Wanted: old photographs and visual materials
A publisher specialising in books on Asia is seeking old photographs and visual materials (old postcards, adverts, magazines etc) of Thailand from the period 1946-1966. They are particularly interested in any pictures that are associated with major news events, Thai social or cultural history or Bangkok. The publisher will pay for any images used. If you have a personal collection of pictures that might be of interest, contact nicholas@edmbooks.com.sg.

(Photo: 2Bangkok.com)

Safe-T-Cut workers protest - July 2, 2009
Safe-T-Cut works who were fired without pay or benefits demonstrate in front of the Labor Department in Bangkok. Most will know Safe-T-Cut from the ubiquitous breaker boxes in most older Thai buildings.
The words on the sign above reads "Lose the job - Help!" Another banner, out of frame, reads "Why not fire Dr. Nut?" This refers to Dr. Nuttapol Sotthiwanwong, a Safety-Cut executive being blamed by the protesters for their layoffs.
Normally in this situation, the government and police will use all means, legal and otherwise, to force executives to make good on severance pay. In the past this has included holding foreign company executives in jail without charge until they come up with the money. In cases where executives are able to successfully flee, the government quietly settles with the workers.

Also: Safe-T-Cut workers join plant closure protest - The Nation, July 3, 2009

(Photo: 2Bangkok.com)

A long name - July 4, 2009
A short url for a long name. This was on the side of a bus downtown.

Government warned not to provide citizens with firearms - translated and summarized from Matichon; June 16, 2009
Nonviolence International South East Asia warns government not to provide citizens and volunteer units with firearms. According to the organization’s research report, arming the citizen and expanding the civil volunteer unit would fuel the situation, causing more conflicts in the restive south. The government’s intention would involve the issue concerning religious discrimination as only Thai Buddhists are allowed to carry firearms while Thai Muslims are not. If they do, they would be suspected of being insurgents.
Some of respondents who are officers admitted that security in the area is currently under responsibility of those volunteer and semi-military units which were screened and trained incompetently. Consequently, instead of reducing the violence, it may spark anger and dissatisfaction in the area.
The research report suggests improving police’s potential rather than supporting people with firearms. The problem should be solved by peaceful means and good governance. Moreover, strict law enforcement are also vital.

Two army members holding general rank and one colonel involved in militant attacks in the south - One more teacher shot dead - Blast attack killing police - translated and summarized from Matichon; Page: First page, June 17, 2009
Two militants on their motorcycles on June 16, 2009 staged attacks targeting female school teacher Rekha Issara from the Banpormeng School in Yala’s Raman district, killing her in Tambon Kayuborkoh in the district while the teacher was traveling to school. At the same time, the militants in Pattani lured police at the Saiburi district in Pattani to inspect an accident on the Maikhaen-Saiburi road in Tambon Taluban. The militants detonated a bomb that was hidden on the motorcycle killing 2 and injuring 1 police officer.
Meanwhile, an MP of the coalition parties reveals to a source that he believes that the mosque massacre in Narathiwat was a plotted scheme and claims that many MP in the unrest province and high-rank army officials and Army Commander-in-chief General Anupong Paojinda and Defense Minister General Prawit Wongsuwan have information about the group that was involved. According the coalition party MP, leaders of the group that staged violence for their own benefit consist of one army member holding General rank in the Narathiwat area, another army officer holding the same rank looking in Pattani and one colonel in the Yala area.

Michael Jackson's death in the Thai-language press

Analyzing why the Southern Border Provinces Administrative Office plan has been shelved – obstructed by soldiers? - translated and summarized from Matichon; June 11, 2009
The Abhisit Vejjajiva government announced during its campaign for election on December 29, 2007, that it would launch a tool to ease the unrest in the southern border provinces. It believed that the tool would bring peace back to the provinces again. The tool is to set up a special organization called the Southern Border Provinces Administrative Office.
The new organization will be directly supervised by the Prime Minister. It is aimed at solving administrative problems in the area and create unity in operations. However, five months have passed and the plan has not been proposed yet.
The reason is that the government manager, Deputy Prime Minister for security Suthep Thaugsuban, fears that the proposal will offend the ‘Big Green’. We all know that the government is backed by the military.
The Internal Security Operations Command is now the lead actor in the three southern border provinces with around 60,000 military officers.
After the robbery of guns in Amphoe Joh I Rong, Narathiwat province, more and more budget has been allocated to the southern provinces – from 13.45 billion baht in 2004 to 27.547 billion baht in 2009. Over 50% of the budget is under the control of the Defense Ministry and the Internal Security Operations Command. The ISOC receives around 7.5 billion baht in advance. They will come up with projects later.
People wonder if the budget will be spent on the right stuff. It is said that high-ranking authorities get a lot of money for themselves per month. Meanwhile, the Southern Border Provinces Administrative Command got less than 10% of the 27 billion baht budget.
Are these the reasons the military oppose the plan to form the new Southern Border Provinces Administrative Office? The Abhisit administration should restructure military organizations and revamps strategies under the approaching and understanding concept.

