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LETTER OF THE WEEK

CHAT DANGERS

Have you ever used the Internet? Most people have, and I�m one of them. Nowadays, the Internet is a popular pastime for many people, especially teenagers. Chatting is a part of the Internet and allows us to talk to new people.

However, I think it can be dangerous � after all, when you are chatting on the Internet, you don't always know who you are chatting with. They might have the wrong intentions and people using chat programs should be careful not to give out their personal information. Of course, there are other dangers to using the Net, such as eye strain. Of course, the Internet is also useful as it provides information about education or travel, so the message is that people need to recognise the dangers of the Internet so they can enjoy the good aspects.

Korakoch Buasathit, Phitsanulok

You're right Korakoch. The Internet can be a fascinating and rewarding pastime. However, chatting, especially in chatrooms, can be dangerous. Most chat programs like MSN Messenger ask your permission to allow other people to see you online. The same isn't always true of chatrooms. If you are seriously concerned, the website at www.bbc.co.uk/teens/lads/life/lifefactfiles/chatrooms.shtml offers some great advice. Student Weekly's very own web board has been down for a few weeks, but the technical team that manages it have assured me it will be up within a matter of days. � Editor

KIWIS AND CULTURE

Last summer, I went to New Zealand. I had a great trip and got the chance to promote Thai culture in New Zealand. I was very excited about a show about Thai classical dance called Fon Si Pak. When I lived in Thailand I ignored Thai culture � I thought it was simple and boring.

However, when I demonstrated Thai culture and Thai manners to the people in New Zealand, everybody was very impressed and said it was magnificent. Now I regard Thai culture as wonderful and rich, and even my New Zealand hosts returned my wais. I am proud to be Thai.

Sukwasa Chalalaivijit, Satreemahaprutarum School, Bangkok

New Zealand is a great country and very beautiful � after all, that's where they filmed Lord of the Rings. I'd love to go myself. Perhaps I can persuade my bosses that Student Weekly should do a New Zealand special issue and we can all fly out there for a week's vacation... Sorry, I mean work ;) � Editor

WONDERFUL WAT SOTORN

Last weekend, I went to Wat Sotorn in Chachoengsao with my family. The wat is very big and beautiful and is where people go to pay respect to the revered Buddhist monk Luang Por Sotorn. Many people go to Wat Sotorn to make merit and pay respects to Luang Por Sotorn, especially on Saturday and Sunday and now there is a new temple being built there.

I would like to tell you that the new Wat Sotorn is wonderful. When it is finished, I think it will be one of the best tourism locations in Thailand. Are you interested in paying respects to Luang Por Sotorn?

Waleerat Tawisuwan, Chon Buri

After seeing the beautiful picture, you've convinced me. I have asked my bosses to cancel our trip to New Zealand and re-schedule it to go to Chachoengsao instead. Now we can pay our respects and save money as well! � Editor.

I'm not convinced yet. Actually I am, but I still want to go to New Zealand. � Sub-editor.

TRAVELLING IN THAILAND

I live in Chon Buri on the east coast of Thailand. Chon Buri is a big province and there are many interesting places to visit such as Bangsan, Pattaya, Jomtien beach, Kao Sam Muk, Koh Loy, Koh Si Chang and other places.

I think there are many interesting places in Thailand in general. We have a lot of beautiful temples, waterfalls and flowers in the north. We have beautiful seas, islands and corals in the south, and historical buildings and museums in the northeast. Therefore we should travel in our country. It�s cheaper and the people are kind. Why do we spend our money abroad? I think people should spend money in our own country by travelling in Thailand.

Supaporn Tongkon, Chon Buri

Actually, that is the general opinion of many people in Thailand I think. After the 9/11 disaster and SARS, the tourism industry in Thailand suffered a lot as a lot of foreigners decided to stay away from Southeast Asia. Therefore, to boost local economies, Thais are being encouraged to holiday in their own country. And why not? There's plenty to do and see as your letter points out. � Editor

We're not going to New Zealand, are we? � Sub-editor.

MY FAVOURITE RECREATION ACTIVITY

Recreation is necessary for people to develop their emotions, health and minds. There are many activities that people can do such as aerobic dancing, tourist activities and unusual sports. Most people only do relaxing activities such as singing or visiting their friends and relatives. I like all activities and people should take up something recreational and not get involved with drugs and alcohol. Although these make can make you happy, it doesn't last long.

Kitipong Pirabun, Chiang Rai

MUM'S THE WORD

She is a giver; an angel in my heart. She is a beautiful and attractive person and is an important part in my life. I can�t stop thinking of her. She is my mum.

When I�m down, my mum is always there pushing me to the top. She gives me all that she has got and provides me with faith and believes in me. She makes me strong, no matter what the obstacles. I think she is the real greatest mum of all and I love her.

Sunhaporn S., Bangkok

Vocabulary

promote (v): to help something to happen or develop
demonstrate (v): to show something clearly by giving proof or evidence
revere (v): to feel great respect or admiration for somebody/something
convince (v): to make somebody/yourself believe that something is true
coral (n): a hard substance that is red, pink or white in colour, and that forms on the bottom of the sea from the bones of very small creatures
boost (v): to make something increase, or become better or more successful
recreation (n): the fact of people doing things for enjoyment, when they are not working
chat (v): when used in the context of the Internet, this means real-time online conversations with other people