woman will always adapt, more or less. Compromise is the route to the goal of a smooth relationship. If you are dating an Indian, you would gradually get used to the smell of masala, and the same applies, with other nationalities, to getting familiar with the likes of blue cheese or anchovies.
Isaan wives are just like us when it comes to relationships and friendships. So it is not strange to see they celebrate Christmas in a joyful way. If foreigners make sacrifices to stay with them in Thailand and take care of their families, making sure that they have a good time on Christmas Day is just part of the couple's effort to keep their marriage on a rosy path - particularly when the foreign husband is the breadwinner.
It may be too simplistic to read from the same research that the foreigners' wives in the Northeast are not so enthusiastic about traditional Thai holidays like Buddhist Lent and Makha Bucha Day. It is unfair to them to arrive at such a conclusion. Try inquiring of city women and see which day is celebrated more: Makha Bucha Day or Christmas Day? Get my point?
Ironically it is Isaan women who have married foreigners and lived abroad who maintain the spirit of Buddhist holidays and festivals like Songkran by frequently visiting Thai temples. Fortunately, we haven't heard any complaints that they have caused changes in their new society by going to the Thai temples too often. No one petitions us that tom yum goong has become too popular because of Thai wives living in foreign countries.
The Isaan women in the study were an easy target for stereotyping. True, they are more exposed to foreign culture through their other halves, and they may have adopted some Western ways of life. But are they really different from city women who carry Louis Vuitton, wear Prada shoes and dine out at Western restaurants?
Perhaps the way the Isaan women have started enjoying pizza is just the same as city women who worship foreign designer brand names. The real difference is that women in the capital need not date a foreigner or marry one to adopt his culture. And even when a city woman starts seeing a Westerner, she probably doesn't need to change a thing, for she has already been Westernised enough.
And if one wants to target an Isaan women for marrying a foreigner for economic reasons, please think again. Do not forget that many wealthy Thai women, and especially those in the middle-classes, also take economic reasons into consideration when they choose their life partner.
As for Thai men, they may have realised by now that cross-cultural marriages are on the rise. Thai men have to ask themselves why - since they come in a good, compatible package and appreciate the taste of somtam?
Some women are finding foreigners more dependable? I bet the answer is not all about money!
Published on December 2, 2006
But I'm by no means romantically xenophobic and I do understand why an increasing number of Thai women prefer Westerners to Thai men. It is also easily understood that Thai women are a popular choice for foreigners seeking help from Internet matchmakers.
What I doubt is the research finding by Khon Kaen University which suggests that Isaan women who marry foreigners cause major social changes, as they adopt their husbands' customs and lifestyles. The research, led by Asst Professor Supawatanakorn Wongtha-nawasu, on the effect of cross-cultural marriages on families in the northeast of Thailand made headlines and caused hot discussions in Internet chat rooms.
Well, it is just too hard to swallow when the study says that Isaan wives are more fond of Western fast food like pizza or hamburgers rather than their staple somtam (papaya salad) and pla-ra (fermented fish).
I guess the research methodology was a questionnaire. If it was, why don't we adjust a question and ask the 231 respondents in the same study: "What would you choose if you had to eat the same food for a week?" We'll give them choices of somtam, hamburger or pizza. We shall see if somtam has lost its charm and whether foreign husbands make the spicy yet delicious dish dull.
With a spouse, regardless of nationality, a woman will always adapt, more or less. Compromise is the route to the goal of a smooth relationship. If you are dating an Indian, you would gradually get used to the smell of masala, and the same applies, with other nationalities, to getting familiar with the likes of blue cheese or anchovies.
Isaan wives are just like us when it comes to relationships and friendships. So it is not strange to see they celebrate Christmas in a joyful way. If foreigners make sacrifices to stay with them in Thailand and take care of their families, making sure that they have a good time on Christmas Day is just part of the couple's effort to keep their marriage on a rosy path - particularly when the foreign husband is the breadwinner.
It may be too simplistic to read from the same research that the foreigners' wives in the Northeast are not so enthusiastic about traditional Thai holidays like Buddhist Lent and Makha Bucha Day. It is unfair to them to arrive at such a conclusion. Try inquiring of city women and see which day is celebrated more: Makha Bucha Day or Christmas Day? Get my point?
Ironically it is Isaan women who have married foreigners and lived abroad who maintain the spirit of Buddhist holidays and festivals like Songkran by frequently visiting Thai temples. Fortunately, we haven't heard any complaints that they have caused changes in their new society by going to the Thai temples too often. No one petitions us that tom yum goong has become too popular because of Thai wives living in foreign countries.
The Isaan women in the study were an easy target for stereotyping. True, they are more exposed to foreign culture through their other halves, and they may have adopted some Western ways of life. But are they really different from city women who carry Louis Vuitton, wear Prada shoes and dine out at Western restaurants?
