Leonardo on the Beach - translations of the Tabloids


The Thai Tabloids

[ Press Room | News Archives | Tabloids | Picture Archives | Timeline | Who's Who ]

WARNING: The following excerpts have been translated from the Thai papers (namely Thai Rath and Daily News) by teachers at Sriwittayapaknam School in Thailand. PLEASE NOTE: We are not trying to invade Leonardo's privacy. We are only translating what has already been reported in the national papers in Thailand. We cannot vouch for the accuracy of the tabloid press! Only our translations! The latest news is at the top.

The following are recent press releases
28 January 1999: In response to an article in the Bangkok Post on Thursday 28 January about the controversy surrounding the preparations for shooting at Khao Yai National Park.
January: Reports on Environmental Allegations
3 February 1999: Production Begins Promised, Complete Restoration of Maya Bay
5 February 1999: Facts and Fancy, released by Robert Cogen, National Coordinator of Reef Check. Statement regarding the alleged damage of the coral in Maya Bay.

Tuesday 9th February

On Monday at 7 a.m. the production team drove from their hotel (sorry we have been asked by the film-makers not to mention the hotel's name for a few days) to the Khao Yai National Park in six trucks and 14 vans. It took one and a half hours to get to Haeo Suwat waterfall from their luxurious resort. The waterfall was cordoned off so that the public couldn't gain access to it. At 10 a.m. Leonardo arrived by van together with his co-stars and went straight to the trailers for make-up. He spent about 40 minutes there before going to the top of the waterfall for rehearsals. The P.R. for the production team told the press that they could take some pictures of Leonardo and the action. However, the area they were told to wait didn't give them a good enough view. Later, Leonardo, together with five bodyguards (??) walked to his position for the first shot. He walked past the photographers with his baseball cap pulled down to cover his face. Three stuntmen were used in a later scene for the jump from the top of the waterfall. There wasn't enough water so they brought in five noisy pumps to provide more. There was also a helicopter hovering overhead. Apparently many tourists complained about the noise.
They are expected to stay at this location for three days, from 8th-10th February. [Khao Yai National Park]

Monday 8th February

On Saturday evening Leonardo went to watch Muay Thai with some of his friends. [more]

Sunday 7th February

One of the papers today gave a brief mention to Leonardo's statement we ran on our web site back on Friday. It also briefly talked about the Reef Check press release. Park officials at Khao Yai national Park said that the park will be open as normal during the shooting this week and people are welcome to come and watch. However, they asked for protestors wearing Leonardo masks to stay away.

Wednesday to Saturday

There hasn't been much in the tabloids. Shooting finished on Wednesday and the crew started to move location. The main unit went to Khao Yai National Park in north-east Thailand whilst an advanced party checked in at their hotel in Krabi ready for the next location. Other things mentioned in the papers have already been posted on this web site in the "serious" section of the archives.

Tuesday 2nd February

On Monday they planned to film Leonardo swimming in Lam Tong, Phi Phi Le, but the protestors were blocking th entrance to the bay. So they moved to the studio on Phuket island. They shot a scene of Leonardo swimming in the tank in the studio. In the evening they shot the love scene between Leonardo and Virginie in the beach hut. Today they are expected to go to Surin Beach, on Phuket, about 2 k.m. from the studio. They built a bungalow there for the exterior shots. On Wednesday they will be back at the studio. On Thursday they will shoot at Koh Kaew Beach, Lam Promthep, Phuket city. In the evening, the production team will move to Khao Yai National Park, Nakhon Rataschima. They will stay at XXXX hotel until 9th February. On the 10th February they will go to Krabi. They will stay in this area until the 19th February. They will then return to Phuket island.

Monday 1st February

On Sunday, Maya Bay was open to the tourists.

Saturday 30th January

Shooting finished on Friday and they were expected to start packing the gear up on the island on Saturday. They are now moving location to the studio on Phuket.

Friday 29th January

The latest shooting schedule has been released: hey will be shooting on Phuket island 2-4 Feb, Khao Yai 6-11 Feb, Krabi 11-21 Feb and Phuket 27 February end of March.

Thursday 28th January

The production team have now extended the booking for their stay at the Cape Panwa Hotel until 6th February. Shooting is expected to finish on Phi Phi island on 31st January.
At the waterfall in Khao Yai the character played by Leonardo has to jump 20 metres down into the pool below. This will be done by a stuntman. A special platform has been constructed at the top. Despite the rain there is a shortage of water. There are plans to dam the river in order to provide a more dramatic effect. However, this will cause problems for the farms that depend on this water further down river.

