|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
 |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
News and Views - July 2005
'Our Siamese Guest' - July 23, 2005
(Photo: Munsey's Magazine, 1902, p. 869, from the 2Bangkok.com collection)
The rather patronizing article that accompanies the photo (Munsey's Magazine, 1902, P. 870): Our Siamese Guest - Under British influence Siam is one of the most progressive of eastern countries. Lying between the British Indian province of Burma and its dependencies, on one side, and the territory of French Indo China on the other, the Land of the White Elephant was for long a place of contest for these rival European powers. In 1896 an agreement was come to whereby the English and French decided to consider the central part of Siam neutral territory , into which they would not send troops or there seeks to obtain exclusive advantages. The strips of territory to the east and west of the neutralized zone were left under the influence of the powers adjacent to them. In this way Siam has been brought into very close contact with western civilization, and its king Khoulalonkorn, is a progressive statesman who has traveled much in Europe.
The king governs through a legislative council of state, consisting of the... (The rest of the article is on another page which we do not have.)
1908 photo looking towards the Golden Mount - July 9, 2005
Heinrich Damm writes: On today's 2Bangkok website there is an old photo entitled "1908 photo of Klong Mahanak looking towards the Golden Mount" I doubt that this is Klong Mahanak. Have a look at the map: looking from Klong Mahanak towards Golden Mount it must be on the left side of the Klong. I'd rather say, this is either Klong Bunglampoo or Klong Ong Ang.
In my book "Bangkok Now and Then" by Steve Van Beek there is a similar photo on p.28 where the caption says "Klong Ong Ang".
BTW have a look at an old photo of Klong Banglampoo on my website, but this is near Samsen Road, you can see the bridge at the lower edge of the photo...
Asiper writes: I have just bought the book "Old photo telling Siam" and see a photo of the same klong you posted on 2B. It is Klong Robkrung, not Klong Mahanak. This klong was built in the King Rama I era, but rebuilt in the King Rama V era. King Rama I ordered the building of the klong surrounded the city to protect it from the enemy and then also built 14 forts such as Fort Prasumen, Fort Yukonthon, Fort Mahaprab, Fort Mahakarn, Fort Mootaluang, Fort Sertayan, Fort Mahachai, Fort Jakpetch, Fort Phiser, Fort Mahalerk, Fort Mahayak, Fort Prachan, Fort Pra-atid and Fort Isinthon. Klong Robkrung nowadays is not beautiful and bright as in the old days although the government tries to preserve it.
(Source: Undated photo from the 2Bangkok.com collection)Na Phrathat Road - July 16, 2005
Silapakorn University on NA Phrathat Road - Note the open gutters and that there are no sidewalks. There seems to be some building at end of the road (the roof is just visible). In the present day the road is much wider and the Rama VIII Bridge (on the other side of the river) is in the distance.
(Photo: 2Bangkok.com)
Early closing hours in the past - July 11, 2005
Despite all the controversy--at least in the foreign community--about the early closing times for nightlife spots, this tact has been tried before. In the past it was usually associated with regimes attempting to enforce social order during times of turmoil.
On January 31, 1972, the Thanom junta ordered all nightspots, restaurants (even in hotels), bowling alleys, and food shops to close at midnight. The serving of liquor was also banned between 2pm and 5pm. This afternoon prohibition as been revived at the present time.
In 1976 a curfew was imposed from 12:00am to 4:30am. This was in the wake of the right-wing storming of Thammasat and at the height of the Communist insurgency. Bars and nightspots had to close at 11:30pm. This move was said to be generally welcomed by people who were able to sleep soundly and not be disturbed by noise from nightspots. Nighttime crime was also common and the curfew was an attempt to address this. A Nation article at the time described Patpong-area business as upset and described the chaos as the bars closed at 11:30pm and everyone rushed home to beat the curfew
Earlier: From the Thai-language press: Red light areas in Bangkok in olden days
Quake Hits India; Tsunami Warning Lifted - AP, July 25, 2005
Tsunami warning for southern provinces - The Nation, July 25, 2005
Thai authorities issue tsunami warning after major quake in Andaman Sea - AP, July 25, 2005
Note: This quake occurred on July 24, 2005 at 10:42:05pm Bangkok time.
Magnitude 7.0 - NICOBAR ISLANDS - USGS, July 25, 2005
'Don't panic over waves' - The Nation, July 24 , 2005
Pushing the mass transit lines - July 25, 2005
(Photo: 2Bangkok.com)
The government has been quick to promote their plans for new mass transit routes. The poster reads: Metropolitan Police Bureau - Main road project line 2 - Red line: Vipavadee Road all route - Memorial Institute to Dindaeng Intersection - For convenience, speed, safety
At the same time the government has permanently canceled all Skytrain extensions.
Metro Star plans new Sathorn tower - The Nation, July 11, 2005
...Sadly though, Sathorn has lost its beautiful boulevards and canals.
It was once considered the most beautiful part of Bangkok, with large trees lining its canal, at a time when the city was known as the Venice of the East, now lost in the name of progress.
Its old landscape appeared like Wireless Road today, only prettier, with homes of bluebloods and tycoons as well as elegant embassy grounds lining both sides of the canal.
Much of all that has long been lost. And had the US ambassador in the 1970s not object to the cutting down of the tall trees on Wireless, this last scenic strip of old Bangkok would have been degraded as well.
For this very reason, the price of real estate on Wireless today is higher than that on Sathorn.
But as far as concrete jungles go, Sathorn may be revived. Big plans are mapped by many developers to overhaul its grim, concrete look...
BP's Thunderhorse platform still listing precariously - Resource Investor, July 13, 2005
Local radio stations generate strong bonds between neighbours - Bangkok Post, July 25, 2005
[The Post continues its blanket coverage of community radios stations with this fascinating article.]
...It is now part of everyday life in the community. People tune in to the station when they sip coffee in the morning, clean the house, work their orchards or cook their meals. Programmes range from news and fruit trade reports to chat shows, sing-alongs and phone-ins, with people asking questions, sharing opinions and dedicating songs to others.
They can even call the station and ask the host to tell a noodle vendor listening in to deliver a few bowls to their door.
