News and Views - June 2009 “Not the King of Naga serpent” - Matichon, June 5, 2009 The caption reads: “Not the King of Naga serpent” - The body of the oarfish or “paddle” fish, which was caught in Mexico in the year 2007 (below) and the latest caught oarfish fish in Taiwan (inset). Compare to the image of the oarfish that was caught in the Mekong  River by US soldiers in the year 1996. [We think this is an error as the oarfish is a deep sea fish.] The fish was once mistaken by many Thai and Laotian residents along the Mekhong who link it to their belief in the existence of Naga as the fish’s head contains organs similar to a crest. Tee notes: The picture of the soldiers holding the oarfish DID NOT happen on the Mekong("oarfish that was caught in the Mekong  River by US soldiers in the year 1996"), it actually happened in San Diego CA. I know because I live in San Diego and it made news when it happened.  The fish was on display at the Scripps Institute of Oceanography and I have seen it, also in the gift shop they sell the same picture on postcards but the caption reads that it was found in Coronado CA by Navy Seals who train on the beaches on Coronado.  The fish actually washed a shore and was found by the Seals. I also know that in the Bangkok weekend market they sell pictures and make the claim that it was caught on the Mekong...  (Photo: 2Bangkok.com) Above and below: The "taxi mafia" at Suvarnabhumi Airport The descent of Suvarnabhumi - June 9, 2009 Many have commented recently about the increasingly chaotic nature of the international arrivals at Suvarnabhumi Airport--and indeed at the visitors exit there are multiple touts trying to misdirect passengers away from the public taxi exit and a general air of disorganization that brings to mind the Manila Airport of the 1990s. (Photo: 2Bangkok.com) Outside the airport is no better. Groups of "bandit" taxi drivers (left and above) are allowed to stand just outside of the taxi meter area shouting incessantly at the top of their lungs at passengers queuing in the meter taxi line. The legitimate taxi drivers, all older men, stand ruefully by in silence as security people mill around taking no notice of the yelling bandit taxis. Our taxi driver commented how "very terrible" it was that the airport security force was being paid by the "mafia" to allow these unlicensed taxis to harass passengers and steal fares. He also claimed that once the bandit taxis reached their destination, they would demand 1000 baht from the passenger. Our driver further suggested that the solution for this would be to bring Thaksin back to "rule" the country as he would not allow this to happen to honest taxi drivers. Thai businesswoman finds new work for buffaloes - M and C, June 1, 2009 Grammy supports piracy crackdown - TMCnet, June 1, 2009 ...Vendors selling legitimate CDs have shrank to 2,000 from 10,000 outlets the past decade. To adapt, Grammy altered its business direction toward the digital market by providing unlimited downloads of songs to mobile phone subscribers for 20 baht a month. It now has around 1.2 million customers... Change in Myanmar would stabilize region - Thailandnews, June 1, 2009 Thailand's foreign minister urged the creation of an 'open society' in neighbouring Myanmar, saying that an end to repressive government in the military-run nation would help 'stabilize' the south-east Asian region... Hints of Burma-Thailand tension appear in state-run media - The Irrawaddy, June 2, 2009 ...Quoting a story from Bangkok’s Thai Rath newspaper on May 28, Myanma Alin reported on Tuesday that Gen Sonthi Boonyaratglin, the 2006 coup maker who ousted former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, warned that “if Thailand has a conflict with Burma, it will face defeat...”  