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The Best of 2Bangkok in 2009

Deep South Violence Statistics
2Bangkok Archives
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Red Shirt protests - April, 2009
The "Red" publications
High tension in Thailand (2005-2008)
Capturing Thaksin Shinawatra

1991 coup - Black May 1992



(Source: Back Stage Show, UBC)

Above: Thaksin exercises during his reality show in 2006

 
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
 

Brit drug baron's luxury life on the run in Thailand - Mirror, February 7, 2010
...Darren Oxley, 42, could have been jailed for at least 10 years for running a multi-million-pound syndicate dealing cocaine and ecstasy - but he skipped bail after he was found guilty.
Bungling police and officials from the Crown Prosecution Service have never made any attempt to extradite him - and he even managed to renew his British passport in Bangkok.
He is now living the high life in Thailand, driving Lamborghinis and Bentleys while running a company building luxury houses...

 
Avram Grant says Thai masseuse was too old to be a prostitute - Mirror, February 6, 2010
Premiership football boss Avram Grant last night insisted he only visited a "Thai vice den" for a rub down....
 
 

Thai stocks may slide after ‘double top’: technical analysis - Bloomberg, February 8, 2010
Thailand’s SET Index may slide as much as 20 percent after twice failing to breach peaks in the past four months, according to Kasikorn Securities Co.
A “double top” formation, or approximately equal peaks either side of a moderate trough, was a “dangerous indicator” in the medium term, the brokerage said in a report today...

 

From Truth Today, February 2-4, 2010
The headline reads: The mistaken ego of the delusive boaster - Delusive boaster, creating enemies, hard-working loan taker, honoring the aristocrat
[Article criticizing the Prime Minister with a graphic depicting him as Hitler. These sorts of articles have become less common in the Red Shirt publications as attention has turned to attempts to attack the military instead.]

From Truth Today, Column: Want to have something in mind, Author: Nuttawut Saikua, February 2-4, 2010
The headline reads: Rallying the brave soldiers - preparing to fight the soldiers crazy for a coup

From Truth Today, February 2-4, 2010
The headline reads: [To] betray! - The aristocrat party
[At right are the three Red Shirt leaders Veera Musikapong, Nuttawut Saikua and Jatuporn Prompan. At left are banned politician and former Chart Thai Party Banharn Silapa-archa and disbanded Matchimathippataya Party leader Somsak Thepsuthin. The five men in the pictures below from left to right are: Pradit Pataraprasit (Ruamjaithai Chartpattana Secretary-General), Chumpol Silapa-archa (Tourism Minister), Chanchai Chairungruang (Industry Minister), Suwit Khunkitti (Natural Resources and Environment Minister) and Chawarat Charnveerakul(Interior Minister)
This article plays up the rift between the Democrats and their coalition partners over the proposed constitutional amendments. It suggests that the coalition partners will pull out of the government over the disagreement. Ironically, the Red Shirts and Peau Thai also oppose the constitutional amendments, but for different reasons than the Democrats.]

More from the Red Shirt publications

 
 
Insects devastate Thailand's rice crop, institute says - Thailandnews.net, February 7, 2010
Excessive use of fertilizers and pesticides and other poor farming practices have led to an insect plague in Thailand's rice fields that was predicted to reduce yields by 30 per cent in vast areas...
 

Said & Done: Portsmouth's fittest owners - Guardian, February 7, 2010
...The fit-and-proper-person test. Owners passed fit by the Premier League to run Portsmouth so far this season:
... Sulaiman al-Fahim – head of troubled property group; frontman for unnamed investors; "close friend" of convicted fraudster and human rights violator Thaksin Shinawatra, and of Piers Morgan...

 
Weekend edition, February 6-7, 2010
 


(Source: Vintage photo)

"The Bali Boat" - February 6, 2010
A Thai caption on the photo reads: The Bali Boat (Bali Rang Thaveep) - The royal boat used for the royal voyage to visit the Terengganu in the year of the Rattanakosin era 124 [1905]

 
Cambodia blasts Google map of disputed Thai border - Reuters, February 5, 2010
 
On the forum: More old Bangkok photos
Be sure to note the great photo in this thread post of the Phraya Sathorn House (the old Russian Embassy) on Sathorn Road.
 
