New PM: I didn't say banks on verge of ruin - Bangkok Post, May 9, 2008
Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej yesterday denied saying two commercial banks were on the verge of jeng, or bankruptcy, on a TV show which led to a run on the banks. Mr Samak was replying to a question put to him by Democrat MP Korn Chatikavanij during a House meeting yesterday...

New Bankers downplay Samak comments - Bangkok Post, May 9, 2008

(Photo: 2Bangkok.com)

(Photo: 2Bangkok.com)

New Muscle car in Bangkok - May 8, 2008 We wonder who was the young Thai guy roaring along in this left-hand drive 1970 Oldsmobile Cutlass with Nevada state plates on the expressway and Weepahwahddee Road...

New "This is the one" - ThaiRath, May 4, 2008
Top, left to right: This is the one whom the Minister of the Defense proudly presents [Minister of the Interior Chalerm shows off his son Duang who is reinstated into the military. It seems that the cartoonist had made a mistake by identifying Chalerm as the Minister of Defense instead of the Minister of the Interior.]
This is the one who has no common sense to show off and, instead, decides to show his penis at Sanam Luang. [A reference to the recent anti-PAD rally.]
This is the one who allows his students to suck his penis for a better school record [Reference to a teacher who was caught on tape coercing a student into performing oral sex for a good grade.]
Bottom, left to right: This is the one who does not pay respect to His Majesty the King at cinema [Reference to the recent controversy over a person refusing to stand for the Royal Anthem before a movie.]
This is the one whom people want to be rated when he speaks on TV programs [It has been suggested that comments from PM Samak be rated for adults because of the foul speech he habitually employs.]
This is the one for whom subordinates are trying to amend the Constitution to help him defeat all charges. [A reference to the People Power Party that is widely believed to be acting on behalf of Thaksin and banned Thai Rak Thai executives to reverse the legal charges against them.]

Coming soon Sombat Khong Phudee (The Qualities of Decent People)

Ploughing Day - May 9, 2008

Thai academics urge media to stop suppressing the rights to differ - Prachatai, May 7, 2008

Those who have long hated Thaksin will now have to endure his nominee, Samak, as PM - Who will be the next PM after Samak? - translated and summarized from Matichon, Column: A Discursive Column, May 2, 2008
Anti-Thaksin factions have been with us since the year 1993, when the government of that time - as led by the Palang Tham Party - changed its Foreign Minister from Squadron Leader Prasong Soonsiri to Thaksin Shinawatra. That event led to the founding of a 23-MP faction, within Palang Tham, that was opposed to Thaksin’s political ascendancy.
This anti-Thaksin faction became a great deal more active in 1998, following the coming-to-power of Thaksin’s Thai Rak Thai Party in that year’s General Election. However, serious opposition to Thaksin’s rule only really began in earnest about 3 years after the TRT-led government had swept into power. The September 19 Coup of 2006 marked a high-point for the various anti-Thaksin factions. Prasong Soonsiri was to become the Chairman of the Constitution Drafting Committee (CDC) during the tenure of the interim government installed by the Council for National Security (CNS).
The December 23 General Election of 2007 brought Thaksin’s nominee, Samak Sundaravej, to power at the helm of the People Power Party (PPP) - the main constituent party of the current coalition government. There appear to have been a number of attempts to unseat Samak from the Prime Ministership in recent months, but it is still far from clear who might succeed him in the post if he is eventually ousted.