The loss of three southern border provinces comes close - translated and summarized from Phujatkarn; Author: Sirianya; June 11, 2009
This column is to express concern on the ongoing violent situation in the South for fear that in the near future Thailand might have to lose the southern border lands. The mosque massacre that killed 12 in Narathiwat on June 8 did happen and it has not happened in this country before. After the shooting a rumor was spread putting blame on the state authorities for the massacre. What should be mentioned here is that firstly, the bloody event that occurred has removed the previous view that the policy on violent situation is on the right track and the situation has improved. Secondly, the state authority, even now, does not know who they are fighting with.
The truth to be accepted here are
1. The government has spent more than 100,000 million baht up to now in the South. This amount could make the south prosperous economically. However, the southern economy is still not progressively developed.
2. Despite a large number of police military forces dispatched to the South, the loss of life of the people continues, likewise the violent attacks.
3. The strategy that military forces become target of the militant operations in the local areas ensures continuous losses.
4. The geographical area of the South is canvassed by militant supporters who work in villages and the militant exercises continue.
5. We are lacking the profound understanding that the militants are using a prolonged war strategy to reach their goals and at the same time, they are pushing ahead on making the issue become internationally discussed by the Islamic Conference Committee. We do not really focus on His Majesty the King’s royal suggestion on developing policy with profound understanding for the locals. If one wants to understand the real “military leads politics policy”, they should read the book named “Land philosophy” by Statesman Gen. Prem Tinnasulanonda to get to the concept. As for land development, I comment that if we followed it, things would be less problematic and open hope of opportunity for the great Thai-Muslim land to be well-developed with cooperation with world Islamic community.

Statistics in April reveals high toll - Daily shooting attacks increase - Pattani reported critical high toll - translated and summarized from Issara News Center; Author: Issara news team; June 4, 2009
[In coming days we will be posting reports detailing separatist activity in May and June.]
The record of violent attacks that occurred in April, 2009 is slightly higher than the record of the previous month (March). However, the death toll decreases with 29 dead. The accumulative death toll from January, 2004 up to the present reaches 3,550 already. The report reveals that there were 89 violent attacks in April, 2009.
36 violent attacks occurred in Pattani province, 9 of which were from the Yarang district, 8 of which from the Saiburi, 6 of which from the Nongchick, 2 apiece of which from the city district, the Kokpoh, the Yaring, the Mayor, the Thung Yang Daeng and the Kapo district and 1 of which from the Panare district.
There were 21 violent attacks that occurred in Yala province, 8 of which were from the city district, 4 of which were from the Yaha district, 3 of which were from the Raman district, 2 apiece of which from the Bannungsata, the Krongpinang and the Tarnto district.
There were 32 violent attacks in Narathiwat province, 8 of which were in the Rueso, 6 of which were from the Bacho, 5 of which were from the Rangae, 3 a piece of which were from the Janae and the Choairong, 2 apiece of which were in the Waeng and the Sungaikolok, 1 apiece of which was in the Takbai, the Sungaipadee and the Srisakorn district.
There were 60 shooting attacks, 26 of which were in Pattani, 16 of which were in Yala and 18 of which were in the Narathiwat. There were 13 bombing attacks, 2 of which were in the Pattani, 2 of which were in Yala and 9 of which in Narathiwat. There were 16 torching attacks, 8 of which were in Pattani, 1 of which in Yala and 7 of which were in Narathiwat.
Regarding the violent victims, there are the total of 100, 29 of which were dead and 71 of which were injured.
Pattani reports 41 on toll, 14 of which were injured officials, 13 of which were dead locals and 12 were injured locals. 1 militant died and 1 other suffered injured.
Yala reports 37 on toll, 3 of which were dead officials, 13 of which were injured officials, 10 of which were dead locals and 11 of which were injured locals.
Narathiwat reports 22 on toll, 8 of which were injured officials, 1 of which was dead local, 12 of which were injured locals. One militant died.

