News and Views - August 2006 Goodbye to ThaiDay - August 31, 2006 [ThaiDay was anything but impartial, consisting of mainly generalized anti-government articles penned by non-Thais with a few interesting features thrown in. As we have noted before, it is hard to believe the International Herald Tribune did not realize they were aligning themselves with a polarizing and partisan anti-government figure. It is interesting to see how ThaiDay characterized themselves and the end of the paper...] ...In a market traditionally dominated by newspapers that either toe the establishment line or opt for the other extreme of sensationalism, we were confident that our mature and insightful coverage of the major stories of the day would enable us to carve a niche from which we could continue to grow. ...has resulted in credit lines for the Group being cut, bank overdraft facilities being withdrawn and advertisement for Group publications being pulled. The financial well-being of this newspaper and its staff have inevitably suffered. So instead of continuing to struggle through such cloudy circumstances, we have decided to call it a day. We hope this will be just a temporary break. Given the mounting problems gripping the ruling regime of late and seemingly endless blunders committed by the caretaker premier himself, it seems just a matter of time before he steps down. Once the prevailing crisis is resolved and the various negative factors contributing to ThaiDay's closure disappear, we intend to return, hopefully bigger and better... Earlier: ThaiDay as rabid as Manager? - March 3, 2006 We have noticed that ThaiDay (a supplement to the Thai version of International Herald Tribune) tends to be as rabid as its parent newspaper, the Thai-language Manager. For instance, overstated or overblown headlines: Thaksin is doomed, say diplomats - ThaiDay, March 2, 2006 Articles that either do not really explain the situation or that downplay the real story: Apirak hopes new team will revitalize City Hall - ThaiDay, March 2, 2006 The article quotes Apirak that the reshuffle "was done because the new policy of 2006 is not focused on megaprojects but community development.” Only after 11 paragraphs is there a passing single mention of corruption allegations in the BMA. In contrast, the Post gives the reason for the reshuffle in its first paragraph: "The top-level changes were prompted by a high-profile graft row involving the e-auction of 16 city megaprojects worth 20 billion baht." ("Apirak orders revamp of BMA's operations", Bangkok Post, March 3, 2006) Thaksin opponent forced to close his newspaper - South China Morning Post, August 24, 2006 Thai Beach, 1926 - August 19, 2006 Anyone know about this type of boat? And is that a railroad track running along the beachfront? Thailand retains NFL Flag Football title - NFL.com, August 26, 2006 Thailand retained the NFL Flag Football World Championship with a thrilling 45-32 victory over Canada in Cologne, Germany... (Photo: Hahn) Car crash - August 25, 2006 Hahn writes: Took this picture on the bridge between Ratchadaphisek and Jaransanitwongse. Thought you might want to see this. I took this picture on August 25. Secrets of the Sea Gypsies of Thailand - Yahoo News, August 28, 2006 As the anniversary of the Tsunami of 2005 approached, we headed for Thailand to meet the Sea Gypsies, survivors of the tsunami... Thailand is considered as a sanctuary for foreign criminals - Pattaya Daily News, August 25, 2006 Hawai'i fruit farmers wary of Thai plan - The Honolulu Advertiser, August 25, 2006 (Photo: 2Bangkok.com) (Photo: 2Bangkok.com) (Photo: 2Bangkok.com) (Photo: 2Bangkok.com) Friday afternoon storm - August 4, 2006 Thai family debunks stereotypes of uneducated, poor illegal immigrants - Duluth News Tribune, August 13, 2006 For many immigrants, few things represent the American dream like a home of their own. So it was a proud day for a Thai immigrant and her three adult children when they pooled their resources to buy a five-bedroom, two-story home in Sacramento, Calif., last August... Lollipops with flashlights banned - The Nation, August 14, 2006 Thai Town, Los Angeles, California - Wikipedia, August 12, 2006 Thanks to Nils for pointing this out... La Verne hosted Thai royalty - Pasadena Star News, August 12, 2006 Appointed to shoot royalty - The Star Online, August 12, 2006 As Thailand celebrates the 60th anniversary of King Bhumibol Adulyadej's accession to the throne, a collection of rare and priceless images of its regal past was exhibited in Bangkok for the first time... Thai death probe red tape 'delay' - BBC, August 