Media Mangle [Archive] - 2Bangkok.com Forum

Baton Rouge

14-12-06, 11:55 PM

What an utter piece of grovelling nonsense from The Nation? Do we really need to revere Sonthaya Khunphlum (Kamnan Pho Junior) as some kind of cuddly and essentially loveable biker? These lifestyle articles about those who operate in twilight areas give me the screaming abdabs! This is the same family that blows away its turf competitors with RPGs.
http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2006/12/15/business/business_30021608.php
Big-time bikers

Being a somebody in society can be stressful. Prapat Chongsanguan and Sontaya Kunplome realise this, and they have found a unique way to release their tension: they've formed a group of five big-bike riders - named the Immortals - and roam the provinces in their free time.

It's like taking off your business hat, says Prapat.

How do senior executives like to spend their free time? The more conventional among them might play golf at exclusive clubs, read at home, go to the movies, spend time with families, go shopping - mundane, ordinary pursuits.

The commonplace in leisure activities is not good enough for Prapat Chongsanguan, adviser to the Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand, and Sontaya Kunplome, former Tourism and Sports Minister. They prefer the freedom of the open highway and the thunder of a big bike, for both are Harley-Davidson enthusiasts.

"It's like taking off your business-executive hat," Prapat says. "I feel liberated and focused - unlike when I'm driving in the city. You're quite comfortable and removed in your leather seat. Mobile-phone technology has even enabled us to communicate effortlessly while we're riding for, say, four or five hours."

"When you ride your bike, you can feel the wind sweeping your face, and you feel relaxed," Sontaya explains.

"It's like exercising; you sweat. There's also a sense of altruism when you're riding in a group. We look out for each other and follow the rules. Sometimes we make a pilgrimage to give alms - contributing, in a sense, to society."

Now 51, Prapat fell in love with motorcycles when he was just 21 and a post-graduate student at California State University. He started off with a 400cc Kawasaki, because he was then too light for a Harley. He then graduated to a 650cc Kawasaki before finally, six years later, buying a classic Harley-Davidson Fat Boy.

In the 1990s, the Fat Boy was credited as the chopper that helped put Harley-Davidson back into the heavyweight, or 750cc, market.

Today, Prapat is the proud owner of an Alta Classic, a special 100th-anniversary edition, that he bought second-hand from former police commissioner-general and ex-labour minister General Pracha Promnok for Bt700,000.

In addition to his four Harleys, Sontaya, 43, is also interested in other motor sports, such as racing.

The pair formed a riding group they call the Immortals, consisting of four or five free-spirited riders. General Pracha is also one of their number.

"We often take day-trips to nearby provinces for a meal," Prapat says. "Once a year, we ride to Chiang Mai. But it depends on each member's schedule. We must find the right time."

Sontaya believes the Harley culture is laudable, because different groups can get together and have a good time without drugs, quarrels or fights, without causing anyone any trouble. "We try to create a positive culture among all riders, not just Harley-Davidson owners," he says. "In Chon Buri, we've organised an annual community-service drive. The first one in early November was a success."

Then there's the almost cultlike allegiance. "Harley-Davidson riders have a 'gangster' heart in that they're extremely loyal and helpful to fellow riders," Prapat says. "We don't like to get into trouble."

What's more, these riders behave strictly according to the law. "We don't speed, overtake or tailgate other cars," he says. "When we see someone having trouble with their car on the road, we often stop and help."

When it comes to choosing a legendary road companion, Prapat opts for models that offer the most safety. Harley-Davidson also offers owners the opportunity to "pimp" their bikes to suit every idiosyncratic taste. "I spent Bt700,000 on my bike and another Bt400,000 just to customise it," reveals Prapat.

He counts himself lucky that his wife understands his passion for the giant road machines, even though she seldom joins him for a ride. "My wife has only one caveat: you can go on two wheels but do not take an extra pair of legs with you," he says, laughing at her reference to another woman.

Sontaya jokes that his wife does go with him on his road trips, but in a separate van.

Will they ever stop riding? The two look at each other.

"Only when we have no strength left," Prapat says.

"Even then, I'll put on an extra wheel," adds Sontaya.

Watcharapong Thongrung

The Nation

Baton Rouge

15-12-06, 08:37 AM

The Nation has run quite a few of these sucking up articles of late. Here's another for the Chairman of the King Power Duty-Free concession which has been accused by some of using its connections with the Shinawatras to unfair advantage.
http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2006/12/14/business/business_30021502.php
Anyone fancy a chukka?

Duty-free magnate Vichai indulges his love for the sport of kings with a new polo club near Suvarnabhumi Airport

Vichai Raksriaksorn, chairman of the King Power Group of Companies, Thailand's largest duty-free retailer, is one of Thailand's few polo players.

"I think there are only about 30 players here, so it's quite difficult to get enough players for a game, because you need two teams of four each," he says.

"One reason is that it's an expensive sport, because you need to play on horseback. It's also tough and rough and quite dangerous. I once fell off and broke one of my legs. Prince Charles of England is also an enthusiastic polo player. He was seriously injured some time ago.

"Polo is about speed and your senses in communicating with your horse. It's more widely played in Europe than elsewhere. I have a stable of 10 horses that I purchased from the Sultan of Brunei."

Vichai, 48, started horse-riding in his early 30s. Now the businessman is turning his favourite sport into a new business venture. He is preparing to create a polo club, complete with a standard playing field, on a 64-hectare property near Suvarnabhumi Airport in Samut Prakan's Bang Bo district.

Vichai is also nurturing one of his sons to become a world-class player. "Out of my own pocket, I paid for his travel to Argentina as part of a Thai team to compete in a recent international match."

For Vichai, who enjoys regular horseback riding on weekends, this polo-club project looks to be the icing on the cake of his multi-billion-baht duty-free empire, built up over the past two decades.

At Suvarnabhumi Airport, the King Power Group holds a 10-year lease on a 9,000-square-metre duty-free shop and another 20,000 square metres of other retail space. In terms of duty-free space, Suvarnabhumi is ranked among the world's top 10 airports.

Vichai says London's Heathrow has 49,000 square metres of duty-free space, making it the world's largest shopping paradise, followed by South Korea's Incheon Airport, which has 30,000 square metres.

After that comes Chek Lap Kok Airport in Hong Kong, with 22,000 square metres; Dubai Airport, just over 17,000 square metres; and Singapore's Changi Airport, with 17,000 square metres.

As well as the duty-free retail space at the new airport, Vichai also operates and is further developing an inner-city duty-free complex in Soi Rangnam, where travellers can shop in advance and collect the goods at the airport on departure.

"We're creating a unique one-stop shopping experience for both Thai and foreign travellers, complete with a hotel, a theatre and other facilities, at the five-hectare city complex with an investment of about Bt5 billion," he says. "Our major customers are Asian travellers from Japan, South Korea and China. Indians and Russians are also important customers."

"As for the airport facilities, our investment outlay is Bt15 billion, including about Bt4 billion in concession fees, paid in advance to Airports of Thailand. Therefore, our corporate liabilities are huge, running to the tune of about Bt20 billion.