From the Finland Declaration to the Nepal Strategy - Regime change through constitutional amendment and ballot - translated and summarized from Phujatkan, Author: Chiewchawana, April 29, 2008
Below, I have described the background history of Thaksin Shinawatra’s rise to power.
Thaksin Shinawatra did not begin his business career in the usual manner. His financial success in business owed more to his manipulation of influential contacts, rather than to his managerial acumen alone. Our (now) former Prime Minister struggled hard in his early career, in his efforts to take his telecommunications business to the country as a whole. Thaksin was ably assisted in this process by both his father and his politician cousin. Thaksin was eventually able to obtain a license, from the Thai state, to engage in the telecommunications industry at the national level. The success of that business eventually brought him great wealth. Thaksin went on to enter politics, and he established his Thai Rak Thai Party (TRT) in 1998 - on the same day on which the French monarchy had been deposed, 209 years earlier.  Thaksin was to spend a great deal of his own money building an effective campaign team for TRT. Many members of his ‘team’ were former members of the (Maoist) Communist Party of Thailand. The Thaksin ‘team’ also contained individuals who had previously supported the ‘October 14’ democratic reform movement. The formation of TRT was a great success, as certain groups of conservatives - in the TRT camp - appeared willing to eschew their former political philosophy for the benefits of Thaksin’s money. Thus Thai society was able to witness a growing political rift between the political aspirations of its disenchanted former Maoists and its old guard of bureaucrats - who continued to doggedly serve the notion of an ‘absolute monarchy’. These two political poles are now locked in mortal combat, with the former committed to serving the needs of modern-day capitalism, and the latter committed to preventing the rise of TRT’s capitalist supporters to the main seat of power.
Once TRT had succeeded in winning its first general election, Thaksin stepped up to lead the country in a thoroughly authoritarian and capitalist manner. He began to abuse his new-found power by paying little regard to the letter of the law. Indeed, it is because of Thaksin authoritarian parliamentary manner, and his promotion of single-minded notions of capitalism, that I now wish to express my defiance of his rule. It is obvious to me that our nation’s system of democracy, under a constitutional monarchy, faces grave risks from Thaksin’s continual craving for power. Thaksin is now able to largely dictate the course of Thai politics, in addition to being able to control the fate of those politicians who either favor or oppose him. During Thaksin’s tenure in government, a great deal of corruption is alleged to have taken place. It is also noteworthy that, after Thaksin’s initial rise to power, many websites sprang up to portray our monarchy in a negative light. The Thai Royalty commands the highest respect of the vast majority of Thais, but those wrongdoers who seek to discredit HM the King - many of whom receive Thaksin’s tacit support - have yet to receive the ultimate penalty [of lese majesté prosecution] for their crimes.  
The Thaksin governments abused many of the powers they were granted through the ballot box. Not only did the Thaksin administration initiate a policy that promoted the extra-judicial killing of drug-dealers, but it also used those same powers to victimize and silence its critics in non-governmental organizations.  
The September 19 coup in 2006 took place under the leadership of the Council for National Security (CNS). That coup was an attempt to oppose Thaksin’s attempt to rise to absolute power over all aspects of Thai society.  
From the September 19 Coup in 2006, through the CNS Government (2006-2007), up until the present day - In the aftermath of the 2006 coup, the CNS set up an interim government under the Prime Ministership of Gen. Surayud Chulanont. This government remained in power until December 2007. PM Surayud’s administration tried to pursue policies that promoted greater political peace and harmony in Thai society, but it proved to be incapable of ridding the country of Thaksin’s ‘absolutist’ undercurrents. The pro-Thaksin (AKA ‘old power’) group has now returned to run this country. I believe that this return places our constitutional monarchy in great jeopardy. It should be noted that many websites are once again openly engaged in denouncing the institutions of our monarchy - including the President of the Privy Council. This difference is that, this time around, these anti-monarchy groups are even more aggressive in their condemnations of our august institutions.