Perhaps the way the Isaan women have started enjoying pizza is just the same as city women who worship foreign designer brand names. The real difference is that women in the capital need not date a foreigner or marry one to adopt his culture. And even when a city woman starts seeing a Westerner, she probably doesn't need to change a thing, for she has already been Westernised enough.
And if one wants to target an Isaan women for marrying a foreigner for economic reasons, please think again. Do not forget that many wealthy Thai women, and especially those in the middle-classes, also take economic reasons into consideration when they choose their life partner.
As for Thai men, they may have realised by now that cross-cultural marriages are on the rise. Thai men have to ask themselves why - since they come in a good, compatible package and appreciate the taste of somtam?
Some women are finding foreigners more dependable? I bet the answer is not all about money!
Published on December 2, 2006
So, who wants to be a coyote girl anyway?
If you surveyed young women around the country and asked them for their choices of career, the so-called "coyote dancer" wouldn't make it into the top 10, or even the top 20.
Dancing erotically in skimpy outfits in front of men is by no means the job of a woman's dreams.
Many students become coyote dancers to finance their studies. Some are fortunate enough to carry on their education while a few become university drop-outs thanks to their part-time dancing work.
Like other employees, they are working legally. They believe dancing, even in front of drunken men, is far better than selling their bodies, but deep in their hearts they know that this is not their career and they prefer not to talk openly about it.
Despite unfavourable work conditions, the number of coyote girls is growing. As they become a favourite entertainment at various events, their performances have extended from nightclubs to temple grounds. They are increasingly visible, and society is getting worried.
Following HM the Queen's recent concern about sexy dancing at a Buddhist event in Nong Khai province, Thai authorities are now seriously looking into ways to curb the sky-rocketting growth of coyote dancers. The Interior Ministry has already asked provincial governors to curb inappropriate performances, especially at Buddhist sites and public events.
Every now and then, Thai society appears to fall into a period of moral panic. We've experienced it before - teen sex, Internet chat sites, under-age night owls and violent computer games. This time round it is the invasion of the coyote girls. The police, too, respond to the panic. This year, apart from their usual Loy Krathong routine of checking on the sexual behaviour of youngsters, they have instituted checks for undesirable dancing.
Many restrictions may have the effect of making coyote dancing fade from fashion. The Culture Ministry has proposed a restriction banning those under 20 from working as coyote girls and stopping all such performances in some places.
Coming to the rescue of the coyote girls are a few officials who look at the picture in a broader perspective. Fortunately not all officials are suffering from this moral panic. Labour Production and Welfare Department Chief Padungsak Thephasdin na Ayutthaya and Education Minister Wijit Srisa-an have expressed concern on the rights issue: the age restriction could be a breach of the right to work, they say.
The education minister said: "A lewd dance is a lewd dance, regardless of age." In other words, the lewdness of the dance should not be the basis of discrimination.
The Culture Ministry may think the restrictions on ages and venues are the right medicine for the increasing number of coyote girls, but they may be hitting where it doesn't hurt. If a coyote-dance troupe performs at an inappropriate place, it is the organiser who should be blamed. This would make everyone aware of cultural sensitivity rather than singling out the dancers. For they are just employees, and whenever or wherever they are employed, they will do their job. As to whether or not their bodily movements are in good cultural taste, we can again point the finger of responsibility at their employers.
It is about time that policy-makers looked at possible "threats" to our norms and values in a broader perspective instead of panicking. The Religious Department can ask all Buddhist temples to avoid inappropriate performances. The coyote dancers are just a tiny part of the overall problem, and the tip of the problem at that, not its root. The policy-makers should go back and try to answer all the basic questions. What is the target audience of coyote dancers? Why has coyote dancing become popular?
They may also find out why, if it is not a dream job, girls take it."
More importantly, after gathering the information, they should find out whether the dancing is the thing we should be panicking about. Does society really collapse because of dancing girls?
Dancing erotically in skimpy outfits in front of men is by no means the job of a woman's dreams.
Many students become coyote dancers to finance their studies. Some are fortunate enough to carry on their education while a few become university drop-outs thanks to their part-time dancing work.
Like other employees, they are working legally. They believe dancing, even in front of drunken men, is far better than selling their bodies, but deep in their hearts they know that this is not their career and they prefer not to talk openly about it.
Despite unfavourable work conditions, the number of coyote girls is growing. As they become a favourite entertainment at various events, their performances have extended from nightclubs to temple grounds. They are increasingly visible, and society is getting worried.
Following HM the Queen's recent concern about sexy dancing at a Buddhist event in Nong Khai province, Thai authorities are now seriously looking into ways to curb the sky-rocketting growth of coyote dancers. The Interior Ministry has already asked provincial governors to curb inappropriate performances, especially at Buddhist sites and public events.
