News and Views - June 2006


(Photo: 2Bangkok.com)

Superman stops the Skytrain! - June 17, 2006
Advertisements on the Skytrain platforms for the new Superman movie.


(Photo: 2Bangkok.com)
Nation spelling error - June 20, 2006
One reader reports: There's a big error on The Nation front page (June 20). It is the group photo of the king and queen and all the visiting royals. The word "Sixtieth" is misspelled.
Another reader points out: "Word has it" it was the Royal Photographic Society's spelling mistake...
Thailand to develop two new tourist resort islands - Business Day, June 22, 2006
Thailand will develop two little known islands into resort destinations like Phuket and Samui as part of plans to boost overseas tourist arrivals to 20 million a year by 2010.
The government will increase spending on roads and other utilities on Chang and Kood island in Trat province, 315 kilometers east of Bangkok...
Website against human trafficking - The Nation, June 24, 2006
The Nation continues their unbroken record of always getting the wrong url: "ww.stophumantrafficking.com"
Thailand dazzles the world - Unveils 3 landmark destinations - Manilla Bulletin, June 24, 2006
Dangers of travel in Thailand - Courier Mail, June 24, 2006
Puppet theatre split over award - Bangkok Post, June 24, 2006
Controversy looms over the famed Joe Louis Puppet Theatre just weeks after it won an international award at the World Festival of Puppet Art 2006 in the Czech Republic. A letter signed by founder Sakorn Yang- keawsot was faxed to newspapers yesterday, expressing concern about the ''exaggerated public relations'' accompanying the award...
Odds and ends - The Nation, June 26, 2006
* A millionaire in Buri Ram puts up a sign seeking for potential son-in-law for his four daughters. The sign read "Sons in law wanted. Qualification : 25-35 years of age, healthy and maintain high moral standard." He decided to take down the sign on Monday after he was flooded with callers.
* Pracharaj Party leader Snoh Thienthong speaks at a seminar on the future of Thailand’s democracy yesterday. The veteran politician said he didn’t think there would be an election on October 15 as His Majesty the King’s advice on national reconciliation had gone unheeded.
Thai comic book superhero - Stonecutter - June 30, 2006
A tale of two newspapers: Buying rice
(Thanks to Gigbyte for finding this.)

Official calls report on deal to import rice from Thailand incorrect - www.mehrnews.ir, June 26, 2006
There is no reason to import 800,000 tons of rice from Thailand to Iran and the reports suggesting such an agreement has been made are illogical, Deputy Commerce Minister Mohammad Sadeq Mofatteh said here on Monday.
The Bangkok Post's recent article in which this was reported is incorrect, Mofatteh stated.
The nation's total rice imports amount to only 650,000 tons per annum and over 350,000 tons have already entered the country since the Iranian New Year (March 21, 2006), he added.