Highly regrettable actions on the Prachatai website - translated and summarized from Phujatkan, Author: Surawit Weerawan, May 1, 2008
I am a keen observer of the online news reports to be found on the Prachatai website. Since its inception, this site has usually espoused the political philosophy of its founder Jon Ungpakorn. The website’s mission statement suggests it is just another media news outlet - albeit one that places a high priority on keeping the Thai public well-informed. I have recently noticed, however, that the website’s reporting style has undergone a considerable change. This change seems to indicate that the site has fallen under the influence of a pro-Thaksin faction. The change has been especially highlighted by the website’s recent publication of the articles of two columnists with an opposing political standpoint. ‘The Fist’ column is penned by Nattakorn Thewakul, whilst its opposing column is the work of Rossana Tositrakul. The two columnists use their opposing articles to showcase the current political conflict that is gripping this country. I would say that Rossana’s column is the one that has most in common with the political philosophy of Jon Ungpakorn - the website’s founder. That said, readership comments on the two columns indicate substantial support for Nattakorn’s column - with many being highly-critical of Rossana’s column.
In the mean time, the same two columns are now also being published on our very own Phujatkan website - which is widely renowned for its anti-Thaksin political stance. On our site, readership comments are highly critical of the political stance taken in Nattakorn’s column - while being relatively supportive of the political stance taken by Rossana’s column.
Overall, I am rather critical of the editorial teams of the various Thai Language online news websites. Indeed, I am now prepared to be especially critical of the Editor of the Prachatai website. The site prides itself on being an independent media outlet that aims to keep the Thai public well-informed on developments in our nation’s system of democracy - under a constitutional monarchy. Prachatai receives financial support from both ordinary members of the public and several large organizations - including the Rockefeller Foundation and the Thai Health Promotion Foundation. Nevertheless, it is still the case that the majority of its funding comes from the public.
A recent Prachatai article - that greatly vexed me - was one that encouraged the site’s readership to express their support for a young man called Chotisak Onsoong. Chotisak recently became the subject of a lèse majesté prosecution, after having refused to stand to attention during a public performance of HM the King’s Royal Anthem. I wish to criticize the editorial team of the Prachatai site for a distinct lack of thoughtfulness over this issue. Their controversial position shows that they lack any real awareness of just how sensitive an issue this is for the vast majority of Thai citizens - who mostly hold a supreme respect for their monarchy. I believe that the site’s Editor-in-Chief should begin to toe the line with the sound political philosophies espoused by the site’s own founder, and by large numbers of other like-minded Thai citizens - regardless of his own personal political bias. I would also like to add that I believe that the Editor’s usual high degree of thoughtfulness seems to have completely deserted him over this particular issue.

Cambodia's success story - The Daily Star, May 7, 2008
...By 1997, Cambodia had been virtually reborn: its rice fields were producing nearly as much rice as they had in 1969, but on half the land, making the country rice self-sufficient once again...

(Photo: Sadartu)

(Photo: Sadartu)

Signs in Mae Hong Son - May 8, 2008 Above: Malaria, which most people thought it was eradicated from Thailand, is still found in Mae Samlap. Since Mae Samlap is a quay in Salween River where there are a lot of Thai and Burmese people, therefore the warning of malaria infection here is needed to be written in the Burmese language. Left: Tha Ta Fung, the village of Pakakayor Thai people, is the village where most of the villagers have still very well preserved customs and traditions, especially the language. Nobody thought that such preservation would obstruct learning and teaching of the Thai language in schools. Therefore, the schools have to be announced as the Thai-speaking areas.

Worrisome situation - translated and summarized from Krungtep Turakit, Column: Political Developments, April 30, 2008
This government is currently facing not only political problems, but also economic problems. Indeed, these economic problems actually appear to be steadily worsening. It seems that this government is paying far too much attention to its plans to amend the 2007 Constitution, while the more worrisome issue of steeply-rising prices is being largely ignored. Since both oil and rice prices are also on the rise, this government will soon have to decide whether to increase fares for Bangkok’s Skytrain and MRT systems. Similar decisions will also be necessary over the annual National Minimum Wage adjustments, the annual salary adjustments for civil servants and the current factory prices of sugar. To add to this government’s woes, many ordinary people are now keeping a very close eye on the performance of Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej - who is considered by some to be the political nominee of former PM Thaksin Shinawatra. If this government fails to solve these economic problems, unexpected challenges might soon arise to its power. These challenges could take the form of either the dissolution of Parliament or another coup d’etat. 

Thaksin and Manchester City

Thaksin Shinawatra asks players to bow - Sunday Mirror, May 4, 2008
[Is this a mistranslation of "wai" or purposeful misinformation? The Nation updates this story by explaining: Thaksin's 'demand' that the players 'wai' him before kick-off is being seen as a dictatorship streak. We would expect this entire story to be quickly denied.]
...Manchester City owner Thaksin Shinawatra has hit the club with another shock by asking for the players to bow to him Thai-style before each game...
Bowing is a traditional mark of respect in Shinawatra's native Thailand. But some at City see this as another example of how the former Thai Prime Minister is turning the club into his personal dictatorship...

