• Tourist Police chief says Pattaya ‘completely safe’ from terrorist attack
  • Old New Year’s Postcard
  • Eight Years Ago Today: Lamenting Trink in The Nation
  • Five Years Ago Today: For investors in Thailand, it’s clearly unclear
  • Thai-language Headlines of January 27, 2012
  • Malaysia: No End to Sex Videos to Discredit Anwar
  • Thailand’s Prime Minister scales down glam quotient
  • Thai Elephants might become extinct because too many people are eating them
  • Seven Years Ago: The Bangkok Snowstorm Commercial
  • Weekly News Magazines, January 20, 2012
  • Editorial Cartoons on the Terrorism Scare
  • Happy New Year from Chonburi Politicians
  • Thai-language Headlines of January 26, 2012
  • Eight Years Ago Today: No Bird Flu in Thailand
  • Flood-proofing Bangkok could force canal dwellers out
  • Press Freedom Index 2011/2012
  • Conversations with Thaksin, Thailand’s prime suspect
  • Chumphon Station Postcard, circa 1926
  • Poo’s golden spells, “under control” and “I don’t know,” can help her survive
  • The Democrat Party is Full of Sadists
  • Thai-language Headlines of January 25, 2012
  • ‘Coating’ from the Thai PM’s stylebook: Chic Yingluck Shinawatra touches down in Delhi
  • BMA unveils 3D map ahead of city plan
  • Give in to Beer and Sexy Ladies
  • 2011, the Year of Rabbit Hunting

Tourist Police chief says Pattaya ‘completely safe’ from terrorist attack

Tourist Police chief says Pattaya ‘completely safe’ from terrorist attack – pattayamail.com, January 27, 2012
Pattaya Tourist Police seeking to blunt damage to tourism from foreign government warnings of a possible terrorist attack in Thailand are asserting the city is “completely safe” from attack.
Tourist Police superintendent Lt. Col. Arun Promphan said Jan. 17 there was “no reason to believe there will be any terrorism dangers in Thailand.” He said Pattaya was not named in any warnings, but a number of local tourists “panicked” after listening to what he called “one-sided material” from the foreign embassies…

Posted in Pattaya, Security | Leave a comment

Old New Year’s Postcard

The card reads: Best wishes for the year 24 ……. BE [The blank is for the last two numbers of whatever year to be filled in.]
Be successful, happy, sad no more and all your desires fulfilled
Sender’s name …….

Posted in New Year's Eve | Leave a comment

Eight Years Ago Today: Lamenting Trink in The Nation

Eight Years Ago Today: Lamenting Trink in The Nation

Posted in Today in History | Leave a comment

Five Years Ago Today: For investors in Thailand, it’s clearly unclear

Five Years Ago Today: For investors in Thailand, it’s clearly unclear

Posted in Today in History | Leave a comment

Thai-language Headlines of January 27, 2012

 

Komchadluek, January 27, 2012
- Major Piyanat confessed that he transferred drugs and got 1 million baht. General Prayuth vows that misconduct charges will be brought against the owner of second hand car business. [the initial person arrested in the drug sting]
- The organizer [of the botched firewroks celebration] apologized to all Supanburi residents. The police will arrest the representative of the fireworks company.
- Teerayuth pointed out a crisis will happen if article 112 is amended. There will be a strong conflict in the country.
- Suchart-Prapassorn-Chelermchai-Settha are the national artists of the year 2011.

Matichon, January 27, 2012
- 4 decrees were submitted to a royal approval already. Democrats hurry to obstruct these and submit documents to the court to claim that they will conflict with the constitution.
- A major was questioned about a drug connection and he got a 1 million baht payment [for drugs].
- The police raided three factories producing poor-standard steel.
- An organizer in Chinese New Year explosion was alleged.

