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News and Views - August 2005
(Photo: Wanpunsa)Bangkok from Rama III Bridge - August 18, 2005
Beauty Queen - October 1, 2005
John writes: You posted an old BW photo of a young girl from the 1920s or 1930s (below) and asked who it is. I thought I recognized her, and sure enough, I found her in my collection of old cigarette cards. She was featured in Beauty Queen Series, Serial No. 4, inscribed on the back as follows: "Miss Lampang II was awarded second prize at the Beauty Contest held at Lampang in the year 1934." (left) Unfortunately no name.
Something about the cigarette card series: "2C. Issues 1919-40 Set ZB5-9. Titled "Beauty Queen Series". Oval shape, 66 x 38. Brown. Front and back illustrated at Fig. ZB5-9. Nd. (16). Issued in Siam in 1935"
Earlier: Who is this? - July 30, 2005
We love this undated photo (right)--probably from the 1920s or 1930s, of a young Thai beauty...
Below: Another card from the series: "Miss Chiengmai I was awarded first prize at the Beauty Contest held at Chiengmai in the year 1934"
(Photo: Undated photo from the 2Bangkok.com collection)
(Photo: 2Bangkok.com)Casino caught in $5m sting - Sunday Times, August 21, 2005
...Burswood Nominees alleges that the woman, formerly from Bangkok but now believed to be living in Cambodia, was responsible for a Hong Kong bank cheque for $3.48 million that bounced when the casino tried to cash it in March, 2001.
With interest of 18 per cent per annum, that amount has since risen to $5,091,438.90.
One payment of $200,000 was made against the debt in May, 2001.
An investigator hired in Perth reportedly tracked the woman to a casino in Poipet, the so-called Asian Las Vegas in Cambodia, just near the Thai border.
He presented the writ to the woman inside the Grand Diamond Casino about 12 months ago...
Painting a flyover - August 19, 2005
Real Chiang Mai flood photos - August 19, 2005
After the Indian flood photos from yesterday, Aspier points out some Thai flood photos.
Boy uses tricycle to steal large bag of natural gas - National Geographic, august 16, 2005
Designers hope to show Thai fashion is more than cheap silk and knock-offs - AFP, August 18, 2005
Unflattering headine: "Welcome to Bangkok, the capital of forgery" - Telegraph, August 26, 2005
The fringes of Bangkok's Little Arabia district offer more than coffee shops, shoe wholesalers and exotic cuisine.
The alleys where Middle Eastern families stroll with their womenfolk veiled are the hub of the world's fake passport trade, the authorities say...
In praise of Bangkok: "Forget Shanghai, Try Emulating Bangkok First" - Express Hotelier & Caterer , August 26, 2005
...Was it clean? Impressively clean. Was it polluted? I didn't feel any smoke fumes burn my chest. No potholes on the roads, footpaths to walk on, no hanging outside the sky-train or metro, clean streets and very helpful people...
(Photo: 2Bangkok.com)Foreign VIPs ask for royal treatment, and they get it from D.C. hotels - Washington Post, August 27, 2005
Thai reference in this article...
Left: The White House as seen from the Presidential Suite of the Hays-Adams Hotel
Can't reach the subway bar? Rather not touch it?: TranStrap - August 27, 2005
Replica of Buddha's tooth stolen from Myanmar temple - cnews, August 27, 2005
...There are generally acknowledged to be only two genuine Buddha's teeth in existence, one in China and the other in Sri Lanka. Buddhists believe the teeth, reportedly found after Buddha was cremated 2,400 years ago, bring peace and good fortune.
Gasohol in Thailand - August 31, 2005
(Photo: Cormac Bracken)Cormac Bracken writes: Following the switch of the state-owned TPI to supplying gasohol only, Shell Thailand is now moving the same way. This in-your-face advertising
campaign was seen while filling up on Sathorn Road. (The sign just reads "Shell Gasohol 95 - ensuring quality that everyone will be comfortable with".)
Currently Thailand's gasohol is a blend of around 90% gasoline with alcohol produced from locally-grown sugarcane, replacing imported MTBE. It can be used by any vehicle without adjustment and reportedly gives slightly better performance.
Big pirated DVD market in Thailand - New Straits Times, August 27, 2005
State Anti-Smuggling Unit chief Deputy Superintendent Rooslan Radzi said a total of 164,286 discs were confiscated since March. "There is a huge market in Thailand for these locally manufactured pirated discs."...
Sex charges 'payback' for probe - The Weekend Australian, August 28, 2005
...Some security-industry sources believe it was more than coincidence that Mr White's arrest came just days after it was revealed how he tracked down junket operator Thongthip Aektrakul--a woman believed to have close connections with one of Thailand's political clans and other heavyweight contacts in Cambodia.
Another WA man, debt-collector John Dragosavic, 54, who was working on a separate investigation into the same casino stings, was found dead in a Bangkok hotel on July 14. Australian Federal Police would not comment on any link between Mr White's arrest and Mr Dragosavic's death...
France issues airlines blacklist - CNN, August 29, 2005
Thanks to Moritz for pointing this out: ...The airlines barred are: Air Koryo of North Korea; Air St. Thomas of the U.S. Virgin Islands; International Air Services of Liberia; Thailand's Phuket Airlines; and Linhas Aereas de Mocambique and Transairways, both from Mozambique...