Get to know the new Manchester City chairman: Thaksin - YouTube, May, 2008

Due Delusion - vitalfootball, May, 2008

City Fans To Protest Thai Owner - Goal.com, May 4, 2008

Man City players said in revolt against Thaksin - Bangkok Post, May, 2008
...Thaksin left his son Panthongtae and daughter Pintongta, both installed by him as City board members, to field questions and when, inevitably, asked if Eriksson would lead the tour, Panthongtae froze, mumbled a "yes" then looked desperately to his sister for support. Both left the launch steadfastly refusing to answer questions by the foreign journalists who were in pursuit."

Lese Majeste controversy

Chotisak no show at forum due to threats from Manager Radio - Prachatai, May 5, 2008

Thai Traditions: Lese majeste in Thailand - Prachatai, May 2, 2008

Same Sky Books and Prachatai websites charged for allowing comments about Chotisak’s ‘not standing’ - Prachatai, April 29, 2008
...On April 28, Sunimit Jirasuk, 36, resident of Khon Kaen province in Northeastern Thailand, filed charges under Article 116 (2) of the Thai Criminal Code with Khon Kaen police against Chotisak, for offending the monarchy and inciting unrest, and Fah Diew Kan (www.sameskybooks.org) and Prachatai websites for publishing threads of discussions by readers who supported Chotisak’s act...

Military Orders More Activities to Uphold Monarchy - TOC, May 2, 2008

More cartoons from Stephff - Stephff's Tibet series - Stephff's Burma series

World press freedom day - but not for thailand - The Nation, May 3, 2008
...The report concludes that Samak is a non-responsive leader who uses every trick of the trade to evade, lie and stonewall rather than provide facts and give an accurate picture of what is going on in the country on a day-to-day basis. He also is rude, impolite and uses abusive language, both during interviews and in the commentaries on his programmes. He also has made sarcastic remarks against journalists. He is extremely insensitive to gender and has no respect for female journalists...

Red hot political strategy of the ‘Invisible hand’ - translated and summarized from Matichon; Column: Vipak Haeng Vipak, April 25, 2008
It seems that the People Power Party (PPP) is trying very hard to instigate amendments to the 2007 Constitution. Article 291 of the Constitution is considered to be one of the main targets of this amendment plan - in spite of there being considerable public opposition. The Chief Government Whip also seems to support the idea of constitutional amendment. We should not forget, however, that the Chief Whip is none other than Chai Chidchob. And also that his Assistant Whip is Samart Kaewwichai. Chai continues to receive the covert backing of his son Newin Chidchob - while Samart enjoys the secretive support of House Speaker Yongyuth Tiyapairat.  
So who is behind Newin and Yongyuth? The ‘Invisible Hand’ is the answer! It is frequently said that present-day Thai politics is greatly influenced by the so-called ‘Invisible Hand’. This ‘Invisible Hand’ was said to be behind both the September 2006 coup d’etat and the dissolution of the Thai Rak Thai Party. It was also said to be involved in the political alliance between the Democrat Party, the Chart Thai Party and the Puea Pandin Party. It was also rumored to have brought about the appointment of Samak Sundaravej as the PPP Leader - and eventually as the Prime Minister. It is even said to have led to the return of Chalerm Yoobamrung to a ministerial post.  
Thailand’s current political conflict is actually a war, in which one political camp’s ‘Invisible Hand’ is pitted against its counterpart in the opposing camp.  Regardless of which political faction eventually appears to win this war, it is - thus - absolutely inevitable that the true winner can only be the ‘Invisible Hand.'

Scaling back Xpress already? - May 2, 2008 One of several readers to point this out: ...Have you noticed the Xpress has been scaled back from 48 pages to 40?... Earlier: About Xpress and The Nation Giant river stingrays found near Thai city - National Geographic, April 29, 2008 Fourteen-foot-long (4.3-meter-long) rays are thriving not far from Bangkok. But overfishing in Cambodia may still threaten the giants...

(Photo: Wally Higgins)

Death sign - May 3, 2008 These signs are going up all over town. It reads: Be careful of this danger point. During the festival time, this area had an accident and a death. Project of the traffic accident campaign, Bangkok. Secret wartime cave city opens to the world - The Age, April 30, 2008 Thanks to Danny for pointing this out.

