Anything & Everything About Thailand [Archive] - The Asian Commercial Sex Scene

KatoeyLover69

23-12-2005, 02:53 AM

Report from The Nation dated 23 December 2005 :-

Wat next?

The 150-year-old Wat Pathum is trying to retain its serenity in the shadow of towering commercialism. On Bangkok’s largest shopping street, to the east of the city’s newest and biggest shopping mall, Siam Paragon, and to the west of Central World Plaza, facing the Skytrain track, a 150-year-old royal temple struggles to remain an island of peace amid its boisterous and worldly surroundings.

Wat Pathum Wanaram was once the city’s most peaceful temple, a popular place for meditation. Isolated on what was then the city’s outskirts, its atmosphere was one of calm. The temple’s approximately 17-rai grounds were surrounded by rice fields and swamps. The only way to get there was by boat.

“Would you believe, decades ago people rarely passed through the area at night because they were scared of ghosts,” said Phra Khru Srivisalakun, assistant to Wat Pathum’s abbot.

The temple was created in 1857 at the order of King Rama IV, who wanted a temple devoted to his royal consort situated near his new Sra Pathum Palace. At that time, the temple was popularly known as “Wat Sra Pathum”.

The temple features a semicircular pagoda, which enshrines the bones of His Majesty the King’s late father, HRH Prince Mahidol of Songkhla, along with a piece of the hipbone of the late HRH Princess Sri Nagarindra the Princess Mother, and a piece of King Rama VIII’s skull.

Nowadays, besides being sandwiched between the two giant malls, Wat Pathum is only 200 metres along Rama I Road from the Siam Square, Siam Discovery and Siam Centre shopping centres. The temple is situated near Sra Pathum Palace and opposite the Royal Police Bureau.

The bustling shopping district doesn’t sleep until midnight, when the malls and Skytrain close for the day.

The changed surroundings have unavoidably affected the temple and its monks.

“Change is dharma truth. We have to admit that it has brought us both disadvantages and benefits,” Phra Khru Srivisalakun said.

The disadvantages were never more obvious than during the construction of the then World Trade Centre (now Central World Plaza) many years ago, he recalled. The tremors from the laying of the mall’s foundation piles caused the plaster base of the temple’s main Buddha statue to crumble, and damaged the temple’s toilet building.

When construction work on Siam Paragon was sped up ahead of its opening early this month, builders worked 24 hours a day, and the temple felt many effects. The monks’ houses were hit by pieces of flying rock and engulfed in dust storms. Many monks fell ill from allergic reactions to the dust kicked up by the construction.

“However, the executives of both malls have always listened to our complaints – they’ve always rushed to solve any problem,” the monk said.

Although those annoyances have passed, some things have changed forever. The temple is now sandwiched between the towering mall buildings, which hide the sunrise and sunset from the monks. At night, music and other loud noises, including ear-splitting fireworks during the festive season, wake the monks and frighten the temple pets.

The temple is now modifying its environment to try and muffle the loud noises from outside.

“We have to put up with the changes and try to preserve the daily routine of the monks as it was in days gone by,” Phra Khru Srivisalakun said. He added that he has to remind the monks, novices and temple boys to compose themselves and not be led astray by the surrounding worldly charms.

“Only sensible monks can remain in the priesthood in the midst of these fleshly surroundings,” he said. However, Phra Khru Srivisalakun tries to tell himself that the changes have not all been for the worse.

“More people, including tourists, shoppers and mall workers, now know about and visit the temple when they come around here,” he said.

Despite the noise, the monk is happy that people still come to perform religious activities. The temple has had to build more toilets and other facilities to serve the growing number of visitors. An eight-rai park provided for the public to practise the dharma or just use for recreation is now open around the clock.

“However, I confess I’m concerned about the future – more changes are on the way,” he said.

Chatrarat Kaewmorakot
The Nation

KatoeyLover69

23-12-2005, 03:04 AM

Thailand means " land of the free ", and throughout the country's 800-year history, the Thai people can boast the distinction of being the only country in Southeast Asia never to have been colonised.

Formerly known as Siam to foreigners who first came to this region as early as the 12th century, the country's name was changed to Thailand with the advent of a democratic government in 1939.

Long before the emergence of what is conventionally called the Thai kingdom during the 12th Century, the area known as the chao Phraya valley was inhabited by ancient civilisations that can be traced back to prehistoric times.

The Prehistoric Era

By far the most important archaeological discoveries confirming these ancient people were made in the tiny village of Ban Chiang near Udon Thani in the northeast. Systematic excavation of Ban Chiang began only two decades ago, revealing painted pottery, jewelry, bronze and iron tools. Settlement began about 3600 B.C. and lasted until about 250 B.C. The Ban Chiang people farmed rice, domesticated their animals, and were skilled potters.

But even before human beings roamed the northeastern plateau, the region was once home to a more ancient species of animal - the dinosaur (see picture). In 1984, fossils from plant-eating dinosaurs were found in Phu Wiang province, and was named Phuwiangosaurus sirindhornae, while a more recent fossil discovery unearthed the Siamotyrannus isanensis, a fierce meat-eating ancestor of the infamous Tyrannosaurus rex.

Over the centuries, the area was influenced by various cultures, from the Indians in the 3rd Century, the Mons between the 6th to the 11th centuries, and the Khmers who built the wondrous Angkor Wat and who also left their legacy in the form of numerous stone sanctuaries scattered across the Thai kingdom. Thailand's dominant culture is believed to have arrived with tribes who moved down from southern China almost a thousand years ago. They settled in what is now northern Thailand before expanding south to the rich plains and valleys, gradually asserting their independence from existing Khmer and Mon kingdoms.

The Sukhothai Era

By the 13th century, the Thais had begun to emerge as a dominant force in the region, slowly absorbing the weakened empires of the Mons and Khmers. By 1238, the first Thai kingdom, Sukhothai - called by its ruler "the dawn of happiness" - has been established. It is often considered the golden era of Thai history, an ideal Thai state in a land of plenty governed by paternal and benevolent kings, the most famous of whom was King Ramkamhaeng the Great.

Ramkamhaeng was noted as an administrator, legislator and statesman. He is credited with the invention of the Thai script. The Sukhothai period saw the Thais, for the first time, developing a distinctive civilisation with their own administrative institutions, art and architecture. Sukhothai Buddha images, characterised by refined facial features, lineal fluidity, and harmony of form, are considered to be the most beautiful and the most original of Thai artistic expression.

In 1350, the mightier state of Ayutthaya exerted its influence over gentile Sukhothai, and from a former vassal state, it usurped all administrative power, leaving Sukhothai a deserted kingdom.

The Ayutthaya Era

The Ayutthaya kings adopted Khmer cultural influences from the very beginning. No longer the paternal and accessible rulers that the kings of Sukhothai had been, Ayutthaya's sovereigns were absolute monarchs whose position was enhanced by trappings of royalty reflective of a Khmer devaraja (god-king). Brahmins officiated side by side with Buddhist monks at state ceremonies - a legacy which remains in modern Bangkok.

The 16th century was marked by the first arrival of Europeans and by continual conflict with the Burmese.

In 1569, Ayutthaya fell to Burmese forces that thoroughly sacked and plundered the city, and forcibly removed much of Ayutthaya's population to Burma. The Siamese kingdom, however, was reconsolidated by King Naresuan the Great. Under this great king, Ayutthaya prospered and became the thriving metropolis as described by 17th Century European visitors.

Europeans were primarily attracted to Siam as a door to the China trade. Ayutthaya and her ports became entrepots for goods travelling between Europe, India and the East Indies, and China and Japan. The height of European presence in Ayutthaya, especially the French, was undoubtedly during the reign of King Narai, who ruled 1656 to 1688. It was through the presence of these Europeans during King Narai's reign that gave the West most of its early knowledge of Siam. Some Western visitors compared Ayutthaya to Venice and called it "the most beautiful city in the East."

In 1767, a Burmese invasion succeeded in capturing Ayutthaya. In their hurry to withdraw from the conquered capital, the Burmese killed, looted and set fire to the whole city, thereby expunging four centuries of Thai civilisation. But despite their overwhelming victory, the Burmese didn't retain control of Siam for long. A young general named Phya Taksin gathered a small band of followers, broke through the Burmese encirclement and escaped to Chantaburi. Seven months after the fall of Ayutthaya, he and his forces sailed back to the capital and expelled the Burmese occupation garrison.

The Thonburi Era

General Taksin, as he is popularly known, decided to transfer the capital from Ayutthaya to a site nearer to the sea which would facilitate foreign trade, ensure the procurement of arms, and make defence and withdrawal easier in case of renewed Burmese attack. He established his new capital at Thonburi.

The rule of Taksin was not an easy one. The lack of central authority since the fall of Ayutthaya had led to the rapid disintegration of the kingdom, and Taksin's reign was spent reuniting the provinces.

The Rattanakosin Era

After Taksin's death, General Chakri became the first king of the Chakri dynasty, ruling from 1782-1809. His first action as king was to transfer his administrative headquarters across the river from Thonburi to Bangkok. There he set about to build his new palace according to the pattern of Ayutthaya. He assembled all surviving master craftsmen from the old city. The Grand Palace they built contained not only the residences of the king and the royal family, but also incorporated the government and judicial offices and, most importantly, the Royal Chapel where the revered Emerald Buddha was installed.

Rama I's successors, Rama II and Rama III, completed the consolidation of the Siamese kingdom and the revival of the arts and culture of Ayutthaya.

Rama II re-established relations with the West, suspended since the time of Narai, allowing the Portuguese to construct the first Western embassy in Bangkok. Rama III, ruled 1824-1851, continued to reopen Siam's doors to foreigners, successfully promoting trade with China. The ready availability of Chinese porcelain led him to decorate many of his temples, including Wat Arun, with porcelain fragments.

King Mongkut, Rama IV, who ruled 1851-1868, was the first Thai king to understand Western culture and technology, and his reign has been described as the "bridge spanning the new and the old."

Mongkut realised that traditional Thai values would not save his country from Western encroachment, and thus initiated the policy of modernisation that he believed would bring Siam in line with the West and reduce hostilities with foreigners.

Mongkut's son, Chulalongkorn, was only 15 when he ascended the throne. But he reigned over Siam as Rama V for 42 years - and transformed his country from a backward Asian land into a modern 20th century kingdom.

King Chulalongkorn's successor, Vajiravudh (1910-1925), was Oxford-educated and thoroughly Anglicised. His western-inspired reforms to modernise Siam considerably affected the structure of modern Thai society.

Prajadhipok (Rama VII) was personally concerned with improving the welfare of his subjects. He was aware of the rising demand for greater participation in government by a small foreign-educated faction, but felt that the Siamese were, on the whole not ready for democracy. In 1927, he publicly commented that the people must be first taught political consciousness before democracy could be effectively be introduced. However, a coup d'etat in 1932 ended the paternal but absolute rule of the king. the coup was staged by the People's Party, a military and civilian group masterminded by foreign-educated Thai, whose chief ideologist was Pridi Panomyong, a young lawyer trained in France.

The king accepted the provisional constitution by which he "ceased to rule but continued to reign." In December 1932, the king signed the Parliament Constitution which promised universal suffrage and general elections every four years. Upon the abdication of King Prajadhipok, Ananda Mahidol returned home to a tumultuous welcome in 1945. With his death just one year later, he was succeeded by his younger brother King Bhumibol Adulyadej, the present monarch.

"We will reign with dharma (righteousness), for the benefit and happiness of the Siamese people," was the coronation pledge of King Bhumibol Adulyadej. True enough, the king provides the stability and continuity lacking in the turbulent cycle of Thai politics and a young democracy. Tirelessly touring the land with Queen Sirikit to inspect and improve the welfare of the people, the King inspires universal reverence. As a constitutional monarch, he maintains neutrality at times of crisis.

- Information from Tourist Authority of Thailand Travel Manual

KatoeyLover69

23-12-2005, 03:10 AM

History and Culture in Thailand
Thailand is steeped in history and unique culture... historical sites, temples, palaces, museums, theatre and dance… if these are your areas of interest you are going to love Thailand!

It is believed Thailand’s history stems from the Bronze Age some 5,000 years ago.

Recorded history indicates a number of periods that mark important stages in Thailand’s history – the Sukothai Period from 1238 to 1438, the Ayutthaya Period from 1351 to 1767, the Thonburi Period from 1767 to 1782, and the Rattanakosin Period from 1782 until the present.

The legacy of each of these periods is a series of temples, shrines, palaces and ancient sites, all depicting unique Thai architectural styles and lavish design. Although some of the historical significance of these attractions may at times be lost on you, the visual feast you experience more than compensates for your lack of insight. These are some of the most beautiful places you will ever experience. Simply relax and soak in the sights and sounds and build unforgettable memories.

Never colonised, Thailand has never been detached from its culture. Thai dance, theatre, music and art, have all developed in entirely unique ways across the ages and play as important a role today as they did in years gone by. The numerous galleries and museums housing the treasures of bygone ages offer visitors a genuine visual delight

KatoeyLover69

23-12-2005, 10:35 AM

Report from Bangkok Post dated Friday 23 December 2005 :-

Thai-Chinese car venture to challenge Japanese firms

By Phusadee Arunmas

Passenger cars manufactured under a new Thai-Chinese joint venture will debut in the local market in 2007 with the aim of challenging the hold by Japanese firms in the mid-sized sedan segment. The venture was formed in September between the Shanghai Automotive Industry Corp and Thai partners Yontrakit Group and E.C.I. Group, a subsidiary of the CP Group, one of Thailand's largest agro-industrial conglomerates.

Thanakorn Seriburi, chairman of the Thailand-China Business Council, said the venture had support from the Chinese government, which wants to develop a Chinese-branded vehicle for sale in the Asean market.

``CP will take responsibility for marketing the car in the Thai market. We're quite sure that the quality of the car, which will be manufactured here, could compete with Japanese cars,'' said Mr Thanakorn, who also is a vice-chairman of the CP Group.

Details on the new venture, including vehicle specifications, pricing and market brand, have yet to be announced.

Mr Thanakorn said SAIC had teamed up with General Motors and Volkswagen to become the largest car producer in China.

In the first stage, the Sino-Thai car venture would assemble minivans at the Thai plant and gradually assemble medium-sized cars to fit the tastes of Thai motorists, Mr Thanakorn said, during celebration of the 30th anniversary of Thailand-China diplomatic relations held yesterday.

Wang Ji, SAIC's director of business operations, said details of the investment and production line of the Thai plant were being discussed as cars produced in China had their steering wheels on the left.

He said SAIC had tested the Thai automobile market by exporting parts for assembling Wuling minivans a few years ago and it was now ready to make more advanced cars to compete with Japanese vehicles in the Thai market.

The car venture was among several deals signed in September in Chiang Mai during the second meeting of the Thailand-China Joint Committee on Trade, Investment and Economic Co-operation.

Executives from the two countries estimated at the forum yesterday that investments from China would start to pour into Thailand next year as its international reserves are now increasing.

According to Vikrom Kromadit, vice-chairman of the Thai-Chinese Business Council, China's international reserves would rise to one trillion US dollars within two years. Reserves stand at $800 billion at present.

``Such enormous reserves are forcing China to make investment abroad and Thailand has advantages due to no resistance from locals,'' he said.

According to Lu Fang, secretary-general of the China Council for Promotion of International Trade, Thailand could soon become the fifth largest destination for China offshore investment.

Spurred by a free trade agreement, bilateral trade between the two countries rose substantially to $12 billion last year and $17.6 billion in the first 10 months of this year.

Deputy Prime Minister Somkid Jatusripitak said he was confident that bilateral trade volume would meet the projection of $50 billion in 2010, set at the meeting in September.

As well, he said, he would like China to eventually make Thailand its third largest investment destination.

U-Need

23-12-2005, 11:10 AM

Bangkok Bank has assessed that Thailand's economic growth will increase to only 4-4.5 percent next year due to the slow-down of the US and Chinese economies. The financial institution has also issued a warning that the economy of Thailand next year may be affected by the real estate's bubble economy in the US.

The analysts of Bangkok Bank have forecasted that the national economic growth will slow-down next year due to several factors. The main factors -include the economic directions of China and the United States of America. The current account of the US is facing a deficit, and it is expected that this issue will be worsened. At the same time, Bangkok Bank has also predicted that the Chinese economy will grow at a slower rate next year.

Nevertheless, the bank said the foundation of Thailand's economy should be strong enough despite the possible economic slow-down in the future, and any economic crisis should not take place. The financial institution has also anticipated that the investment from the private sector will increase up to 8-9 percent next year. The considerable increase is mainly due to the government's mega-projects.

U-Need

23-12-2005, 11:12 AM

About 200 monks and novices planning to travel on foot from Phuket to Wat Prapathomchedi in Nakorn Prathom, to dedicate their merits to dead victims of the tsunami is now in Chumporn.

Abbot of Thammarongyang Buddhist sanctuary in Sri Saket Pra Jaran Anangkano said that 191 monks and 9 novices are traveling pass Chumporn province. He said that they are from 30 temples from all regions of Thailand. He said that the monks have traveled from Phuket since November 29 and will continue their journey to Nakorn Prathom to hold a joint religious ceremony there.

Pra Jaran Anangkano said that the purpose of this trip is to dedicate merits to His Majesty the King on the occasion of His 78th birthday as well as dead victims of the tsunami disaster. He added that due to a long journey, some monks have sustained injuries at their legs but they will not give up and will continue their journey until they reach their destination.

Malaysian Datuk

23-12-2005, 12:29 PM

knn TeeVee got CIA files!!! just as I suspected all along......TeeVee is covert agent.....for which agency I still not sure though.....fyi yours truly have been inside U-Tapao hehe :cool:

KatoeyLover69

23-12-2005, 02:40 PM

knn TeeVee got CIA files!!! just as I suspected all along......TeeVee is covert agent.....for which agency I still not sure though.....fyi yours truly have been inside U-Tapao hehe :cool:

Malaysian Datuk,

KNN............ Now only you know !

Uncle TV has CIA, FBI, KGV, M5 and Mossad connections.........

That's why he seems to knows EVERYTHING about ANYBODY !!!!

norice

23-12-2005, 02:55 PM

Hello,
I'm very honored to call you from now on, Professor Katoey Lover 69! You are one smart Ladyboy lover, I'm grateful of all your insightful information regarding Thailand. Keep up the good work and keep on going and don't stop.

Will be in Thailand, shortly and will be partying at Rachada!

KatoeyLover69

23-12-2005, 03:12 PM

History of Thailand : From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.

The history of Thailand begins with the migration of the Thais into what is now Thailand during the first millennium. Prior to this, bronze and iron age civilisations had existed for several thousand years, plus later Mon, Malay and Khmer kingdoms. The Thais established their own kingdoms, most prominently a brief flowering at Sukhothai and more lastingly the Ayutthaya kingdom. These kingdoms were under constant threat from Burma and Vietnam, as well as from Thai and Lao rivals. The European colonial powers threatened in the 19th and early 20th centuries, but Thailand survived as the only south-east Asian state to avoid colonial rule. After the end of the absolute Thai monarchy in 1932, Thailand endured sixty years of almost permanent military rule before the establishment of a democratic system.

Early history

The earliest major archaeological site in Thailand is Ban Chiang; dating of artefacts from this site is controversial, but there is a consensus that at least by 3600 BC, the inhabitants had developed bronze tools and had begun to cultivate wet rice, providing the impetus for social and political organization.

Later, Malay, Mon, and Khmer civilizations flourished in the region prior to the domination of the Thais, most notably the kingdom of Srivijaya in the south, the Dvaravati kingdom in central Thailand and the Khmer empire based at Angkor. The Thais are related linguistically to groups originating in southern China. Migrations from southern China to Southeast Asia took place primarily during the first millennium AD, most likely via northern Laos.

Sukhothai and Lannathai

Thais date the founding of their nation to the 13th century. According to tradition, Thai chieftains overthrew their Khmer overlords at Sukhothai in 1238 and established a Thai kingdom. The city briefly dominated the area of modern Thailand under King Ramkhamhaeng, but after his death it fell into decline and became subject to the Ayutthaya kingdom in 1365, which dominated southern and central Thailand until the 1700s.

Many other Thai statelets coexisted with Sukhothai, most notably the northern kingdom of Lannathai or Lanna. This state emerged in the same period as Sukhothai, but survived longer. Its independent history ended in 1558, when it fell to the Burmese; thereafter it was dominated by Burma and Ayutthaya in turn before falling to the army of the Siamese King Taksin in 1775.

Ayutthaya

The first ruler of the Kingdom of Ayutthaya, King Ramathibodi I, made two important contributions to Thai history: the establishment and promotion of Theravada Buddhism as the official religion - to differentiate his kingdom from the neighboring Hindu kingdom of Angkor - and the compilation of the Dharmashastra, a legal code based on Hindu sources and traditional Thai custom. The Dharmashastra remained a tool of Thai law until late in the 19th century. Beginning with the Portuguese in the 16th century, Ayutthaya had some contact with the West, but until the 1800s, its relations with neighboring nations, as well as with India and China, were of primary importance. Ayyutthaya dominated a considerable area, ranging from the Islamic states on the Malay Peninsula to states in northern Thailand. Nonetheless, the Burmese, who had control of Lanna and had also unified their kingdom under a powerful dynasty, launched several invasion attempts in the 1750s and 1760s. Finally, in 1767, the Burmese attacked the city and conquered it. The royal family fled the city where the king died of starvation ten days later. The Ayutthaya royal line had been extinguished.

Bangkok period : (1768-1932)

After more than 400 years of power, in 1767, the Kingdom of Ayutthaya was brought down by invading Burmese armies, its capital burned, and the territory split. General Taksin managed to reunite the Thai kingdom from his new capital of Thonburi and declared himself king in 1769. However, Taksin allegedly became mad, and he was deposed, taken prisoner, and executed in 1782.General Chakri succeeded him in 1782 as Rama I, the first king of the Chakri dynasty. In the same year he founded the new capital city at Bangkok, across the Chao Phraya river from Thonburi, Taksin's capital. In the 1790s Burma was defeated and driven out of Siam, as it was now called. Lanna also became free of Burmese occupation, but the king of a new dynasty was installed in the 1790s was effectively a puppet ruler of the Chakri monarch.

The heirs of Rama I became increasingly concerned with the threat of European colonialism after British victories in neighboring Burma in 1826. The first Thai recognition of Western power in the region was the Treaty of Amity and Commerce with the United Kingdom in 1826. In 1833, the United States began diplomatic exchanges with Siam, as Thailand was called until 1939 (and again between 1945 and 1949). However, it was during the later reigns of King Chulalongkorn (Rama V, 1868-1910), and his father King Mongkut (Rama IV, 1851-1868), that Thailand established firm rapprochement with Western powers. The Thais believe that the diplomatic skills of these monarchs, combined with the modernizing reforms of the Thai Government, made Siam the only country in South and Southeast Asia to avoid European colonization. This is reflected in the country's modern name, Prathet Thai (Thailand), used unofficially between 1939 and 1945 and officially declared on May 11, 1949, in which prathet means "nation" and thai means "free".

The Anglo-Siamese Treaty of 1909 made the modern border between Siam and British Malaya by securing the Thai authority on the provinces of Pattani, Yala, Narathiwat and Satun, which were previously part of the semi-independent Malay sultanates of Pattani and Kedah. A series of treaties with France fixed the country's current eastern border with Laos and Cambodia. Siam had earlier made claim and to some extent controlled to the two territories.

to be continued ............

KatoeyLover69

23-12-2005, 03:24 PM

...... continued ...........

History of Thailand : From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.

Military rule : (1932-1973)

The Siamese coup d'état of 1932 transformed the Government of Thailand from an absolute to a constitutional monarchy. King Prajadhipok (Rama VII) initially accepted this change but later surrendered the throne to his ten-year old nephew, Ananda Mahidol. Upon his abdication, King Prajadhipok said that the duty of a ruler was to reign for the good of the whole people, not for a select few. King Ananda Mahidol (Rama VIII) died in 1946 under somewhat mysterious circumstances, the official explanation being that he shot himself by accident while cleaning his gun. He was succeeded by Bhumibol Adulyadej, the longest reigning king of Thailand, and very popular with the Thais. Although nominally a constitutional monarchy, Thailand was ruled by a series of military governments (most prominently led by Luang Phibunsongkhram and Sarit Dhanarajata) interspersed with brief periods of democracy. In 1992 the last military ruler, Suchinda Kraprayoon, gave up power in the face of massive popular protests, supported by the king. Since then, Thailand has been a functioning democracy with constitutional changes of government.