Wednesday 27th January

Representatives of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs visited Maya Bay between 21st-23rd January. They talked to Andrew MacDonald, the producer of the movie. He told them that he had removed three tons of rubbish from the beach area. The representative said that the beach looked more beautiful now than before. They might decide to keep some of the palm trees there that were brought in. He was happy how concerned the production team are about the environment. No-one is allowed to drop litter, even cigarette butts.
A story in the paper last week reported about some oil pollution from the boats but that has now been proved wrong.
Another new movie is in the process of asking permission to shoot in Kanchanaburi, Thailand. It is called Cruise and will star Steven Seagal.
Members of the production team have been visiting Khao Yai national park in north-east Thailand. One of the waterfalls there called Heo Suwat has already been cordoned off and no-entry signs put up. A number of tourists have already complained about this. Work on the site started on the 25th of January in order to make it "more beautiful". they tried to keep it a secret because they didn't want any more controversy. They will be shooting at this waterfall from 8-10th February. The crew are booked in at Juldis Khao Yai Resort and Golden Valley Hotel for three weeks.

Tuesday 26th January

Today's papers reported that they have been shooting in Losama Bay, on Phi Phi island. Leonardo's bodyguards protected him from the photographers and t.v. cameras. Apparently the production company don't want any photographs taken of him at this time (?).
Banners have been put up in Krabi city to welcome Leonardo and crew members: "Krabi City people welcome The Beach crew members". (We believe they won't be there until mid-February.) The city has said that they will warmly welcome them and not cause them any problems or hassles.

Monday 25th January

There was no shooting on Sunday and the film site was open to the public. Many tourists turned up to see the site, to sunbathe and go snorkelling. Some members of the production crew kept guard over the palm trees that were planted there. They also had to repair the pier damaged by a storm.
The sets for the beach hut and the underwater fight scene with a shark will be ready by the 1st February. (It is not clear whether that means they will be shooting at the studio earlier than expected. Previously we believed they wouldn't shoot there until Feb 27th.)
On Saturday, Leonardo went shopping with other cast members in Phuket city.

Sunday 24th January

Shooting was affected yesterday by a storm. This one was a real one un-like the artificial one they had on Thursday.

Saturday 23rd January

Leonardo had no scenes today, only Virginie who dressed in a bikini.

Friday 22nd January

Yesterday, Leonardo was involved in some scenes in the morning walking among the palm trees. The afternoon involved swimming.

Thursday 21st January

Yesterday, Leonardo was involved in some swimming scenes and dancing on the beach.

Wednesday 20th January

One of the scenes shot yesterday involved Leonardo fighting with a shark.
On the daily call sheets is a reminder about Phi Phi island being a national park. The cast and crew are told what they can and cannot do in order to protect the environment.

Monday 18th January

There has been some controversy about the long-tailed boats blocking the entrance to the bay. An investigation is in progress to find out who actually ordered the closure. During Sunday the beach wasn't closed to tourists.

Sunday 17th January

Eleven long-tail boats have been strung together to block the entrance to Maya Bay. A police boat stopped all the tourists from going in. Many of them were angry and tried to argue with the policemen. Only people with special passes were allowed in.
Thai Rath reported that on Friday and Saturday they shot scenes involving Leonardo diving for fish. The director looked pleased about the results so far.

Saturday 16th January

The Daily News reported that they started shooting on Friday morning at 11 a.m. at Maya Bay, Phi Phi island. In the first scene Leonardo was dressed in beige shorts and a light brown singlet as he swam to the shore. The second scene was Leonardo walking along the beach and among the palm trees.
Thai Rath said that Leonardo arrived at 12 p.m. and wore white shirt and green shorts!!!! (enough said about the accuracy of the press.)

Friday 15th January

On Tuesday, the production team invited nine monks to the studio in Phuket as part of the opening ceremony for the start of shooting. This is a Thai tradition to make merit in order to receive good luck for the movie. This is done in much the same way as a house-warming party in the West. The monks came from Wat Sam Kong, Phuket. At the start of the ceremony basic essentials were offered to the monks by Leonardo and other crew members. They then sat down in a respectful position whilst the nine monks chanted. Holy water was then splashed liberally over everyone and all over the equipment around the studio. The abbot, Phrakru Wichitsangapairoch, commented to the reporters that Leonardo is very good looking and he asked him old he is. Leo answered "24". He then asked: "Do you like Thailand?" He answered "Yes, because the people are kind and the weather is very nice." Whilst Leo talked to the people he clasped his hands together in a respectful position. The abbot again commented that Leo is a nice person and that he always smiled. Just before the abbot was about to leave Leonardo kneeled down in front of him with his hands together in a prayer like gesture as the abbot again splashed him with some holy water. The abbot then asked Leo what his religion was. Leo just smiled. The abbot then presented Leo with an amulet in order to protect him and give him good luck.
The Daily News reported that Leonardo visited Chai Thararam temple during his free time. This temple is known by local people as Wat Chalong. He went with seven other people. Inside, Leonardo paid respect to the Buddha image and then put some gold leaf on an image of a revered monk. Leonardo seem to be interested in what their guide had to say about the history of this temple. Outside they lit some firecrackers.