Thai parliament women speak out for Aung San Suu Kyi - EARTHtimes, June 2, 2009 Twenty-two female members of Thai parliament on Wednesday petitioned Myanmar's junta to drop current charges against democracy icon Aung San Suu Kyi and free her immediately... Knock it off: One Thai museum's quest to educate Asia about counterfeiting - Time, June 4, 2009 "THAI Pays Tribute to Her Majesty the Queen Showing Extravaganza Ten Thousands Orchids Globe At Siam Paragon Bangkok Royal Orchid Paradise 2009" - Thaipr, June 4, 2009 A cancer drug from sunny Thailand? - ABC News, June 7, 2009 ...In 2007, the results of a a 4-year, population-based, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial that involved approximately 1,200 women were announced. It reported that Yaamet-Dor, this time at 1,100 units per day, led to a 60 percent reduction in cancer incidence... Lands of erotic fantasy and their complex reality - New York Times, June, 2009 An adventurous English friend named Belinda, searching some years ago for sensual ecstasy in the East, once described finding a special salon in upcountry Thailand, where she was invited to allow herself to be restrained quite naked on a cedar table and have three young female attendants gently apply a sweet-smelling unguent to her more delicate parts... On the 2b forum: Thairath gone too far - Showing the naked photo of the dead David Carradine FBI not allowed to intervene in Carradine investigation - Bangkok Post, June 8, 2009 FBI may be allowed to take part in probe into Carradine's death - The Nation, June 8, 2009 Carradine family takes action on probe, photos - WCVB Boston, June 8, 2009 David Carradine's family members, dissatisfied with Thai investigators and "profoundly disturbed" by the publication of a forensics photo in a Bangkok tabloid, are seeking help from the FBI and an independent pathologist and have threatened legal action against any media outlet that reprints images of the actor in death... Carradine's family wants FBI to investigate death - Las Cruces Sun-News, June 5, 2009 The family of American actor David Carradine has asked the FBI to help investigate his death after his body was found in a hotel closet in Thailand's capital with a rope tied to his neck, wrist and genitals... Attorney believes Carradine was murdered - WSYR 9 Syracuse, June 5, 2009 David Carradine's lawyer is calling on Thai authorities to launch a murder investigation because she believes the actor was killed and his death made to look like a suicide... Martial arts expert convinced David Carradine killed by kung fu cult - 3news, June 9, 2009 HETHERINGTON: Blundering by bank cut off my cash in Thailand - Daily Mail, June 6, 2009 Director's debut gets Thai tongues wagging - Harborough Mail, June 5, 2009 A Gilmorton man who jetted to Thailand last year with just a screenplay and 6,000 has just finished making his first short film... (Photo: 2Bangkok.com) RBAC - June 11, 2009 It reads: The world steps ahead to the future - You must follow - Ratana Bundit University (RBAC) [The lady is Assoc. Prof. Sunee Sinthudecha, a well-known academic.] Old shopping malls - June 11, 2009 Interesting Thai-language blog with some old ads and comments about Thai shopping malls. (Photo: 2Bangkok.com) Signs of drug dealing - June 11, 2009 This is part of a banner campaign in sections all around town asking people to inform on drug dealing activities to the local police. It reads: Signs of drug dealing - Inform Police Colonel Manop Sukonthanapat, Suthisarn Police station Superintendent - Mobile phone 081-9212327, 081-3134446 - Email: manop 43@hotmail.com (Photo: 2Bangkok.com) Signs of drug dealing - June 12, 2009 This is part of a banner campaign in sections all around town asking people to inform on drug dealing activities to the local police. It reads: Amphetamines are hard drugs - It is putting lives at risk - It is a society toxin - Signs of drug dealing, inform tel. 02-282-6610 or P.O. Box 222 Lanluang Post Office, Bangkok or nanglengpolice@hotmail.com - Police Colonel Rangsan Praditphon - Nangleng Metropolitan Police Superintendent - Metropolitan 1 Police Division  Thailand's fearless 'Dr Death' - BBC News, June 11, 2009 ...She also angered police over the so-called war on drugs, in which 2,500 people - mainly dealers and addicts - were killed. Bodies were found clutching weapons and drugs as if they had died in gun battles with police. But Dr Pornthip discovered that residue from gun barrels had been smeared on some victims' hands after their deaths... 