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News and Views - October 2009
HM The King makes appearance outside of hospital - Matichon, October 23, 2009
Left: Matichon front page, October 25, 2009
Left: Komchadluek front page, October 25, 2009
Left: Khao Sod front page, October 25, 2009
Left: Daily News front page, October 25, 2009
(Photo: 2Bangkok.com)
Misty Bangkok - October, 2009
From the Rama III Bridge
(Photo: The King of Thailand Birthplace Foundation (KTBF))Above: Left to right: James Lesnick, Cholthanee Koerojna (President of KTBF), and Joanne Sullivan, owner of the 63 Longwood Ave building
Discovering the Trail of Thai Royalty in Massachusetts: Infant Thai King’s first American home celebrated in Brookline - KTFB, By Cholthanee Koerojna, October 19, 2009
(Photo: The King of Thailand Birthplace Foundation (KTBF))The sweet harmonies of 14 little girls singing the US national anthem and a Thai student in traditional dress intoning her national anthem stirred the hearts of over 100 Boston-area residents last Sunday, 18 October 2009, as they honored the memory of the infant King Bhumibol Adulyadej and his family at His Majesty’s first American home at 63 Longwood Avenue in Brookline.
The cold rainy weather did not dim the joy of Thai and American citizens who had gathered to witness the installation of the plaque (see accompanying photo) created by the King of Thailand Birthplace Foundation that marks the apartment building where Prince Mahidol and his wife Mom Sangwan lived with their children Princess Galyani Vadhana and Prince Anandha when Bhumibol was born. The bronze plaque was unveiled by KTBF president Cholthanee Koerojna and Joanne M. Sullivan, one of the homeowners in the building. Thai Buddhist monks from Wat Boston Buddha Vararam blessed and anointed the plaque.
After the unveiling the choirmaster of Park School, the elementary school of Princess Galyani Vadhana, led her choir of 14 in opening the community proceedings with the American national anthem. Ms Duangpon Phongphasuk, a music graduate who has performed for royal audiences in Bangkok, sang the Thai national anthem.
Proud of its history of resident Siamese royals, the Town of Brookline had proclaimed the 18th of October as “Trail of Thai Royalty Day”. At the ceremonies, Town Selectman Ms Jesse Mermell read the proclamation and presented a copy to KTBF.
Honoring Thailand’s longest-reigning and most beloved monarch and his family, the Massachusetts House of Representatives had passed resolutions that recognize the Trail of Thai Royalty of 10 historic sites in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts where Siamese royals had resided; and the day of October the 18th as the Trail of Thai Royalty Day. Ms Sarah Van Auken, resident of Gloucester where her great-grandparents had owned one of the original such residences, read the proclamation on behalf of Representative Frank Smizik. The Commonwealth is keen to promote knowledge of the historic relations with Thailand and its royal family and to encourage visitors to follow the Trail.
For two years from 1926 to 1928, the family of Prince Mahidol lived in the first floor of the three-story building at 63 Longwood Avenue in Brookline, a town near the Charles River surrounded by metropolitan Boston. Prince Mahidol, known as “Father of Modern Medicine and Public Health in Thailand”, was completing his medical and public health studies at Harvard. His commoner wife Mom Sangwan was studying nursing and home economics at nearby Simmons College with practical work at local hospitals such as Boston Lying-in Hospital (now part of Brigham and Women’s Hospital) and Mount Auburn Hospital in Cambridge. Little Princess Galyani experienced her first school days at the Park School in Brookline.
The mystery of precisely which apartment the young royal family occupied was solved the day before the ceremonies after one of the audience, Ms Susan Wolkon, read in the Boston Globe about the event to take place on October 18th and called KTBF. Ms Wolkon announced that in 1960 King Bhumibol and Queen Sirikit had visited her grandparents Ira and Rose Einstein at the 63 Longwood apartment they were occupying at the time, where His Majesty had lived as an infant. She displayed documents and pictures that showed that the entire first floor with six rooms and a sun porch had been the future king’s first home.
Rounding out the community celebrations were talks by Brookline residents and by Mr Rob Crawford of the Park School, who read out a touching reminiscence that Princess Galyani’s teacher had written to Mom Sangwan on the eve of the family’s return to Siam in 1928. Thai residents performed dances and music on the kheem and demonstrations of vegetable- and fruit-carving as well as songs composed by His Majesty. The audience tucked in to a lunch of Thai food offered by local restaurants.