On December 8, 1941, a few hours after the attack on Pearl Harbor, Japan demanded the right to move troops across Thailand to the Malayan frontier. The Japanese landed at Bangkok and at several locations along the east coast of southern Thailand where they engaged the Thai army for six to eight hours before the Thai army determined it would be impossible to defend the kingdom. Shortly thereafter Japan was granted free passage, and on December 21, 1941, Thailand and Japan signed an alliance with a secret protocol wherein +++yo agreed to help Thailand get back territories lost to the British and French colonial powers and Thailand undertook to assist Japan in her war against the Allies.

After Japan's defeat in 1945, with the help of a group of Thais known as Seri Thai who were supported by the United States, Thailand was treated as a defeated country by the British and French, although American support mitigated the Allied terms. Thailand was not occupied by the Allies, but it was forced to return the territory it had gained to the British and the French. In the post-war period Thailand enjoyed close relations with the United States, which it saw as a protector from the communist revolutions in neighboring countries.

Recently, Thailand also has been an active member in the regional Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), especially after democratic rule was restored in 1992

The history of Thailand since 1973 has seen a difficult and sometimes bloody transition from military to civilian rule, with several reversals along the way. The revolution of 1973 inaugurated a brief, unstable period of democracy, with military rule being reimposed after a coup in 1976. The military rule was unstable, with several coups and attempted coups. For most of the 1980s, Thailand was ruled by Prem Tinsulanonda, a general who took charge as head of the military government but who received a democratic mandate in 1983. Thereafter the country remained a democracy apart from a brief period of military rule from 1991 to 1992. The populist Thai Rak Thai party, led by prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, has governed since 2001.

Revolution

The Democracy Monument in Bangkok, built in 1940 to commemorate the fall of the absolute monarchy in 1932, was the scene of massive demonstrations in 1973, 1976 and 1992.In October 1973 enormous demonstrations were held in Bangkok, demanding the end of military rule. General Thanom Kittikachorn responded with force, and up to 70 demonstrators were killed in the streets — something not seen in Thailand for many years. This prompted Rama IX to make his first intervention into politics by withdrawing his support for the military regime, and on October 14, 1973 Thanom resigned and left the country.

The events of October 1973 amounted to a revolution in Thai politics. For the first time the urban middle class, led by the students, had defeated the combined forces of the old ruling class and the army, and had gained the apparent blessing of the king for a transition to full democracy, symbolised by a new constitution which provided for a fully elected unicameral legislature.

Unfortunately Thailand had not yet produced a political class able to make this bold new democracy function smoothly. The January 1975 elections failed to produce a stable party majority, and fresh elections in April 1976 produced the same result. The veteran politician Seni Pramoj and his brother Kukrit Pramoj alternated in power, but were unable to carry out a coherent reform program. The sharp increase in oil prices in 1974 led to recession and inflation, weakening the government's position. The democratic government's most popular move was to secure the withdrawal of American forces from Thailand.

The wisdom of this move was soon questioned, however, when the victorious communists took power in Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia in May 1975. The arrival of communist regimes on Thailand’s borders, the abolition of the 600-year-old Lao monarchy, and the arrival of a flood of refugees from Laos and Cambodia, turned public opinion in Thailand back to the right, and conservatives did much better in the 1976 elections than they had done in 1975. The left wing of the student movement did not accept this and continued to agitate for radical change.

Military rule

By late 1976 moderate middle class opinion had turned away from radicalism as the students, with their base at Thammasat University, grew more militant. The army and the right-wing parties fought back against the radicals though paramilitary groups such as the Village Scouts and the notorious Red Gaurs. Matters came to a head in October when Thanom returned to Thailand to enter a monastery. Violent student protests were met by equally violent counter-protests. On 6 October 1976 the army unleashed the paramilitaries, and used the resultant orgy of violence, in which hundreds of students were tortured and killed, to suspend the constitution and resume power.

The army installed a fanatically ultra-conservative former judge, Thanin Kraivixien, as prime minister, and carried out a sweeping purge of the universities, the media and the civil service. Thousands of students, intellectuals and other leftists fled Bangkok and joined the Communist Party’s insurgent forces in the north and north-east, operating from safe bases in Laos. Others left for exile, including Dr. Puey Ungphakorn, the respected economist and Rector of Thammasat University.

The economy was also in serious difficulties, in no part due to Thanin's policies, which frightened foreign investors. The new regime proved as unstable as the democratic experiment had been. In October 1977 the army staged another "coup" and replaced Thanin with General Kriangsak Chomanand.

The Kriangsak regime pursued a foreign policy based almost entirely on the principles of realpolitik. By this time, Thai forces had to deal with the situation resulting from the Vietnamese invasion of Cambodia. There was another flood of refugees, and both Vietnamese and Khmer Rouge forces periodically crossed into Thai territory, sparking clashes along the borders. A 1979 visit to Beijing earned Deng Xiaoping's agreement to end support for Thailand's communist movement; in return, the Thai authorities agreed to give safe haven to the Khmer Rouge forces fleeing west following the invasion of Cambodia. Revelations of the crimes of the defeated Khmer Rouge also sharply reduced the appeal of communism to the Thai public.

Kriangsak's position as prime minister soon became untenable and was forced to voluntarily stepped down from power in February 1980 at a time of economic troubles. Kriangsak was succeeded by General Prem Tinsulanonda, the army commander-in-chief at the time.

to be continued .........

KatoeyLover69

23-12-2005, 03:31 PM

......... continued ...........

History of Thailand : From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.

Premocracy

Much of the 1980s saw a process of democratisation overseen by the King and military strongman General Prem Tinsulanond.

In April 1981 a clique of army officers popularly known as the "Young Turks" staged a putsch, taking complete control of Bangkok. They dissolved the National Assembly and promised sweeping social changes. But their position would quickly crumble as Prem accompanied the royal family to Khorat. With the King's support for Prem made clear to all, loyalists units under the palace favourite General Arthit Kamlangek managed to recapture the capital in a bloodless counterattack.

This episode raised the prestige of the monarchy still further, and also enhanced Prem’s status as a relative moderate. A kind of compromise was therefore reached. The insurgency ended and most of the ex-student guerillas returned to Bangkok under an amnesty. The army returned to its barracks, and yet another constitution was promulgated, creating an appointed Senate to balance the popularly elected National Assembly. Elections were held in April 1983, giving Prem, now in the guise of a civilian politician, a large majority in the legislature (an arrangement which came to be known as "Premocracy").

Prem was also the beneficiary of the accelerating economic revolution which was sweeping south-east Asia. After the recession of the mid 1970s, economic growth took off. For the first time Thailand became a significant industrial power, and manufactured goods such as computer parts, textiles and footwear overtook rice, rubber and tin as Thailand’s leading exports. With the end of the Indochina wars and the insurgency, tourism developed rapidly and became a major earner. The urban population continued to grow rapidly, but overall population growth began to decline, leading to a rise in living standards even in rural areas, although the Isaan continued to lag behind. While Thailand did not grow as fast as the "Asian tigers" like Taiwan and South Korea, it achieved sustained growth.

Prem held office for eight years, surviving two more general elections in 1983 and 1986, and remained personally popular, but the revival of democratic politics led to a demand for a more adventurous leader. In 1988 fresh elections brought former General Chatichai Choonhavan to power. But Chatichai proved both incompetent and corrupt. By allowing one faction of the military to get rich on government contracts, he provoked a rival faction, led by Generals Sunthorn Kongsompong and Suchinda Kraprayoon, to stage a coup in February 1991. The military brought in a civilian prime minister, Anand Panyarachun, who was still responsible to the military in the form of the National Peacekeeping Council with General Sunthorn as chairman. Anand's anti-corruption measures proved popular. Another general election was held in 1992, as is customary after a coup in Thailand.

In March 1992, the military strongman General Suchinda accepted the invitation from a coalition of parties to become Prime Minister, in effect breaking a promise he had made earlier to the King and confirming the widespread suspicion that the new government was going to be a military regime in disguise. However, the Thailand of 1992 was not the Siam of 1932. Suchinda’s action brought hundreds of thousands of people out in the largest demonstrations ever seen in Bangkok, led by the former governor of Bangkok, Major-General Chamlong Srimuang. Suchinda brought military units personally loyal to him into the city and tried to suppress the demonstrations by force, leading to a massacre in the heart of the city in which hundreds died. The Navy mutinued in protest, and the country seemed on the verge of civil war. In May the King intervened: he summoned Suchinda and Chamlong to a televised audience. The result of this was the resignation of Suchinda.

Chuan LeekpaiThe King re-appointed Anand Panyarachun as prime minister until elections could be held in September, which brought the Democrat Party under Chuan Leekpai to power, mainly representing the liberal voters of Bangkok and the south. Chuan was a competent administrator who held power until 1995, when he was defeated at elections by a coalition of conservative and provincial parties led by Banharn Silpa-acha. Tainted by corruption charges from the very beginning, Banharn’s government was forced to call early elections in 1996, in which General Chavalit Yongchaiyudh's New Aspiration Party managed to gain a narrow victory.

Soon after coming into office, Prime Minister Chavalit was confronted by the Asian Financial Crisis in 1997. After coming under strong criticsm for his handling of the crisis, Chavilit resigned in November 1997 and Chuan returned to power. Chuan came to an agreement with the International Monetary Fund which stabilised the currency and allowed the economy to begin to recover. In contrast to the country's previous history, the crisis was resolved by civilian rulers under democratic procedures.

In the early part of the 21st century, Thai politics has been dominated by the populist Thai Rak Thai ("Thais Love Thais") party of telecommunications millionaire Thaksin Shinawatra. Chuan’s second government was as competent as his first, but he was no match for Thaksin’s demagogic appeal to the mass electorate. Thaksin campaigned effectively against the old politics and against corruption (despite being himself far from above suspicion in this respect), and in January 2001 he had a sweeping victory at the polls, winning a larger popular mandate than any Thai prime minister has ever had in a freely elected National Assembly.

In power, Thaksin has presided over the rapid recovery of the Thai economy. By 2002 Thailand, and Bangkok in particular, was once again booming. As low-end manufacturing moved to China and other low-wage economies, Thailand moved upscale into more sophisticated manufacturing, both for a rapidly expanding domestic middle class market and for export. Tourism, and particularly sex tourism, also remained a huge revenue earner despite intermittent "social order" campaigns by the government to control the country's nightlife.

Thus by 2004 Thai democracy and prosperity seemed firmly established, but the dominance of Thaksin, whose rule was highly personalised and in somewhat authoritarian, was seen by many commentators as an unhealthy development. Thaksin won an even bigger majority at elections in February 2005.

KatoeyLover69

23-12-2005, 03:38 PM

The known early history of Thailand begins with the earliest major archaeological site at Ban Chiang; dating of artifacts from this site is controversial, but there is a consensus that at least by 3600 BC, the inhabitants had developed bronze tools and had begun to cultivate wet rice, providing the impetus for social and political organization.

Later, Malay, Mon, and Khmer civilizations flourished in the region prior to the domination of the Thais, most notably the kingdom of Srivijaya in the south, the Dvaravati kingdom in central Thailand and the Khmer empire based at Angkor.

The Thai are part of a larger ethno-linguistic group known as the Tai, a group which includes the Lao, the people of the Shan region of north-eastern Burma, the Zhuang people of Guangxi Province in China and the Tho and Nung people of northern Vietnam. Migrations from southern China to Southeast Asia took place primarily during the first millennium AD, most likely via northern Laos.

During the first millennium AD the Tai peoples were loosely organised in small entities known as muang. They were heavily influenced by the more advanced cultures around them: the Khmer to the east, and the Hindu cultures of India to the west. Most of the Tai were converted to a form of Hinduism, traces of which can still be seen in Thai religious practice today. Between the 6th and 9th centuries AD Buddhism was introduced into the Tai-speaking lands, probably via Burma, and became the dominant religion. The Theravada Buddhism now practised in Thailand was introduced by missionaries from Sri Lanka in the 13th century.

KatoeyLover69

23-12-2005, 03:48 PM

The Sukhothai kingdom was an early kingdom in the area around the city Sukhothai, in north central Thailand. It existed from 1238 till 1438. The old capital, now 12 km outside of New Sukhothai in Tambon Muang Kao, is in ruins and is an Historical Park.

History

The city of Sukhothai was part of the great Khmer empire until 1238, when two Thai chieftains, Pho Khun Pha Muang and Pho Khun Bang Klang Hao, declared their independence and established a Thai-ruled kingdom. Pho Khun Bang Klang Hao later became the first king of Sukhothai, calling himself Pho Khun Si Indrathit (or Intradit). This event traditionally marks the founding of the modern Thai nation, although other less well-known Thai kingdoms, such as Lanna, Phayao and Chiang Saen, were established around the same time.

Sukhothai expanded by forming alliances with the other Thai kingdoms, adopting Theravada Buddhism as the state religion with the help of Ceylonese monks. Intradit was succeeded by his son Pho Khun Ban Muang, who was followed in 1278 by his brother, Pho Khun Ramkhamhaeng. Under King Ramkhamhaeng the Great, as he is now known, Sukhothai enjoyed a golden age of prosperity. Ramkhamhaeng is credited with designing the Thai alphabet (traditionally dated from 1283, on the evidence of the controversial Ramkhamhaeng stele, an inscribed stone allegedly bearing the earliest known Thai writing). At its peak, supposedly stretching from Martaban (now in Burma) to Luang Prabang (now in Laos) and down the Malay Peninsula as far south as Nakhon Si Thammarat, the kingdom's sphere of influence was larger than that of modern Thailand, although the degree of control exercised over outlying areas was variable.

After Ramkhamhaeng's death, he was succeeded by his son Loethai. The vassal kingdoms, first Uttaradit in the north, then soon after the Laotian kingdoms of Luang Prabang and Vientiane (Wiangchan), liberated themselves from their overlord. In 1319 the Mon state to the west broke away, and in 1321 Lanna placed Tak, one of the oldest towns under the control of Sukhothai, under its control. To the south the powerful city of Suphanburi also broke free early in the reign of Loethai. Thus the kingdom was quickly reduced to its former local importance only. Meanwhile, Ayutthaya rose in strength, and finally in 1378 King Thammaracha II had to submit to this new power.

Sukhothai became a tributary state of Ayutthaya between 1365 and 1378. In 1412 Ayutthaya installed a chief resident, and King Thammaracha IV was installed on the throne by Ayutthaya. Around 1430 Thammaracha moved his capital to Phitsanulok, and after his death in 1438 the kingdom was reduced in status to a mere province of Ayutthaya.

The Kings of Sukhothai

* Pho Khun Si Indrathit (1249- 1257)

* Pho Khun Ban Muang (1257 - 1277)

* Pho Khun Ramkhamhaeng (Ramkhamhaeng the Great) (ruled 1277 - 1298 or 1317) (called Rammaraj in the Ayutthaya chronicles)

* Pu Saisongkhram: After Ramkhamheang's death, ruled temporarily in absence of Loethai who was on trip to China. He was not styled Pho Khun.

* Pho Khun Loethai (1298 - 1347)

* Pho Khun Nguanamthom (1347)

* Pho Khun Lithai or Thammaracha I (1347 - 1368/1374)

* Thammaracha II or Phya Sai Leu Thai (1368/1374 - 1399)

* Thammaracha III or Phya Sai Luthai (1399 - 1419)

* Thammaracha IV (1419 - 1438)

KatoeyLover69

23-12-2005, 03:57 PM

The Kingdom of Ayutthaya was a Thai kingdom that existed from the 1350 to 1767. King Ramathibodi I (Uthong) founded Ayutthaya (อยุธยา) as the capital of his kingdom in 1350 and absorbed Sukhothai, 640 km to the north, in 1376. Over the next four centuries the kingdom expanded to become the nation of Siam, whose borders were roughly those of modern Thailand, except for the north, the Kingdom of Lannathai. Ayutthaya was friendly towards foreign traders, including the Chinese, Indians, Japanese and Persians (for contacts between Safavid Iran and Ayutthaya see Christoph Marcinkowski), and later the Portuguese, Spanish, Dutch, British and French, permitting them to set up villages outside the city walls. The court of King Narai (1656-1688) had strong links with that of King Louis XIV of France, whose ambassadors compared the city in size and wealth to Paris.

Historical overview

Buddha head overgrown by fig tree in Wat Mahatat, Ayutthaya historical parkThe Siamese state based at Ayutthaya in the valley of the Chao Phraya River grew from the earlier kingdom of Lopburi, which it absorbed, and its rise continued the steady shift southwards of the centre of gravity of the Tai-speaking peoples. U Thong was an adventurer allegedly descended from a rich Chinese merchant family who married royalty. In 1350, to escape the threat of an epidemic, he moved his court south into the rich floodplain of the Chao Phraya. On an island in the river he founded a new capital, which he called Ayutthaya, after Ayodhya in northern India, the city of the hero Rama in the Hindu epic Ramayana. U Thong assumed the royal name of Ramathibodi (1350-60).

Ramathibodi tried to unify his kingdom. In 1360 he declared Theravada Buddhism the official religion of Ayutthaya and brought members of a sangha, a Buddhist monastic community, from Ceylon to establish new religious orders and spread the faith among his subjects. He also compiled a legal code, based on the Indian Dharmashastra (a Hindu legal text) and Thai custom, which became the basis of royal legislation. Composed in Pali -- an Indo-Aryan language closely related to Sanskrit and the language of the Theravada Buddhist scriptures -- it had the force of divine injunction. Supplemented by royal decrees, Ramathibodi's legal code remained generally in force until the late nineteenth century.

By the end of the fourteenth century, Ayutthaya was regarded as the strongest power in southeast Asia, but it lacked the manpower to dominate the region. In the last year of his reign, Ramathibodi had seized Angkor during what was to be the first of many successful Thai assaults on the Khmer capital. The policy was aimed at securing Ayutthaya's eastern frontier by preempting Vietnamese designs on Khmer territory. The weakened Khmer periodically submitted to Ayutthaya's suzerainty, but efforts to maintain control over Angkor were repeatedly frustrated. Thai troops were frequently diverted to suppress rebellions in Sukhothai or to campaign against Chiang Mai, where Ayutthaya's expansion was tenaciously resisted. Eventually Ayutthaya subdued the territory that had belonged to Sukhothai, and the year after Ramathibodi died, his kingdom was recognized by the emperor of China's newly established Ming Dynasty as Sukhothai's rightful successor.

The Thai kingdom was not a single, unified state but rather a patchwork of self-governing principalities and tributary provinces owing allegiance to the king of Ayutthaya under the mandala system. These states were ruled by members of the royal family of Ayutthaya who had their own armies and warred among themselves. The king had to be vigilant to prevent royal princes from combining against him or allying with Ayutthaya's enemies. Whenever the succession was in dispute, princely governors gathered their forces and moved on the capital to press their claims.

During much of the fifteenth century Ayutthaya's energies were directed toward the Malay Peninsula, where the great trading port of Malacca contested its claims to sovereignty. Malacca and other Malay states south of Tambralinga had become Muslim early in the century, and thereafter Islam served as a symbol of Malay solidarity against the Thais. Although it failed to make a vassal state of Malacca, Ayutthaya continued to control the lucrative trade on the isthmus, which attracted Chinese traders of specialty goods for the luxury markets of China.

Ruins of the old city, Ayutthaya, after the Burmese invasion.In 1767, the Burmeses from Burma invaded Siam and totally destroyed Ayutthaya and that ended an era of a proud nation of Siam. It was the one out of numerous invasions through out the history to Siam from the neighboring country Burma, which was the mightiest of all in South East Asia at the time.

Thai Kingship

Thai rulers were absolute monarchs whose office was partly religious in nature. They derived their authority from the ideal qualities they were believed to possess. The king was the moral model, who personified the virtue of his people, and his country lived at peace and prospered because of his meritorious actions. At Sukhothai, where Ramkhamhaeng was said to hear the petition of any subject who rang the bell at the palace gate to summon him, the king was revered as a father by his people. But the paternal aspects of kingship disappeared at Ayutthaya, where, under Khmer influence, the monarchy withdrew behind a wall of taboos and rituals. The king was considered chakkraphat, the Sanskrit-Pali term for the "wheel-rolling" universal prince who through his adherence to the law made all the world revolve around him. As the Hindu god Shiva was "lord of the universe," the Thai king also became by analogy "lord of the land," distinguished in his appearance and bearing from his subjects. According to the elaborate court etiquette, even a special language, Phasa Ratchasap, was used to communicate with or about royalty.

As devaraja (Sanskrit for "divine king"), the king ultimately came to be recognized as the earthly incarnation of Shiva and became the object of a politico-religious cult officiated over by a corps of royal Brahmans who were part of the Buddhist court retinue. In the Buddhist context, the devaraja was a bodhisattva (an enlightened being who, out of compassion, foregoes nirvana in order to aid others). The belief in divine kingship prevailed into the eighteenth century, although by that time its religious implications had limited impact. The French Abbe de Choisy, who came to Ayutthaya in 1685, wrote that, "the king has absolute power. He is truly the god of the Siamese: no-one dares to utter his name." Another 17th century writer, the Dutchman Van Vliet, remarked that the King of Siam was "honoured and worshipped by his subjects more than a god."

One of the numerous institutional innovations of King Trailok (1448-88) was to create the position of uparaja, or heir apparent, usually held by the king's senior son or full brother, in an attempt to regularize the succession to the throne -- a particularly difficult feat for a polygamous dynasty. In practice, there was inherent conflict between king and uparaja and frequent disputed successions.

to be continued ( Part 2 ) ...........

KatoeyLover69

23-12-2005, 04:05 PM

........... continued ( Part 2 ) .............

Social and Political Development

The king stood at the apex of a highly stratified social and political hierarchy that extended throughout the society. In Ayutthayan society the basic unit of social organization was the village community composed of extended family households. Generally the elected headmen provided leadership for communal projects. Title to land resided with the headman, who held it in the name of the community, although peasant proprietors enjoyed the use of land as long as they cultivated it.

With ample reserves of land available for cultivation, the viability of the state depended on the acquisition and control of adequate manpower for farm labor and defense. The dramatic rise of Ayutthaya had entailed constant warfare and, as none of the parties in the region possessed a technological advantage, the outcome of battles was usually determined by the size of the armies. After each victorious campaign, Ayutthaya carried away a number of conquered people to its own territory, where they were assimilated and added to the labor force.

Every freeman had to be registered as a servant, or phrai, with the local lord, or nai, for military service and corvee labor on public works and on the land of the official to whom he was assigned. The phrai could also meet his labor obligation by paying a tax. If he found the forced labor under his nai repugnant, he could sell himself into slavery to a more attractive nai, who then paid a fee to the government in compensation for the loss of corvee labor. As much as one-third of the manpower supply into the nineteenth century was composed of phrai.

Wealth, status, and political influence were interrelated. The king allotted rice fields to governors, military commanders, and court officials in payment for their services to the crown, according to the sakdi na system. The size of each official's allotment was determined by the number of persons he could command to work it. The amount of manpower a particular nai could command determined his status relative to others in the hierarchy and his wealth. At the apex of the hierarchy, the king, who was the realm's largest landholder, also commanded the services of the largest number of phrai, called phrai luang (royal servants), who paid taxes, served in the royal army, and worked on the crown lands. King Trailok established definite allotments of land and phrai for the royal officials at each rung in the hierarchy, thus determining the country's social structure until the introduction of salaries for government officials in the nineteenth century.

Outside this system to some extent were the Buddhist monkhood, or sangha, which all classes of Siamese men could join, and the Chinese. Buddhist monasteries (wats) became the centres of Siamese education and culture, while during this period the Chinese first began to settle in Siam, and soon began to establish control over the country's economic life: another long-standing social problem. The Chinese were not obliged to register for corvee duty, so they were free to move about the kingdom at will and engage in commerce. By the sixteenth century, the Chinese controlled Ayutthaya's internal trade and had found important places in the civil and military service. Most of these men took Thai wives because few women left China to accompany the men.