ThaiRath, January 27, 2012
- There is curse that caused the firework explosion because the giant dragon shielded the Shrine of the City Pillar [this is the large dragon visible in the photos of the incident]
- Major Nut was under arrested and taken to Bangkok. He confessed that he was a driver of a van that carries drugs.
- National Police chief Gen. Priewpan will be on a hunt for 22 casinos and declared clearly that if any police officer has ties to these casinos then he will be charged for misconduct.
- The Puea Thai party condemned the Nitirat group as being employed to overthrow the government.

Daily New, January 27, 2012
- 4 decrees for loans were approved and announced in the government gazette already.
- Teerayuth warned the amendment of article 112 will lead to a critical situation.
- A Korat woman, the owner of a cassava farm, stripped almost naked to protest about government farm policy.
- A sergeant was arrested as being part of a network moving a billion baht worth of drugs.

Posted in Thai newspaper headlines | Leave a comment

Malaysia: No End to Sex Videos to Discredit Anwar

Datuk T returns with new Thailand sex expose – Malaysiakini, January 27, 2012
…Police are investigating Anwar under Section 182 of the Penal Code for giving ” false information to injure another person” based on his police report denying he was the man in the video.
…Meanwhile, former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad said Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak need not entertain Anwar’s challenge for a debate on the country’s policies.
…”It’s a different case if Anwar shares the government’s opinion on matters raised,” he said…

Posted in Malaysia | Leave a comment

Thailand’s Prime Minister scales down glam quotient

Thailand’s Prime Minister scales down glam quotient – dailymail.co.uk, January 26, 2012
…Already having received a lot of attention for her fashion choices and immaculate hair and make-up abroad, especially on diplomatic tours like this one – her dressing style was recently discussed in the Indonesian Parliament, making her blush profusely – Shinawatra has decidedly been low-key on her fashion quotient on this visit…

Posted in 2Bangkok News | Leave a comment

Thai Elephants might become extinct because too many people are eating them

Thai Elephants might become extinct because too many people are eating them – nydailynews.com, January 26, 2012
…”The poachers took away the elephants’ sex organs and trunks … for human consumption,” Damrong Phidet, director-general of Thailand’s wildlife agency, told The Associated Press. Some meat was to be consumed without cooking, like “elephant sashimi,” he said…

Posted in Wildlife and Nature | Leave a comment

Seven Years Ago: The Bangkok Snowstorm Commercial

Seven Years Ago: The Bangkok Snowstorm Commercial

Posted in Today in History | Leave a comment

Weekly News Magazines, January 20, 2012

Nation Weekend, January 20, 2012
The cover reads: Red wei hei!
["Wei hei" is a colloquial ending word for a statement or explanation. Here it means that Yingluck's second cabinet has prominent Red Shirts in it.]

Matichon Weekly, January 20, 2012
The cover reads: Tiles will prosper and soar.
[This is a Thai idiom. It means bad people become successful and prosper. Normally a tile must sink into the water, but a floating tile is a bad person who is successful or get good things from his bad behavior--in this case Nattawut, who famously threatened Bangkok with burning, yet has gained a role in the cabinet.]

Posted in Thai Newspapers and Magazines | Leave a comment

Editorial Cartoons on the Terrorism Scare

From Thairath, January 13, 2012
The cartoon title reads: Father of Pla Boo 2… American style! [Pla Boo's father was the one promoting the prediction of his deceased son that Bhumipol Dam would burst on new year's eve.]
On Yingluck’s paper: Future reconstruction and national recovery
On Surapong’s suit: Foreign Affairs
Uncle Sam’s words: Announcement: Thailand is at risk of terrorism.   