The next event of KTBF, whose mission is historic preservation, cultural exchange and community service in commemoration of the Thai royal family history in Massachusetts, will be the dedication of a plaque at King Bhumibol’s birthplace, Mount Auburn Hospital in Cambridge, and his 82nd birthday celebrations on 5 December 2009.
Cholthanee Koerojna is President of The King of Thailand Birthplace Foundation based in the Boston suburb of Burlington, Massachusetts
(Photo: The King of Thailand Birthplace Foundation (KTBF))Above: 14 Park School students, parents and Director came to sing the American National Anthem
(Photo: The King of Thailand Birthplace Foundation (KTBF))
Above: Birthplace of King Rama IXThe King of Thailand Birthplace Foundation (KTBF) - October 21, 2009
[Thanks to Steve for pointing this out.]
(Photo: 2Bangkok.com)100 Pipers - October 30, 2009
Across the top is a government warning about drinking: Alcoholic drink reduces the ability to drive
The main part of the billboard reads: Wherever to go, friends are given 100% - Give friends 100% [referring to "100 Pipers" Whisky]Thai film out of Bangkok's World Film Fest - Indiantelevision.com, October 31, 2009
...The sub-committee, attached to the Thai Ministry of Culture, judged that:This Area Is Under Quarantine needed to be rated and instructed the festival organiser to go to the rating committee. But it was said that the main rating committee had argued that the festival didn't present a proper document for the film and couldn't consider it.
Meanwhile, the sub-committee couldn't re-consider the film either, because the law doesn't allow it such a function, thus the film was considered as banned...The Nation in Bangkok gets its Robsons mixed up - Axe Grinder, October 30, 2009
Lancashire's most wanted 'had been in Thailand' - Lancashire Telegraph, October 28, 2009
...The authorities in India said Kaushal is understood to have run his own business in Bangkok and entered Goa using a Thai passport...History of kway-tiew - BeenThereEatenThat, October, 2009
[We posted this link a couple days ago, but the link was broken. It is an interesting reference to one of the initiatives of Piboon.]
In the period of Prime Minister Field Marshal Por Piboonsongkram, he had stated “Convention Policy” to support eating noodle as a habit amongst Thais...U.S. missionaries target a tough sell: Bangkok bar girls - CNNGo, September 22, 2009
[Thanks to Wheeling Circles for pointing this out.]PROPERTY: Nominees will need to find 'real' Thai partners, says JFCCT - Bangkok Post, October 27, 2009
...In the worst-case scenario, property will be seized by the Lands Department," he said.
"Foreigners now are really panicked. But they need to familiarise themselves with the changes. Everybody always resists change, so the beginning could be a struggle..."
Earlier: Taste of the Thai life: Thailand's property market is still hot and spicy - Daily Mail, June 25, 2009
[There continue to be baffling articles coming out of the English press about the Thai property market. The local story is how authorities insist that foreigners cannot own land/property and accusations of a witch hunt to find foreigners who hold land through work around solutions. Also, the traditional method of holding property through a locally created company has been called into question in recent years. Against this backdrop, the English press continues to put out these press release-type articles touting what a great deal Thai property remains for foreigners.]
Earlier: No witch-hunt, says Lands Department - Foreign ownership debate intensifies - Bangkok Post, June 15, 2009
...The Lands Department does not have a policy to scrutinise acquisitions in which illegal use of Thai nominees on behalf of foreigners is suspected, says director-general Anuwat Maytheewibulwut.
We have some regulations and processes to investigate illegality, but not that many. We must respect individual rights and assume individuals will not give fake statements to officials - Anuwat Maytheewibulwut Director-general, lands department
Land ownership revocation cases mostly occur when a complaint or conflict is brought to the department's attention, he said...
Earlier: Land purchase through Thai spouse forbidden: Land Dept - Phuket Gazette, May 27, 2009
Earlier: International Real Estate For Sale In... Thailand - New York Times, May 26, 2009
Earlier: Tourism Increases Property Investment in Thailand - BigNews.Biz, July 16, 2009
[Another bizarre press release... Did you know both tourism and property investment in Thailand has been increasing?]
The world class tourist industry of Thailand attracts re-locators and property investors contributing to the increase in property investment of the country...
(Photo: Graham)Plane house - October 30, 2009
Seen on the highway north of Bangkok going to Nakon Sawan at about Ang Tong.
