TIMES ARE TIGHT

Right now I have to think twice whenever I want to buy something. I prefer to eat at home rather than spend money on eating out. If I have to meet with friends or do something outside, then it�s OK.

My parents drive their car on NGV to save money because of high petrol prices. Sometimes they leave the car at home and take the skytrain and public bus to work.

I want the government to do something about skyrocketing petrol prices, which have doubled the cost of living. They should make paths for riding bicycles so that fewer people use cars.

As a consequence, some people might save money, and hopefully Thailand�s economy will be better.

Jidapa Phuntasu, Sing Buri

Times are pretty tough right now, Jidapa. Like many other people, it sounds like you and your family are having to find ways to economise. People all over the world are struggling, highlighting the problems that we face because of how much we depend on oil to keep our economies running. Hopefully, the current crisis will help governments realise the need for alternative energy sources right now � before things get even worse. � Editor

BAD WEATHER

Cyclone Nargis was one of the biggest storms ever to hit Burma.

This cyclone destroyed the country and caused lots of damage.

It killed many people. It was one of the worst, tragic events.

There was help from many countries, such as Japan, America, the European Union and Thailand.

Prime Minister Samak visited Burma, and Thailand sent many necessary things like water and rice.

Cyclone Nargis reminds us that this world is changing in a bad way, and each country is trying to find a way to protect themselves.

Tada Yongtrakul
Narathiwat

Cyclone Nargis continues to be a huge tragedy, Tada. To date, there are more than 100,000 people dead or missing, and experts fear that the total will continue to rise if unsanitary conditions start leading to disease. Hopefully the Burmese government will begin allowing in more of the huge amount of aid that is waiting to be delivered by governments and aid organisations from around the world. � Editor

GREAT POET

June is one of the most important months in Thailand because June 26 is the birthday of Thailand�s Shakespeare, Sunthorn Phu. He is considered to be one of the world�s greatest poets.

My school, which is located near the Sunthorn Phu Monument, is responsible for preparing the celebrations for his birthday each year. It is my duty to promote this 222-year-old celebration.

Sunthorn Phu was born on June 26, 1786 (2329 B.E.), in Thonburi, Bangkok. He was the son of a Rayong villager who lived during the reign of King Rama I.

He wrote nine Niras (Travel Tales), and they all became famous, especially Phra Aphai Mani. His poetry has been translated into many languages.

Please come and join us and obtain more details at the Sunthorn Phu Monument. You can see our school�s exhibition about the work and life of Sunthorn Phu, and you�ll understand what life was like in Thailand 222 years ago.

Suphot Jaraswimol, Rayong

Thanks for telling us about Sunthorn Phu, Suphot. In an age dominated by things like the Internet, soap operas and pop stars, it�s great to know that students out there are learning about such an important writer. I hope you have a great turnout for your exhibition. � Editor

skyrocketing (v): to rise very quickly to a very high level
consequence (n): a result of something that has happened
economise (v): to use less money, time, etc. than you normally use
alternative (adj): that can be used instead of something else
tragic (adj): making you feel very sad, usually because people have died or suffered
unsanitary (adj): dirty and likely to spread disease
dominate (v): to be the most noticeable feature of something
turnout (n): the number of people who attend a particular event

Idiom

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