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News and Views - July 2007
From the Thai-language press
Earlier: From ScandAsia: Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn Visited Sweden - July 25, 2007
Right: Komchadluek, 15:45, July 27: Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn at Kasetsart University where his wife received a master’s degree.
Matichon reported that Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn flew an aircraft to Bangkok from Dubai on Thursday with a stopover in Chennai, India.
These photos are on all the Thai newspaper websites on Friday afternoon. The Crown Prince's 55th birthday is on July 28.
(Photo: Komchadluek)
Photoshopping The King? - July 13, 2007
Manager points out Thai Rath's removal of The King's portrait from a photo. A thread mentioning this is here.
Another example of a doctored photo in a newspaper is here.
Thai Rath's clarification: "Loyalty over life itself" - July 17, 2007
On July 16 the Nation Channel reported on Thai Rath's explanation of the photo with The King's image removed. Below is a summary from the Thai-language Nation report and from Thai Rath's explanation in the newspaper on July 17 entitled "Loyalty over life itself."
In their printed explanation, the Thai Rath editor explained that Thai Rath adores and respects the King. Every time there is sports news where someone gets an award they always hold the King's photo. However, that is not right for publication because the King's image should not be lower than other people (if they are holding the photo). The King's photo should be above or in an appropriate place.
So Thai Rath usually avoids running photos like this, but this time Thai students received an international award so Thai Rath thought they should carry the news. Thus Thai Rath removed the King's photo with Photoshop since the image was in a lower position with other people seemingly above it. The editor realizes the athletes have a good intention in holding the photo, but may not be aware of the elements of etiquette involved.
The Nation Channel explained that people always cradle the King's photo, but they should not because the King's image should be held aloft only. The boy in the photo on the right is not holding the photo in an appropriate place down near his legs making other people's heads above the King's photo.
Finally Thai Rath apologizes for this incident because it made people feel something was done that was not appropriate. Thai Rath still repeats their innocent intention and reaffirms their loyalty to the King.
Whatever the reason for the editing, other media outlets--especially Phujatkhan--have had a field day with the incident. Why? Because Thai Rath is always the first to sensationally point out embarrassing social and cultural faux pas committed by society or the press. Other media outlets are relishing this chance to turn the tables on Thai Rath.
Aquatic animals and plants of Thailand - June 23, 2007
Also: Fish Species in Chao Praya River
Wildlife Fund Thailand shuts down - The Nation, July 20, 2007
Thai Airways mulls move to screen 'abnormal' passengers - IANS, June 22, 2007
...An incident like a hugely built person dancing nude inside the plane is something we wish to avoid at all cost,' Panatta told IANS Friday...
Bangkok to be linked by road to China soon - China Post, June, 2007
A road will directly link Thailand's capital Bangkok to southwestern China within four years, under an agreement signed on Thursday...
"Discussion" on alcohol advertising ban - June, 2007
Dear AMCHAM Members,
The Healthcare Committee is inviting all members to join them for a discussion on the proposed Ban on Alcohol advertising in Thailand.
The ban could adversely impact tourism, advertising and erode Thailand's competitiveness without adequately addressing the important underlying health issue.
Speakers are Ms. Wimonwan Udomphan, Vice President Corporate Relations, Diageo Moet Hennessy (Thailand) Ltd. and Mr. Parames Ratjaiboon, Honorary Chairman, Thai Advertising Association...
BIG APOLOGY TO OUR BLOGGERS - The Nation, June 13, 2007
The Nation would like to issue a big apology for a serious problem over our old Weblog system, which caused all the invaluable comments attached to stories of our bloggers to disappear...
Thailand’s rising tide of global jihad - Malaysia Today, June 10, 2007
ANALYSIS: Abhisit Vejjajiva - Bangkok patrician for prime minister? - Monsters and Critics, June 14, 2007
Muang Boran Journal - July 20, 2007
Pong writes: Here is the second coolest Thai website (after 2Bangkok.com).
"Spoil your vacation..." - July 13, 2007
CB reports: Finally some truth in advertising. This is quite unbelievable. At first I thought it was a joke but in the end I think they spent 60,000+ on the ad without checking the copy and meant to say “Spoil yourself on your vacation”…
(Photo: Monkey)Mime in Chiang Mai - July 14, 2007
Monkey reports from Chiang Mai: A mime on a walking street along Ta Pae Gate in Amphur Muang of Chiang Mai Province. The walking street, running on Sundays, is a place where you can buy a variety of products, including local goods, at low prices. Local music and dance performances are also held.