(Photo: Graham)
Thailand urged to stop construction of Salween dams - The Irrawaddy, October 19, 2009
Fifty-one environmental and human rights groups petition the Thai government to halt construction of dams on the Salween River in Burma...
Bangkok Nights online slots - recentpoker.com, October 21, 2009
...Bangkok Nights offers the excitement and exotic thrills of the capital of Thailand's night clubs and entertainment in its Asian theme. The Dancing Girl is the one to watch for - she can award up to 10 000x the stake. Two bonus features, wild symbols, and flexible wagers are also featured...
(Photo: 2Bangkok.com)
Banners in Samut Prakan - October, 2009
These refer to state enterprise unions that opposed the Thaksin governments' privatization of state enterprises and which has also become critical of the Democrat-led government.
The banner reads: 10 years and the 11 laws selling the nation. The State Enterprise Metropolitan Electricity Authority’s Employees Union will demand for the cancellation [of these laws] from the Democrats ultimately - The State Enterprise MEA’s Employees Union
(Photo: 2Bangkok.com)
The banner reads: The Metropolitan Electricity Authority’s Employees Union members altogether do not vote for the Democrat Party as it does not respect the resolution of the Thai Coalition for the Protection of Human Rights Defenders that is concerned with lawful process - The State Enterprise MEA’s employees union
(Photo: 2Bangkok.com)
The banner reads: The Abhisit led government - Stop the crucial FT. [fuel tariff] increase
[The Democrat-led government is being criticized for raising the fuel tariff rate. This year, the rate is lifted without clarification to the public and many have complained.]
(Photo: 2Bangkok.com)Stop hurting Thailand - October 23, 2009
The banner reads: Stop hurting Thailand by stopping 3 things
1. Stop some group of wicked politicians
2. Stop the hooded bandit officials masterminding the politicians
3. Stop the ruling government of the 2 standards [This refers to the double-standard set by the ruling government in dealing with violations of laws committed by pro-government and pro-Thaksin groups]
The State Enterprise MEA’s employees union
Thai security detains 60 at Islamic school - The Irrawaddy, October 12, 2009
...On Monday, 200 policemen and soldiers detained 60 Islamic teachers and students at Saengtham Wittaya School in Narathiwat province's Bacho district, said Police Col. Chamlong Ngamnet...
(Photo: 2Bangkok.com)The farang in you - October 14, 2009
The billboard reads: You can do - Discover the real English skill inside [yourself] today
(Photo: 2Bangkok.com)Democrat sign - October 16, 2009
Signs praising the government have gone up around town. This one reads: I promise Thai children will study without tuition - Following the promise.. we do - The 15 years learning without tuition project
(Photo: 2Bangkok.com)The Bhodhi Court at Thammasat - October 16, 2009
A plaque under the tree reads: The Bhodi Court at Thammasat University is inextricably linked to the fight for democracy in Thailand. It has come to symbolize not only the university's legacy of political freedom, but the struggle by Thai society as a whole in its contemporary struggle to win the democratic rights of a modern people. The democratic movements of 1973, 1976 and 1992 all had their genesis at the Bodhi Court.
The Bhodi Court is the birthplace of the October 1973 student movement which soon grew into mass demonstrations demanding democracy and a new constitution for Thailand. At dawn on October 8, 1973, students assembled here to appeal to the government for the release of 13 people who had been arrested for their persistent calls for a national charter. Soon joined by members of the public, the number of people gathering swelled so quickly... from thousand to hundreds of thousands... that the assembly site had to be shifted to the university's football field. At noon on October 13, 1973 the demonstrators started out from Thammasat University and marched through the streets of Bangkok. It was on the following day that the government violently suppressed the demonstration which sealed the date of October 14, 1973 as a signal event in Thai political history.
The Bodhi Court was also the scene of an open-air stage performance on October 4, 1976 which lampooned the political culture of the day. Photos of the parody became front page news on the Dao Siam ('Siam of Siam') Newspaper and became fodder for military propaganda, denouncing the satire as "acts defamatory to the Royalty." In response to such negative propaganda, resistance to the student movement was formed by "folk-scouts" and several other groups belonging to the power elite, leading to violent attacks on the students at daybreak on October 6, 1976.