Every now and then, Thai society appears to fall into a period of moral panic. We've experienced it before - teen sex, Internet chat sites, under-age night owls and violent computer games. This time round it is the invasion of the coyote girls. The police, too, respond to the panic. This year, apart from their usual Loy Krathong routine of checking on the sexual behaviour of youngsters, they have instituted checks for undesirable dancing.
Many restrictions may have the effect of making coyote dancing fade from fashion. The Culture Ministry has proposed a restriction banning those under 20 from working as coyote girls and stopping all such performances in some places.
Coming to the rescue of the coyote girls are a few officials who look at the picture in a broader perspective. Fortunately not all officials are suffering from this moral panic. Labour Production and Welfare Department Chief Padungsak Thephasdin na Ayutthaya and Education Minister Wijit Srisa-an have expressed concern on the rights issue: the age restriction could be a breach of the right to work, they say.
The education minister said: "A lewd dance is a lewd dance, regardless of age." In other words, the lewdness of the dance should not be the basis of discrimination.
The Culture Ministry may think the restrictions on ages and venues are the right medicine for the increasing number of coyote girls, but they may be hitting where it doesn't hurt. If a coyote-dance troupe performs at an inappropriate place, it is the organiser who should be blamed. This would make everyone aware of cultural sensitivity rather than singling out the dancers. For they are just employees, and whenever or wherever they are employed, they will do their job. As to whether or not their bodily movements are in good cultural taste, we can again point the finger of responsibility at their employers.
It is about time that policy-makers looked at possible "threats" to our norms and values in a broader perspective instead of panicking. The Religious Department can ask all Buddhist temples to avoid inappropriate performances. The coyote dancers are just a tiny part of the overall problem, and the tip of the problem at that, not its root. The policy-makers should go back and try to answer all the basic questions. What is the target audience of coyote dancers? Why has coyote dancing become popular?
They may also find out why, if it is not a dream job, girls take it."
More importantly, after gathering the information, they should find out whether the dancing is the thing we should be panicking about. Does society really collapse because of dancing girls?
Even celebrities have a right to privacy
Well-known actress and television host Kataleeya “Mam” McIntosh stunned the public yesterday by calling a press conference to announce she was four months pregnant. I was surprised, too, but more by the public reaction. The news spread like wildfire over the airwaves, and certain websites were swamped and close to crashing. All of a sudden, society’s perceptions of a woman had been turned upside down.
The public’s interest was understandable; it had been widely reported that the actress had gained a considerable amount of weight. The woman had consistently denied speculation that she might be in the family way.
Hundreds of comments were posted on popular news and community websites shortly after the press conference. The majority of them blamed Mam for having kept the news a secret.
In the eyes of gossip-hungry celebrity worshippers, she had failed them.
Perhaps the question is whether as a public figure, does she have to inform the public of every personal part of her life? And is that the price she must pay for maintaining a high profile?
What if Mam were an ordinary lady? Her pregnancy would have been a happy event to share with family and friends. She would have been busy making plans for the child rather than preparing a speech or planning a press conference.
Unfortunately, Mam is a “star”, and a very popular one at that, and she can’t change that. And she chose to tell the public that she was four months’ pregnant with a broad smile on her face, accompanied by her boyfriend, Songkran Krajangnetra, her mother and her brother, Willy.
To those who are liberal-minded, it looked as if the actress had acted courageously. But it seems the majority of fans didn’t really sympathise with her, as very few messages posted on the Internet expressed supported her or wished her well. Of course, some well-wishers treated it like good news and did wish her all the best. To them, she has every right to a private life like others do.
Some see Mam as victimised by the hypocritical and conservative Thai society. The actress does not deserve sympathy, because “the princess”, as she was always called, due to her “clean”, role-model image, had become pregnant before marriage.
But is that wrong? Mam and Songkran have never hidden their romance. They even signalled that they were seriously considering marriage.
And as for the announcement that the public believes came far too late to satisfy them, do fans have the right to know about every aspect of her life?
Yes, she is a public figure, but she did say, “I promised that I’d tell you guys, so I’m delivering some good news.”
The public reaction reminds us of the old days when superstars like Mitr Chaibuncha, Sombat Methanee or Petchara Yaowarat sacrificed their private lives for the sake of their fans. Mitr had to hide his love life in order to please his public. The same with Sombat and Petchara - they only revealed who their spouses were after their fame had faded.
Despite the fast-changing pace of education and technology, Thai society essentially hasn’t changed all that much. Sad to say, the majority of fans still hold onto a belief that they have every right to encroach on a celebrity’s life, as if they “own” him or her.
In recent years, many have simply left the limelight (meaning no income) and went into hiding abroad after becoming pregnant. Some held abrupt wedding ceremonies, only to end up victims of public criticism when they delivered babies less than nine months later.
Considering all of this, Mam should be proud that she preferred to stick to the truth, or part of it. And marriage is being considered. Songkran told the press that he did propose to Mam but was still waiting for her answer. That information should be enough for the fans. Yet still there’s criticism. The public wonders why she didn’t tell them sooner.
