Yes, we are talking about those Jatukam amulets, the round-shaped talismans that have become the hottest collectors' item. Many are dying to have Jatukam talismans, not only because of belief in their magical powers, but also for their stylish design.

The department warns that copycats of the talisman will be subject to legal punishment.

Intellectual Property Department director-general Phuangrat Aswapisit said three applications had been submitted to register the rights for different designs of the talisman. Although the ministry has yet to accept the registrations, and the applicants are not entitled to launch civil or criminal cases against alleged violators, the applicants can submit warning notices to violators. After their applications are accepted, they can launch lawsuits against violators to claim damages retroactively from the date of their warning notice.

Although the talismans are spiritual objects, the ministry will certainly need a scientific method to prove which ones are genuine.

Panda porn

Pandas are not in the mood for love. Such amatory indifference is giving officials headaches at Chiang Mai Zoo. These matchmakers are trying to induce the panda couple to mate and produce the first Thai-born panda cubs.

But Xuang Xuang is not easy to turn on. At first, he was kept separate from the lovely Lin Hui, in order to spice up a long-distance romance.

When zoo officials put them back together, Lin Hui played hard to get, making Xuang Xuang lose interest. Xuang Xuang instead turned to gorging at meals to the point where he became too overweight to mate. So the zookeepers put him on strict diet.

Now, zoo chief Sophon Damnui has resorted to the last option. He decided to show panda porn videos. The steamy X-rated features show naked pandas mating in various exotic positions.

But Xuang Xuang remains indifferent, even though zookeepers pumped up the erotic soundtrack to get his attention. Crouched next to the television set, Sophon even provided gestures to instruct the reluctant suitor. Sophon said if this did not work out, the zoo might have to opt for a scientific method to produce a baby panda.

But we'd like to provide some natural advice: Xuang Xuang might feel the humans are meddling with him too much. Like any male, Xuang Xuang needs some time alone by himself to read bedtime materials.

Yes, if the X-rated panda video does not work out, zoo officials should find a sexy panda magazine like the human Penthouse. We'll take the liberty of coming up its title: Pentda? Pandaboy?

jeerawat@nationgroup.com