Table 1: Summary of Violent Incidents in Pattani, Yala and Narathiwat Provinces, and 4 districts of Songkhla Province

Table 2: Victims Injured or Killed in Pattani, Yala and Narathiwat Provinces, and 4 districts of Songkhla Province

Panithan believes red-zone seizure cause of mosque attack - translated and summarized from Thai Rath; June 10, 2009
On June 9, Deputy Spokesperson to the Prime Minister’s Office Supachai Jaisamut announced that the Cabinet approved a budget of 400 million baht from the central budget for victims of southern unrest. The budget will be allocated to government units to help people affected by the southern unrest.
The Cabinet has also approved special monthly payment for officials operating tasks in the southern border provinces and four districts of Songkhla.
Panitan Wattanayakorn, Spokesperson for the Prime Minister's Office, gave his comment about a mosque attack in Amphoe Joh I Rong, Narathiwat province, which killed ten people. He said that the attack was an effort to counter the government. Government’s projects in the South have turned local people into siding with it. Several leaders have been arrested. These make insurgents unhappy. However, the overall number of violent attacks declined by 40-50 percent. Malaysia is willing to help Thai government ease the unrest. It will visit Thailand’s southern provinces at the end of the year to increase the efficiency of local schools.

FCCT board accused of lese majeste - The Nation, July 1, 2009

Recently worsening  violent attacks - Doubt on the statistics of the decreased violence toll - translated and summarized from Issara News Center; Author: Issara news team; June 10, 2009
Regarding the Southern violent attacks that were reported during the previous 20 days (May 18, 2009 to June 8, 2009), 4 teachers were killed and 5 injured. 15 security guards for school teachers were injured. The militants staged 9 blast attacks in the downtown of Yala on May 27, staging car-bombing attack in Narathiwat’s Yeengo district that killed 2 and injured 19 on June 7 and also the deadly Mosque shooting attack in Narathiwat’s Choairong district killed 11 people on June 8.
The security agency insists that the statistic record of violent situation has decreased during the previous one year period. To explain the intensified degree of violence, the joint civil police military source states that the related cause is the militant attempt at revenge on authorities.
According to the source’s review:
1) the teacher attacks occur usually during the school opening period, but this year, the loss is revealed as greater than the previous year
2) the car bomb attack in the Yeengor district and the mosque massacre in the Choairong district is related to the seizure of militant “zone” leaders during the past 2 months.
The Army views that the peace-reinforcing project in 217 villages also greatly impacts the militant operation in the red area and, additionally, the Islamic Conference Committee’s recent meeting did not include discussion of Thailand’s southern violence as its agenda. Therefore, the militants have to increase the degree of violence to make world see that the unrest situation in the South is a “problem.”
Regardless of what the army and the national security panel claim, the question is that the government and the security agency have to explain why the policy, claimed to be “on the right track” generates such problems. This is what the army and the security units have to answer to the public. Likewise, to answer doubts about the large amounts of budget recently allocated to the army.

Intensified southern unrest is the Democrat’s noose – Abhisit’s hot issue - translated and summarized from Matichon; June 10, 2009
The statement of Col. Prinya Chaidilok, a spokesperson of the Internal Security Operations Command Region 4 saying that current attacks were triggered by the government’s success in arresting leading insurgents, seizing weapons and preventing bombings, is contrast to the current news in newspapers.
The situation became intensified since May 27, when nine spots in Yala were bombed and burnt. Attacks kept occurring on June 2, June 6 and June 7.
On June 8, the situation got worse as insurgents attacked a mosque in Ban Ai Payae, Tambon Chuab, Amphoe Joh I Rong, Narathiwat province. Eleven people were killed and at least eleven were injured by the attack. It was the worst case in five years.
Now that the unrest is intensified, the government becomes on the defensive as five months have passed, but nothing becomes better as people expected. People are still killed and injured. The government should consider again if its “politics leads the military” measure works. It has to find the holes in the strategy.
The mosque attack is a very horrible one and created anxiety among people. The attack aims to create disunity between Thai Buddhist and Thai Muslim people. As the head of the government, Abhisit Vejjiajiva must figure the problem out or people in the three southern border provinces will be disappointed.