Thailand should learn lessons from its competitors - Property Report Asia, February, 2010
...He says: “None of our clients are giving up on Thailand, but on the other hand people are taking a wait-and-see attitude. Clients have been slow to reinvest and upgrade. We have some clients that should be upgrading their technological infrastructures but, at the moment, because of many uncertainties when these companies make a capital expenses request to their headquarters the companies are saying ´wait´...
 
Maj. Gen. Khattiya's outbursts not the key news of the week - February 6, 2010

Right: From Nation Weekend, February, 2010
The headline reads: Black tigers roar! - bloodshed over the land

[Field army soldiers are known as "sons of the Payak (tiger)" or the "black army." The cover refers to the cooperation between Maj. Gen. Khattiya (left) and Gen. Pallop (right). The two recently met Thaksin in Dubai and their involvement, along with Khattiya's statements about assassination of judges involved in prominent cases, has fueled rumors that the lead up to Thaksin asset ruling will be marked by violent events.

The government must certainly be cheered that someone like Khattiya is being seen to lead the Thaksin push... and that, more incredibly, Khattiya appears to be making threats on behalf of Thaksin. His over-the-top remarks have led to a continuous stream of denials and clarifications from other pro-Thaksin figures.

It also drives a wedge between Thaksin and his Peau Thai MPs who remain popular in their districts and are hopeful to be included in a future government. Of course, the spectacle of allowing a personality like Khattiya to engage the government and public could be classic misdirection while the real plans for destabilizing the country are occurring behind-the-scenes.

This leads to the key news of the week. Several readers asked the significance of these articles we posted yesterday:
Chalerm: Row with Sudarat ended - Bangkok Post, February 3, 2010
Chalerm urges unity, blocks out Sudarat - The Nation, February 4, 2010

The articles report on the most telling development of the week. Below is an overly broad and simplified explanation, but is intended to give the essence of the situation:

Almost two years ago it was decided that a broad end game for the political struggle would be to cut Thaksin off from politics, but allow all other politicians back on the playing field. This was with the understanding that even if a Thaksin-sponsored party wins, the military would never allow Thaksin himself to return or to lead.

This strategy has been steadily encouraged, first during the Samak government when a Newin-Samak alliance attempted to purge Thaksin lackeys from the cabinet. However, Samak's disqualification ruined the plan. Next, Newin and his political grouping were lured into a Democrat-led coalition.

Now, Peau Thai members are being wooed behind-the-scenes by other political parties. Even within the Peau Thai Party itself, the tides are shifting with most political factions preferring to maneuver to be part of a future coalition rather than assist in a destabilization of the current governing system.

This explanation is a very broad description of the overriding idea of allowing everyone but Thaksin back into the fold. There have been other behind-the-scenes negotiations and diversions from this plan as well as various groups, parties, and personalities who have worked against the plan for a variety of reasons, but the main thrust has been to wait Thaksin out and slowly co-opt the political groups he formerly led.

The jostling this week between pragmatic Chalerm and Thaksin-diehard Sudarat reflects the reality that Peau Thai may be slipping from Thaksin's control and instead wishes to engage in conventional coalition politics.

The biggest problem will be opposition from the PAD. The PAD has a more uncompromising position that considers Newin's Bhumjaithai and the Peau Thai (even without Thaksin) to be as bad as Thaksin himself and worthy of the same type of protest that was used against Thaksin.]

 

World’s only stainless steel Buddhist chapel - TNA, February, 2010

 
Myanmar election date is uncertain, but not who will win - The National, February 4, 2010
...Increasingly October 10 is being seen as the date of the election because of the junta’s fixation on numerology: the day will be 10/10/10 in the Gregorian calendar...
 