...Somneuk Somboonchan, hosting a Mon cultural programme, said a young Mon man once called and told him a girl had eloped with him, and asked for a traditional way to apologise to her parents.
Mr Somneuk said he told the man what he should do and helped talk the girl's parents, on air, into accepting his apology. Sometimes he played Cupid.
..."Some of our hosts here are from the Northeast. They play Isan songs, warn their folks about being duped by job brokers and not to drink too much to save money for families back home,'' he said.
...A man in a rage took his gun and sped off in his car to kill a friend who had cheated him of 20 million baht. On his way, he happened to tune in to a station where Phra Siangsin Chatawaro was preaching about anger management.The man made a U-turn and drove to the station instead.
"I gave him a dhamma cassette tape and told him to give it to his friend instead. He took it and really gave it to that person. Not long after that, his friend paid back almost all the money. He was very happy,'' the monk said.
Fourteen ways to die in Shanghai - shanghaiist.com, July 26, 2005
English translation of a controversial, internet-propagated map that lists places and methods for bumping yourself off in Shanghai...
Latest from Chang Noi: No news is bad, bad news - The Nation, July 25, 2005
It is Monday and thus time for another tough editorial from The Nation. The harshest editorials (like this one) are written under the pseudonym "Chang Noi" (Little Elephant).
...The pathetic list of government PR announcements that has come to replace the news is so short and boring that television channels also add human-interest stories. Most channels now have a regular slot highlighting the plight of the less fortunate in society. A typical story shows some individual rendered helpless, perhaps just by old age and poverty, but often by some physical disability too. This person is shown living alone or accompanied by a child or some shattered pet animal.
Collectively, these stories build a picture of a society incapable of helping itself. We almost never see neighbours, relatives, community organisations or NGOs in these clips. We can't tell whether they are really absent or whether this is just part of the genre...
Chang Noi's website.
Thailand mulls import of Vietnamese, Filipino workers - TNA, July 21, 2005
...Currently the Thai law allows for import of migrant labour from three countries, including Myanmar, Laos and Cambodia...
Editorial: All must be condemned: New York and London or Rangoon and Vientiane - Matichon, July 12, 2005
It was forecast that London would be a target of fundamentalist Muslims who aim to terrorize because they are upset the UK government headed by Tony Blair cooperated with the US to attack Iraq and overthrow the dictator's Saddam Hussein's government. Up to now the terrorist situation in Iraq that resists the USA and England has existed continuously and severely.
The terrorist event in London at this time is a lesson to the International country to realize that it is necessary to watch for and not be careless about terrorism. This lesson include Thailand.
Moreover the terrorism in London is a repeat warning for the international to cooperate closely to watch doubtful groups. Nations must give each other intelligence information especially watching charitable donations and funds to make merit. This is to make sure this money is not transferred to another country for terrorist activities in that country.
So the important duty of the international community is resist all kinds of terrorism movements no matter what the objective is. The terrorist do not only appear at the World Trade Building in New York, Madrid in Spain, London, and three southern provinces of Thailand, but also in Rangoon, Burma and Vientiane, Laos. All terrorists have different objectives, but the lives and bodies of innocent persons must be respected by all sides and must not be violated. So terrorist everywhere and at every time must be be held responsible without stopping. The world should not discriminate because of focusing more on New York and London than on Rangoon and Vientiane.
The world must realize they must stick together on terrorism that no matter what the objective is it must be condemned.
Metro logos from around the world - Metro Bits, July 18, 2005
Giant crystal cave discovered - BBC, June 12, 2000
An old article, but still interesting...
...The geode, which is eight metres (26ft) long and crammed full of gypsum prisms, has been put under police guard to prevent souvenir hunters from raiding the extraordinary natural phenomenon...
Monday ban brings hope to city centre - The Nation, July 16, 2005A tale of two newspapers: Anand's comments - July 20, 2005
...The improved flow was not brought on by new roads, expressways or a fancy mega-project that cost taxpayers trillions of baht. Neither did it require drastic measures like an executive decree or bulldozers to clear messy areas.
In one clean sweep, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) imposed a ban on street vendors that saved hundreds of millions of baht in fuel costs, wasted working hours and lost opportunities, not to mention the positive impact it had on real estate in the city centre...
(Photo: 2Bangkok.com)1113 billboard - July 20, 2005
A billboard for the heavily promoted directory assistance service 1113: New! check horoscope with famous fortune teller. Press 1113 one number - Moryong / Poo Lokbiew / Arjan Suea [the three people in circles on the billboard]. Press 1113 anytime, you get every matter.
(Photo: Jerry)The Rama III flyovers - July 21, 2005
Jerry has photos of the new flyovers on Rama II Road: The five flyovers under construction are Narathiwat, Entry/Exit from new bridge access road, Satu Phradit, Rama 9 bridge access, and Montien junction.
(Photo: Jerry)
(Photo: Jerry)
Malaysia 'teapot cult' attacked - BBC, July 18, 2005
Benny Goodman in Bangkok 1956 - July 20, 2005
Benny Goodman 1956 - December 14 and 15 - Recorded at the "Lumpini Parc"- A review of the recording from Artist Direct: This is one of the more unusual live CDs by Benny Goodman, recorded in December 1956 over two days in Bangkok, Thailand. He leads a 13-piece group, which includes Budd Johnson and Peanuts Hucko in the reed section, along with pianist Hank Jones and bassist Israel Crosby. Goodman and his band are at their very best, in spite of playing outdoors and competing, on occasion, with a passing train; this early stereo recording, performed with just two microphones, was made with the clarinetist's permission. In addition to favorites like "Don't Be That Way," "One O'Clock Jump" and "Flying Home," Goodman surprises the audience by playing two works composed by His Majesty the King of Thailand Bhumiphol Adujadet, as well as a brief sign off of the "Thai Royal Anthem." Jones and drummer Mousie Alexander join the leader for exciting trio renditions for "The World Is Waiting For Sunrise" and "Lady Be Good," during which Jones sounds very much like Teddy Wilson. This historic CD is well worth acquiring. ~ Ken Dryden, All Music Guide
A thread about this is here.
