Poor English causes headaches

BANGKOK (JP): Bangkok people were happy to welcome visiting athletes, officials and journalists to the 13th Asian Games, but they were not prepared to speak to the guests... in English.

An Indonesian photographer was desperate to pronounce "restroom" to a dazed-looking security guard at the Muang Thon Tani sports complex so he could fulfill the call of nature.

The photographer almost gave up after the security guard managed only to shake his head in response to his question, before a silly but smart idea overcame the deadlock.

"I just pointed to my 'thing,' and surprisingly he understood and ushered me to the restroom," the photographer said. "Why do I bother to learn English if it doesn't work here," he grumbled. (yan)