Iran agrees to Thai rice price - Bangkok Post, June 26, 2006
Iran has agreed to buy 800,000 tonnes of 100% cent white rice from the Thai private sector this year.
Pranee Siripan, director of the Foreign Trade Departments Grain and Conformity Trade Bureau, did not provide details of the deal. Recently, Iran has been trying to drive a hard bargain with Thai sellers.
She said the rice price was not a problem as Iran is not facing financial difficulties.
Mrs Pranee said Iran has already imported 55-60 per cent of the total rice volume it agreed to purchase from Thailand in the first half of this year.
Mrs Pranee said Iranian importers have confidence in the quality of Thai rice and therefore have agreed to buy it more from Thai exporters despite the fact that the prices were higher than that produced by other countries, such as Vietnam. (via Thaisnews)
Bathroom advertising campaign - Coolz0r - Marketing Thoughts, June 21, 2006
Where is this?
Demolish gambling den, says senior police officer - The Nation, June 23, 2006
Nils comments: Bulldoze an 8-storey condominium??? Interesting because of the involvement of the police officer, but also the apparent determination to do something against police corruption. One to watch, this Inspector-General Seripisut?
[From the article: ...Seripisut said Manas worked with the Crime Suppression Division before he was moved to the Forensic Office, then moved to Nakhon Ratchasima in 2004, and back to the Forensic Office in June 2005. Manas had allegedly collected money from gambling dens for his supervisor from 1998 until this year, before buying the Pinklao condominium and setting up shop for himself...]
Smart - first getting to know the scene while working in the CSD, collecting protection money, then taking over the whole business yourself!
Bad cops removed - The Nation, June 24, 2006
[What happens when police commit crimes...]
The superintendent of Bangkok's Phya Thai police station and four senior officers have been banished to remote posts after they were found responsible for a major gambling den operating in Pratunam...
Ngong Ping 360 - June 22, 2006
Nils writes: An image search for "Ngong Ping 360" fetched this. So it's on the airport island... Interesting angular station design (bottom photo).
Yesterday: Hong Kong cable car leaves tourists hanging - AFP, June 19, 2006
Glitches that left hundreds of people hanging in mid-air have forced Hong Kong to delay a new cable car designed to take tourists to the world's largest statue of Buddha...
Panda population far higher than expected - The Nation, June 21, 2006
Cheaters score high marks for ingenuity - Reuters, June 20, 2006
Using microscopic earphones and wireless devices, Chinese students upped the ante in the high-tech battle to counter cheating during university entrance exams this month, putting some in hospital as a result...
In Northeast Thailand, a cuisine based on bugs - New York Times, June 21, 2006
You can't claim to have tried the local cuisine of the hot and arid northeastern quadrant of Thailand known as Isaan without sampling an insect...
N. Korea's heir apparent follows Eric Clapton on tour in Germany - WorldTribune.com, June 21, 2006
Casino raided again in Taling Chan area - Bangkok Post, June 22, 2006
A total of 390 gamblers, 160 men and 230 women, were arrested during a police raid on a major den in a condominium in Taling Chan district yesterday. The police team headed by Police inspector-general Pol Gen Seripisut Temiyavej swooped on the gambling den on the eighth floor of the condominium on Boromratchonnanee road, close to Chaophaya Hospital...
The den has been raided several times before, but stayed open.
Thailand says no plan to rebuild Afghan Buddhas - The Nation, June 19, 2006
Thailand on Tuesday denied reports that Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra had offered to rebuild two giant ancient Buddha statues destroyed by Afghanistan's former Taliban regime in 2001...
Yesterday: Thailand offers to rebuild Bamiyan Buddha statues in Afghanistan - TNA, June 18, 2006
Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra offered to reconstruct the ancient world heritage Buddha statues destroyed by Afghanistan's former Taleban regime in 2001...
Thais participating in the Worldcup? - June 14, 2006
Nils writes: Thought no Thais are participating in the FIFA Worldcup? Wrong. See here - there's a Thai assistant referee.
BBC's WWII memories forum - June 14, 2006
Searching for "Siam" and "WW2" on BBC's WW2 forum produces some fascinating and startling results. For instance: Saving the King of Siam


(Photo: Mr. John for 2Bangkok.com)

