Friendship forever

BUSAN, South Korea: Sporting events like the Busan 2002 Asian Games always attracts a group of supporters from each of the participating countries, hosts and guests alike.

A group of South Korean supporters were busy with their traditional percussion instruments to support their men's beach volleyball team against Thailand on Haeundae beach on Monday. They also chanted Daehan Minguk (Republic of Korea).

They were the only supporters until two Thailand supporters clad in Thai traditional costumes entered the venue and directly stood in front of the Korean supporters asking to support the Thais. In a tricky way.

At first, the Thais shouted "Korea, Korea" or "Busan, Busan" accompanied by the Korean drums and the support of other spectators. But suddenly the Thais shouted "Thailand, Thailand."

At the end, South Korea beat Thailand 2-1 and the two Thais were surrounded by Korean school children asking for their signatures and a photo session.--JP