CHINA: Anger as press becomes puppet for Hu propaganda - The Age, August 20 2005
A leading Chinese Communist Party newspaper is in turmoil amid accusations that a new Mao Zedong-type personality cult is being built around China's President, Hu Jintao.
The China Youth Daily's reporting staff is also incensed over a planned new remuneration system linking bonus payments to the level of praise from Government and party leaders.
The conflict reflects both a drive to enforce party orthodoxy on the media by propaganda chiefs, and the increasing reluctance of younger professionals to take such direction. The internet has given the latter a chance to evade conventional censorship...
China tries to wipe Internet icon from Web - Reuters, August 23, 2005
... Sister Furong started the craze by posting pictures of herself -- draped back-down over a stone ball, bent at the knees with her chest thrust out suggestively and in other poses -- on Internet bulletin boards of two top Beijing universities to which she had tried but failed to gain entrance.
The shots, and accompanying captions and passages she wrote proclaiming her own beauty and talent, became a campus sensation.
But when her cult status began to sweep the whole country, Beijing stepped in...
Thai links
1950's Ben Oostdam's Journal of Three Years (1954-1957) in Thailand
Thai crops
Thai history of education
Handle our Thai relations carefully - Taipei Times, August 30, 2005
...Nonetheless, the Thai are a people who really care about face. As long as you give them face, they are sure to reciprocate accordingly. For instance, although Academia Sinica President Lee Yuan-tseh could not hold bilateral talks with Thaksin when he attended an APEC summit in Bangkok as Taiwan's representative a few years ago, Thaksin still phoned the restaurant offering to pick up the tab after Lee wined and dined Taiwan's APEC delegation and some Taiwanese expatriates. According to the Thai way of thinking, as long as you show the respect due to the host and observe the taboos and rules of their society, he or she will also react favorably to you...
Parts maker unhappy with decision to scrap eco-car - Bangkok Post, September 2, 2005
...But an informed industry source said Mr Suriya feared sales of eco-cars could cut into those of subcompact cars such as the Toyota Vios and Honda City and one-ton pickup trucks.
Mr Suriya's family owns the Thai Summit Group, a leading parts supplier to several carmakers including Toyota.
The minister said that instead he would support the production of more complex parts and upstream steel manufacturing to strengthen Thailand's automotive industry and enhance competitiveness in the long run.
Of the big automakers in Thailand, only Toyota had continuously opposed the project, saying the car size specifications in the plan were impractical...
Two on the death penalty
Thai drunk driver's death penalty - CNN, August 31, 2005
American can be extradited to face Thai death penalty - Washington Post, August 31, 2005
Thais increasingly dissolute: experts - The Nation, August 31, 2005
...Thais tend to be greedy, ill-tempered, deceitful and aggressive, said Buddhist thinker Phra Paisal Visalo of Chaiyaphum's Wat Pa Sukhato.
...He faulted modern lifestyles, which prize materialism. As a result, more and more youngsters are turning to pornography, coveting expensive gadgets like flashy mobile phones, and engaging in gambling and one-night-stands, Somphong said.
The university lecturer said many female students went gaga over Japanese-style mini-skirts for their college uniforms, a practice that some universities tacitly endorse. Somphong added that Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra was keenly aware of the erosion of morals in Thai society and supports a comprehensive initiative to tackle the problems...
Journalists who died covering the news in Thailand - newseum.org
Red-carded opposition MPs dispute allegations - The Nation, September 1, 2005
...The EC reportedly found that he raised two fingers to suggest his candidacy number, 11. The signal amounted to extra campaigning, it said.
Tun said the EC should focus on suppressing money politics instead of trying to find fault for a sign he has already denied making. "I was moving my hands for a wai, not a sign..."
A rather large issue - The Nation, August 23 , 2005
...According to the source, after Thaksin was serious, he changed his tone to be lightly by asking Public Health Minister Suchai Charoenratanakul tong-in-cheek whether he could check and find the minister who had his penis enlarged...
A Win-Win-Win Proposition for Thaksin - The Irrawaddy, August 2005
...In an era when Thailand's national interest is entwined with the vested interests of its prime minister's family-owned businesses, Thaksin's spongy Burma policy is not surprising. The Shin telecommunications conglomerate currently has a stake in Burma's sole internet service provider, with wide-ranging satellite interests in the pipeline. Thus when Thaksin deals with the SPDC, it is difficult to demarcate where his family's telecom interests end and where Thailand's national interest begins...
The scope of royal power and constitutional rights - The Nation, August 22, 2005
...In the preface of his book, he states: "This written piece will be useless for a person who does not have an unwavering mind in regards to the framework of constitutional monarchy. Apart from causing further irritation in ears, and eyes and incrementally to the mind, it can also damage the mental health of that person." He fell short of naming names. Indeed, he did not need to do that as everybody knew who he was anyway...
Street WISE: Speculation running rife - The Nation, August 22, 2005
...Notably, all of these things happened amid rumours that a newspaper was being targeted for take-over. One camp suggested the target was a Thai-language newspaper, but another claimed it could be the Post. Certainly, if the threatened claim for damages is filed, it will push down the price of Post Publishing shares...