Thailand: Greatest urban myths (Part 1) - Thai-blogs.com, February 5, 2010
[Thanks to Noel for pointing this out.]

 
Childcare, Chinese style: Rickshaw driver chains two-year-old son to a post while he's at work - Mail Online, February 4, 2010
 
More on the King of Siam board game - February 2, 2010
Andy writes: Nice to see that game on your main page, I discovered it by fluke some time ago and even wrote a bit on it in my blog [the excellent "Changwat, Amphoe, Tambon - Everything about the administrative subdivisions of Thailand"].
The author of the game also has a (German language) blog. I even imported one box of that game for Rikker, so it has at least one copy in Bangkok already by now.
 
Friday, February 5, 2010
 

From Thai Red News, January 29-February 4, 2010
The headline reads: Robbing the nation is not enough - [let us] rob the 76 billion baht of the Shinawatras [too]


More from the Red Shirt publications

 

Chavalit denies he will head 'people's army' - The Nation, February 4, 2010

Chavalit rejects red-shirt offer - Bangkok Post, February 4, 2010
..."I think it's a misunderstanding. Gen Panlop may want me to help out and be part of the mass of people who love this country," Gen Chavalit said.
...He said army specialist and red-shirt supporter Maj-Gen Khattiya Sawasdipol, known as Seh Daeng, just wanted to warn the Democrat-led government not to suppress the people...


[As we predicted yesterday, Chavolit has denied being the Supreme Commander of Thaksin's Peoples' Army.]

 

Who is Siam Joe? Hunt for identity of mystery RAF airman after photograph album is handed in to charity shop - Guardian, February 3, 2010
[Thanks to Stewart for pointing this out.]

 
SKorean marines storm beach in war games with US - AP, February 4, 2010
More than 800 U.S., Thai and South Korean marines stormed a beach Thursday with Seoul joining the annual war games for the first time.
...Singapore, Japan and Indonesia also are participating in the war games involving 11,500 military personnel.
On Thursday, marines and U.S. Navy Seals charged onto a beach southeast of Bangkok from 24 amphibious vehicles as helicopters clattered overhead and simulated explosions erupted along the shore.
 


(Photo: Jokey)

Outside the office window - February 5, 2010


(Photo: Jokey)

 
Anwar and Malaysia: Daughter’s outburst stuns many in courtroom - The Star, February 4, 2010

Anwar and Malaysia: Anwar hit on me at condo, says Saiful - The Star, February 4, 2010
 
Child prisoners in Cambodia - Guardian, February 3, 2010
 

Monks declared 'Boycott' against Suu Kyi's brother - Mizzima, February 2, 2010

 
Foreign exchange student video - February 5, 2010
[The two lucky exchange students in this video got to go to practically every top tourist attraction in the U.S.]
From an email: ...I am a volunteer local coordinator for a small group of foreign exchange students in Northern Colorado who are on scholarship with the US Dept. of State. For the first time this year, the sponsoring non-profit exchange agencies are having a contest involving these students and their host families across the US. Please take a moment to view the youtube video which is the entry for two students in my cluster. The more hits they get, the better their chances to win a trip to Washington DC, so pass this along to your friends as well...


 
Thursday, February 4, 2010
 
Panlop: Chavalit to lead red shirts - Bangkok Post, February 4, 2010
...Gen Panlop said Thaksin was now ready to negotiate with the government for truce, but with a condition that he must not be put in jail. It would be useless to negotiate if he had to serve time in jail first once he returned to the country, he added...

Gen Chaovalit appointed as Supreme Commander of People's Army of Thailand - TAN, February 4, 2010
[Thanks to ThaiVisa.com for pointing this out.]

[If Thaksin announces an army with someone like Maj. Gen. Khittya leading it, this would not be seen as problematic. Maj. Gen. Khittya can be arrested and subjected to public scorn.
If an influential and unarrestable figure like Gen. Chavolit is behind it, that is another matter.