The final struggle is yet to come - translated and summarized from Krungtep Turakit; Column: ‘Kluenwai’ article; Author: Pracha Burapawithee, April 25, 2008
A new round has just begun in the long-running fight between the People’s Alliance for Democracy (PAD) and the current government as led by the People Power Party. This fight reminds me of the sentiments expressed in the patriotic anthem called ‘L’Internationale’, which was sung by the French proletariat during its fight for the Commune of Paris in 1871.
A recent column in Krungthep Turakit [date unspecified] stated, “Tomorrow will mark the beginning of the final struggle to fend off the ascendancy of the ‘internationale’ in our country”. The columnist was discussing the PAD’s recent moves to begin a new round of mass protests - in its attempt to encourage some sectors of Thai society to oppose the PPP-led government’s proposed constitutional revisions. PAD is also attempting to thwart the possible return of ‘Thaksinism’ to the political arena - a movement that it believes runs contrary to this country’s development of a democratic system. The ‘Special Thailand Watch’ seminar, recently organized by the PAD, marks the beginning of another round of mass action in its stubborn fight to resist the increasing power of the current government.
The PPP-led government is now pushing ahead with its agenda to rewrite the entire 2007 Constitution, in the hope that it will assist former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra - and his wife Potjaman - to counter lawsuits that have been filed against them with allegations of corruption.
Thaksin is currently busy with his merit-making activities, with a PR campaign that includes a personal pilgrimage to a large number of Buddhist temples in Northern Thailand. He has also established the House No. 111 Foundation, in addition to the ‘good deeds’ he continues to perform for his long-established Thai Com Foundation. The House No. 111 Foundation is likely to become a new home for some banned politicians of the disbanded Thai Rak Thai (TRT) Party - including Sudarat Keyurapan, Pongthep Thepkanjana and Pongsak Raktapongpaisarn.
Meanwhile, there are other pro-Thaksin groups beginning to stir. Among the most prominent of these groups is the movement that was formerly known as the Democratic Alliance against Dictatorship (DAAD). Another significant group contains a number of former TRT Party members under the leadership of Thaksin’s close aide Newin Chidchob. Both groups are already well-prepared to demonstrate their support for the deposed PM, if any major political showdown comes to pass. The pro-Thaksin group led by Pracha Sobdee seems unlikely to play such a strong role as the DAAD and the ‘Newin’ groups.
As for the possibility of another coup, I wish to comment that the real power is still very much in the hands of the Royal Thai Army (RTA) - which will play the final card in any major dispute that arises between the two current political factions. A confidential source has recently provided information that suggests that another coup might possibly occur - but that the decision to run such a coup would depend on the sentiments of two powerful cliques in the Royal Thai Police and the RTA. One of these cliques supports former PM Thaksin, and is in favor of destroying the 2007 Constitution. The other clique has fallen into disfavor as a result of a widespread public sentiment that the September 19 Coup (of 2006) failed in its objectives. The latter group might possibly wish to stage another coup along the same lines as the abortive 1951 Manhattan Coup (staged by some elements of the Royal Thai Navy), the (aforementioned) September 19 Coup, or the Kabot Senathikarn Rebellion (as attempted by certain elements in the RTA’s General Staff).
Some political pundits are warning the public to keep a very close eye on the current political situation. They see possible connections between recent attempts to disgrace the Privy Council President (and Statesman) Gen. Prem Tinasulanonda and last week’s initiation of a ‘lèse majesté’ case against a young man alleged to have refused to stand to attention - as a sign of respect to HM the King - during the playing of the Royal Anthem at a movie theater. Nobody would seriously doubt Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej’s loyalty to the Thai monarchy. Indeed, it is said that PM Samak has already issued orders that this case should be handled discreetly. I would say, however, that a Democrat Party-led government would have undoubtedly handled this case in a much more sensible manner.

Manchester City news
Thanks to a reader for pointing this out.
Eriksson: I'm getting the boot
Eriksson to be sacked by Man City
Gallagher slams 'ludicrous' Sven decision
Save Sven Goran Eriksson from the sack Petition
“Power-Crazy Thaksin” - Man City, Didn't We Tell You So?

Bin Laden's brother plans bridge over Red Sea - ABC, April 28, 2008
Thanks to Danny for pointing this out.

