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News and Views - September 2006
| Anti-war posters from the Vietnam era -
September 30, 2006 |
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Mr. John reports: These are posters that resist the Indochina war... The target was to stop expansion of communism in the region by U.S. setting up military bases in the northeast of Thailand. This created resistance from many people and students. They thought that U.S. military bases destroy sovereignty of Thailand... [These posters are hanging in a cafe in the Hat Yai area] |
(Photo: Don Entz) Golden Triangle -
September 14, 2006
Don Entz reports: This is the Golden Triangle. I'm standing on a hill in Thailand, Burma's on the left, Laos on the
right.
The buildings with the red roofs in Burma is a huge hotel and casino complex called Paradise
Resort's Golden Triangle, a Thai-Japanese joint venture. Only baht and U.S. dollars are
accepted, no kyat or other currencies. You cannot cross to it by the river, but rather have to
cross at Mae Sai and continue overland.
...They're cracking down harder on illegal North Koreans coming in over the
border in Chiang Rai. ...on the bus from Chiang Saen to Chiang Rai
town, we stopped at a police checkpoint, and a cop went through the bus
checking people out. There was a group of five ladies who did not look or
speak Thai, and they were unable to produce any ID. One seemed to be saying
she was from Hong Kong...,
but a couple of them did not look Chinese. They looked Korean. The cop
pulled all five off the bus and sent us on the way. I'm used to that from
Mae Hong Son, where there were always checks for illegal Burmese and a few
getting yanked off. It seems to be a problem specifically right around where
we were, in the Golden Triangle area.
U.S. to back Thai Muslim as UN chief: paper - Reuters, September 28, 2006
Former Thai Foreign Minister Surin Pitsuwan, a Muslim with wide international respect, emerged on Thursday as a possible last-minute candidate to replace Kofi Annan as United Nations Secretary-General...
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"Labia Lift" - September 27, 2006
Odd ad... Thanks to Greg for sending it in. |
TrafficBKK.com -
September 26, 2006
Map and cameras (but the cameras do not seem to be online).
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Dara Daily -
September 26, 2006
John writes: I was shopping at 7/11 when I noticed my wife perusing the cover of Thai showbiz mag... |
"Two songs heard on FM 107 during peak hours" -
September 26, 2006
Gigabyte reports: Don't know if you listen to the radio or if you're even aware, but FM 107 which used to play almost decent music (mostly yucky 80's but also good old 70's, 60's and even 50's classics) went through a major change lately... They are now the 'New FM 107 by MCOT'.
As a result they got rid of all the DJ's (which most of them sucked anyway) and they're playing contemporary International hits.
That's the music that I listen to when I drive my daughter to school in the morning and back home in the afternoon; their contemporary hits are uncensored at all and include (but certainly not limited to) some hits such as "Shake that" by Eminem and "F**k It (I Don't Want You Back)" by Eamon.
It's quite surprising that this can be played uncensored on public airwaves here! A movie recently almost got its 10-minute finale cut by something much less than that...
Thailand's witch hunt - Financial Times, September 18, 2006
[From before the coup, but still interesting...]
For a country that has had no effective government since February, Thailand
has shown remarkable economic resilience. Although weakened confidence has
dampened domestic consumption and investment, growth is still set to exceed
4 per cent this year, thanks to buoyant exports...
Youth upset by whisky ad - The Nation, September 19, 2006
...Despite the "Drink Don't Drive" warning that accompanies the poster, the advertising was aimed at luring new drinkers, said the activist, who thought the visual impact of the Johnnie Walker sign was more powerful than the warning...
A Banned Book Challenges Saintly Image of Thai King - NYT, September 25, 2006
(Photo: 2Bangkok.com)
"Sena Hoi is Too Dark" -
September 4, 2006
This is an advertisement for an album of songs by Sena Hoi. Sena Hoi is a comedian and singer with a popular TV show. The style of song he sings are romantic longing love songs. His first album was very successful. This poster is for his second album Dumjung Sena Hoi which means "Sena Hoi is Too Dark" (Sena Hoi is known for having dark skin). One of the main songs on the album is Dumjung or "Too Dark."
Blackface depictions are not uncommon in Thai pop culture and despite the stereotypical motifs they show, most Thais do not have any particular feeling that they are inappropriate.
Many Thai soap operas have used characters in blackface including Khao Nok Nah from the early-1990s.
(Photo: 2Bangkok.com)
Pattaya billboard -
September 16, 2006
TAT billboard near the Ratacha massage parlor district promoting Pattaya. It reads: Let's go to Pattaya!!!
(Photo: 2Bangkok.com)
Hurt finger -
September 15, 2006
The sign reads: Injured, died, disabled from work - The Workmen's Fund protects and helps - Know rights, use rights, call 1506 - Thai workers gather to decrease accidents and sickness related to work.
End of contract at Suam Lum - Landlord luring tenants out with free rent - Bangkok Post, September 6, 2006
...The Crown Property Bureau wants to get the space back from its current tenant so a new client--who has plans for residential condominiums, a hotel, commercial plaza, entertainment and an art and cultural centre--can move in.