Tourist Police website - August 19, 2005
We like the charming anguished English on the new Tourist Police website: You're supported in the Land of Smile - WE ARE THE AUTHORITY IN CHARGE OF YOUR SAFETTY. WE HOPE YOU HAVE A PLEASANT TIME IN THAILAND.ADDITIONALLY IF YOU HAVE ANY TROUBLE , WE ARE ALWAYS AVAILABLE TO SERVE AND PROTECT YOU. IF ANY PROBLEM OCCURS OR ANY ASSISTANCE NEEDED, PLEASE CALL 1155
ThaiBookDrive.com - August 3, 2005
Andrew Titley writes: My name is Andrew Titley and I am a 17 year old student from New York, USA. I am a 12th grader from Oceanside High School in New York and will be in Thailand until about the middle of August. I am currently living in Ubon Ratchathani, Thailand.
My reason for contacting you is that I am the organizer and founder of Thai Book Drive. My website, www.ThaiBookDrive.com, has the basis and information of my book drive on it. Over the past year or so, I have collected thousands upon thousands of books in English to donate to children all across the Si Sa Ket Province of N.E. Thailand. I collected many of these books from libraries, school, colleges, and households all around the Northeastern part of the United States. The books were sent by ship to Bangkok which was later transported by truckloads to Ubon Ratchathani where I am living. On every weekday, for about a month or so, I will be delivering these books to various schools all around the Si Sa Ket Province. I usually visit about 3 schools on a daily basis and stay at the schools to talk with the children and teachers about the importance of English. My success can be viewed from my website above.
My inspiration?
Truthfully, it has to do with my first visit to this section of Thailand during the summer of August 2004. After being brought around a local village where my stepmother was born and raised, I was able to visit a school in the area. I met many of the children, teachers, and administrators at the school which were very glad to meet me. It was the initial kindness of the local people that made me want to do something for them, but at that point I was not sure what I could do. It was not until my plane ride home about a week later that I designed and thought up a plan to send children’s books in English to their school as well as others in the area to help them. So for the past year, I collected as many books in English that I could to send over to Thailand in which I would follow to distribute them. My logic for helping them to speak English is a very easy one. I believe that with the knowledge of English as well as their Thai, it would open up new opportunities for them when they were older. To be able to find a good job in Thailand and around the world, to go to school, as well as to travel would be much easier if they could learn English. If they were to receive a better job because of their English, then it might as well help out their whole village and their families. I immediately started the project because I wished to do this at the age I am now, rather than waiting until I’m older. For me to travel to these schools, I believe that they will listen to me closely due to my age and it would make an impact on them to learn English.
Why Thailand?
The main reason, which is mainly included in the previous paragraph, is because of my visit to the local area where I am now donating the books. Since my stepmother is from NE Thailand, I wished to help out those in her village and the project increased in size to include many others in the area as well. My first trip to Thailand, which was about 4 years ago when I was about 13 years old, was one that I will always remember. Whether it was in Bangkok, Pattaya, or Chaingmai the people were all very friendly. Over the years, I have formed a great passion for Thailand and that is the primary reason for doing this to help the country and it’s citizens. If I was working on a larger scale or had multiples of myself, I would spread to other parts of Thailand.
Thais hunt for a bear-sized catfish - International Herald Tribune, August 24, 2005
..."I saw a stingray in Cambodia in 2003 that was 4.13 meters long," he said. "It had a disc 2 meters across and 2 meters long, and the tail was 2.13 meters long. That fish could have been it, but we couldn't weigh it. It was too big."...
The giant catfish have been disappearing fast, from more than 60 a year caught here in the early 1990s to just a few today. Their decline coincides with the completion of the first of a series of dams being built upriver in southern China...
As part of its permit to fish for these endangered catfish, the village association then sold the fish to the Department of Fisheries, which harvests their eggs and sperm as part of a captive breeding program.
After that, the fish are to be returned to the river. But, as usually happens, this fish, a female, did not survive the harvesting procedure, in which its belly is vigorously massaged and manipulated.
In the end, the men of the village cut it into giant steaks and sold it...
Taiwan largest importer to Thai workers in world: Report - August 23, 2005
Economy Taiwan is the largest importer of Thai workers in the world, with about 94,000 laborers from Thailand working in Taiwan, according to a report issued Tuesday by the International Immigrants Foundation...
PM sets off weekly meet with press - TNA, August 25, 2005
Even TNA cannot avoid mentioning the PM's press conference stunt that has been widely derided in the press.
...During his 45-minute press conference--broadcast live by TV Channel 11 of the Public Relations Department--the prime minister raised signals to react to reporters' questions.
A circle was raised if the question was considered constructive and a cross was shown if the question was viewed as non-constructive...
And AP has a negative take on the PM's buzzer stunt: Thai PM gives tough questions the buzzer - AP, August 26, 2005
Thaksin surprises reporters with X sign - The Nation, August 25, 2005
Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra today (Thursday) surprised reporters by raising a sign to show that a question asked by one of them was "unconstructive"...
A reporter asked Thaksin whether there were foreign terrorists taking part in the terror campaigns in the deep South.
Thaksin pressed the buzzer and raised the X mark sign and said the question was unconstructive and refused to answer...
Thailand Creative & Design Center - August 25, 2005
Stephane of Idea Three Co. Ltd. writes: Thanks for running 2Bangkok on a daily basis, it's the only place where we can find translations of Thai articles and know what's going on!...
We are currently developing a website for TCDC (Thailand Creative & Design Center), and this may be of interest to you and your readers. The center will open in Emporium on 6th floor in November. Yes, a design center in a shopping mall! Here's the website.