From Manager, January 19, 2012
Left, the American Ambassador says: Terrorists will operate in Bangkok.
Right, PM Yingluck says: Terrorists will be ministers in the Poo 2 cabinet. [referring to Red Shirts who have prominent positions in her cabinet]

From KhaoSod, January 21, 2012
On the bomb: Terrorism

From Manager, January 18, 2012
The detained terror suspect says: We see that terrorists in this country become MPs or ministers after finishing their operations. We want to do the same.
The caption reads: The reasons for terrorist operations in Thailand
[again referring to Red Shirts who have prominent positions in her cabinet]

From Thairath, January 15, 2012
The cartoon title reads: It must be done like this. Can it be under control…?
Yingluck’s phone: Cabinet reshuffle
Yingluck’s paper: Poo 2 cabinet
Flying chairs: Minister – Deputy Minister
On the wall: Poo 1 cabinet
Left mouse: Silent bomb
Right mouse: Amend the unjust laws

From Manager, January 17, 2012
Eagle (representing the U.S.): There will be big terrorism in Bangkok.
Parrot (representing PM Yingluck): Under control… under control… under control… under control… under control…
The caption reads: An eagle threatens… …A parrot soothes
[Refers to Yingluck's repeated refrain that all is "under control."]

Posted in Editorial Cartoons | Leave a comment

Happy New Year from Chonburi Politicians


(Photo: 2Bangkok.com)

The sign reads: Rak Samet Group – Happy New Year 2012 – May Samet residents be happy, not suffer and meet with only good during all of 2012.
[Samet referring to the Tambon Samet Municipality in Chonburi province]


(Photo: 2Bangkok.com)

The sign reads: Puea Thai Party – Happy New Year 2012 – In this auspicious new year, may all things sacred bring happiness and prosperity to all residents.
Mr. Manit Pawasuth, assistant to the science and technology minister
Mr. Sanga Tanasanguanwong, secretary to the labor minister
Mr. Jirawut Singtothong, secretary to the commerce minister
Mr. Pinyo Tunwiset, consultant to the deputy finance minister

Posted in Signs and Billboards | Leave a comment

Thai-language Headlines of January 26, 2012

Komchadluek, January 26, 2012
- The spider appeared in the city. Bit [someone] to death. The spider is small and grey color. It’s not a black widow spider.
- The event organizer at Supanburi was implicated for the explosion in the event. [Yesterday's fireworks explosion that killed at least 4.]
- The owner of a secondhand car shop linked to a major of the armed forces is arrested.
- The Commissioner General ordered public security officers to keep an eye on the Nitirat group. [a group of academics calling for reform of the lese majeste law]

Matichon, January 26, 2012
- The organizer and the person who ignited fireworks are accused as the cause of the explosion of fireworks in Suphanburi.
- A big drugs dealer with one billion baht worth of drugs is accused.
- Cutting the interest rate to 3% to improve the economy. Civil servants surely will have the 15,000 baht [increase in salary promised by the government] by the end of January.
- The Nitirat group denied that they are leading the push for the amendment of Article 112. Big Too [General Prayuth] said that the Nitirat are hurting the feelings of Thai people.

Thairath, January 26, 2012
- The firework were in a misdirected position and that’s why there was an explosion at the Chinese New Year [festival] in Supanburi.
- Big Too criticized the Nitirat group for the intention to amend article 112.
- Mr. Nipon Panchart is arrested and accepted that a [army] major is involved with him as a drug gangster.
- Autopsy of the dead body of the spider victim. Revealed that this spider has 8 legs and it must be a brown widow spider.

Daily News, January 26, 2012
- The godfather of drugs has confessed that a major in the armed forces is a big player in the drug trafficking network.
- Mr. Chuwit disclosed that there are many illegal franchise casinos which are back up by generals in the armed forces.
- There is a cut in interest rates of 0.25%.
- The United Front for Red Shirt Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD) proposed the amendment of Section 291 of the constitution.

Posted in Thai newspaper headlines | Leave a comment

Eight Years Ago Today: No Bird Flu in Thailand

Eight Years Ago Today: No Bird Flu in Thailand
[The government strategy for the bird flu was to deny there was any bird flu at all despite evidence to the contrary.]

