The country's No 1 women's player is a big fan of television show "Academy Fantasia", a groundbreaking reality show which allows the audience to vote for their favourite singing contestants via mobile phone text message. Although she can only watch the programme when she's here in Thailand, and cannot name all the competitors, Tamarine can describe who did what in the Academy House.

"There's one girl who is very talented. She sang like an opera singer and she had tanned skin,'' said Tammy. She was referring to Volunteer 4, "Pet" Pachara Poonsawad. However, Tamarine did not reveal who she cheers for, but one can assume she might support heart-throb (V 6) Tatchapol Choomduang, or "Kartune". "He is the one who looks good but sings poorly. He looks like a combination of 'Tik' [Jetsadaporn Poldee] and 'Film' [Rattapoom Tokongsap],'' she said. - The Nation.

Roongtawan is in top shape

While many Thai girls go on diets and want to have the body of a model, national team bodybuilder Roongtawan Jindasing prefers her muscular shape. But most Thai girls might not agree with her. The Indian-Thai thinks it is not necessary to be like others and does not want to look like a copy of others.

"Nobody can judge what the perfect body is. I never think I'm not beautiful. I'm charming with a sporty look," said the former national judo team member with a chuckle. The 34-year-old sports lover is confident she is a good-looking woman and is very proud of her looks. "Many men court me. All of them tell me they like me because I'm an athlete and it sets me apart from the others," added the 18th SEA Games gold medallist. - The Nation.

Coffee machine stumps coach

For the average person, learning how to use a coffee-making machine is not too hard. But the coach of Thailand's women's volleyball team, Suttichai Chanbunchee, seems to run into problems. During the team's stay in Taiwan last Sunday, Suttichai needed a cup of coffee with his breakfast. He walked straight to a coffee-maker, place an empty cup in the tray and pressed the button marked "espresso". The words "Empty Draw" appeared and nothing came out of the machine.

Suttichai was surprised that no hot brown liquid appeared in his cup, so he shouted to a Thai reporter accompanying the team. "Chan, Chan. Come and see why coffee did not come out from the maker?" he yelled, stunning everyone enjoying their breakfast. "Arjaan [head coach]. This did not work because there are no more coffee beans in the machine. You have to move to the other maker," the reporter said. - The Nation.