Instant lesson

This is not exactly an instant lesson because it will take some preparing, but it illustrates a technique you can use again when another high-interest story breaks.

For the past week, large numbers of Thais have been closely watching the unfolding story of Film and Annie. I have covered the story three times myself beginning on September 19th, the day after Annie had her famous television interview.

September 19: Breaking up is hard to do
http://bit.ly/aGfJ6D

September 21: Career on hold
http://bit.ly/a1BKgC

September 24: Film's apology
http://bit.ly/bd9kVA

Since the information changes from day to day, you can make good use of the three stories for a group activity. Divide your class into 3,6,9, 12, etc groups depending on your class size. Have each group focus on a different story, finding out the key facts. They should prepare to report these facts to their friends who have read other stories.

When each group is ready, regroup your class, so that each new group has members who have read different stories. Then, beginning with September 19, have them share the information.

(Note: The September 21 story is a long one, so I wouldn't have the students report everything that was said, especially from the PR people quoted.)

This is a great opportunity for students to use indirect speech, so you might review this at the beginning of the class. In each story there are examples of both direct and indirect speech. Direct speech will need to be converted to indirect speech. Here are some examples.

September 19:

"I gave her 200,000 baht to help with costs associated with the child's birth, soon after I heard she was pregnant," he said.

Film said he gave Annie 200,000 baht to help with costs associated with the child's birth, soon after he heard she was pregnant.

(Note: Students can simplify the statements so they are not so long. The gist is the important thing.)

September 21:

‘‘This is a personal issue for the artist but RS, as the artist’s supervisor and employer, has to take responsibility for this matter as well,’’

RS’s CEO Surachai Chetchotisak said it was  a personal issue for the artist but RS, as the artist’s supervisor and employer, had to take responsibility for the matter as well.

September 24:

‘‘I could not stand the pressure and have to speak out.’’

Film said he could not stand the pressure and had to speak out.

Finally, in groups, have your students consider these questions:

1. On September 17 Film said that the affair was not likely to have a big effect on his career. He said RS Promotion had supported him and plans were still on to take him "inter" as a performer in Korea.

What happened to change this?

2. On September 23, Film said he couldn't force Annie to have her baby take a DNA test. Is that really true? Read the following and then answer the question.

Tharit Pengdit, director of the Department of Special Investigation and spokesman for the Justice Ministry, said Rattapoom could seek a court order to have a DNA test of the child if the mother refused.

However, the actor must show in his formal request that he wanted to accept the child as his legitimate son. The court would later order the DNA test.