Thursday 14th January

Leonardo is now only 1 kilo overweight and he now has a good sun tan.
The producer has now hired a helicopter to fly Leonardo from Phuket to Phi Phi Le every day.
Khao San Road will now be filmed in Krabi and not Bangkok. The name of the roads to be used are Prachacheun Road and Maharat Road. They have been busy trying to make it look like the real road and it is now nearly finished.
Khao Sod newspaper reports that today Leonardo and other cast members will be taking some time off today to visit Phang Nga (the famous limestone cliff nicknamed James Bond Island is there).

Wednesday 13th January

Leonardo has to practise how to catch a fish Asian style by throwing a net. He has also been snorkelling and looking at the beautiful coral.
Leonardo went shopping for souvenirs in the shops inside Cape Panwar Hotel. He bought colourful batik material and jewellery made out of shells.
There will be a Thai style opening ceremony at the studio which will involve 9 monks on the 15th January.
Some nights Leonardo sleeps on his yacht, which now reportedly belongs to a millionaire from Phuket. He has been out in Phuket a few times disguised so that he can go shopping in peace.
A foreign tourist at Maya Beach tried to meet Leonardo. When she couldn't she decided to protest by going topless. (obviously not much else to write about today!)

Tuesday 12th January

Leonardo visited Robinson department store in Krabi last night half an hour before closing time. Leonardo, accompanied by five security guards, was wearing dark glasses and a cap in an attempt to disguise himself.
Santa Pestaji, owner of Santa International, threw a party for 500 guests including DiCaprio, the cast and the crew on Monday night at his residence in Phuket.
At the party, Leonardo ate lobster and king prawns. He drank only fresh orange juice and didn't drink any alcohol.
Jeerasak Chuasakul, village headman at Bann Koh Sirea Village in Krabi, declared his excitement at having his photograph taken with DiCaprio. ''He was willing, not like what we'd heard, that he wanted to keep to himself and not see media people or photographers.'' DiCaprio danced the night away on the beach and was friendly with other guests, according to Jeerasak's wife.

Monday 11th January

There is a rumor that Virginie Ledoyen (Francoise) is two or three months pregnant. They are worried that it might affect the filming as there is still another 3 months to go. At the moment she prefers to stay alone in her room. She only comes out for rehearsals with Leonardo. She is not receiving much attention from the Thai public as she is not known here.
The environmental protestors said that they would demonstrate in front of the hotel on Sunday but they did not show up. They are no longer present at Maya Bay.
The hotels on Phi Phi island are all fully booked.
The production crew have asked Phuket officials for permission to shoot in nine locations: the studio at Ban Ma Yik (27th Feb - March); Lampromthep (3rd March); Hat Nai Thon-nui (18th March); Hat Surin (19th-22nd March); Hat Kata (23rd-25th March); On-on Hotel (26th-29th March - night shoot); Phuket airport (30th March); Ao Po Pier (30th March); studio at Ban Ma Yik (31st March - 10th April).
Leonardo will go to Maya Bay, Phi Phi Le, by yacht. The production team has rented the yacht for him. It costs US$3000 per day and has four bedrooms, fitness room and communications room.

Sunday 10th January

Leonardo is getting up early in the morning to get some fresh air.
Leonardo and crew members are drinking 60,000 baht worth of wine a day (36 baht = US$1).
They are doing rehearsals at the moment on Koh Lon, which is an island about 4 kilometres away from Cape Panwa.
Two French paparrazzo disguised themselves as tourists staying at the hotel and tried every way to get pictures of Leonardo. Especially trying to get nude pictures in order to sell in Europe and America. But the hotel found out about it and told them to leave. The hotel gave the reason that they were disturbing the other guests.
About 1,000 Thai and foreign tourists have been renting boats to take them to the location at Maya Bay every day. One of the tourists reported that they were very excited to see the location.
There will be a special ceremony to mark the start of the shooting.
Tata Young, a Thai actress, was asked to be in the movie with Leonardo. But she declined because of too many love scenes. She doesn't want to disappoint her Thai fans or tarnish her image as a respectable pop singer. She added that she likes Leonardo and his movies but she is not that crazy about him.
The ferry boat they have rented takes only 45 minutes to go between Cape Panwa, Phuket and Maya Bay, Phi Phi Le Island.
When Leonardo returns from Koh Lon each day, there is a black Isuzu Trooper waiting for him. The windows are covered with dark film. The number plate is xxxx.
The govenor of Phuket is supporting the shooting of the movie. He doesn't believe that the team will damage the environment.
The public relations manager of the production team said that they had a warm welcome from the Thai people. She is surprised how much interest there has been in the movie stars from everyone. She thanks them for that and said she will try to do her best to promote Thailand around the world.
Leonardo changes his bedroom every night. He no longer lets the maid enter his room. His bodyguards now have to clean the room.
When he goes out in the evening to eat dinner he uses a different vehicle each day for security reasons. He comes back at about 9 o'clock.