In 1991, the Bodhi Court resumed its pivotal role in the fight for democracy following a military coup d'etat and the drafting of a constitution utterly catering to its power. Students gathered at the Bodhi Court again to protest such an imperious national charter and resurrected the spirit of the Bodhi Court as a focal point for democracy in Thailand. After the general election in early 1992, opponents of the military-led government gathered here which eventually led up to the 'Black May' massacre, eventually expunging the Armed Forces from their dominant role in Thai politics.
Google Placemark for Bhodi Court
Exile and the kingdom - Thaksin still hankers after a triumphant homecoming - The Economist, October 15, 2009
[An unusually negative and skeptical article about Thaksin in The Economist...]
...It is not clear with whom Mr Thaksin could do a deal. Mr Abhisit says the law must prevail. Palace sources sniff at the idea of a settlement. He faces a two-year jail sentence, and has been indicted in a state-lottery case. He was forced to move to Dubai after Britain, his first place of exile, revoked his visa. Nor was his reputation helped by his fomenting of red-shirted riots in April, when he called for a “people’s revolution” in Bangkok. He denies advocating violence and blames pro-government instigators for the unrest. “I don’t even kill mosquitoes now,” he whines.
Expect weapons dealer to hold a 'grudge' - WTOP, October, 2009
...The Thai government has refused to prosecute Bout or extradite him to the U.S. Observers say behind the scenes Bout's status has become the focal point of an intense political battle between the U.S. and Russia.
A former U.S. intelligence official says the Russians have been plying the Thai government with "gifts" to convince them to release Bout...The symbolism of the Thai spirit house - Times of India, October 13, 2009
...“It's a Thai concept. We believe that if the spirits are provided with such shelters and appeased with daily offerings, they will protect the house..."Thailand's last secret island - Koh Lipe - ETN, October 13, 2009
US, Thailand continue 176 years of diplomatic relationship through RF-Alaska - Sourdough Sentinel, October 15, 2009
...Taylor said flying these missions helps the U.S. understand Thailand's culture and how they operate. Taylor said it also helps the Royal Thai Air Force as they usually fly domestic flights throughout the same area, so coming to Alaska gives them a chance to fly through mountain terrain and in a colder climate.
"Red flag broadens their horizons and increases their capabilities for the future," said Taylor. "It also gives them a chance to enhance their technique while training in a safe and controlled environment..."Ambassadors outraged by Hitler billboard on Pattaya highway - Bangkok Post, October 18, 2009
Letters reveal true views of UK diplomats - Huffington Post, October 18, 2009
...Anthony Rumbold, Britain's ambassador to Thailand from 1965 to 1967, mocked his hosts for an apparent lack of culture. "They have no literature, no painting and only a very odd kind of music; their sculpture, ceramics and dancing are borrowed from others, and their architecture is monotonous and interior decoration hideous," Rumbold wrote.
"Nobody can deny that gambling and golf are the chief pleasures of the rich, and that licentiousness is the main pleasure of them all," he said...And Anthony Rumbold's 1967 letter about Thailand
Myanmar, Thailand to build second bridge to boost border trade - Xinhua, October 20, 2009
...The bridge linking Myanmar's Myawaddy and Thailand's Maesot is estimated to cost 400 million bahts (11.9 million U.S. dollars), the sources said...
Industrial zone ruling creates investment risk for Thailand - Thailandnews, October 20, 2009
...The government has come under attack for ignoring repeated warnings to set up an independent body to oversee the HIAs.
A local environment group, which started lobbying governments 13 years ago to clean up Map Ta Phut, says 2,000 local people have since died of cancer as a result of pollution from the plants, although doctors have not said industry is to blame...
Malaysia: Teoh's probe: Set up royal commission - Malaysian Mirror, October 22, 2009
The explosive testimony by renowned Thai pathologist Dr Pornthip Rojanasunand at Teoh Beng Hock's inquest hearing is shocking. Her conclusion that Teoh's death was probably homicide seriously undermines the credibility of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Agency (MACC)...
Request to exhume Teoh’s body this week - The Malaysian Insider, October 25, 2009
...The renowned pathologist, hired by the Selangor state government, testified during the inquest on Wednesday that Teoh death was “80 per cent homicide”...Thailand's fearless 'Dr Death' - Malaysia Today, October 20, 2009
...She has been at odds with them for more than 20 years, ever since a case involving one of her own medical students...