It's a teaser website that will be updated every week to show another facet of the center. There will also be some competitions. The first one is about irritating design, so it's a good occasion to send pictures of crappy signage, bridges, sidewalks, buildings and other irritating stuff here in Thailand!
Death on Rachada - August 4, 2005
A source sent in this account of a fatal stabbing that occurred last Saturday morning:
Bangkok, 7/30/2005 11:36 PM, Witness Report: At around 4:43am on Saturday the 30th of July, 2005, I and my friend Y, who studies Marketing with me at Bangkok University International College, left Rachada Soi 4 to go to Sukhumvit. I was driving my motorcycle and Y was sitting behind me. We drove on Rachada and stopped at the red traffic light Rachada/Rama IX, right opposite Fortune Town. Y and I were talking, and waiting for the traffic light to turn green, when all over sudden something hit me from behind. Then I turned around and I saw that Y was lying on the road. Three young motorcycle gang boys were stabbing him with knifes and machetes and beating him up with from what I remember a wood stick, about the size of a bat. They stabbed him in his back, totally smashed his knee, cut his right hand, and beat him at several other parts around his body. Everything went so fast. I was only focused on Y, and told him to get back on the motorcycle, so that we could drive away. Then the traffic light turned green. Y, pumped up with adrenaline, still had enough energy to get back on my motorcycle, and said: "Bring me to the hospital!", where I said yes, I will bring you to Rama IX hospital. The motorcycle gang had left, and all the cars started driving. Nobody stopped and helped us. However, then he said he felt very dizzy and lost his consciousness.
4:50am – I stopped at the side of the road, and put Y flat on the ground, next to the sidewalk. Then, I stopped a young Thai man with his girlfriend to ask them to call the police and the ambulance with my mobile. Then about 4 minutes after that two motorcycles came with blinking lights, but they were not police, they were not wearing uniform. They carried walky talkies, flash lights, etc. I think they are voluntary police or something. They then called the police over the radio. A few minutes later, two police officers from Ding Daeng Police station showed up on their motorcycles. They looked at him and called the ambulance, who took at least over 12-15 minutes to reach the scene!!! I told them to call Rama 9 hospital or Bangkok General Hospital because they are right next to the accident. I told them to hurry because Y was bleeding really bad. But they didn't listen, instead they called Ratchatevij Hospital at the Victory Monument. Eventually the ambulance came and they put Y in the ambulance car, where he then lost his heartbeat and they had to resuscitate him. They cut open his jeans, and you could see that his knee was totally smashed and crushed. He was bleeding so much, as they hit the main artery in his left leg. The doctors said that they will have to amputate his leg. Then the ambulance drove away, and the police officer told me to follow the ambulance, which I did. The ambulance went onto the express way, and I followed the ambulance even though I am not allowed to drive on the expressway. The ambulance then drove so fast that I couldn’t catch up with it, so I lost the ambulance. I went off one exit, having no idea where the ambulance was going. But the police officer at the accident scene told me which police station he works for. So, I went to Ding Daeng Police station to find out which hospital they are bringing Y to. I also called the tourist police three times, but nobody answered!!! Then, the Ding Daeng Police found out that he is in the Ratchatevij Hospital next to Victory Monument. However, I had no idea where that was. So, I asked the policeman to please show me the way to the hospital. I had blood all over me and my motorcycle, so they could see how serious the situation was. However, they refused to bring me to the hospital. Then I asked them to tell the motorcycle taxi to bring me to the hospital. They told the motorcycle taxi and I followed him with my motorcycle for 50 baht. Eventually, I arrived at the hospital; Y was bleeding very heavily. The staff at the hospital responded immediately with the best to their capabilities.
6:43am – I called R, Y’s Butanese friend who then called Y’s brother. They all arrived at the hospital 30 minutes later.
Eventually, one of the police officers that I talked to at Ding Daeng police station came to the hospital. It was the same officer who I asked before to show me the way to the hospital. He then asked me what happened, and I told him with the help of a translator. Then, the police officer and I took a Taxi back to the accident scene, where he took two photos and then talked to the police officer that was controlling the traffic light (at the time of the accident the police booth was unoccupied). This officer then said that Huaykwang police station is responsible for this.
10:00am - We went back to the hospital, where a nurse took care of my wound at my neck. After that, I left the hospital.
The doctors at the hospital were trying their best to stabilize Y, as he lost a lot of blood. He lost his heart beat several times. After the amputation of his left leg, he went into such a bad state that they could not recover his heartbeat. He passed away on Monday afternoon and is resting peacefully with God.
I have to add that during the whole night, Y did never get into an argument or fight with anybody. He was with me and his Butanese friends first at RCA and then he went with me to Rachada Soi 4, where he and I sat by ourselves at a table, drinking beer. The incident was totally surprising to me. Maybe they were after the wrong guy. I did not have a chance to talk to Y after this incident as he lost consciousness.
A similar incident happened to my friend R, who also studies at Bangkok University. He walked across a pedestrian bridge and was hit from behind. They hit him so hard that he lost consciousness. He almost lost the ability to speak. He nearly died. This was a total surprise and random attack as happened to Y.
The Police are doing their best at the moment to catch the assailants. Let’s hope they find them, even though nothing can justify Y’s death.
(Photo: Unknown)
(Photo: Unknown)(Not) Chiang Mai flood photos - August 18, 2005
Rajan comments these photos must be of the flooding in Mumbai, not Chiang Mai. He adds his comments to the photos left and above.