Preah Vihear resources - July 15, 2007
Preah Vihear, Arrêt de la CIJ de La Hague du 15 juin 1962 - Reference Map N°1 - Reference Map N°2 - Reference Map N°3 - Reference Map N°4 - Cambodia's Borders Committee
(Photo: Art)Nana intersection in the past - July 14, 2007
Art sends in another Nana intersection photo: ...It's older by 7 years, unless I have the date wrong, in which case it could be 12 years older. What's amazing is how many of the buildings are still there today, and are even still the same color. Note the wall between Soi 4 and the 7-11 -- it goes all the way to Sukhumvit now.
Also note how the road narrows in the distance on the left. For many years one property maintained a front yard two lanes into Sukhumvit Soi 3.
Earlier: John sends this photo (below), taken May 14, 1991.
(Photo: John)
Gays to get equal status under new Thai charter - Reuters, June 29, 2007
(Photo: 2Bangkok.com)"Support Taiwan's participation in the UN" - July 2, 2007
Interesting sign at the Taipei Airport. The text on the right reads: The United Nations' founding Charter is a pledge to promote and encourage respect for human rights for all. Yet the UN continually turns its back on the 23 million people of democratic Taiwan. for the sake of their health, education,living standard and security, right this wrong.
"Naga" photo? - July 14, 2007
A reader reports: I turn to you to look into a questionable picture we saw when we were at Khao Yai. It was a picture of a Naga. The picture is in the middle of the website, a group of GI's holding a Naga. It is the same picture we saw in Khao Yai. I was curious if you ever heard of this - I have to assume it is fake but I admit it is a good job of faking. Do you know anything about it?
That is a real photo of U.S. soldiers (we think in Phuket) holding a deep sea ribbon fish. It has nothing to do with anything that would come out of a river.
Update: Several readers have written to point out that this is an oarfish. More on this photo is here and here and here.
'Jesus Revolution' Hits Thailand - Christian Broadcasting Network, July 9, 2007
...With only one percent being Christians in Thailand, the Thai Christians are encouraged as Jesus Revolution opens their eyes to the bigger work of God throughout the world....
"Asian Confusion" - September 5, 2007
Hot on the heels of their 18-year-old "who knows how to please you", here is another amusing Novotel ad that came with the email subject line "Asian Confusion at Novotel Hotel."
"She knows how to please you..." - July 20, 2007
Hilariously risque ad from the Novotel's 18th anniversary...
(Photo: Monkey)
(Photo: Monkey)
(Photo: Monkey)Welcoming freshmen - July 7, 2007
Monkey reports: On July 7, 2007, Chiang Mai University teamed up with full-time and part-time student organizations to welcome freshmen by taking them up Doi Suthep (the middle photo shows some mass-hazing stunt). Chiang Mai University students, either from undergraduate, graduate or post-graduate programs, believe they may have obstacles in studying if they cannot reach the top of Doi Suthep. They also campaigned for alcohol-free orientation activities.
Thaksin wages war on drugs, but calls Wa his ally? - translated and summarized by Daily News, July 12, 2007
The accompanying map shows certain areas around Baan Ta Ton of Chiang Mai Province's Amphur Mae Ai, which Myanmar people are trying to seize. It is said that Myanmar army entered the areas eight years ago and has been staying there. Wa is a Myanmar-Chinese tribe in northern Myanmar and Thailand. The tribe has been influenced by Chinese Communist regime. There are around 500,000 people in the tribe. They help Myanmar people fight against the country's enemies. The United Wa State Army (UWSA) is the army of the tribe. Drug kingpin Wei Sia Kang is a commander of the network. During the Thaksin administration, the government fought against drugs and offered assistance to the Wa tribe so that they could earn a living from planting, not selling drugs. The assistance also helped improve the image of the tribe. People doubted the government's move [in supporting this supposed enemy of Thailand].
(Photo: Gary W. Kay)Approaching Victory Monument, circa 1960s - July 16, 2007
Last week we posted this photo (above).
Gary W. Kay writes: I took that shot of Victory Monument while riding in a cab just before my tour of duty ended in Bangkok in April 1964. The site that posted this photo is, in fact, defunct. However, there is an excellent site with many photos that still endures. It is located at http://83rdrrsou.org/. It is made up of stories and photos of U. S. Army Security Agency soldiers who were stationed primarily at Seri Court off Pradiphat Road during my time there from 1962 - 1964. At that time, the unit was designated as the 5th Radio Research Unit. It changed names after I left to the 83rd Radio Research Special Operations Unit. That unit later evolved into the 7th Radio Research Field Station, which was located at Udorn.