Posted in Today in History | Leave a comment

Flood-proofing Bangkok could force canal dwellers out

Flood-proofing Bangkok could force canal dwellers out – BBC, January 26, 2012
…For the last nine years a government-backed project has been trying to convince the estimated 6,000 households who live along Bangkok’s watersways to give up their homes and allow canal areas to be redeveloped.
Some have agreed, trading greater living space for the security of living somewhere with legal status.
Others like Mrs Chuang and her neighbours have resisted.
“The floods have nothing to do with us. We live above the canal – we don’t make it flood,” said Mrs Chuang.
“They say if we don’t go they’re going to demolish our home, but we’ve been here 32 years…”

Posted in Floods | Leave a comment

Press Freedom Index 2011/2012

Press Freedom Index 2011/2012 – rsf.org, January, 2012
Thailand is 137.

Posted in Thai Newspapers and Magazines | Leave a comment

Conversations with Thaksin, Thailand’s prime suspect

Conversations with Thaksin, Thailand’s prime suspect – japantimes.co.jp, January 25, 2012
…”You know how much I was paid during my prime ministership? Three thousand U.S. dollars a month. And no pension. You know how much I paid for my security people? They assign a security team for me, but they are government officials, so I need to pay them more. The total came to about $15,000 a month — just for my security team.”
“That’s out of your own pocket?”
“And I got paid $3,000 a month as P.M.!”
“The only person who could be prime minister is someone who is either very independently wealthy, or is getting an income stream from some sources that are — how to say it? — not completely evident. That’s a formula for bad government…”

Foreign Policy Under Yingluck: Return to Thaksin’s CEO Style? – thejakartaglobe.com, January 25, 2012
…It is fair to say that since Thaksin’s downfall in 2006, Thailand has had no tangible foreign policy. The Samak Sundaravej and Somchai Wongsawat governments were short-lived. And the Abhisit Vejjajiva period was marked by conflicts with neighboring countries, especially Cambodia.
…Ultimately, both Yingluck and her foreign minister, Surapong Tovichakchaikul, have no experience in diplomacy. And one must not forget that Yingluck is indeed Thaksin in disguise. Accordingly, it is likely that she will restore the “Thaksinized” foreign policy that was essentially commerce-driven without any respect for principles.
In 2001 to 2006, Thailand under Thaksin was so ambitious that it thought it could conquer the world…

Posted in 2Bangkok News | Leave a comment

Chumphon Station Postcard, circa 1926

The caption reads: Chumphon Station, with the Royal Railway Department staff dormitory on the left.

The message reads: Happy New Year 1926 to Sisawat. Be happy all 365 days. From your friend, Niratnan

Posted in Old photos and films, Thai Railroads | 2 Comments

Poo’s golden spells, “under control” and “I don’t know,” can help her survive

From Komchadluek, December 31, 2011
Top right: Shadow Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva [he is making the shadow of a barking dog]
Bottom right: Shadow cabinet’s performance
On the running woman’s hair: Prime minister [she is running like Herge's Tin Tin]

From Thairath, December 31, 2011
The cartoon reads: Goodbye to the Year of the Rabbit
It’s a pity the dancing rabbit had to leave as if cotton buds were taken away when his ears were itchy. [maybe referring to the Ja Turbo controversy]
It’s the time of floating tiles [meaning floor tiles floating from the flood] that Poo’s golden spells, “under control” and ”I don’t know,” can help her survive.
In the year of clear water, one can see crocodiles.
Attractive city plans and good locations looked like resorts where garages were full of motorboats or yachts, and cars were parked on bridges comfortably.