Earlier: Thanks to Cormac Bracken for forwarding these photos of the Chiang Mai flood being circulated by email. Anyone know the source of these photos?
Earlier: Flooding in October, 2002 - Hat Yai Flood of 2000 - The Great Flood of 1942
(Photo: Unknown)
(Photo: Unknown)
Only one candidate to vote for in the Singaporean presidential elections - August 17, 2005
As pointed out on Friskodude, the elections has only one candidate.
KOREA: Broadcasting commission punishes controversial programs - The Korea Times, August 12, 2005
The Korean Broadcasting Commission (KBC) handed out its strongest punishment ever to two television programs for airing controversial scenes in recent weeks.
...On the July 30 live telecast of "Music Camp," two rock musicians suddenly dropped their pants during a performance, leading to the musicians' arrest and the cancellation of the show.
"Old Miss Diary" created controversy on July 27 when it featured a scene in which a female character slapped her mother-in-law in the face...
Raid silences outspoken radio station - The Nation, August 9, 2005
...It has been charged with using a transmitter operating over the licensed 30 megawatts, thereby disturbing the reception of TV signals at nearby homes, and using a transmission tower taller than 30 metres, thereby interfering with Aero Thai's signal.
It has also been charged with broadcasting false information, thereby inciting listener anger against government...
BMA 2 - August 10, 2005
Right: BMA 2 building going up near Ratchadapiesek Road. At one time it was three towers.
Missing WW II U.S. sub found off Thailand - UPI, August 8, 2005
Thaksin and Suchinda - August 9, 2005
It was noted on the forum how the Post, without further comment, mentions that Thaksin attended the birthday party of disgraced former dictator Suchinda: ...The next army commander should have battlefield experience, Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra said.
" Whoever becomes army chief must have field combat experience. Otherwise, he would not look graceful,'' Mr Thaksin said on Saturday night.
He was attending a birthday party of former prime minister and army chief Gen Suchinda Kraprayoon... (Battle experience needed, says PM, Bangkok Post, August 9, 2005)
(Photo: 2Bangkok.com)
Bad publicity - August 9, 2005
Andamans 'Phuket' plan sparks row - BBC, August 2, 2005
Phuket's sex trade eyes Andamans - The Times of India, August 6, 2005
Phuket `a poor role model' for Andamans - Bangkok Post, August 8, 2005
...It added, "Perhaps no other place in the world offers, as does Phuket, such attractions as `Uncle Charlie's Boys for Men', specifically designed for paedophiles.''...
(Photo: Dick van der Spek)Makassan in 1981 - August 15, 2005
Dick van der Spek sends in a photo of a a coach being removed from Makassan Station on April 5, 1981.
When two empires clashed on Burmese soil - The Irrawaddy, August 15, 2005
For many countries in Asia, Japan’s declaration of defeat at the end of World War II 60 years ago today marked the end of a long struggle for independence. For Burma, however, it was just the beginning of a process that still has repercussions...
Four Thai airlines likely to have licences revoked: Report - Asia Pulse, August 15, 2005
At least four Thai airlines will likely have their licences revoked due to record-high fuel prices and tougher competition from low-cost carriers, according to a report...
'Don't be duped by Thai kadi' - Straits Times, August 13, 2005
Malaysian Muslim men who do not check whether the authenticity of the Thai kadi solemnising their marriage may find themselves foul of the law.
Analysis - the Thai economy: Was hot, now sour - Asia Today, August 13, 2005
...In fact, despite the slowdown, growth in the neighborhood of five per cent is a rate many countries aspire to. So why the general gloom?
To some degree, the answer is psychological. With Thaksin having promised continuing high growth, a slowdown feels like a recession to many executives.
...In the face of such problems, some are noting that, after four years in office, the current administration has done little to address fundamental weaknesses in the economy. Among them is an education system that turns out workers who can't solve problems or think creatively, exports that generally have low local content and little value-added, poor infrastructure and logistics capabilities, and, relatively poor corporate governance...
Analysis - Thai banks still cleaning up the wreckage of 1997 - Asia Pulse, August 11, 2005
...And so the lending goes on and consumer debt keeps piling up, despite warnings and curbs from the central bank. As Paul Krugman told his audience in Bangkok, "unsustainable situations usually go on longer than most economists think possible. But they always end, and when they do, it's often painful".
Ladyboys of Bangkok at the Edinburgh Fringe - Scottish TV, August 10, 2005
Another Stealth review - August 9, 2005
Don Entz points out more funny Thai-related comments about the film Stealth in Ebert's review: "Meanwhile, the three human pilots, having participated in a mission that destroyed a skyscraper in Burma, may be on a worldwide most-wanted list, but they're immediately sent to Thailand for R&R. This gives Gannon a chance to photograph Wade in a bikini under a waterfall, while Purcell picks up a beautiful Thai girl.
"Soon all four of them are having lunch, and the three pilots are discussing military secrets in front of the Thai girl, who 'doesn't speak English.' Beautiful Thai girls who allow themselves to be picked up by U.S. pilots almost always speak English, but never mind. It's not that Purcell is too stupid to know that trusting her is dangerous; it's that the movie is too stupid. How stupid? Nothing happens. The girl can't speak English."...
Skyloop - August 9, 2005
Cormac Bracken points out: Northern Kentucky (Cincinnati) wants a revolutionary new form of public transport... However it's a ghost site... it died in 2001.