Saturday 9th January

Leonardo, who will receive $20 million for The Beach, reportedly paid a visit to a school for the mentally handicapped on Phuket on Friday, the eve of the Children's Day, when he handed out presents. His arrival at the Phuket school was greeted with uncontrolled screaming from girls and women teachers.
Leonardo said today that the group photo in todays' papers are for all Thai people for the friendship the Thai people have shown him.
95% of pre-production has now been completed.
They have rented a studio in Ban Ma Yik, Talang District, Phuket, for 10 million baht. This studio was previously used for the Hollywood movie Cuthroat Island (1994). There are no residential houses around the studio but it is near the famour heroines statue. The area of the stuido is 4 acres. They will build an underground cave in this studio. Also, the interior for the train trip from Bangkok to Surat Thani and the beach hut on Ko Samui.
The mobile trailer for Leonardo is 40 feet long and 2 metres wide. There are 8 sections: dressing room, bathroom, bedroom and living room. This trailer will be at the studio.
They want to shoot in the real location of Khao San Road in Bangkok. But it is not reported when.
Leonardo has said that he wants some privacy and he doesn't want to be chased by fans asking for autographs. Sometimes he was frustrated and tense because he doesn't want to stay in the hotel all the time. If he wants to go out then the crew have to make arrangements first.
The Thai co-ordinator said that the reason for so much secrecy is that Leonardo wants some privacy.
If there are no delays, they will be shooting in Thailand for 12 weeks.
They have rented ten long-tail boats. These are used to transport the crew and cast for rehearsals on Ko Lon. They have been going to this island for three days now.
After each rehearsal, on Ko Lon, Leonardo plays volleyball. Local kids watch and help him fetch the ball.
Reporters have noticed that Leonardo is quite plump.
Leonardo and other cast members are trying to get a sun tan.
They will be in Maya Bay, Phi Phi Le Island for twenty days from 11-30 January. They will start shooting on the 15th January.

Friday 8th January

Panwa Hotel on Cape Panwa, Phuket island, has hired extra security guards. Leonardo is now staying on the xxx floor in Room xxxx. This is the best room and other movie stars have stayed here before. The director is staying in a bunglaow. A total of 80 rooms have been reserved though only 50 are occupied. The hotel will not give out any news about him to anyone. They are treating him like royalty.
Some Thai fans rented a room near the lift at the hotel trying to meet Leo after they heard the news. They also waited a long time by the pool but he didn't show up! But apparently foreigners staying at the hotel haven't been paying much attention to him.
The movie team have rented a big yacht for 100,000 baht per day (about 36 baht = US$1). They have also rented a white car and a big ferry boat. The crew are wearing t-shirts with the name "The Beach" on it.
They are now practising their lines ready for the shoot.
They will start shooting on the 18th January and it might take three months to finish. Locations are Maya Bay on Phi Phi Le Island, Phuket City on Phuket Island and Khao Yai national park in Nakhon Ratchasima province. They will build a studio on Phuket island near Phuket city.
One of his bodyguards said that Leonardo is very tense and is afraid of terrosim due to America bombing Iraq. He thinks it might not be safe for him here. So that is why he wants everything a secret. However, after a few days here Leo is more relaxed and has commented that he likes the location very much and might come back after the filming has been completed.
Security has been arranged by the local police for the entire shooting. They don't want anyone to go to Maya Bay during shooting. If anyone tries the police will deal with them.
The manager at Krabi Meritime Hotel, Krabi city, told the Daily News that the hotel has already prepared a room for Leo on the 8th floor. A very big suite: two bedrooms, one sitting room and bathroom. The manager reported that Leo will check in on the 16th February and will stay there for 16 days. The cost is 25,000 baht per night. Facilities include nightclub, swimming pool, and fitness centre.

[ Back to the Beach ]

[ Press Room | News | Tabloids | Pictures | Timeline | Who's Who ]