Considering Chavolit's skittishness over the past few years in supporting and then withdrawing his public involvement with Thaksin, it would not at all be surprising if his role as army leader were quickly denied. The government and media have been quick to comment on the Gen. Chavolit appointment as if it is true in an effort to put Chavolit on the spot and either admit the role or deny it.]


Right: Chavolit illustration from Matichon Weekly in 2007


(Source: Matichon Weekly)

PM believes formation of People's Army just a scare tactic - TAN, February 4, 2010

Thaksin: First it was non-violence, now it's a people's army - suthichaiyoon.blogspot.com, February 4, 2010

Suthep vows not to tolerate "illegal forces" of red-shirt movement - The Nation, February 4, 2010

February: A month of foul-smelling political revulsion - The Nation, February 4, 2010
...If you want to know who's plotting to throw the country into such a disastrous state of affairs, then find out who would gain most from a nation torn apart by an outbreak of violence that could deteriorate into a civil war...

Chalerm: Row with Sudarat ended - Bangkok Post, February 3, 2010

Chalerm urges unity, blocks out Sudarat - The Nation, February 4, 2010

 
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
 

From Truth Today, January 29-February 2, 2010
The headline reads: Wake up, Thais to oppose the coup
Title at the top reads: Do not fear the coup - Soldiers of the people will betray the aristocrat

[This refers to the rumors floated by both the Red Shirts and picked up by the media that a coup is in the works. The coup would allegedly be accompanied by some sort of revolt by minor army members against their superiors. Both of these scenarios seem unlikely.

A coup would be a major victory for Thaksin. His movement has been agitating for this for years as a way to legitimize more violent rebellion and thus demand pardons for all and create a national reconciliation government. Best of all for him it would taint or forestall the upcoming verdict on his assets. This alone makes it unlikely (or unwise) that the military would wish to hand Thaksin what he wants the most. The military would also be loathe to undertake a coup during the Cobra Gold exercises.

The February 26 assets ruling has been awaited as an event the establishment hopes will finally close the book on Thaksin influence. Considering recent events--Peau Thai interest in the next elections (instead of a Thaksin revolution), Red Shirt pre-announcing tactics for protests that never happen, and extremely small Red Shirt protests that do occur (20-200 people)--there should be every reason for the military to be hopeful and not spoil the moment by playing into Thaksin's hands.

However, the Red Shirts have finally hit upon a good villain in the military after many fruitless months of trying to provoke the Democrats, the Privy Council, and the monarchy. The clumsy attempts of the military to demonstrate support for the Commander-in-Chief while being unable to tamp down coup rumors has shown them to be as politically inept as ever with even mainstream newspapers questioning the army's stance towards a coup.

If no actual coup or violence takes place, it is likely that the Red Shirts will simply find a reason to declare such a takeover has taken place in the background and try to turn people out on the streets to halt the ruling on Thaksin assets. Of course, there are sure to be several more surprises and misdirections before February 26.]


More from the Red Shirt publications

 


(Source: Board Game News)

King of Siam board game - February 2, 2010
From Board Game Geek: Siam 1874: A power struggle has has broken out. Siam's king has initiated reforms that have resulted in a clash between the Malays, Lao, and Royalists. The appearance of unity, however, must be preserved or the British might move in and make a colony out of Siam. Will the Siamese succeed in this tightrope walk and and maintain the nation of freedom?
Game home page - Online play instructions - Online version of the game - King of Siam board game FAQ

 
Over 10,000 ducks die in Cambodia - People's Daily, February 1, 2010
The Cambodian government said on Monday that more than 10,000 ducks have died and some 30,000 others are being sick in the country's southern province of Takeo. Kao Phal, director of animal production department of agriculture ministry said that samples of the dead ducks being examined and the results will be known Tuesday or the day after...
 
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
 


(Photo: 2Bangkok.com)

Fighting over good English - February 2, 2010
The billboard reads: Good English - [you are] needed everywhere
Earlier: "The farang in you"
Earlier: Ads from Wall Street

 
Q+A - What's at stake in trial of Malaysia's Anwar? - Reuters, February 1, 2010
 


(Photo: www.mrjimonlongboard.blogspot.com)

Mr. Jim on longboard - February 1, 2010
Longboarding through Thailand for charity.