Michael Jackson's death in the Thai-language press

Will this stop the pandamonium? Thai elephants painted to look like pandas after the black and white bears steal their fans - Daily Mail, June 26, 2009

True situation in the Deep South? - Smart News, No. 184, June 16-30, 2009
Left to right: The first man says: Mr. Suthep [Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban] says it will take three years for the South to be in peace, what do you think?
The second man says: I am not sure... (because) the chaotic situation in parliament has not been solved.

Left: Matichon Weekly
The cover reads: 800,000 million - A-ro-ka - Nee [debt] - Pa-Ra-Mee-La-Pa?
[This is a a play on a Buddhist Sanskrit saying "arokaya parama lapha" which is a blessing that refers to good health (no disease). The phrase on the cover is a rhyming phrase that puts the word “debts” into the blessing to say something like "being without debts is a blessing."

Right: Nation Weekend
The cover reads: Sood Kan San Rak [A song by Lookthung (Thai country) singer Poompuang Duangchan pictured on the cover. The song tells the story of a woman who faces disappointment in love. Poompuang died June 13, 1992. The conflict between Poompuang’s only son and his father is the talk of the town.]

Naewna, June 10, 2009 - The victims of the southern bandits - More than 1,000 Thai-Muslim people gathered to transfer the bodies of those who were shot in the mosque at night on June 8, 2009 by a group of south agitators, to Gubow cemetery, Ai Ba Yae village, Juap sub-district, Jor Ai-rong district, Narathiwat province.

 
Khaosod, June 11, 2009 - The funeral: This is a funeral ceremony for 10 dead people who died from shooting while they were praying to their god in the mosque at Ai Ba Yae village, Jor Ai-rong district, Narathiwat province. The Commander-in-Chief of the Army quickly went to the South for tackling the severe situation on June 9, 2009. (above and below)

Thairath, June 11, 2009 - A bomb explosion at the van station: The staff investigated the van station servicing transportation on the Yala-Hat Yai route which was damaged with a bomb explosion by the south bandits. Because of bomb pressure, damage was caused to a lobby, the vans, a diesel petroleum tank and one person was injured.

Krungtep Turakij, June 11, 2009 - Bombing the soldiers: The soldiers and the police investigated the road which was bombed by a group of southern bandits because they hoped that those bombs would hit the pickup was used for inspecting the area and protecting the teachers in Ka To village, Rue Sor Aork sub-district, Rue Sor district, Narathiwat province. The pickup was damaged and 9 soldiers were injured.

Thai email forwards: Nothing is impossible - June 26, 2009
Also: Obama election front pages in the Thai-language press

(Photo: Dr. Has for 2Bangkok.com)

Yala meeting - June 23, 2009
Dr. Has reports: Today [June 23, 2009] the Yala military task force calls a meeting of governmental school directors of the Yala Education Service Area 1 Office at the Yala Grand Palace hotel. The school directors discuss the security measures for school teachers. Recently, militants stage many violent attacks targeting school teachers, both males and females, Thai-Buddhists and Thai-Muslims. School directors suggest ideas for security measures implemented by the Army to reduce the chance that militants will stage attacks on school teachers.

"Restaurant AOYAMA opens today" - Bangkok Post, November 8, 1968

The title was later corrected - Bangkok Post, June 25, 2009

(Photo: Monkey for 2Bangkok.com)

Above: The picture shows the motorcycles parked in front of the Pattani’s Muang district. Every motorcycle is required to open its seat covers for the security check as shown in the picture

Pattani fair - May, 2009
Monkey reports: The atmosphere of the charity parade of the local governmental units, led by Pattani governor urging the public to visit the 25th Pattani Red Cross Fair, hosted on May 1 -10, 2009. The security is beefed up, especially for gateways.