Reef making - June 27, 2006
Mr. John reports: Garbage trucks from Bangkok being dumped in the Gulf of Thailand in the Narathiwat area. This is a Royal Project to help promote the growth of coral reefs...
Who wants to lead the United Nations? - ForeignPolicy.com, June 5, 2006
Why he won't: Surakiart, an early favorite, might have been campaigning a little too aggressively, a little too early. Controversial Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, Surakiart's biggest champion, could also be his downfall. His crackdown on Muslims in southern Thailand doesn't play well among Muslim U.N. members. Surakiart has also expressed public opposition to the International Criminal Court. And, at only 47 years old, some may believe he's a little too young to lead the world body...
Interesting links - June 15, 2006
Interesting history articles from The Nation...
100 FIRSTS THAT SHAPED BANGKOK: Heralding the haircut - The Nation, November 9, 2004
EDUCATION: One magical history tour - The Nation, April 7, 2003
A blacklist goes on sale - The Irrawaddy, June 14, 2006
...World leaders on the list include Chinese President Hu Jintao and Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, because they are both deemed to be friends of the regime. There is also Indian President APJ Abdul Kalam, who recently visited Burma and discussed businesses and military affairs with junta leaders.
...Some Burmese and foreign scholars on the list are named as "apologists" and "lobbyists" for the regime. They include professor at Singapore's Institute for Southeast Asian Studies Robert Taylor and Danish policy analyst from the International Crisis Group Morten Pedersen.
Backstory: The king and Thai - CSM, June 12, 2006
...Last year, Major Cineplex asked director Rashane Limtrakul to produce a new presidential salute. His lavish minute-plus film is about a Buddhist king rescued from stormy seas by a goddess. "I wanted to make people remember why you stand up [for the king at theaters]," he explains. Instead of ending on the customary image of the king, the film shows the royal family, with the crown prince in a prominent position.
A subtle way of preparing moviegoers for the inevitable royal succession? No, says Mr. Anavach: "We try to remind people to love the royal family. It's not only the king."
Any feedback from the palace? Oh yes, Anavach says, the king loves this one. "Our king is an artist," he says proudly.
Thailand king's got that swing - CNN, June 11, 2006
For so many Thais, King Bhumibol Adulyadej is a father figure for the nation. But for a small group of jazz musicians, he is also the King of Swing...
Bangkok's rebound turns 'Ghost Buildings' into hotels, offices - Bloomberg, June 19, 2006
Bangkok's cement skeletons and empty towers, abandoned during the 1997-98 Asian financial crisis, are transforming into hotels and offices as developers return...
Myanmar minorities fear being dammed and damned - Reuters, June 19, 2006
From the ice fields of the Himalayas to the azure waters of the Andaman Sea, the Salween flows undisturbed through some of the most outwardly tranquil territory on earth...
Long-neck Karens to be relocated as a tourist attraction - chiangmai-mail.com, June 17-23, 2006
Navy confirms sunken vessel in Thailand is U.S. WWII sub - Star Bulletin, June 17, 2006
USS Lagarto underway, circa late 1944. Lagarto, a 1,526-ton Balao-class diesel sub, was one of 52 submarines lost during the Pacific war...
Don Entz comments: I don't get this sudden story on the Lagarto. It looks like it was found at
least LAST year, and there are now dives to it (here and here)... Plus here's a story from 10 months ago, last August, in the San Diego newspaper. So why all the fuss now, especially if there are dives into it already?
US Navy says it's likely found World War II submarine in Gulf of Thailand - Star Online, June 16, 2006
A wreck found at the bottom of the Gulf of Thailand appears to be a U.S. submarine that went missing in 1945 during World War II, the Navy says...
Exploring Thailand by bicycle - The Star Online, June 16, 2006
Cycling across Thailand's stunning landscape is a unique and leisurely way to see local life up close and discover the country's rich cultural heritage...
Thailand still confident of UN top job - Outlook India, June 16, 2006
Thailand today voiced confidence that its candidate will win the UN's top job after India officially joined the race by announcing the name of Shashi Tharoor to succeed Secretary General Kofi Annan at the end of the year...
Thai student: 'Pete' Deewongsa - BBC, June 16, 2006
My name is Rachanon Deewongsa, nicknamed Pete. I am 18 years old. My father is a cement company technician and my mother a housewife. I have one younger brother...
Urban Growth - BBC, June 15, 2006
Maunsell Towers - June 19, 2006
Nils points out another interesting item from the bldg blog: Maunsell Towers (and here)
Photos taken of 'living fossil' in Laos - AP, June 14, 2006
(Thanks to John for pointing this out.)
Pride of Indian Navy throws open its door to the people of Bangkok - The Nation, June 18, 2006
Three Indian Navy ships, including a battleship equipped with BrahMos long-range missiles, are berthed at Klong Toei port until Tuesday...
All mobile phones in Thailand to have 10-digit numbers in September - TNA, June 16, 2006
Bldg Blog - June 14, 2006
Interesting blog about buildings and urban subjects. Pick any subject on the right-hand side of the site... All are interesting.
Thai PM mulls politically popular, economically doubtful plans - AFP, June 10, 2006
Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra is considering a slate of proposals to bolster the sagging economy, but analysts say many of the measures are more aimed at shoring up his political base ahead of new elections...
"Please help me to find this girl in Patong" - June 14, 2006
Knut writes: Please help me to find this girl in Patong. I have no photo, so this is my memory picture after many years. If you publish the link in your news-site it could possibly help.
Everything is Hindu - June 7, 2006
Nothing to do with Thailand, but interesting...
Purushottam Nagesh Oak - ...Oak also claims that the tombs of Humayun, Akbar and Itmiad-u-Dallah --- as well as the Vatican in Rome[3], the Kaaba in Mecca, Stonehenge, and "all historic buildings" in India --- were also Hindu temples or palaces...
Wit's blog - June 7, 2006
Artist Wit Pimkanchanapong' blog has moved here. He's the creator of the 'If There Is No Corruption' map and the 'Thailand/thailand' map.