 

Cashing in on cheap Thai fireworks - New Straits Times, February 1, 2010
Unscrupulous local traders are ignoring the government's ban on the sale of firecrackers and fireworks as they rush to score big profits during festive periods. They are taking advantage of the low prices offered by suppliers in Sungai Golok, Thailand...

 

23 fishing cats found in Prachuap Khiri Khan - The Nation, February 1, 2010

 

More bomb sniffer scams - February 1, 2010
Nils reports: Yikes, how many variants/companies exploiting this scam are there?
Apart from ATSC's "ADE651", e-k9's "GT200" and Unival's "HEDD1", there's one more device called "Sniffex." Here is one of many failed tests, filmed by hidden camera, apparently at a trade show.
And: the now banned ADE651 from the UK was sold to the Thai Border Police, in addition to the GT200 sold to the army??? ADE651 Advanced Detection Training in Thailand
The above video was put up by fraudster Jim McCormick himself. (.....note the lovely comments!)
Meanwhile, the ATSC company website is down.

 

Gandhi ashes scattered off South Africa - AFP, January 31, 2010
[Nothing to do with Thailand, but interesting.]

 
Monday, February 1, 2010
 

Thaksin obtained Cambodian citizenship in March 2009 - KhmerIntelligence, February 1, 2010
Thaksin obtained Cambodian citizenship in March 2009 (2) - Thailand's fugitive former premier Thaksin Shinawatra obtained a Cambodian passport in the last week of March 2009. The Royal Decree granting Thaksin Khmer citizenship was signed off by CPP and Senate President Chea Sim in his capacity then as Acting Head of State. King Norodom Sihamoni had been "advised" to unexpectedly but discretely leave Cambodia for France in that last week of March 2009 in order to keep secret the CPP decision to grant Khmer citizenship to Thaksin.

 
Weekend edition, January 30-31, 2010
 

North Korean arms were headed to Iran, Thailand report says - Bloomberg, January 30, 2010
...A copy of the report, obtained from diplomats whose governments hold Security Council seats, said the 40-ton cargo’s destination was Airport Mahrabad in Tehran. It says the plane departed from the North Korean capital of Pyongyang and that the shipper was the Korea Mechanical Industry Co...

 


(Photo: 2Bangkok.com)

Stop - January 30, 2010
The billboard reads: Stop hurting Thailand by using violence

 


(Photo: 2Bangkok.com)

Crosswalk - January 30, 2010
From a sign in Chinatown:
Drivers and passengers’ notification
1. Not crossing at the crosswalk will face up to a 200 baht fine.
2. Car drivers and motorcycle riders who do not slow or stop at the crosswalk for passerby will face up to 500 baht fine penalty.
Beginning from August 1st, 2009
(This is the project of strict traffic discipline campaign to promote crosswalk users to lessen accident risk and promote good concern for following traffic rules.)
Traffic Work, Plabplachai 2 Police station - 02-221-5494
- Right - Ratchawongse Road - Left Ratchawongse Intersection
- Left - Wat Tuek Intersection - Phra Pok Klao Bridge


(Photo: 2Bangkok.com)

 

December 2009 Deep South violence statistics

The rest: Deep South Violence Statistics

 

Good news for Thai solar industry - renewableenergymagazine.com, January 28, 2010
Plans to build one of the world's largest ever photovoltaic (PV) solar farms near Bangkok (Thailand) has boosted the Thai government's efforts to accelerate the development of a national PV market...
[Thanks to Marc for pointing this out.]

 

From Not the Nation: Army defends Gt200 scanners as “able to detect money”
Testing shows scanners 100% effective in locating illegal profits for army officers
...“These scanners are the best we have ever used,” said deputy army chief of staff Lt Gen Daopong Rattansuwan. “They immediately pick up kickback opportunities from as far as 10 meters away...”