16, 2006 ...Sue Jones said: " We are in their (Thai authorities) hands until we receive this official document. We have been waiting for 12 months for it, but every time we ask for it they tend to delay things." The Thai authorities have been asked to comment. Rambo: Coming to Bangkok (and Burma) - newley.com, August 3, 2006 European aristocrat dies in jail - The Nation, August 11, 2006 ...Hohenlohe, 49, from Liechtenstein, apparently altered the date on his visa, leading to his arrest on July 29 at Bangkok International Airport... Pramual: Govt clearly broke, no liquidity - Bangkok Post, August 14, 2006 Pracharaj party deputy leader Pramual Rujanaseri wants to know how the caretaker prime minister plans to fund his promised 200-billion-baht poverty eradication scheme when the government is obviously broke. He said the government's lack of money was clear in its move to force the Government Savings Bank (GSB) to buy shares in Mcot Plc to finance a three-billion-baht purchase of TMB Bank shares... (Source: GoogleEarth) Wat Yannawa tenants fight back - Bangkok Post, August 14, 2006 ...The temple management has a different view of what should be done with the area. It argues the shophouses are run-down and wants to clear them and build a six-storey commercial complex with an underground parking lot... [It is no wonder that the wat would wish to redevelop the shophouse area. This could be a key commercial area since it fronts the newly refurbished piers under the Taksin Skytrain Station that, incredibly, have clear and complete informational signs in English. This is finally making the riverboat system accessible to a wider number of tourists. It is unfortunate that existing tenants can only call for such a key potential commercial area to remain a row of dark and run down buildings instead of being invited to join in redevelopment of existing structures. There is also the issue of the "Sathorn eyesore," so-called because the hulking derelict high-rise can be seen when traveling down Sathorn Road. We are not aware of any redevelopment plans for the site which is just across from the wat. Kudos to the Post for being the only English-language source for these community development issues in English. The Nation ignores such stories probably not realizing how popular a subject they are with foreigners who like to bemoan greedy institutions evicting long-time residents. GoogleEarth placemarks for the site: Taksin Skytrain Station - Soi Charoen Krung 52 - Wat Yannawa - Sathorn eyesore] Bangkok Clubs: The Survivors - A history of Bangkok's oldest clubs - Bangkok Recorder, August 15, 2006 ..."We've cut many things," explains David. "Originally... you could hold the bottle for three months, but four 'working girls’ would take three months on one bottle. Now it's only one month... ...“Now, corruption has come back. And, as you know, there's after-hours bars all over the city. And they will never let QBar and Bed stay open late because neither one of us are really willing to pay a third of our income - we won't do it. ...“They should be applauding bars like Q Bar and Bed Supperclub, as international clubs in Thailand, bringing in the world's best DJs and better drinks. They should be supporting these kind of bars. But instead it's Nana Plaza and Patpong." ...“So, then they came up with the new law: everybody has to have an original passport. Which of course is not a law. Every embassy in the world will tell you not to carry your passport. So they brought that law on the spot and they took hundreds of people to jail. We had the Israeli ambassador in the club that night. He had diplomatic immunity, but they took the papers and threw them on the floor... it was bad... Also: For those who have been here longer than ten years: Last look at NASA Spaceadrome First Thai superhero to battle Hollywood at box office - Channel NewsAsia, August 17, 2006 Thai filmmakers are hoping that a kickboxing superhero who can scale skyscrapers and deflect bullets will become a box-office rival to Hollywood legends like Superman and Spider-Man... Fears for labour force as women shun marriage - The Nation, August 9, 2006 Bangkok police launch sweep of Pattaya bars - Pattaya City News, August 19, 2006 (Photo: 2Bangkok.com) Mr. Yes never says NO! - August 19, 2006 Madacusca keen on Thai OTOP goods - TNA, August 17, 2006 Thanks to StufBangkok for pointing this out... Sulak case closed - The Nation, August 19, 2006 Seoul to sign FTA with Asean minus Thailand - Business Times, August 18 2006 ...South Korea's Bilateral Trade Bureau Deputy Director-General Hong Ji-in said Thailand was not