Mam could have had a shotgun wedding and waited for the gossip after delivering a baby a few months later. But she chose this way to tell her side of the story, and she believed it was enough to please her fans. At least, from now on she is free from hiding.
So why can’t we open our minds and respect her privacy? After all, it’s her life. Real fans will be happy for her as a woman who is expecting a child and is probably going to marry her boyfriend. What more do you want from her?
Published on September 03, 2005
The public’s interest was understandable; it had been widely reported that the actress had gained a considerable amount of weight. The woman had consistently denied speculation that she might be in the family way.
Hundreds of comments were posted on popular news and community websites shortly after the press conference. The majority of them blamed Mam for having kept the news a secret.
In the eyes of gossip-hungry celebrity worshippers, she had failed them.
Perhaps the question is whether as a public figure, does she have to inform the public of every personal part of her life? And is that the price she must pay for maintaining a high profile?
What if Mam were an ordinary lady? Her pregnancy would have been a happy event to share with family and friends. She would have been busy making plans for the child rather than preparing a speech or planning a press conference.
Unfortunately, Mam is a “star”, and a very popular one at that, and she can’t change that. And she chose to tell the public that she was four months’ pregnant with a broad smile on her face, accompanied by her boyfriend, Songkran Krajangnetra, her mother and her brother, Willy.
To those who are liberal-minded, it looked as if the actress had acted courageously. But it seems the majority of fans didn’t really sympathise with her, as very few messages posted on the Internet expressed supported her or wished her well. Of course, some well-wishers treated it like good news and did wish her all the best. To them, she has every right to a private life like others do.
Some see Mam as victimised by the hypocritical and conservative Thai society. The actress does not deserve sympathy, because “the princess”, as she was always called, due to her “clean”, role-model image, had become pregnant before marriage.
But is that wrong? Mam and Songkran have never hidden their romance. They even signalled that they were seriously considering marriage.
And as for the announcement that the public believes came far too late to satisfy them, do fans have the right to know about every aspect of her life?
Yes, she is a public figure, but she did say, “I promised that I’d tell you guys, so I’m delivering some good news.”
The public reaction reminds us of the old days when superstars like Mitr Chaibuncha, Sombat Methanee or Petchara Yaowarat sacrificed their private lives for the sake of their fans. Mitr had to hide his love life in order to please his public. The same with Sombat and Petchara - they only revealed who their spouses were after their fame had faded.
Despite the fast-changing pace of education and technology, Thai society essentially hasn’t changed all that much. Sad to say, the majority of fans still hold onto a belief that they have every right to encroach on a celebrity’s life, as if they “own” him or her.
In recent years, many have simply left the limelight (meaning no income) and went into hiding abroad after becoming pregnant. Some held abrupt wedding ceremonies, only to end up victims of public criticism when they delivered babies less than nine months later.
Considering all of this, Mam should be proud that she preferred to stick to the truth, or part of it. And marriage is being considered. Songkran told the press that he did propose to Mam but was still waiting for her answer. That information should be enough for the fans. Yet still there’s criticism. The public wonders why she didn’t tell them sooner.
Mam could have had a shotgun wedding and waited for the gossip after delivering a baby a few months later. But she chose this way to tell her side of the story, and she believed it was enough to please her fans. At least, from now on she is free from hiding.
So why can’t we open our minds and respect her privacy? After all, it’s her life. Real fans will be happy for her as a woman who is expecting a child and is probably going to marry her boyfriend. What more do you want from her?
Published on September 03, 2005
If a woman can give this World Cup some ratings...
Told you it was going to be fun. The World Cup is unpredictable, just like us women.
A week ago, you would have said Germany and Brazil in the final. Earlier that Argentina, Spain, Portugal and England stood a chance. Where were France and Italy then? They vanished from our thoughts until they ended up the only two left in tomorrow's final match.
It is indeed a melodrama filled with smiles, cheers, tears, laughs, joy, controversies and outrage. At the end of all of this, one team will be remembered as the Cup winner, and then only the best player and rising star will be acknowledged. Boring, isn't it? Why doesn't Fifa create more awards in the tradition of the Oscars? Okay, they won't in our lifetime so let's do it here:
Best Obese Player: Ronaldo
He probably makes all fat men proud. At first, many wondered if he would ever score at all. During Brazil's first match he looked like a big man taking a leisurely walk on the green lawn in the penalty area. But he did it. When he shot a great goal from 20 yards into the bottom corner of the net when Brazil played Japan, the press hailed "he's back". Omigod…he can really score!
The big fella carrying 90 kilograms with him now holds two records - as the World Cup's all-time leading scorer, and for the roundest figure ever to score in the tournament.
'Ronaldo' is also a new bit of jargon in football. It simply means a fat man who can score.