People Power Party does what CNS did before - translated and summarized from Matichon; Column: Think Station No. 12; Author: Tawee Mee-ngern, April 24, 2008
Many people are questioning why the People Power Party (PPP) has dared to make overtures to revise the 2007 Constitution; in spite there being a common perception - nationwide - that such moves are being made for the party’s sake alone. PPP wish to amend Article 237 of the Charter, as a means to prevent their party from being disbanded. They also wish to amend Article 309, which could help former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra to escape corruption charges.
Although the 2007 Constitution is not as clearly written as its 1997 predecessor, it is a fact that fourteen million Thai citizens - throughout this land - voted for its promulgation. If any party truly wishes to revise the current constitution, it should first remind itself of the large number of people who voted for that charter to be enacted.
It appears that the proposed amendments to the 2007 Constitution are not intended to improve the country’s democratic standing or create greater confidence among foreign investors - as some politicians have claimed. Foreign investors are usually concerned that elections take place, but do not generally wish to get involved in a country’s internal affairs. It is, perhaps, much more the case that investors desire that our Kingdom remains a stable environment - in which their investments will thrive.
Before we consider amending the 2007 Constitution, we need to figure out some sound reasons why such a step is really necessary. We also need to know exactly whom the planned revisions will benefit. Thais should demand that their politicians only act with a completely clear conscience, when it comes to such a major issue.
Right now, the Government and the People Power Party are setting out to do almost exactly the same thing that the Council for National Security (CNS) did during its tenure in power. This government - and this party - want to amend the law-of-the-land for their own benefit, and ensure that the revisions are retroactive.
The citizens of this country want the Government to alleviate their economic burden - but the Government only seems intent on amending the 2007 Constitution to avoid legal action from being taken against it.

"Authentic Bangkok Diet Pills from Thailand! BUY IT NOW!" - eBay, April, 2008

In Cambodia Urban Renewal Takes A Nasty Twist - Asia Sentinel, April, 2008
[Thanks to Nils for pointing this out.]
... Excluding Burma, “Cambodia has the most abusive record of forced evictions in the region,” said David Pred, the country director an international NGO called Bridges Across Borders.
In an interesting twist, the Cambodian Red Cross, which has been appealing for donations to resettle squatters, is headed by the prime minister’s wife, Bun Rany Hun Sen. Besides widespread allegations of corruption and misuse of funds, the Cambodia Red Cross’s appeal for funds to resettle people evicted as a result of land grabs by people closely tied to the prime minister is, to use the phrase of one diplomat, “more than a little off-putting...”

Thai snowfall? - April 27, 2008 From Matichon: Doi Chang at Chaing Rai was whitened with small hail that looked like snow. The Metrological Department specified this is a natural phenomenal that occurs when hot weather meets with cold weather (photo from Prachachatturakit newspaper on April 26). Earlier: The day it snowed in Thailand in 1955

More cannon polishing - Poojadkuan, April 25, 2008 It reads: People resist allowing Duang to polish the cannon in front of the Defense Ministry for fear he will make the Payatani cannon go off [Payatani is the name of the cannon.] Earlier: Poojadkuan columns

Still yet more cannon polishing - Manager, April 25, 2008
It reads: I was lucky that Ai Pued only had a small gun. [Chalerm's son Duang polishes a cannon in front of the Defense Ministry. In 2001, Sergeant Suwichai Rodwimut was shot dead in a pub. Once Duang Yoobamrung turned himself in, his father, Chalerm, claimed a person named Ai Pued actually shot and killed the policeman. Here, the ghost of the policeman thinks it is fortunate he was not shot with the big cannon.]

PAD rally - April 24, 2008

Is the temple of Buddha’s footprints the temple of doom? - Times Online, April 13, 2008
It’s a Buddhist temple that cares for dying Aids patients. It’s also a hugely successful money-making operation, attracting thousands of tourists with its displays of mummified corpses. So where does all that money go?...

Job for Duang - Kajor Ngorngae by Mor, Krungtepturakit, April 24, 2008
Left: Chalerm says: Don't worry, if my son, Duang, is back in the military, I will tell him to polish the big guns in front of the Defense Ministry.
Middle: The reporter says: Do you think that job is suitable for your son? It is like beneath his knowledge and capabilities.
Chalerm says: So what is the suitable job for him?
Right: The reporter says: Quelling the southern unrest.
[Powerful politician Chalerm's son Duang was reinstated into the military recently. He was stripped of his position after refusing to turn himself over the the police over alleged involvement in the shooting death of a police officer in a nightclub. The cartoon reflects many of the urban elites' view of the spoiled Chalerm boys by suggesting they be sent to the dangerous South. An earlier cartoon about the Chalerm boys is here.]