(Photo: 2Bangkok.com)Sign downtown - October 27, 2009
The sign reads: The Royal Thai Armed Forces Headquarters - will do the rehearsal for the King’s Guards military parade at the Dusit Palace’s courtyard and will close traffic
- small rehearsal on Sunday, 1, 8,15 November 2009 at 12:15 o’clock
- grand rehearsal on Sunday, 22, 29 November 2009 at 13:30 o’clock
- ceremonial date on Wednesday, 2 December 2009 at 13:30 o’clock
Sorry for any inconvenience
(Photo: 2Bangkok.com)Power to survive the crisis - October 28, 2009
The billboard reads: Family coordination is the power to survive the crisis - Love weaving project to support the institute of family - AISThailand seeks China loan for ambitious highway - Reuters, October 24, 2009
...The proposed road will link the eastern Vietnamese city of Danang city to Myanmar's sea port of Moulmein, passing through Thailand. It would also link Thailand's western province of Kanchanaburi to Myanmar's deep-sea port of Tavoy and provide a route from Yunnan province via Bangkok to Singapore...CIMB Thai sells Bangkok office block for 1b baht - The Edge Daily, October 21, 2009
CIMB Thai Bank PCL is selling its office block Sathorn Building in Sathorn, Bangkok for just over 1 billion Thai baht under its rationalisation exercise to improve efficiency and reduce costs...Thai fans build life-size Gundam bust before expo - Anime News Network, October 21, 2009
...A "life-size" bust (from the chest up) of the title robot from the Mobile Suit Gundam anime series was unveiled at Bangkok, Thailand on Tuesday...Thailand rejects US pressure over 'Merchant of Death' - AFP, October 21, 2009
...Kurt Campbell, the assistant US secretary of state for East Asia, said that US officials including Secretary of State Hillary Clinton have raised the case in every meeting with Thailand.
"We are pressing it as hard as we possibly can," Campbell testified before the House Foreign Affairs Committee...List of Ambassadors from the United Kingdom to Thailand - Wikipedia, October 27, 2009
[Thanks to Nils for pointing this out.]
Odd condo sign - October 21, 2009
Odd wording on the sign: Sometimes, reasons can't solve problem... let her go shopping alone, things will be better
(Photo: 2Bangkok.com)
(Photo: 2Bangkok.com)Police sign - October 21, 2009
The sign reads: 365 day project to halt the death rate with traffic discipline - The Makkasan police StationEnvironmentalists score huge victory in Thailand - VOA News, October 14, 2009
..."Many governments never pay attention to the enactment of the organic law," Somchai said. "So the environmentalists and the communities who suffer from the bad environment cannot tolerate it anymore..."
[While locally this is story is mainly being covered as an event that is bad for the country, the ruling does indeed represent a massive win for activists. For decades, locals and activists have been fighting big business and government development that has often resulted in the health-related devastation of local communities.
This story also touches on the "organic law" issue that has plagued the last two constitutions. The 1997 constitution stipulated certain rights--such as community radio stations and environmental impact studies--that would come into play once the government enacted laws to create them. However, governments were able to prevent people from obtaining these rights in the constitution by not enacting the organic laws.
The 2007 constitution corrected this by being written in such a way that rights could not be stymied by a government's unwillingness to enact the organic laws--in this case laws creating groups to study environmental impact.
Even so, this ruling was resisted by the government which, in effect, contended that industrial projects can go ahead without these constitutional mandated studies since they had not passed the laws setting up the committees to make the studies. This is the same sort of attitude that prevailed in the Thaksin years when the government refused to set up an agency regulating community radio stations--effectively denying people licenses to legally operate them as stipulated in the 1997 constitution.]
(Photo: 2Bangkok.com)Drunk and making merit - October 28, 2009
The billboard reads: Getting drunk and going to make merit... and so what do you get? Giving free alcoholic beverage in merit-making ceremony = sin
[The project is part of a campaign by Thai Health Promotion Foundation to tell people to avoid alcoholic drinks. Thai Buddhists believe that the merit-making ceremony is paving a path of merit for oneself and many celebrate their merit-making occasion with friends and having alcoholic drinks.]
(Photo: 2Bangkok.com)At the October 14 Memorial - October 14, 2009
The banner reads: June 24 originates democracy
[June 24, 1932 marks the day the absolute monarchy was overthrown in a coup.]Why the Cambodian opposition parties are so silent about the Preah Vihear issue? - Khmerization, October 26, 2009
The World is not Flat - The Irrawaddy, October 26, 2009
...Hun Sen’s remark was not only an insult to Thailand but also to Burma. The Cambodian prime minister should be made fully aware that Thaksin and Suu Kyi have nothing at all in common...
