While in Spain one of his Thai coaches asked Chatchawal in front of his team-mates what "rien thong" meant in English. He smiled before answering confidently "the gold medal". The coach and his team-mates gave him a big round of applause. They were all starting to enjoy the question and answer game, so the coach continued with his second question: "What do you call 'rien ngern' [the silver medal] in English?" Chatchawal was more serious this time. He paused, and after a short moment replied: "The money medal". His answer made his team-mates laugh as he knew "ngern" means "money" in English." - The Nation.

Scandal not bothering 'Leesaw'

After being implicated in a showbiz scandal, national football team striker Teerathep "Leesaw" Winothai has been trying to clear the air. Asked if the scandal had effected him, the "Casanova of sport" confirmed that he was doing very well and had not been bothered by the local paparazzi. He said people should evaluate him from his performances on the pitch, and not on the road when he hangs out with girls.

"I don't care about that," he said. "As long as my privacy is kept away from those curious people who always keep their eye on me. My fans also ignore the gossip and say nothing about it as well. They still keep cheering me on," added Leesaw. The star striker and his team-mates often read news about themselves in the newspaper before they play a game and when they discover nonsense reports they never let it bothers them. The local paparazzi are seen as a nuisance by the national team's striker, but perhaps he would change his mind if pretty girls started taking his picture? - The Nation.

Piyapong's still a Thai football star

Ex-national football team striker Piyapong Pew-on may appear on television in a Brazilian training suit holding the team's ball, but people shouldn't jump to the conclusion that he has something to do with the South American World Cup squad. In fact, the living legend of Thai soccer hosts a programme called "Road to World Cup 2006" which is part of the "Baan Lek Thi Ha" show which airs from 5-6pm on Channel 5 from Monday to Friday.

Apart from updates and tips on the world's biggest football event, enthusiasts who follow the programme have a chance to win an Adidas ball and training suit worth more than Bt10,000 from each team which will be given away every day from now until the end of the tournament. "All you have to do is to dial 02-279-7735 and the first one to call will win the prize. It's on a first-come first-serve basis," said Piyapong. - The Nation.

Suebsak's in the business of relaxing

If you had to guess what business national sepak takraw player Suebsak Phansueb has gone into, you may think of the Korean barbecue restaurant operated by former champion boxer Somluck Khamsing or the noodle shop run by another former boxer, Rattanapol Sor Worrapin.

But you would be wrong. Suebsak, whose nickname is Jo, surprised his fans as he chose to go for a business that is normally run by actresses. His option was to open the Amarantha Spa and Beauty business, which is worth more than Bt4 million.

Actually, the heart-throb of sepak takraw is not beauty conscious but his inspiration came from when the team doctor recommended he go to spas to help him recover from injuries or get over his intensive training sessions. Jo found that he really liked what he found at the spas and that gave him the idea to open his own business. "I think it's such a good way for people to relax and then I maximised my experience for all the places I had visited. I spent the budget that I accumulated since the 18th SEA Games in Chiang Mai and I hope you enjoy it here," he said. For more information on the Amarantha Spa and Beauty, phone 02-510-2151.

- The Nation.