ready to sign the agreement because the FTA did not cover rice, one of Bangkok's key exports... Mr. Chana: Thailand-India FTA provides advantages to Thailand - ThaisNews, August 17, 2006 Traffic 'bigger risk than disease' - Scotsman, August 17, 2006 ...While the most popular destination for UK gap-year travellers is Australia, which has a good road safety record, an increasing number of young people are choosing "edgier" destinations such as India, Kenya, Thailand, Cambodia and Brazil. The Make Roads Safe campaign and the RAC Foundation said travellers in Thailand and Brazil are at four times the risk of being killed on the road than in the UK... Bangkok’s underground drainage tunnel will be opened in September next year - Thaisnews, August 25, 2006 ...Bangkok Governor Apirak Kosayodhin said the tunnel, which is 35 metres deep into the ground, will drain water from Makkasan pond into the Chao Phraya river. Construction costs about two billion baht, Mr. Apirak said. He said the tunnel will help prevent flooding in the inner city and several main roads because it has the capacity to pump 45 million cubic meters of water per second. Sars Wars: Bangkok Zombie Crisis - DVD Times, August 25, 2006 ...Naturally then, when Sars Wars: Bangkok Zombie Crisis came through my door I had no idea what it was. It also appears to be a film that’s escaped many people, having been released across Thailand in 2004, with little sign until now. In the hopes of having it reach a wider audience, Discotek has picked up what will undoubtedly be a cult hit, as Thailand slowly emerges as being something of a contender amongst the bigger boys... India’s Hitler-themed restaurant draws fire - MSN, August 21, 2006 Name will ‘stay in people’s minds,’ says Mumbai restaurateur... [Thanks to Jason for pointing this out.] Anti-tobacco body slams US ambassador - The Nation, August 25, 2006 The country's leading anti-tobacco body said Friday that US Ambassador to Thailand Ralph Boyce had breached the US State Department Directive on Tobacco Policy Abroad by leading a group of giant tobacco producers to meet with Public Health Minister Pinij Charusombat on Thursday. The group, which included US giant Philip Morris (Thailand), complained to the minister about unequal controls on all forms of tobacco products with cigar and pipe tobacco being less restricted that cigarettes... Medieval Chiang Mai pagoda collapses in heavy rain - TNA, August 19, 2006 Remembering protests of the past - August 24, 2006 Mr. John reports: These are political posters that campaign for workers, people, and students to resist the dictatorships from 1973-1978. Right: Wide government power tramples the female worker. All workers unite to fight. Below: Hara (jeans) workers need help.   These posters decorate the Naihua Pub in Had Yai. This is a pub opened and owned by the singer named Saeng Thammada. He is a Southern singer who sing songs of life and some sarcastic songs about society. He also sings a song making fun of Thaksin and came to join PAD at a gathering Sanamluang. These posters can also be found at the Thai Labour Museum. New exhibition spaces encourage Thais to think outside the box - AFP, August 22, 2006 InnoForm Media splurges on rights to Thai films - Channel NewsAsia, August 21, 2006 How long to earn a Big Mac? - AP, August 21, 2006 Swiss bank releases its ranking of the costs of living worldwide, this time with a little spin: How long does a local have to work to earn enough to buy a tasty American icon? Bangkok comes in at 67 minutes, while neighboring Kuala Lumpur comes in at only 33 minutes... [Thanks to Jason for pointing this out.] Democrats call for new share ownership rules - Bangkok Post, August 22, 2006 Foreign shareholding restrictions should be lifted across all industries to eliminate the widespread practice of nominees, according to Democrat party executives. Instead, a new independent organisation could be established to help protect national security interests in certain key sectors, similar to that used by the United States, according to Korn Chatikavanij, a deputy secretary-general of the Democrats. "Competition should be open and shareholdings held in a straightforward manner, open to public scrutiny," he said... Ay, there’s the rub, at Bangkok expo - VNA, August 21, 2006 "Humorous" headline... "Harmony of Life" to become established brandname for Thai capital - TNA, August 19, 2006 City of Life tagline belongs to Hong Kong - Bangkok Post, August 17, 2006 The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration needs to change its English slogan, ''City of Life,'' as it