Ramathibodi I was responsible for the compilation of the Dharmashastra, a legal code based on Hindu sources and traditional Thai custom. The Dharmashastra remained a tool of Thai law until late in the 19th century. A bureaucracy based on a hierarchy of ranked and titled officials was introduced, and society was organised in a manner reminiscient of, though not as strict as, the Indian caste system.

The sixteenth century witnessed the rise of Burma, which, under an aggressive dynasty, had overrun Chiang Mai and Laos and made war on the Thai. In 1569 Burmese forces, joined by Thai rebels mostly royal family members of Siam, captured the city of Ayutthaya and carried off the whole royal family to Burma. Dhammaraja (1569-90), a Thai governor who had aided the Burmese, was installed as vassal king at Ayutthaya. Thai independence was restored by his son, King Naresuan (1590- 1605), who turned on the Burmese and by 1600 had driven them from the country.

Determined to prevent another treason like his father's, Naresuan set about unifying the country's administration directly under the royal court at Ayutthaya. He ended the practice of nominating royal princes to govern Ayutthaya's provinces, assigning instead court officials who were expected to execute policies handed down by the king. Thereafter royal princes were confined to the capital. Their power struggles continued, but at court under the king's watchful eye.

In order to ensure his control over the new class of governors, Naresuan decreed that all freemen subject to phrai service had become phrai luang, bound directly to the king, who distributed the use of their services to his officials. This measure gave the king a theoretical monopoly on all manpower, and the idea developed that since the king owned the services of all the people, he also possessed all the land. Ministerial offices and governorships--and the sakdi na that went with them--were usually inherited positions dominated by a few families often connected to the king by marriage. Indeed, marriage was frequently used by Thai kings to cement alliances between themselves and powerful families, a custom prevailing through the nineteenth century. As a result of this policy, the king's wives usually numbered in the dozens.

Even with Naresuan's reforms, the effectiveness of the royal government over the next 150 years should not be overestimated. Royal power outside the crown lands--although in theory absolute- -was in practice limited by the looseness of the civil administration. The influence of central government ministers was not extensive beyond the capital until the late nineteenth century.

Economic Development

The Thai never lacked a rich food supply. Peasants planted rice for their own consumption and to pay taxes. Whatever remained was used to support religious institutions. From the thirteenth to the fifteenth century, however, a remarkable transformation took place in Thai rice cultivation. In the highlands, where rainfall had to be supplemented by a system of irrigation that controlled the water level in flooded paddies, the Thai sowed the glutinous rice that is still the staple in the geographical regions of the North and Northeast. But in the floodplain of the Chao Phraya, farmers turned to a different variety of rice--the so-called floating rice, a slender, nonglutinous grain introduced from Bengal--that would grow fast enough to keep pace with the rise of the water level in the lowland fields.

The new strain grew easily and abundantly, producing a surplus that could be sold cheaply abroad. Ayutthaya, situated at the southern extremity of the floodplain, thus became the hub of economic activity. Under royal patronage, corvee labor dug canals on which rice was brought from the fields to the king's ships for export to China. In the process, the Chao Phraya Delta--mud flats between the sea and firm land hitherto considered unsuitable for habitation--was reclaimed and placed under cultivation.

to be continued ( Part 3 )...........

KatoeyLover69

23-12-2005, 04:19 PM

............ continued ( Part 3 ) ..............

Contacts with the West

In 1511 Ayutthaya received a diplomatic mission from the Portuguese, who earlier that year had conquered Malacca. These were probably the first Europeans to visit the country. Five years after that initial contact, Ayutthaya and Portugal concluded a treaty granting the Portuguese permission to trade in the kingdom. A similar treaty in 1592 gave the Dutch a privileged position in the rice trade.

Foreigners were cordially welcomed at the court of Narai (1657–1688), a ruler with a cosmopolitan outlook who was nonetheless wary of outside influence. Important commercial ties were forged with Japan. Dutch and English trading companies were allowed to establish factories, and Thai diplomatic missions were sent to Paris and The Hague. By maintaining all these ties, the Thai court skillfully played off the Dutch against the English and the French against the Dutch in order to avoid the excessive influence of a single power.

In 1664, however, the Dutch used force to exact a treaty granting them extraterritorial rights as well as freer access to trade. At the urging of his foreign minister, the Greek adventurer Constantine Phaulkon, Narai turned to France for assistance. French engineers constructed fortifications for the Thai and built a new palace at Lopburi for Narai. In addition, French missionaries engaged in education and medicine and brought the first printing press into the country. Louis XIV's personal interest was aroused by reports from missionaries suggesting that Narai might be converted to Christianity.

The French presence encouraged by Phaulkon, however, stirred the resentment and suspicions of the Thai nobles and Buddhist clergy. When word spread that Narai was dying, a general, Phetracha, killed the designated heir, a Christian, and had Phaulkon put to death along with a number of missionaries. The arrival of English warships provoked a massacre of more Europeans. Phetracha (reigned 1688-93) seized the throne, expelled the remaining foreigners, and ushered in a 150-year period during which the Thai consciously isolated themselves from contacts with the West.

During the early 20th Century, Thailand, after learning lessons from Burma–a militarily stronger neighbour that failed to protect itself from western powerhouse Britain in 1885–mostly used flexible and significantly compromising approach towards its counterparts including numerous western nations and Japan.

The Final Phase

After a bloody period of dynastic struggle, Ayutthaya entered into what has been called its golden age, a relatively peaceful episode in the second quarter of the eighteenth century when art, literature, and learning flourished. Ayutthaya continued to compete with Vietnam for control of Cambodia, but a greater threat came from Burma, where the new Alaunghphaya dynasty had subdued the Shan states.

In 1765 Thai territory was invaded by three Burmese armies that converged on Ayutthaya. After a lengthy siege, the city capitulated and was burned in 1767. Ayutthaya's art treasures, the libraries containing its literature, and the archives housing its historic records were almost totally destroyed, and the city was left in ruins.

The country was reduced to chaos. Provinces were proclaimed independent states under military leaders, rogue monks, and cadet members of the royal family. The Thai were saved from Burmese subjugation, however, by an opportune Chinese invasion of Burma and by the leadership of a Thai military commander, Phraya Taksin.

All that remains of the old city are some impressive ruins of the royal palace. King Taksin established a capital at Thonburi, across the Chao Phraya from the present capital, Bangkok. The ruins of the historic city of Ayutthaya and "associated historic towns" in the Ayutthaya historical park have been listed by the UNESCO as World Heritage Sites. The city of Ayutthaya was refounded near the old city, and is now capital of the Ayutthaya province.

List of rulers of the Ayutthaya Dynasty

* Ramathibodi I (formerly Prince Uthong) 1350-1369

* Ramesuan 1369-1370 (abdicated)

* Borommaracha I (Pangua) 1370-1388

* Thong Chan 1388

* Ramesuan 1388-1395 (second rule)

* Ramaratcha 1395-1409

* Inthararatcha 1409-1424

* Borommaratcha II (Samphraya) 1424-1448

* Boromtrailokanat 1448-1488

* Borommaratcha III (Inthararatcha II) 1488-1491

* Ramathibodi II (1491-1529)

* Borommaratcha IV 1529-1533

* Ratsada 1533; child king

* Chairacha 1534-1546

* Yotfa (joint regent 1546-1548); child king & Queen Si Sudachan

* Worawongsa 1548

* Chakkraphat (ruled 1548-1568) & Queen Suriyothai (d.1548)

* Mahin 1568-1569

* Maha Thammaracha (Sanpet I) 1569-1590

* Naresuan the Great (Sanpet II) 1590-1605

* Ekathotsarot (Sanpet III) 1605-1610

* Si Saowaphak (Sanpet IV) 1610-1611

* Songtham (Intharacha) 1611-1628

* Chethha 1628-1629

* Atitthayawong 1629; child but titled Somdet Phra

* Prasat Thong (Sanpet V) 1630-1655

* Chai (Sanpet VI) 1655

* Suthammaracha (Sanpet IV) 1655

* Narai the Great 1656-1688

* Petratcha 1688-1703

* Süa (Sanpet VIII, also known as Luang Sorasak or 'The Tiger King') 1703- 1709

* Phumintharacha (Sanpet IX, Thai Sa) 1709-1733

* Borommakot (Boromaratcha III) 1733-1758

* Uthumpon (Boromaratchathirat IV) 1758

* Suriyamarin or Ekkathat (Boromaratcha V) 1758-1767

KatoeyLover69

23-12-2005, 04:28 PM

From 1768 to 1932 the area of modern Thailand was dominated by Siam, an absolute monarchy with capitals briefly at Thonburi and later at Rattanakosin, both in modern-day Bangkok. The first half of this period was a time of consolidation of the kingdom's power, and was punctuated by periodic conflicts with Burma, Vietnam and the Lao states. The later period was one of engagement with the colonial powers of Britain and France, in which Siam managed to be the only southeast Asian country not to be colonised by a European country. Internally the kingdom developed into a centralised nation state with borders defined by its interaction with the Western powers. Significant economic and social progress was made, with an increase in foreign trade, the abolition of slavery and the expansion of education to the emerging middle class. However, there was no substantial political reform until the monarchy was overthrown in a military coup in 1932.

Thonburi period

In 1767, after dominating southeast Asia for almost 400 years, the Ayutthaya kingdom was brought down by invading Burmese armies, its capital burned, and its territory occupied by the invaders.

Despite its complete defeat and occupation by Burma, Siam made a rapid recovery. The resistance to Burmese rule was led by a noble of Chinese descent, Taksin, a capable military leader. Initially based at Chanthaburi in the south-east, within a year he had defeated the Burmese occupation army and re-established a Siamese state with its capital at Thonburi on the west bank of the Chao Phraya, 20km from the sea. In 1768 he was crowned as King Taksin (now officially known as Taksin the Great). He rapidly re-united the central Thai heartlands under his rule, and in 1769 he also occupied western Cambodia. He then marched south and re-established Siamese rule over the Malay Peninsula as far south as Penang and Terengganu. Having secured his base in Siam, Taksin attacked the Burmese in the north in 1774 and captured Chiang Mai in 1776, permanently uniting Siam and Lanna. Taksin's leading general in this campaign was Thong Duang, known by the title Chaophraya Chakri. In 1778 Chakri led a Siamese army which captured Vientiane and re-established Siamese domination over Laos.

Despite these successes, by 1779 Taksin was in political trouble at home. He seems to have developed a religious mania, alienating the powerful Buddhist monkhood by claiming to be a sotapanna or divine figure. He also attacked the Chinese merchant class, and foreign observers began to speculate that he would soon be overthrown. In 1782 Taksin sent his armies under Chakri to invade Cambodia, but while they were away a rebellion broke out in the area around the capital. The rebels, who had wide popular support, offered the throne to Chakri. Chakri marched back from Cambodia and deposed Taksin, who was secretly executed shortly after. Chakri ruled under the name Ramathibodi (he was posthumously given the name Phutthayotfa Chulalok), but is now generally known as King Rama I, first king of the Chakri dynasty. One of his first decisions was to move the capital across the river to the village of Bang Makok (meaning "place of olive plums"), which soon became the city of Bangkok. The new capital was located on the island of Rattanakosin, protected from attack by the river to the west and by a series of canals to the north, east and south. Siam thus acquired both its current dynasty and its current capital.

Bangkok period

Rama I

Rama I restored most of the social and political system of the Ayutthaya kingdom, promulgating new law codes, reinstating court ceremonies and imposing discipline on the Buddhist monkhood. His government was carried out by six great ministries headed by royal princes. Four of these administered particular territories: the Kalahom the south; the Mahatthai the north and east; the Phrakhlang the area immediately south of the capital; and the Krommueang the area around Bangkok. The other two were the ministry of lands (Krom Na) and the ministry of the royal court (Krom Wang). The army was controlled by the King's deputy and brother, the Uparat. The Burmese, seeing the disorder accompanying the overthrow of Taksin, invaded Siam again in 1785. Rama allowed them to occupy both the north and the south, but the Uparat led the Siamese army into western Siam and defeated the Burmese in a battle near Kanchanaburi. This was the last major Burmese invasion of Siam, although as late as 1802 Burmese forces had to be driven out of Lanna. In 1792 the Siamese occupied Luang Prabang and brought most of Laos under indirect Siamese rule. Cambodia was also effectively ruled by Siam. By the time of his death in 1809 Rama I had created a Siamese Empire dominating an area considerably larger than modern Thailand.

Rama II

The reign of Rama I's son Phuttaloetla Naphalai (now known as King Rama II) was relatively uneventful. The Chakri family now controlled all branches of Siamese government — since Rama I had 42 children, his brother the Uparat had 43 and Rama II had 73, there was no shortage of royal princes to staff the bureacracy, the army, the senior monkhood and the provincial governments. (Most of these were the children of concubines and thus not eligible to inherit the throne.) There was a confrontation with Vietnam, now becoming a major power in the region, over control of Cambodia in 1813, ending with the status quo restored. But during Rama II's reign western influences again began to be felt in Siam. In 1785 the British occupied Penang, and in 1819 they founded Singapore. Soon the British displaced the Dutch and Portuguese as the main western economic and political influence in Siam. The British objected to the Siamese economic system, in which trading monopolies were held by royal princes and businesses were subject to arbitrary taxation. In 1821 the government of British India sent a mission to demand that Siam lift restrictions on free trade — the first sign of an issue which was to dominate 19th century Siamese politics.

to be continued ( Part 2 ) ...........

KatoeyLover69

23-12-2005, 04:43 PM

........... continued ( Part 2 ) ..............

Rama III

Rama II died in 1824, and was peacfully succeeded by his son Chetsadabodin, who reigned as King Nangklao, now known as Rama III. Rama II's younger son, Mongkut, was ordered to become a monk to remove him from politics.

In 1825 the British sent another mission to Bangkok. They had by now annexed southern Burma and were thus Siam's neighbours to the west, and they were also extending their control over Malaya. The King was reluctant to give in to British demands, but his advisors warned him that Siam would meet the same fate as Burma unless the British were accommodated. In 1826, therefore, Siam concluded its first commercial treaty with a western power. Under the treaty, Siam agreed to establish a uniform taxation system, to reduce taxes on foreign trade and to abolish some of the royal monopolies. As a result, Siam's trade increased rapidly, many more foreigners settled in Bangkok, and western cultural influences began to spread. The kingdom became wealthier and its army better armed.

A Lao rebellion led by Anouvong was defeated in 1827, following which Siam destroyed Vientiane, carried out massive forced population transfers from Laos to the more securely held area of Isan, and divided the Lao mueang into smaller units to prevent another uprising. In 1842–1845 Siam waged a successful war with Vietnam, which tightened Siamese rule over Cambodia. Rama III's most visible legacy in Bangkok is the Wat Pho temple complex, which he enlarged and endowed with new temples.

Rama III regarded his brother Mongkut as his heir, although as a monk Mongkut could not openly assume this role. He used his long sojourn as a monk to acquire a western education from French and American missionaries, one of the first Siamese to do so. He learned English and Latin, and studied science and mathematics. The missionaries no doubt hoped to convert him to Christianity, but in fact he was a strict Buddhist and a Siamese nationalist. He intended using this western knowledge to strengthen and modernise Siam when he came to the throne, which he did in 1851. By the 1840s it was obvious that Siamese independence was in danger from the colonial powers: this was shown dramatically by the British Opium Wars with China in 1839–1842. In 1850 the British and Americans sent missions to Bangkok demanding the end of all restrictions on trade, the establishment of a western-style government and immunity for their citizens from Siamese law (extraterritoriality). Rama III's government refused these demands, leaving his successor with a dangerous situation. Rama III reportedly said on his deathbed: "We will have no more wars with Burma and Vietnam. We will have them only with the West."

Mongkut

Mongkut came to the throne as Rama IV in 1851, determined to save Siam from colonial domination by forcing modernisation on his reluctant subjects. But although he was in theory an absolute monarch, his power was limited. Having been a monk for 27 years, he lacked a base among the powerful royal princes, and did not have a modern state apparatus to carry out his wishes. His first attempts at reform, to establish a modern system of administration and to improve the status of debt-slaves and women, were frustrated. Rama IV thus came to welcome western pressure on Siam. This came in 1855 in the form of a mission led by the Governor of Hong Kong, Sir John Bowring, who arrived in Bangkok with demands for immediate changes, backed by the threat of force. The King readily agreed to his demand for a new treaty, which restricted import duties to 3 percent, abolished royal trade monopolies, and granted extraterritoriality to British subjects. Other western powers soon demanded and got similar concessions.

The king soon came to consider that the real threat to Siam came from the French, not the British. The British were interested in commercial advantage, the French in building a colonial empire. They occupied Saigon in 1859, and 1867 established a protectorate over southern Vietnam and eastern Cambodia. Rama IV hoped that the British would defend Siam if he gave them the economic concessions they demanded. In the next reign this would prove to be an illusion, but it is true that the British saw Siam as a useful buffer state between British Burma and French Indochina.

.......... to be continued ( Part 3 ) ..............

KatoeyLover69

23-12-2005, 04:54 PM

................... continued ( Part 3 ) ..............

Chulalongkorn

Rama IV died in 1868, and was succeeded by his 15-year-old son Chulalongkorn, who reigned as Rama V and is now known as Rama the Great. Rama V was the first Siamese king to have a full western education, having been taught by an English governess, Anna Leonowens - whose place in Siamese history has been fictionalised as The King and I. At first Rama V's reign was dominated by the conservative regent, Chaophraya Si Suriyawongse, but when the king came of age in 1873 he soon took control. He created a Privy Council and a Council of State, a formal court system and budget office. He announced that slavery would be gradually abolished and debt-bondage restricted.

At first the princes and other conservatives successfully resisted the king's reform agenda, but as the older generation was replaced by younger and western-educated princes, resistance faded. The king could always argue that the only alternative was foreign rule. He found powerful allies in his brother Prince Chakkraphat, whom he made finance minister, and his brother-in-law Prince Devrawongse, foreign minister for 38 years. In 1887 Devrawonge visited Europe to study government systems. On his recommendation the king established Cabinet government, an audit office and an education department. The semi-autonomous status of Chiang Mai was ended and the army was reorganised and modernised.

In 1893 the French authorities in Indochina used a minor border dispute to provoke a crisis. French gunboats appeared at Bangkok, and demanded the cession of Lao territories east of the Mekong. The King appealed to the British, but the British minister told the King to settle on whatever terms he could get, and he had no choice but to comply. Britain's only gesture was an agreement with France guaranteeing the integrity of the rest of Siam. In exchange, Siam had to give up its claim to the Tai-speaking Shan region of north-eastern Burma to the British.

The French, however, continued to pressure Siam, and in 1906–1907 they manufactured another crisis. This time Siam had to concede French control of territory on the west bank of the Mekong opposite Luang Prabang and around Champasak in southern Laos, as well as western Cambodia. The British interceded to prevent more French bullying of Siam, but their price, in 1909 was the acceptance of British sovereignty over of Kedah, Kelantan, Perlis and Terengganu under Anglo-Siamese Treaty of 1909. All of these "lost territories" were on the fringes of the Siamese sphere of influence and had never been securely under their control, but being compelled to abandon all claim to them was a substantial humiliation to both king and country (historian David Wyatt describes Chulalongkorn as "broken in spirit and health" following the 1893 crisis). In the early 20th century these crises were adopted by the increasingly nationalist government as symbols of the need for the country to assert itself against the West and its neighbours.

Meanwhile, reform continued apace transforming an absolute monarchy based on relationships of power into a modern, centralised nation state. The process was increasingly under the control of Rama V's sons, who were all educated in Europe. Railways and telegraph lines united the previously remote and semi-autonomous provinces. The currency was tied to the gold standard and a modern system of taxation replaced the arbitrary exactions and labour service of the past. The biggest problem was the shortage of trained civil servants, and many foreigners had to be employed until new schools could be built and Siamese graduates produced. By 1910, when the King died, Siam had become at least a semi-modern country, and continued to escape colonial rule.

Rama VI

One of Rama V's reforms was to introduce a western-style law of royal succession, so in 1910 he was peacefully succeeded by his son Vajiravudh, who reigned as Rama VI. He had been educated at Sandhurst military academy and at Oxford, and was a thoroughly anglicised Edwardian gentleman. Indeed one of Siam's problems was the widening gap between the westernised royal family and upper aristocracy and the rest of the country. It took another 20 years for western education to extend to the rest of the bureaucracy and the army: a potential source of conflict.

There had been no political reform under Rama V: the king was still an absolute monarch, who acted as his own prime minister and staffed all the agencies of the state with his own relatives. Rama VI, with his British education, knew that the rest of the nation could not be excluded from government for ever, but he was no democrat. His solution was build a mass royalist political and paramilitary movement called Seua Pa ("Wild Tigers") to create a sense of participation without weakening the royal grip on power. He applied his observation of the success of the British monarchy, appearing more in public and instituting more royal ceremonies. But he also carried on his father's modernisation program. Polygamy was abolished, primary education made compulsory, and in 1916 higher education came to Siam with the founding of Chulalongkorn University, which in time became the seedbed of a new Siamese intelligentsia.

In 1917 Siam declared war on Germany, mainly to gain favour with the British and the French. Siam's +++en participation in World War I gained it a seat at the Versailles Peace Conference, and Foreign Minister Devrawongse used this opportunity to argue for the repeal of the 19th century treaties and the restoration of full Siamese sovereignty. The United States obliged in 1920, while France and Britain delayed until 1925. This victory gained the king some popularity, but it was soon undercut by discontent over other issues, such as his extravagance, which became more noticeable when a sharp postwar recession hit Siam in 1919. There was also the fact that the king had no son; he obviously preferred the company of men to women (a matter which of itself did not much concern Siamese opinion, but which did undermine the stability of the monarchy).

Thus when Rama VI died suddenly in 1925, aged only 44, the monarchy was already in a weakened state. He was succeeded by his younger brother Prajadhipok (Rama VII), who inherited a country which had outgrown the system of personal rule but had no experience of any other system. The state's finances were in chaos, the budget out of control, the army restive and the newest player in Siamese politics, the Bangkok press, increasingly outspoken in its criticism. The new king, who had not expected to inherit the throne, had been trained as an army officer and had little aptitude for government.

The king's attempts at reform were ineffective. He established a Supreme Council of State, but then stacked it with his relatives, thus negating any good impression it might have created. Pressure for political reform mounted from the new class of university educated civil servants, who filled the Bangkok press with their opinions. One of these was a young lawyer called Pridi Phanomyong, soon to become one of the leaders of the reformist movement. There was also pressure from the influential Chinese business community, who wanted financial stability. The return of prosperity in the mid 1920s eased these pressure somewhat, but the onset of the Great Depression in 1930 brought a renewed air of crisis. Keen to maintain its respectability with foreign creditors, Siam maintained the gold standard, thus pricing itself out of its export markets.

In 1932, with the country deep in depression, the king made a speech in which he said: "I myself know nothing at all about finances, and all I can do is listen to the opinions of others and choose the best... If I have made a mistake, I really deserve to be excused by the people of Siam." This was not well received. Serious political disturbances were threatened in the capital, and in April the king agreed to introduce a constitution under which he would share power with a prime minister. This was not enough for the radical elements in the army, however. On June 24, 1932, while the king was holidaying at the seaside, the Bangkok garrison mutinued and seized power, led by a group of 49 officers known as "the Promoters." Thus ended 150 years of Siamese absolute monarchy.

KatoeyLover69

23-12-2005, 05:06 PM

The history of Thailand from 1932 to 1973 was dominated by the military dictatorship which was in power for much of the period. The main personalities of the period were the dictator Phibun, who allied the country with Japan during the Second World War, and the civilian politician Pridi, who founded Thammasat University and was briefly prime minister after the war. A succession of military dictators followed Pridi's ousting — Phibun again, Sarit and Thanom — under whom traditional, authoritarian rule combined with increasing modernisation and westernisation under the influence of the U.S. The end of the period was marked by Thanom's resignation, forced after a massacre of pro-democracy protesters who were led by Thammasat students.

Military rule

The military came to power in 1932, and retained it (with intermittent periods of civilian rule) until the failed coup of 1992. The army's dominance can be attributed in part to its role as an avenue for advancement for ambitious young Siamese when the Chinese dominated the business world and the educated middle-class was still small.