Best Fall: Thierry Henry
France owed their success in the final to Henry. He proves that football is not just about moving your legs and following the ball but that exercising a little bit of brain muscle is also helpful. Well, Portugal's Ricardo Carvalho and Ronaldo also went down theatrically but only the French striker did it convincingly enough to win the penalty for the team.
Yes, the contact was minimal as we saw on the replay but what Henry did was what all forwards would do.
Best Weeper: David Beckham
What's wrong with men?
Rio Ferdinand did it and so did Roberto Carlos and Jens Lehmann. Yes men cry a lot these days, especially on the field. It is normally not a pleasant sight for any girl but we love watching it anyway, especially when it comes to the one we really love or hate.
Of all the weeping men, Beckham did it most romantically. Ferdinand cried violently when his team went out of the competition, while Carlos hid the tears under his yellow shirt. Beckham, unlike others, was in tears when the game between England and Portugal was still going on. They were the tears of a player who knew he had played his last game as England's captain and whose personal ambitions remain unfulfilled. He also cried on the bench and not on the field, making him a most outstanding weeper.
The Coolest WAG:
Victoria Beckham may be the most photographed among the WAGS (wives and girlfriends of the England squad) and she was the best prepared too, with a trunk full of clothes and a plan to change into five outfits a day. But as it turned out she ended up wearing those tiny shorts for almost a full day.
But no one is cooler than English midfielder Owen Hargreaves' girlfriend Janelle Khouri, who is a footballer herself. Khouri demonstrates a good sense of "less is more" fashion and makeup without overdoing it. Sorry Posh!
Best Winger…oops…Winker
His wink cost him dearly and Cristiano Ronaldo is the top scapegoat of the tournament. Maradona sighed with relief that the English-press-manufactured-phrase "hand of God" would be just a fading memory now that they have this Portuguese winker.
Yes the feeling of hatred is now spreading in England and beyond its shores. Fans of England loath him for he is accused of plotting to get England sweetheart Wayne Rooney a red card when England played Portugal in the quarter-final.
The wi(ng)ker was spotted talking to the referee moments before the red card came out of his pocket. Then he was spotted winking at the Portugal substitute on the bench as if to signal the mission was accomplished.
Sprinkling salt on the open wound is the fact that Ronaldo is Rooney's team-mate on Manchester United in England's Premier League.
How the fans love to loathe Ronaldo. When France beat Portugal in the semi-final, English tabloids began singing "You're not winking anymore!" in their headlines.
Perhaps only one wink is enough to earn fame.
Best Celebration: Michael Ballack
Ballack shows the perfect way for a man to celebrate - he was very much a "man", it's as simple as that. Perhaps Henry should learn the trick from the German captain.
Best caption: Zizou
The press started the tournament by naming many players "world-class", but in the end Zinedine Zidane demonstrates what one should do to deserve the title as he carried the team on his legs. He gives France wonderful football and proves the critics wrong about France's ageing legs.
Fans remember him not only for his "only-two-step-back" penalty shot that brought France to victory in the semifinal but also for his true friendship.
When France's players were celebrating their victory, Zizou found his way to embrace his club team-mates. We saw him soothe desolated Brazilians and also hug his Real Madrid team-mate Luis Figo after the game. He's got female fans' hearts for that.
Best Referee Award: Graham Poll
English referee Graham Poll made the hat trick by erroneously giving three yellow cards to Croatia's Josip Simunic, who inexplicably remained on the field after getting his second yellow. Yes, that is the reason why fans worldwide call on Fifa to assist referees with high-technology devices.
Poll finally gave himself a red card for international games, an act that Thai politicians may take a lifetime to follow. Whatever he does, he still retains the status of England's top referee to many.
Best looking coach: Marco van Basten
The Dutch coach is the coolest. With his metrosexual look, Basten can leave the stadium and walk straight to a runway. His looks can't help his game however and the Netherlands' clich้ "the best team never wins the cup" remains.
Best-looking Team: Italy
How we miss the super-tight team shirts they used to wear. But wow…from the first round Italy played, we can't deny most of their players could have shown up for Superman Returns casting calls. Yes, when the tournament started, we fancied the Czech Republic, England, Germany and Brazil, while overlooking Italy. But hey…throughout the tournament Italy hasn't conceded a goal except one silly own goal.
It'll be perfect to have the best-looking team holding the Cup. Don't you think so?
Best Friend in need: Oliver Kahn
The two German goalkeepers, Jens Lehmann and Kahn, competed fiercely before the tournament to be in the first team for Germany. They bluffed each other a lot. But it was a memorable moment to see the strong Germans hug each other. Kahn probably won fans' hearts when he came to give moral support at a crucial time just when Lehmann needed it most before he sent Argentina home in the quarter-final shootout. "Jealous" Kahn also proved the critics wrong as he came straight to comfort his team-mate, who took his place when Germany lost 2-0 to Italy in the semi-final match.