300,000 stray dogs roam the streets of Bangkok - DigitalJournal.com, June, 2009 Old Southeast Asia combat zone gives way to burgeoning trade corridor - ABD, June 11, 2009 ...Overland shipments between Thailand and Viet Nam along the East-West Economic Corridor – which runs from Danang, Viet Nam, through Savannakhet, Lao PDR and into Thailand – can now proceed directly to their final destination. Shipments previously needed to be unloaded and re-loaded in Lao territory... UC Riverside gets a trove of 'priceless' Thai literature - Los Angeles Times, June 12, 2009 ...It's a virtual archive of Thai culture, taking in the full sweep of the nation's history, religious lore, art and anthropology. There's even a book on Abraham Lincoln, written in Thai. "Every time I come down here, I can't believe we own this stuff," said McDaniel, a professor of religious studies, as he thumbed through a tattered 100-year-old volume of Buddhist children stories. "This is priceless..." U.S. bans Australian who stole bar mat - Big Pond News, June 11, 2009 The Melbourne woman jailed in Thailand for stealing a bar mat has been refused a visa into the US... Thai tabloids lurch between lurid and deferential - MSNBC, June 11, 2009 ...But when it comes to reporting dramatic crimes, especially those involving sex and violence, all hell breaks loose. Crime reporting is so detailed that it tends to the gaudy and salacious, the death of David Carradine being the most recent example of over-the-top coverage. In contrast, century-old lèse majesté ("injured majesty") laws mean that Thai media most often exercises self-censorship and is extremely cautious when it comes to covering the monarchy, military, judiciary or other politically sensitive issues... Britney plans lavish break at Thai resort for her entourage - New Kerala, June 15, 2009 Pop princess Britney Spears, currently on her comeback tour, has planned a lavish break for her back-up dancers and key staff at a resort in Thailand... Thai tops pizza as fattiest takeaway - NEWS.com.au, June 14, 2009 ...Thai fish cakes had excessive amounts of salt, while Pad Thai contained 11.3g of fat per 100g and beef penang contained 8.8g, including 6.1g of saturated fat... Thais told to wear facial masks amid rising flu cases - Xinhua, June 15, 2009 Supply of firearms to civilians heats up southern Thai conflict - Bernama, June 15, 2009 The Thai government has been asked to end the creation of armed civilian defence volunteer forces and supply of firearms to civilians in the restive southern Thailand as it had led to greater insecurity and ethnic polarisation among the population... Anti-government fervor persists among Thailand's rural poor - Washington Post Foreign Service, June 16, 2009 20 armoured cars for VIPs approved - Bangkok Post, June 16, 2009 ...The military has only only three armoured limousines.  One of them was badly damaged by protesters during the Songkran riots, one has a broken engine, and only one is available for use... Thai streets disinfected as flu patients number rises to 310 - China Daily,  June 16, 2009 Tango Trikes - June, 2009 Suu Kyi’s detention affects Asean’s credibility: Thai PM - The Irawaddy, June 16, 2009 Thai PM Abhisit on Burma and Asean - FEER, June, 2009 Derelict structure on a pier in Pattaya - orientexpat.com, June, 2009 ...This thread was inspired by a structure I saw in North Pattaya and I can't find out much about it. It was clearly visible from my hotel room just a few hundred yards away and it is a pier structure extending quite some distance out to sea. It looked like some old war time bombed out pier on the south coast of England, decaying and crumbling away into the water (all the pictures in this post were taken with my mobile phone, so sorry about the image quality)... Report: Thailand, South Africa, Gaza Strip worst places for refugees - Voice of America, June 17, 2009 ..."They towed them back out to sea with disabled engines, inadequate food and water, at least a thousand of them. Some 400 were rescued in Indonesia or found later and nearly died," Smith said. "Hundreds more were missing and presumed drowned..." Rohingya with links to LTTE, Al Qaeda arrested in Thailand - Bernama, June 17, 2009 Three Rohingya involved in human trafficking and with links with the defeated Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) in Sri Lanka, Al Qaeda and southern Thai insurgents have been arrested by Thai authorities... Canada is source, destination for sex tourism: US report - Canada.com, June, 2009 (Photo: 2Bangkok.com) Drive-thru car registration - June, 2009 Scene of the drive-through vehicle registration at Morchit. It just takes a few seconds to register and get the yearly registration sticker--and no forms to fill out or sign. Cambodia premier expresses regret - Gulf Times, June 18, 2009 Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen yesterday expressed "deep regret" over suggestions by his Thai counterpart that an 11th-century Hindu temple ruin in