Although it has not been yet announced, Central Pattana Plc has said it wanted to get the concession to develop the 127-rai plot bordered by Wireless and Rama IV roads in the middle of the central business district...
UA ATHORN HOUSING PROJECT -
Problems Plague dream homes - The Nation, September 4, 2006
...Many who moved in found the estates were too far from their workplaces and so moved out again. Others were unable to keep up with the payments and their units were repossessed by the banks. Complaints have also arisen about the poor quality of workmanship in the buildings and of property speculators bothering residents with offers to take over their units due to soaring land prices..."
Thai restaurants overseas likely to expand to 20,000 in 2008 - TNA, Mon, September 4, 2006
The number of Thai restaurants overseas is believed to increase to 20,000 as targeted by the Ministry of Commerce by 2008, Vice Minister for Commerce Pimol Srivikorn said on Monday...
Space travel reaches Thailand - eyefortravel.com, September 1, 2006
...As per the information available, for US$100,000, wealthy Thais can spend two days at a training centre in Russia or Florida before launching off for a 15-20 minute suborbital flight, which soars 100 kilometres above Earth. So far, two Thais have signed up for the space flights, according to Sarasin...
English paper closes doors - Bangkok Post,
September 3, 2006
In less than a week, Business Day becomes second English-language newspaper to suspend publication.
...Mr Chartchai said he decided to "suspend" Business Day because he was tied up with other businesses...
Earlier: End of ThaiDay
Maori claims world's longest place name - Bangkok Post, September 2, 2006
...
Actually, the Maori name, with 87 letters, is a mere pretender.
The Guiness Book of Records says Bangkok has the longest place name in the world, with about 190 letters, depending on the transliteration:
Krung Thep Mahanakhon Amon Rattanakosin Mahinthara Ayuthaya Mahadilok Phop Noppharat Ratchathani Burirom Udomratchaniwet Mahasathan Amon Piman Awatan Sathit Sakkathattiya Witsanukam Prasit
Thai political crisis ‘may have increased bird flu’ - Financial Times, September 17, 2006
Thailand slipping on World Bank score table - Bangkok Post, September 18, 2006
...Political stability, long heralded as one of the strongest points of the Thaksin Shinawatra government, ranked just 29.2 points last year out of 100, compared with 54.2 in 2002 and 50.9 in 1998. The category measures the likelihood of violent threats to or changes in government, including terrorist events.
...In general, Thailand in 2005 performed worse than the average for East Asia in voice and accountability, at 49.3 against a regional average of 50.8, as well as in political stability, at 29.2 against 61.3.
But in terms of government effectiveness, Thailand's score of 66 bettered the regional average of 49.6. Regulatory quality, rule of law and control of corruption also were above the average...
ADB Returns to Thai Bond Markets -
ADB, September 15, 2006
Thailand's Nok Air brings new meaning to 'check-in girls' - FlightGlobal, September 15, 2006
Uncyclopedia: Thaksin -
September 19, 2006
Don Entz reports: Yes, the Uncyclopedia article is hilarious.
British man charged sexual harassment - Pattaya Daily News, September 15, 2006
[Classic prose...]
Finally, his evil doings was stopped. Most likely this type of crimes is usually done by foreigners who are still living in Thailand and will continue doing that evil thing if not been caught by the police...
Thailand's Prime Minister, a 'Caretaker' on a Roll - Washington Post, September 16, 2006
..."If the opposition thinks he is corrupt, then take him to court and prove it," said Samak Sundaravej, a Thaksin supporter and former Bangkok governor. "Democracy means the choice of the people, and if Thaksin is again elected, then who can say they know better than the people?"
CosPlay at MBK -
September 3, 2006
(Photo: 2Bangkok.com)
Bangkok City of Life -
September 6, 2006
Remnants of the "Bangkok City of Life" campaign at the Chitlom Skytrain Station. The campaign is being withdrawn because Hong Kong is already using the slogan.
Siam Square land the most expensive - The Nation, September 5, 2006
...The firm said land prices in the Siam Square area had jumped 16 per cent to Bt640,000 per square wah (four square metres) this year, which tops the Bt630,000 per square wah being asked for land in the Yaowarat area. The third most expansive area in Bangkok is Silom, with land selling at Bt560,000 per square wah.
Rising number of Finns contract AIDS in Thailand - AFP, September 4, 2006
Finland is set to see a two-fold increase in AIDS cases in 2006, due in part to men contracting the disease while on holiday in Thailand, the Finnish government said...
Thailand's Full Moon Party comes to Malta - di-ve, September 5, 2006
Paradise Bay will be the venue for the FULL MOON PARTY 2 on September 10. The party will be a fusion of live performances, DJs, and other attractions that will blend in with the breezy decor of the venue to recreate the same vibe of the famous Koh Phangan full moon parties in Thailand...