"Still, Forbes magazine recently ranked me as Thailand's 24th-richest man, which is not quite accurate, given my multi-billion-baht liabilities."

"Our sales projection for 2006 is Bt13 billion, from both the airport and city stores, but we're still behind the target by about Bt700 million. because of the cost of switching from Don Muang to Suvarnabhumi in September.

"Usually, it takes about six months for customers to become familiar with a new airport and its facilities and for duty-free sales to return to normal."

Vichai, who began his first shop in Hong Kong 18 years ago, adds: "For 2007, we've set a sales target of Bt18 billion from a total of 30,000 square metres of retail space at Suvarnabhumi and the city shopping complex."

Nophakhun Limsamarnphun

The Nation

admin

16-12-06, 08:32 AM

Yes, there is definitely something strange going on at The Nation.

Notice the series of press releases about property development they are running as if they are news pieces with news-type headlines.

And even the finance section is creeping more and more to free advertising. For instance: "Broad range of choices from 2007" with the subheading "Kasikorn Asset's new products to include an international option" (http://nationmultimedia.com/2006/12/16/business/business_30021689.php).

Scuba22

18-12-06, 01:04 PM

Is this new? The business sections of both the Nation and the Post seem to me to be a combination of corporate press releases and articles by various sundry consultants (including myself!) about how smart they are.

Is there ever any negative critique about anything? Independent minded journalists have told me that they were threatened with losing their jobs after turning in less than stellar reviews of restaurants and such.

Given the reporting I've seen of items I've had first-hand knowledge of, I've taken to reading the papers to get an indication of what others are seeing, not to actually get informed.

Scuba22

Wisarut

18-12-06, 01:43 PM

Both Bangkok Post and The Nation don't want to lose Advertising Money -> So, No Negative Corporate Nerws ALLOWED -> Clear and Simple

GWR

28-12-06, 11:07 PM

From the business section of The Nation.

Am I missing something here?
Is it an allegory?
Is it a wind up?
Was it written by a green-fingered reporter?
Am I alone in finding this newspaper increasingly eccentric?

Humble fern can transform garden

How to maintain a garden and keep it tidy by yourself is a question often asked by home-owners when their gardens start to look unruly.

Today, DIY will suggest how to make your garden look tidy but full of life.

For a small garden at home, if you have a main tree that is the biggest one in your garden, you have to cut some of the boughs and trim the foliage every two weeks. That will help your big tree to look its best and not untidy for visitors.

Meanwhile, under the big tree, you will have some space providing a nice, shady area. You can make the most of this feature by using the fern plant. Ferns have a distinctive leaf texture and come in a variety of colours, such as bright green, dark green and yellow.

Ferns are easy to take care of if you grow them in earthen flowerpots, which also makes it easy to move them when you want to change your garden to have a different feel.

To design an interesting concept for your garden, think about using clay dolls. The fern plants and clay dolls together will create a feel-good factor when you look at your garden.

Another benefit is that they are inexpensive and need little or no maintenance.

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2006/12/29/business/business_30022803.php

The garden is Thailand.
An unmentionable person is the big tree.
PM Surayud is represented by the ferns.
The clay dolls are his aged cabinet.
I don't understand this article, which probably indicates that I'm either one of life's complete innocents or just not the World's greatest abstract thinker.:confused: :o :D

Would anyone care to risk any other interpretation?

jpatokal

29-12-06, 10:08 AM

From the business section of The Nation.

Am I missing something here?
Is it an allegory?
Is it a wind up?
Was it written by a green-fingered reporter?
Am I alone in finding this newspaper increasingly eccentric?

I'd be tempted to go for option F, "genuine mistake" (as in, they accidentally stuck the wrong article into the business section). Still means the editor was sleeping on the job though... or maybe I just haven't been in Thailand long enough. :confused:

GWR

01-03-07, 09:44 PM

NLA accepts daft laws to reduce domestic violence
:confused:
Kanchana Silapa-Archa has always had her male chauvinist detractors, but this looks decidedly un-PC for The Nation.

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/breakingnews/read.php?newsid=30028247

GWR

23-03-07, 03:45 PM

:confused:
I think I can provide some insight into this wierd report. The victims here are not so much 'City Police' as Municipal Enforcement Officers. We have them in this city too. It's their job to go round stopping things that don't have municipal permission. And it is a fact that many people refer to them as the 'Police'. Sometimes they carry side-arms.

Bangkok city police crash with PPTV supporters

City police crashed with supporters of PPTV supporters on Friday as the city police tried to dismantle a stage erected at Sanam Luang.

However there was no injuries as the city police retreated and filed a complaint with police.

Ruengsak Horarueng, director of Phra Nakhorn said that he assigned about 80 city police to Sanam Luang to dismantle stage of PPTV supporters because they were not allowed to use Sanam Luang for their protest scheduled to start at about 4:30 pm Friday.

The protesters started constructing the stage at about 3am and finished at about 5am although they were informed in advance that they could not use the venue.

When the city police started demolish the stage, the supporters intervened, resulting in crash. However the city police retreated out of fear that the situation will escalate.

They instead filed complaint with police.

The Nation

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2007/03/23/headlines/headlines_30030063.php

GWR

26-03-07, 02:43 PM

What are they? The Brits, the Huns, the Frogs and the Yanks? :confused: Not sure if the reporter is himself/herself confused, tongue firmly in cheek or a bit of both:

26 March 2007
2007 White Cheesewood Festival
Si Sa Ket province hosted the 2007 White Cheesecake Festival to help preserve the traditional practices of four Thai tribes

Si Sa Ket Governor Santhad Jatuchai presided over the opening of this annual festival. At the event, many traditional and entertaining activities were organized such as the swine-catching game, the ancient ploughing demonstration by using buffaloes, eel-catching contest, and serving pancakes while being blindfolded. Moreover, 49 couples involving foreign grooms and Si Sa Ket brides joined the wedding ceremony at the festival. The event was held to promote tourism and strengthen family and international relations. The northeastern rice welcoming ceremony was also performed for the foreign grooms.

