Bangkok Post, Thailand, Insider Column.

Jul. 26--HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO THE CEO: It was time for cake and candles yesterday when the Joint Foreign Chambers of Commerce got together to welcome their guest speaker. The 900-odd souls didn't want to miss the opportunity to wish Thaksin Shinawatra a happy birthday even if they were a day early.

Mr Thaksin turns 52 today, so that makes him a Leo. His horoscope: "Be ready for a variety of unusual experiences. Short trip necessary, could be out-of-town clandestine meeting. (editor's note: New Zealand?) Don't trust everything to luck."

An authoritative local newspaper offers further insights into the character of people born on July 26:"You aren't the kind to go out of your way to attract attention to yourself, but this doesn't mean you're likely to go unnoticed throughout life. On the contrary, the things you choose to do with your talent and energy are likely to be quite remarkable in their own right, and win you the attention, admiration and praise of those within your professional field and without.

"You must remember, of course, to remain always true in your intentions and to focus on the ultimate good your work can do -- not on the prizes it can win for you.

"You are more interested in having one good friend than a great many casual acquaintances. You are tremendously loyal, and once you have pledged your faith to someone you are never to be swayed. You are forgiving, too, when those you love have offended you."

EYES RIGHT: We noted recently that Thai Farmers Bank president Banthoon Lamsam is among many local notables who have had Lasik eye surgery. In Mr Banthoon's case, the procedure allowed him to ditch his rose-coloured glasses.

Industry Minister Suriya Juengrungruangkij is a more recent beneficiary of better vision through surgery. A while ago he went to Bitec to attend a packaging fair, anonymously and alone, with no police escort or aides, to get a clearer view of the state of the industry, he said.