Published on January 13, 2005

The under-fire Srichaphan family finally bowed to the calls of their critics yesterday after Paradorn’s father Chanachai said they would donate Bt1 million to the survivors of the December 26 tsunami.

Chanachai said the money would be given to the Thai Red Cross, adding that the revised donation had come as a result of the family realising how severe the disaster was to the country.

Paradorn and his family were widely criticised by media and fans after they earlier donated only Bt10,000, which they claimed was an adequate sum in regard to their family’s status.

“I’ve been following the news about the tragedy and have become increasingly concerned as the loss of life is now considerably more than what was first reported. That’s why I would like to give an additional donation,” Chanachai said.

However, he denied the big increase in their contribution was a result of the widespread criticism of his family. He said he and his family had always been involved in merit-making activities, which have gone unnoticed by the rest of society.

“My family loves to make merit. We perform a Krathin ceremony every year, which is never in the news,” Chanachai said.

Paradorn’s previous donation was considered inappropriate by the public when compared to his lavish lifestyle and income. The Thai No 1 drives multi-million-baht Mercedes and Ferrari cars and made Bt22.77 million in prize money last year.

Things got worse for the tennis star after Tamarine Tanasugarn, who earned just Bt6.9 million, donated Bt100,000 and Wimbledon champion Maria Sharapova of Russia contributed Bt400,000 during a recent visit here.

Meanwhile, Chevrolet has terminated a Bt3-million endorsement with the superstar, citing his lack of cooperation in promoting their cars. The manufacturer finally lost its patience with Paradorn after the tennis star seemed to appear more often in public with other cars than the American marque’s vehicles.

LERPONG AMSA-NGIAM, THE NATION

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