Does the road to the future end at Dubai? - tomdispatch.com, July 14, 2005
...Dozens of outlandish mega-projects -- including "The World" (an artificial archipelago), Burj Dubai (the Earth's tallest building), the Hydropolis (that underwater luxury hotel, the Restless Planet theme park, a domed ski resort perpetually maintained in 40C heat, and The Mall of Arabia, a hyper-mall -- are actually under construction or will soon leave the drawing boards...
The Post says Anand 'called on the government' and is 'concerned.' The Nation says Anand 'slammed' the government and 'warned' them. The Post says "They may exercise the power under the executive decree intentionally or unintentionally in ways that could aggravate the crisis" while The Nation interprets this 'quote' as : "So, giving them broader power may lead to increased violence and eventually a real crisis." The Nation omits a call from Prawase Wasi not to oppose the decree and adds a quote by Chamlong Srimuang supporting it.
Anand: Don't use decree in haste - Officials `not ready' to wield sweeping power - Bangkok Post, July 19, 2005
Former prime minister Anand Panyarachun, now chairman of the National Reconciliation Commission (NRC) for the restive deep South, yesterday called on the government to delay application of the executive decree on administrative rule in emergency situations.
Mr Anand said officials at the action level are not yet ready to exercise the decree and quick but wrong applications could aggravate the southern unrest.
..."So far the government mechanisms have failed to arrest any culprits and do not know who are responsible (for the on-going unrest). Government officials are inefficient ... If government officials cannot bring in the culprits for punishment and continue to create hatred and mistrust against themselves, there will be serious concern when more sweeping powers are given to the officials. They may exercise the power under the executive decree intentionally or unintentionally in ways that could aggravate the crisis,'' he said.
..."They (new measures) should not be announced in haste like the decree. Please be calm. Do not announce them. The biggest concern is that the decree can lead to another crisis. If there is no efficiency, there will be considerable chances for mistakes. If there is a mistake, the prime minister cannot deny responsibility,'' he warned.
...NRC vice-chairman Prawase Wasi yesterday urged the government to apply the executive decree very carefully to guarantee justice for the people.
Unfair application of the decree would compound violence in the deep South, Dr Prawase warned.
DR Prawase warned critics not to oppose the executive decree, saying the government would otherwise have an excuse for failing to quell violence in the deep South. He suggested that opponents campaign for fair application of the decree instead. With the decree in force, if the government still failed to solve the unrest, it would have to take responsibility, he said...EMERGENCY DECREES: Anand slams govt as editors up in arms - The Nation, July 19, 2005
Former prime minister Anand Panyarachun yesterday slammed the government for "hastily" issuing an executive decree to give the prime minister broad emergency powers to stamp out unrest in the deep South.
Anand, as chairman of the National Reconciliation Commission (NRC), warned that the State of Emergency Decree would only lead to more violence and possibly a "real crisis" as the authorities' main problem was a lack of efficiency, and not lack of power.
"The authorities have worked inefficiently. They have arrested innocent people instead of the real culprits, leading to mistrust among locals. So, giving them broader power may lead to increased violence and eventually a real crisis," said Anand after emerging from a meeting of an NRC working group last night at Government House.
Prawase Wasi, a member of the NRC, urged the government to employ its emergency powers with caution in order to avoid causing injustice and even further violence in the deep South.
"The government should tread carefully. If there is a mistake, I believe the violence will worsen," he said...
Chamlong Srimuang, a former deputy prime minister, yesterday expressed support for the emergency decree. He said it was needed as violence was growing in the Muslim-majority border provinces...
Royal Canadian Mint to produce 400MLN coins for Thailand - Asia Pulse, July 13, 2005
Technology The Royal Canadian Mint is pleased to announce that it has been awarded a contract valued at over $10 million to produce 400 million 2 Baht Thailand coins...
Hanoi overland Highway No. 8 opens new vistas for tourists traveling between Vietnam and Thailand via Laos - Bangkok Post, Wed, 13 July 2005
Travelling overland from Thailand to Vietnam was an exacting task until recently. However, the opening of Highway No. 8 that runs from Tha Khek in Laos cutting through lush forest and scenic mist-clad mountains to central Vietnam now allows visitors to travel there by road from the northeastern province of Nakhon Phanom...
Three receive prison terms for watching Suu Kyi tape - The Irrawaddy, July 11, 2005
A senior member of the opposition National League for Democracy and two other people have been jailed after being arrested while watching a video tape of Suu Kyi addressing campaign supporters...
(Photo: Asiper)Barefoot Garden - July 15, 2005
Asiper writes: Above is a photo of the Barefoot Garden at Wangyang River-park Resort and Spa, Amphur Sriprachan, Suphanburi (Tel. 66-3554-8870-2). And here's a poem that is at the site:Whole body bearing on the two feet,
Who else realized?
Body and mind related to, indeed,
why isolately wrap them tight?
Let the two feet exposed as bare-foot
touch the bare earth.
All natural surfaces beneath we stood,
empowering in search.
- Anusak Kongmalai
Air Siam: Thailand's first independent airline - July 11, 2005
What we know about Air Siam, Thailand's first independent airline: It was set up on September 15, 1965, suspended operations on January 11, 1972, and started again on March 7, 1972. It was closed for good on December 1, 1976. At the time Managing Director Vivat Vichitvadakarn cited heavy losses and the government's refusal to confirm if they would renew the airline's operating license. Any readers have more info on this company?
Thaksinomics takes the bang out of Bangkok: William Pesek Jr. - Bloomberg, July 10, 2005
...It's also impossible to ignore a death-rattle of sorts pervading Thailand -- not of the economy, but of "Thaksinomics,'' the name given to Thaksin's strategies for growth.
...Yet consumers' vulnerability to higher oil prices exposes what "Thaksinomics'' really is: old-fashioned, debt-financed pump priming dressed up as something new and revolutionary. The success of Thaksin's strategy to raise Thai incomes and make the economy less reliant on exports is belied by how quickly millions of his people have fallen on hard times.
..."It's really the media that's creating this idea that Thailand is in trouble again,'' Claudia Zeisberger, program director of the Asia Pacific Institute of Finance, said at a July 7 panel discussion hosted by Bloomberg. "Let's remember that this is a maturing economy that now can handle these problems...''