Monday: More Chalerm sons political cartoons

More: Unlocking the Thai world: Thai-language newspaper headlines and editorials

Satellite photos of Bangkok in 1997 and 2007 - EORC, April, 2008

Early human populations evolved separately for 100,000 years - NatGeo, April 24, 2008

Humans nearly wiped out 70,000 years ago, study says - CNN, April 24, 2008

Thailand - by Arun, Krungtepturakit, April 22, 2008
The left tire reads: Politics
The right tire reads: Economy

Vietnam arrests blogger for reporting torch protests - Bangkok Post, April 24, 2008
...The newspaper Vietnam Law reported that Ho Chi Minh City police Tuesday arrested Nguyen Van Hai, who blogs under the name Dieu Cay, on charges of tax evasion. The paper said police had searched Hai's house Monday and found evidence that he and his ex-wife had understated their monthly rent to avoid paying the full value-added tax.
Hai is a member of a group of bloggers known as the Union of Independent Journalists. Other members of the group have called for protests along the torch's route when it is carried through Ho Chi Minh City...

PM hints at an early poll after charter rewrite - The Nation, April 24, 2008

Spokesman: Samak misquoted on House dissolution - Bangkok Post, April 24, 2008
Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej did not say that he will dissolve parliament after the constitution is amended, deputy spokesman of Prime Minister's Office Nuttawut Saikua said Thursday...

(Photo: 2Bangkok.com)

Old police station - April 5, 2008
On the occasion of the resumption of the war on drugs, here is a very rare postcard showing a Thai police station (date unknown). There are many fascinating details including the uniforms, a two-tiered desk, and various implements throughout the station. Here is a hi-res version (1.1 MB)

Falling

City Hall to delay evictions - Bangkok Post, April 9, 2008
...The community behind the centuries-old fort on Ratchadamnoen avenue sits on a four-rai land plot which is set for expropriation.
Bangkok Governor Apirak Kosayodhin has indicated he prefers a compromise to eviction. But the expropriation decree demands prompt eviction of the community, a move backed by the Council of State which was asked by City Hall to look into the legal aspects of the issue.
''We've never wanted to drive them out. In fact, we want to fix their problems,'' said Mr Buddipongse at yesterday's meeting.
Up to 312 residents of the Mahakarn Fort community have fought for 14 years to maintain the community, which has been earmarked for development into a public park.
Community leader Tawatchai Voramahakun said the legal changes would be a solution to the problem.
However, a source said it was against the principle of any law to change the decree to benefit a certain group of people. The fact remained that the community is on public land.
Earlier: The Mahakan Fort community

New energy drink: Thaksin... fight! - Matichon, April 11, 2008 Right: Ad for the new Thaksin-themed drink from Sunspark Company. It reads: Give moral support - Give.. Thaksin Soo [Thaksin, fight] At the bottom: Don't give moral support more than two bottles per day. Boys will be girls - If they're from Bangkok - Derby Evening Telegraph, April, 2008 ...Organisers insist it is sexy not sexual, exotic not erotic - and is inspired by the bright lights of Las Vegas rather than the back streets of Bangkok. "The Lady Boys are reviving an ancient tradition which existed for centuries in Thailand," says the show's PR manager Tony Wilkie-Millar...

(from Anake Nawigamune's A Century of Thai Graphic Design)

Rice - April 12, 2008
1930s-era poster - It reads: Fate of millions of starving people worldwide is in the hands of Thai farmers. - Thailand [in red] - Thais are Buddhist. We will never let people in the world die from starvation and hunger. The more rice you grow – the higher sales you get.

Farmers under siege - Krungtepturakit, April 3, 2008

Thai police abandon probe of Bangkok blasts - AFP, March 21, 2008
Thai police have given up their investigation into deadly bombings across Bangkok on New Year's Eve in 2006, saying Friday that they had failed to find any clues to the culprits...
Earlier: Bangkok New Year's blasts