CCHR issues report on September attack by Thai military on Cambodian loggers - Cambodian Center for Human Rights, October 26, 2009
...Following our independent investigation and assessment of the events of 11 September 2009, the CCHR concludes that it is extremely likely that Yon Rith was burnt alive by Thai military who have committed several breaches of international human rights law and principles as a result...
Link to the pdf: Legal analysis of the events of 11 September 2009 that resulted in the death of Yon Rith and Severe injury to Mao KleungThe Melody Karaoke scam - Thai-blogs.com, October 27, 2009
Mafia Wars: Bangkok - October 29, 2009
Nils reports: The makers of popular Facebook game Mafia Wars have announced a new extension "Bangkok" to be released at the end of this year, after having already added "Cuba" and "Moscow" earlier this year.
From the announcement: Coming this winter, you choose between the Triads and the Yakuza in their battle to control a lucrative new territory in Mafia Wars: Bangkok!
Cool thing is that each locale comes with its own currency, weaponry, armor, vehicles, and specifically themed loot items.
Looking forward to the tuk-tuks, taxi-meters, elephants, hot chili sauce, or whatever they will come up with...
Thai stocks down 2 per cent on profit-taking - The Nation, October 14, 2009
[The Nation quotes someone else who will not quite say the reason stocks fell.]
..."There was a panic in early trading due to rumours, but the market rebounded"...
King in 'good health' - Bangkok Post, October 14, 2009
[The Bangkok Post (using an AFP article) openly explains the reason stocks fell.]
SET chief attributes index plunge to market consolidation - TNA, October 15, 2009
[TNA gives as many reasons as possible why stocks fell--except the real one.]
(Photo: Asiper)Commemorating October 7, 2008 - October 6, 2009
(Photo: Asiper)At the top it reads: 7 October anniversary - Together express your feelings in reverence to the brave
(Photo: Asiper)
(Photo: Asiper)
Cartoons from the Manager's Buncha
(Photo: Asiper)It reads: Erase all pains, [we] must together create - New politics
(Photo: Asiper)
(Photo: Asiper)
(Photo: 2Bangkok.com)At the October 14 Memorial - October 14, 2009
(Photo: 2Bangkok.com)The sign reads: October 14, Democracy Day
(Photo: 2Bangkok.com)The sign reads: Cousin of the heroes of 14 October [referring to those who have set up the tribute] Democracy - It takes long until we gain it - Must exchange with blood, flesh, and lives
(Photo: 2Bangkok.com)The banner reads: Gather blood and flesh for Democracy - People turns great in the land - In reverence of the brave of October 14, 1973
Live arrival/departure info from Suvarnabhumi Airport - October 2, 2009
Jani notes: It's live data apparently straight from BKK's air traffic control. All incoming and outgoing flights, scheduled and chartered, with estimated time of arrival/departure (ETA/ETD), actual time of arrival/departure (ATA/ATD), on/offblock (end/start of taxi), position (gate/remote parking stand), equipment used and registration number.
(Photo: 2Bangkok.com)A lot of signs - October 1, 2009
From a vehicle inspection center in the Mor Chit area
The banner reads: Internal Security Operation Command, the Region 4 Internal Front unit - The morning tea shop project
"I strongly intend to bring peace and happiness to the people in the southern border provinces" - [quote from] Lieutenant General Pichet Wisaijorn, Region 4 Army and Region 4 ISOC ChiefBanners in the Deep South - October, 2009
Dr. Has reports: The Region 4 Internal Security Operations Command led by the Region 4 Army Commander issued the advertising campaign to promote the PR project of the ISOC that works on developing communities in the four southern border provinces...
The banner reads: Internal Security Operation Command, the Region 4 Internal Front unit - The woman career promotion project
"I strongly intend to bring peace and happiness to the people in the southern border provinces" - [quote from] Lieutenant General Pichet Wisaijorn, Region 4 Army and Region 4 ISOC Chief
The banner reads: Internal Security Operation Command, the Region 4 Internal Front unit - The paddy field restoration project CHA-LERM-PHRA
"I strongly intend to bring peace and happiness to the people in the southern border provinces" - [quote from] Lieutenant General Pichet Wisaijorn, Region 4 Army and Region 4 ISOC ChiefBungee jumping accident in Phuket - CNN, October 5, 2009
And the article on Daily Mail.