Cincinnati is also famous for its abandoned subway.
(Photo: Asiper)Almost like being there: is Amphur Pai, Maehongson Province - August 9, 2005
Asiper writes: I just want to show you the photos of bridge built by the Japanese in the World War II era... a bridge across Pai river...
(Photo: Asiper)
(Photo: Asiper)
iPod on BTS - August 9, 2005
Ton writes: Have you seen this BTS train? I have been on it once and only see it twice. I am curious how many trains they have for this. Even though Apple is expected to sell more than 30 million iPods by the end of this year, iPod sales in Thailand have contributed so little. iPods in Thailand sell little (as I guess since they charge a lot more than iPods in the US or else where). I bought mine in Thailand which is around 50 dollars more than I could get in the US. I am surprised to see this kind of thing that is very expensive to advertise. Maybe Apple Thailand has seen the potential in Thai markets as iPods are very famous around the world. Who knows?... I really like their worldwide campaign that has no message, but says only "iPod".
Cabinet Secretariat's Web site hacked - The Nation, August 7, 2005
Not sure if this is news, but it is amusing: The Thai Cabinet Secretariat's Web site (www.cabinet.thaigov.go.th) has been hacked by a hacker who called himself an Indonesian newbie...Right: The defaced site...
(Photo: 2Bangkok.com)
Tuk-tuk sign - August 4, 2005
An unusual homemade sign on the back of tuk-tuk: Don't follow me. In the past, never could. At present, do not attempt. In the future, do not have to forecast? Thank you. www.kindtuktuk.com.
(Photo: Undated postcard from the 2Bangkok.com collection)Siamese lady - August 10, 2005
Postcard image of a Siamese lady, circa 1920s. Someone has written on the back, this is the manner of dressing at Bangkok, Siam. Note the short hair and the trouser-looking skirt.
We have several postcards featuring this same white pillar.
On the forum: 1669 - August 10, 2005
The number to call for ambulance in Thailand is 1669. Please don't dial 191, they have information overloaded and sometimes don't even bother to relay this kind of information to 1669 center!!
STREET WISE: Will new look dent respect? - The Nation, August 11, 2005
...Thai visitors often resent the changes that have been made. A visit to Muang Sing Historical Park, for example, reveals patched-up grey cement blotches on the red bricks of an ancient castle. On the ground was also a tiny L-shaped piece of steel, leaving visitors to wonder whether it was a part of the ancient structure, or just something left behind by the workers...
Why should we Buddhists have any complaints? After all, the glossy gold will grow dull as time passes. And that is perfectly in accordance with the Buddha’s teaching that nothing is everlasting.
Reactions to the cabinet in the press - August 4, 2005
The Nation has a series of scathing articles and editorials, leading with:
NEW CABINET: New line-up greeted with jeers
Suriya's new posts slammed; latest team's make-up labelled an act of political expediency
NEW CABINET: Expediency played no part: PM
Thaksin sceptical of polls saying 80% unhappy with rejig.
ANALYSIS: 'Best' Cabinet for the nation or just PM?
EDITORIAL: PM's juggling act fails to impress
...No self-respecting professional wants to serve a tenacious and authoritarian prime minister who brooks no dissent and runs the country as if it were his personal empire.
That's why the prime minister was left with less-than-stellar choices - mainly Thai Rak Thai's key financiers, leaders of various factions within the party, loyal party cadres with some potential, business associates, even people recommended by family members....TNA assures us: Private-sector executives satisfied with new economic team
The Post had a negative take on the overall cabinet yesterday, but today is back to more general reporting and criticism of individual appointments:
Muslims demand Chaturon's return
Faction miffed about 'downgrades'
PM sure cabinet will restore battered public confidence
King to cabinet: Keep pledge
Activists doubt Watana suited to welfare post
Articles on Thaksin 2/2
Even the Post has a rather negative take on this reshuffle, which is basically a swapping of portfolios between key party heavyweights.
Official list of Cabinet reshuffle - The Nation, August 2, 2005
Cabinet reshuffle announced - The Nation, August 2, 2005
Some new faces as premier plays musical chairs - The Nation, August 3, 2005
STOPPAGE TIME: Time for another round of musical chairs - The Nation, August 3, 2005
Suriya survives cabinet facelift - Bangkok Post, August 3, 2005
Analysts: Same old faces after reshuffle won't save the nation - Bangkok Post, August 3, 2005
Chainant to make airport a priority - Bangkok Post, August 3, 2005
Friendships pay off for Kongsak - Wife a long-time friend of Potjaman - Bangkok Post, August 3, 2005
Financier Pongsak and Pravich make a return to cabinet - Bangkok Post, August 3, 2005
Something about the previous cabinet: A look at Thaksin's cabinet 2/1 - "Where we want to go"
Bangkok street - August 11, 2005
(Photo: Undated postcard from the 2Bangkok.com collection)
A postcard, circa 1920s, of the bridge over Klong Phadung Krungkasem on Ratchadamnoen Nok Road. Someone has written on the back, "How plainly it shows the influence of Paris!"
(Photo: Undated postcard from the 2Bangkok.com collection)
Above: Memorial Bridge
Oil prices cripple Thai economy - The Standard, July 30, 2005
...Soaring energy prices. Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra has a lot to grapple with as economic growth sputters, threatening his once-stellar popularity...
