News and Views
February 2005

News and views archives - since 1999


(Photo: 2Bangkok.com)

Happy Chinese New Year - February 9, 2005
Above: Offerings in front of a residence
Right: Offerings in front of a spirit house in front of an office building in the downtown business district. Placing offerings in front of an spirit house for Chinese New Year demonstrates the Thai penchant for intermeshing various religious and cultural traditions.
All about Orz - BoingBoing.net
..."Orz" is a popular symbol, a pictograph, a fun stuff, a strong meme, a fashion and even a subculture in Far East Asia since last year... It illustrates a guy facing left and kneeling on the ground, the "o" means the head, the "r" means the hands and the body while the "z" means the legs. People use this pictograph to show they failed and they are despair or in a sad mood in the Internet...
In Taiwan, the "orz" subculture is combined with another "Nice Guys" subculture. "Nice guys" refers to the boys rejected or denied by the girls, because girls often deny the boys by saying politely: "You are a nice guy, you must can find another girl who loves you and she is better than me. I am so sorry"...

(Photo: 2Bangkok.com)


(Photo: 2Bangkok.com)

Skytrain dragon - February 10, 1005
DragonAir advertisement on a Skytrain car
Japan blasts longest land tunnel - BBC, February 27, 2005
Anti-Tobacco Treaty's Bite To Be Tested in Thailand - IPS, February 28, 2005
...They have in mind two initiatives that are set to shake up the local smoking culture. On Mar. 25, cigarette packets sold in this country will begin displaying graphic pictures about the health hazards that come with tobacco addiction.
...Another change will come into effect on May 31, marked globally as the world's anti-smoking day. ''Retail shops and small stores will not be able to publicly display cigarette packets on their racks,'' said Hatai. ''The cigarettes will have to be hidden away in drawers or cupboards, away from sight.''
Cambodia set to build trans-border industrial zone - VNA, February 17, 2005
Cambodia will begin construction of Koh Kong trans-border industrial zone in Cambodia's Ban Cham Yeam, east of Thailand.
The project will include such items as water supplying, telephone and electric systems and other infrastructure.
Once completed, the project will be the first world-ranked industrial zone in Cambodia. It is expected to attract enterprises in the fields of garment and textile production, agricultural machines, consumer products, glass and motorbike accessories.
The project will also create thousands of jobs for local farmers.
Haze in KL - February 28, 2005
News from our neighbors:
Air quality remains unhealthy - Sunday Mail, February 27, 2005
Hazy and Unhealthy - New Straits Times, February 25, 2005
Rain brings respite to Klang Valley folk - New Straits Times, February 28, 2005
'Thais in a flap over public rubbing of breasts' - Reuters UK, February 25, 2005
[As soon as we heard about this story we knew the foreign press would have a field day with it...]
A promotion for breast enhancing cream that involved three models having a 15 minute mammary massage in public has caused a furore in Thailand, with family groups saying it violates traditional values and morality.
Despite Bangkok's racy reputation as the "anything goes" sex capital of southeast Asia, most Thais are uncomfortable with public nudity and all newspaper pictures of the demonstration had the breasts blurred out...
Whether it works or not, a headline in the Thai Post tabloid summed up the controversy best in a society obsessed with marketing gimmicks: "Big breast bras good for people with small brains".
Bangkok Street Dogs - February 26, 2005
Kevin McLaughlin writes: Anyway, I recently started a blog called Bangkok Street Dogs, and I was wondering if you could have a look at it and maybe link to it from somewhere on 2bangkok.com. Basically, while I lived there I took lots of pics of Bangkok street dogs, and this blog is a way of creating personalities around them in order to 'humanize' them. I'd appreciate it if you could have a look.
Cash hand-outs 'only fuel crime, trafficking' - Bangkok Post, February 26, 2005
Child rights advocates yesterday urged Thais and foreigners to stop giving money to child beggars, saying their kindness fed crime and fuelled human trafficking...
The report said many beggars were set up to look as if they were a mother and baby even though they were not related to draw sympathy from passers-by.
The report also said foreigners tended to give money to beggars and their daily average income ranged from 500-1,000 baht, depending on the location, with most of the money going to gangsters.
Thailand to dispatch 177 troops to Burundi on peacekeeping mission - AP, February 21, 2005
The amazing world of gantry cranes - February 22, 2005
Uwe writes: With interest I wrote your web-page, because I'm working in this field. Right now I have published a home-page about me and my work and like to asked you if it is possible to link to my site.
Alaska railroad tours - February 23, 2005
This is an ad served by Google, but it looks very interesting...