Posted in New Year's Cartoons | Leave a comment

The Democrat Party is Full of Sadists

From Thairath, January 4, 2012
The cartoon caption reads: The country is in crisis, the party [the Democrat Party] is full of sadists.
Text related to skulls: Requesting that parliament be dissolved - April-May 2010 – Victims of power madness. [referring to those who died during the Red Shirt protests of 2010]
Sign above the dead body: Clean toilets – Gas station in Samut Sakhon.
Near the body: President of [Samut Sakhon] Provincial Administration Organization. Victim of emotion. [referring to the politician who was allegedly killed by a Democrat MP]
Sign held by the protester: Amending the constitution of the coup.
On the bowl: The 2007 constitution.
On the missile: Anti-constitutional amendment. Victim of dictatorship.

Posted in Editorial Cartoons | Leave a comment

Thai-language Headlines of January 25, 2012

Komchadluek, January 25, 2012
- Fireworks for the opening Chinese New Year event in Supanburi flew into a temple and burned. 3 died and many were injured.
- The police will apprehend by killing a drug gangsters who shot dead a market woman at Chatujak market during a raid. And they suspect the owner of a rental cars shop. [this is a police death warrant issued against a person accused of being a brutal killer]
- PM bars the Nitirat Groups from pushing the amendment of section 112 [the lese majeste law]. She confirmed that the government has the view that it don’t touch section 112.
- A spider that bit and killed a man might be a black widow spider.

Matichon, January 25, 2012
- Poo asked the Nitirat group to stop pushing the amendment of section 112. The Puea Thai Party also declared that there are a large number of people being paid 500 baht to agitate against the government.
- 41 people were appointed as secretaries and advisers to the cabinet. [These are political positions rather than clerical positions.]
- The first phase of the ombudsman positions is finalized under Yingluck 2 [the second cabinet of PM Yingluck].
- PM threatens to take back the budget if revitalization and flood solving projects are not moving forward.

Daily News, January 25, 2012
- At least four people were killed and many injured in an explosion and fire caused by fireworks at a Chinese New Year celebration in Suphan Buri province.
- A court has ordered Samitivej Hospital to pay 18 million baht in compensation for malpractice which led to a death of woman and her unborn baby during labor.
- Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra said that the monarchy should be protected and Article 112 will not be amended.
- Mr. A was shot dead during a raid on a house’s roof.

Thairath, Janary 25, 2012
- A man died mysteriously. His wife said that he was bitten to death by a spider.
- The penis of an elephant was sliced to make sashimi.
- The Puea Thai Party abandoned the Nitirat group 112.
- There was firework explosion at a Chinese New Year celebration in Suphan Buri province.

Posted in Thai newspaper headlines | Leave a comment

‘Coating’ from the Thai PM’s stylebook: Chic Yingluck Shinawatra touches down in Delhi

‘Coating’ from the Thai PM’s stylebook: Chic Yingluck Shinawatra touches down in Delhi – Daily Mail India, January 25, 2012
…Style bloggers in Thailand and Indonesia are already clubbing her with fashion superiors Michelle Obama and Carla Bruni.
Her style – being a balance between Michelle’s love for the high street and Bruni’s love for elegant classics – makes the premier a hit with the fashion police.
On the one hand, her love for Crystal Shopping Mall is compared to Michelle’s love for J Crew, on the other, her clear bias for blazers and matching pant and kneelength skirt suits is more akin to Bruni’s style…

Posted in Thai Politics | Leave a comment

BMA unveils 3D map ahead of city plan

BMA unveils 3D map ahead of city plan – The Nation, January 24, 2012
…Wallop said the map, with a ratio of 1:500, was also available for city officials’ use, at http://3d-cpd.bma.go.th/…
[But of course no one at the Nation would ever check a url before posting it. Does anyone know the correct url or is the site down?]