a disputed border region be jointly administered by the neighboring countries... "Defendant in BBTV case arrested" - June 19, 2009 From a theruthgroup.com press release: As you know, BBTV has filed a court order to halt illegal copying selling and re-broadcasting of its copyrighted programs by Los Angeles-based IPTV, which BBTV alleges has been illegally distributing its content on the website, ThaiTV.tv, and to Thai and Asian storefronts throughout the United States. We thought that you might be interested to know that Mr. Noppadol Wongchaiwat, one of the defendants in BBTV’s US Civil Case, was arrested by the Thai immigration at the Suvarnabhumi Airport (Bangkok International Airport) on June 16, 2009 on charges related to a separate case. The arrest was made in accordance with a warrant issued by the Thai Criminal Court in October 2003 (Warrant Number 7068/2564). At that time, CAT Telecom Public Company Limited, a major international calling service provider in Thailand, discovered that Mr. Wongchaiwat and his team in Thailand engaged in an international calling card business without a license under the Thai Telecommunications Business Act 2001. Violation can be subject to criminal offences of imprisonment not more than 5 years or a fine of not more than Baht 10 million or both... Earlier: Bangkok Broadcasting & T.V. Co. files court order to halt illegal copying, selling and re-broadcasting of copyrighted programs - PRNewswire, May 29, 2009 Academic Ghostwriting - June 19, 2009 Chris notes: This is kind of creepy - and scary. Would you want to be operated on by a doctor whose academic papers were ghostwritten?... From a Google Ad: Dissertation writing Specialist dissertation writing service for Far East students "In ten years our work has never been detected..." Our successful clients include: * Senior business executives in the UK and abroad * Doctors and Healthcare Professionals * Senior social workers * Military officers * Government officials... Bangkok's Vietnam-War era hotels still offering cheap thrills - M&C, June 16, 2009 [Great Bangkok hotel history! Thanks to Mick for pointing this out.] ...Surviving veterans include the Embassy, Federal, Florida, Grace, Liberty, Honey, Manhattan, Miami, Prince and Rex hotels, most of them situated along Sukhumvit Road. There is a good reason they are so similar. Most were built to meet the specifications set by Tommy's Tours, a Thai company run by former air chief marshal Thawee Chulasap that monopolized the R&R tours to Bangkok... Elephant-size loopholes sustain Thai ivory trade - PhysOrg, June 19, 2009 ...TRAFFIC's survey documented over 26,000 worked ivory products for sale in local markets, with many more retail outlets dealing in ivory products than were observed during market surveys carried out in 2001... Warden Message: H1N1 Influenza A - update - June 19, 2009 Interesting text from a U.S. Embassy email to citizens in Thailand: ...American citizens should be aware that the U.S. Embassy in Thailand cannot demand their immediate release if they have been detained or quarantined in accordance with local public health and legal authorities, and cannot attempt to influence the terms or duration of quarantine.  Quarantines in Thailand, however, have generally been of short duration... Ladyboys 'kill' Kung Fu star David Carradine over sex - Daily Telegraph, June 19, 2009   David Carradine murdered by lady boys - ANI, June 18, 2009 Thai lawyers for Chinese 'spy' appeal revoked refugee status - Voice of America, June 19, 2009 ...Thai media reports China has been pressing Thailand to extradite Li. A Thai government spokesman said he could neither confirm nor deny the report. A Chinese spokesperson was not available for immediate comment... El Al cancels flight to prevent sabbath desecration - Israel National News, June 20, 2009 El Al airline passengers in Bangkok, Thailand were ordered off the plane due to the company's commitment not to desecrate the Sabbath... (Photo: 2Bangkok.com) Signs of drug dealing - June 24, 2009 It reads: Traces of drug dealing, inform Police Superintendent of your local area police station. If not being processed [if the case is not being pursued], please inform Police Colonel Pawit Lekhawanit (Deputy Metropolitan 6 Police Commander) - Call (mobile) 081-6136078 - Website www.metropolice6.com "The Nation is in deep financial doo doo" - Thailand Jumped the Shark, June, 2009 Thai Ginger co-owner