The new regime of 1932 was led by a group of colonels headed by Phraya Phahonphonphayuhasena and Phraya Songsuradet. In December they produced a constitution, Siam's first, with a National Assembly half appointed and half indirectly elected. Full democratic elections were promised when half the population had completed primary education - expected to be sometime in the 1940s. A prime minister and Cabinet were appointed and a facade of constitutional rule maintained.

Once the new government had been established and the constitution put into effect, conflict began to erupt among the members of the new ruling coalition. There were basically four major factions competing for power. 1: The older conservative civilians led by Phraya Mano; 2: A senior military faction led by Phraya Phahon; 3: The junior army and navy faction led by Luang Plaek Phibunsongkhram; 4: The young civilian faction led by Pridi Phanomyong.

The first serious conflict arose in 1933 when Pridi was given the task of drafting a new economic plan for the nation. It was a radical plan which called for the nationalisation of large amounts of farmland as well as a policy of rapid industrialisation which would be directed by the government. His plan also called for the expansion of higher education so that entry into the bureaucracy would not be completely dominated by royalty and the aristocracy. Pridi's plan was instantly condemned by all the factions in the government as being communist.

Because of its attack on private property, the conservative clique were the ones that were most alarmed by Pridi's economic plan. They urged the Mano government to adopt policies that would reverse the course of the "revolution". When Phraya Mano attempted to do this, Phibun and Phraya Phahon launched a second coup that toppled the Mano government. Phraya Pahon became prime minister, and the new government that was formed excluded all of the royalists.

A royalist reaction came in late 1933 when Prince Bovoradej, a grandson of Chulalongkorn and one time Minister of Defence, led an armed revolt against the government. He mobilised various provincial garrisons and marched on Bangkok, capturing the Don Muang aerodome in the process. The Prince accused the government of disrespecting the King and of promoting communism, and demanded that the government leaders resign. He had hoped that some of the garrisons in the Bangkok area would join the revolt, but they remained loyal to the government. In the meanwhile, the navy declared itself neutral and left for its bases in the south. After heavy fighting in the northern outskirts of Bangkok, the royalists were finally defeated and Prince Bovoradej left for exile in Indochina.

A few months later in 1934, King Prajadhipok, whose relations with the new government had been deteriorating for some time, went abroad to receive medical treatment. While abroad, he still tried to retain some influence on the government's policies, but finally gave up when it became clear that the government would not relinquish its increasingly dogmatic nature. In March 1935, while still in Europe, he announced his abdication. The government then chose Prince Ananda Mahidol, who was then in school in Switzerland, to be the next king. For the first time in history, Siam was without a resident reigning monarch and was to remain so for the next fifteen years.

The new regime carried out some important reforms. The currency went off the gold standard, allowing trade to recover. Serious efforts were made to expand primary and secondary education. Elected local and provincial governments were introduced, and in 1937 democratic development was brought forward when direct elections were held for the National Assembly, although political parties were still not allowed. Thammasat University was founded, at Pridi's initiative, as a more accessible alternative to the elitist Chulalongkorn, and became a hotbed of radicalism. Military expenditure was also greatly expanded to 30% of the national budget.

The military, now led by Field Marshal Phibun as Defence Minister, and the civilian liberals led by Pridi as Foreign Minister, worked together harmoniously for several years, but when Phibun became prime minister in December 1938 this co-operation broke down, and military domination became more overt. Phibun was an admirer of Benito Mussolini, and his regime soon developed some fascist characteristics. In early 1939 forty political opponents, both monarchists and democrats, were arrested, and after rigged trials eighteen were executed, the first political executions in Siam in over a century. Phibun launched a demagogic campaign against the Chinese business class. Chinese schools and newspapers were closed, and taxes on Chinese businesses increased.

Phibun and Luang Wichit, the government's ideological spokesman, copied the propaganda techniques used by Hitler and Mussolini to build up the cult of the leader. Aware of the power of mass media, they used the government's monopoly on radio broadcasting to shape popular support for the regime. Popular government slogans were constantly aired on the radio and plastered on newspapers and billboards. Phibun's picture was also to be seen everywhere in society, while portraits of the ex-monarch King Prajadhipok were banned. At the same time he passed a number of authoritarian laws which gave the government the power of almost unlimited arrest and complete press censorship.

Also in 1939, Phibun changed the country's name from Siam to Prathet Thai, or Thailand, meaning "land of the free." This was a nationalist gesture: it implied the unity of all the Tai-speaking peoples, including the Lao and the Shan, but excluding the Chinese. The regime's slogan became "Thailand for the Thai."

to be continued ( Part 2 ) ...........

Soul_Reaper

23-12-2005, 05:09 PM

Uncle TV has CIA, FBI, KGV, M5 and Mossad connections

U meant KGB, MI5...rite?:p

KatoeyLover69

23-12-2005, 05:12 PM

............ continued ( Part 2 ) .............

Military rule

Modernisation was also an important theme in Phibun's new Thai nationalism. From 1938 to 1942 he issued a set of 12 Cultural Mandates. In addition to requiring that all Thais salute the flag, know the National Anthem, and speak the national language, the mandates also encouraged Thais to work hard, stay informed on current events, and to dress in a western fashion. At the same time, Phibun worked rigorously to rid society of its royalist influences - traditional royal holidays were replaced with new national events, royal and aristocratic titles were abandoned (ironically, he retained his aristocratic surname). Even the Sangha was affected when the status of the royally sponsored Thammayuth sect was downgraded.

In 1940 France was occupied by Germany, and Phibun immediately set out to avenge Siam's humiliations by France in 1893 and 1904. Luang Wichint wrote a number of popular dramas that glorified the idea of many ethnic groups belonging to one greater "Thai"empire and condemned the evils of European colonial rule. Irredentist and anti-French demonstrations were incessantly held around Bangkok, and in late 1940 border skirmishes erupted along the Mekhong frontier. In 1941, the skirmishes became a small scale war between Vichy France and Thailand. The Thai forces dominated the war on the ground and in the air, but suffered a crushing naval defeat at the battle of Koh Chang. The Japanese then stepped in to mediate the conflict. The final settlement thus gave back to Thailand a number of the disputed areas in Laos and Cambodia.

This caused a rapid deterioration of relations with the United States and Britain. In April 1941 the U.S. cut off oil supplies to Thailand. Thailand's campaign for territorial expansion came to an end on December 8th 1941 when Japan invaded the country along its southern coastline. The Phibun regime allowed for the Japanese to pass through the country in its advance into Burma and Malaya. Convinced by the Allied defeats of early 1942 that Japan was winning the war, Phibun decide to form an actual alliance with the Japanese.

As a reward, Japan allowed Thailand to invade and annex the Shan States in northern Burma, and to resume sovereignty over the sultanates of northern Malaya. In January 1942 Thailand actually declared war on Britain and the U.S., but the Thai Ambassador in Washington, Seni Pramoj refused to deliver it to the State Department. Instead, Seni denounced the regime as illegal and formed a Seri Thai Movement in Washington. Pridi, by now serving in the role of an apparently powerless regent, led the resistance movement inside Thailand, while Queen Ramphaiphannee was the nominal head of the movement in Great Britain.

Secret training camps were set up, the majority of set up by the populist politician Tiang Sirikhanth in the northeast of the country. (there were a dozen camps alone in Sakhon Nakhon Province). Secret airfields also appeared in the northeast, where RAF and USAAF planes brought in supplies, as well as SOE, OSS, and Seri Thai agents; while at the same time evacuating out POWs. By early 1945, Thai air force officers were performing liaision duties with South East Asia Command in Kandy and Calcutta.

By 1944 it was evident that the Japanese were going to lose the war, and their behaviour in Thailand had become increasingly arrogant. Bangkok also suffered heavily from the Allied bombing raids. This, plus the economic hardship caused by the loss of Thailand's rice export markets, made both the war and Phibun's regime very unpopular, and in July Phibun was ousted by the Seri Thai-infiltrated government. The National Assembly reconvened and appointed the liberal lawyer Khuang Aphaiwong as Prime Minister. The new government hastily evacuated the British territories that Phibun had occupied and aided the Seri Thai movement while at the same time maintained friendly relations with the Japanese.

The British (the officials in Whitehall and not the officers at SEAC)were in favour of treating Thailand as a defeated enemy, but the Americans had no great sympathy for British and French colonialism and decided to support the new government. Thailand thus received little punishment for its wartime role.

to be continued ( Part 3 ) .............

KatoeyLover69

23-12-2005, 05:20 PM

............. continued ( Part 3 ) .............

Postwar Thailand

Seni Pramoj became Prime Minister in 1945, and promptly restored the name Siam as a symbol of the end of Phibun's nationalist regime. Pridi as regent was the real power in the new government, which held democratic elections in January 1946. These were the first elections in which political parties were legal, and Pridi's People's Party and its allies won a majority. In March 1946 Pridi became Siam's first democratically elected Prime Minister. In 1947 he agreed to hand back the French territory occupied in 1940 as the price for admission to the United Nations, the dropping of all wartime claims against Siam and a substantial package of American aid.

In December 1945 the young king Rama VIII had returned to Siam from Europe, but in July 1946 he was found mysteriously shot dead in the palace. Three palace servants were tried and executed for his murder, but Thai society has preferred not to dwell on the event rather than to investigate its causes. The king was succeeded by his younger brother Phumibol Adulyadej (Rama IX), who was a schoolboy in Europe. In August Pridi was forced to resign amid suspicion that he had been involved in the killing. Without his leadership, the civilian government floundered, and in November 1947 the army, its confidence restored after the debacle of 1945, seized power. In April 1948 the army brought Phibun back from exile and made him Prime Minister. Pridi in turn was driven into exile, eventually settling in Beijing as a guest of the People's Republic of China.

Phibun's return to power coincided with the onset of the Cold War and the establishment of a Communist regime in North Vietnam. He soon won the support of the U.S., beginning a long tradition of U.S.-backed military regimes in Thailand (as the country was again renamed in July 1949, this time permanently). Once again political opponents were arrested and tried, and some were executed. There were attempted counter-coups by Pridi supporters in 1948, 1949 and 1951, the second leading to heavy fighting between the army and navy before Phibun emerged victorious. In the navy's 1951 attempt, popularly known as the Manhattan Coup, Phibun was nearly killed when the ship he was held hostage aboard was bombed by the pro-government air force.

In 1949 a new constitution was promulgated, creating a Senate appointed by the king (in practice, by the government). But in 1951 the regime abolished its own constitution and reverted to the 1932 arrangements, effectively abolishing the National Assembly as an elected body. This provoked strong opposition from the universities and the press, and led to a further round of trials and repression. The regime was greatly helped, however, by a postwar boom which gathered pace through the 1950s, fuelled by rice exports and U.S. aid. Thailand's economy began to diversity, while the population and urbanisation increased.

By 1955 Phibun was losing his leading position in the army to younger rivals led by Field Marshal Sarit Thanarat and General Thanom Kittikachorn. To shore up his position he restored the 1949 constitution and called elections, which his supporters won. But the army was not prepared to give up power, and in September 1957 it demanded Phibun's resignation. When Phibun tried to have Sarit arrested, the army staged a bloodless coup on September 17, 1957, ending Phibun's career for good. Thanom became Prime Minister until 1958, then yielded his place to Sarit, the real head of the regime. Sarit held power until his death in 1963, when Thanom again took the lead.

Sarit and Thanom were the first Thai leaders to have been educated entirely in Thailand, and were less influenced by European political ideas, whether fascist or democratic, than the generation of Pridi and Phibun had been. Rather, they were Thai traditionalists, who sought to restore the prestige of the monarchy and to maintain a society based on order, hierarchy and religion. They saw rule by the army as the best means of ensuring this, and also of defeating Communism, which they now associated with Thailand's traditional enemies the Vietnamese. The young King Bhumibol, who returned to Thailand in 1951, co-operated with this project. The Thai monarchy's present elevated status thus has its origins in this era.

The regimes of Sarit and Thanom were strongly supported by the U.S. Thailand had formally become a U.S. ally in 1954 with the formation of the Southeast Asia Treaty Organization (SEATO). While the war in Indochina was being fought between the Vietnamese and the French, Thailand (disliking both equally) stayed aloof, but once it became a war between the U.S. and the Vietnamese Communists, Thailand committed itself strongly to the U.S. side, concluding a secret agreement with the U.S. in 1961, sending troops to Vietnam and Laos and allowing the U.S. to open airbases in the east of the country to conduct its bombing war against North Vietnam. The Vietnamese retaliated by supporting the Communist Party of Thailand's insurgency in the north and northeast.

The Vietnam War hastened the modernisation and westernisation of Thai society. The American presence and the exposure to western culture that came with it had an effect on almost every aspects of Thai life. Before the late 1960s, full access to Western culture was limited to a highly educated elite in society, but the Vietnam War brought the outside world face to face with large segments of the Thai society as never before. With US dollars pumping up the economy, the service, transportation, and construction industries grew phenomenally. The traditional rural family unit was broken down as more and more rural Thais moved to the city to find new job. This led to a clash of cultures as Thais were exposed to Western ideas about fashion, music, values, and moral standards.

The population began to grow explosively as the standard of living rose, and a flood of people began to move from the villages to the cities, and above all to Bangkok. Thailand had 30 million people in 1965, while by the end of the 20th century the population had doubled. Bangkok's population had grown tenfold since 1945 and had trebled since 1970.

Educational opportunities and exposure to mass media increased during the Vietnam War years. As bright university students learned more about ideas related to Thailand's economic and political systems resulting in a revival of student activism. The Vietnam War period also saw the growth of the Thai middle class which gradually developed its own identity and consciousness.

Economic development certainly did not bring prosperity to all. During the 1960s many of the rural poor felt increasingly dissatisfied with their condition in society and disillusioned by their treatment by the central government in Bangkok. Efforts by the Thai government to develop poor rural regions often did not have the desired effect in that they contributed to the farmers' awareness of how bad off they really were. It is interesting to note that it was not always the poorest of the poor who joined the anti-government insurgency. Increased government presence in the rural villages did little to improve the situation. Villagers became subject to increased military and police harassment and bureaucratic corruption. Villagers often felt betrayed when government promises of development were frequently not fulfilled. By the early 1970s rural discontent had manifested itself into a peasant's activist movement.

to be continued ( Part 4 ).............

KatoeyLover69

23-12-2005, 05:28 PM

.............. continued ( Part 4 ) ...............

Post-war Thailand

The peasant's movement got started in the regions just north of the central plains and the Chiang Mai area (not the areas where the insurgency was most active) When these regions had been organised into the centralised Siamese state in King Chulalongkorn's reign, the old local nobility had been allowed to grab large tracts of land. The end result was that by the 1960s close to 30% of the households were landless. In the early 1970s university students helped to bring some of the local protests out on to the national stage. The protests focused on land loss, high rents, the heavy handed role of the police, corruption among the bureaucracy and the local elite, poor infrastructure, and overwhelming poverty. The government agreed to establish a committee to hear peasant grief. Within a short time the committee was flooded with more than 50,000 petitions, way more that it could possibly handle. Officials called many of the peasants' demands unrealistic and too far-reaching.

The political environment of Thailand changed little during the middle '60s. Thanom and his chief deputy Praphas maintained a tight grip on power. The alliance between these two was further cemented by the marriage of Praphas's daughter to Thanom's son Ranong. By the late 1960s, however, more elements in Thai society had become openly critical of the military government which was seen as being increasingly incapable of dealing with the country's problems. It was not only the student activists, but also the business community that had begun to question the leadership of the government as well as its relationship with the United States. Thanom came under increasing pressure to loosen his grip on power when the King commented that it was time for parliament to be restored and a new constitution put into effect. After Sarit had suspended the constitution in 1958, a committee was established to write a new one, but almost ten years later, it had still not been completed. Finally in 1968 the government issued a new constitution and scheduled elections for the following year. The government party founded by the military junta won the election and Thanom remained prime minister.

Surprisingly, the Assembly was not totally tame. A number of MPs (mostly professionals such as doctors, lawyers, and journalists) began to openly challenge some of the government's policies, producing evidence of widespread government corruption on a number of large projects. As a new budget was being debated in 1971, it actually appeared that the military's demand for more funds might be voted down. Rather than suffer such a loss of face, Thanom carried out a putsch against his own government, suspended the constitution and dissolved the Parliament. Once again Thailand had been returned to absolute military rule.

This strongman approach which had worked for Phibun in 1938 and 1947, and for Sarit in 1957-58 would prove to be unsuccessful. By the early 1970s Thai society as a whole had developed a level of political awareness where it would no longer accept such unjustified authoritarian rule. The King, using various holidays to give speeches on public issues, became openly critical of the Thanom-Praphas regime. He expressed doubt on the use of extreme violence in the efforts to combat insurgency. He mentioned the widespread existence of corruption in the government and expressed the view that coups should become a thing of the past in the Thai political system. Furthermore, the junta began to face increasing opposition from within the military itself. Being preoccupied with their political roles, Thanom and Praphas had become more removed from direct control of the army. Many officers felt outraged by the rapid promotion of Narong and the fact that he seemed destined to be Thanom's successor. To these officers, it appeared that a political dynasty was being created.

In the end it was the students that played the decisive role in the fall of the junta. Student demonstrations had started in 1968 and grew in size and numbers in the early 1970s despite the continued ban on political meetings. In June 1973, nine Ramkhamhaeng University students were expelled for publishing an article in a student newspaper that was critical of the government. Shortly after, thousands of students held a protest at the Democracy Student demanding the reenrollment of the nine students. The government ordered the universities shut, but shortly after backed down and allowed the students to be reenrolled.

In October the situation became more serious when another 13 students were arrested on charges of conspiracy to overthrow the government. This time the student protests were joined by workers, businessmen and other ordinary citizens. The demonstrations swelled to several hundred thousand and the issue broadened from the release of the arrested students to demands for a new constitution and the replacement of the current government.

On October 13, the government yielded to the public's demand and the detainees were released. Leaders of the demonstrations, among them Saeksan Prasertkul, called off the march in accordance with the wishes of the King.

As the crowds were breaking up the next day, the historic October 14th, many students found themselves unable to leave because the police had attempted to control the flow of the crowd by blocking the southern route to Rajavithi Road. Cornered and overwhelmed by the hostile crowd, the police soon responded with violence by lauching barrages of teargas and gunfire. Within minutes, a full scale riot had erupted.

The military was called in, and Bangkok witnessed the horrifying spectacle of tanks rolling down Rajdamnoen Avenue and helicopters firing down at Thammasat University. A number of students commandeered buses and fire engines in an attempt to halt the progress of the tanks by ramming into them, with disastrous results.

With chaos reigning on the streets, King Bhumibol, ignoring the safety concerns of his immediate security staff, ordered the gates of Chitralada Palace opened to the students who were being gunned down by the army.

Despite orders from Thanom that the military action be intensified, army commander Kris Sivara had the army withdrawn from the streets.

Then, for the first time in modern history, Thailand's constitutional monarch openly involved himself in the transition of politcal power. He condemned the government's inability to handle the demonstrations and ordered Thanom, Praphas, and Narong to leave the country.

At 06:10PM, Field Marshal Thanom Kittikachorn resigned from his post as Prime Minister.

An hour later, the King appeared on national television, broadcasting the following speech:

"Today is a day of great sorrow that will be. . . recorded with the utmost grief in the history of our Thai nation. For the past six or seven days, there have been various demands and negotiations that have culminated in an agreement between the students and the government. But then bottle bombs were thrown and tear-gas was fired, causing some clashes in which many people were injured. Violence then escalated all over the city until it became a riot that has not ended until now, with over a hundred of our Thai compatriots having lost their lives.

I beseech all sides and all people to eliminate the causes of violence by decidedly suspending any action leading in that direction, in order that our country can return to a state of normalcy as soon as possible.

Furthermore, in order to remedy the present disaster, Field Marshal Thanom Kittikachorn resigned from the post of prime minister earlier tonight. I have consequently appointed Nai Sanya Dharmasakti as prime minister. . . ."''

The junta had fallen, at the cost of 1,577 lives.

KatoeyLover69

23-12-2005, 11:22 PM

Thailand Population

About sixty million of Thai population embraces four major ethnic groups. Almost 80% are Thais; others are ethnic Chinese 8-12%, Malay 4-6%, and minority group 3-5%. The origin of Thai people has been a problematic subject among the academics as there are several theories given about Thai origin. Most widely accepted theory is that Tai people migrated south from the southern China due to the Mongol invasion in the 12th century in to the mainland Southeast Asia. However, recent studies based on archeological finds in Ban Chiang, Thailand argue that at least about 4,000 years ago, there already had been Thais living in this region and that they had developed their own culture. Until today, conclusion about the Thai origin is still unreachable.

It is quite difficult to find the typical physiognomy or physique as various ethnic groups like the Mons, Burmese, or Khmers have assimilated to a degree that they are all similar in appearance. What distinguishes Thai people into group is a dialect. Different dialect is in accordance with the regional division as well. There are four regional divisions with their different dialects: Central Thais, Northern Thais, Northeastern Thais, and Southern Thais.

People of Thailand

Central Thais are the majority of total population, speaking Central Thai language. This is the political, social, and culturally dominant group, concentrating in the Chao Praya River Basin. Political power, economy, culture, education, and development are all centered in the central region. Central Thai dialect is designated to be an official language and taught in all public schools.

Northeastern Thais are the second-large ethnic group in Thailand. They are called Thai-Lao who have close relation to Lao people in the former Lan Xang Kingdom (Land of Million Elephants), encompassing the area of Laos and most of Korat Plateau (Northeastern region). They migrated across the Mekong River and still retain their language and tradition under the rule of semi-autonomous Lao princes until the early 20th century before completely incorporated with Thai government. The region considered to be relatively laid-back for its remoteness from the central government. However, development programs have been launched to improve living-condition of poor residents in the region. Nowadays, most northeastern Thais accept the benefits of Thai citizenship while remaining their distinct language and tradition of Laotian ethnicity.

Northern Thais are another ethnic group whose culture and language are distinct from the central ones. They called themselves "Khon Muang", People of the region. It is the northern Thais who founded the first major Thai kingdom, Lanna Kingdom in the early 13th century before the rise of Sukhothai. Northern Thais are proud of their language which is closely related to one of the Shan in Burma. There are also other northern dialects spoken by other ethnic groups such as the Mons near Lamphun as well as the tribal languages of the Karen, Hmong, Akha, Lahu, and Lisu. As other regions, central Thai dialect is taught in all public schools, radio, and television even if most of northern Thais still speak their own dialect in daily life.

Southern Thais are characterized by their physiognomy distinctly different from that of northern peoples- darker, with larger eyes and rounder faces which represent the Thai-Malay mixed characteristics. Southern culture was built up from different Asian civilizations. Among the major ones were the Indians, Buddhist Mons, Malay-Indonesians and Srivijayans, and Khmers. All have influence typical southern culture represented as food, architecture, performing arts and ceremonies. Southern Thais speak more abbreviated language with shorten word and quick rhythm. Even the residents of Bangkok have difficulty understanding their patter.
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History and People

The earliest people to appear in Thailand were most likely the Mons, who came into Southeast Asia from Central China two millennia ago. The Mons settled along various rivers in Burma and Thailand, building cities and rapidly developing a civilized culture. Within a few centuries they were confronted by other groups coming out of the north. As the region filled with people and villages, local kingdoms emerged and vied for supremacy over each other, giving rise to Thailand's earliest empires. The first of these were the Davaravati of Central Thailand and the Srivijaya, whose empire extended from Sumatra up the Malay peninsula to southern Thailand. Both kingdoms practiced Buddhism, which had spread from India during the time of the Mons. Eventually, the Davaravati fell to the westward expansion of the Khmers from Cambodia.

The next Thai kingdom to arise was Siam, which had its origins in the military expansion of the Mongols under Kublai Khan. As the Mongols pressed south through China, the peoples of the northwestern mountains and the Shan Plateau fled south and east. In 1220, the Thai lords founded their first capital at Sukhothai, in the Nan River valley. Soon afterward, two other Thai kingdoms were established: Lanna Thai (million Thai rice fields) at Chiang Mai in the north, and Ayuthaya, upriver from present day Bangkok. In the mid-14th century, Ayuthaya had entered its golden age, dominating the other kingdoms and driving the Khmers out of the region entirely.