Best-looking footballer: Kaka
How can these awards be completed without this title? As I am trying to wrap this up, the newsroom is still busy debating this. And I'm pretty sure the debate will go on and on.
Lucky me, I can grab this chance to give him the title. Kaka has my pick thanks largely to Einstein's theory of relativity. Throughout Brazil's decades-long history of the likes of Pele, Ronaldinho and, yes, the Fat Man, Kaka is the best-looking. Period.
A week ago, you would have said Germany and Brazil in the final. Earlier that Argentina, Spain, Portugal and England stood a chance. Where were France and Italy then? They vanished from our thoughts until they ended up the only two left in tomorrow's final match.
It is indeed a melodrama filled with smiles, cheers, tears, laughs, joy, controversies and outrage. At the end of all of this, one team will be remembered as the Cup winner, and then only the best player and rising star will be acknowledged. Boring, isn't it? Why doesn't Fifa create more awards in the tradition of the Oscars? Okay, they won't in our lifetime so let's do it here:
Best Obese Player: Ronaldo
He probably makes all fat men proud. At first, many wondered if he would ever score at all. During Brazil's first match he looked like a big man taking a leisurely walk on the green lawn in the penalty area. But he did it. When he shot a great goal from 20 yards into the bottom corner of the net when Brazil played Japan, the press hailed "he's back". Omigod…he can really score!
The big fella carrying 90 kilograms with him now holds two records - as the World Cup's all-time leading scorer, and for the roundest figure ever to score in the tournament.
'Ronaldo' is also a new bit of jargon in football. It simply means a fat man who can score.
Best Fall: Thierry Henry
France owed their success in the final to Henry. He proves that football is not just about moving your legs and following the ball but that exercising a little bit of brain muscle is also helpful. Well, Portugal's Ricardo Carvalho and Ronaldo also went down theatrically but only the French striker did it convincingly enough to win the penalty for the team.
Yes, the contact was minimal as we saw on the replay but what Henry did was what all forwards would do.
Best Weeper: David Beckham
What's wrong with men?
Rio Ferdinand did it and so did Roberto Carlos and Jens Lehmann. Yes men cry a lot these days, especially on the field. It is normally not a pleasant sight for any girl but we love watching it anyway, especially when it comes to the one we really love or hate.
Of all the weeping men, Beckham did it most romantically. Ferdinand cried violently when his team went out of the competition, while Carlos hid the tears under his yellow shirt. Beckham, unlike others, was in tears when the game between England and Portugal was still going on. They were the tears of a player who knew he had played his last game as England's captain and whose personal ambitions remain unfulfilled. He also cried on the bench and not on the field, making him a most outstanding weeper.
The Coolest WAG:
Victoria Beckham may be the most photographed among the WAGS (wives and girlfriends of the England squad) and she was the best prepared too, with a trunk full of clothes and a plan to change into five outfits a day. But as it turned out she ended up wearing those tiny shorts for almost a full day.
But no one is cooler than English midfielder Owen Hargreaves' girlfriend Janelle Khouri, who is a footballer herself. Khouri demonstrates a good sense of "less is more" fashion and makeup without overdoing it. Sorry Posh!
Best Winger…oops…Winker
His wink cost him dearly and Cristiano Ronaldo is the top scapegoat of the tournament. Maradona sighed with relief that the English-press-manufactured-phrase "hand of God" would be just a fading memory now that they have this Portuguese winker.
Yes the feeling of hatred is now spreading in England and beyond its shores. Fans of England loath him for he is accused of plotting to get England sweetheart Wayne Rooney a red card when England played Portugal in the quarter-final.
The wi(ng)ker was spotted talking to the referee moments before the red card came out of his pocket. Then he was spotted winking at the Portugal substitute on the bench as if to signal the mission was accomplished.
Sprinkling salt on the open wound is the fact that Ronaldo is Rooney's team-mate on Manchester United in England's Premier League.
How the fans love to loathe Ronaldo. When France beat Portugal in the semi-final, English tabloids began singing "You're not winking anymore!" in their headlines.
Perhaps only one wink is enough to earn fame.
Best Celebration: Michael Ballack
Ballack shows the perfect way for a man to celebrate - he was very much a "man", it's as simple as that. Perhaps Henry should learn the trick from the German captain.
Best caption: Zizou
The press started the tournament by naming many players "world-class", but in the end Zinedine Zidane demonstrates what one should do to deserve the title as he carried the team on his legs. He gives France wonderful football and proves the critics wrong about France's ageing legs.
Fans remember him not only for his "only-two-step-back" penalty shot that brought France to victory in the semifinal but also for his true friendship.
When France's players were celebrating their victory, Zizou found his way to embrace his club team-mates. We saw him soothe desolated Brazilians and also hug his Real Madrid team-mate Luis Figo after the game. He's got female fans' hearts for that.
