Sakchai sews up Lips |to let staff join protest

He is among the magazine editors who frequently participate in “Uncle Kamnan’s” rallies. He sent out word to his staff via Instagram on December 1 that they needn’t bother showing up for work.
“In order to support Loong Kamnan’s civil disobedience campaign and to encourage all my brothers and sisters at Lips to perform their duty as good citizens, Lips will cease publishing until we ‘get our Thailand back’. We will see each other again later. The company will definitely pay you a bonus, but now you guys must go out and do your duty. If I don’t die, I will come back and help you at the magazine.”
That’s a bit dire, but Sakchai is slightly more cheerful over on Facebook as he voices his support for the anti-Shinawatra campaign. And, despite ridiculously short notice, he put his talents as a florist to work decorating the Democracy Monument for His Majesty the King’s birthday. Sakchai and his team of volunteers created a gorgeous set for the candlelight celebration.
“I must thank Sakchai for the wonderful scenery today!” protest and birthday-rally co-host Anchalee Paireerat declared, assuring the mob that they could have their pictures taken against the backdrop later. Meanwhile the December issue of Lips is out, but it remains to be seen whether there’ll be a January issue.

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Frightening success
The good news – and the money – just keep pouring in for “Pee Mak Phra Khanong” and its director Banjong “Tong” Pisanthanakul as it lights up screens overseas in the wake of its record-breaking blitz through Thailand.
Commercial success is one thing, but the real feather in Tong’s cap has come from the Asia-Pacific Film Festival, which starts on Friday in Macau. Its judges have included the GTH ghost comedy on their list of award nominees – the only Thai movie recognised this year. Arkadech “Berm” Keawkotr earned the nomination for art direction.
“Phi Berm was also the art director for ‘Nang Nak’,” says Banjong, referring to Nonzee Nimitbutr’s 1999 dramatic version of the same story.
“He was so careful with every single set, like Pee Mak’s house, the temple fair and the battlefield scenes. He was very professional. I feel very happy for him.”
The nomination puts “Pee Mak” in direct competition with heavyweights like “The Grandmaster” by Hong Kong’s Wong Kar-wai, “Snowpiercer” from South Korea’s Bong Joon-ho and “Why Don’t You Play in Hell” by Sion Sono. In fact Wong leads this year’s nominations list with 12 nods, including Best Film.
Tong reckons he doesn’t have much to worry about when he’s up against that kind of artillery. This is one of those occasions when they say, “It’s an honour just to be nominated.” If Berm and “Pee Mak” miss out, they’ll lose to top guns from the region.