For the next few centuries the Thai kingdoms faced a stronger threat, not from the east or north, but from their neighbors to the west---the Burmese. In 1556 the Burmese captured Chiang Mai, and then Ayuthaya in 1569. The Thais rallied and recaptured both cities in the following decades, but the antagonism between the two peoples continued. The Burmese attacked Ayuthaya once more in 1767, this time practically erasing the city after a particularly bloody and protracted battle. Although the Thais managed to expel the Burmese shortly after, a new capital had to be constructed around what is now Bangkok. This chapter in Thai history marks the establishment of the Chakri Dynasty under Rama I, whose descendants have reigned in unbroken succession until the present day.

Unlike most of the other countries of Southeast Asia, Thailand (or Siam, as it was known at the time) never felt the yoke of direct European colonialism. As early as the 17th century, the Thai kings were set upon maintaining independence, having executed a French emissary to underscore their determination. As the French, British, and Dutch carved up the entire region over the next hundred years, the Kings of Siam shrewdly played the competing Europeans against each other, ensuring that no one power would gain a dominant presence. The strategy paid off handsomely, as Siam remained autonomous while reaping most of whatever benefits the colonial system had to offer.

After a peaceful coup in 1932, Siam's powerful monarchy became constitutional, and in 1939 the country officially adopted the name Thailand. Over the next several decades, Thailand was governed primarily by military dictatorships, which drew much of their support from collaboration with more powerful nations. They supported the Japanese occupation army in WW2 and later provided bases and men for the United States' efforts in Vietnam. Since that time, Thailand has weathered several coups, a number of border clashes with neighbouring communist regimes, and violent student demonstrations, finally emerging in the last decade as a remarkably stable and economically successful nation.

Today Thailand has a population of 54 million people, the vast majority of whom are of Thai ethnicity. Significant minorities of Chinese, Malay, Khmer, Mons, and various hill tribes also reside in Thailand, in addition to tens of thousands of refugees in border camps from the more troubled countries of South-East Asia.

Buddhism is the dominant religion in Thailand, although a variety of tribal religions continue to be practiced. Thailand's people regard their royal family with a respect bordering on awe. The main language in Thailand is Thai, although Lao, Chinese, Malay and English are also spoken by significant numbers of people.

KatoeyLover69

23-12-2005, 11:50 PM

The banana plantation turned sex zone
By Michael Backman
September 21, 2005

ASIA is full of ironies. One of the greatest is that prostitution is actually illegal in Thailand: this in a country with the world's most infamous commercial sex sector.

At one time or another, most Asia hands will have visited Patpong, the famous nightclub and commercial sex district in the heart of Bangkok. Its clubs are famous for shows that feature young women and the inevitable ping pong balls.

But who owns Patpong? The fact that so much so flagrantly illegal occurs there right under the noses of the Thai police and the Thai Government has long generated rumours of senior military, political or even royal connections.

But the ownership structure can be revealed. The area was once a banana plantation. It was used as a Japanese military headquarters in World War II. And then in 1946, it was sold to an immigrant from China's Hainan Island, who had been awarded the Thai name of Patpongpanich (sometimes written as Patpongpanit) by the king.

Patpongpanich is said to have paid 60,000 baht (then about $US2400) for the land. He bought it with the intention of building a house for his brothers and sisters and cut a road through the property to connect Silom and Suriwong Roads. This road is what is known as Patpong 1 Road today. And the street is privately owned along with the properties that line it.

Udom Patponsiri, Patpongpanich's eldest son, inherited the land and built shophouses along the road that his father built. Udom then found tenants for the buildings and the area evolved into the world's most famous red light district.

Udom, who was born in 1916, had a remarkable life. He studied at the London School of Economics from 1936 to 1938 after his early education in Thailand. He returned to Thailand in 1940 but was then sent to finish his formal education at the University of Minnesota in the United States where he earned a business degree.

Thailand's Government supported Japan in World War II and so, like many Thai students then in the US, Udom joined the pro-Allied Free Thai Movement. He received training from the US Army and from what was to become the CIA at Fort Benning, Georgia. He was to return to Thailand in 1945 to work as an undercover agent but the war ended.

In the '50s, Udom developed his family's real estate interests, of which Patpong was the largest. Patpong was quickly transformed into a nightclub zone. The massive build-up of US armed forces in Vietnam and Thailand in the '60s saw the demand for evening entertainment grow rapidly in Bangkok. By 1968, a variety of nightclubs had opened along Patpong. In the early '70s, these overflowed into Patpong 2, a smaller street that runs parallel to Patpong 1. It, too, is a private street owned by the Patpongpanich family.

The bars transformed into the "go-go" bars as they're known today and massage parlours also opened. Several clubs opened upstairs bars in the early '80s featuring more explicit shows and greater nudity than the go-go bars downstairs. The show bars became popular and gained worldwide notoriety. Patpong's further development came in the late '80s, when the Patpongpanichs decided to close Patpong 1 Road off each night and to rent out small lots on the street to stallholders. And so now, Patpong 1 Road is home to a massive outdoor nightmarket each evening with stalls selling clothing, souvenirs and pirated DVDs and CDs.

Today Patpong is one of Bangkok's most valuable pieces of real estate but it remains underdeveloped. Tall office towers stand nearby, but Patpong is lined with the shophouses that Udom built in the '50s.

One of the Patpongpanich family's biggest lessees is the King's Group, owned and managed by another Thai-Chinese businessman and his son. It runs six of the biggest go-go bars in Patpong, a restaurant and the King's Body House massage parlour around the corner on Soi Surawongse Plaza. Almost all the business owners and operators in the Patpong area are ethnic Chinese.

Soi 4, Silom Road, also known as Soi Katoey and sometimes as Patpong 3, runs parallel to Patpong 2. Like Patpong 1 and 2, it is a privately owned road. The family that owns it lives at the end of the Soi and is not related to the Patpongpanich family. Their road, too, has become home to nightclubs and cafes.

Udom died in 1996. On his death, the privately owned company Patpong Co Ltd that holds the family's Patpong interests had seven shareholders, including his daughter Varita Vajrabhaya who now heads up the family's business interests, his two remaining sisters and a nephew.

The Land Department valued the Patpong site at around $US100 million at the time of Udom's death.

Today, the family is believed to collect $US3 million ($A3.9 million) a year in rent from its Patpong holdings. It does not own any of the businesses in the area but simply lets premises, many of which are sub-leased again.

So this is who is behind Patpong: the Patpongpanich family owns the land and many of the buildings. Others operate separate businesses from those buildings. And the Thai police collect large sums from many of those businesses to provide advance notice of imminent raids.

And while it's true that Patpong could not exist without the patronage of foreigners, that is not true of Thailand's large sex industry more generally. The biggest users of the sector across Thailand are Thais.

[email protected]

KatoeyLover69

24-12-2005, 12:05 AM

Here's the map of Patpong showing all the A Go Go bars and massage parlours :-

http://www.nanadisco.com/Maps/patpong.html

KatoeyLover69

24-12-2005, 12:14 AM

Patpong – The Story of Bangkok’s Most Famous Street

For more than 30 years one of Bangkok’s most valuable pieces of real estate remained virtually underdeveloped. Patpong or “the street” as its known to its regulars has retained its three story shop house look from the 1950’s. It has to be Bangkok’s least attractive streets. It was founded by Poon Pat and took its name from his son Udom Patpong who was largely responsible for its development.

The two developments that made a simple street no different to any other into a lucrative business were firstly cutting a road through the property and the second to seek foreigners as tenants for his buildings.

Poon Pat decided to cut a six metre access road from Surawong into the property ending at Silom Klong (now the road). The old man gave his son the order to get the work done and took the rest of the family for a vacation in Hua Hin.

Udom doubled the size of the road which initially angered his father because of his disobedience. But that was soon forgiven as Udom made his decision because he saw a business opportunity and had arranged with an acquaintance the necessary financing to build a two storey row of shop houses at the Surawong end of the Patpong street. Then he headed to the New Road, a major business district at that time, and offered their tenants a novel deal on renting their office space at that time – no key money (or tea money as its often called, a huge upfront deposit paid.

Instead of asking for “key money” Udom offered a western style deal, which of caused appealed more to his foreign customers of just charging a higher monthly rent. The first to take it up was a young American pilot, a veteran of the former Flying Tigers who was establishing a tiny airline called Pacific Overseas Air Service. The airline has long ceased trading but Udom housed them in the big teak “family house” and Patpong Road hasn’t looked back since.

A Japanese man called Mizutoni opened the first restaurant Mizu that is still a Patpong mainstay. The first bar to open was Roma and the second Amor – Roma spelt backwards. It was Roma that made Patpong and Thai history, young Thai women who didn’t receive a salary and in fact paid to work in the establishment they were ghost people who actually didn’t exist on the company books. They made money officially from drinks commission but many supplemented their income with extra curricular activities with the men they met in the bar. And that was how Patpong was to operate for the next 10 years.

Since 1969 there have been three major developments on Patpong Road. The first the advent of go-go bikini clad women dancing to loud music. The second was the establishment of the night market and the last the disappearance of traditional businesses from the street.

At one time almost every International airline, with the except of Thai, had offices in Patpong along with US News Agencies, shipping lines and US Information Service.

‘It’s a bit like the Champs Elysee” grinned one regular, “sit there long enough and everyone you know will pass by.”

Some may see Patpong as an unsavory image but it survives partly because it grew up in the 60’s and also because it’s still possible to do your own thing in Thailand. It would be a pity if those values were ever to change.

KatoeyLover69

24-12-2005, 08:47 AM

Report from Bangkok Post dated Saturday 24 December 2005 :-

Chuwit unveils B100m public park

By Wassayos Ngamkham

Bangkok residents are today going to get another big, but this time pleasant surprise from maverick Chart Thai party MP Chuwit Kamolvisit. The massage parlour tycoon-turned-politician has always had something up his sleeve to woo the masses. This time round, he has forked out 100 million baht from his own pocket to create a public park covering six rai of land on Sukhumvit Road Soi 10. The land was the scene of the gangland-style demolition of the Sukhumvit Square nightstrip on Jan 26, 2003.

The new ``lung'' of the city will be unveiled with an expanse of lush greenery and a blaze of colourful flowers to provide some fresh air for the public.

The design of the park is under the East-meets-West theme inspired by a combination of American and Balinese landscapes. ``I believe when the park comes into being, it will help motivate Bangkokians to be more health-conscious and get into shape. It also proves that we, members of the civic sector, can act on our own initiative without begging for help from the state,'' said the former Bangkok governor candidate.

Mr Chuwit said the idea to build the park was not fantasy. The plan was floated to the public in August 2004 by Mr Chuwit while he was running for Bangkok governor. The tycoon won 300,000 votes in the race before switching his career to national politics.

``The park project is consistent with a promise I have made to the public. To those who criticise me for wanting to score political gain, I dare them to try to emulate me for the sake of public good.

``I have no ulterior motive whatsoever. I just want to show that everybody can do his or her bit to contribute to society.''

He said he designed the layout of the park himself and spent about 100 million baht building it. ``The park has got an American feel to it. Loudspeakers will be installed around the park to play soothing music to visitors,'' added Mr Chuwit, as he exulted over a replica of the Washington Monument built in the park.

He considers the replica a milestone of his personal achievement. He said the stone will be engraved with his autobiography and the story of the park.

A variety of 30 large, mature trees have been planted. Sandstone blocks sculpted into Balinese floral have been placed around the park to add oriental ambience to the otherwise western surroundings.

Running tracks have also been paved in the park for sports lovers.

He said he is devising a series of activities to liven up his park, including an ``expedition trail'' for students and facilities for aerobics and fitness work-outs.

He said his is the second private park in Thai history. The first one dates back to the reign of King Rama V over 100 years ago. Its owner was a nobleman called Phra Sappakarn. It is now the location of Wachira Hospital.

Mr Chuwit said that in his research, he had discovered that Phra Sappakarn had set aside 27 rai of his own land for the construction of the park which was named ``Park Samsen''. Three years later, the land was mortgaged with Siam Commercial Bank. Later, in the reign of King Rama VI, the government of the time bought back the property and built Wachira Hospital on the site. The second phase of construction of the park has already been planned. A public library and possibly a UN environmental office will occupy the land. ``The park will be known by the name of `Chuwit Park','' he said.

Even though he used to make a living from nightlife entertainment businesses, he will not be allowing anyone to bring alcoholic drinks to the park.

KatoeyLover69

24-12-2005, 02:50 PM

Report from Bangkok Post dated Saturday 24 December 2005 :-

Thailand rockets to No 2 car exporter to Singapore

Singapore - Thailand has become the second-largest supplier of cars to Singapore, accounting for one in four new automobiles sold this year, distributors said today.

While Japan has maintained the number one spot, Toyota, Honda and Chevrolet have ramped up their exports from Thailand since 2003.

Thai-made cars accounted for barely one in 10 cars sold in the city-state three years ago.

A check on distributors by The Straits Times found more than 80 per cent of Toyta cars sold by Borneo Motors were made in Thailand, including the Corolla, Camry, Vios and Fortunner.

Together with Honda's City and Accord, and Chevrolet's Optra, nearly 24,000 Thai-made cars were sold in Singapore during 2005. Japanese makes accounted for 43,500.

The number of cars from Thailand, dubbed the "Detroit of the East", is expected to increase next year when the Toyota Yaris hatchback arrives, according to Borneo Motors.

Vehicles from non-traditional sources such as Indonesia, the Philippines and China have started trickling in, industry observers noted.

KatoeyLover69

24-12-2005, 02:58 PM

Report from The Nation dated Saturday 24 December 2005 :-

JUST A THOUGHT: How to make Bangkok truly world class

Getting all caught up in the euphoria of housing Southeast Asia’s biggest shopping mall and largest aquarium, coupled with the criss-crossing of the city by the Skytrain and subway, it’s easy to believe that Bangkok is indeed a world-class city. Or is it? A quick trip round town reveals the reality of this City of Angels. It is not pedestrian-friendly at all.

A greater emphasis on pedestrians is needed, because a beautiful city should be one that can be enjoyed simply by taking a stroll along the street.

Apart from the air and noise pollution, there are not enough bridges and crossings to make life safe and sound for those on foot. Pedestrians often risk their lives and dart across the street just seconds away from the flow of speeding cars. Worse, in some areas night-time lighting is so dim that it’s perfect for road accidents, theft and criminal assault. The recent carnage in which a 13-year-old boy was killed while crossing a street in the early morning is a case in point.

Furthermore, the streets, roads, stairways, parking lots ... well, almost all basic infrastructure, is not disabled-friendly at all! It’s a wonder how people in wheelchairs can move up those steep staircases and the blind actually cross the street at the right time. We totally lack a sound-alert system at crossings, as well as Braille writing to help those who need it to navigate through the city.

Famous news anchor Krissana Chaiyarat, who has been confined to a wheelchair for eight years now, summed it up best: “Disability results from an environment that does not facilitate, in terms of infrastructure, for the disabled. If society had sufficient facilities, there would be no disabled. We would be able to travel and do everything just like anyone else.”

A glimmer of hope, however, has come from Bangkok Deputy Governor Samart Ratchapolsitte, who recently revealed that the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration does include proper wheelchair paths in its plans for the city. It is now conducting a survey to determine where to hold a pilot project.

What is most nightmarish about walking down any street in Bangkok is that you must look out for the cars and not vice versa. In any world-class city, drivers watch for pedestrians and usually stop for them. But here, it’s: “Drivers first, pedestrians beware!” There are moments when you just have to hold your breath: a pedestrian makes it almost halfway into the street, and instead of stopping, a vehicle makes a last-minute manoeuvre to avoid the person and swooshes on by.

Such discourteous behaviour is not limited to drivers, actually. Take a look at the way in which passengers will rush to squeeze onto their bus. Maybe it has to do with the fact that buses usually rush through their stops. Only if bus drivers take passenger safety to heart can this problem be solved.

And believe it or not, some passengers taking the Skytrain and subway still have trouble waiting for people inside to get off first before moving in, despite the presence of those bright yellow arrows clearly indicating where they should stand.

The most chaotic scenes, however, are most commonly seen in the, ahem, ladies’ room. Yes, and especially in department stores. Unless there is a sign telling customers to queue up on a first-come, first-served basis, people simply try their luck by standing in front of a particular stall in the hope that whoever’s inside will be the first one to finish among the others occupied. Seriously, this is not a joke!

But despite all of this commotion, one can still find refuge in, once again ... shopping malls, of course! What else could possibly compare with those spacious and air-conditioned halls lined up with goodies from around the globe? Siam Paragon completes the shopping Mecca that is Bangkok, which some would claim is on a par with or even better than Singapore’s Orchard Road.

But again, the word “Singapore” conjures up images of luxurious greenery, lots of trees and parks alongside the concrete structures. This is exactly what Bangkok needs. We have large parks in certain corners of the city, but we need lots more. They don’t have to be big, they only need to be spread out more through the city.

It’s such a pity that stately trees are almost always uprooted to make way for roads. The lush scenery scattered here and there is decreasing while the numbers of roads and cars turning some roads into absolute eyesores are increasing.

And this is not even taking into account all those entangling electricity wires on super-visible poles and the myriad styles of buildings lined up alongside each other.

Another crucial facility that Bangkok greatly needs in order to become truly world class is an extensive public-library system. Existing libraries are either filled with old books that are out of touch with the majority of this generation’s interests or require a fee to enter. University libraries are reliable but mainly filled with academic texts that may not appeal to the general public, especially youths.

There is no doubt that the availability of books for all to read for free would certainly lead to a more knowledgeable society, because as it is right now only those with enough purchasing power can afford to buy good books.

Having said all this, Bangkok is still a wonderful, vivacious city like nowhere else. Let’s just hope those responsible will transform it in ways that make it even greater!

Veenarat Laohapakakul

KatoeyLover69

24-12-2005, 05:17 PM

Here's the map of Patpong showing all the A Go Go bars and massage parlours :-

http://www.nanadisco.com/Maps/patpong.html

Another map of Patpong :-

http://www.mensasia.com/Travel/Thailand/Bangkok/Maps/Patpong2.html

Overall location of Patpong :-

http://www.mensasia.com/Travel/Thailand/Bangkok/Maps/Patpong1.html

http://www.mensasia.com/Travel/Thailand/Bangkok/Maps/Bangkokmaps.html

KatoeyLover69

24-12-2005, 06:34 PM

Depending on your destination, sometimes it's cheaper and faster to travel by River Taxi.

Here's the Bangkok River Taxi Map :

http://www.mensasia.com/Travel/Thailand/Bangkok/Maps/Rivertaxi.html

KatoeyLover69

24-12-2005, 06:46 PM

Somtimes because of the notorious Bangkok traffic jams, it is better to travel by the BTS Syktrain :-

http://www.mensasia.com/Travel/Thailand/Bangkok/Maps/Skytrain.html

KatoeyLover69

24-12-2005, 07:09 PM

Patpong has been going strong now for over 30+ years and is the best known area out of the four main spots and the only one out of the four not in the Sukhumvit area. Patpong is located at Silon Road with a BTS Station at Sala Daeng.

Over the past few years Patpong has lost a lot of customers to Nana Plaza, which could be crowned as the new Queen of A go go and beer bars in Bangkok, but Patpong is still going strong and has a world famous notoriety that the others will never take away.

Patpong consist of two streets Patpong 1 and 2, Patpong 1 is the main street with most of the better known kings group A go go bars and a busy night time market. There is also an upstairs in some areas but these are mainly rip off bars, you could really get into big hassles in these and with the one or two that are just ok, its not even worth the time to mention them other then to say " stay out of the second floor bars ".

Our input

Patpong has the best looking ladies but other then that Patpong.... sucks, period. There is nothing in Patpong that you can't find at Nana or Cowboy, except the scams and ripoffs, other then its reputation and a few stunners (you can find good looking women else where too) there is nothing in Patpong that makes it worth even a look. In the past you could always go to the Kings groups of bars and find some hot ladies and feel that your not being soaked for thousands of Baht but now we are hearing reports of bill padding scams even at these bars so now there is nothing in Patpong that we could recommend except one or two bars and that's not worth a trip all the way out there. Our only real recommendation with Patpong is go to Nana Plaza.

Bars Bars and More Bars

There are a lot of bars in Patpong 1 and 2, below are some reviews of a few bars and links. One quick note is that we looked everywhere for bar websites in Patpong and the only one that we could find is "Golfinger", its also our recommended club.

Bar Reviews

Goldfinger
Goldfinger is one of the better bars in Patpong and is our number one choice of clubs to chill and hang for while. There are a few noticeable differences with this bar compared to others in Patpong. The first being the music, they play only classic rock and roll, so if your not into this type of music then this would not be the place for you, I love it so this might be why I like this bar so much. The second, which I think is the most important, the girls are friendly as hell here, you go to other clubs and most seem to have this "I don't give a shit just give me your money" look on their faces but at Goldfinger they seem to have gotten past that somehow. The bar itself is roomy enough and the women range from good looking to average (no real stunners), but I go to this club for good music and good drink in a fun environment and they do deliver that very well.

King Castle 1
We will review some Kings groups clubs here but let me say this one quick thing, these clubs in the past were always reliable and safe but now we are hearing reports of billing padding, if you do go please watch this. The best way to prevent this is to pay as you go, order a beer or ladies drink and pay for it right away, do not run a tab to be paid at the end of the night.

Once you hit this bar your right in the middle of the action and of Patpong. Here is high intensity and major parting, the bar is always packed with tourist looking for a wild night in Bangkok. You can find some real stunners here some of the best looking working girls in Bangkok but at a price. The girls here are with out a doubt business women and know exactly what they are worth. They play new pop music and they play it load, the bar is big but most times very packed.

King Castle III
One of the smaller Kings group clubs and could be easily passed up while walking by. This is a very small club but the dancers are good and the staff friendly. If your looking for a quieter Kings bar then this might be the place.

Kings Corner
This club has one of the best locations in Patpong so it is always packed and pumping with action. I have to say that this club has the best looking women in all of Bangkok, but with that said the ladies know it and it is all business here. You have a hell of a time to even get a girl to sit down and talk to you unless you buy them a drink as there will be plenty of other farangs just waiting their turn. I'm fairly young, nice build and have been told good looking (Thai women don't count, they tell everyone they're good looking) and I even have problems hooking up with the ladies unless the money is coming out of the pocket. We recommend going to this club during the weekday.

Price List

The prices here vary greatly but here are a few determining factors, the 1st is how the lady looks, if she is a stunning lass then expect to pay prime prices. The second is you, unlike the west where a prostitute will go with just about any one, these lady are choosy at times, if the lady is young and fine and your old fat and ugly, she might not go with you or you might have to pay the prime rate, but if your young and thin then the going average rate should apply. Its all about supply and demand and the demand has been out pacing the supply lately here in Patpong. There are others factors too, how your dressed, if your new (believe me they know a newbie) to this, if your Asian forget about it take a loan because the price has just doubled at least. Its not that they don't like Asian men, its due to the Japanese coming over during their economic boom and paying outrageous prices, the girls just got used to thinking Asian man big money. So as you can see the prices are not fixed and so it is hard to say what you will have to pay but below is a high and low that if you stick to it you should be ok. For gods sake don't go over the high, every time you do it just brings all the prices up and also this does not include bar fines which are between 300 to 500 bht.

Short Time ( Low ) 1,000 Bht
Short Time ( High ) 2,000 Bht

All Night ( Low ) 1,500 Bht
All Night ( High ) 3,000 Bht

Now this is just a basic guide line, but ugly girls will go for less (and there are some) this is for an above average looking girl and your not a hunch back or something. I know that there will be guys out there that say I've gotten them for 500 bht or less, yea what ever, I've gotten them for free but the point is that these are working girls so unless your Tom Cruz 99% of the time you will pay at least the low end c

Tips and Warnings : USE THE TOURIST POLICE!

Patpong is not a place to be stupid, out of Patpong, Nana and Cowboy, I feel that Patpong is really the only place that you might find yourself with a real problem, maybe even a serious ass kicking by the locals. I would recommend that you stay away from the guys offering you shows, stay away from the second floor, stick to the main streets ground floor bars and A go gos like the Kings group and keep your wits about you and you should be fine.

Bargain, bargaining with the ladies for the price is cool and recommended (not the bar fine, this is set by the bar and is a fixed price) but make sure you agree on the price before you leave. Even if she says, " up to you " or " pay what you want if I good ", still settle on a price or you might have an argument in the morning when she asks for much more then your willing to pay.