In the evening, a theatrical performance about the history of Si Sa Ket was being shown together with the showcase of the arts of four Thai tribes as well as the 2007 Jet Ski Championship.

http://thainews.prd.go.th/newsenglish/previewnews.php?news_id=255003260014&news_headline=2007

GWR

26-03-07, 03:13 PM

http://toptropicals.com/pics/garden/05/6/6940.jpg

[Photo: http://toptropicals.com]

The symbol flower and tree of the province is the White Cheesewood (Melodorum fruticosum). The six leaves of the flower refer to the six original districts of the province - Khukan, Kantharalak, Uthumphon Phisai, Kanthararom, Rasi Salai and Khun Han.

http://www.siamese-style.com/SiSaket.html

Si Phao Thai Si Sa Ket Festival

This festival is held every March 15-17 at Somdet Phra Si Nakharin Park when the Lamduan flowers in the park are in full bloom. Shows include cultural performances by 4 tribes, which are Khmer, Suai, Lao, and Yo. There are shops selling handicrafts and a light-and-sound show about the city's construction.

http://www.tourismthailand.org/destinationguide/list.aspx?provinceid=22&typeid=4

Melodorum fruticosum
Family: Annonaceae
White Cheesewood
Origin: South-East Asia
small tree, 10-20 ft, full sun, regular water, yellow/orange flowers, fragrant, ethnomedical ultra-tropical, min. temp. 55 F
White Cheesewood (Melodorum fruticosum) is the symbol flower and tree of Sisaket province (Thailand). Dried flower: tonic, mild cardiac stimulant, hematinic.

http://toptropicals.com/cgi-bin/garden_catalog/cat.cgi?uid=Melodorum_fruticosum

GWR

17-05-07, 12:14 PM

The Public Relations Dept. constantly issue Dengue warnings. Pity they got the wrong province by 450 kms and an entire Gulf. The mentioned districts are all in RAYONG Province. [A local tongue-twister is "Ranong, Rayong, Yala".]:

17 May 2007
People in Ranong are warned of DHF
The Public Health Office of Ranong has warned people in the province of dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF).

Since the beginning of 2007 to May 4th, Ranong had encountered 69 patients with this disease. 37 of them were from Muang district, while the remaining patients were from nearby districts, such as Ban Kai, Pluak Daeng, Klaeng, and Wang Chan. The Public Health Office of Ranong is concerned for the people in Pluak Daeng district because the population there is crowded, allowing the disease to spread more easily.

People with fever or high temperature are advised to meet the doctors soon.

http://thainews.prd.go.th/newsenglish/previewnews.php?news_id=255005170013

GWR

23-05-07, 01:37 PM

The premier and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Industry Kosit Pampiemras (โฆสิต ปั้นเปี่ยมรัษฎ์) are scheduled to travel to Rayong to discuss the pollution problem of the Mab Ta Phut Industry Estate with the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, the Industrial Estate of Thailand, the Department of Industrial Woks, PTT Plc. and Siam Cement group.

http://thainews.prd.go.th/newsenglish/previewnews.php?news_id=255005230014

GWR

29-05-07, 12:46 AM

Pearls for swine
Hi-tech pig farmer Somchai Nitikan-chana uses engineering background to ensure Ratchaburi business - and his porkers - stay ahead of the game

Pongpen Sutharoj ;)
The Nation

Sufficiency Economy adherents may also find the rest of the article quite interesting:

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2007/05/29/business/business_30035470.php

GWR

03-06-07, 10:23 PM

Could the PRD reporter RTI-01 have been imbibing a bit too freely of the Chateau Sanan mouthwash while putting together this report?:

03 June 2007
New Mahachon Party leader must be well-known, accepted, possess good politics analytical skilled:confused:
Mahachon Party leader reveals the new leader to be, is well-known and social acceptance :confused: while the secretary general for UNCTAD is being approached.

Mahachon Party leader Sanan Kachornprasat (สนั่น ขจรประศาสน์) says former members of Thai Rak Thai have contacted him to express their desired to join his party but he denies revealing their names. Major-General Sanan admits he has approached with the former democrat executive Dr.Supachi Panitchpakdi (ศุภชัย พานิชภักดิ์) since they were once colleague in democrat party a while ago. Mahachon Party is currently seeking for a new leader while the former member of house representatives including a couple of the political outsider :confused: were approached.

Major-General Sanan insists the new leader will have to be a good analytical skilled, political well-known and widely acceptance, adding that he will take up position as a party advisor instead.:confused:

Reporter : RTI-Reporter01

http://thainews.prd.go.th/newsenglish/previewnews.php?news_id=255006030011

GWR

05-06-07, 02:52 PM

Cabinet agrees to life ban on party activities

The Cabinet Tuesday agreed in principle to life ban on political parties' activities, Government Spokesman Yongyuth Mayalarp said.

He said the Cabinet agreed to annual the first article of the Announcement No 15, after which political parties would be able to resume activities.

The Nation

Yongyuth has just been on TV saying that they were going to 'lift the ban' on political activities.

GWR

05-06-07, 09:22 PM

05 June 2007
Suspicious parcel discovered on public bus
A suspicious object was discovered on public bus no. 15.

Authorities report that Mr. Somkiet Mananate (สมเกียรติ์ มานะเนตร), the driver of public bus no.15 operating on the Bang Lamphu-The Mall Tha Phra (บางลำภู-เดอะมอลล์ท่าพระ ) route, discovered after parking at a bus depot that a suspicious brown paper parcel had been left in his vehicle's rear passenger seats. The individual immediately notified police of the object.

Demolition experts from the Naval Ordnance Department conducted a full investigation on the parcel and destroyed it with high pressure water cannon. Officials report that the parcel contained a Christian religion book and no other dangerous materials. The parcel is believed to have been misplaced by a passenger, though authorities will be conducting further investigations to determine if the incident was an explicit attempt to create unrest.

http://thainews.prd.go.th/newsenglish/previewnews.php?news_id=255006050051

GWR

11-07-07, 11:24 PM

Bangkok named third World's Best City

Bangkok is ranked the third World's Best City, according to Travel + Leisure Magazine's readers' survey for the year 2007.

It is after Florence in Italy which has held the No.1 position for two consecutive years and Buenos Aires in Argentina which this year enjoys the highest ranking ever.

..........

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/breakingnews/read.php?newsid=30040417

GWR

16-07-07, 10:36 AM

16 July 2007
Thailand to conduct environmental impact assessment of road expansion in Khao Yai
The World Heritage Committee requires Thailand to conduct an environmental impact assessment of the expansion of the road no.304 and the construction of a route connecting Khao Yai (เขาใหญ่) and Thab Lan (ทับลาน) National Parks.

Director of the National Park Research Division Songtham Suksawang (ทรงธรรม สุขสว่าง) reports that the World Heritage Committee’s 31st general meeting has acknowledged progress of the construction plan of the route connecting the two national parks. Thailand delegates have proposed three types of the route to the committee, including a 1.8- meter tunnel, a 2-kilometer elevated way, and a combination of the two routes.

Mr Songtham says the first type of route is the most suitable as it has a slight effect on the forest, wildlife, and ecological system.

The meeting has also voiced concern over the expansion of the road no.304 from two to four traffic lanes as it might affect the ecological system of the Dong Phaya Yen (ดงพญาเย็น) – Khao Yai forest.

The World Heritage Committee’s meeting has taken place this year from June 23rd – July 2nd in Switzerland. Thailand is required to submit the environmental impact assessment of the road expansion and the route construction to the committee’s meeting on February 1st next year.

http://thainews.prd.go.th/newsenglish/previewnews.php?news_id=255007160001

GWR

18-07-07, 03:13 PM

18 July 2007
NEWS HEADLINE :. Volunteer Spirit project allows public to service hospital patients
The Ministry of Public Health has given the opportunity for public members to take care of the patients in hospitals that take part in the Volunteer Spirit project.

..........