(Photo: 2Bangkok.com)
'Safety Zone on Zoning' - July 13, 2005
A more accurate translation would be Safety zone for people - Suttisarn Police Station. This is another one of the 'safety districts' being set up in the city which includes tightening security protocols in buildings and increased patrolling of neighborhoods.
China: Miniskirts enter amusement park at half price - The Epoch Times, July 7, 2005
Bonuses for bikini-clad bathers anger South Korean women's group - AFP, July 8, 2005
'Save Michael See' - July 13, 2005
What happens when one leaves their wife and family in the internet age... The backstory is here.
(Photo: 2Bangkok.com)
Bangkok ranked world's second best city - CNN, July 13, 2005
Thanks to Conor Bracken for pointing this out: Australia's biggest city, Sydney, has again been named the world's best city by readers of the U.S. magazine Travel and Leisure.
It is the eighth time in 10 years that Sydney, known for its iconic opera house, harbor bridge and stunning beaches, has topped the list.
It was followed by the Thai capital Bangkok in second place, with Italy's Rome and Florence in third and fourth places respectively. The northern Thai city of Chiang Mai made its first appearance in the top 10, placing fifth.
...Eight hotels have ranked on the list of top 100 hotels worldwide every year since 1996. They are the Four Seasons Resort Bali at Jimbaran Bay; the Oriental, Bangkok; the Halekulani, Hawaii; the Peninsula, Hong Kong; Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea; Ritz-Carlton Cancun; Ritz-Carlton, Chicago; and the Inn at Spanish Bay, Pebble Beach, California.
Proposed pipeline causes concern - The Irrawaddy, July 12, 2005
International rights group Amnesty International and the International Confederation of Free Trade Unions have warned that the recently proposed Burma-India gas pipeline could result in serious human rights violations...
Thaksin is loyal but wishy-washy: TRT - The Nation, July 13, 2005
...The following are excerpts of an interview with Thirapat, one of the party's 23 founding members, published on Sunday in the Thai-language newspaper Thai Post. He reveals why the party's "name" and "launch date" mattered so much to Thaksin, and what kind of person he believes Thaksin really is.
...When it came to the registration to legalise the party, we discussed the best date for the launch. Thaksin said he preferred July 14, 1998.
I argued that the date was the national day of France - the day that led to the end of the French absolute monarchy. Thaksin told me he would reconsider the matter. A week later, he came back and insisted that July 14 was best for us.
...Thaksin asked me how much debt I was handling. He said he would manage it for me. Another option was that I run for a House seat, which would mean I would rank within the top 100 of the party-list. The other option was that I told him which key position I wanted. He said I would get it if he became prime minister after the election in 2001...
(Photo: Tom Schweindl)
Kampeng Phet 7 being closed--forever! - July 12, 2005
Good photos from fullmoon-party.org.
In pictures: Hmong evictions in Thailand - BBC, July 6, 2005
A tale of two newspapers: Stimulus package - July 13, 2005
The Post has another 'just-the-facts-as-the-government-tells-us' article and reserves its modest criticism for an editorial the next day (A need to trim populist spending, Bangkok Post, July 14, 2005). The Nation states in its headline that the "PM throws caution to the wind," but does give perspective to the moves citing the diesel float and sagging government popularity. The Post lets the PM have the last word while The Nation quotes a poll.
PM pledges major push for economy - Major speech outlines GDP stimulus package - Bangkok Post, July 13, 2005
The government has pledged to give the slow economy a new push by cutting back on unnecessary expenses, salary increment for civil servants and a minimum wage hike for workers, and tax incentives to encourage the private sector to pay their employees more.
In a speech given at last night's fund-raising dinner celebrating Mont Fort School's 72nd anniversary, Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra said the Thai economy was in for a huge stimulus package.
He urged the people not to panic in the face of rising fuel prices, insisting that all relevant figures confirmed the economy was still in fine shape. However, public confidence was essential to keep the national economy afloat, he said.
...Mr Thaksin concluded his speech with a call for the public to trust him and let him work for the country. ''You don't have to love me or like me. Help the country and I'll do my best.''ECONOMIC PUMP-PRIMING: Embattled PM throws caution to the wind - The Nation, July 13, 2005
Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra yesterday unveiled an economic-stimulus package highlighted by more populist spending schemes. The measures represent a major political gamble apparently aimed at arresting the slump in the prime minister's popularity and cushioning the impact of the government's decision to end the diesel-price subsidy yesterday.
...Almost 47 per cent of a focus group comprising 144 people said they were "rather satisfied" with the government's short-term measures to boost the economy. About 40 per cent of focus group viewers said they were "rather confident" that the measures announced would be beneficial.
Also: Editorial: A need to trim populist spending - Bangkok Post, July 14, 2005
...While populist spending schemes for state officials, pensioners, old people and labourers are justified, the government's promise to inject 250,000 baht into each of the 80,000 villages to be spent ``freely'' by the village committees on so-called SML projects they drew up is most troubling.
Due to insufficient state control of the spending, absence of follow-up of the results, as well as the doubtful ability of village committees to manage state funds, the likelihood is that much of the money will be poorly invested if not totally wasted.
...The government may be powerless to control oil prices. But it can resort to more effective ways to save energy and hence reduce the huge oil import bill which is exacerbating the country's current account deficit and thus threatening its economic stability. And that means the government must have the courage to apply the bitter pill, to cut back on populist spending and to adopt an austerity approach.
To start with, the government should rethink its planned investment in mega infrastructure projects.
RIGHTS-THAILAND: Thaksin company courts controversy - IPS, July 16, 2005
...It is a case that has brought into relief a range of issues, including the right of a citizen to criticise a company linked to the political establishment, Thailand's commitment to international treaties it has signed on political and civil liberties and the concerns over conflicts-of-interest between politics and business.
...Thai and foreign media and human rights groups were astounded by such demands, since it was an unparalleled amount being made here by a business giant that had earned a net profit of 9.7 billion baht (242.5 million dollars) the year the libel charges were made.
...''This case will be closely followed by many people beyond Thailand because Shin Corp. is not your typical business,'' Roby Alampay, executive director of the South-east Asia Press Alliance, a regional media watchdog, told IPS. ''It will clarify what leeway and rights a citizen has to question a big company.''