KatoeyLover69

25-12-2005, 12:52 AM

Nana Plaza

Nana Plaza relatively is a very small area, no more then a court yard surrounded by three floors of A Go Go clubs. When this place gets busy and packed the bottom floor is wall to wall people. With that said I really enjoy Nana Plaza, its like going to a small shopping mall for sex, which is cool. Nana Plaza is also coming out as the top spot in Bangkok catching up and overtaking Patpong over the last few years. I remember first going to Nana and at times there would be no more then a few westerners there, now its busy almost every night.

Nana Plaza, as all areas, has been somewhat effected by the recent crack down by the men in brown. Nana was always known for its shows and "extra" entertainment venues, but that has all but been shut down. It is slowly coming back and you will find a few bars dancing topless again but the shows are still gone with the exception of the G-Spot which must have some kind of connection to stay open. This has slowed things down a bit but at least it has freed up a few extra bar stools.

The first floor is by far the busiest with a few beer bar style clubs right out in front. Some of the best and most popular clubs are Playskool,Raindow 1 and Voodoo.

The second floor contains a lot of small bars, often frequented by ex-pats. The best know bar would be the G-spot .

The third floor has a few, really big bars, Hollywood Strip, Hollywood Two and Carnival . These bars used to be famous for their live sex shows but due to the crack down that has all but stopped.

Our input

Nana for us is the current place to be, it has the best looking, the most girls and the best best environment . Even though it can be packed at times it is much more laid back and comfortable then Patpong, plus the surrounding area is packed full of bars restaurants and hotels for you to use before or after your little adventure into the heart of Nana's courtyard. if your looking for just pure sex with good looking women in a fun and laid back environment then Nana is the place to be.

KatoeyLover69

25-12-2005, 12:56 AM

Here's a map showing all the A Go Go Bars in Nana Plaza :-

http://www.mensasia.com/Travel/Thailand/Bangkok/Maps/Nana.html

KatoeyLover69

25-12-2005, 01:21 AM

First Floor
The busy corner of Nana Plaza is located on the far right side. It includes Rainbow 2, Hollywood, Playskool and Rainbow 1. In these bars altogether you will find a few hundreds of girls.

Pretty Lady (former Buttoms Up)is popular at present, with its 'mirror' counter around the dancing stage. Lollipop has just been reopened after a period functioning as a ladyboy bar. It has now an airconditined foyer with pool tables in front.

In front of most bars on the ground floor, and in the middle of the Plaza, are various beer bars. If you favor that, you can watch life soccer games there on most evenings.

The entrance of Nana Plaza has beerbars on both sides.

The second floor of Nana Plaza has a lot of smaller bars, with a more 'intimate' environment. There is one huge bar though, G-spot, in the right far corner.

On the left, other more 'regular' a-go-go bars are Rainbow 3 and Angelwitch. Angelwitch in particular is a popular spot, since it features both good looking girls and some well choreographed shows. Casanova is a exclusively ladyboy bar.

In the right close corner, reached after using the escalator we find Fantasia, Mandarin and Silver Dragon. Mandarin is an interesting bar, with multiple levels and a transparent floor between two dancing stages. Rainbow 4 has just opened in May 2005, and most likely will become a very popular bar (if the other Rainbow bars are anything to go by)

The third floor of Nana Plaza has only a few bars. However they all are huge, and when busy, can house quite a number of girls. Hollywood Strip has been renamed Carousel bar, after being remodeled and now featuring two large carousels. Shows are featured, with the girls now dressed up though. Carnival is a huge bar on the right, also featuring a carousel, with much less girls and activity though than a year or two ago. Cascade is a 'ladyboy' bar.

KatoeyLover69

25-12-2005, 01:47 AM

There was a time, about 5 years ago when the majority of the bars employed some transvestites and/or some sex reassigned persons. For the old hands, things usually are pretty obvious, and they had some fun, observing the tourists and newcomers becoming prey to the ladyboys. Casanova at Nana Plaza (located second floor left far corner) has been around probably since about the start of business at Nana. A few years back we got some 'specialty' bars at Nana Plaza, actually quite a few of them. On the ground floor we have Obsession, on the second floor the already mentioned Casanova bar, and Temptations (next to Rainbow 4). On the top floor we have Cascade. In these bars altogether you will find probably more than a hundred ladyboys.

So the ladyboys disappeared from the regular bars. Since this happened in a relatively short time period, we suspect there was some agreement between most bars to do so. The disappearance of the katoeys overall was a good idea. Mostly they were thriving on deception. It is all good and well when the customers are looking for transvestite action. But a lot of unsuspecting touists fell prey, and got a good surprise when taking out one of the ladyboys. The fact that their activities where based on deception, of course caused a lot of hard feelings for the victims.

But now the ladyboys are making a comeback to the regular bars. It must be said that nowadays their overall number has increased a lot, and there are tens of them hanging around now at the entrance of Nana Plaza, around lower Sukhumvit at night, and close to the entrance(s) of Soi Cowboy. But we saw some actually dancing again in some of the bars.

G-spot (Nana Plaza) has at least a couple of them. Long Gun (Soi Cowboy) had a katoey dancing naked on stage the other day (postoperative of course). And at Suzie Wong (Soi Cowboy) a katoey (a very well done one) was actually participating in the 'lesbian' show.

We probably said so before, but it is worth repeating. When you notice a ladyboy, do not go around pointing fingers, and start discussing things with your friends in obvious fashion. Don't start staring at them checking them out in a non-sexual, but investigative way. Some of them get easily upset when discovered and certainly when you pass on the information to other customers around you. You may find out that they look like females to a large extent, but when you upset them, it may become obvious sometimes that they are genetically male.

Bangkok is probably the capital of sex reassignment surgery. There are at least about 15 establishments, hospitals and clinics that specialize in this surgery. The standards of selection must be very low, although most of them claim to include a psychologic evaluation before considering surgery. That the selection is poor, is obvious when observing the number of ladyboys that turn up in the sex trade. It is like a fair amount of people who go for transgender surgery, do so with the intent of then turning tricks around Nana Plaza and Soi Cowboy. We can not really consider this activity as 'normal'.

About Lady Boys (Katoeys)
Anyone visiting the nightlife scene in Bangkok and around Thailand most likely is familiar with the presense of many (relatively speaking) lady boys or katoeys (in Thai language).

I think the generally accepted term for this third sex is transvestites. Most of them in daily live have upgraded themselves with female attributes like hairdo, prominent breasts, fancy dresses, a lot of make-up etc. In Thailand there is also a well established prevalence of gender surgery where the male sex organs are removed and remodeled through plastic surgery into female sex organs.

The above surgery is performed rather frequently. One supposed reason being that there is less importance given to psychological evaluation before surgery as done in the West. The prove that some of these persons have psychological problems is clearly found in the fact that a lot of them end up in the sex trade, rather than leading an otherwise normal life.

There used to be a time when most of the larger bars at Nana Plaza (and some at Soi Cowboy) had a contingent of lady boys. Possibly they were kind of liked by management because they were rather agressive in promoting themselves with the customers, thus generating income for the bars. On the other hand, they were more likely to generate trouble in and out of the bars. Some customers probably got more than they bargained for, when seeing their 'lady' emerge from the bathroom in the hotel. So nowadays lady boys have mostly disappeared from the regular a-go-go bars.

The main problem with lady boys in the bars was deception. While some customers may prefer their presence and services, a lot of first time visitors somehow fail to distinguish between them and 'normal' women. And the lady boy will certainly not tell them what they are.

But for those who prefer their services, the three floors at Nana Plaza have bars that solely have katoeys working in them. The longest established bar is Casanova on the second floor. At present also Obsession on the ground floor, and Cascade on the third floor, have lady boys in abundance.

Many lady boys are working the streets around Nana Plaza. Quite a few position themselves at the entrance to Nana Plaza itself, looking mainly for drunk males, about to leave Nana Plaza without a companion yet. In the evening and at night, the Sukhumvit section between Soi 3 and Soi 5 ( Foodland) has besides a lot of street prostitutes, also a big bunch of lady boys working the field.

At Soi Cowboy, lady boys are less prevalent. However, there are a few of them working at the Soi 23 end of the soi. If you leave Soi Cowboy from that corner alone, you should not be surprised when followed, touched, by lady boys, wanting your attention.

How to recognize lady boys or katoeys. The answer : It is like distinguished between men and women, or between cats and dogs. You know what is a cat or a dog, when you see it, without needing to go over their different body parts before making a decision.

It is a given that MANY male customers visiting the nightlife scene lack an ability to figure out the katoeys though. Long-time residents usually can recognize them from a distance. (But one should never assume one is a total expert, since some lady boys are well 'done' indeed)

Most strictly speaking 'male' attributes can be corrected nowadays by surgery. Breast, sexual organs, buttocks shape, Adam's apple can all by adapted, removed or added. General physical appearance usually is more difficult to change. Big muscles, wide shoulders, large hands and feet can give a good hint.

Besides physical characteristics, general behaviour of katoeys can be a give away. It can be summarized as : They try to hard to look and behave like females. Their body movement are frequently exagerated. On the other hand, if you have an argument with them, you will see the 'male' part get out of its cocoon.

As an added precaution : Most of the katoeys working the streets do so in groups. So while you may be talked to by one person, more are observing you all around, and may try to join the action. The katoeys close to Nana Plaza reportedly also have been known to be good pickpockets.

KatoeyLover69

25-12-2005, 02:15 AM

You will be charged for changing TCs - but you will also be offered a higher rate (about 1 baht more). Cash gets you a lower rate than TCs - about 1 baht. There's no difference for bigger denominations, that only applies to US dollars (more for $100 bills). Bureaux de change offer a better rate than banks SO - shop around. Rates fluctuates hourly & it can be a good idea to only change money as you need to if the rate is low & change more if the rate is good. If staying outside BKK it is always a good idea to change a bit more than enough before you leave BKK as rural rates are not so good but there's loads of ATM machines all over Thailand. Never change money with the hotel - rates are worse than "on the street".

FOLLOW THESE SIMPLE RULES:

1/. Use the meter in a taxi. If not on then tell the driver to turn it on. If you use a tuk tuk negotiate the price first.

2/. Carry a Bus road map. They are everywhere for 40 baht & buses are plentiful. 3.5baht on the red buses & small mini buses and 7-10 baht for the air con ones.

3/.Try using the sky-train. I think the Thais are afraid of heights as not many seem to frequent the sky train. It's clean, safe & quick especially if going from Silom to the end of Sukhumvit Rd. Its well marked and you make a change if going to Silom Rd from say Sukhumvit. On the plus side its faster than a cab or bus. However one regret-- there's no toilets.

4/.The old story: if you get accosted on the street by male or female intent on helping you, be careful-- they will most certainly lead you to a Jewelry scam shop or some other place. They will even make you laugh & know your country or town or are a medical student in their last year of study. Say no. Besides, exploring yourself is part of the fun & who needs company during the "day's shopping spree".

5/. Yes! don't be afraid to try the world's best food. Thai food is delicious. When you see a place full of Thais then give it a try as the food will be safe.

6/. No you don't need to drink the tap water as bottled water is everywhere from 5-10 baht & 7/11's are everywhere 24 hours a day.

7/. Carry money as you need it. ATM's are everywhere & why lose your money when you needn't have carried so much in the first place.

8/. Only use safes in respected Hotels & not in guest houses. Remember they can zap your card then slip is back into your safety box & this happens in Khao Sarn Rd.

9/. If out late at night try not to wear too much gold especially travelling outside Bangkok. You never know who is taking a shine to your jewelry kit & Thais simply love gold.

10/. After all that you'll want a beer but if you are with a bar girl drink your drink before you go to the "John". Always watch your bottle being opened including a water bottle as it does happen here where you may fall asleep right at the bar & wake up minus your wallet 10 hours later. Caused by pills being dropped into your drink. Even a full bottle of water can contain drugs.

11/. Be yourself & leave your attitudes at home because Thai's love to smile. They want you to do the same as well and enjoy their culture because really in more ways than not we have lost ours in the West!

12/. Don't bring jumpers and jerseys to Thailand. Clothes are cheap here and best start a new wardrobe once you arrive. However come January it can get cool at night especially in the North. Use the fan trains etc during this time.

13/. If you take a girl back to your room from a bar be careful and keep your valuables well hidden. Ask the price first & keep your money in a safe place. Never carry a lot of money around with you & do not show off. A lot of hotels now take the girl's ID card & will write her name etc down in case she disappears on you.

14/. Wanting to buy a business or rent a house ask us-- its FREE

15/. When you arrive at Don Muang go to the departure upstairs 3rd floor & walk out to a waiting taxi then you won't have all the touts. As a Taxi drops someone off you hop in. If late don't go on tollway. If staying at Sukhumvit use the tollway at the end --pay 40 baht. The trip should cost 160 baht on the meter if traffic minimal or 200-250 baht other than that.

16/. Remember all hotel entrances, bus & train stations, temples etc have loads of touts ready to take your dollar.

17/. If going trekking up North don't book accommodation or Treks in Khao San Rd. Its dear & not what you think once you arrive. Cheap is cheap-- want to catch a nice bus to Chiangmai go to the Northern Bus station & book on the Nachonchair Air Bus. Great service, drinks, 32 seaters & comfort. They have their own terminal & most leave in afternoon & early evenings

18/. On trains and buses do not accept food from people you do not know. Drugs are easy to knock you out & you could find your trip short lived because of it.

19/. Hey, but don't let all this deter you. Such things do occur but it won't happen to you cause you just read the rules & now you know.

Chok dee Khruup & enjoy your stay in "the Land of Smiles"..

KatoeyLover69

25-12-2005, 10:13 AM

Waaa!! you also become consultant to Thailand?

Bro, want to do cut and paste, please read first and amend accordingly mah...

Anyway, your efforts are good and well appreciated.

Cheers
Tee Vee:D

Uncle TV,

Thank you so much for taking the trouble to read my postings

Actually, I purposely put in the item no. 14 ( Wanting to buy a business or rent a house ask us-- its FREE ) to find out whether those reading the article are very alert or are 'sleeping' - it's meant to be a joke !

Well, it's proven that you were 'very alert' and couldn'nt be 'tricked' into accepting just anything you are reading

KatoeyLover69

25-12-2005, 03:34 PM

Actually, read your thread save me time from reading newspaper too. kekekekeke

I'm waiting for the article on the clash at Thaksin's house. When you going to post?
Cheers
Tee Vee:D

Bro TV,

Here's the article, specially for you ...............

Report from The Nation dated Sunday 25 December 2005 :-

POLITICAL DRAMA: Protesters clash at Thaksin’s house

Pro-democracy groups and Egat unions demand PM’s resignation. A crowd of 200 protesters marched to Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra’s residence on Charan Sanitwong 69 Road in the early hours of yesterday morning to demand an end to the Egat privatisation plan.

Some of the demonstrators, mostly from pro-democracy groups and Egat Plc employees, also demanded the prime minister’s resignation, accusing him of mismanaging the country’s affairs.

The protesters had attended the talk show of media tycoon Sondhi Limthongkul at Lumpini Park on Friday evening and afterwards travelled to the premier’s house on the other side of Bangkok, arriving after midnight.

However, they were blocked at the entrance to the soi by anti-riot police forces and could not reach the premier’s residence despite several attempts.

Thaksin, who had been inspecting the flood situation in the South, reached home not long before the protesters reached there.

“The march is a gesture of protest against the Thaksin government,” said protest organiser Anusorn Som-on.

Anusorn said many people were disappointed with Thaksin, particularly with his plan to privatise Egat, the state-run electricity company.

“We want Thaksin to explain the Egat privatisation,” he said. “We also demand that he return his power to the King in order for His Majesty to bestow it back to the people.”

The protesters camped on the sidewalk throughout the night and made several attempts to cross the police barricades. No casualties were reported.

Earlier on Friday, a group of about 200 anti-Sondhi Chiang Rai residents tried to disrupt his talk show, prompting an exchange of words with his supporters at Lumpini Park.

Members of the rival groups were seen engaging in fisticuffs, but no complaints were lodged with police.

Former Thai Rak Thai MP Pichet Chuamuangphan organised the Chiang Rai group’s trip to Bangkok.

Commenting on the incidents, Democrat Party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva called for calm, saying opposing sides were entitled to air their opinions and should not allow the debate to degenerate into violence.

Prime Minister Thaksin hit back at the increasing criticism he faces in his weekly radio address yesterday, accusing his critics of having ulterior motives.

“Lately I have been bombarded with criticism and I don’t know what to do or say as my critics try to fault me,” he said. “But I am not disheartened because they have agendas against me,” he added.

“My critics are attacking out of frustration that I stand in the way of their cheating, or that I refused to grant television concessions, or that they lost their Cabinet positions,” he said.

Thaksin said he would not waver in his determination to serve the public, pointing out that he was elected by almost 20 million voters.

He said he would carry on his fight to protect the public interest and root out corruption, regardless of what critics said.

Reacting to Thaksin’s comments, Abhisit said the prime minister might have misrepresented his critics.

“It is true that some critics might have hidden agendas, but the majority of criticism has been made with good intentions,” he said.

Thaksin’s arrogance would attract even more opponents, the Democrat leader said.

He urged Thaksin to try to rebut allegations rather than discredit his critics.

“Many leading figures, non-governmental organisations and academics have been questioning the government on myriad issues. They are acting out of concern for the country and not because of grudges,” he said.

KatoeyLover69

25-12-2005, 05:58 PM

KathoeyFrom Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.

A kathoey or katoey (in Thai กะเทย) is a male-to-female transgender person in Thailand. They are sometimes referred to as ladyboys or as the third sex in Thailand.

Virtually all kathoey cross-dress and undergo hormone replacement therapy; most have breast implants; some also undergo genital reassignment surgery to transform their genitals, surgery to reduce the size of the Adam's apple, and other surgical procedures. They often start to cross-dress, take female hormones and undergo various surgical procedures at quite a young age. Their makeup, dress and figure is usually very feminine.

Many kathoey work in entertainment and tourist centers, as dancers, in cabaret shows (Alcazar and Tiffanys in Pattaya being among the best known ones) or as prostitutes. There are also persistent reports of groups of kathoey working as pickpockets in tourist areas. Kathoey working in regular occupations are however not uncommon; some of them are valued beauticians or hair stylists.

Compared to Western countries, where transgender and transsexuals are just beginning to become visible (and demand their rights), kathoey are much more visible and more widely accepted in Thai culture: several popular Thai models, singers and movie stars are kathoey, and Thai newspapers often print photos of the winners of female and kathoey beauty contests side by side. The phenomenon is not restricted to urban areas; there are kathoey in most villages, and kathoey beauty contests are commonly held as part of local fairs.

Some believe that this higher acceptance is due to the nature of the surrounding Buddhist culture, which places a high value on tolerance. A possible explanation for the high number of kathoey is the fact that open male homosexuality is a much more recent and less visible phenomenon in Thailand; becoming a kathoey might thus be a solution for a number of male homosexuals. However, kathoey generally seek male sexual partners who identify themselves as heterosexual and not as gay.

The lives of kathoey are not as easy as many Westerners might believe. Families (and especially fathers) are typically disappointed if a son becomes a kathoey. Legal recognition of kathoey is non-existent in Thailand: even after genital reassignment surgery, they are not allowed to change their legal sex. (Compare Legal aspects of transsexualism). Kathoeys are also estimated to have been one of the groups that suffered most from the Indian Ocean earthquake, having far less familial support and recourse to government help than most other groups in society. Further, kathoey often belong to lower social classes, and their suicide rate is significantly higher than that of the general population.

The term "kathoey" is occasionally also used for effeminate male homosexuals who don't cross-dress, and " kathoey-saloey " is a pejorative slang term for these people, roughly equivalent to the English " faggot ".

In 1996, a kathoey education student murdered a young woman. This was followed by negative coverage of kathoey in the Thai press; the Rajabhat Institutes (teacher training colleges) then closed their doors to all kathoey. The decision had to be reversed after protests by gay, lesbian and feminist groups.

In 1996, a volleyball team composed mostly of gays and kathoey, known as the " Iron Ladies ", won the Thai national championship. The Thai government, concerned with the country's image, then barred two of the kathoey from joining the national team and competing internationally.

Among the most famous kathoey in Thailand is Nong Tum, a former champion kick boxer. She was already cross-dressing and taking hormones while still a popular boxer; she would enter the ring with long hair and makeup, occasionally kissing a defeated opponent. Her career ended in 1999 when she had genital reassignment surgery.

Films
Ladyboys is a 1992 documentary film made for Channel 4 TV and directed by Jeremy Marre. It relates the story of two teenage kathoey who prepare for and enter a rural beauty contest and then leave for Pattaya to find work in a cabaret revue.

The story of the Iron Ladies volleyball team underlies the successful 2000 movie The Iron Ladies and the 2003 sequel The Iron Ladies 2.

The 2002 Thai film Saving Private Tootsie tells the story of a group of gays and kathoey who have to be rescued after a plane crash in rebel-held jungle territory. The film explores anti-gay attitudes in various ways. It is loosely based on an incident in December 1998 when a group including a popular singer and his kathoey makeup artist survived a plane crash.

The life of the kathoey kick boxer Nong Tum is related in the 2003 movie Beautiful Boxer.

.... to be continued......... ( Part 2 )

KatoeyLover69

25-12-2005, 06:19 PM

.............continued (Part 2 ) ..............

What do I need to know about katoeys?
Any *real sexy* glammed-up mini-dressed howlingly sexy women are probably male... but the chances are that you may never know as they come in 3 flavors (believe me!!!)

1. Ladyboy. No op at the top or bottom
2. Top op. Tits (brilliant ones usually!) and a dick.
3. Full op. Top and bottom.

Ladyboys are the same as boys or ladies.... EXCEPT that everything is intensified... I mean... what hopes and expectations do YOU have? What do THEY have? Marry? Kids? Family and future? They cling to affection, and are loving and faithful (well, mostly!) at the show of it, and sensitive and over-reactive at the lack of it. The quickest way to get a black eye in BKK is to take the piss out of a katoey. If not a black eye, then beer all down you and a LOT of shouting!

Stay graceful! If one throws him/herself all over you... don't be disdainful or mocking. No matter how homophobic a person is, unless they're an utter asshole, there is room for a gentle, smiling denial. Don't degrade yourself by being afraid or dismissive. They're people... much as you or I... that is, unless YOU'RE an asshole, in which case I'll be dismissive and mocking of you.
I'd always heard they were vicious and would beat the crap out of you, but this is not true. They can have definite mood swings and because of that can be vicious, I suppose. If you are up & up with them & treat them nice then you will not get the 'crap beat out of you'.

Then again, there are other hard liners who will say that the whole point is to bargain them down. To win a market negotiation. To throw it in their face that, no matter how much they spent on the surgery; no matter how much they spend on hairdressers and makeup, no matter how many hours they spend preening and grooming.... they still have less of a vagina than that of any provincial dog-ugly real girl. One who can naturally lubricate, and should get paid accordingly. Or better yet, get left behind on the dance floor. Let them screw each other, like they are used to doing. I personally do not feel this strongly but it has to be said that there is nothing like feeling your barfine's hard-on through her jeans.

So how do I recognize katoeys?
Of course it is considered indelicate going up to a girl and asking...
"Oi, you! You a katoey or what?" So how do you find out then? The only reliable way (and its not consistently reliable) is to grope them a bit BEFORE you're committed. If they are coy about it... katoey. There again, have you ever known a bargirl to be COY? Not shy or modest... but under the table, out of sight, when no one's looking sort-of-coy?
Of course this is assuming that they still have their genitals intact! I have seen katoeys dancing on a bar bottomless and guys are eating their "pussy".

How are you going to tell by groping?
If you pay attention, big hands, big feet, Adam's apple, sort of falsetto voice and a cutesy name "Melanie, Tiffany, etc." you will be able to spot them.

I have an advantage in as much as I like really petite girls... damn few katoeys under 5' tall. On one of my earliest visits to BKK, my sweetie of the moment was professionally offended when I failed to detect a mixed gender dancer... She dragged me around the rest of the night saying: "This one, man, woman?" until my successful ID rate went from the initial 10% up to 80% or so. Once you get the hang of it, it's fairly easy to tell. After a couple more years in the scene, for the last 20% or so (the ones that it would take a DNA test to tell), I finally decided- "who cares". If it looks like a duck and walks like a duck, and sounds like a duck (and gives great head), then it must be a "girl".

