Sondhi the survivor

LIFE-CHANGING CIRCUMSTANCES

Since the media tycoon-turned-political activist founded his group of street protesters, his life has never been the same. In fact, even eating out isn't that much of an option anymore because he is either not allowed to pay the bill or is charged ridiculous amounts.

Take for instance his favourite eatery in Suphan Buri. The owner refused to present him with a bill under the pretext that someone else had paid for his meal. In fact, it happened so often that he had to stop eating at that restaurant. Then there was the most expensive lunch he'd ever bought. After he'd tucked into two bowls of noodles and two servings of pork satay, he asked for the bill. However, the owner demurred, insisting that the lunch was free. However, Sondhi couldn't have that. So, being the generous and considerate man that he is, he pressed Bt1,000 in the owner's hand, saying it was for luck.

ROCK STAR CHEF

Sondhi apparently loves cooking but never has the time to try out his many "rather complicated" recipes. Besides, he can only cook if the stereo is blaring out rock music and if there's enough space in the kitchen for him to dance.

AVID READER

His favourite book is Chinese author Huang Yi's latest best-seller, "Twin of Brothers" - a novel Sondhi says, he has read at least five times because he says the plot is entertaining and very informative in terms of history. However, he refuses to say which character in the novel he most identifies with - the politically ambitious Kau Jong or reclusive Tsui Zi Ling.

CROUCHING TIGER

Apparently Sondhi prefers sitting cross-legged, not just because it's a humble stance to take but also because he believes it helps with blood circulation. In fact, he is often seated this way while dining or speaking to the press.

MEDIA FRIENDLY

Reporters have always asked him why he seems to have so many problems with media outlets that are not part of his own empire. His response has always been that he is not like other politicians - he will never walk into a newspaper office to promote himself and is perhaps the only media man who has never interviewed any prime ministers.

A LASTING MEMORY

After a hail of at least 200 bullets on his car, he walked away with a two-millimetre deep wound on his chest, near the heart, and a bullet lodged just half a centimetre from his brain. When asked why he has his bloodstained clothes on display at his office, he always says he wants to remember that fateful day.

DOES HE FEAR DEATH?

Perhaps the answer should be no. After all he managed to come out more or less unscathed from an assassination attempt, and even though he's been warned time and again about his smoking habit, the 62-year-old politician keeps puffing away.

His response to any warning is that if he could survive a hail of bullets, he could survive anything.