(Photo: Undated postcard)

"Natives of Paklat pounding rice" - June 23, 2006

Jerry notes the date on the left side: "06/1905"
Heinrich writes: The writing is in Suetterlin, an old German script. I learned it in school back in the 1950s... my mother still writes like that.
The message on the postcard is:
"Bangkok, den 06. / 19.05.
Lieber Wilhelm!
Sende Dir von hier die herzlichsten Gresse Dein Fritz
Es ist sehr warm hier 40 - 50 Grad
Viele Gruesse an zu Hause" 		That roughly translates to (note the date!):
"Bangkok, 19. May 1906
Dear Wilhelm!
Send you the most sincere greetings from here
Your Fritz
It is very warm here 40 - 50 degrees
Regards to the family"
Blessing license plates - June 6, 2006
The Nation reports: Revered monk, Luang Por Koon of Baan Rai Temple blesses car license plates with personalised numbers on Monday in Nakhon Ratchasima. The monk did so at the request of people who believed in his sacred power.
The amazing photo is here.
Protecting human rights is dangerous!? - libationkowloon.blogspot.com, June 8, 2006
Burma annuls Chin protester's passport - The Irrawaddy, June 12, 2006
Child pickpockets on Sukhumvit Soi 4 - Bangkok Eyes, June 15, 2006
"5takes" will be filming in Bangkok next week - June 15, 2006
tnop writes: i've been reading 2Bangkok.com for a long time. i'm a big fan of your sites. anyway, i found out that the program "5takes" will be filming in Bangkok next week. so you might be interested to know about this. check out the site... you can suggest them what to do in Bangkok too.
Check out tnop's incredible site as well!


(Photo: 2Bangkok.com)

Straws - June 14, 2006
Straws being transported on a motorcycle.
Police seek arrest warrant for national politician - Bangkok Post, June 15, 2006
Police are seeking an arrest warrant for a national politician who allegedly masterminded the May 27 murder of former Thai Rak Thai MP for Ratchaburi Kobkul Nop-amornbodi. Priewphan Damapong, the deputy police chief leading the investigation, was briefed on the case progress yesterday...
Sa-ngad left a note saying he was solely responsible for the crime and that his boss, Napinthon Srisanpang, an ex-senator and owner of the Sri Muang Market in Ratchaburi, was not involved...
Burma's public service suffering - BBC, June 15, 2006
Burma's hospitals and schools are secretive places. Much of what goes on inside these tightly controlled buildings remains a mystery to the outside world. But indications from the few people prepared to risk speaking out paint a disturbing picture... (Thanks to Danny for pointing this out.)
Philippines sets an example for Thailand - The Nation, June 17, 2006
On June 6 the Philippine Senate and House of Representatives both voted to repeal the death penalty...


(Photo: 2Bangkok.com)

No elephants - June 14, 2006
The sign at the border of Bangkok that reads: This is an area that elephants should not be led into to roam. Don Muang district office, Bangkok.
Locals remember eerie ghost film - Bangkok Post, June 6, 2006
...Many Maharaj people were cast in a locally made horror-comedy Lop Phi Phi Mai Lop (Running Quicker than Ghosts), produced by Khom Akradek of the Coliseum Film Co three years ago. They played the ghosts of villagers killed in a flash flood that devastated the entire village.
''You may call it a coincidence but what happened in the film did happen here.
''Some of the cast members are really dead now"...
Rangoon residents told to show photos - The Irrawaddy, June 5, 2006
Burma's military government has told residents in some townships in Rangoon to hang their family photos in their homes and to send copies to local authorities for security checks, according to residents in the capital.
The authorities haven't given a reason for the move, but it is thought to be another way of beefing up security in the wake of a deadly bombing campaign in Rangoon, which began in May 2005...
More on Troubles in the South
Buddhists celebrate tradition - Observer-Dispatch, June 3, 2006
[Amusing headline...]
It took Lina Pim about eight hours to cook shrimps she carried Saturday morning to the Cambodian Buddhist Community Temple on Steuben Street...
Economists warn Thailand to prepare for world economic downturn - TNA, June 4, 2006
Leading economists have warned that Thailand could encounter a new round of economic problems due to global economic uncertainty and the country should be well prepared if US and world economies retreat...