From Not the Nation: Thai police congratulated for lack of fiery, gruesome mass deaths during holiday

 
Friday, January 29, 2010
 


(Source: Mafia Wars - Bangkok)

"Meet A Gang's Rep In A Go-Go Bar"


(Source: Mafia Wars - Bangkok)

"Pay Off The Guards At Bangkwang Prison"


(Source: Mafia Wars - Bangkok)

"Move Stolen Art Through Suvarnabhumi Airport"


Mafia Wars Bangkok or Virtual Bangkok?
- January 29, 2010
Mafia Wars is proud to unleash its newest city – Bangkok, a city overrun by crime and chaos as two gangs struggle for dominance over turf...

Nils updates: Mafia Wars Bangkok is still delayed...... however, a small number of users have been selected as beta testers and been given access to the first 2 new job tiers. Also, Zynga has released a "Royal White Elephant" limited loot item and "Bangkok Crates" containing some new Asian weapons, armor and vehicles, available to all users for in-game currency.

More at the (very comprehensive) Mafia Wars Wiki, including detailed item lists, job names for the tiers ('Brawler & 'Criminal') plus artwork (as leaked/compiled by users who already have access): Bangkok, Brawler, Criminal, Faction Store, Purchased in Bangkok, Bangkok crate, tuk-tuk, and a nice business: tourist guide scam (right)
 


(Source: 2Bangkok.com)

Violence in the family - January, 2010
The billboard reads: Violence in the family - not a personal case, but the case that the society must understand/care about - If [someone committing violence] is seen - committing violence, please inform - with the concern of the Metropolitan Police Headquarter
s

 


(Source: Unival Group)

How does the GT200 "work?" - January 29, 2010
[Thanks to Mud for pointing this out.]

From e-k9.net: 4 - How does the GT200 work?
The GT200 works on the principal of dia/para magnetism. All substances carry a magnetic charge that, when stimulated by an impulse of electricity, (static) creates an attraction between the substance being detected and the GT200 unit itself. This is called EMA or Electro Magnetic Attraction.
The simple way to explain this technology is to take an inflated balloon and rub it on your hair. A static charge is being created making that balloon "attract" it to say, a wall. Provided that there is enough charge on that balloon, it will remain "attracted" to the wall for an indefinite amount of time. However, once the "charge" has dissipated, the balloon will then "unattached" between itself and fall to the ground.
What the GT200 is doing is creating an "attraction" between itself and the substance it wants to detect. Through the Substance Sensor Card and the movement of an operator, an attracting field is created in the card reader that, in turn causes the Receiver"s antenna of the GT200 to "lock onto" a signal, indicating the direction in which the substance can be located. When the magnetic signal of the substance that the GT200 is searching for, is located within its detection range, the GT200 receiving antenna will move toward the direction that the substance exist. In essence the GT200 functions like a hyper sensitive receiver
.


(Source: Unival Group)

From Unival Group: HEDD1® - Handheld Explosive Detection Device Technology
HEDD1® is setting new standards in handheld explosive detection based on its unique patented Magneto-Electrostatic Detection (MED) method.
HEDD1® forms a modulated Magnetic Field (MMF) that allows detection of all types of commercial and military explosives (TNT, Dynamite, Ammonite & Diesel, PETN, RDX, Gun-powder,Semtex, C4 etc.) including liquid explosives (TATP etc.) within a distance between 2-100 meters behind and through all types of barriers (including concrete, steel etc.).


And a pdf here.

 
Videos from China - YouTube, January, 2010
[Thanks to Jani for pointing this out.]
The ghost city of Ordos, built for one million people and rattlingly empty - The sorry fate of the South China Mall, the world's largest
 

Images of Siamese dance from the past - YouTube, January, 2010

 
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
 
Thai Airways launches cultural overhaul - Thailandnews.net,  January 25, 2010
...Abusing perks is arguably the tip of the iceberg at Thai Airways.
Corruption and collusion with politicians in purchases of everything from airplanes to seat cushions was the norm in the past, insiders said.
"Every time there is a purchase, there is some trick involved because there is always some politician involved," said one Thai Airways manager who asked to remain anonymous.
Under the premiership of Thaksin Shinawatra from 2001 to 2006, interference in purchases by the board of directors, which is appointed by the government, reached new heights, Piyasvasti said.
"About five years ago, the board became so active that management simply stopped managing the company, and that started a rapid decline in Thai Airways," Piyasvasti said...
 