The rest of the article is at least proof that the Health Minister is taking his job fairly seriously:

http://thainews.prd.go.th/newsenglish/previewnews.php?news_id=255007180016

GWR

18-07-07, 10:56 PM

In this case I'm muddled more than the media!

Listen! I come from a sheltered background and probably haven't had much exposure to the following because I think Doraemon sucks in the traditional sense; let alone any other sense! Am I right or just flat-out ignorant and uninformed in thinking 'cosplay' is supposed to be 'crossplay'? :eek: :confused: :o :) :cool: :D

18 July 2007
Special Branch Police raided comic/anime/cosplay shop in Siam Square
The Special Branch Police raided a shop selling large quantities of pornographic animation and comics in Siam Square, Bangkok.

Mr. Thawatchai Phrueksrisakul (ธวัชชัย พฤกษศรีสกุล), 26, was arrested with hundreds of explicit comics and a large quantity of pornographic animation CDs. The arrest was made at the site of Akiba Revolution (อากิบะ เรโวลูชั่น) Co. Ltd. The comic book shop is located opposite of the fountain plaza in Center Point, Siam Square, and also sells cosplay uniforms.

The police inspection was made after concerned parents alerted police of the pornographic items being sold at the shop. Police charged Mr. Thawatchai with possession of pornography for commercial or relay purpose, which carries a fine of 6,000 baht or 3 years imprisonment or both.

Police said they will inspect all who are involved and press charges.

http://thainews.prd.go.th/newsenglish/previewnews.php?news_id=255007180050

Well, it looks like I have partially found the answer myself. So it appears that PRD reporters are a damn sight more worldly than myself. There is such a word. And it may (or may not) have the connotations I initially imagined:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cosplay

For example:

Cosplay and the sex industry

In Japanese, the term can also mean — and may originate from — the use of costumes for sexual purposes, in which case the "play" refers not to dressing up, but sexual play while dressed up. The term hence overlaps what would usually be known in English as sexual roleplaying or sexual fetishism: for example, wearing a schoolgirl uniform before or during sex would be known as seifuku cosplay (制服コスプレ, seifuku cosplay?), and many Japanese love hotels offer costume rental services.

In the Japanese sex industry, sex clubs that specialize in sexual cosplay are known as image clubs. In addition to standard fetishistic standbys (schoolgirl, nurse, policewoman, etc), an increasing number, pioneered by the now defunct Wedding Bell chain, cater to otaku with staff dressing up as anime characters.

There is also an entry for the more traditional spelling:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crossplay

Ahh! The thrills of Lifelong Education!

GWR

07-08-07, 11:25 AM

My information is that the idea is to purchase Armored Personnal Carriers, not tanks, to better protect troops in transit in the deep south. I'll try and bring you a more accurate report on this. [http://www.angkor.com/2bangkok/2bangkok/forum/showpost.php?p=16302&postcount=45]
One wonders if the Bangkok Post military-beat reporter is having 21 days off to write a pocket book or something!?:D :

Ministers to discuss tanks purchase

(BangkokPost.com) – The Defense Ministry is preparing to make a statement about the controversial purchase of Ukrainian tanks worth 4 billion baht at Tuesday’s cabinet meeting following corruption claims.

..........

May expire:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/breaking_news/breakingnews.php?id=120699

GWR

07-08-07, 11:24 PM

Khun Noi was out at the time and upon her return she found the house had been ransacked and 50 Buddhist Emulates known in Thai as “Jatookum” had been taken along with an undisclosed amount of US Dollars.

http://www.pattayacitynews.net/news_07_08_50_3.htm

GWR

11-09-07, 01:08 PM

11 September 2007
Phitsanulok released 200,000 marine :confused: animals
The Phitsanulok Provincial Fishery Office today (September 11) released 200,000 marine animals on the occasion of the National Fishery Day on September 21st of every year.

The Phitsanulok Provincial Fishery Office together with the local fishery patrol conducted the activity to release 200,000 marine animals at tambon Ma Tum in Phrom Phiram district of Phitsanulok province. Most of the released marine animals were tilapias and carps. The objective of this activity was to create public awareness of the importance of marine animals and resources.

People in Phitsanulok also learned ways to preserve the marine environment and they can cooperate with the authority in promoting and managing fishery.
http://thainews.prd.go.th/newsenglish/previewnews.php?news_id=255009110015

GWR

13-09-07, 11:25 PM

#
Wait 3 or 4 moths for my political decision: Sonthi:confused:
Outgoing army chief Gen Sonthi Boonyaratglin insisted Thursday that he has not yet decided to enter politics....

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2007/09/13/politics/politics_30048824.php

GWR

14-09-07, 08:53 PM

14 September 2007
Deputy Interior Minister instructs PWA to develop water infrastructure along Andaman coastline
The Deputy Minister of Interior Banyat Chansena (บัญญัติ จันทน์เสนะ) has instructed the Provincial Waterworks Authority to develop waterworks infrastructure along the Andaman coastline of Thailand, including Songkhla province in order to promote tourism.

.....
http://thainews.prd.go.th/newsenglish/previewnews.php?news_id=255009140037

GWR

26-09-07, 10:38 AM

FarangBha

26-09-07, 09:26 PM

its just an optical illusion dude.

I thought this guy had disappeared up his own arse?! Trust him to show up in BKK.

GWR

19-10-07, 07:56 PM

'The World Inlusionist of the Century'!

Is this David Copperfield ad in The Nation a deliberate eyegrabber or an unintentional spelling mistake? All I can say is that the last time this happened, it eventually got changed - which suggests the advertising department still hasn't got around to buying a pocket 'dic' yet::D

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/images/2007/a8_david.gif

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/

They seem to have corrected the spelling now. His 2007 Bangkok performances are scheduled for November 8-10, but they are still plugging him on the TV during announcements. http://www.rs.co.th/COVERPAGE/david_copperfield/
And then there's this!:

FBI Raids David Copperfield's Warehouse
Reuters
Posted: 2007-10-19 07:50:37
LOS ANGELES (Oct. 19) - FBI agents have seized nearly $2 million in cash from a Las Vegas warehouse owned by illusionist David Copperfield, local media reports said on Thursday.

The agents also took a computer hard drive and a memory chip from a digital camera system during Wednesday's late-night operation. The reports said the raid stems from an investigation in Seattle.

"We understand there is an investigation, are in touch with the investigators, and are respecting the confidentiality of the investigation," Copperfield's attorney David Chesnoff said in a statement cited by Las Vegas broadcasters.

The local CBS affiliate KLAS-TV quoted a source as saying the cash was stashed in a safe and that agents took the cash.