Best Referee Award: Graham Poll
English referee Graham Poll made the hat trick by erroneously giving three yellow cards to Croatia's Josip Simunic, who inexplicably remained on the field after getting his second yellow. Yes, that is the reason why fans worldwide call on Fifa to assist referees with high-technology devices.
Poll finally gave himself a red card for international games, an act that Thai politicians may take a lifetime to follow. Whatever he does, he still retains the status of England's top referee to many.
Best looking coach: Marco van Basten
The Dutch coach is the coolest. With his metrosexual look, Basten can leave the stadium and walk straight to a runway. His looks can't help his game however and the Netherlands' clich้ "the best team never wins the cup" remains.
Best-looking Team: Italy
How we miss the super-tight team shirts they used to wear. But wow…from the first round Italy played, we can't deny most of their players could have shown up for Superman Returns casting calls. Yes, when the tournament started, we fancied the Czech Republic, England, Germany and Brazil, while overlooking Italy. But hey…throughout the tournament Italy hasn't conceded a goal except one silly own goal.
It'll be perfect to have the best-looking team holding the Cup. Don't you think so?
Best Friend in need: Oliver Kahn
The two German goalkeepers, Jens Lehmann and Kahn, competed fiercely before the tournament to be in the first team for Germany. They bluffed each other a lot. But it was a memorable moment to see the strong Germans hug each other. Kahn probably won fans' hearts when he came to give moral support at a crucial time just when Lehmann needed it most before he sent Argentina home in the quarter-final shootout. "Jealous" Kahn also proved the critics wrong as he came straight to comfort his team-mate, who took his place when Germany lost 2-0 to Italy in the semi-final match.
Best-looking footballer: Kaka
How can these awards be completed without this title? As I am trying to wrap this up, the newsroom is still busy debating this. And I'm pretty sure the debate will go on and on.
Lucky me, I can grab this chance to give him the title. Kaka has my pick thanks largely to Einstein's theory of relativity. Throughout Brazil's decades-long history of the likes of Pele, Ronaldinho and, yes, the Fat Man, Kaka is the best-looking. Period.
Undecided for tomorrow? Take our simple voting test
Can't remember what it was like when we went to the polls last year? Can't recall which candidates you voted for then? Are you one of those who are facing a dilemma about what would be best for the country? Will you vote for "him" or will you vote "no" tomorrow?
Yes, it is a bittersweet experience. An Abac poll yesterday revealed that 74 per cent of people in Bangkok and nearby provinces plan to vote. If you are certain you'll go and exercise your right but are still uncertain about how you'll vote, simply take this quiz and find out whether you will give him your vote or join the "Vote for No Vote" campaign.
1 What is your first reaction when you listen to the hit song "Na Liam" (Square Face)?
A. The lyrics consist of so many names that I wonder why my beloved Sorrayuth Suthassanachinda's name is also included.
B. I laugh my head off and give the song composers two thumbs up for its perfect blend of satire, sarcasm and humour.
2 Which of the following best describes your sense of democracy?
A. If you love democracy, then you must vote.
B. People's participation and people's power.
3 Are moral standards in society on the decline?
A. Absolutely! Otherwise, those stupid mobs wouldn't enjoy a marathon rally where speakers try to discredit our leader who has done so much for the country and takes good care of grass-roots people like nobody's business.
B. Unlikely. When more than 100,000 people rallied outside of Siam Paragon on Wednesday, it showed that morality still matters to Thais.
4 From among which set of names would you choose to name your baby?
A. Chakrapop, Chidchai, Mingkwan, Newin, Plodprasob, Phumtham, Pojaman, Samak, Sansanee, Somkid, Sudarat, Surakiart, Suranan, Suriya, Suwan, Suwat, Sonthaya, Thamarak, Thanong, Varathep, Wisanu, Yongyuth, and Yuranand.
B. Ammar, Carina, Chamlong, Chaianan, Chermsak, Hugo, Jaruvan, Karun, Kasit, Klanarong, Kraisak, Manoonkrit, Pimporn, Rannacha, Rapee, Rosana, Saranyu, Samran, Sondhi, Surachai, Suriyasai, Somsak, Piphop, Seri, Somkiat, Supinya, Thirayuth, and Wutthipong.
5 If there were no chance the Revenue Department would find out, would you cheat on your income tax?
A. Yes, why not? It would make my lawyer proud of me.
B. No chance. Not that I'm a person of good conscience. It's simply that I don't want to be like him in any way.
6 Where were you when the Supreme Administrative Court ruled against Egat's privatisation?
A. It did what? Sorry, I don't know when it happened.
B. In front of my television set, cheering along with the crowd outside of the court.
7 You see a photo of the anti-Thaksin rally at Siam Paragon, and your opinion is:
A. They - the mob - cause traffic jams and harm the shops' business operations.
B. Wish I'd been there.
8 When the Erawan Shrine was destroyed, you thought:
A. That poor mentally ill man should not have been lynched.
B. It must have been instructions from a Khmer wizard.
9 What are some of the Thaksin administration's more impressive policies?
A. The war on drugs, the war on poverty, the Bt30 universal healthcare system, Otop.
B. Umm ... give me a week to think about that.
10 You are on a treacherous jungle trek, armed with a knife and a pistol with only two bullets. Suddenly, you encounter a tiger, a big bear, a giant snake and Thaksin Shinawatra all at the same time. What will you do?