Bangkok visit - Manila Bulletin, January 25, 2010
[Thais and resident foreigners are often surprised to hear how people of neighboring countries see Thailand as an example of an efficient and well-run country. This is particularly true of Indians and Filipinos.]
...The impressive ultra-modern network of skyways has successfully alleviated Bangkok traffic. Notably, there are only a few advertising tarpaulins on these structures. Moreover, Bangkok has retained a “garden city” look as all its 25 parks, main traffic islands, spaces under skyways are well-tended green areas bursting with flowers and decorative plants endemic to Thailand. Many of these botanical marvels are also found in the Philippines but are somewhat ignored.
The common denominator of Asian countries with progressive economies is love of country which means that their movers and shakers have a sense of nation that compel them to uphold national interests. Most Thai leaders are guided by love of country like the Governor of Bangkok, M.R. Sukhumbhand Paribatra, who was a former MP and concurrently head of the BMA; the Minister of Foreign Affairs, H.E. Kasit Piromya, and the various project directors like Dr. Royol Chitadon, director of the Hydro and Agro Informatics Institute...

 

Capturing Maj. Gen. Kattiya Sawasdiphol - January 22, 2010
The news Thursday night is about the raid on Maj. Gen. Kattiya Sawasdiphol's driver's house that netted war weapons--allegedly related to the grenade attack on Army Headquarters that only came to light in the press today. For now, there are Thai-languages articles on the raid here, here, here, and here

 
New logo for Suvarnabhumi Airport - paknam.com, January 18, 2010
 


(Photo: krebsonsecurity.com)

Would you have spotted the fraud? - krebsonsecurity.com, January, 2010

 

2010 new year's cartoons

 

New riverside park - January 12, 2009
There's a new riverside park under construction at Tha Tien pier (Google Earth Placemark). Anyone know any more details about this?

 

Stigmatized in the Deep South - January 9, 2010
From an email forwarded from friend
living near the Inkayuthaboriharn military camp in Pattani who was accused by the military of being an insurgent:

I do not want to talk about the painful memory any longer because it brings the feeling that I do not want to think about. Talking about it makes me feel the pain every time... I hope that the story that I tell will be one of the solution for state authority... I accept that the operation of the authority as I told is not the state policy to solve the problem and bring peace.

However, I want to raise the question asking high ranked authority and the state policy controller whether they have explored seriously about how operational officials perform their work. Do they follow the declared policy?

Today the word “suspected” was put on my face for the rest of my life [the military questioned him and suspects him of being involved]. Every time that the violent situation occurred in this area, I will be one who was brought into investigation questioning my involvement. I have to live in society with the suspected charge of bombing and shooting despite that I am proved I was not involved in the incident.

I feel that I was put into the new world by the state authority and they indirectly kill me... and the government itself narrows my living space. Today no one dare associate with me like before, merely because I was stigmatized as militant...

 

Voice of Taksin, January 12, 2010

 
Purple Route consultant hired - Bangkok Post, December 29, 2009
 

Malaysians falling prey to Bangkok gems scam - Bernama, December 31, 2009
...He said the group members, some of whom he claimed were off-duty policemen, normally preyed on tourists at popular spots like the Grand Palace, Siam Square, Central World, Pratunam, Wat Pho and Khaosan Road.
A spokesman of the Thai Tourist Police said the number of reports of such scam had dropped in recent years, and added that most of the victims were from France, Australia, Israel, as well as Japan, Singapore and Malaysia...