A real test in Bangkok is to deal with a katoey as "she". The real katoeys (what the in the west is called a post-op TS) have chosen to be women; it's a hard road, and there's nothing to be gained by dissing them. I find it much easier to just think of my katoey friends as women, and not dwell too long on how they got there. If you find one that hasn't suffered too much abuse down that road, they can be really fun: pretty, feminine, and generally more intelligent than the average bar girl. I wouldn't always choose one for a bed partner, but they can be great party companions!

........ to be continued ( Part 3 )...................

KatoeyLover69

25-12-2005, 06:28 PM

............. continued (Part 3).............

Should I warn people when they are chatting up katoey?
One time, I did it. I was at a late-night outdoor restaurant in Chiang Mai, watching an innocent, Midwestern looking guy in a tête-à-tête with a katoey. I knew he was in for a big unwanted surprise, and when he/she went to the bathroom, I told the guy. He thanked me profusely, and ten minutes later a full glass of Sprite was poured over my head. Long discussions ensued among my friends and bargirl companions. The Thai take is, it's none of your business. I think I was lucky to get away with only getting wet, and not cut or otherwise assaulted. I'm still not completely sure what is the right thing to do. I just feel like if it were me, I would like someone to let me in on the secret before I ended up in bed with a guy.

I felt a kinship with my fellow hound and thought I was doing him a service, even though I had never met him.

Big mistake! He could have been looking for a katoey, knew she was a katoey and didn't mind, knew her from past interaction and liked the interaction with the katoey, you never know. Her anger could have led to a more serious retribution.

Consulting a friend of mine on the issue (whose wife is a "woman by choice, rather than birth") - he said they could get very nasty about people interfering with their 'work'.

In Bangkok, don't be distracted by the women in Bobby's Deli across the road from Thermae. They are drop dead gorgeous...and are all men. (Well... male-ish in distant origin!) If you are happy here, go for it! The "katoeys" are probably the most glam and Westernised-looking... some real stunners. Tight dresses and high heels. The bargirls go straight into jeans (V. tight ones!) when they finish. They look for all the world like sexy schoolgirls taking a break (probably, they ARE!)

As a rule I keep to myself. Winding up with a katoey is not the worst thing that could happen to a guy and makes for some humorous stories once the guy gets home. He'll know next time to check the sex. If you don't want someone with the same tool kit as yourself check out the toolbox. This can be done as part of the evening interaction, reaching down and giving a squeeze. Sometimes the toolkit has been removed and then you just have to rely on experience. Remember even old Bangkok hands are not accurate all the time. Sometimes it doesn't even matter. When in doubt and knowing that it might gross you out, leave and hit on someone else, there are plenty of real women in BKK.

Granted the "ladyboy" issue, ahem, skirts a fine line. I suspect MOST of us, though probably not all would prefer real female company and heterosexual monkey business only. But a katoey's commitment to their role is pretty complete and often convincing. The especially attractive ones seem to be a litmus test for us in the areas of tolerance, sexual ambivalence and homophobia. To each their own.

I know I don't mind hanging with the ladyboys, the non-larcenous ones can be fun. They're everywhere the farang tourists are & I don't see how one could enjoy spending any time at all in Thailand if one hated them.

At first I had read about the ladyboys and was on the lookout for them. I wasn't going to fly 8,200 miles to have sex with the Thai version of Ru-Paul. But even armed with this knowledge, I wasn't prepared for HOW MANY ladyboys there are over there and how tricky it can be to spot them. Jesus!

One night in King's Castle III in Patpong (or was it Queen's Castle III--the Singha played tricks with my memory), a very beautiful creature sat next to me and started the standard bargirl "interview". "Hello, what your name? Where you flom? You here work or holiday? Cola for me?". And I started to get a strange feeling about this person. Another girl (and this one was obviously ALL GIRL) sat down on the other side of me and I asked her if the one on my left was a ladyboy. She looked puzzled, so I said "katoey?" She busted out laughing. Yes, this was a ladyboy. Meanwhile, the katoey is whispering to me "I want to go with you -- sucking, massage, fucking -- I can make you come". The one on my right (the female) pulled her bikini top open and invited me to feel up her tits. Well, I paid this girl's bar fine, not only because she was a doll and did have some marvelous tits, but I wanted to get the fuck away from this katoey without making him/her "lose face".

In the cab back to my hotel, the girl told me that the ladyboy asked her when she was changing if I had figured out that she was (or used to be) a he. She said no, no, no problem, again, so he wouldn't lose face. Weird scene, isn't it? I told my girl that I thought I had spotted three katoeys in the place, and she said, "We have six working there."

As I have said, look for that Adam's apple, my friends. Listen to the voice. Look closely at the bone structure of the wrists and hands. And if in doubt, ask the mamasan, or just tell her, you don't mess with ladyboys. Because, god bless them, they are ALL OVER Thailand.

-----------------------------------------------------------------

Where to find them?After this article you might be interested in meeting some katoeys, if so check out some of these places: Casanova , Obsessions (NEP) , Kings Castle 3 , Kings Corner & Super Pussy (Patpong) , New Duck a GoGo (Soi Cowboy) , Soi Katoey (Patong, Phuket) , Lucky and Lucky 2 (Chiang Mai) .

Other places are the cabaret shows, e.g. Calypso in the basement of Asia Hotel

KatoeyLover69

25-12-2005, 06:38 PM

Thailand's "Women of the Second Kind"
Transvestism is a common enough feature of Thai society, but one which is often little considered and less understood. Practically every town in Thailand has at least two or three open transvestites - men who dress as women and assume - or are born with - feminine characteristics. Indeed, so common is the phenomenon that it has assumed a semi-institutionalised status, with transvestites working not just where one might expect - in bars, reviews and theatres - but also in restaurants and post offices, department stores and travel agencies.

Transvestites appear regularly in Thai television serials, and not just as objects of derision. In Thai soap operas the phenomenon is usually treated as a normal part of every day life. For example, a family may have two daughters and two sons, one of whom is a transvestite. Such a scenario - which would be treated either as a farce or a tragedy in the West - tends to be downplayed in Thailand; quite often the transvestism portrayed may have no bearing on the central theme at all.

Of course, transvestism isn't a purely Thai phenomenon. There are plenty of "cross-dressers" in western societies, many of whom are now declaring themselves openly. There are transvestite clubs, special shops catering to those who require outsize female attire, and even cross-dressing weekend package tours.

In Thailand, by contrast, none of this is really necessary. Transvestites - known colloquially as kathoey - don't need to come out of the closet. Cross-dressing isn't something to be revealed only at weekends or at special gatherings. Most Thai kathoey make no attempt to conceal who or what they are. On the contrary, they flaunt it - from their dress, through their effeminate mannerisms, to their very speech patterns [using feminine personal pronouns like di-chan for "I" and the polite feminine participle ka (jiao in the north) instead of the usual male krap].

Perhaps it is this openness - the relative tolerance of Thai society for transvestism - that accounts for the high profile adopted by many kathoey in Thailand. Perhaps, too, looked at from a purely subjective standpoint, it is the comparative success of many Thai kathoey in achieving the desired metamorphosis. Often Thai transvestite males tend to be androgynous - small-boned, smooth, naturally graceful in a way that must excite a mixture of envy and despair in their broader, heavier and hairier western counterparts.

It seems probable that this very success encourages Thai kathoey - not, in any case, usually the most retiring of people - to disport and display themselves so openly. They often are very beautiful, and sometimes indistinguishable from "the real thing". By contrast, very few western transvestites can aspire to being taken for a woman. Of course they realise this, and the knowledge often causes a contrasting lack of self-confidence and an unwillingness to appear "cross-dressed" before an unsympathetic public. It also seems probable that many Thai transvestites - in apparent contrast to their Western counterparts - are genuine transsexuals, or people born with female psyches in male bodies.

The use of the term kathoey is thought to date back at least several centuries, suggesting a substantial but unrecorded history of transvestism (and, no doubt, of associated homosexuality) in Thailand. The prevalence of transvestism in rural areas is attested to by the frequency and popularity of transvestite beauty contests at village fairs and festivals. These beauty contests are held across the country, and although a source of entertainment and amusement, are still taken very seriously. In the past, high camp may perhaps have been limited to the role of female impersonators in likay folk operas, though this tradition may more properly be likened to that of drag queens in European pantomime.

During this century, at least, it seems clear that the term kathoey has come specifically to denote effeminate cross-dressers, being associated with transvestites who play a strongly and exclusively feminine role. It may also be inaccurately applied, usually in a derogatory way, to passive male homosexuals ("Gay Queens", in the Thai vernacular) who are not transvestites at all. In contradistinction, male homosexuals or bisexuals who play an exclusively active sexual role (so-called "Gay Kings") are never categorised as kathoey.

In a further and elaborate differentiation between active and passive homosexuals, the former are also known as phuchai tem tua, or "complete men" - despite their homosexuality - whilst the latter, the passive gays, are disparaged as phuying praphet ti sorng - "women of the second type". These terms are clearly indicative of Thai society's comparatively easy acceptance of active male sexuality (be it aimed in whatever direction). By contrast, the feminine, passive gay - especially if a transvestite as well - is viewed with some disdain. The term kathoey , therefore, indicates a lack of sympathy - and when combined in Thai rhyming slang as kathoey-saloey is distinctly derogatory, something like the English term " fairy ", the Aussie " poofter ", or the American " faggot ".

Today transvestites are to be found at many levels of society. The old, rural tradition still flourishes - kathoey beauty contests are staged with enthusiasm at fairs and carnivals like, for example, the Lamphun Lamyai Festival in August, or the Phuket Vegetarian Festival each September.

.............. continued (Part 2).............

KatoeyLover69

25-12-2005, 06:44 PM

................. continued (Part 2) ...................

In the higher echelons of Thai society a handful of particularly feminine and socially skilled kathoey (who are usually transsexuals as well as transvestites) become fully accepted and nationally acclaimed as singers, actresses and even businesswomen. Such people are admired for their attainments and courage in much the same way as western transsexual intellectuals like Jan Morris. They are people who "come out of the closet" and make a success of the way they are. In Thailand, however, this admiration is both more genuine and more widespread than in the West, where admirers tend to be limited to the like-minded and to "politically correct" progressive circles.

Below this, yet in the same vein and very much a twentieth century refinement of the kathoey tradition, elaborate transvestite reviews are staged at venues like the Calypso in Bangkok and - especially - Tiffany's and Alcazar in Pattaya. These reviews owe more to Paris' Crazy Horse than to likay, and the transvestites who work in such venues are - at least for a few brief years - numbered amongst the glamorous superstars of their profession.

Further down the social scale, many kathoey work in the bar business. The best - most authentically feminine - of these may dance in upmarket Go-Go bars such as King's Corner in Patpong. Transvestites working in such up-market establishments are often transsexuals, paying for expensive sex-change operations (including, beside the complex basics, breast enhancement and excision of the Adam's apple), thus effectively becoming - at least in the eyes of transvestite society - "complete women".

Still lower down the scale, many kathoey work (at least part time) as freelance prostitutes and streetwalkers. There is little glamour or safety in such a lifestyle, and to the always-present threat of violence there must now be added the menace of AIDS. In this, at least, transvestite prostitutes face the same problems as their sexually-authentic sisters in the same line of work. Except in a few cases, their lives are dangerous, humiliating and ill-paid.

Of course, not all kathoey work as prostitutes, just as not all are sexually promiscuous. In general, however, Thai society - however sympathetic and understanding it may seem to the West - tends to view transvestites as an inferior (if amusing) sub-class. As such, the invidious term "women of the second type", which rather denigrates transvestites and indeed women in general, says much about the existing structure of sexual power in Thailand.

Thus, in general terms, active male homosexuals are usually considered to be really bisexual. The role they play is considered to be that of a "complete man" (exclusively active), they are capable of sexual relationships with either men or women, and as such they have freedom of choice and enjoy general respect. By contrast kathoey, or passive homosexuals, are considered to be phuying-manqué, women who missed their true role in life, sometimes known in Thai as lakka-phet - those who hide their real gender. Only effeminate homosexuals are denigrated as kathoey-saloey or "fairies", and by contrast with active male homosexuals they are definitely looked down on.

Interestingly, then, it seems that in Thailand it is not homosexuality itself which is disparaged, but effeminacy and passive homosexuality. In Thai society as a whole there may be a greater tolerance of bisexuality than in the West, but this is the privileged domain of the active male alone. By contrast, the kathoey is thought only to be able to obtain satisfaction by being the passive party. For this reason the kathoey is subordinate to and controlled by the active man.

This strange phenomenon - largely unknown in the West, where active and passive homosexuals are generally equally disparaged - suggests that the predominant pattern of male sexuality in Thailand is not so much anti-homosexual as anti-woman, in the sense that dominant male sexuality is implicitly regarded as being more valid than female sexuality. Consequently, it may be that kathoey - passive male transvestites - suffer less opprobrium from being homosexual than from their ascribed feminine status.

In other words, homosexuality, like heterosexuality, is still basically seen as a "man" sexually dominating a "woman", albeit a surrogate female or "woman of the second type". Of course, what "women of the first type" - that is, the real thing - think of this interpretation is another matter - but it should at least give pause for serious thought.

redlord

25-12-2005, 10:56 PM

Very good theards

KatoeyLover69

25-12-2005, 11:11 PM

Very good theards

Bro Redlord,

Kop khun khrap ! :D

Do you have anything to share about Thailand ? Please post it here

KatoeyLover69

25-12-2005, 11:25 PM

Report from The Nation dated Sunday 25 December 2005 :-

Warning: alcohol, cold don't mix

The Public Health Ministry yesterday issued a warning on the potentially fatal effects of drinking alcohol to keep warm during the winter.

Dr Prat Bunyawongwiroj, Acting Permanent Secretary, said that alcohol affects blood circulation resulting in the heart having to work harder to distribute blood and increasing blood pressure. The ultimate consequence could be a stroke, which could be fatal at low room temperatures.

Although alcohol makes drinkers feel warm for a short while, it actually causes the body temperature to fall to a level lower than normal, which could be dangerous in the winter, he said.

Public Health Minister Pinij Charusombat said he had instructed public-health offices across the country to educate local residents on preventive measures against wintertime illnesses including pneumonia, influenza and diarrhoea.

Meanwhile, a survey of Chulalongkorn University students released yesterday revealed that more than 65 per cent of university students regularly drink alcohol, as do 40 per cent of high-school students.

Of the 500 university students polled, 328 of them said they were regular drinkers, said lecturer Amornwich Nakhonthap, director of the university's Child Watch programme, which conducted the survey. The average age at which those surveyed began drinking was 16, while the youngest reported age was eight.

Citing information from a 2004 survey, Amornwich said that 40 per cent of junior high-school students surveyed admitted to drinking regularly and another 23 per cent said they smoked.

He added that according to a Criminal Court analysis alcohol contributed to 59 per cent of crimes involving damage to property, 34 per cent of sex crimes (plus 10 per cent of rapes) and 20 per cent of assaults.

He said Child Watch found that more than 9,000 students under the age of 25 had been involved in road accidents while under the influence of alcohol. The total number of road accidents caused by intoxicated people in Thailand reached 13,000 this year, injuring more than 270,000 people.

KatoeyLover69

26-12-2005, 02:25 AM

Secrets of Thai bar girl pay revealed

How much do Thai bar girls get paid? Here are their terms and conditions - plus those of brothel workers and massage girls too. The benefits package isn't very tempting but, on the plus side, they meet lots of interesting new people and get laid all the time.

Bar girls

Bar girls' salaries range from 2,000 to 6,000 baht per month. Here are some of their work rules :-

* Only two days off permitted a month, or they must pay 300 baht a day for extra leave days.
* No leave permitted on Fridays, Saturdays and national holidays. Otherwise, fines range from 500 to 1,000 baht a day.
* Must go out with the clients four to 10 times a month or pay fine of 500 baht for each missed quota.
* Must sell 80-100 drinks to clients or pay 30 baht a drink for the missed quota.
* Must have health check-up every three months. If the blood test is positive for sexually transmitted diseases, they will not get the salary for that month.
* Must wear the outfits arranged by the bars or pay the fine of 100 to 200 baht.
* Must not use the clients' restrooms.
* Must not eat during work hours.
* Must buy own drinking water.

Brothel workers

Sex workers in brothels do not get a salary. They get a 50 percent share of what the clients pay. Here are their work rules:

* Work hours start from 6pm to midnight or around the clock depending on clients' visits.
* No days off.
* Must stay in brothels or in the places set by the brothel owner.
* Must pay the police 50 baht a day.
* Must pay for food and accommodation 200 baht a day.
* Must pay for condoms.
* Must have health check-ups once a week.
* Those who are indebted to the brothel owner must be accompanied by brothel personnel when they go out.

Massage women

Sex workers at massage parlours do not get a salary. They get their share from what the clients pay for the service. Here are their work rules:

* Must follow the work hours set by the business operator.
* Must inform leave days in advance.
* Must meet the number of clients set by the operator.
* Must observe the dress code set by the operator.

KatoeyLover69

26-12-2005, 02:55 AM

Soi Cowboy is an adult nightlife area in Bangkok, Thailand. A short street with some 40 bars, it is similar to Nana Plaza and Patpong and caters mainly to tourists and expatriates.

It is located near Sukhumvit Road, between Sukhumvit Soi 21 (also called Soi Asoke) and Soi 23 (13°44′12.5″N, 100°33′45″E), within walking distance from the SkyTrain's "Asok Station" and the underground's "Sukhumvit Station".

The go go bars follow the pattern common in Thailand: alcoholic drinks are served and women in bikinis dance on a stage. Topless or even nude dancing occasionally occurs in some bars, but it is technically illegal. Many of the dancers are in fact prostitutes and will join a customer if he pays a "bar fine" to the bar and a separate fee to the woman. Sexual services usually take place in the tourist's hotel room. Bars and nightclubs in all of Bangkok now have to close by 1 am. There are also a number of restaurants at Soi Cowboy, including what is perhaps Bangkok's best known fish and chips shop.

The area is named after T. G. Edwards, a retired American airman who opened one of the first bars there in 1973. A tall African-American, Edwards got his nickname because he invariably wore a cowboy hat.

Soi Cowboy's reputation suffered a temporary blow when, as part of Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra "social order" campaign, the area was closed off by police one Friday night in November 2003 and all workers and patrons were required to submit to urine testing for drugs.

During the 2004 International AIDS Conference in Bangkok, a bead sculpture made in Soi Cowboy was displayed as part of the cultural program.

Films and songs

In 2000, the Norwegian group Getaway People released a song called Soi Cowboy about this area.

Actor Hugh Grant and his entourage visited Soi Cowboy in December 2003, while shooting the movie Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason. The Tilac Bar and several Soi Cowboy bar girls are seen in the film. A London tabloid, The Sun, wrote in an article on 23 December 2003 that Grant was chased by bar girls and had to flee, but that appears to be false.

Two 1-hour episodes of the British comedy/drama Auf Wiedersehen, Pet were shot in the Summer of 2004 in Bangkok, partly in Soi Cowboy.

The bars Moonshine Joint and Dollhouse appear in Jordan Clark's 2005 documentary Falang: Behind Bangkok's Smile which takes a rather critical view of sex tourism.

yeodongjun

26-12-2005, 09:31 AM

I am dam impressed .. really :)

Military Thailand
Military branches: Royal Thai Army, Royal Thai Navy (includes Royal Thai Marine Corps), Royal Thai Air Force
Military service age and obligation: 21 years of age for compulsory military service; males are registered at 18 years of age; conscript service obliation - 2 years; 18 years of age for voluntary military service (2004)
Manpower available for military service: males age 21-49: 14.984 million (2005 est.)
Manpower fit for military service: males age 21-49: 10,342,337 (2005 est.)
Manpower reaching military service age annually: males: 530,493 (2005 est.)
Military expenditures - dollar figure: $1.775 billion (FY00)
Military expenditures - percent of GDP: 1.8% (2003)
Transnational Issues Thailand
Disputes - international: separatist violence in Thailand's predominantly Muslim southern provinces prompt border closures and controls with Malaysia to stem terrorist activities; southeast Asian states have enhanced border surveillance to check the spread of avian flu; Laos and Thailand pledge to complete demarcation of their boundary in 2005; despite continuing border committee talks, significant differences remain with Burma over boundary alignment and the handling of ethnic rebels, refugees, and illegal cross-border activities; Cambodia and Thailand dispute sections of boundary with missing boundary markers; Cambodia claims Thai encroachments into Cambodian territory and obstructing access to Preah Vihear temple ruins awarded to Cambodia by ICJ decision in 1962; ethnic Karens from Burma flee into Thailand to escape fighting between Karen rebels and Burmese troops resulting in Thailand sheltering about 118,000 Burmese refugees in 2004; Karens also protest Thai support for a Burmese hydroelectric dam construction on the Salween River near the border; environmentalists in Burma and Thailand remain concerned about China's construction of hydroelectric dams upstream on the Nujiang/Salween River in Yunnan Province
Refugees and internally displaced persons: refugees (country of origin): 118,407 (Burma) (2004)
Illicit drugs: a minor producer of opium, heroin, and marijuana; illicit transit point for heroin en route to the international drug market from Burma and Laos; eradication efforts have reduced the area of cannabis cultivation and shifted some production to neighboring countries; opium poppy cultivation has been reduced by eradication efforts; also a drug money-laundering center; minor role in amphetamine production for regional consumption; increasing indigenous abuse of methamphetamine

This information was last updated by CIA on 20 October, 2005

Cheers
Tee Vee

yeodongjun

26-12-2005, 09:37 AM

Good report , brother !

Secrets of Thai bar girl pay revealed

How much do Thai bar girls get paid? Here are their terms and conditions - plus those of brothel workers and massage girls too. The benefits package isn't very tempting but, on the plus side, they meet lots of interesting new people and get laid all the time.

Bar girls

Bar girls' salaries range from 2,000 to 6,000 baht per month. Here are some of their work rules :-

* Only two days off permitted a month, or they must pay 300 baht a day for extra leave days.
* No leave permitted on Fridays, Saturdays and national holidays. Otherwise, fines range from 500 to 1,000 baht a day.
* Must go out with the clients four to 10 times a month or pay fine of 500 baht for each missed quota.
* Must sell 80-100 drinks to clients or pay 30 baht a drink for the missed quota.
* Must have health check-up every three months. If the blood test is positive for sexually transmitted diseases, they will not get the salary for that month.
* Must wear the outfits arranged by the bars or pay the fine of 100 to 200 baht.
* Must not use the clients' restrooms.
* Must not eat during work hours.
* Must buy own drinking water.

Brothel workers

Sex workers in brothels do not get a salary. They get a 50 percent share of what the clients pay. Here are their work rules:

* Work hours start from 6pm to midnight or around the clock depending on clients' visits.
* No days off.
* Must stay in brothels or in the places set by the brothel owner.
* Must pay the police 50 baht a day.
* Must pay for food and accommodation 200 baht a day.
* Must pay for condoms.
* Must have health check-ups once a week.
* Those who are indebted to the brothel owner must be accompanied by brothel personnel when they go out.

Massage women

Sex workers at massage parlours do not get a salary. They get their share from what the clients pay for the service. Here are their work rules:

* Must follow the work hours set by the business operator.
* Must inform leave days in advance.
* Must meet the number of clients set by the operator.
* Must observe the dress code set by the operator.

KatoeyLover69

26-12-2005, 01:03 PM

Report from The Straits Times (Singapore) dated Monday 26 December 2005 :-

Gridlock :Motorists and bus commuters are seething at massive jams on Causeway and Second Link during festive season and want something done

By Jeremy Au Yong

THE electronic signboard said it all: Massive jam at Tuas Checkpoint.

Cars leaving and entering Singapore either via the Second Link or the Causeway yesterday morning were caught in a gridlock of traffic.

Bus lanes and those for cars were clogged, and traffic moved so slowly that bored bus drivers on the Second Link got out of their buses to chat with one another.

It left commuters and motorists heading to Malaysia yesterday for the Christmas holiday seething.

The gridlock at both land checkpoints yesterday was not unexpected. Last Sunday, major traffic jams had given a prelude to traffic during the Christmas and New Year long weekends.