Below is another one of his photos from around April 1964 of Pradiphat Road looking towards Seri Court.Earlier: Saphan Kwai in 1968
(Photo: Gary W. Kay)
Quiet Bangkok - July 12, 2007
Chris reports: There was an interesting article in the Bangkok Post July 7 about the Quiet Bangkok Club, started by a Thai lady. They are fighting to get noise levels reduced in public parks and elsewhere. They have created a website. I’m sure many of your long-suffering readers would be interested.
Lots of good stuff on the site including:
- Suan Luang or Royal Park, becomes Suan Siang, Noise Park
- Noise and Bangkok Airport
- Protest at TV advertising on Skytrain
- IS THIS ENGLISH? WHAT DOES IT MEAN?
(Photo: thailandphotomap.com)Escape route from Klong Prem Prison - July 12, 2007
Scouts go to Japan - July 5, 2007
Top left: The team of scouts will go to Japan so they come to worship the Emerald Buddha at Wat Prasrirattanasatsadaram.
Top right: The team of scouts march past the King Rama V. statue.
Bottom left: Marching from Vitcharavut Collage where they train.
Bottom right: Paying respect to the King Rama V statue.
People holding big fishes - July 5, 2007
Including many examples from Thailand...
"Siamese nurse" - July 7, 2007
Hua Lamphong Railway Station and Post Office - A Photo Essay - thaiphilately.org, July 7, 2007
The Birth of Film Screening in Thailand - ThaiFilm.com, July 5, 2007
Bangkok lottery - July 7, 2007
Recently Thailand is turning up in both Nigerian and lottery scam emails. Be sure to write back or call to the person mentioned in the email: NAME: Sirichai Paibhoon, TEL: 00(66) 8-31774316 EMAIL: cordinatorpimpan112 @hotmail.com, asia_pacificlottery @yahoo.com
Bangkok builds on shaky ground - IHT, July 7, 2007
...But for Ian Soo, managing director of a high-end real estate agency in Bangkok, all this activity is cause for trepidation, not joy.
In the past six months, inquiries from prospective buyers have fallen by 40 percent, said Soo, who heads Hamptons Property, an agency that sells luxury condominiums and whose clients mostly are foreign expatriates. Prices for the units on Hamptons' rosters range from studios for 4 million baht, or almost $123,000, to three-bedroom units for 60 million baht. "We're probably one of the most aggressive agencies in central Bangkok and, if we're experiencing quiet times, other agencies are probably experiencing something similar or worse," the British transplant said. "It's a buyers' market out there..."
Fictional/Erroneous Thai flags - July 9, 2007
Sathorn Union Tower - July 9, 2007
(Photo: 2Bangkok.com)Apparently the original name of the derelict building at the end of Sathorn Road is "Sathorn Unique Tower." It was is 47 floors and approximately 164 meteres. Nearby State Tower is 69 floors and approximately 247 meters. Anyone know any more details about this structure?
Also on the forum: Highrise construction map
Escape from Klong Prem Prison - July 7, 2007
Richard writes: The recently published book "Escape" by David McMillan, is the true story of the only Westerner ever to break out of the notorious 'Bangkok Hilton'. The escape from Klong Prem Prison took place on 18th August 1996. With help from people on the outside, David reached relative safety in Singapore within only 12 hours. Ten years later there is still a warrant out for his arrest. An exclusive interview with David McMillan has just been published on thai-blogs.com. Also discussed on this thread.
Siamese lady and child from the 1890s - July 2, 2007
(Photo: Maarten Brusselers)
(Photo: Maarten Brusselers)New road - July 19, 2007
Maarten Brusselers writes: Attached are some pics I took yesterday They were taken on the new road between Bang Na Trat and the new ring road bridge. The road markings on the new bridge are complete and the rest of the system looks as if it will be open within 2 months. Interestingly, the planned connection between the new mega bridge and the ring road bridge has not even been started on yet, although the signs for this connection are already on the mega bridge.
(Photo: Maarten Brusselers)
(Photo: Maarten Brusselers)
S. Thailand Roadblock Incident Sparks Rights Appeal - The Irrawaddy, July 17, 2007
...The dead man, Sakariya Paomani, 47, died from gunshot wounds while in the custody of Thai rangers. Security officials said Sakariya died while a group of insurgent tried to seize him, but Ministry of Justice forensic scientist Porntip Rotjanasunan found that he had been badly beaten...