Phi Phi Island: Conflicting visions for the future of island’s twin bays - The Nation, February 25, 2005

...On the surface the new look planned for Phi Phi is an environmentalist’s delight. It calls for the elimination of all permanent concrete structures from the space between the famous twin-bay beach fronts. Thailand’s tropical paradise icon would be restored to the utmost of its natural beauty.
...The plans, drawn up by the Bangkok-based Special Areas Development Organisation, could affect more than 90 per cent of Phi Phi’s principal businesses, forcing all development to move to surrounding hillsides.
...Nothing better illustrates the weakening of Islamic values on Phi Phi than the long-time conflict between the mosque and a Muslim landowner who rented his property to Hippies Bar on the beachfront of Tonsai Bay. The deal allows the bar to operate right next to the island’s historic Muslim graveyard.
“I’m very angry,” said Konee Kongkhaoreab, a cousin of the landowner and member of the mosque. “Our grandparents and great-grandparents are buried there. How can they rest peacefully with loud rock music blasting until 4am every day?”...


(Photo: 2Bangkok.com)
Above right: 2003 - Some areas of the peninsula between Ton Sai Bay and Loh Dalam Bay were developed with almost wall to wall guesthouses and bars. Most of these structures were destroyed or gutted by the tsunami.
Phi Phi Island in 2003
More on the "Warning sign" - February 25, 2005
Paisa writes: Jao Mae can also mean female protective spirit, shaman, saint, or deity. Jao Por is the male counterpart. Many Thai cities (including Bangkok) have san jao por luk muang (shrine [of the] spirit [protecting the] city pillar). Here's a picture of one. Among the well-known Jao Por and Jao Mae in this sense are, jao mae guan im -- and jao por guan yu.

Earlier: Warning sign - February 22, 2005
Nils translates: "It's forbidden to urinate in this area. There's a san phra phum (spirit house) here, and the jao mae lives in the back." I am still not entirely sure what a "jao mae" is, though my girlfriend said it's something like a (female) owner/boss/influential person. (Thanks to Robert for some suggestions with the translation.)

(Photo: Nils)

Conor explains: A Jao Mae is a colloquial term equivalent to “head honcho” or something like that but only for females. There is an implication that the person has power through connections and influence (and perhaps crime) rather than education and a career path.
It’s rarely used in written language and here its effect is more amusing than intimidating...
Wat Pasalawan - February 21, 2005
Not quite sure what this is about or why it is important, but the 'American Founder' of the Korat Post is getting mixed up in wat politics. Scroll down the page for the photo of the quintessential older Thai lady.
Is a Mafia Controlling Wat Pasalawan? - Korat Post, February 14, 2005
American Founder of Korat Post Manhandled By Thai Army - Korat Post, February 12, 2005
Rap and hip hop to lure young people to Buddhism - TNA, February 19, 2005
...In part a desperate bid on the part of a government concerned that the popularity of Valentine's Day has eclipsed that of festivals like Makabucha – the day celebrating the Lord Buddha’s birth, enlightenment and death – the ministry is to organize a concert on 23 February that will seek to define a new genre of ‘Dhamma Rap’.
Doing away with the often violent and misogynist lyrics associated with rap, the new genre will focus on compassion, sharing and the ability to let go of material possessions...
Lak-Ka-Pid-Lak-Ka-Perd - February 21, 2005
Artist Wit Pimkanchanapong writes: I would like to inform you about another art exhibition (in Bangkok this time!) which called Lak-Ka-Pid-Lak-Ka-Perd.
I will also join the exhibition, with the 10 screen BTS project (but I still don't sure about the subject, whether BTS or Chao-Praya-Express-Boat line.
Road carnage in Thailand - February 21, 2005
Chatchawal Phansopa points out: Road carnage in Thailand - 13 images which some may find interesting
Almost like being there: Shanghai maglev - February 19, 2005
Jason writes: Thank you for publishing your excellent site, which I visit daily. I've searched but I can't find anything on the site about the Maglev train in Shanghai. In the extremely remote possibility that you haven't already covered it, I recommend the following blog as it has some good pictures of the Maglev in action: Pudong Airport Maglev in Depth
There was a piece about it on BBC's Newsnight programme last night as the UK government is said to be considering a Maglev network here. Unfortunately, I can't see it happening.


(Photo: 2Bangkok.com)

Bangkok 'tornado' - February 16, 2005
The swiftly swirling smoke from a fire Tuesday morning had the appearance of a tornado. The Rama 9 Bridge is on the middle left.
Oarfish! - Sydney Morning Herald, February 10, 2005
Just in time for Chinese New Year: a dragon/sea serpent-like oarfish washed up in Australia. These have sometimes been found in Thailand. Don't miss the photo!