(Photo: Andrea)
Bangkok rainbow -
September 9, 2006
Andrea writes: As seen on Saturday the 9th of September from our 11th floor balcony. Interesting to note that the end of the rainbow is clearly at the night bazaar!
Cabbies up in arms over bank's ads - The Nation, September 9, 2006
...They claim that SME Bank advertising lured each of them into buying three pieces of equipment - a TV monitor, a credit-card machine and a GPRS receiver - from the company via a loan of Bt60,300, including interest.
...He said the drivers were told they would earn Bt500-Bt850 a month as fees for ads shown on the monitors. They were also told that they would earn Bt5 each time a passenger charged a fare to their credit card. The receivers were said to help them find passengers.
After installing the equipment, they found the items were of no benefit to them. "We never earned any extra fees from the equipment," Sompong said...
Woman who sought Thai 'ozone therapy' dies - NZHerald, September 7, 2006
A waterspout touches down in Cambodia - Daily Mail, September 7, 2006
(Photo: 2Bangkok.com) |
Obese police -
September 9, 2006
Left: It reads: Get rid of fat - Decrease fat for the nation
Rut & Lek Seafood Restaurant -
September 8, 2006
[We are surprised to find one of our favorite "secret" restaurants has a name. This place is exactly like one of those outdoor restaurants at markets in Hong Kong--highly recommended! in a fascinating section of town too.]
Bangkok’s Best Crabs - September 4, 2006
Google Earth placemark for the Soi Texas |
Top Chiang Mai pagoda may collapse - Bangkok Post, September 11, 2006
The pagoda of Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep, one of Chiang Mai's landmark sites, is at risk of collapse amid heavy rains, experts say...
Mr Sahawat said the study indicated that the temple stood on soft soil and part of the area where the pagoda is situated was developed from a landfill. More importantly, the level of underground water was very low, measuring at 20 metres. Such a low water level increased the risk of landslides when it rained heavily...
Thai monkey business over as orangutans head home - Reuters, September 13, 2006
..."It's a huge scandal and it's cost a lot of time and effort, so I'm really happy to see it coming it to an end after more than three years," said Edwin Wiek of Wildlife Friends Foundation Thailand...
Lost City of Chernobyl - English Russia, September 13, 2006
via nothoo.com
Poetry day at The Nation -
September 15, 2006
Stars say PM better off bemoaning his lot in a far-off land (includes a poem at the end) and halfway down the page a poem in the Letters section
Thai fighter sent to Cuba to quit party lifestyle -
ESPN, September 13, 2006
..."If he stays here, he will have problems, so I sent him to Cuba to straighten himself out," Chantaroj said. "Manus goes out partying too much. He got rich after the Olympics and he spent most of his money on gambling, drinking and girlfriends."...
(Photo: 2Bangkok.com) |
Red banner -
September 14, 2006
The red banner reads: 13 things/items - 100 million
We assume this is a teaser for Academy Fantasia 3 (?) |
"We have no secret cell to hold terrorists" FM - The Nation, September 11, 2006
[Thanks to Owen for quickly pointing out the NYT article.]
Foreign Ministry denied on Monday a New York Times article which said Thai
government had allowed the US Central Intelligence Agency to detain a
henchman of Osama bin Laden, who died in the cell from serious wounds.
The New York Times on Sunday published a front page article that claimed Abu
Zubaydah, an Osama bin Laden henchman, was interrogated and tortured in a "safe house" in Thailand in the spring of 2002...
(Photo: 2Bangkok.com)
Storm clouds -
September 8, 2006
PUSHING LUCK - Historian voices concern over ceremony at ancient stupa - The Nation, September 8, 2006
A historian has voiced grave concern over a planned ceremony where heavy wooden poles are to be used to prop up an ancient stupa, in a symbolic gesture of shoring up one's luck. The ceremony is scheduled to take place today at the 700-year-old Wat Maheyong in Ayutthaya's Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya district...
Trend of making up girls to look like 'little women' raises some disturbing questions - The Nation, September 8, 2006
[Peculiar editorial by a foreigner who does not like the Thai dance performances where little girls are dressed up like women.]
...Cultural events, such as the opening temple fair sequence, provide fertile ground for such performances, which blur the line between the adult and child worlds. "I often see it in shopping malls. Events parade the kids while moms apply makeup to their upturned faces," says Chotirawee. The demarcation between adult and child has been breached by popular culture and it is this blending of once separate and distinct spheres that has lead to the sexualisation of children in Thai culture according to the professor.
"In the past there was not the same emphasis on glamorising children. We took part in cultural events but it was pretty innocuous." The shift began about 20 to 25 years ago when people started to identify more with what they saw on television and then tried to replicate it in their children.
In many instances the presence of "little women" is seen not only as harmless but as a propagation of Thai culture itself - teaching girls the finer points of Thai dance, feminine mystique and behaviour. While this may indeed be an expression of Thai culture, it's just one version. Culture is continuously evolving, and these days Thai culture is so adulterated, you can't say what is truly Thai, admits Chotirawee... |