 

Sae Daneg reveals Thaksin's modest mansion in Dubai - December 27, 2009

 

Saturday's bombing in the Deep South - December 19, 2009

 

Trail of Thai royalty in Massachusetts 1916-1928 - December 3, 2009

 

Thai newspapers honoring HM the King

 

Navin at the Fat Fest - December 5, 2009

Don't miss these photos.

Navin explains: ...It was the 9th Fat Fest this year Nov 7-8 at Munagthongthani. As you may know this is the annual music festival produced by Fat Radio FM 104.5 the festival also includes art and this year they asked me to do a project and the result is a series of billboards 12 meters high and 300 meters long in total!


Earlier from Navin: Navin's Sala

 

Use of nominee companies to buy property is "against the spirit of the law" - PropertyReport.com, December 3, 2009

 

More old Bangkok photos - Pantip.com, November 30, 2009
Many, many old photos of Bangkok on this Pantip thread. About a third of these photos are from 2Bangkok, but there are plenty of others you probably have not seen before.

 
All 2Bangkok.com rail fans will be interested in this: Railway Hall of Fame faces uncertain future - Bangkok Post, October 21, 2009
...His sadness is caused by the Hall of Fame's uncertain future as the State Railway of Thailand (SRT), owner of the land where the museum is situated, wants to take back the plot of land and turn it into a dog park, to be run by the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration.
It is understood that he is to leave the plot of land right away...
Earlier: Thai Railway Hall of Fame
 


(Photo: paknam.com)

Mega Bridge official name: Bhumibol Bridge - paknam.com, October 21, 2009

Also: Mega Bridge construction photos

 
Bangkok, 1968
 

"Illustrated Prophecies" from Asiaweek - July 11, 2009
Anyone recall the "Illustrated Prophecies" cartoons from the defunct Asiaweek magazine? Are they available anywhere? Who was the artist?

 

More on F.R. Engdahl - May 9, 2009
Earlier: Who was F.R. Engdahl?
Mike points out this additional mention of "Felix Russell Engdahl" in a speech by U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.

 

"Go where the 'in crowd' goes" in 1967 - February 27, 2009
From Bangkok After Dark, Vol. 2, July 1967, No. 12

More old ads: 'Thailand's Coolest Store' - Groovy Bangkok 1969 - Bangkok Weekly 1953 - Bangkok Bulletin 1966 - Old newspapers

 
Looking for Bob (Robert) Morris - February 5, 2009
We are looking for Bob (Robert) Morris who contacted us in 2005 about his father who had moved to Bangkok. If anyone has any information on contacting Bob (Robert) Morris, please let us know.


Mass transit index page
With various mass transit schemes being revived, the long moribund mass transit sections of 2Bangkok.com are coming to life again. We have made a new index page to start to organize the news that is slowly coming out.

2Bangkok.com Archives - 1999-2010

Questions from 2Bangkok.com

2Bangkok in Lonely Planet - September 23, 2009
Don reports: The new Lonely Planet Thailand came out last month (13th edition, published August 2009), and 2Bangkok gets two mentions, both of them in the Bangkok section.
Page 107, in the boxed text entitled "The Inside Scoop": Several Bangkok residents, both local and foreign, have taken their experiences to the 'small screen' and maintain blogs and websites about living in Bangkok. Some of the more informative or entertaining include: 
2Bangkok (www.2bangkok.com) News sleuth and history buff follows the city headlines from today and yesterday.
Page 180, in the boxed text entitled "The War on the Gem Scam":Want to know more or want to report a scam? Visit www.2bangkok.com and navigate to the 'Gem Scam' page for five years' worth of tracking the phenomenon, or go to Thai Gem Scams Group (www.geocities.com/thaigemscamgroup) for photos of touts who troll the temples for victims.

 

Postcards anyone? - December 10, 2009
2Bangkok Editor Ron Morris notes: I am working on a book project that will feature many vintage Thai postcards. We are looking for collectors who have original postcards of Thailand or Thai subjects (not scans or graphics only) for inclusion and credit in the book. If you, or anyone you know, has material like this and would like to participate in the project, please let me know.

 


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