Local News

Doctors give mobile warning

Phones can be hazardous to health

Mobile phone and other electrical appliance users are exposing themselves to the risk of cancer, sexual dysfunction and other diseases, doctors warned on September 30.

Dr Narong Nimsakul, a laser surgery expert and president of the Anti-Aging Society, said electromagnetic waves from electrical appliances such as mobile phones, television sets, microwaves and computers can accumulate in the human body and cause many diseases.

He cited a research study that found that people who used such devices frequently were at risk from diseases such as cancer, sexual dysfunction, Alzheimer�s and Parkinson�s disease and symptoms such as headaches and stress.

�The mobile phone could be the most harmful, as the device is placed closest to the user�s ear,� Narong said. �The effects could be greater on young children than on adults since children have thinner skulls.�

Dr Danaiphand Akarasakul, a urologist at Ratchavithi Hospital, warned men not to keep their mobile phones in their trouser pockets or latched onto their waists, saying the practice could cause impotence over the long run.

According to a recent Suan Dusit poll on the use of electrical appliances, mobile phones are the most popular device. On average, mobile phones are used five to 10 times a day, with each conversation lasting one to five minutes.

Paper giraffes win hearts

Children admire papier mache giraffes produced by students in Prawet district. The models were part of an exhibition of One Tambon One Product handicrafts held at Seri Centre on Srinakarin Road on October 5. � Bangkok Post

Giant rice cook-up

Dozens of people help cook fried rice in a large pan, using huge spatulas, at a celebration of the International Year of Rice 2004 on September 30 at the Agriculture Museum in Pathum Thani�s Khlong Luang district. The giant khao pad soaked up 200 kilogrammes of rice, 200 kilogrammes of pesticide-free vegetables, 100 kilogrammes of chicken, 2,000 eggs and 100 kilogrammes of ham sausage. � Bangkok Post

Huge observatory planned

Mountaintop location chosen as site

Thailand plans to build its biggest observatory on Doi Inthanon, the country�s highest mountain, in Chiang Mai�s Chom Thong district in 2006.

Boonraksa Sunthorntham, dean of Chiang Mai University�s faculty of science, said the observatory, to be equipped with a 2-metre telescope, will cater to a growing interest in astronomy. It will be run by the National Astronomical Research Institute.

Chiang Mai University recently hosted the fifth International Astronomical Conference so astronomers could present studies, exchange knowledge and discuss cooperation in astronomical research.

Panda celebration planned

Longer hours and night safari the highlights

Just in time for tourist season, Chiang Mai Zoo announced it will stay open longer starting on October 10 to celebrate the first anniversary of the arrival of two pandas from China.

The Twilight Zoo programme will see the zoo stay open until 9 pm daily and will also offer visitors the option of going on a night safari, zoo director Thanapat Pongpamorn said. Musical fountains will also be added.

Xuang Xuang and Lin Hui, the two giant pandas on loan from China for 10 years, arrived at the zoo on October 12 last year. They have become major tourist attractions and have stimulated the province�s economy.Vocabulary

Vocabulary

appliance (n): a machine that is designed to do a particular thing in the home, such as preparing food, heating or cleaning
expose (v):  to put somebody or something in a place or situation where they are not protected from something harmful or unpleasant
accumulate (v):  to gradually get more and more of something over a period of time
symptom (n): a change in your body or mind that shows that you are not healthy
impotent (adj): (of a man) unable to achieve an erection and therefore unable to have full sex
observatory (adj): a special building from which scientists watch the stars, the weather, etc.
telescope (n): a piece of equipment shaped like a tube, containing lenses, that you look through to make objects that are far away appear larger and nearer
astronomy (n): the scientific study of the sun, moon, stars, planets, etc.
stimulate (v): to make something develop or become more active
handicraft (n): activities such as sewing and weaving that use skill with your hands and artistic ability to make things