Copperfield, 51, whose real name is David Kotkin, is famed for stunts such as making the Statue of Liberty disappear and walking through the Great Wall of China. He is a regular performer at the MGM Grand hotel in Las Vegas.

http://news.aol.com/entertainment/story/ar/_a/fbi-makes-copperfields-cash-disappear/20071019073109990001?ncid=NWS00010000000001

GWR

20-10-07, 07:44 AM

They seem to have corrected the spelling now. His 2007 Bangkok performances are scheduled for November 8-10, but they are still plugging him on the TV during announcements. http://www.rs.co.th/COVERPAGE/david_copperfield/
And then there's this!:

http://news.aol.com/entertainment/story/ar/_a/fbi-makes-copperfields-cash-disappear/20071019073109990001?ncid=NWS00010000000001

This story has become even more intriguing:

Copperfield Accused of Sexual Misconduct
CNN
Posted: 2007-10-19 16:09:48

LOS ANGELES (Oct. 19) - The FBI raid this week of a warehouse owned by illusionist David Copperfield in Las Vegas stemmed from an alleged incident in the Bahamas, Seattle police said Friday.

A woman who lives in Seattle filed a police report over the summer making an accusation against Copperfield, a police spokeswoman said. Police did not say what the accusation is, but referred to the woman as an alleged "victim."

"Due to the seriousness of the alleged incident, we documented it," the police spokeswoman said.

http://www.aolcdn.com/aolnews_photos/0e/00/20071019081409990004
[Photo Gallery: FBI Investigating Copperfield
Dimitar Deinov, AP - A Las Vegas warehouse owned by David Copperfield, here at an Oct. 3 news conference in Bulgaria, was raided by the FBI Oct. 17. The search was related to accusations of sexual misconduct leveled against the magician.]

Citing an unnamed source, the Las Vegas Review-Journal is reporting that the investigation involves alleged sexual misconduct by the illusionist.

The source said the alleged incident occurred outside the U.S. but is within the FBI's jurisdiction because the accuser is a U.S. citizen, according to the paper.

Glenn Miller, chief superintendent in charge of the detective unit of the Royal Bahamas Police force, told CNN he had no official reports of any incident involving David Copperfield.

An FBI spokesman also said agents were investigating a case based in Seattle when they entered the warehouse Wednesday night. FBI Special Agent Robbie Burroughs said no other information could be made public on the probe.

CNN affiliate KLAS in Las Vegas, citing a source close to the investigation, reported that 12 FBI agents stormed the warehouse and took a computer hard drive and a memory chip from a digital camera system, as well as $2 million in cash that was inside a safe.

CNN could not immediately confirm these details.

KLAS also said the Las Vegas FBI office confirmed that agents went to the MGM Grand hotel, where Copperfield often performs. But the FBI said the hotel was not the target, and the hotel itself had no comment, KLAS reported.

The hotel did not immediately return a call from CNN.

Copperfield's attorney, David Chesnoff, said Friday, "We are in touch with the investigators, and are respecting the confidentiality of the investigation."

He added, "Unfortunately, false allegations are all too often made against famous individuals. But we are confident the investigation will conclude favorably."

According to Forbes magazine, Copperfield made $57 million in 2005 and the same amount the year before.

The 51-year-old performs in Las Vegas and around the world, has starred in TV specials, and was named a "living legend" by the Library of Congress . He was once engaged to model Claudia Schiffer.

According to his Web site, Copperfield began performing professionally at age 12 "and became the youngest person ever to be admitted to the Society of American Magicians. By 16, he was teaching a course in Magic at New York University."

2007-10-19 07:31:40

GWR

21-10-07, 04:48 PM

It now looks like David Copperfield's shows in Bangkok are likely to cancelled. Yesterday, it was being reported that the KL shows might have to be rescheduled. Now it looks like the entire Asia Tour is in doubt:

Asian tour in doubt

KUALA LUMPUR: David Copperfield's appearance here is in doubt after he was placed under investigation in the United States by the FBI.

Arianna Teoh of Arianna Event Management said: "It does not look like he's going to make it for the show. This is so unfortunate."

Copperfield was scheduled to perform in Jakarta before coming here for several shows at Stadium Negara on Oct 30 and 31. Teoh said his props had already arrived in Indonesia. She said she expected to hear from his agents by tomorrow.

Four shows are scheduled for the two days that the renowned magician is supposed to be here and more than half of the tickets have already been sold.
http://www.nst.com.my/Current_News/NST/Sunday/National/2064425/Article/index_html

Topic moved to a new thread:

http://www.angkor.com/2bangkok/2bangkok/forum/showthread.php?p=17818#post17818

More muddles in the report of October 24:
http://www.angkor.com/2bangkok/2bangkok/forum/showpost.php?p=17854&postcount=3

GWR

22-10-07, 11:56 AM

Perhaps the expression "filed a complaint" is not the most appropriate for a report of this kind. One wonders whether the complainee also supplied the pills herself:

American tourist dies apparently of generic Viagra overdose

Pattaya - An American tourist died while having sex with a Thai bar girl in this seaside resort town late Sunday night, police said.

The bar girl told police that Ronald Kipu, 58, took three pills of Kamagra before having sex with her.

She filed complaints with police at 12:30 am that the man collapsed and stopped breathing while having sex with her in his room on the sixth floor of New Star Apartment in Chon Buri's Bang Lamung district.

Kipu just arrived at Pattaya Sunday afternoon and took her to his apartment from a bar in the evening, she said.

Police said there was no trace of fighting or assaulting on the man.

Police found a four-pill pack of Kamagra wit just one pill left.

The mans' body was sent for an autopsy.

The Nation

GWR

23-10-07, 12:34 AM

I've certainly heard of both of these organizations and assumed that they were governmental organizations involved in the tanning and battery industries. So it is somewhat of a shock to find that they are going to be dissolved so they can ..... somehow ..... rematerialize to produce tanned goods and batteries for the government. :confused: Anyone care to interpret that!:

22 October 2007
Tanning and battery organizations dissolved
The Cabinet approves the dissolution of the Tanning Organization and the Battery Organization and transforms them into units responsible for the production of shoes, leather items, and batteries for the ministry.

Deputy Spokesman of the Office of the Prime Minister, Chotechai Suwannaporn (โชติชัย สุวรรณาภรณ์), reveals that the Cabinet meeting resolved to dissolve the two organizations and approved budgets of one billion and 300 million baht for the dissolution of the Tanning Organization and the Battery Organization respectively. The budgets will be used to compensate the employees in line with labor laws.

The Ministry of Finance suggested during the Cabinet meeting that the establishment of shoe and leather factories should be aimed at serving officials of the ministry, not at manufacturing products for sale.
Reporter : RTI-Reporter05
http://thainews.prd.go.th/newsenglish/previewnews.php?news_id=255010220023

jpatokal

23-10-07, 11:53 AM

The Ministry of Finance suggested during the Cabinet meeting that the establishment of shoe and leather factories should be aimed at serving officials of the ministry, not at manufacturing products for sale.
:confused: :eek: :confused: :eek:

GWR

07-11-07, 11:33 AM

And reading Commandment 10 [I'm still not sure if it is a typo or the real McCoy :confused:], I'm not at all surprised that two parties have refused to have anything to do with it:

10 Political Commandments for politicians
At the Tuesday's drawing of ballot numbers, student activists set up a booth for party leaders to view and sign the Ten Political Commandments spelling out ethics for politicians.