accused of paying workers to marry her relatives - Seattle Times, June 24, 2009 The title was later corrected - Bangkok Post, June 25, 2009   (Photo: Dr. Has for 2Bangkok.com) Yala meeting - June 23, 2009 Dr. Has reports: Today [June 23, 2009] the Yala military task force calls a meeting of governmental school directors of the Yala Education Service Area 1 Office at the Yala Grand Palace hotel. The school directors discuss the security measures for school teachers. Recently, militants stage many violent attacks targeting school teachers, both males and females, Thai-Buddhists and Thai-Muslims. School directors suggest ideas for security measures implemented by the Army to reduce the chance that militants will stage attacks on school teachers. Thailand Elite membership list revealed - June 25, 2009 A reader reports: ...It appears that on June 19, Thailand Elite sent out a mail to its members announcing a further reduction in benefits, but it was addressed with Cc:, not Bcc:, meaning that the e-mail addresses and hence identities of members were revealed! And that's not all: the card holders, who were already pissed off by the continuing reductions in benefits but couldn't individually do much about it, now know how to get in touch each other, so they've set up a private forum and are planning to meet up in Bangkok with an eye to suing Thailand Elite... Naewna, June 10, 2009 - The victims of the southern bandits - More than 1,000 Thai-Muslim people gathered to transfer the bodies of those who were shot in the mosque at night on June 8, 2009 by a group of south agitators, to Gubow cemetery, Ai Ba Yae village, Juap sub-district, Jor Ai-rong district, Narathiwat province.   Khaosod, June 11, 2009 - The funeral: This is a funeral ceremony for 10 dead people who died from shooting while they were praying to their god in the mosque at Ai Ba Yae village, Jor Ai-rong district, Narathiwat province. The Commander-in-Chief of the Army quickly went to the South for tackling the severe situation on June 9, 2009. (above and below) Thairath, June 11, 2009 - A bomb explosion at the van station: The staff investigated the van station servicing transportation on the Yala-Hat Yai route which was damaged with a bomb explosion by the south bandits. Because of bomb pressure, damage was caused to a lobby, the vans, a diesel petroleum tank and one person was injured. Krungtep Turakij, June 11, 2009 - Bombing the soldiers: The soldiers and the police investigated the road which was bombed by a group of southern bandits because they hoped that those bombs would hit the pickup was used for inspecting the area and protecting the teachers in Ka To village, Rue Sor Aork sub-district, Rue Sor district, Narathiwat province. The pickup was damaged and 9 soldiers were injured. (Photo: Nils) UFO crash at Asok - June 27, 2009 Will this stop the pandamonium? Thai elephants painted to look like pandas after the black and white bears steal their fans - Daily Mail, June 26, 2009 Intensified southern unrest is the Democrat’s noose – Abhisit’s hot issue - translated and summarized from Matichon; June 10, 2009 The statement of Col. Prinya Chaidilok, a spokesperson of the Internal Security Operations Command Region 4 saying that current attacks were triggered by the government’s success in arresting leading insurgents, seizing weapons and preventing bombings, is contrast to the current news in newspapers. The situation became intensified since May 27, when nine spots in Yala were bombed and burnt. Attacks kept occurring on June 2, June 6 and June 7. On June 8, the situation got worse as insurgents attacked a mosque in Ban Ai Payae, Tambon Chuab, Amphoe Joh I Rong, Narathiwat province. Eleven people were killed and at least eleven were injured by the attack. It was the worst case in five years. Now that the unrest is intensified, the government becomes on the defensive as five months have passed, but nothing becomes better as people expected. People are still killed and injured. The government should consider again if its “politics leads the military” measure works. It has to find the holes in the strategy. The mosque attack is a very horrible one and created anxiety among people. The attack aims to create disunity between Thai Buddhist and Thai Muslim people. As the head of the government, Abhisit Vejjiajiva must figure the problem out or people in the three southern border provinces will be disappointed. Thailand or Siam? What’s in a name? - The Irrawaddy, June 29, 2009 Recently worsening  violent attacks - Doubt on the statistics of the decreased violence toll - translated and summarized from Issara News Center; Author: Issara news team; June 10, 2009 Regarding the Southern violent attacks that were reported during the previous 20 days (May 18, 2009 to June 8, 2009), 4 teachers were killed and 5 injured. 