is the same as the one used by Hong Kong last year... A possible substitute might be ''Bangkok _ Harmony of Life'' accompanied by the logo of four-coloured petals symbolising effective resolution of city problems. Also: City of Life: Hong Kong - City of Life: San Diego - Bangkok will be "City of Life" : Governor - Jerusalem: City of Life - Hong Kong - Not a City of Life, but a City of Struggle - Singapore's City of Life World Map of Happiness - August 18, 2006 Nils pints out the World Map of Happiness and the map. According to a recently published map, Malaysians are the happiest people in Asia, and the 17th happiest in the world. New Zealanders closely follow them at 18th in the world ranking. Australia's happiness ranking is 26th in the world, ahead of the Solomon Islands (54th), Indonesia (64th) and Papua New Guinea (86th). The least happy people are in Myanmar and Laos... Plastic surgery in Pattaya - August 17, 2006 A classic website... Rajthanee plans to build 'Arab town' in Bangkok - Bangkok Post, August 17, 200 Reaching for the sky in Pattaya - The Nation, August 14, 2006 After starting a property-management business in Pattaya with Bt100,000 of savings, Bruno Pingel is now overseeing the development of a Bt12-billion project - Ocean One, a 91-storey condominium... A strategy that works - New York Times, August 13, 2006 [The international press seems to always be a few steps behind when reporting on AIDS in Thailand. The story is that the Democrats in the late 1990s and especially TRT since then have largely abandoned anti-AIDS efforts and this has resulted in soaring infections in at-risk groups. The stats about the military cited in article are likely true--it was the military junta in early 1990s, startled by high infection rates among draftees, that first got behind the anti-AIDS efforts in Thailand and continues its own aggressive campaign inside the military. The rest of society has proved less interested in the problem.] Twenty-five years into the HIV pandemic, there remain few developing countries that have had success in controlling the virus. Thailand is one of them. In the late 1980s, Thailand experienced the first HIV epidemic in Asia, and one of the most severe. By 1991, 10.4 percent of military conscripts from northern Thailand were infected by the virus, the highest level ever reported among a general population of young men outside Africa... Thailand tsunami disaster scam letter - August 12, 2006 Keita .S. Zaghami. Tel: +66-7494-5240. Email: keitazaghami2000@yahoo.co.in Dear Sir, With due respect trust and humanity. I write you this letter which I believe, would be of great interest to you. I believe you are a highly respected personality considering a careful research which I have been able to make in respect to your kind of person, before I decided to entrust this transactions and database in your country into your hands which I believe you will not betray my trust and confidence already entrusted on you. My name is Keita Zaghami. My mother and I sincerely need your help to keep my mother alive. I need your attention regarding my family business and current situation. And note that you have to handle this confidential and sincerely by not discussing it with anyone for security reasons and also to avoid any third party complications. I pray you will us down. My mother is currently admitted in a private Hospital here in southern Thailand as a result of injuries sustained from the Thailand Tsunami disaster. I am the only surviving child of my parents. Mr/Mrs. S. M Zaghami a citizen of Liberia, My late Father before his sudden death owns a Resort in the Phuket Island of Thailand. It is quite unfortunate that my father and my two sisters died of the Tsunami disaster that occurred in Phuket Thailand, 26th December 2004 and their bodies are yet to be discovered and my mother narrowly escaped death. My father's business was raised down to nothing. But a deposit of 273.76366, 000.000 Thailand baht (7.5 M US$) which is the only document left behind for me and my ill mother at the moment. I was advised by my late father never to deal with Thailand people in terms of business. My mother and I in a mutual agreement want this fund to have two beneficiaries, as I am too young to handle the fund. So we can be able to transfer/Lift the money out of Thailand to your country in your name. At present, I am the next of kin / Beneficiary to my entire father's wealth and I would like a meeting with you my mother and I so that we will discuss on how best to invest this money in your country. Moreover, you can indicate your option towards