The intertwining of business and political interests has been a common phenomenon in the developing democracies of the region, he added. ''Supinya's case is the most blatant illustration of this problem,'' Alampay said.
Such examples abound in the current Thai government, with cabinet ministers and parliamentarians coming from families -- or with close links to - having entertainment, construction and transportation empires...
CANAL CHARM IN PERIL - Floodgates put community lifeline and water supply at risk, residents fear - Bangkok Post, July 17, 2005
The Khlong Bang Pratun canal community in Bangkok's Chom Thong district enchants visitors with its unique charm, for people here still maintain traditional livelihoods.
Located just 20km from Sathon, the city's bustling business district, the area is tranquil, with green orchards set in a web of canals. In fact, boats and canals are the community's lifelines.
With limited road access, residents rely largely on water transportation. Farmers use boats to transport fruit to city markets while monks reach alms-makers on boats. There are boat taxis cruising along the canals. When people get sick, it is boats and not ambulances that deliver patients to a local doctor. Without access to tap water, residents still use water from the canal in their everyday lives.
However, this rustic canal community may become a thing of the past now that the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) is planning to build floodgates to block the water flow, said Thawatchai Thongsima, city councillor for Chom Thong district. The floodgates are part of a flood prevention scheme which has received a 340-million-baht budget from the BMA.
...Residents have complained that the BMA went ahead with the project without consulting them.
They learned about it only when the city's workers moved heavy construction machinery into the area...
Comparing Luang Prabang and Pagan - July 11, 2005
Friskodude points out an interesting article comparing two historic towns...
No words from PM on Thai politics - TNA, July 7, 2005
Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra has refused to give any interviews on political issues, saying he wants to wait until the Mercury returns to its normal orbit...
Mr. Thaksin has avoided political interviews since he returned from the 2nd Greater Mekong Sub-region (GMS) Summit in southern China Tuesday night, saying he is waiting for the Mecury to return to its normal orbit...
Deal opens the gates to a Bangkok boom - The Age, July 6, 2005
... "Bangkok is, in my view, the best place to hub from in Asia," he says. "It's safe, easy to get to, the people are fabulous, and it's very economical...
Middle class should get some blame for lack of greenery in Bangkok - The Nation, July 6, 2005
...The National Economic and Social Development Board (NESDB) recently released a report stating that Bangkokians have an average of 2.24 square metres of green space per person. This is an alarming figure, since the NESDB points out that the international standard is four times higher, or 10 square metres of green area per person. For the 10 million or so Bangkokians, there is only a total of 800 rai of public green areas, and life is generally grey.
...Let's start with the very Thai concept of progress and backwardness. To many Thais, especially Bangkokians, structures, roads and pavements - all made out of concrete - represent progress and modernity, as well as a certain state of civilisation. On the other hand, the Thai term for "barbarian", khon pa, literally means "forest people". This suggests that forests and deep greenery were something that Thais, traditionally, have never felt comfortable with...
'The Rice Cake Making Rabbit in the Moon' - July 8, 2005
Nothing to do with Thailand, but interesting. Nils points out the Japanese version of the man in the moon here and here.
Bangkok governor orders tightened security in the capital - TNA, July 8, 2005
Khin Nyunt reportedly charged with corruption - The Irrawaddy, July 8, 2005
Khin Nyunt, the former prime minister and head of Burma's Military Intelligence, has been formerly charged with corruption in a closed trial in Insein Prison, according to lawyers in Rangoon...
Hmong refugees - July 8, 2005
[This is the kind of issue that attracts little interest domestically, but the foreign press will focus on it. The damage control will be slow and inept as seem by the comments by a 'local official' below.]
Baby first casualty among Hmong refugees cast out of Thai homes - AP, July 7, 2005
Thousands of ethnic Hmong refugees expelled from their villages under a Thai government to force them to return to neighboring Laos have seen their first casualty: a baby girl who died after she and her parents spent a shelterless day and night in the rain...
Traffickers blamed for Hmong influx, crisis - The Nation, July 7, 2005
Some of the 6,500 Hmong who crossed illegally into Thailand and are now stranded in Phetchabun province were brought by traffickers, a Thai official said yesterday.
Many of the Hmong paid Lao and Thai traffickers to help them cross the Mekong River to reach the northeastern province of Loei, before snaking deeper to Phetchabun, the official said...
A tale of two newspapers: Thairath and Matichon editorials - July 8, 2005
Thailand's two largest circulation newspapers (either one with 10 times the circulation of the English-language dailies) have editorials on Dr Prawes Wasri's criticism of the government. Both editorials discuss Dr. Prawes' comments, but focus on different aspects.
Matichon emphasizes that PM Thaksin should be careful of his word saying that if the PM does not listen to and give honor to people that it will be an obstacle for his country's administration or even bring it to a halt. Thairath focuses on the unhealthy imperative for people to become rich at any cost.
Editorial from Thairath: Robbing the center of the city - July 8, 2005
It is accepted that Dr. Prawes Wasri is one of the regular intellectual persons who comes out to criticize society and politics often and recently he criticizes the PM's policy that usually asks the question “how to get rich?” This is the greedy way that leads to eagerness to use power, small corruption, seizing things and looting the country.
If we look at the way of economic development of the Thai government at present, it all stimulation or promoting people to be greedy to get rich by short cuts and causing corruption and crime.
At present, Thai society measures the growth by GDP. This measure money or wealth, but it does not measure the index of happiness by the way of the Nation Health Assembly.
From 200 survey polls around the world of English organizations recently specified that the quality of Bangkok residents’ lives decreased because of traffic jams and the raising crime problem by two times. So Bangkok has a lack of safety in life and assets although the residents have more income and live more conveniently than people in rural areas.
Will people be happy? This time is full of robbing, killing, raping, mercilessness, and no kindness, but is possessed by greedy people racing to get rich and at the same time those who have political power and money aiming to take a lot of wealth for themselves and their followers, making corruption prosper and raising GDP to a world level.
Some people will think cheating is a common matter and accept that for politicians and government officials cheating does not matter if they are effective administrators. But Dr. Prawes regards that cheating of the powerful persons make lots of poor people. This is because cheating is taking all assets for the benefit of a few people. It is robbing the center of the city, but some think that it is success.
