... and avoid the horrors of high technology

Published on July 23, 2007

"I see no need to buy a new one," she said. "It still works, and I only use it to make calls and receive them."

Mom Chailai inherited Bt5 billion from her late husband, Prince Bhanubandhu Yugala, and runs her own jewellery business and a resort, so she's "loaded" defined.

But she's very economical - and being sentimental helps. Her Mitsubishi Pajero is past its 15th birthday. She just gets attached, she said, and would rather keep her old stuff in good condition than buy new stuff.

Add superstition to the spin: "This phone has earned me something like Bt12 million. How could I just throw it away? I owe my business to this phone."

And don't forget her fiscal savvy: She does most of her phoning during hours when the service provider is cutting rates to boost business.

"And if I miss someone's call I just wait till they call again. If it's important, they'll call back!"

This concludes our series "Nokia: Longevity R Us". We'll be waiting for their cheque.