'Find Local Ski Areas Near Bangkok, Thailand' - weather.com, February 19, 2005
Something funny from weather.com (above). The answer is that there aren't any.
The skyscraper looming over the world - CNN, February 17, 2005
A novel about the construction of the Empire State Building...
Links - February 19, 2005
"Plastic surgery lifestyle" magazines: Kuala Lumpur
Hand-painted movie posters from rural Russia
The world's first pop-up topographical ski map: MountMaps

(Photo: 2Bangkok.com)
'Bangkok-Bangkok' - February 15, 2005
Artist Wit Pimkanchanapong writes: I've been to Barcelona for the exhibition Bangkok-Bangkok, which is all about Bangkok in many aspects you can get more information, interview, images here.
Wit Pimkanchanapong's ITINC map was on exhibit. The link to the interview with Wit is broken. The correct link is here. Manit Sriwanichpoom was also exhibiting at the 'Bangkok-Bangkok" show.
Earlier: Another great map idea from Wit: 'Thailand/thailand'


(Photo: 2Bangkok.com)

Things one sees on the expressway - February 18, 2005


(Photo: 2Bangkok.com)

Malaysia; a car-driven economy - Malaysia-today, February 16, 2005
[Wisarut points out this article and writes: If you think Malaysia has used so many mass transit system, please think twice because the following article has told the truth which Malaysian government refuse to tell the world even though many KL people know this fact.]
...It becomes obvious later that the Malaysian economy is driven by cars – fuelled by subsidised cheap petrol and no-deposit 7 to 9-year financing. Car ownership is at all time high, so great is the nation’s love affair with car that the other alternative – public transport, is stifled and fighting for survival. The evidence is all over the country – Intrakota and Park May, bus companies have been bleeding losses for a number of years and on the verge of bankruptcy. A few month ago, a finance company seized Intrakota’s buses for non-payment of loans.
...Financing car is cheap and does not make sense; you can buy a small compact hatch for no-deposit and monthly repayment of RM300 or less stretched over 7 to 9 years, using the car as collateral. So in a few years time, the value of the car is worth much less than what you owe the finance company. If you are smart enough to ditch the car (give it back to the finance company, after all the ownership paper says it is still theirs), the finance company would face losses...
TRT and the media notes - February 17, 2005
Media in jeopardy with TRT victory - The Nation, February 17, 2005
...Thaksin and his friends in the business community are widely perceived to be exerting influence on the print media, either by applying an advertising squeeze on newspapers or by directly influencing management and editorial decisions through the board rooms of those newspapers...
More tricks? Apirak show pushed back - The Nation, February 17, 2005
...Officials at the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) said they had received notice of the schedule change in the morning from Pacific Co, the operator of the station under a concession from the Army.
“We wondered why the schedule was shifted by one hour, so we asked the company for an explanation. But we were simply told that the Army has approved the change,” a BMA official said...
Disabled lawyer to take exams for state attorney - TNA, February 16, 2005
...Under the current Attorney General Office’s regulations, handicapped people are barred from taking jobs in the office.
On that basis, Mr. Sirimit was barred from sitting the examination in 2001...
Burma: Tourist boycott benefits no one but China - Bangkok Post, February 16, 2005
The British prime minister's proposal for a tourism boycott of Burma, raised before Britons and the leaders of the international community, is an idea which, if implemented, would do more harm than good to the people of Burma...

Anguished English - February 16, 2005
Terry sends in more anguished English from BMA's ongoing advertising campaign (these from February 11).