15 security guards for school teachers were injured. The militants staged 9 blast attacks in the downtown of Yala on May 27, staging car-bombing attack in Narathiwat’s Yeengo district that killed 2 and injured 19 on June 7 and also the deadly Mosque shooting attack in Narathiwat’s Choairong district killed 11 people on June 8. The security agency insists that the statistic record of violent situation has decreased during the previous one year period. To explain the intensified degree of violence, the joint civil police military source states that the related cause is the militant attempt at revenge on authorities. According to the source’s review: 1) the teacher attacks occur usually during the school opening period, but this year, the loss is revealed as greater than the previous year 2) the car bomb attack in the Yeengor district and the mosque massacre in the Choairong district is related to the seizure of militant “zone” leaders during the past 2 months. The Army views that the peace-reinforcing project in 217 villages also greatly impacts the militant operation in the red area and, additionally, the Islamic Conference Committee’s recent meeting did not include discussion of Thailand’s southern violence as its agenda. Therefore, the militants have to increase the degree of violence to make world see that the unrest situation in the South is a “problem.” Regardless of what the army and the national security panel claim, the question is that the government and the security agency have to explain why the policy, claimed to be “on the right track” generates such problems. This is what the army and the security units have to answer to the public. Likewise, to answer doubts about the large amounts of budget recently allocated to the army. Panithan believes red-zone seizure cause of mosque attack - translated and summarized from Thai Rath; June 10, 2009 On June 9, Deputy Spokesperson to the Prime Minister’s Office Supachai Jaisamut announced that the Cabinet approved a budget of 400 million baht from the central budget for victims of southern unrest. The budget will be allocated to government units to help people affected by the southern unrest. The Cabinet has also approved special monthly payment for officials operating tasks in the southern border provinces and four districts of Songkhla. Panitan Wattanayakorn, Spokesperson for the Prime Minister's Office, gave his comment about a mosque attack in Amphoe Joh I Rong, Narathiwat province, which killed ten people. He said that the attack was an effort to counter the government. Government’s projects in the South have turned local people into siding with it. Several leaders have been arrested. These make insurgents unhappy. However, the overall number of violent attacks declined by 40-50 percent. Malaysia is willing to help Thai government ease the unrest. It will visit Thailand’s southern provinces at the end of the year to increase the efficiency of local schools. Statistics in April reveals high toll - Daily shooting attacks increase - Pattani reported critical high toll - translated and summarized from Issara News Center; Author: Issara news team; June 4, 2009 [In coming days we will be posting reports detailing separatist activity in May and June.] The record of violent attacks that occurred in April, 2009 is slightly higher than the record of the previous month (March). However, the death toll decreases with 29 dead. The accumulative death toll from January, 2004 up to the present reaches 3,550 already. The report reveals that there were 89 violent attacks in April, 2009. 