Blaming the government or the PM only is not fair because the current trend of globalization now clings to extreme capitalism and promotion of people’s greed. The Thai government may lead Thai society to follow the globalization trend. The problem is how we build strong people power to provoke the government to listen to people...
Editorial of Matichon: Keeping one's word and the country's leader - July 8, 2005
Again Dr. Prawes Wasri, a senior person gives comment to Thaksin attitude quite frankly. On July 5 he said that the the PM should be careful of the atmosphere of the "eunuch syndrome" which means that when one get powers, good people will leave, those who have power will cut off the truth, and the degenerate will come in. This is called "eunuch disease" and will make the country totally destroyed because they don’t know reality and will listen to the things they want to listen to.
Although this interview is quite serious, it is full of good wishes for Thaksin to adjust himself in his words to speak honor, accept the facts, and not blame people as “regular critics” that want to abuse or make the government collapse. Dr. Wasri is also one of regulars because he did not admire Thaksin.
People giving opinions in society at any place or speaking through the mass media to the public is one way of using freedom according the constitution that promotes and protects expression. The other side is testing the qualifications and ability of government--especially the government leader--whether he has the heart to listen to other opinions. If he has high ability, he will control his temper and show his generous mind and listen to every side's opinion. If he can't control himself, he will blast the bad words with the intention hurt to the other side or or make them feel ashamed.
Being a leader with all knowledge, ability, vision, fast work, and effectiveness is the qualification that Thai society wants. But looking back, we have not had that leader completely yet. For the government at present that faces corruption problems seriously, there are many sides coming together to voice concerns, warn against, suggest, but the government did not listen, but counters instead.
Although, the output of the government will be seen as the government's effectiveness in action whether the problem of the poor may be solved, whether cheating, corruption, unfairness may be gotten rid of. But the word of the government leader is important for government's credibility. However “bad words” that do not give honor and do not listen to others will be obstacles to the country's administration and even cause the country to come to a sudden stop.
More: 'A tale of two newspapers' archives - 'A tale of two newspapers' compares how various news sources report the same stories.
2B Weekend reading
Thanks to Danny for providing this week's Weekend Reading links...
All aboard, with the Smartcard - The Age, July 14, 2005
The announcement of the $494 million Smartcard contract invites the response The Age offered nine years ago to the OneLink deal: pardon our scepticism, but perhaps we should not hail this technological triumph until public transport users see it installed and operating...
In Laos, flavors taste of the distance traveled - IHT, July 14, 2005
...Laotian food hasn't yet made it onto the world stage, and that may be because most people treat lush and tiny Laos like Luxembourg and Andorra - countries too small, too obscure, to bother with...
A region responds to lift from bridge - IHT, July 15, 2005
...Since it opened last December, the bridge has begun to rid the sleepy region of its reputation as a way to somewhere else. Even for France-weary visitors, the area offers intriguing possibilities for discovery. Some of the sites are little known...
Thai Restaurants in Fairbanks Alaska - July 18, 2005
Stephen Cysewski writes: I just put up a web page on the Thai Restaurants in Fairbanks Alaska. I thought it might be interesting to the 2Bangkok.com community.
Fairbanks Alaska is the second largest city in Alaska, the total population in the area is around 80,000. Fairbanks has nine Thai restaurants. The Thai House was the first and the new restaurant being, opened by the owners of Bahn Thai, is the newest. So far all the restaurants are successful. It is kind of amazing that Fairbanks can support so many Thai restaurants.
Thanks to Nils for pointing this out...
Safety fears after truck rams into jet - Bangkok Post, July 16, 2005
...Operators at the airport say incidents of service vehicles damaging parked aircraft are not uncommon at Don Muang.
"It happens at least once a month and many cases aren't reported outside the airport.
"Don Muang is not a safe airport,'' one said...
Ultraman on the Skytrain - July 16, 2005
New series of Skytrain tickets featuring Ultraman...
More on Bangkok Skytrain and the extensions
Cartoon spoofing the building boom - The Nation, July 16, 2005
Thaksin's wife owns new party headquarters - Bangkok Post, July 15, 2005
...Some critics have called into question the willingness on the part of the prime minister's family to make sacrifices to the party.
But Mr Phumtham said the party had what it took to become a fully-fledged political institution. Its success hinged on its ability to stay in politics, create a desirable political culture and expand party membership, he said.
" Unlike some parties whose existence is rendered meaningless by its failure to serve a political purpose, our party has delivered goals throughout the seven years since it was established,'' he said, ending with a swipe at the rival Democrat party.
Border closing blamed on sneaky business tactics - The Irrawaddy, July 13, 2005
Thailand's closure of the Three Pagodas Pass in Kanchanaburi province to motor vehicles is reportedly causing hardship to a Burmese frontier township...
Rail-link contractor blamed for city's horror traffic jams - The Nation, July 7, 2005
The State Railway's failure to inform the public about road closures due to construction of the Suvarnabhumi Airport Rail Link has caused traffic paralysis on city roads since Tuesday, traffic police said.
The State Railway of Thailand is closing Kamphaengphet 7 Road to enable contractors to position tractors and materials along the 28-kilometre-long construction site...
The closure forced commuters to detour using the parallel New Phetburi and Rama IX roads. These routes were also affected by severe congestion, which in turn spread to Rajprasong, Rajdamri, Sukhumvit, Sathorn and Rama IV roads, where vehicles queued on the expressway all the way to the Bang Na tollgate.
Other deadlocked areas included Ramkhamhaeng, Lat Phrao, Bang Kapi, Praditmanutham, Srinakarin and Pattanakarn. Also the traffic trap at Phetburi Road affected Rajdamnoen, where vehicles were stalled on the Rama XIII bridge on the way to Talingchan...
Phuket plans tsunami 'party' - The Nation, July 6, 2005
Phuket authorities are planning a big bash on December 26 to commemorate the tsunami and have invited old-school rocker Eric Clapton and Taiwanese boy band F4 to perform...
Aerial pics of the mega-bridge - July 4, 2005
Thomas took these photos of the mega-bridge (1, 2) from an airplane and another funny one he shot in Jakarta.
Bus 24 - July 4, 2005
Anyone know the date of this photo?
More: Things we want to know...
