Colour by the numbers

Celebrated filmmaker apichatpong “Joei” weerasethakul raised eyebrows with his Tshirt on Friday night at the opening of the 10th World Film Festival of Bangkok at Paragon Cineplex.

Underneath his dark suit jacket, his Tshirt bore the slogan “No 112”, referring to the lese majeste law.

There to screen his latest feature “Mekong Hotel”, he didn’t go into details about his fashion choice but, as one of the most photographed celebrities there, the shirt spoke volumes.

And Joei did reveal his interest in making a film about politics.

“We hardly have any political films that are relevant to society. And that’s why I’d love to do one,” he said. “I think it’s rather important to respect different opinions without feelings of hatred, no matter which ‘colour’ group you belong to.”

The smile heard round the world

That traditional Thai smile of Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra proved irresistible for Britain’s Daily Mail as it covered her greeting of US President Barack Obama on Sunday.

“The charmerinchief: Obama gets flirty as he schmoozes with Thai prime minister on first stop of historic Asia visit,” cooed the headline.

“All in the eyes: Prime Minister Shinawatra shoots Obama a seductive glance as the two meet on his arrival in Bangkok,” said the story.

Readers piled in, adding comments on the tabloid’s website.

“Thai women can’t help it, they love the farang and he is the Top Farang. Michelle! They don’t call it the land of Thousand Smiles for nothing,” wrote a meanspirited reader.

“Michelle is not going to be amused,” said KM from Coeur d’Alene.

Jules from San Diego came to Yingluck’s defence: “Hey man, she’s a hottie and smart to boot. So long as physical lines weren’t crossed, it is what it is – pure fun.”

Let’s hope Yingluck’s staff have the guts to show her that flattering clipping.