(Photo: Monkey for 2Bangkok.com)

(Photo: Monkey for 2Bangkok.com)

(Photo: Monkey for 2Bangkok.com)

Above: The banner reads: Come to visit the Red Cross Fair and the Pattani annual festival, hosted in front of the Town Hall - 1-10 May, 2009 - Pure heart - the Red Cross helps people

(Photo: Monkey for 2Bangkok.com)

The banner reads: Pattani promotes good health condition
On the blue sign carried in front of the banner: Pattani 1st Defense volunteer troop

(Photo: Monkey for 2Bangkok.com)

On the blue sign carried in front of the banner: Pattani 1st Defense volunteer troop

(Photo: Monkey for 2Bangkok.com)

On the arch: Pattani’s health fitness without obesity-promoting good health condition - 116th anniversary of Thai Red Cross - 150th anniversary of World Red Cross

Thai Ginger co-owner accused of paying workers to marry her relatives - Seattle Times, June 24, 2009

"219 seats for the House of Representatives" - Bangkok Post, November 9, 1968

Repeated old film - Matichon, Cartoon column: Kaolao Ruammit, Author: Tin, June 14, 2009
[This cartoon refers to incidents and situations that have been repeated time and time again.]

Top left: The caption reads: The gang of four
[Explanation: In the government of Samak in 2008, Samak joined with Newin Chidchob, Deputy PM Surapong Suebwonglee, and Theerapon Noprumpa, the PM's secretary to reshuffle the cabinet in such a way to sideline Thaksin influence. MP Sakda Kongpetch said this group was trying to seize power from Thaksin (who was obviously controlling and had bankrolled the People Power Party).
Recently, Mr. Sakda claimed again that there was a new gang of four monopolizing power. The figure on the right looks like the Bhumjaithai Transport Minister.
Or, the cartoon figures could refer to a group of four men mentioned by Democrat MP Chalermchai Sriorn who failed to a receive ministerial post. He complained that there is a gang of four in the Democrat ruling party consisting of Deputy Democrat Party Secretary General Siriwan Prasjaksattru, Democrat Party bursar Anchalee Vanitch Theppabutr, Democrat executive Sathit Wongnongtory and deputy party leader Wittaya Khaewparadai. These men alleged have the ear of the most powerful party executive members.]

Top middle: Finance Minister Korn Jatikavanit rips a document. The caption reads: Inheritance tax aborted [This refers to Korn, who is one of the richest people in government, expressing the government's line that Thailand is still not ready for an inheritance tax.]

Top right: Bhumjaithai Party ministerial members ride on a tractor. The caption reads: Reality Show [This refers to trips that government members have made to the countryside to meet with rural people. These trips have been the butt of jokes and parody in the Thai press for their obvious and perhaps insincere attempts to curry favor with Thaksin supporters.]

Bottom left: Minister to PM Office Sathit Wongnongtoey says: Gas carrier truck. The words on the truck’s gas tank reads: To bomb the south. [This refers to the April incidents when Red Shirts stationed LPG tracks around Bangkok and rigged at least one to blow up. Here, a government minister fancifully thinks of attempting the same type of threat to pacify the deep south.]

Bottom middle: The caption reads: Cruel freshy welcome [This refers to the violent hazing that new university students ("freshies" or "freshmen") endure each year.]

Bottom right: The caption reads: Dissolve Thaksin’s party. The words next to the hammer read: Framing Bhumjaithai. [This is a series of Thai letters that are the symbols of political parties controlled by Thaksin and dissolved by the Election Commission. On the left is That Rak Thai, then the People Power Party, then Puea Thai. The letters and design are intentionally designed so voters can tell the new party is really the successor to the old party. Both the Bhumjaithai Party and the Puea Thai Party have urged the Election Commission to dissolve each party for election fraud.]

Myanmar's oldest woman aged 117 - Xinhua, June 22, 2009
A Myanmar woman, Daw Mya Kyi, aged 117, has been found as the country's oldest woman, the local Myanmar Times reported Monday...