assisting us as we have mapped out 15% of the total sum for you as compensation for your assistance. Reach us on this phone number: +66-7494-5240. Most preferably at night anytime from 22.00hours Gmt(10.00p.m) because at this time, my mother and I are usually together because she is free from medications at night except on sudden or unforeseen emergencies. Your quick response will be of great benefit to us and please remember to include your full contacts details in your reply. May GOD Shelter and Care for you as you assist us. Mail my private Email: keitazaghami2000@yahoo.co.in , Tel: +66-7494-5240. Yours Sincerely, Keita S Zaghami. Foreign workers in the north say forced to work under rocket fire - Haaretz, August 10, 2006 At least 30 Thai workers have complained in the past few days that their employers are forcing them to work in fields in the north, even as Katyusha rockets launched from Lebanon rain down on towns near the border... Ten Election Commission candidates selected - August 11, 2006 Insanely obsessive ultra realistic vector art - BoingBoing, August 10, 2006 ...he drawing of the woman shown here was created by Thai artist Ussa Methawiitayakul... (Photo: 2Bangkok.com) Made of paper - August 11, 2006 This is a set of personal items made entirely of paper. It costs 40 baht (about USD $1). Note the cell phone with a PT Cruiser wallpaper. It is part of a Chinese custom of burning paper items, including faux money, as an offering to deceased ancestors in heaven. (Photo: Bangkok Post) Sathorn Road then and now - August 11, 2006 Interesting photos from the Post's 60th anniversary book... Oil's a Hot Topic in Cambodian Talks with Thailand - Rigzone, August 9, 2006 Wrangling over revenues from joint offshore oil reserves was expected to remain a hot topic during Thai caretaker Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra's visit to Cambodia, local media in Phnom Penh reported Wednesday... Crackdown on Illegal Use of Chinese Mobile Phones - The Irrawaddy, August 10, 2006 ...Offices and homes have been raided and at least three arrests made, according to local residents. The crackdown came days after official warnings were issued about the legal consequences of buying and using Chinese-made phones. The Chinese phones, smuggled across the Kachin-China border, cost around 100,000 kyat (US $76), a fraction of the 2.5 million kyat ($1,850) demanded for a legally obtained phone. Mobile phone use in Burma is strictly controlled by the government, whose Myanmar Posts and Telecommunications is the country’s only mobile phone service provider... Dismay over National Library Move - The Irrawaddy, August 10, 2006 ..."We don’t know whether the new building in Naypyidaw is ready or not,” one official, requesting anonymity, told The Irrawaddy by phone on Thursday. “Anyway that’s state policy. We have no choice..." Siemens has whip hand over rail extensions - No other winning bidder would have specs to make new stretch compatible - The Nation, August 7, 2006 (Photo: 2Bangkok.com) BMA smart traffic sign - August 11, 2006 Green, orange, or red signifies free-flowing, slightly congested, or stopped traffic respectively. Left side: Follow the King's idea. Develop the nation. Develop sustainable electricity. Right side, words in white, clockwise from top: Bridge Somdej Prapinklao, Rama VIII Bridge, Dheves, Miksakawan, Krasudsuk, Mansri Red: You are here! Yellow left: Ratchadumnoenklang Yellow middle: Nakornsawan, Krungkasem Yellow right: Wisuttikasad, Ratchadumnoennok 'Influential figures' behind delay in move - Bangkok Post, August 10, 2006 ... Influential figures are behind a delay in the relocation of pavement vendors from Bo Bae market to a new shopping area, a source at the Crown Property Bureau said yesterday. The bureau awarded Pattana Saphan Khao Co a concession to develop the old Ambassador cinema site on Larn Luang road as a new area for the vendors. But the relocation, set for Aug 15, has been delayed _ apparently for political reasons... Google Earth Placemarks: Ambassador Cinema and Bo Bae Market Media: don't mess with Singapore - The Nation, August 9, 2006 ...The latest edition of the Far Eastern Economic Review called Chee Soon Juan, leader of the Democratic Party, a martyr. The island-state's overactive self-defence mechanism kicked into gear with all guns blazing. The magazine ran a profile of Chee in which he expressed his views on former prime minister Lee Kuan Yew and his son, the current Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong. ...Last week, as part of a policy review, Singapore said that foreign publications - particularly the Financial Times, International Herald Tribune, Newsweek and Time magazine - must now put down a deposit, equivalent to Bt5 million, as well as hire a legal representative. This requirement sends an unambiguous message to foreign media... (Photo: Hamish) "Big Cleaning Toilet Day" - August 21, 2006 Hamish writes: I see by the date on this banner that I snapped on Thanon Nakorn Rachasima that I may be a tad late.  