An overview of Thai-U.S. relations - The Royal Thai Embassy, Washington, D.C. - July 4, 2005
Right: LBJ arrives in style in front of the old parliment building.
Also: U.S. Presidential visits to Thailand
Any reader have an idea who the individual is in this undated photo from Francis Chit Studios? Last week: "Royal Procession, Siam"
All about Quatrotec - July 1, 2005
The Nation points out a Pantip thread about another mysterious company involved in the new airport purchasing. It is an interesting twist in investigative journalism when newspapers begin citing internet forum posts as sources of information.
Another Nation article about Quatrotec: AIRPORT SCANDAL: Heat is now on Quatrotec, The Nation, June 6, 2005
Whatever the truth of Quatrotec, the alleged details of its size and location does fit the classic Thai style of contract corruption. 2Bangkok.com worked on a previous example of this, exposing the incorporation papers of Phuket Pass Project Limited, a hastily formed company created to handle money for the Kra Canal study.
On the forum: Delhi Metro Line 2 completed on July 3rd
Security increased in Bangkok - The Nation, July 23, 2005
...The commissioner has encouraged people travelling on public-transport systems to use their mobile phones to take pictures of suspicious people and unattended parcels before notifying police...
Earth Observation THEOS will give Thailand an orbital view of earth - SpaceDaily, July 3, 2005
THEOS will provide Thailand with worldwide geo-referenced image products and image processing capabilities for applications in cartography, land use, agricultural monitoring, forestry management, coastal zone monitoring and flood risk management - providing access to any part of Thailand in less than 2 days...
On the forum: War of the Worlds poster
(Photo: pantip.com)
Media criticised over 'unhelpful news' - The Nation, July 4, 2005
The media should refrain from reporting events in the South that are deemed unhelpful or damaging to the government, according to Privy Councillor Surayud Chulanond.
"Truthful words that may not be beneficial should be avoided," said Surayud yesterday at speech to commemorate the eighth anniversary of the Press Council of Thailand. "I would like the media to consider that."...
Panel wants ads banned, transmitters checked - Bangkok Post, July 6, 2005
A House telecommunications sub-committee will ask the government to suspend the operations of all community radio stations, check their transmitters before licensing and ban all commercial advertising...
...However, Wuthipong Pongsuwan, adviser to Prime Minister's Office Minister Suranand Vejjajiva who supervises community radio operations, said the proposal was not practical.
...Also, the fact some community radio stations were operating from the houses of some MPs, both in the government and opposition camps, would make it very difficult to check them without the consent of those MPs and police support...
A tale of two newspapers: Tsunami drill - July 8, 2005
The Nation apparently received its info from local officials who praised the warning efforts. The Post reports that leaving evacuation decisions to local officials was a mistake.
DISASTER ALERT: Temblor gives system first test - The Nation, July 6, 2005
An earthquake off Sumatra yesterday gave Thailand's month-old tsunami early-warning system its first real test...
The National Disaster Warning Centre (NDWC) in Nonthaburi gathered and analysed data from several seismic stations in the region before notifying local authorities at about 9.10am to be on alert. Television stations ran a flash-bar public announcement at 9.26am. The announcement said there would be "a very limited possibility" for a tsunami along southern Thailand's Andaman seacoast...
Quake alert leaves Phuket in confusion - Tsunami not ruled out until over an hour later - Bangkok Post, July 6, 2005
...A lack of clear safety instructions after yesterday morning's earthquake warning left Phuket in a state of confusion while the National Disaster Warning Centre was heavily criticised.
...It had made a mistake, he said, by letting local administrations try to figure out for themselves whether or not to call for an evacuation when the organisations were not equipped to make such a crucial decision...
'A tale of two newspapers' archives
(Photo: 2Bangkok.com)US bidder wins $500m ticketing contract - The Age, July 12, 2005
Danny points out this interesting article and comments: Melbourne has had a 3 zone, multi-modal (train, tram and bus)ticketing system since 97. It is similar to the BTS system but the tickets are paper and thus reusable. The new system will be similar to the Octopus system in Hong Kong and will also be for intrastate trains.
Burmese exiles mount anti-Total protests worldwide - The Irrawaddy, July 13, 2005
Demonstrations were being mounted on Wednesday by Burmese exiles outside French embassies worldwide in protest at alleged French government support for investment in Burma by the French oil giant Total...
King Mongkut billboard - July 28, 2005
A colorful bus drives past a billboard at the end of Ratchadamneorn Road showing King Rama IV, King Mongkut.
Thai baht drops on rising trade deficit: World's biggest mover - Bloomberg, July 27, 2005
The Thai baht had the biggest fluctuation of any currency, falling after a government report yesterday showed the nation's trade deficit rose to the highest in nine years...
Sophon denies picking parliament site alone - Bangkok Post, July 12, 2005
...The four choices are a plot belonging to Thai Melon Textile Co in Pathum Thani, an army plot in the Kiakkai area, an arms depot in Nonthaburi and a plot in Pathum Thani's Sam Khok district, the Thai Rak Thai MP for Buri Ram said.
He said property development firm Krisda Nakorn recently offered the free 400-rai plot on Bang Na Trat road.
Panel members had already inspected the land but were still undecided whether to nominate it as a fifth choice because the government would have to invest in infrastructure and landfilling.
...Also yesterday, Senator Wallop said the best location was Don Muang airport since it was widely known and ready in terms of facilities and public transportation. Its terminals and cargo buildings could also be used as offices while its runways could be the sites of new buildings which would save money and prevent corruption and land speculation.
Notes on Thaksin's broadcast and oil - July 13, 2005
Cormac Bracken notes: Maybe you already knew about this; I've never seen anyone quote it before: the Thai "Government Public Relations Department", fluently translated into English. For example, last Saturday's Thaksin broadcast was online in English by Monday.
Incidentally I found the site through this article. You've probably heard of the issue of impending (or not) "peak oil", which most western governments are being very quiet about now that oil prices have doubled. Interesting to see that Thaksin mentioned it to the the nation in June 2004 while oil prices were still unexceptional; and the King suggested commercial ethanol production in 2000...
Also: Southeast Asia reels from impact of oil subsidies - Weekend Standard, July 11, 2005
When Southeast Asian energy ministers meet in Cambodia this week, many of them must face the fact that the pain they are feeling from US$60 (HK$468) a barrel oil is partly of their own making...