Some 16 leaders from all major parties endorsed the commandments. Two small parties, Farmer Network of Thailand Party and Pattana Prachathipatai Party, refused to participate in the signature campaign.

The commandments are:

1. Politicans must serve the country and the people based on national interests

2. Politicans must caution one another on any misconduct

3. Politicians must maintain a right attitude toward the people

4. Politicians must have legitimacy

5. Politicians must assist the people to differentiate between politicking and electioneering

6. Politicians must honour promises

7. Politicians must not succumb to greed and vanity

8. Politicians must be a role model on gratitude

9. Politicians must not buy votes nor corrupt nor abondon ideology

10. Politians must frame anyone to gain political advantages

The Nation

Related threads on the festival of mayhem that is Thai Party Politics:
http://www.angkor.com/2bangkok/2bangkok/forum/showthread.php?goto=newpost&t=2695

GWR

22-11-07, 09:58 AM

AoT demands state aide for airport noise

(BangkokPost.com)

..........
Link may expire:
http://www.bangkokpost.com/breaking_news/breakingnews.php?id=123818

The following headline mistake is compounded by the fact that it is probably not very wide of the mark. They are "in need" ..... of someone who to shoulder their credit card debts through constant living beyond both their means and their often meagre salaries.

22 November 2007
OBEC says 70,000 teachers are in need
Secretary-General of the Office of the Basic Education Commission (OBEC), Khunying Kasama Varavarn Na Ayuthaya (กษมา วรวรรณ ณ อยุธยา), reveals that more than 70,000 teaches are needed in the bureaucracy system.

The secretary-general says 70,000 teachers include 20,000 academic teachers and more than 40,000 administrative teachers. This lack of teachers is mainly caused by a retirement of more than 75,000 teachers across the country this year.

Khunying Kasama also expresses concern over a lack of teachers in subjects which require specialties.

http://thainews.prd.go.th/newsenglish/previewnews.php?news_id=255011220009

GWR

27-11-07, 10:35 PM

In this case I'm muddled more than the media!

Listen! I come from a sheltered background and probably haven't had much exposure to the following because I think Doraemon sucks in the traditional sense; let alone any other sense! Am I right or just flat-out ignorant and uninformed in thinking 'cosplay' is supposed to be 'crossplay'? :eek: :confused: :o :) :cool: :D

http://thainews.prd.go.th/newsenglish/previewnews.php?news_id=255007180050

Well, it looks like I have partially found the answer myself. So it appears that PRD reporters are a damn sight more worldly than myself. There is such a word. And it may (or may not) have the connotations I initially imagined:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cosplay

There is also an entry for the more traditional spelling:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crossplay
Ahh! The thrills of Lifelong Education!

Impersonation: New source of income for Thai teenagers

http://enews.mcot.net/upfile/1196148880.jpg
[Photo: MCOT]

Video Clip of MCOT report from Channel 9 Midnight news in English:
http://enews.mcot.net/clip.php?nid=1753

Teenagers are usually frowned upon by parents for dressing up exactly like their favourite Japanese cartoon characters or singers. But very few people know their passion can be an important source of supplementary income.

Recently a small trade fair was organized in front of a shopping centre in the heart of Bangkok. Shoppers and viewers were puzzled by a multitude of Japanese cartoon characters and singers from both Japan and Korea walking about in the fair.

They were in fact Thai teenagers who were passionate over Japanese and Korean cultural influence. They could be divided into two groups.

The first group was called “Cos-play or costume play’ referring to those who were dressed up exactly like their favourite cartoon characters.

The second group was called the “cover’ group referring to impersonators of singers both on and off the stage.

“Participation of cos-play activity helps me relax from the stress caused by studying,” said Yupha Bunditvutthikul, a cos-play girl.

“This activity allows me to show my dancing talent,” said Thanaphorn Phanusathit, a cover-girl of Korean boy band Super Junior.

Most of their striking costumes are made at shops in Pratunam Market in Bangkok. Sometimes the customers have to sew some stitches themselves in order to get the costume done in time for their functions. Dressmakers charge them from 800 to 2,000 Baht.

One of the most popular dressmakers among the cos-play and cover groups is Naiyarat Vasuvichairat who is sometimes reluctant, however, to accept an order from cos-play or cover teenagers.

“As a matter of fact, I really don’t want to do this kind of costume, because it is very complicated. But once these kids become my regular clients, I can hardly turn them down,” said Naiyarat.

The veteran dressmaker added that many parents did not approve of their kids’ having this kind of costume made too often, because it was rather expensive.

But the kids do have a good argument. Their passion is a good source of supplementary income.

From time to time, they said, they earned some money from posing for a camera, being models in a TV commercial, or acting as entertainers at product promoting functions.

“We earn at least 1,000 Baht each when appearing in a commercial function,” said Naree Phetchor, who recently landed a part-time job as a cos-play waiter at a Japanese restaurant.

Naree’s colleague Khanatnan Namviriyachoti said she drew a very good lesson from working as a part-time cos-play waiter.

“I just realized earning an income is very difficult,” said Khanatnan.

http://enews.mcot.net/view.php?id=1523

GWR

30-11-07, 08:06 PM

Too many P's, not enough Q's!:

Court to rule on PPP privatisation in two weeks:confused:
.................................................. ..............................................
.................................................. ..............................................

The Supreme Administrative Court is set to give a landmark ruling on the controversial legitimacy of the privatisation and stock listing of the state-owned energy conglomerate :D PTT Plc on December 14.

......
Link will almost certainly expire soon:
http://www.bangkokpost.com/breaking_news/breakingnews.php?id=124107

GWR

06-12-07, 12:47 PM

http://www.mmtimes.com/no395/n005.htm

Drug admin boosts manpower
By Htin Kyaw

(THE Food and Drug Administration (FDA) increased its staff last month to comply with new standards set by a food and drug safety agreement signed between ASEAN and China at a meeting in Nanning in October, said FDA director general Dr Kyaw Lin.)

And speaking of drug-induced MANpower, Thailands's FDA has today banned a syrup that is administered as an appetite inducer. I believe it is called something like 'Aprosin Syrup', and has always carried the instruction that it should only be administered to adults. Anyway, it seems that it has been administered to some male children in Thailand, with some developing genitalia and libido of adult proportions. Channel 7 included a report on this at lunchtime, complete with disguised pictures of a rather well-endowed kid of about 10. It seems that kids who have been on this syrup tend to become sex-pests.

GWR

02-02-08, 07:22 PM

02 Febuary 2008
BMA preparing Sanam Luang for beloved princess’s crematory
The Bangkok Governor, Mr. Apirak Kosayodhin, examines the southern part of Sanam Luang where the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) is preparing for the construction of a crematory of Her Royal Highness Princess Galyani Vadhana.

Mr. Apirak instructs officials to clean the area and spray solution to prevent pigeons at Sanam Luang from causing trouble during the construction. The crematory is under the responsibility of the Fine Arts Department.

