And one of her best-kept secrets has now leaked out - the Olympic heroine announced she has had a boyfriend, Chaiyarat Lorprakarnsit, for more than seven years.

Although they don't get to spend much time together because of work, they are still an item and trust and believe in each other. Chaiyarat said: "I broke up with her once when she began to be well known. Many reporters called and interviewed me about our relationship, but I was concerned about her reputation. So I decided to end the relationship in the best interests of her future."

But the bond between the two was too strong and their romance blossomed, but away from the public eye. Only recently did they come out of the closet and confirm on television that their romance is alive and well. They are even ready to move on to the next step. "If we don't get married this year it could be another two years because we want our relationship to last for 10 years before we tie the knot," she said. "Let's say, when you see an invitation card, you will know that it's for my wedding." No matter how tough she looks, Udomporn could not hold back her tears when she told of her love in front of the television audience. - The Nation.

Trouble in Taiwan

Thai women's volleyball coach Suttichai Chanbunchee, who is on tour with the team in Taiwan, is not used to looking after himself. In the team's hotel restaurant in Taiwan yesterday morning, he asked a waiter for a cup of coffee and was informed that he was in a self-service restaurant. He became nervous as he did not know how to work the coffee-maker and asked those sitting near him.

He managed to get himself a cup of espresso coffee, but once back in his seat, he could not find a spoon, so he used a fork to stir his coffee. Assistant coach Anusorn Bandit shouted: "Coffee spoons are placed next to the coffee-maker. Why did you use your fork?"

Later, he got in the lift to go upstairs with a few of the Thai players and three local Taiwanese. As the lift started off, there was a loud noise from a Taiwanese woman. Thai player Amporn Hyapha was shocked, and said: "Oh, this old lady is very impolite. How can she do this in a lift without consideration of others." After hearing the ugly sound from the Taiwanese lady and what Amporn said, everyone but Suttichai squeezed their noses with their fingers. "I did not hear anything. I just concentrated on counting the floors the lift was moving by," Suttichai said. - The Nation.

Airline grounds Danai

Poor airline service, luggage delays and having none of his own racquets should have sent Thai tennis player Danai Udomchoke into a rage, but he stayed cool and launched his campaign in last week's challenger tournament in New York, and made it through to the semi-final. As soon as he arrived in the Big Apple on an American airline, Danai realised one of his bags was missing. Inside the bag was everything he needs to make his living: racquets, shoes, grips and strings.

He later found out his baggage had been sent to Cincinnati, and while the airline promised to send his belongings to his hotel as soon as possible, two days passed but still no sign of his bag. Danai, who had to use his coach's racquets for practice, lost his patience and sent his coach to the airport to get his bags. He paid US$100 for a taxi, but the airline insisted they were only be responsible for half the fare. "I will not travel with this bad, bad airline anymore. So badddddddd," a furious Danai complained. - The Nation.

Schoolchildren sign up

The aim is for Bangkokians to give visitors to the International Children's Games a warm welcome, so the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) arranged a road-show to promote the event, which kicks off from Friday to Monday. Led by the official mascots of the event, Baanchao and Baanyen, the road-show included cheerleaders and three teenage stars, Wanlekha Charnlekha, Patinya Wirotsaengprateep and Suthee Siangwan from Channel 3. They went around well known schools such as Triam Udom Suksa and Surasakmontree and also to several popular places such as Siam Square and the Victory Monument from August 9-21.

The campaign allows junior high school students to become cheerleaders for the teams at all the main venues. The BMA wishes to see a joyful atmosphere and give Thai children the chance to share the experience with youngsters from over the world. The road-show received good feedback as loads of students are interested in applying and joining the tournament. - The Nation.