...Thailand, ASEAN's second-largest oil consumer, has moved more aggressively than most to wind down subsidies that cost Bangkok US$2.2 billion since January 2004.
Bangkok ended gasoline benefits last year and is now phasing out diesel subsidies, while also considering curbs on consumption including earlier closing hours for petrol stations and electricity price increases...
Shanghai Journal: A City's Traffic Plans Are Snarled by China's Car Culture - New York Times, July 12, 2005
City planners in Shanghai hoped to avoid gridlock, but traffic and commuters are everywhere...
Chinese Crackdown on Burmese Casinos Only Partly Successful - The Irrawaddy, July 6, 2005
...Xinhua said Burmese authorities in Shan State were co-operating with the Chinese anti-gambling campaign, denying entry by Chinese visitors to casinos in Monglar, in southern Shan State. Six casinos bordering Xishuangbanna prefecture of Yunnan Province had been closed down, as well as 80 other gambling establishments in Burma and Laos, Xinhua reported...
Magazine insults Laos
'SPICY' MAGAZINE: Laos riled over insulting article - The Nation, July 6, 2005
...Among other jibes, the magazine jocularly recommended that to curry favour with a Laotian woman, Thai men should call her "e dok thong" ("you little slut"). The expression, which translates to "golden flower" in Thai, refers to a prostitute in a highly derogatory way. "[A Lao woman] loves to be called that because it makes her look valuable," the article posited...
Charnvit stressed that because even highly educated urbane Thais harboured petty prejudices, the journalists merely reflected mainstream opinion, however objectionable that might be.
Laos jokes spotlight Thai insensitivities - The Nation, July 7, 2005
...He recommended that Thai journalists and members of the general public take crash courses in "dos and don'ts" about how to cultivate sensitive relationships with neighbours, especially Laotians and Cambodians, many of who speak Thai.
He said that such a manual might help avoid inflaming anti-Thai sentiments like the ones that led to the torching of the Thai Embassy in Phnom Penh in 2003.
"In Thailand, we expect farangs [Westerners] to adhere to the precepts of a 'Do's and don'ts' manual, but it's high time we produced such a booklet for ourselves to learn how to behave with people in neighbouring countries," Charnvit said...
Taxis fare increase in the pipeline - TNA, July 3, 2005
'Crash in space' has no impact on Thailand - TNA, July 4, 2005
A 'historic crash in space' today, when a US module successfully struck on a comet, will not affect Thailand, according to a senior Thai astronomer...
Huge sculpture in the works - The Nation, July 5, 2005
...She said Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra had ordered the Culture Ministry to carve a giant sculpture out of a sandstone mountain as a tourist attraction. Tipawadee said the academics would discuss the location and design of the sculpture and forward their recommendation to Culture Minister Uraiwan Thienthong this week.
...The Natural Resources and Environment Ministry would find a sandstone mountain suitable for making the sculpture, while the Fine Arts Department would research the design, Tipawadee said.
Thai press crackdown to be raised with UN panel - The Nation, July 5, 2005
Attacks on a BBC News reporter and an investigative journalist made during a government radio programme and a separate show aired by the Parliament's radio station will be raised during the upcoming meeting of the UN's human-rights panel...
Golden Mount - July 26, 2005
Golden Mount (Wat Saket) from Boriphat Road. We could not find any human size gates as shown in the old photos. Like in most wats these all seem to have been replaced by gates for cars (below left).
(Photo: 2Bangkok.com)
Did General Motors destroy the LA mass-transit system? - Straight Dope
LUNAR CALENDAR: Buddhist holy days held late - The Nation, July 27, 2005
...The miscalculation was discovered a few days ago by the head of an astrology association and made public on Monday by Kom Chad Luek newspaper. The “100 Years Horoscope Calendar” is said to accurately cover the calendar years 1921-2020 and is widely used by soothsayers and astrologers in Thailand.
There has been no official notice regarding the schedule of the remaining traditional events based on the lunar calculation, and whether they should be brought forward – including the end of Buddhist Lent on October 18, which should actually be October 17. Loy Krathong is scheduled to be celebrated on December 16 but actually falls on December 15.
Thongthae Ang-kaew, the son of Thongjua Ang-kaew, late author of the “100 Years Horoscope Calendar”, said he could guarantee the accuracy of his father’s calculation of the calendars, but admitted that mistakes occurred when the numeric information was computerised two years ago...
Moscow to join tallest tower club - BBC, July 25, 2005
Thanks to Friskodude for pointing this out: A Chinese construction firm has signed a deal to build an 87-storey tower in Moscow, which the developers say will be the tallest in Europe...
Marketing disaster predicted at CAT - Network stumbles on go-it-alone decision - Bangkok Post, July 26, 2005
[A long, peculiar article from an anonymous executive about a floundering mobile phone service.]
...The new service has no reputation, few subscribers, no current promotions from its inexperienced marketing department, no brand loyalty, and bureaucratic management in which all decisions must come from the board in the traditional state enterprise manner, said the executive, who requested anonymity for this story.
CAT was pursuing the model of Thai Mobile, a former joint venture of TOT and CAT Telecom recently acquired wholly by TOT. That humble venture undertook all marketing to itself, failed, and then hired Samart Corporation to try _ unsuccessfully so far _ to pick up the pieces. Thai Mobile claims an improbable 200,000 subscribers after two years in business.
...The bottom line is that, well, all operators require a mobile phone service for their bottom line. The problem was how these former state enterprises could survive in a competitive business world.
SCANNER SCANDAL: Democrats, critic pile on the pressure - The Nation, July 4, 2005
[The 'critic' in the headline is Thirayuth Boonmi. It is fascinating that The Nation devotes half an article criticizing the scanner scandal (10 paragraphs) on a critic they do not name, but that everyone knows the identity of.]
...Meanwhile the critic, who chose to identify himself only as “The Regular Academic” but whose identity can be easily guessed by regular political observers, issued a six-page statement pointing out “suspicious facts” in the purchase of 26 CTX 9000 explosive-detecting machines for Bangkok’s new Suvarnabhumi International Airport and calling for the two ministers’ resignations...