The Bangkok Governor says the BMA has added three more mobile toilettes for people traveling to the Grand Palace to pay respect to the late princess.
http://thainews.prd.go.th/newsenglish/previewnews.php?news_id=255102020015

GWR

20-02-08, 08:20 PM

Well, more of a Cop Cock-up really!:

Wednesday, February 20, 2008
When is a Rooney not a Rooney?

PATONG: Following the Gazette’s report “Wayne Rooney arrested in Patong”, in which an Englishman was involved in an accident in which a Thai motorcyclist died on Sunday, police have now confirmed that the Englishman’s name is Wayne Robert Washbourn.

The Englishman was initially named by Lt Col Serm Kwannimit of Kathu Police as Wayne Rooney, the same name as the England national squad player and Manchester United star footballer.

The Gazette understands the pressures local police are under and how such a simple mistake could be made.

Striker Rooney is in Manchester United’s starting lineup for their UEFA Champions League clash against Lyon, which will be televised live from 2:30 am tomorrow on Channel 7.

Both articles:
http://www.phuketgazette.com/news/index.asp?id=6287

Tuesday, February 19, 2008
Wayne Rooney arrested in Patong

PATONG: An Englishman has been charged with careless driving causing death after being involved in an accident at the southern end of Patong on Sunday afternoon in which a Thai motorcyclist died.

Lt Col Serm Kwannimit of Kathu Police today told the Gazette that Wayne Rooney, 38, was driving a pickup truck from Patong to Karon and had just turned from Prachanukhro Rd onto Sirirat Rd at 3:20 pm, when the accident occurred.

Col Serm said that he arrived at the scene to find Rooney and taxi driver Witoon Pongsombut waiting beside their vehicles by the side of the road.

Motorcycle driver Wittaya Promboonta, 34, was lying dead at the scene, still dressed in his cook’s uniform.

The victim had been employed as a cook at the Baumanburi Resort and Spa on Rat-U-Thit 200 Pi Rd in Patong.

K. Wittaya suffered a serious head injury; it was not reported whether he was wearing a helmet when the accident occurred.

“Mr Rooney posted 200,000-baht bail last night. I’m still investigating the accident. He has been charged with careless driving causing death,” Col Serm told the Gazette.

“We also found that he had been drinking [alcohol],” Col Serm said, adding that police may file more charges against Mr Rooney.

GWR

14-03-08, 03:12 PM

A prominent Malaysian blogger has just been elected as an MP. Imagine my excitement when I read the below and began to think that a blogger had already managed to infiltrate the dinosaur senate. Sadly, NOT the case!:

Senator Prasopsuk elected Senate speaker
Senator Prasopsuk Boondet was Friday elected the speaker of the new Senate.

Prasopsuk won 78 votes, beating the first runner up Thaweesak Kidbunjong who got 45 votes.

Earlier, top candidates for the position of Senate speaker denied their involvement in votebuying, reportedly some Bt20 million spent, for endorsement of leadership.

Senator Thaweesak Kidbanjong, a top contender, said he was unaware of any attempts to buy votes. "I don't think the position is so coveted as to have to buy it," he said.

Another contender, Senator Prasopsuk Boondet said he was confident he would win a simple majority support to secure the job. If elected, he pledged to stay in office for three years, which is half a term, and would allow his peers to evaluate his performance each year.

Senator Manot Kraiwong said elected senators would cast free votes for candidates of their choice, allaying concern about a blog vote.

The Nation

It could only be 'block vote' in the dinosaur senate.

GWR

15-03-08, 06:34 PM

See also previous post for 'and inks a greed'. :D

BMA to constructs T-groins to prevent shoreline

The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) pushes for a project to construct T-groins along the Bang Khun Thien (บางขุนเทียน) shoreline and grow mangrove threes at the area.

The Deputy Governor of Bangkok, Mr. Bannasophit Mekwichai (บรรณโศภิษฐ์ เมฆวิชัย), says T-groin is the most suitable construction to prevent the erosion of a shoreline. The construction of 10 T-groins along the 47-kilometer-shoreline at the Bang Khun Thien district is expected to be completed in 2009.

Apart from the T-groins, the BMA will grow mangrove trees to protect the shoreline. About 943 rai of mangrove forest will be planted.

At present, more than 760 meters of the Bang Khun Thien shoreline, or 1,600 rai of land, have been eroded, resulting in a decrease in forest density.
http://thainews.prd.go.th/newsenglish/previewnews.php?news_id=255103150009

GWR

16-03-08, 05:32 PM

See previous two posts for 'Groins protect BMA's man grove threes some?' & 'and 'inks a greed'.

PM Samak says he won't halt duties during corruption
BANGKOK, March 16 (TNA) – Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej said Sunday he
would not stop working as head of the government while the investigation of
possible corruption regarding the controversial procurement of fire trucks
and fire boats is underway.

...........
http://enews.mcot.net/view.php?id=3295

GWR

22-03-08, 06:54 PM

Totally confusing report! Do they mean Million Tons? Do they really propose ripping 16 sites apart over 104 sq. kms.? Could 390 Million Tons scattered over this area be dug up in so short a time? Sounds totally impractical, on either the MICRO or the MACRO level!: :confused:

390 tons of oil shale used for fuel located in Mae Sod

The Director-General of the Petroleum Planning Division under the Ministry of Energy’s Department of Mineral Fuels, Mr. Suparerk Sitahiran, says the amount of oil shale in Mae Sod district of Tak province is abundant.

Mr. Suparerk has inspected the quantity and quality of oil shale in Mae Sod district in the northern province of Tak. He says officials have excavated seven out of 16 oil shale sites in Mae Sod so far. He says the area is about 104 square kilometers, and it has over 390 tons of oil shale. He says if it can be developed into an alternative energy, the country can benefit from it for more than a decade. He says its quality is average, and five percent of its weight, or 12 gallons per ton, can be converted into energy.

He says the excavation will take about four years from 2008 to 2012, and the local villagers will be involved in this project as well. He says the environmental impacts from the excavation will also be studied and taken into consideration.
http://thainews.prd.go.th/newsenglish/previewnews.php?news_id=255103220007

Yes, it's 390 Million Tons. In which case, think of the devastation of another 104 Sq. Km. instead:
http://www.angkor.com/2bangkok/2bangkok/forum/showpost.php?p=18673&postcount=102

Wisarut

23-03-08, 07:31 PM

GWR

24-03-08, 10:59 AM

In my book, 'to turn up' means something like 'make a personal appearance':

Ang Thong province spooked by mass cat deaths

Members of the media received that a large number of cats had turned up dead in CHA-WAI village of tambon CHA-WAI (ชะไว) in CHAI YO (ไชโย) district of Ang Thong province. Reports stated that domestic cats in almost every household were affected, with almost every home’s cat dying.

An investigation found that the deaths had been occurring over a number of months with village elder THANAKORN DECHPONG (ธนากร เดชพงษ์) receiving complaints that many of the cats exhibited the same symptoms before dying. Over 300 cats lost much of their weight as well as their appetites before succumbing to the mystery illness.