36 violent attacks occurred in Pattani province, 9 of which were from the Yarang district, 8 of which from the Saiburi, 6 of which from the Nongchick, 2 apiece of which from the city district, the Kokpoh, the Yaring, the Mayor, the Thung Yang Daeng and the Kapo district and 1 of which from the Panare district. There were 21 violent attacks that occurred in Yala province, 8 of which were from the city district, 4 of which were from the Yaha district, 3 of which were from the Raman district, 2 apiece of which from the Bannungsata, the Krongpinang and the Tarnto district. There were 32 violent attacks in Narathiwat province, 8 of which were in the Rueso, 6 of which were from the Bacho, 5 of which were from the Rangae, 3 a piece of which were from the Janae and the Choairong, 2 apiece of which were in the Waeng and the Sungaikolok, 1 apiece of which was in the Takbai, the Sungaipadee and the Srisakorn district. There were 60 shooting attacks, 26 of which were in Pattani, 16 of which were in Yala and 18 of which were in the Narathiwat. There were 13 bombing attacks, 2 of which were in the Pattani, 2 of which were in Yala and 9 of which in Narathiwat. There were 16 torching attacks, 8 of which were in Pattani, 1 of which in Yala and 7 of which were in Narathiwat. Regarding the violent victims, there are the total of 100, 29 of which were dead and 71 of which were injured. Pattani reports 41 on toll, 14 of which were injured officials, 13 of which were dead locals and 12 were injured locals. 1 militant died and 1 other suffered injured. Yala reports 37 on toll, 3 of which were dead officials, 13 of which were injured officials, 10 of which were dead locals and 11 of which were injured locals. Narathiwat reports 22 on toll, 8 of which were injured officials, 1 of which was dead local, 12 of which were injured locals. One militant died. Table 1: Summary of Violent Incidents in Pattani, Yala and Narathiwat Provinces, and 4 districts of Songkhla Province Types of Incident Pattani Province Yala Province Narathiwat Province 4 districts of Songkhla Province Ambushes with gunfire 26 18 18 - Arson attacks 8 1 7 - Bomb attacks 4 3 10 - Attacks injuring people 2 2 9 - Attacks damaging assets - - - - Incidents in which nails were strewn on highways - 1 1 - Table 2: Victims Injured or Killed in Pattani, Yala and Narathiwat Provinces, and 4 districts of Songkhla Province Group Pattani Province Yala Province Narathiwat Province 4 districts of Songkhla Province State officials injured 14 13 8 - State officials killed - 3 - - Ordinary local citizens injured 12 11 12 - Ordinary local citizens killed 13 10 1 - Insurgents injured 1 - - - Insurgents killed 1 - 1 -   The loss of three southern border provinces comes close - translated and summarized from Phujatkarn; Author: Sirianya; June 11, 2009 This column is to express concern on the ongoing violent situation in the South for fear that in the near future Thailand might have to lose the southern border lands. The mosque massacre that killed 12 in Narathiwat on June 8 did happen and it has not happened in this country before. After the shooting a rumor was spread putting blame on the state authorities for the massacre. What should be mentioned here is that firstly, the bloody event that occurred has removed the previous view that the policy on violent situation is on the right track and the situation has improved. Secondly, the state authority, even now, does not know who they are fighting with. The truth to be accepted here are 1. The government has spent more than 100,000 million baht up to now in the South. This amount could make the south prosperous economically. However, the southern economy is still not progressively developed. 2. Despite a large number of police military forces dispatched to the South, the loss of life of the people continues, likewise the violent attacks. 3. The strategy that military forces become target of the militant operations in the local areas ensures continuous losses. 4. The geographical area of the South is canvassed by militant supporters who work in villages and the militant exercises continue. 5. We are lacking the profound understanding that the militants are using a prolonged war strategy to reach their goals and at the same time, they are pushing ahead on making the issue become internationally discussed by the Islamic Conference Committee. We do not really focus on His Majesty the King’s royal suggestion on developing policy with profound understanding for the locals. If one wants to understand the real “military leads politics policy”, they should read the book named “Land philosophy” by Statesman Gen. Prem Tinnasulanonda to get to the concept. As for land development, I comment that if we followed it, things would be less problematic and open hope of opportunity for the great Thai-Muslim land to be well-developed with cooperation with