Posted in Maps | 2 Comments

Give in to Beer and Sexy Ladies


(Photo: 2Bangkok.com)

Warning at top: Drinking beer can result in disability or death.
Main part of the billboard: Some people say men must be strong all the time, but actually men can give in sometimes.
Extraordinary lives belong to those who disbelieve old ideas.
Tiger Beer — Make each day extraordinary

Posted in Signs and Billboards | Leave a comment

2011, the Year of Rabbit Hunting

From Komchadluek, December 31, 2011
Cartoon reads: 2011 the Year of Rabbit Hunting
On the rabbit: Thaksin
Hanging sign: Unity [Sanan Kachornprasat is hanging from the sign.]
The man with a club is Abhisit
The man with two knives is Democrat MP Sirichoke Sopa
The man with a log is Kasit Pirom
[Who are the others?]

Posted in New Year's Cartoons | Leave a comment

Nine Years Ago: The Kra Isthmus Canal

Nine Years Ago: The Kra Isthmus Canal

Posted in Today in History | Leave a comment

Happy New Year from All of Us in Chonburi


(Photo: 2Bangkok.com)

The sign reads: Happy New Year 2012 — May all Chonburi residents have only happiness and progress forever — The Palang Chon Party

Posted in Signs and Billboards | Leave a comment

Thai-language Headlines of January 24, 2012

Komchaluek, January 24, 2012
- Chasing Burma to catch the drug gangster that killed a Pol. Sub. Lt. His pension was increased 7 levels of police rank for his sacrifice. [Police and military killed in the line of duty have their rank posthumously raised to provide increased benefits to their families.]
- HM the King told the new cabinet to be honest and develop the country.
- 2 models surrendered themselves to the police in the case of the topless casino. They claimed that they were incited by guests to do it for tips.
- The Queen Sirikit together with HR Princess Sirindhorn visited Yaowarat for the Chinese New Year Festival.

Matichon, January 24, 2012
- His Majesty the King granted an audience to the reshuffled cabinet which was sworn in. He told to the new cabinet to make the country progress and make it safe.
- Yaowarat residents are happy that Queen Sirikit and the Princess Sirindhorn visited on Chinese New Year.
- Poo [PM Yingluck] is wearing the pilot costume to show that she is ready to maneuver.
- Amend or not to amend the law section 112 [the lese majeste law], Mr. Kittipong [deputy of Justice ministry] gave his opinion of the exclusive interview with Matichon.
- Got clues that “Atris” was bomb creator [referring to the Hezbollah-related bombing suspect].

Thairath, January 24, 2012
- His Majesty the King asked the new cabinet to strictly follow their oath.
- Declared that the 1000 million baht assets of the drug dealer will be confiscated.
- Topless models at that casino gave themselves up to the police.
- The First Regional Army pushes BMA to dig some canals as soon as possible. Not only concern about flooding, the government should also beware of drought.

Daily News, January 24, 2012
- His Majesty the King asked the cabinet of Poo II to be honest.
- Her Majesty the Queen and Her Royal Princess Sirindhorn addressed at Yaowarat Festival for Chinese New Year. All residents there greeted them.
- The owner of a luxury house was burnt to death in this house.
- NACC alleged Mr. Supoj of having unreported wealth.

Posted in Thai newspaper headlines | Leave a comment

Three dead in Suphan Buri fireworks



Three dead in Suphan fireworks
– The Nation, January 24, 2012

Posted in 2Bangkok News | 1 Comment

Thai Govt Will Not Meddle in Dawei Dispute

Thai Govt Will Not Meddle in Dawei Dispute – The Irrawaddy, January 24, 2012
The Thai government and key investors are backing the Dawei (Tavoy) harbor and economic zone project despite Naypyidaw’s recent cancellation of a 4,000MW coal-fired power station there and the Karen National Union (KNU) stalling a linking highway.
Speaking to The Irrawaddy at a Thailand Board of Investment (BOI) forum in Bangkok, Kittirat Na Ranong, Thailand’s deputy prime minister—who was appointed finance minister in Thursday’s cabinet reshuffle—said that he remained hopeful that the US $58 billion project will proceed. However, he added, “Thailand will never interfere with any other country for the benefit of any business group…”

Posted in Myanmar | Leave a comment