Citizens in the area have alerted the provincial Live Stock Department, and expressed fears of a “Cat-Flu”. The department has said that it has found no signs of such a flu, but will continue to investigate.
http://thainews.prd.go.th/newsenglish/previewnews.php?news_id=255103240008&news_headline=Ang

GWR

03-04-08, 12:05 PM

Thanks to Jromerz for this one:

April 2, 2008
Sick Thai PM postpones Philippines, Brunei trip: foreign ministry

http://www.straitstimes.com/STI/STIMEDIA/image/20080402/ST847663001_01_0001.jpg
[Photo: Straits Times - Mr Samak Sundaravej's condition is improving, but he still needs time to recuperate from his mild case of the flu. -- PHOTO: REUTERS]

BANGKOK - THAILAND'S prime minister has postponed official visits to the Philippines and Brunei after falling ill during a trip to Laos, a foreign ministry official said on Wednesday.

Mr Samak Sundaravej, 72, became sick on Monday during a visit to the Laotian capital, Vientiane, for a summit of six Mekong river nations.

His spokesman initially blamed fermented fish for the premier's stomach troubles, but Bangkok's private Bumrungrad Hospital, which admitted Samak on Tuesday, said he had a mild case of the flu.

Mr Samak had been due to fly to Manila on Friday and to Brunei on Saturday for his first trips there since his appointment as prime minister in January.

'The doctor does not want him to work hard and he needs to recuperate, so we've explained the situation to those countries and we will decide on a new date later,' foreign ministry spokesman Tharit Charungvat said.

Mr Apichart Sivayathorn, director at Bumrungrad Hospital, said Mr Samak was receiving intravenous fluid and anti-viral medicine.

'Overall, his condition is improving, but he still needs time to recuperate,' Mr Apichart told reporters. -- AFP
http://www.straitstimes.com/Latest%2BNews/Asia/STIStory_223084.html

GWR

20-05-08, 02:49 PM

If I remember rightly, it is actually made from a harder-than-usual form of laterite:

Ancient stone phallic symbol stolen Phanom Rung Sandcastle

Buri Ram - An ancient stone phallic symbol, which is believed to be over 1,000 years old, has disappeared from the ancient Phanom Rung Sandcastle, police said Tuesday.

Buri Ram police chief Pol Maj Gen Sommai Kongwisaisuk said thieves could be cult believers and police would try to speed up an investigation and try to retrieve the stolen stone.

The Nation

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/breakingnews/read.php?newsid=30073504

GWR

21-05-08, 01:35 AM

If I remember rightly, it is actually made from a harder-than-usual form of laterite:
http://www.nationmultimedia.com/breakingnews/read.php?newsid=30073504

Superstition reigns
By Daily Xpress
Published on May 21, 2008
Vandals destroy artefacts during raid to perform a superstitious ritual at Phanom Rung castle

Vandals invaded the historic Phanom Rung castle in Buri Ram early yesterday, destroyed a number of artefacts and mysteriously relocated a phallus in what looked like a superstitious ritual.

The phallus was moved one metre from its base and turned to face in a different direction. The mouths of 11 Naga King figures, two lion figures, and two hands of a guardian angel figure were damaged.

Strange spirituality

The vandals apparently performed some kind of a ritual inside the temple, but no other items were stolen, said culture office chief Somphong Wiriyakaru.

Candles and joss sticks were lit and left in the castle's main chamber, in addition to cigarette butts and plastic glasses. Phanom Rung historic park chief Dusit Thummaphorn said the damage resulted in some monetary loss, but the loss was tremendous in terms of historic value.

He said later that only two unspecified genuine artefacts were damaged, while the rest were replicas.

Dusit said the area had often been used by people who had their amulets or holy items "re-blessed" in various ceremonies, until he banned all rituals from being performed in the park site last October.

The ritual appeared to be a rite to apologise to the temple before the destruction began, although no one has specified a motive for the attack.

The genuine artefacts that were destroyed would be remoulded, Dusit said, adding the mouths on the figures were damaged because they were easy targets.

Various suspects

Muang Buri Ram police chief Pol Colonel Wichai Sangpraphai said the vandalism could have been due to internal conflicts within the historical park's organisation, from acts of mentally ill people, or by people who had lost benefit from the rituals being banned.

He specified a group of people who were banned from blessing the once popular Jatukham Ramathep amulets as prime suspects.

Rich history

>> The Phanom Rung castle was built in the 15th century by Hindu priests.

>> It was turned into a Buddhist shrine 300 hundred years later by King Jayavarman VII (1181-1206), who converted to Buddhism.

>> The castle, whose name means 'a large hill', was made from pink sandstone and stands 1,320 metres above sea level.

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2008/05/21/headlines/headlines_30073581.php

GWR

22-05-08, 01:11 AM

'Apology ritual' blamed for historic castle vandalism
By The Nation

Vandalism carried out at the historic Phanom Rung castle in Buri Ram on Monday was an act of specific groups based in the province with superstitious believes, the park chief says.

Quoting police, Dusit Thummaphorn says a group of five that conducted a socalled "apology ritual" at the site on the Visakha Bucha Day is the mostly likely suspect.

Police now think the vandalism resulted from disputes between park staff and three groups - sellers of Jatukam Ramathep amulets, owners of two shops and those affected by strict park rules.

Dusit says 19 items were destroyed - four are original artefacts and the others replicas. He cannot tell what type of ritual was conducted, but what was left at the scene indicated a possible "apology ritual". He did not go into detail.

Buri Ram police are looking at a "number of superstitiousminded groups".

Governor Santhad Jattuchai says police should have a better idea this week. Security at the Phra Viharn park in Si Sa Ket has been beefed up following the Phanom Rung castle incident.

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2008/05/21/national/national_30073634.php

By some accounts, they are 'apologists' for the man who never apologises for anything:
http://www.angkor.com/2bangkok/2bangkok/forum/showpost.php?p=21147&postcount=357

GWR

23-06-08, 02:04 PM

I gather PM Samak at some point decided that he could make PAD look even more like animals by refusing to let them have mobile toilets. In which case, perhaps the following black bag was little more than a piece of coyness by those PAD folks earnestly engaged in their "toiletries". Indeed, a 'confidential' photographic contributor to our Frontpage seems to have caught someone in the act .... of blackbagging a CCTV (June 21) that is: ;-)
http://www.2bangkok.com

http://www.2bangkok.com/08/CCTV.jpg

Municipal Works hunting down person who placed black bag over CCTV

Municipal Works Director Theerachai Tiensanchai (ธีระชัย เธียรสรรชัย) spoke of an incident in which an unknown person placed a black bag over a closed circuit camera of the city positioned in front of the Government House. Investigations have been launched to find the instigator of the incident; deciphering whether it was a member of the People's Alliance for Democracy or a third party. Mr. Theerachai assured that action would be taken on the matter while saying that authorities have removed the bag.

Municipal workers have also been dispatched to assist police in monitoring safety of the PAD rally around the Government House. Workers are focusing on distant security away from police and aiming to deter any alcohol to be sold to demonstrators. The workers have also set up mobile toiletries.
http://thainews.prd.go.th/newsenglish/previewnews.php?news_id=255106230011