However  I am very curious as to whether any 2B readers partook in the advertised festivities! 'Matichon' feels oil-price heat - The Nation, August 10, 2006 (Photo: 2Bangkok.com) Basket - August 10, 2006 Anyone know details about this kind of basket? A thread on this is here. 8-8-88: Eighteen Years On - The Irrawaddy, August 08, 2006 Rules of elephant polo - August 9, 2006 Thanks to elephant jockey Don Entz for pointing this out. Tibetan government in exile launches online TV site - BoingBoing, August 8, 2006 What hope for the Democrats? -  Chang Noi, August 7, 2006 Ice maker won fat air-con deal at airport, say Democrats - Bangkok Post, August 8, 2006 ...''An initial investigation has found there was an irregularity,'' Mr Alongkorn said. The company had no experience in providing airport services, but was given a higher technical score than Thai International Airways which has provided the same services to Don Muang Airport for the past 10 years. The contract winner had run an ice factory in Bang Bon, a massage service at Don Muang and engaged in some agricultural business, Mr Alongkorn said... Thai police crack credit card wiretap scam - The Register, August 4, 2006 [Thanks to Peter for pointing this out...] Tourists from Australia and New Zealand are among an estimated 48,000 victims of a highly-organised credit card fraud ring in Thailand... Iran’s Mafia and Thai gang carried and robbed young Aussie owner of Diamond Shop - Daily News, August 5, 2006 Iran’s Mafia abducted a young Aussie, son of Diamond Shop’s owner and a jewelry designer and Thai gang in South Pattaya. He was thrown on to vehicle, completely robbed before leaving him in the middle of a jungle... Manager Online claims it under hackers' attacks - The Nation, August 7, 2006 ...Manager Online announced on its first page the worm programme has been hidden long with compiled files of photos of the 60th anniversary celebration of His Majesty for Internet users to download... Democrat plan hailed as good for the public - Party says people's living conditions have worsened in past five years - Bangkok Post, August 6, 2006 Critics of the Thai Rak Thai government yesterday hailed the Democrat party's policies as appropriate remedies for current economic conditions. The opposition party believes the government's policies are taking their toll on people. Its latest campaign broadcasts on television have unveiled the policies it plans to implement if it wins the Oct 15 general election. They range from raising the minimum wage to reducing electricity fees, bringing down oil and gas prices, setting up a sufficiency economy fund, and promoting free education and free health care. The Democrats also plan to reorganise the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand and PTT Plc, which party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva said had earned huge profits that largely went to shareholders as dividends or ended up circulating back within the organisations. After the reorganisation the huge profits should be redistributed to the public, he said... Old stomping grounds - Former offices disappear, but fond memories remain - Bangkok Post, August 6, 2006 Sixty years ago, on Aug 1, 1946, 25 staff members produced the first 500 copies of the Bangkok Post in a two-storey house on Krung Kasem road, a business area in those days. The paper has lasted long enough to see its 60th anniversary celebration last Tuesday, but its original office at 934 Krung Kasem road has not. The house originally belonged to Phraya Supakornbannasarn, a high-ranking official during the reign of King Rama VI, and was sold to the state after the Post moved out in 1956, said 64-year-old Sumana Vasutarn, a relative of the original owner... And an item from the Bangkok Post front page, August 6, 1946 More on the Post's 60th - August 1, 2006 One Laptop Per Child (OLPC) orders in Thailand - desktoplinux.com, July 31, 2006 ...OLPC program director for Middle East and Africa Khaled Hassounah confirmed to DesktopLinux.com July 31 that Nigeria has indeed committed to buy 1 million machines, and then revealed that Brazil, Argentina, and Thailand also have placed similar commitments...