MILESTONES

Delayed: By the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) and governor Pol Gen Aswin Kwanmuang, a takeover of the Bangkok Art and Culture Centre. The silly people running the BACC at the moment are so short-sighted they emphasise art and culture instead of exploiting what could be a fabulous mall raking in rental fees. Public opposition to Pol Gen Aswin’s naked grab convinced him to delay the takeover.

Died: At Vichaiyut Hospital at 94 of heart failure, movie actor, film pioneer and national artist (in 2012) Dokdin Kanyamarn. After changing his real name of Thamrong, Dokdin began acting at the age of 11. In a 31-year stretch beginning in 1952, he produced 32 successful films including 24 that surpassed the benchmark million-baht income at a time movie tickets cost between 5 and 20 baht maximum.

Died: At 88 in a New York City hospital, innovative journalist and novelist Tom Wolfe. He had a string of best-sellers including The Right Stuff about the early US astronauts. He was as well known for chronicling New York’s eclectic personalities in books including The Electric Kool-Aid Acid Test and Bonfire of the Vanities.

Apologised: For messing up train schedules for commuters, the West Japan Railway Company. The company said a mix-up in signals caused the 7.12am express to leave the Notogawa station at 7.11.35 — a full 25 seconds ahead of schedule. “We inconvenienced our customers very much, and we will strive to prevent this from occurring again,” said the apology.

Reduced: By world football dictators Fifa, the five-year ban from the sport of former FAT man Worawi Makudi. It now is 3.5 years. Worawi was legally cleared of corruption but Fifa pressed ahead with sanctions, and the FAT had him replaced as well. It was alleged he had done well for himself by voting for Russia and Qatar to hold World Cups 2018 and 2022 respectively.