A. Kill the tiger and the bear with the two bullets, then take on the snake with the knife, for your only hope of survival.
B. Shoot Thaksin twice and plunge the knife through his heart.
This test will help you determine what kind of voter you are. It works best for those who are still undecided. However, it is not intended to change your political opinion.
Let's see what kind of voter you turn out to be. If the majority of your answers are B, that would place you among those who have given up hope in this election, and you are part of the "Vote for No Vote" group.
But if your answers are mostly A, well, good luck to Thailand!
See you at the polling booth. Say goodbye to the rubber stamp and enjoy casting your vote with a pen.
Good luck to every voter and God bless Thailand!
Yes, it is a bittersweet experience. An Abac poll yesterday revealed that 74 per cent of people in Bangkok and nearby provinces plan to vote. If you are certain you'll go and exercise your right but are still uncertain about how you'll vote, simply take this quiz and find out whether you will give him your vote or join the "Vote for No Vote" campaign.
1 What is your first reaction when you listen to the hit song "Na Liam" (Square Face)?
A. The lyrics consist of so many names that I wonder why my beloved Sorrayuth Suthassanachinda's name is also included.
B. I laugh my head off and give the song composers two thumbs up for its perfect blend of satire, sarcasm and humour.
2 Which of the following best describes your sense of democracy?
A. If you love democracy, then you must vote.
B. People's participation and people's power.
3 Are moral standards in society on the decline?
A. Absolutely! Otherwise, those stupid mobs wouldn't enjoy a marathon rally where speakers try to discredit our leader who has done so much for the country and takes good care of grass-roots people like nobody's business.
B. Unlikely. When more than 100,000 people rallied outside of Siam Paragon on Wednesday, it showed that morality still matters to Thais.
4 From among which set of names would you choose to name your baby?
A. Chakrapop, Chidchai, Mingkwan, Newin, Plodprasob, Phumtham, Pojaman, Samak, Sansanee, Somkid, Sudarat, Surakiart, Suranan, Suriya, Suwan, Suwat, Sonthaya, Thamarak, Thanong, Varathep, Wisanu, Yongyuth, and Yuranand.
B. Ammar, Carina, Chamlong, Chaianan, Chermsak, Hugo, Jaruvan, Karun, Kasit, Klanarong, Kraisak, Manoonkrit, Pimporn, Rannacha, Rapee, Rosana, Saranyu, Samran, Sondhi, Surachai, Suriyasai, Somsak, Piphop, Seri, Somkiat, Supinya, Thirayuth, and Wutthipong.
5 If there were no chance the Revenue Department would find out, would you cheat on your income tax?
A. Yes, why not? It would make my lawyer proud of me.
B. No chance. Not that I'm a person of good conscience. It's simply that I don't want to be like him in any way.
6 Where were you when the Supreme Administrative Court ruled against Egat's privatisation?
A. It did what? Sorry, I don't know when it happened.
B. In front of my television set, cheering along with the crowd outside of the court.
7 You see a photo of the anti-Thaksin rally at Siam Paragon, and your opinion is:
A. They - the mob - cause traffic jams and harm the shops' business operations.
B. Wish I'd been there.
8 When the Erawan Shrine was destroyed, you thought:
A. That poor mentally ill man should not have been lynched.
B. It must have been instructions from a Khmer wizard.
9 What are some of the Thaksin administration's more impressive policies?
A. The war on drugs, the war on poverty, the Bt30 universal healthcare system, Otop.
B. Umm ... give me a week to think about that.
10 You are on a treacherous jungle trek, armed with a knife and a pistol with only two bullets. Suddenly, you encounter a tiger, a big bear, a giant snake and Thaksin Shinawatra all at the same time. What will you do?
A. Kill the tiger and the bear with the two bullets, then take on the snake with the knife, for your only hope of survival.
B. Shoot Thaksin twice and plunge the knife through his heart.
This test will help you determine what kind of voter you are. It works best for those who are still undecided. However, it is not intended to change your political opinion.
Let's see what kind of voter you turn out to be. If the majority of your answers are B, that would place you among those who have given up hope in this election, and you are part of the "Vote for No Vote" group.
But if your answers are mostly A, well, good luck to Thailand!
See you at the polling booth. Say goodbye to the rubber stamp and enjoy casting your vote with a pen.
Good luck to every voter and God bless Thailand!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)