Stealth reviews and Thailand - August 1, 2005
Colin came across a couple of funny reviews of Stealth that mention Thailand...
Stealth: "The pilots get along splendidly, but bashful Kara and flirty Ben look as if they would like to do more than pal around. Hence Mr. Lucas and Ms. Biel's swimsuit duet during a pointless sojourn in Thailand, an exotic backdrop for the usual military R&R (beautiful locals with negligible English skills, etc.) and the only foreign country that these happy three visit and don't shoot up."
Stealth: "In this case, though, the old issue of man versus machine doesn't entirely satisfy the agenda of director Rob Cohen (XXX, The Fast and the Furious) and screenwriter W.D. Richter (Needful Things, Brubaker). They send their dashing pilots off on R&R in Thailand for the express purposes of filling a tiny blue bikini with Ms. Biel's extraordinary fuselage and giving Foxx an opportunity to romance a local beauty who speaks no English but probably saw him in Ray."
'A little Thailand Trivia' - BellaOnline, July 29, 2005
What?
Hmong refugees pleading to stay - BBC, July 28, 2005
Cormac Bracken writes: More on the Hmong refugee camp, which doesn't seem to have moved anywhere, nor suffered a crackdown from Thai authorities (this is currently linked from BBC news front page).
(Source: Undated postcard from the 2Bangkok.com collection)'Siamese dancers' - August 5, 2005
Postcard image, circa 1920
(Photo: 2Bangkok.com)Another big screen going up - July 31, 2005
Workers are constructing a big video screen on Ratchadapeisek Road (left and below). A worker can be seen in the photo on the left reaching over the sign. Interestingly, workers add further blocks to the screen as it is showing a commercial and the screen lights up with the commercial block by block.
Another screen is here.
More Thai commercials: Kosanathai - August 1, 2005
Thanks to Lance for finding more funny commercials...
(Photo: 2Bangkok.com)
Flood tram - August 1, 2005
A tram driving in the great flood of 1942. More on the great flood here and here. More on the Bangkok trams.
Cambodian Prince Ranariddh has bought an island in Thailand? - Khmer Intelligence, July 31, 2005
[Rumors from Khmer Intelligence... What could this island be 'near Samui Island'? Under what ownership structure could Ranariddh own a Thai island? BTW: Ranariddh's condo in All Seasons Place is on the 19th floor.]
Ranariddh has bought an island in Thailand (3)
Prince Norodom Ranariddh has become much richer than one could have thought. Regarding his properties, it has become recently known in Bangkok among diplomats and intelligence experts that Ranariddh has acquired an island near Samui Island where he is to establish a resort and golf club with a French associate married to a cousin of his first wife, Princess Marie. The French associate’s name is Alain Dupuis.
Normally in Thailand foreigners are not allowed to buy properties such as the one mentioned above, only condominiums, but the Thai authorities have made an exception for the Khmer prince in order to be able to manipulate him whenever Thai interests need help in Cambodia. Ranariddh already owns a luxurious condominium in Bangkok, at one of the most expensive buildings in the capital city of Thailand, the “All Seasons Place.”
(Photo: 2Bangkok.com)
Construction at Klong Tan - fullmoon-party.org, August 3, 2005
Thomas has posted more photos of the airport link construction.
On the forum: Cargo trains running on gas - August 3, 2005
Mosquito-free Bangkok - August 3, 2005
The sign reads: Bangkok is a free area from 'genus culex' (a mosquito). Police inspectors eradicate 'genus culex.' Hotline call 1555. Come to prevent and eradicate 'genus culex.'
The Hyena People of Nigeria - July 30, 2005
FRIDAY BUG: T is for trouble in the age of libel - The Nation, July 29, 2005
[Amusing and sobering article about the power corporations in Thailand have to sue critics for libel.]
After Picnic Corporation filed lawsuits seeking damages of Bt15 billion from newspapers it accuses of libel, experts and the media seem a little less inclined to even mention the names of companies mired in controversy.
...One of the hottest topics was Thai Film Industries Plc, which is also embroiled in a scandal. To keep their feet out of hot water, panellists dubbed the company "T Packaging". TFI is owned by the politically connected Mahagitsiri family, which also owns the controversial Thainox Stainless Plc.
As the seminar continued, however, the use of pseudonyms started confusing the audience and many looked like they were trying to solve riddles in the dark trying to deduce which companies the speakers were talking about.
...And the more explaining he did, the more bewildered the audience grew. Finally, Chalee Chantanayingyong, the Securities and Exchange Commission's assistant secretary-general and one of the speakers, couldn't take it anymore.
Said Chalee curtly: "Let's knock it off. Just say the full name of the company for the sake of understanding."
(Source: www.reliefweb.int)On the forum: Disaster and humanitarian mapping - August 1, 2005
Danny writes about a fascinating site: ...Want to get the latest on the Tsunami relief effort? See the latest info or view a diverse and comprehensive range of maps on the site. The whole site is voluminous and easy to use. You can search by country, Thailand , or by the latest emergencies.
...And once the media spotlight has left this is probably the best site for informing yourself on the latest relief info and rehabilitation/development phase. Links to policy and critiques and many links to NGO, govt. and UN agency sites.
A useful resource to get some insight into the real info behind the ubiquitous and fleeting disaster pictures and headlines.
Interesting title for a bird flu map on the reliefweb site by US DOS.