world Islamic community. Sound from the South: Three brave governors - translated and summarized from Matichon; June 17, 2009 Winai Kharuwannapat Narathiwat governor He is in charge of aiding people in distress, boosting civilians’ morale and confidence, holding a talk among people, and devising a scheme with other organizations to solve problems. When we visit his place, much safety cautions are required and we have to avoid the risk and always be careful. "I have to admit working here is tough because governor of the three affected provinces not only have to work like other governors, but we also have to deal with the crisis here which is far tougher than in other area,” he said. Teera Mintrasak Yala Governor The core strategy is to create understanding among people so that it will ease conflict, restore faith, and reduce mistrust. In order to raise their feelings of justice, it is significant to make them apprehend cultural and racial diversity, or the so-called scheme “Solving Southern Unrest by Culture”. The activities are aimed at creating unity and peace among the population. Moreover, people can file their complaints at “Peaceful Yala Centre” that was organized for a year. State officials including soldiers, policemen, and sheriff are based there to provide assistance. Besides, the centre is also available for the accused that want to surrender themselves. Up to now, there are 275 sympathizers and eight accused insurgents presenting themselves at the office. "I visit my people and check on projects initiated by his Majesty the King and other projects such as living quality development, village development including youth and female’s right. If our children are strong it will bring peace to Yala. We have to focus on drug abuse problem by giving them education, sport, and jobs. All of these are to keep them from joining the insurgents. My security is not that important because I do it for the sake of the country,” he said. Teerathep Sriyaphan Pattani Governor He places emphasis on raising the quality of life and supporting family businesses, either full time or part time. Civilians should have security and income which the state is responsible for. Justice is the first priority. Every case should be tried equitably to find the real motive. We should create the feeling that provincial organization is the place they can rely on. He, therefore, employs His Majesty the King’s principle saying understanding, approaching, developing, and unity will lead to love among human being. Furthermore, he resolved to fight poverty by supporting careers and offering jobs for fresh grads. Otherwise, unemployment would lead to drug abuse as well as, afterwards, unrest in the area. “When we have to work in a dangerous area, we cannot be careless. Sometimes, we need to call for reinforcement. Although working here is tiring, I will to do it for the country. To me, being a governor is the peak of my life, so I devote my life to it. If I have to sacrifice my life for the civilians’ happiness, I will do,” he said. In Thailand, a new party tries to take back the swastika - Time, June 18, 2009 New parliament in progress - Bangkok Post, June 30, 2009 ...The spokesman said Yothin Burana School will be relocated to a 16-rai plot in Soi Wat Soi Thong with about 1,000 million baht while the relocation residents of two communities to a townhouse project in Soi Wat Kaifa will cost about 266 million baht. [Soi Wat Kaifa is a 100-rai plot next to the Chao Phraya River. The location of a new parliament building has been one of the hottest issues over the years with each new government trying to push through their own plan over the calls of conflict of interest. Other areas proposed over the years: - a 311-rai golf course in Nonthaburi's Pak Kret district, owned by the Irrigation Department - a site on Vibhavadi-Rangsit road - the Thai Plywood factory owned by the Agriculture and Cooperatives Ministry - a 400-rai privately-owned tract in Samut Prakan - a plot in Lop Buri near Pasak Chonlasit dam - the railway park behind the Chatuchak park area - the shopping complex at Lak Si - a plot in Muang Thong Thani - the Treasury Department's plot in Chachoengsao's Bang Nam Prieo - Don Muang airport] Thailand: Fakery, enshrined - The Christian Science Monitor, June 7, 2009 Bangkok's tourism ranking replaced by Udaipur - The Nation, July 13, 2009 (Photo: 2Bangkok.com) Billboard: What women want - June, 2009