Thai Power Line group wins Bangkok rail bidding - Reuters, June, 2009

(Photo: 2Bangkok.com)

Signs of drug dealing - June 24, 2009
It reads: Traces of drug dealing, inform Police Superintendent of your local area police station. If not being processed [if the case is not being pursued], please inform Police Colonel Pawit Lekhawanit (Deputy Metropolitan 6 Police Commander) - Call (mobile) 081-6136078 - Website www.metropolice6.com

Thailand, 1968: Americans in Bangkok pleased - Bangkok Post, November 8, 1968

On the forum: Preah Vihear

Violent problems in the south - Krungthep Turakit, 500  type + 1 Author: Mor, Column: Tassanavijarn, June 11, 2009
On the side of the elephant: Violent problems in the south
The men pushing the elephant are PM Abhisit and a figure representing the military. They are saying: petty [conversational language to indicate something trivial]

Warden Message: H1N1 Influenza A - update - June 19, 2009
Interesting text from a U.S. Embassy email to citizens in Thailand: ...American citizens should be aware that the U.S. Embassy in Thailand cannot demand their immediate release if they have been detained or quarantined in accordance with local public health and legal authorities, and cannot attempt to influence the terms or duration of quarantine.  Quarantines in Thailand, however, have generally been of short duration...

Elephant-size loopholes sustain Thai ivory trade - PhysOrg, June 19, 2009
...TRAFFIC's survey documented over 26,000 worked ivory products for sale in local markets, with many more retail outlets dealing in ivory products than were observed during market surveys carried out in 2001...

Bangkok's Vietnam-War era hotels still offering cheap thrills - M&C, June 16, 2009
[Great Bangkok hotel history! Thanks to Mick for pointing this out.]
...Surviving veterans include the Embassy, Federal, Florida, Grace, Liberty, Honey, Manhattan, Miami, Prince and Rex hotels, most of them situated along Sukhumvit Road.
There is a good reason they are so similar. Most were built to meet the specifications set by Tommy's Tours, a Thai company run by former air chief marshal Thawee Chulasap that monopolized the R&R tours to Bangkok...

Academic Ghostwriting - June 19, 2009
Chris notes: This is kind of creepy - and scary. Would you want to be operated on by a doctor whose academic papers were ghostwritten?...
From a Google Ad: Dissertation writing
Specialist dissertation writing service for Far East students
"In ten years our work has never been detected..."
Our successful clients include:
* Senior business executives in the UK and abroad
* Doctors and Healthcare Professionals
* Senior social workers
* Military officers
* Government officials...

Not the same fortune between bear and men - Thai Rath, Chai Ratchawat, June 14, 2009
[This cartoon contrasts the birth and other circumstances of the Giant Panda in Chiang Mai with the lives of common people.]

Top left: Many flock to see baby bear [the baby panda], but never watch their own child.

Top middle: The pregnant bear is widely reported in the news, but pregnant girls secretly get abortions.

Top right: In joy when a bear’s eye sockets turn black [meaning people like pandas], but in worry when men’s eye sockets turn black [referring to brawling students].

Bottom left: The zoo joyfully greets the baby bear, but men greet their "freshy" with bruises. [Refers to the brutal hazing practices of universities.]

Bottom middle: The baby bear resides in a 60 million baht dorm, but some man’s child resides in a garbage pile [contrasting the pandas' expensive winter environment in the zoo with the living conditions of some people]

Bottom right: Baby bear promote tourism, but man’s child destroys it [Noting how the actions of man have hurt Thailand tourism.]

At a Hmong camp - May 17, 2009

MosoThai billboards - June 13, 2009

The descent of Suvarnabhumi - June 9, 2009

Story from an RKK member - translated and summarized from Issara News Centre; May 27, 2009

Part 3 - Statement from a member of the National Liberation Front of Patani - translated and summarized from Issara News Centre; April 24, 2009

More on F.R. Engdahl - May 9, 2009
Earlier: Who was F.R. Engdahl?
Mike points out this additional mention of "Felix Russell Engdahl" in a speech by U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.

Airport drainage canal - May 5, 2009

Canal/road between the Gulf of Thailand and the International Airport

Irrigation canal to pump out water from the airport area to the Gulf of Thailand

Thai hairstyles - April 25, 2009

Jewel scam in Chiang Mai - Lonely Planet, February 12, 2009

"Go where the 'in crowd' goes" in 1967 - February 27, 2009
From Bangkok After Dark, Vol. 2, July 1967, No. 12

More old ads: 'Thailand's Coolest Store' - Groovy Bangkok 1969 - Bangkok Weekly 1953 - Bangkok Bulletin 1966 - Old newspapers

Latest scam: Quantum Pendant.....SCALAR ENERGY - December 3, 2008