There is a new map of the avian flu (H5N1) area of concern by WFP on the reliefweb site...Left: Bird flu 'Areas of concern'
On the forum: More on the Chokechai Building - August 1, 2005
Interesting info on the Chokechai building, the shooting of a James Bong film, and an earthquake: Later they filmed the James Bond movie, Man With The Golden Gun in Bangkok, the groundfloor was setup as an AMC Car Dealer. The old southern sheriff is test-sitting in a car when Bond jumps in and steals it to make a getaway -- he breaks through the glass front of the building and tears down Sukhumvit Rd. I also remember the small earthquake in Bangkok - which opened a crack in the stairwell of the 13th floor - you could see daylight through. They came and patched it with some plaster --"No sweat, GI".
Also: New section on the forum: World War II and Siam
Parched Thailand thirsts for better infrastructure - Reuters, August 4, 2005
In better days, tapioca, pineapple and industry flourished side by side on Thailand's eastern seaboard, long the country's industrial heartland.
Today, the triangle-shaped region, which traces the coastline east of Bangkok to Cambodia, is cracked as a result of unrelenting heat, firing up charges that Thailand's infrastructure is inadequate to support economic expansion...
This frustrates Amata's Vikrom, who sees the construction of more water infrastructure as vital to Thailand's development.
"Thailand is so rich in resources we call ourselves the kitchen of the world," he said. "Why are we so poor?"
Strawberry pizza - August 4, 2005
(Photo: 2Bangkok.com)
A new Pizza Hut promotion in Thailand--a pizza with four sections. One of the sections is covered with strawberries.
Flu could infect half world's people in year - Guardian Unlimited, August 3, 2005
Outbreak of flu in rural south-east Asia could spread around globe in three months say scientists...
Scientists say human bird flu pandemic preventable - Reuters, August 3, 2005
Three million doses of antiviral drugs, vigilance and reducing social contact could contain an outbreak of human avian flu and prevent a global pandemic that could kill millions, scientists said on Wednesday...
'Bangkok Airport Visa Stamp' on ebay - August 5, 2005
On the forum: Hydrology - River Basin Maps - August 5, 2005
Chivas invite - August 5, 2005
Left: Scan of the Chivas party invitation from last month from the German-language blog kofty's bangkok briefs.
Also: 'Absolut Bangkok'
OVERDRIVE: Unpopularity a reverse indicator of success at Finance - The Nation, August 5, 2005
Interesting article: Thanong Bidaya is the man of the 11th hour. In June 1997, he was shopping with his wife in Hong Kong when he got a call from Prime Minister Chavalit Yongchaiyudh asking him to take over as finance minister. He accepted. No sooner had he arrived at the Finance Ministry than Rerngchai Marakanond, the Bank of Thailand (BOT) governor, went over to tell him the country was bankrupt...
Chavalit's new book - August 5, 2005
The Post has a straight review of the book's points. The Nation has an extremely skeptical analysis...Old southern security system worked better, says Chavalit - Bangkok Post, August 4, 2005
...He says selfish politicians were behind many of the violent incidents, including the torching of schools. Their intention was to destroy their opponents and protect illegal businesses of their political canvassers.
The arson attacks on many occasions, especially those in 1993, were intended to draw budget allocations to the areas.
The burning of 20 schools in Narathiwat on Jan 4 last year was designed to discredit politicians such as former interior minister Wan Muhamad Nor Matha and Pattani Senator Den Tomena...ANALYSIS: Chavalit's 'last word' on South - The Nation, August 4, 2005
..."I said at the time that gunfire will erupt in the South once again," he says.
The fact of the matter is that he omits to mention that he was the deputy premier giving the green light to the proposed abolition before the Cabinet.
His book relies on a vast number of intelligence reports, allegedly prepared by the National Intelligence Agency, Special Branch Police and the United States Central Intelligence Agency.
The reports were collated in a confusing manner to support Chavalit's views rather than to shed light on the subject...
He asserts that both incidents were meant to erode the political clout of his ally and Wadah faction leader Wan Muhamad Noor Matha.
In his opinion, the southern terrorism boils down to a simple fight for control over constituencies in the region...
He has compiled several wild theories on the southern violence even though he does not root for any specific explanation.
After giving a bird's eye view of the southern strife, he concludes that "In my heart, I believe southern security is a non-issue"...
Ministers to discuss 'one-visa, five-countries' idea - The Nation, August 5, 2005
This is the same plan that is proposed every five years or so...
Right: Towers that surround the Grand Palace complex and the modern Baiyoke II building in the distance.
On the forum: Official website of the Bangkok Art Museum - August 4, 2005
Thailand gets General Assembly seat of honour in Annan drawing - UN News Centre, August 2, 2005
Thanks to Danny for pointing out this Thai mention at the UN: Thailand gets General Assembly seat of honour in Annan drawing - UN News Centre, August 2, 2005
In an annual game of rotating seating, Thailand won the first front row seat in the United Nations General Assembly Hall for the next session, starting in September, in a drawing performed by Secretary-General Kofi Annan, a spokeswoman for the Assembly said today.
It will replace St. Kitts-Nevis on the right side of the podium for the Assembly’s General Debate, the spokeswoman Frehiwot Bekele said.
The other delegations are seated alphabetically and speak in an order initially determined by tradition and courtesy. Brazil is traditionally the first speaker, followed by the United States of America, as host country for the UN Headquarters.
(Photo: 2Bangkok.com)