Ong-Bak: The Thai Warrior - Roger Ebert, February 11, 2005
TV show slammed as sex lure to teens - The Nation, February 12, 2005
...“Destiny chapter 1” is similar to the US reality show “The Bachelor”. In this version, the male participant has blind dates with three women, and he eventually has to pick one to be his girlfriend. The programme showed participants touching closely and embracing one another after having only been on two dates...
“I’m sure the programme gets a good rating. If I were single, I would probably like it, he said, “but in fact I have a daughter. I find it unendurable when I imagine how I would feel if my daughter behaved the same way as the women on the programme. I suffer.”...
Dengue fever explodes in Surat Thani - TNA, February 11, 2005
Dengue fever is making a comeback in Thailand's southern province of Surat Thani, with 70 cases already reported this year, the province's chief health official revealed today.
Mr. Phumiwit Khwanmuang warned that unless sufficient control and prevention measures were put in place, lives could be lost, as they were when the disease hit the province two years ago.
The province is now campaigning for all households to destroy the breeding grounds for the mosquitoes which spread the disease, while local officials are spraying houses with smoke as a mosquito repellent.
The real Thai thing: Tony Jaa - Canoe, February 11, 2005
Women love him for his wholesome face, humble demeanour and chiselled, athletic body. Men envy and admire him. Martial arts fans are agog over his spectacular moves. "I am so proud," Tony Jaa says quietly through a Thai interpreter in a Sun Media interview in Los Angeles. He is visiting the U.S. to launch the North American release of Ong-Bak: The Thai Warrior, his debut film as a leading man, opening today...
On the forum: More Ong-Bak links
Thailand's marine national parks in Andaman Sea re-opened - TNA, February 10, 2005
...The parks are all in the country's six tsunami-ravaged provinces of Ranong, Krabi, Phang Nga, Phuket, Trang and Satun.
They include Auao Phang-Nga National Park, Khao Lam Pee-Had Tai Muang National Park, Chao Mai National Park, Phetra Island National Park, Tarutao National Park, Taleban National Park, Tharn Bokkharanee National Park, Lanta National Park, Khao Lak-Lumru National Park, Samilan Island National Park, and Nopparat Thara-Phi Phi Island National Park...
On the forum: Switzerland map site - February 11, 2005
Satellite data of all of Switzerland with road data superimposed...
Temporary ban on fishing in the Gulf of Thailand - TNA, February 10, 2005
The Thai government has imposed a three-month fishing ban in the Gulf of Thailand, from 15 February-15 May, to help protect breeding mackerels, the Director-General of the Department of Fisheries, Sidthi Boonyaratpalin, told TNA on Wednesday...
Something about Boney M - February 10, 2005
While much of the world has heard of Boney M, they are unknown in the States and Americans are perplexed when they first hear their odd songs that are often played in Thailand. Nils writes: Wasn't Boney M mentioned at the last 2Bangkok meeting? Well, yesterday I heard "Hooray! Hooray! It's a holi-holiday" being played in Ploenchit Center...... couldn't believe my ears. Have a look here. They were of course utter crap, but once very big in Germany (and elsewhere) during the disco fever of the late 70s. I was too young then to catch them in their heyday, but nevertheless I still remember some of the songs from my childhood in the early 80s.
* Rasputin - from this album
* Ma Baker
* Rivers of Babylon
* Brown Girl in the Ring
* and of course... Daddy Cool!
Some of it is so bad that in a way, it's good again, and today they are regarded as cult by some.
The group was originally a creation of infamous German pop producer Frank Farian, also fondly remembered for the Milli Vanilli scandal a decade later... The interesting thing was that 'Bobby', the male lead singer, couldn't sing and his voice was actually that of Mr. Farian, I think. His job was only to dance and make antics on stage. Boney M on Wikipedia

Ameriquest ad

Krung Thai Bank ad
Superbowl ad based on Thai ad - Slate, February 9, 2005
Thanks to Loren for pointing this out review of a Superbowl commercial that copies a Thai TV ad: Ameriquest breaks out its second funny ad of the evening. In the first one, a guy talking on his cell phone about a negotiation—"You are being robbed!"—gets mistaken for a crook. In this second spot, an innocent man looks like a brutal cat-killer—thanks to some spilled pasta sauce. These ads brought me closer to the verge of laughter than anything else I saw tonight. (Though a reader e-mailed me after the game to point out that the cat ad may be somewhat derivative. Check out this spot for what appears to be a Thai bank.)
BMA English-language ads - February 2, 2005
Terry King writes: The BMA Tourist Authority has run a series of full-page advertisements in the Bangkok Post over the last month or so. The adds highlight various tourist spots around the city. They are all well-illustrated with obvious attention to the graphic layout. The other thing that they have in common is the absolutely appalling English.
The first few sentences of one article: "At Charoenkrung Road between Soi 26 and 28 locates a place all the tourists who are sure having been around every alley of Bangkok but never realize that this unseen place still exists. This mention place is "Rare Stone Museum." This is the fist place in Thailand where exhibits rear stones by gathering stones from diverse sources around the world."
The final paragraph reads: "For those who have some spare times, spending time in the museum where displaying natural and human products increases knowledge and pleases your life as well as develops the life quality to urban people. Each museum comes from taxes you paid, so all Thais and foreigners who are here please be invited regarding your interest."
My guess is that they are spending millions of baht on this campaign but nothing on proofreading.
New map reclassifies capital as quake-prone - Bangkok Post, February 1, 2005
U-TAPAO: Speculation rife on new US role - The Nation, February 1, 2005
Giant fish save Burma from tsunami - The Irrawaddy, January 31, 2005
...The three fish—Nga Shwe, Nga Htwe and Nga Mann—stopped the waves and ordered them to turn back...
The tidal waves asked why. One fish answered: “This is enough. We have already destroyed the country.”
Sympathizing with the people of Burma, the colossal waves receded. Burma was saved the tsunami’s full fury.
How the Philippines fails to sell itself abroad - Arab News, January 28, 2005
...So what happened? A lack of infrastructure and no advertising, is the answer in short...