Thanks to Lance for pointing this out.People fill the streets for climate action in Bangkok - Huffington Post, October 5, 2009
Taxi haters rate drivers around the world - The Age, October 3, 2009
[Thanks to Danny for pointing this out.]
...Todd says their arrival at Bangkok Airport in 2006 was the spark for IHateTaxis.com, a website devoted to information about ground transport from airports around the world: by bus, train, bike, limousine and, yes, taxi...World's greatest city: 50 reasons why Bangkok is No. 1 - CNNGo, October 5, 2009
Crab populations in Thailand replenished with crab condominium - Channel News Asia, October 8, 2009
Pheu Thai opposing constitutional amendments - October 9, 2009
In case you missed it, the quick-moving Pheu Thai position on charter change:
Pheu Thai announces boycott of charter amendments
Govt to go ahead with charter change
PM surprised by Pheu Thai’s stance
Puea Thai still for charter amendment
Turnabout was so quick that editorials analyzing the Pheu Thai opposition were out of date by mid-morning.Thai court considering 'Merchant of Death' release - The Washington Times, October 8, 2009
...Many intelligence experts, as well as international human rights activists, think Thailand's judicial action is highly suspicious. One thing is for sure: the last thing Russia wants is Bout on American soil spilling his guts after getting a taste of American justice meted out in a federal courthouse.
Something else is certain: Treacherous men hold grudges. If the NSC thought Bout was a substantial threat to our national security before the DEA stung him hard, he will certainly be a greater danger once the Thai government unleashes him on the global community.Coyotee’s T.J. Hawley died of asphyxiation; Go-Go closed permanently - tfs2m.com, October 9, 2009
[Thanks to Noel for pointing this out.]Cambodia's monarchy quietly evolves - Asia Times Online, October 9, 2009
Local man shifting the tide for mangroves in Thailand - EarthTimes, October 11, 2009
[Thanks to Hmud for pointing this out.]German firm picked to run airport rail link - Bangkok Post, October 8, 2009
News around DB International: Airport Rail Link in Bangkok - DB International, October 10, 2009
From the company's website regarding SRT and airport link:
DB International GmbH:
Shareholders: DB Mobility Logistics AG (100 percent)
DB Mobility Logistics AG (DB ML AG) operates the mobility and logistics activities of the Deutsche Bahn Group ( DB Group).
Deutsche Bahn Group - German State Railway (Government Enterprise)
[Thanks to Hmud for pointing this out.]Success of AIDS vaccine trial is at issue - NYT, October 10, 2009
[Thanks to Hmud for pointing this out.]
Thai HIV vaccine hype misrepresents data; AHF calls for independent review of AIDS vaccine effort - Reuters, October 12, 2009Why this face frightens the average Thai - Thais have a fear of illegal immigrants that parallels that of Americans. The UN wants to change that - Global Post, October 10, 2009
...Many natives on the other side regard the migrants as job-stealing invaders. Yet, if they were all deported, the economy would collapse...Thai boxer Sakai dies in Japan- Fight News, October 12, 2009
(Photo: Nils)Exhibition of quality goods at blue flag prices - October 14, 2009
NIls reports: Seen near my home: Exhibition of quality goods at blue flag prices - Under the "Bright Sky" [fa sod sai] Project - Thai people are able to smile - Eat Thai [food] - Use Thai [products] - Help the Thai nation - At Queen Sirikit National Convention Center, 7-12 October 2009, 10:00-20:00 hrs - organized by: Dept. of Internal Trade - Ministry of Commerce
Text around the blue banner logo: Sky-blue flag [thong fa] - budget prices
(Photo: 2Bangkok.com)Buddhist billboard - October, 2009
The billboard reads: Krathin merit-making ceremony [robe offering ceremony to monks]… every temple nationwide - creating great goodness for the land - Advertising Sign Producer Association
[The billboard is put up during the Buddhist krathin cloth-offering ceremony to express gratitude for the goodness of every merit-maker.]
(Photo: 2Bangkok.com)
Old subway project sign - October 14, 2009
Derelict sign for the subway depot project promising completion in 2002
Whatever happened to Thaksin's "Building a Better Future Foundation"? - October 6, 2009
We do not know, but the website has seem to have become a ghost site. Also on FaceBook.
Girls and guns - October 2, 2009
Cover of a magazine featuring air guns and air gun competition