Monks to stay in three southernmost provinces during Buddhist Lent - translated and summarized from Thai Rath, July 25, 2007
347 monks nationwide are going to the three southernmost provinces and will stay there during the Buddhist Lent as several temples have been left abandoned due to fear of violent attacks. Deputy Chief Aide-de-Camp General to Her Majesty the Queen Gen. Napon Bunthap on July 25 took 126 monks to Narathiwat Airport by a C130 plane. The project was initiated by Her Majesty the Queen, who worried about Buddhist Thais in the three southernmost provinces. Under the same project, 96 monks are going to Wat Kuhaphimuk in Amphur Muang of Yala Province and will stay at local temples in the province.
(Photo: Thai Rath)
Thaksin urges rejection of constitution - AP, July 30, 2007
...Thaksin described the new charter as an act of "political revenge".
"If they really need to ensure that I am not going back to politics, they can add one more clause -- 'disband Thaksin'," he said.
"And they can put some of my DNA code in there to be sure that I do not change my name..."
Thai King Strengthens Grip on Stocks as Nation's No. 1 Investor - Bloomberg, August 1, 2007
...In total, the companies controlled by Crown Property account for more than 7.5 percent of the market capitalization of the SET, according to data compiled by Bloomberg. Before Thaksin and his family sold their biggest holdings, companies they controlled accounted for as much as 10 percent...
Unofficial deportations, extortion and poverty thrive in Thai frontier town - Guardian Unlimited, July 31, 2007
Vietnam Drawing Thailand's Investment - Bernama, July 31, 2007
Thailand's investment into Vietnam surged quickly in the recent past, making investment a successful cooperative area in the two countries' ties, Vietnam News Agency (VNA) quoted Foreign Investment Department as saying...
Happy anniversary to the Bangkok Post - August 2, 2007
August 1 was the 61st anniversary of the founding of the Bangkok Post...
Last year: Bangkok Post's 60th
Also: Happy birthday to The Nation
Thai Talk: Say 'No' to charter for democracy. Long live hypocrisy! - The Nation, August 2, 2007
...That's why you noticed no sense of embarrassment whatsoever when leading members of the Thai Rak Thai Party, who used to pride themselves as being on the "left" during the October uprisings, welcomed the arrival of the country's best-known "right-wing chieftain" into their ranks under the People Power Party. The former arch-rivals have joined together to come to the rescue of the country's most popular capitalist.
In case your memory has been blurred somewhat, remember that the same guy who became a powerful Cabinet member after the bloody, ultra-right military coup on October 6, 1976 is now poised to head a political party that comprises mainly Thai Rak Thai members who have vowed to go against the September 19, 2006 coup!...
Earlier: All about Samak
Countdown to Thai referendum begins with arrests and warnings - OneWorld.net, July 27, 2007
Asavahame family faces big election challenge - Bangkok Post, July 31, 2007
The Asavahame clan, long dominant in Samut Prakan politics, is facing its biggest political challenge in the provincial administration organisation (PAO) election on Sunday as its arch-rival enjoys solid support from local voters, political observers said...
Rights groups oppose Thaksin - The Nation, August 1, 2007
...Amnesty International shares many of HRW's concerns and their spokesperson told BBC Sport: "Thaksin did preside over some very serious human-rights violations."
Amnesty also outlined several allegations against Thaksin, including extrajudicial killings, a violent crackdown on insurgency in the deep South and suppression of media freedom.
"If the Premier League wants to take any of that into account when making their decisions, we're happy to make our documents available to them..."
Thaksin not involved with People's Party - TNA, July 30, 2007
...When asked whether PPP would be secretly dictated to by Mr. Thaksin, Mr. Noppadol said the former premier had announced that he had washed his hand of politics but would provide "morale and advice" to the party...
IMF: financial crisis unlikely to recur in Thailand - TNA, July 30, 2007
IMF hails Thai economy 10 years after crisis - TODAYonline, July 28, 2007
"Backpackers on High Heels" - July 27, 2007
Sandra writes: We have just launched Backpackers on High Heels. A hip and urban travel, shopping guide for Bangkok with all the best, the stylish Hotspots. A guide that shows you all the places to B. in Bangkok: Stylish shops with absolutely stunning fashion, shoes, bags and everything else a girl needs with hip-n-cool bars, restaurants, nightclubs as well as fashionable and über clean hotels. Now for Bangkok, soon for Hanoi and Amsterdam...
(Photo: 2Bangkok.com)"Looks tasty..." - July 28, 2007
The add reads: Volz cracker - New! Looks tasty... inserted with a chocolate wafer.
More on the "Looks tasty..." ad - August 4, 2007
Max writes: Saw your 'Voice' pic on 2Bangkok. I wrote this for a laugh a while back...
