Ja Turbo jams satellite reception

And the press conference called earlier this week by its chairman Paiboon Damrongchaitham was supposed to deliver the key message that GMM Grammy would take the satellite TV business seriously. However, the press got distracted by Siam Dara newspaper's rumour that the company was about to sign controversial singer Nongpanee Mahadthai - better known as Ja Turbo or Ja Kanhu following her hit YouTube video "Kan Hu" (itchy ears).

Previously just a singer with upcountry party band Turbo, Ja hit the big time when her sexually explicit dance and double-entendre lyrics went viral on YouTube with more than 13 million hits. But it seems that GMM Grammy are not really that impressed.

Kris Tomas, an executive in charge of the company's music business, rushed to deny the rumoured link: "The style of song is not a match for Grammy and we have no plans to sign the singer."

Kris added that the company is considering legal action against the rumour-mongers, because it could affect GMM Grammy's business. At the very least, it certainly distracted reporters from the key message about the company's satellite TV business.

Polpat the born-again businessman

Asava's owner and designer Polpat Asavaprapha has recently faded from the party scene, but nixing the nightlife was his own choice rather than dictated by circumstance.

 "I go to bed at 10pm nowadays. I'd rather do other things than partying." But being a party pooper doesn't mean he no longer has access to creative inspiration for his work. The change of lifestyle has given him an alternative source.

 The designer now meditates for 10 minutes each morning. "Not that I'm very religious or anything but it gives me good start to the day," he says.

He also goes to the gym for boxing work-outs, and if he has any free time gets the creative juices flowing by visiting art galleries - especially Ton Son Gallery where the building also inspires him. "My dad always taught me you should be early to bed and early to rise to be successful. I didn't quite get it until I started my own business. Now I see how true it is."

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