(Photo: 2Bangkok.com)

Don't drink and drive - June 3, 2006
This billboard by the horse-racing track downtown shows a nighttime police checkpoint. It reads: Drink and drive and you will be arrested for sure. Penalty: Imprisonment for less than three months or a fine of 2,000-10,000 baht or both imprisonment and fine.


(Source: TerryMcT)

Bangkok, 1956!!! - June 7, 2006
Loren pointed out that many more vintage photos have been added to the Flickr account we featured last week. Of special interest to 2Bangkok readers: here and here and here and here and here and here and here and here.Notable shots: From the Golden Mount (note the lack of a skyline), street traffic, Bangkok road, trade fair, and river scene.
On the forum: 1956 Bangkok photo series
Britain named for colluding in US rendition flights - The Independent, June 7, 2006
The paper said the CIA had been running interrogation centres in Eastern Europe, Afghanistan and Thailand, and that more than 100 people had been sent to the so-called "black sites" since they were set up following the September 11 2001 terrorist attacks on America...
Earlier: US has woven clandestine 'spider's web' of detentions and transfers... - June 6, 2006
And the graphic
Thailand makes footballs - Bangkok Post, June 8, 2006
...Made in Thailand by Adidas, which designed and engineered it, the ball was tested in Britain and Germany. It has the Teutonic but sporty-sounding name, +Teamgeist, and will sell at least 15 million of them this year. In fact, 15 million of them already are sold...
Choummaly endorsed as president of Laos - The Nation, June 9, 2006
Communist Laos's National Assem-bly yesterday endorsed party chief Choummaly Sayasone as president and young rising star Bouasone Bouphavanh as prime minister...

(Photo: 2Bangkok.com)

Hiding illegal workers - June 8, 2006

This poster is on the elevator doors of a Bangkok highrise.

The sign reads: Avoid or hide like this... Let's go to renew.

Burmese, Lao, and Cambodians whose work permits end on June 30, 2006 must go to renew. From 1-30 June, 2006

The red bags read: Migrant workers


(Photo: 2Bangkok.com)


(Source: Plate 33 from Jungle Prison - Twenty Years in Siam by Leigh Williams, 1954)

Bangkok skyscraper - June 3, 2006
Plate 33 from Jungle Prison - Twenty Years in Siam by Leigh Williams, 1954. The caption is "A skyscraper in Bangkok." Anyone know the name of the building? A thread has been started here.
Also: Bangkok's tallest buildings over the years

Arch bomb - June 3, 2006
The Nation reports: Debris of a pillar of an arch on Rajadamnoen Road that was destroyed by a bomb explosion on Friday early morning (right).

Below: The arch on May 27, 2006

GoogleEarth placemark for the location here.

Earlier: Building the arches - May 27, 2006

(Photo: Kitti Buppachat, The Nation)

(Photo: 2Bangkok.com)
Finland plot: TRT and PM file libel suit against Manager Group - The Nation, May 30, 2006
"Where did North Korea get the fertiliser it sold to us?" - The Nation, May 31, 2006
South Korea donates fertiliser to North Korea as a part of its cooperation to assist with food shortages in the North. This activity is handled by a government firm named the Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency (Kotra).
Kotra recently claimed that North Korea exported a total of 25,000 metric tonnes of fertiliser with a value of US$5 million [Bt191 million] to Thailand in 2005.
Kotra reported it had requested cooperation from Thailand in disclosing the type of fertiliser imported from North Korea, but the Thai government has so far refused to provide any details...
New property law stuns foreigners - Bangkok Post, May 30, 2006
Satellite to document rights abuses in Burma - The Irrawaddy, June 2, 2006
Meet Thailand's new face of AIDS - AP, June 1 , 2006
If you look deep enough, you can see how beautiful Patcharee once was. Her high cheek bones, small nose and deep brown eyes are all still there, but they've become lost in a face rotted by AIDS...