Toward a less democratic Thailand - Asia Times Online, July 27, 2007
...In the transition, however, it's apparent that Thailand's democracy will be compromised in significant ways and will open the way to future military interventions in politics...
Jobs for the Thai disabled - July 28, 2007
Eknarin writes: Please give disabled people a chance. I have website about presentation of the job placement for people with disabilities for you to make a consideration.
Man dies after sting by scorpion - BBC, July 11, 2007
A businessman who emigrated to Thailand has died in hospital in Wales after being stung by a scorpion while abroad...
Tourism Authority of Thailand to launch Seven Amazing Wonders of Thailand Campaign - AsiaTravelTips, July 23, 2007
No more TRT? - July 28, 2007Thai Rak Thai thwarted - The Nation, July 27, 2007
The National Legislative Assembly (NLA) yesterday passed a draft law that bans disbanded political parties from registering a new party under the same name, logo or abbreviation...
ThaiRuamThai.com is for sale.
ThaiRakThai.or.th is now offline, but TRT Mail is still up.
ThaiRuamThai.net and ThaiRuamThai.org were registered by a domain squatter.
"Bloody Bunny" - July 28, 2007
Don points out a Nation article about new cartoons lined up for late afternoons starting in September: ...Lak Taechawanchai, chairman of the TACGA, said the association had prepared four Thai cartoons for MCOT -- 'Spooky Imaginary Friend', 'Bloody Bunny', 'Fuzzy Adventure' and 'Fruity Town'...
(Photo: 2Bangkok.com)Graffiti - July 28, 2007
Graffiti on the Weepahwahdee-Suthisarn intersection flyover that reads: Pathumwan Mechanical engineers
Al Gore snubs Thailand visit - Bangkok Post, July 26, 2007
...The former US Vice President was originally scheduled to arrive in the capital on August 8 but his representatives have now confirmed that the event will not be taking place due to Gore’s heavy workload...
Resilient Khao Lak - Back In Full Swing - TAT, July 23, 2007
EU Observers to Watch Thailand Election - The Irrawaddy, July 24, 2007
The European Commission plans to send a team of 150 observers to Thailand to watch how the country conducts the general election scheduled to be held before the end of this year...
Outsourcing at a crossroads - High talent turnover can wipe out cost advantage, as India is discovering - Bangkok Post, July 22, 2007
[The link has already expired, but the article makes some interesting points...]
..."Countries such as Thailand and Vietnam that are looking to promote their outsourcing industry need to take a hard look at the issues that other countries have managed to sort out," he said.
He added that countries looking to be emerging SSO centres should also look at their immigration regulations to ensure they can attract talent to settle on a long-term basis.
"Look at what happened in the United States: its policy of allowing long-term residency to the talent pool helped create Silicon Valley. Thailand and other countries should look into this aspect as well," Mr Zutshi said...
Thai gambling site for low-budget punters - July 23, 2007
Do you really want to smoke that joint in Thailand? - Cyber Diver News Network, July 20, 2007
...In Thailand, a major current issue is of Britons who overstay their visas and are being held for months in conditions worse than the notorious Bangkok Hilton, according to a former prisoner who has just returned to Britain.
John Davies, who was released from jail in Thailand after serving 17 years on a drugs charge, said that people who had failed to renew their visas or had their passports stolen were being kept in detention centres because the Foreign Office declined to pay for their repatriation...
Thailand heads for Guinness record with upcoming referendum - DPA, July 18, 2007
Thailand could enter the Guinness Book of World Records next month for holding the world's first referendum to pass a constitution after giving the population less than a month to prepare for it, Thai academics say...
iPod honoring the King - Tuaw.com, July 19, 2007
Too many checks deter Thai tourists from visiting Malaysia - Bernama, July 7, 2007
Some Thai tourists are hesitant to visit Malaysia due to the various screenings they have to go through before being allowed into the country, Thailand's honorary consul in Langkawi Datuk Shazryl Eskay Abdullah said...
Removal Of Thailand From U.S. Trade Representative's Priority Watch List Would 'Undermine Rule Of Law' - Medical News Today, July 6, 2007
...The 35 House Democrats, led by Reps. Henry Waxman (Calif.) and Tom Allen (Maine), in a letter released last month criticized Schwab for including Thailand on the list in the trade office's annual report. They also called on Schwab to reverse the designation. "It is difficult to interpret this decision as anything other than retaliation for Thailand's recent" steps to issue compulsory licenses to manufacture generic versions of antiretroviral drugs and other medications, the letter said, adding, "It sends a troubling message, not only to Thailand but to the whole world, that the exercise of recognized public health flexibilities in trade obligations is frowned upon by" the U.S...