Motorists and bus passengers The Sunday Times interviewed yesterday and last week want something done to ease the traffic flow.

At the heart of their complaints is the small number of immigration counters open to clear motorists and bus passengers. And with traffic hitting nearly 75,000 cars one way at the Tuas Checkpoint last weekend - double the daily number - some took up to three hours to make it to the front of the queue getting into Singapore.

Engineer Peter Siew, 40, who was heading to Kuala Lumpur by bus yesterday for a family reunion, was stuck for more than an hour at the Second Link. He also goes to Johor at least once every two months to shop.

He said: 'When I asked the counter staff why they don't open more counters, they say their hands are tied.'

At least 10 readers have written to The Straits Times Forum page, calling last weekend's jam 'ridiculous', 'frustrating' and 'one of the worst' they had ever seen.

Businessman M. Rajavarman, 43, was rushing back from a wedding in Johor with his sick infant when he encountered the jam. Though he lives near the Woodlands Checkpoint, he decided to use the Tuas crossing that day as he thought it would be faster.

'Instead, I paid a higher toll, had to wait two hours and fight through the jam to take my son to see a doctor. I won't go through it again. Why are they advertising asking people to use the Second Link if it's like this?' he said.

Housewife Audirene Ang, 35, was caught in the same queue on the way back with her friends from a shopping trip to Kuala Lumpur.

She said: 'It's really ridiculous. They need to do something about it. We had to wait two hours to get through Singapore.'

In response to queries from The Sunday Times, an Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) spokesman said it 'puts in every effort to clear travellers as quickly as possible, while working within our manpower and infrastructure constraints'.

It added that traffic congestion was inevitable when large numbers of people use the land checkpoints at the same time.

'Nonetheless, ICA has deployed all available resources to clear the travellers as quickly as possible,' the spokesman said.

Still, motorists and commuters say they usually take no more than 10 minutes to breeze through the Malaysian side.

Mr Jasmy Juwahir, assistant head at the Sultan Abu Bakar immigration complex on the Malaysian side of the Second Link, said: 'On weekends when we are expecting big crowds, we will have more staff. For this Christmas weekend, it is all hands on deck. We are prepared to open all 24 booths for cars and all 24 booths for bus passengers.'

But those who survived the long crawl up north yesterday are already dreading their return trip.

Mr Nizam Mohd Sam, 34, a bus driver who has been driving the KL-Singapore route every day for three years, said: 'If you thought today was bad, wait till you see the jam coming back in on Monday.'

For real-time traffic conditions, call the Check-Tips hotline on +65-6863-0117.

KatoeyLover69

26-12-2005, 01:45 PM

[QUOTE=KatoeyLover69]Report from The Straits Times (Singapore) dated Monday 26 December 2005 :-

Gridlock :Motorists and bus commuters are seething at massive jams on Causeway and Second Link during festive season and want something done

Sorry, posted in the WRONG thread !

KatoeyLover69

26-12-2005, 01:54 PM

Soi Cowboy, along with Patpong and the Nana Entertainment Plaza, is a complex of Go Go bars (i.e., air conditioned bars where hookers dance on stage) that cater to male tourists looking to party and bang some of the Orient's hottest women. Soi Cowboy is basically a short street with about 25 bars lined up back-to-back, each bar walking distance from each other. In the bars you will find some of Bangkok's hottest babes who will drop their panties - yes, they all fuck! It is one of the best night spots in Bangkok to go. If you missed Soi Cowboy on your trip, well, you really missed it!

All the girls who work in Soi Cowboy, with few exceptions, are hookers. They are there for one reason and one reason only: to get your money (in exchange of some good sex, of course). The age of the girls average's at the low to mid twenties. No, you won't find any children working the sex industry here.

Few of the girls speak much in the way of English. Some don't speak any at all. Once you get past the, "What's your name?", "Where you from?", "Where you stay?" stage, the conversation will die quick. That is, unless you speak Thai.

Most of the bar girls have migrated to Bangkok to work the sex industry. If you ask them where they were born, they will usually say in the Northeast (Isan). Few are originally from Bangkok, particularly the Soi Cowboy area.

Sex is a given. Virtually every girl will let you screw her, provided you pay of course. Don't be shy to approach any babe. She is there to service you.

The bar girls range in looks from nasty ugly to "Will you marry me now!" Most are fairly short (under 5'6") and weigh under 100 pounds. With the few exceptions of those who have dyed their hair reddish/brown, they have black, silky hair. Most have rather dark complexions and dark brown/black eyes. Many are in need of some dental work. All, with few exceptions, are Buddhist.

Many of the girls do not give head. If you want a blow job, be sure to ask the girl if she " smokes ". Smoke is slang for blow job.

Many of the girls got pregnant from a Thai boy at an early age (ahh, so the local studs get them first, then we get the left overs. So that's how it works!). When the Thai boy dumps the girl and baby, she turns to the sex industry to find money to support the kid. If you wish to take a girl who has no baby (those who do often have thrashed breasts and stomachs), be sure to ask her, "You have baby?" If she says she does, best you pass and move on to another girl.

All-in-all, you will be blown away at how friendly, sensual and open the Thai bar girls are. They are there to meet you, yes, regardless of your age, your weight and if you have hair on your head or not. When you show up, they will treat you like a god. This is why millions and millons of tourists, mostly male, come to Thailand and visit Soi Cowboy every year. It is heaven on earth and the bar girls make it so.

KatoeyLover69

26-12-2005, 02:18 PM

Soi Cowboy vs. Nana Plaza

Swinging Cat 07-21-2005, 11:24 PM
Hi Guys,
It has been a little more than two years since I last visited Bangkok. I'll be going again early next year. When I last went, Nana Plaza was "better" as far as quality of women than Soi Cowboy, though more expensive. But reading the posts throughout the site, it seems Soi Cowboy has had an upsurgence in the past year or so, both in quality of girls and prices. My question, then: For those of you who have been to Bangkok recently, how do the two areas currently compare in quality of women and general pricing? All reviews, comparisons, analyses, and thoughts on the subject will be appreciated. Thanks.
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joecoolfrog 07-22-2005, 01:38 AM
Cat,
Things have probably evened up a bit in last 2 years.Nana would still edge on quality,Cowboy on price but you always gonna pay a premium for the stunners.Its more a question of feeling comfortable if you like busy,frenetic and in your face go for NEP,If you prefer more laid back you will enjoy Cowboy.Dont make a decision based on what you read here because our particular bias might not be yours,only a short distance apart so go to both and have the best of both worlds.
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jaybird 07-22-2005, 08:42 AM
When I was in Bangkok last month, Soi Cowboy was showing more nudity, Nana Plaza virtually none. Also, I think some Soi Cowboy bars were staying open a little later. Of course, this was all in early June, your mileage may vary.

Also, according to Stickman, prices have risen in Soi Cowboy:

"Prices have risen at Suzie Wong's and Sheba's to 125 baht for Heineken and spirits + mixed drinks. Perhaps the most notable difference between Nana and Cowboy now is that at Cowboy customers get to see some dancers in their birthday suits. 125 baht drinks at Soi Cowboy, who would've thought it?"

http://www.stickmanbangkok.com/Weekly/weekly219.htm
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Runnmann 07-22-2005, 10:04 AM
Speaking of nudity, the girls in the Pretty Girl Club at NEP don't wear any underwear under their skirts, they dance on a mirror (stage) so that when you look down at the mirror you can see it all. Although some of them lift up those little skirts to show their stuff without one having to look at the mirror.

Pretty good entertainment value, but be careful of the lights, some of these chicks appear to be verty attractive in the club but when you get them back to your hotel for their close up, they're a plain Jane.
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ejtlebbis 07-24-2005, 12:22 AM
One would think that with the decrease in visitor numbers perhaps the prices would have come down?

Anyone have an update?
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Billy Baht 07-25-2005, 07:20 AM
One would think that with the decrease in visitor numbers perhaps the prices would have come down?

Anyone have an update?

Naaaaa. We do things different in Thailand: Fewer customers? Simple, just raise prices

There are some "happy hour" bargains out there but, over all, prices are creeping up in the Bangkok bars.

Billy Baht
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harold444 07-25-2005, 10:15 AM
if you cannot afford $2.00 - $3.00 for a dink maybe you holliday someplace else......hehehe.

very truly yours, sexy thai gairl.
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joecoolfrog 07-25-2005, 01:49 PM
if you cannot afford $2.00 - $3.00 for a dink maybe you holliday someplace else......hehehe.

very truly yours, sexy thai gairl.

Harold,
I see you have spent time in Bangkok improving your command of English.Perhaps when you have mastered an ability to arrange letters into some sort of legible sequence I will be able to understand what the fuck you mean to say.
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joecoolfrog 07-25-2005, 03:00 PM
Not Cool Frog Princess......
http://www.phuket-simoncabaret.com/images/photo.gif

this ones for you!

Dear Jimmy,
Yes I hear it's a good show,very popular with the tourists and sensitive souls like yourself.Not really my cup of tea but interesting how you equate my teasing with a fondness for Katoey,perhaps Harold has an answer that you might translate for me.
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punehunter 09-05-2005, 01:54 AM
Cowboy beats Nana overall... better vibes, more laid back, pretty girls. Shark Bar was a good time. Nana had some hot girls, but too crowded.
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harold444 09-05-2005, 02:37 AM
i went to soi cowboy last... more laid back, very few pretty girls, many homely girls, cheaper ,yes.

soi cowboy is like reno nevada compared to las vegas nevada.

KatoeyLover69

26-12-2005, 02:34 PM

http://www.bangkokbob.net/cowboy.htm

KatoeyLover69

26-12-2005, 02:46 PM

Transvestite Cabarets

Transvestite (katoey) cabarets are worth a special trip to Thailand to see. Coach loads of foreign tourists, especially Asians, come in to see and take photos with the amazingly feminine transvestites. Sometimes the only thing that gives them away as being 'male' are their deeper voices. Many of the ' katoeys ' have already undergone transgender surgery and to all intents and purposes can be considered female.

Bangkok has several places to see this spectacle. Calypso in the Asia Hotel is the biggest and most popular. Mambo, in the old Washington Theater on Sukhumvit Road is another. Several of the gay bars in the Silom Soi 2 and Soi 4 area also offer short cabaret performances in between the regular dance shows. If you've never seen a transvestite show before, go ahead and check it out. You'll be amazed.

Calypso

Perhaps Bangkok's most famous transvestite cabaret show is at Calypso, located in the Asia Hotel on Phyathai Road.

The Calypso troupe offers an amusing Broadway-style drag review, and the Asian 'Spice Girls', five 'girls' who look amazingly like the UK songsters. The shows cater mainly to a tourist audience, but offer a wide range of themes ranging from traditional Thai to 50s New York.

Calypso offers two shows nightly at 8.15 pm and 9.45 pm but with a dual pricing arrangement of 350 baht for Thais, 700 baht for foreigners (price includes a drink).

296 Phyathai Road, Bangkok
Reservations: Tel +66 2 261-6355, 216-8937

Mambo

The old-style Broadway theme, rehashed by local transvestites. Mambo is located in the former Washington Theater, close to Phrom Pong BTS Station. Open daily 8.30 pm to 10.00 pm with a ticket cost of 600 or 800 baht. Two shows nightly.

Washington Theater, Sukhumvit Soi 22
Tel +66 2 259-5128, 259-5715

Cabarets at Pattaya

Pattaya is other place to see fascinating transvestite cabarets. Two famous shows,Tiffany and Alcazar, located on the Second Road, in the North Pattaya.

Benz_Cunt

26-12-2005, 02:57 PM

:eek: Impressive..... Bro, thanks for all the info... i really take time to read it... If go there chiong u also can lead us with FOC?? :D Thanks!!

KatoeyLover69

26-12-2005, 03:25 PM

Alcazar Cabaret Show in Chonburi, Pattaya

Although a visit here is very much dependent on whether this is your cup of tea or not, places like Alcazar Cabaret have become tourist attractions in their own right. At Alcazar it’s a straight forward theme – men dressed as women, or as they are known in the trade, ‘female impersonation artists’. Impersonate them well they do – only careful attention to fine details such as Adam’s Apples expose these artists as being male. Known in Thai as ‘ Katoeys ’, the performers are almost invariably transsexuals who have had ‘gender reassignment’.

The entertainment provided includes full cabaret performances featuring countless performers wearing some of the most extravagant evening wear you are ever likely to see. And this is no low-key event either. The hall housing Alcazar Cabaret Show seats 1,200 people and employs state-of-the-art light and sound technology. In addition, there are a number of restaurants and cafes to enjoy before and after the shows. To push the envelope further, Alcazar Theatre proudly presents an annual "Greatest Lady-man Pageant in the World" – a full fledged beauty contest for transsexuals.
Whatever your thoughts on this type of entertainment, a visit to Alcazar will be an unforgettable experience!

Address :
Alcazar Cabaret Show,
78/14 Pattaya 2 Road, Pattaya,.(Between Soi 3 & 4)
Tel : + 66 (38) 418746

Show Time:
Daily: 6:30 p.m., 8:00 p.m., 9:30 p.m. Saturday: 11:00 p.m.

How to get there:
As with elsewhere, the Songtaews circling Pattaya are by far the most convenient way to get to Alcazar Theatre.

Contact:
For reservations: 0-38-41-0224-7 or 0-6324-7243
Email: [email protected]
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

One shall not miss a chance to see the world-famous Alcazar or Tiffany show. You will be entertained with music, lip-sings, dances and various shows played by many perfectly beautiful female actresses. If you are unaware of, you cannot imagine that these female actresses were actually male from origin!

The Alcazar Show has been delighting audiences from around the world of almost 20 years. Thrilling 1,000,000 with laughter & impressions. You'll experience the magic of Alcazars state of the art computerized lighting system and be dazzled by the effects of its Circle surrounding sound DTS system, but that's only the beginning. Prepared to be entertained in grand style by its 400 staff wonderfully talented artists and entertainers.

The Phettrakul Family is the Founder & Owner of the Alcazar Cabaret, which is located on Pattaya 2nd Road. Originally, it was a small theatre of 350 seats with 40 employees on almost 20 years ago. The floor, stage & technical equipment were rudimentary and in fact the business was not so successful in that early day, however, the family never gave up and continued to improve and upgrade its facilities until Alcazar Cabaret Show became "World Famous"!

Today's Alcazar features a Grand Beautiful Theatre with a capacity of 1,200 seats & 440 employees. With state of art light & sound system featuring the ultra high tech "Circle surround sound DTS system" & the most modern computer technology. Today, the Alcazar Cabaret is "World Class"!.

Alcazar Cabaret of Pattaya is now well known throughout most of the "INTERNATIONAL" in equivalence to both Lido & Moulin Rouge of Paris. But Alcazar is different that Lady-man stages it. Alcazar can successfully blend the art of acting, stage design, costumes & the sequence of the shows so well to be impressed by every one of all ages. So Alcazar is a must to visit for both Local & Foreign Visitors don't miss it ever.

Price per person: 600 Baht

Include:

Transportation with pick up and drop off at hotels in Pattaya

Ticket Fees of V.I.P. Seat

Pick up time: 17:30, 19:00 and 20:30

KatoeyLover69

26-12-2005, 05:03 PM

http://www.thaiwaysmagazine.com/bangkok_map/bangkok_skytrain_metro_map.html

KatoeyLover69

26-12-2005, 08:26 PM

Where is Isaan?
The Isaan region covers about 1/3 of the country of Thailand. It is bounded by the Mekong River to the north and east, and by high hills or mountains to the west and south.

Who Are the Isaan?
Isaan (E-saan) can refer to either the name of the Isaan people, their language or the northeast Thailand region. There are about 20 million Isaan people, most of them living in Northeast Thailand. The Isaan are known throughout Thailand as people who want to live life to the fullest. They are seen as a hardworking, hard playing, and hard luck people who have a sturdy sense of independence in spite of being looked down on by some from better off regions of the country.

What Do the Isaan Believe?
Along with most Thai people from other parts of the country, most Isaan believe that "to be Thai is to be Buddhist." More than 95% of the Isaan identify themselves as Theravada Buddhists, but most do not have a deep understanding of Buddhist doctrine. Most know of and wish to follow the Five Precepts of Buddhism for the lay person (Don't kill, steal, lie, drink alcohol, or commit adultery) and often attempt to "make merit" by giving offerings to the monks or money to the local temple.

In reality, however, the type of Buddhism practiced by many Isaan people is actually a mixture of animism (spirit worship), Buddhism and Brahmanism. It is believed that spirits inhabit many natural objects such as large trees and the ground and that offerings to the spirits are periodically necessary to insure they do no harm.

What About the History and Culture of the Isaan?
The Isaan are mainly descended from Laotian migrations beginning in the about the 15th century. Isaan people speak a variation of the Lao language known as "Isaan". Due to the Central Thai government's policy of requiring all national schools to teach in Central Thai, most Isaan people have at least some ability to speak, read and write Central Thai, although most speak their Isaan language in the home.

The Isaan region has remained the poorest part of Thailand, largely due to poor soil and climate for farming. But despite the relatively unfertile soil, agriculture remains the mainstay of the Isaan economy. Around 90% of the population is engaged in farming. More than half of the rice grown is the glutinous variety (sticky rice) preferred by the people of Isaan. The northeast has about 60% of Thailand's water buffalos, which are used in farming.

Maw Lom music is indigenous to Lao/Isaan culture. It is traditional music which uses a bamboo instrument, the khaen, and incorporates Isaan forms.

One marked characteristic of the Northeasterner is a sturdy sense of independence. This trait is demonstrated by the unusually high proportion of people who are self-employed, owning and operating their own farms. Isaan people also place a high value on having fun, and are considered warm and cheerful people.

What About Their Daily Lives?
The major occupation of the Isaan is rice farming, but they are also employed as taxi drivers, construction workers, and beauticians, and professionals such as teachers, doctors, and government workers. Particularly in the provinces of Khon Kaen, Roiet, Surin, and Korat, they are well known for their silk weaving skills, making an especially beautiful type of silk known as "mud mee".

The agriculture of the Northeast is primarily rain-fed. This means that there is a drastic reduction in the demand for labor during the dry season. Unemployment can then reach 30-40% of the Isaan labor force. The unemployed often deal with this problem by moving outside of Isaan to look for work. Many Isaan families rely heavily on funds sent back from these outside jobs. However, with the economic crash throughout Thailand and Asia, many Isaan are unable to find work.

Most meals include sticky rice as the staple, along with vegetables and usually some type of protein. Many green plants are eaten, including many varieties unknown to Westerners. Hot chili peppers are incorporated into many dishes, as well as garlic, coriander, mint, and dill. Fermented fish (often raw) contributes protein but can also be a source of parasites. Other proteins include chicken, beef, pork, fish, frogs, field crabs, insects, iguanas, field rats, and other animals.

pomrakthai

26-12-2005, 08:52 PM

KatoeyLover69

26-12-2005, 09:10 PM

Wat Po Thai Traditional Massage Courses

Teaching Thai Traditional Massage from the fundamental of the stone inscription massage texts and Yoga models, which have been collected and inscribed by King Rama III decree at Wat Po. The expert instructor will teach the fine arts and good ethic of Thai massage.

There are 5 courses:

1. General Thai Massage Course
To teach the right position of massager, ethics, client's position, caution and rule of massaging. Say to relieve fatique, muscular cramping and nervous tension. To make muscle and joints supple. To stimulate the blood and lymph circulation for physical fitness improvement. To improve body immunity, for antiaging, and longevity. This course takes 30 hours.

2. Therapeutic and Healing Massage Course
To teach the Thai Fundamental Massage Points, for curing of more than 80 simply ailments, such as healing of muscle pain, muscle sprain, tennis elbow, stiff neck, low backpain, muscle cramping, muscle weakness, muscle stiffness, muscle discomfort and nervous tension. To make muscles, joints and tendons supple, Massage is for preventing the atrophy (wasting away) of muscles in the paralyzed patients or elderly persons who are unable to exercise. This course takes 30 hours.
*Student must pass the General Thai Massage Course (1) before appling for this course.

3. Foot Massage Course Study
how to do a foot massage, which is adapted from the Chinese foot reflexology. Massaging under feet soles help to stimulate and improve activities of the internal organs. This course takes 30 hours.

4. Oil Massage and Aromatherapy Course Even the science of oil massage and aromatherapy are originated in the west, Thais also use fragrances and herbs for ordinary health's care from the ancient time. This course takes 30 hours.
*Student must pass the General Thai Massage Course (1) before appling for this course.

5. Infant and Child Massage Course
Learn how to give a warmth and lovely touch to your baby. This course is suitable for a parent or a nanny who have a little baby under your care.This course takes 15 hours.
*Student must pass the General Thai Massage Course (1) before appling for this course.

APPLICATION Open daily, the applicant may apply directly at :-

Wat Po Thai Traditional Massage School and affiliated schools are open daily from 08:00 to 18:00. Applicant may apply for any massage course directly at our schools everyday. Please bring a photocopy of your passport and 3 photographs (2" size) for each course.

2 Sanamchai Rd., Wat Po, Tatian, Bangkok 10200 THAILAND
Office: 392/25-28 Soi Penphat 1, Maharah Rd., Pranakorn 10200
Tel.: (+66) 2 221-2974, (+66) 2 221-3686, (+66) 2 622-3550
Fax: (+66) 2 225-4771, (+66) 2 622-3551

CHETAWAN Thai Traditional Massage School (CHAENGWATTHANA)
SAILOM Building, Chaeng-Watthana Rd. Soi 15, Pakkred, NONTHABURI
T. 0-2962-7338 to 40

CHETAWAN Thai Traditional Massage School (CHIANGMAI)
7/1-2 Soi SamudLanna, T. Changphueak, A.Muang, Chiangmai 50300
Tel : 0-5341-0360 to 1

Email: [email protected]

MamboKing

26-12-2005, 09:21 PM

I am utterly impressed and awed by your all round ent. info on Thais and BKK Bro Katoey69. Two thumbs up !:D

bbailey

27-12-2005, 12:19 AM

thanks for all the info bro!
can't believe can find such lonely-planet kind of info in sammyboy.

me the mountain tortoise hvn't been to BKK b4 yet. will be venturing my 1st trip in Feb. Hope the info can comes in handy.

KatoeyLover69

27-12-2005, 12:33 AM

Report from Bangkok Post dated Monday 26 December 2005 :-

Thailand's tourism image rebounds

Thailand southern beaches and islands, as well as Bangkok's luxury hotels, put the kingdom in a strong rebound position in the Southeast Asia's tourist market.

Thailand has been voted by readers of a best-selling Australian travel magazine as one of the top world tourists destination, ranked above rival Southeast Asian countries in the highly-competitive Southeast Asian region, according to Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) deputy governor Surapol Savetseranee.

Australia's Luxury Travel & Style magazine, 'Down Under's' best-selling travel magazine, conducted a survey in September and October asking its 60,000 subscribers and readers to nominate the world's best hotels, resorts, spas, golf courses and destinations.

Thailand placed eighth on the high-flying publication's world rankings, outperforming Indonesia (28th), Malaysia (23rd), Singapore (15th) and Vietnam (22nd) on its list of 30 countries voted as the world's best tourist destinations.

Of the world's 15 best tourist destination islands, Thailand's southern resorts of Phuket and Samui were ranked 5 th and 9th, respectively, while Malaysia's Langkawi Island trailed at number 11 in the chart.

In the category of world' best city destinations, Bangkok was voted eighth, Singapore 10th and Kuala Lumpur 27th, while in the world's best hotel category, Thailand's Oriental , Peninsula and JW Marriott hotels were ranked 4th, 7th and 12th respectively on the list of 35 finalists.

The survey shows that Thailand has maintained its strong position as a leading world travel destination despite a decline in large number of tourists for the entire year due to the tsunami disaster which affected Indonesia and Malaysia as well, the TAT deputy governor said.

While Bangkok serves as 'gateway to Asia' for many North American and European tourists, Singapore is the first point of entry to Asia for many Australians.

Terrorist bombings in Indonesia have affected the attitude of many Australian tourists who want to discover a more 'traditional' Asia and less shopping-oriented destination than what is on offer in Singapore, and beach resorts that are perceived as being safer than in Indonesia.

KatoeyLover69

27-12-2005, 08:30 AM

Report from Bangkok Post dated Tuesday 27 December 2005 :-

Gone, but not forgotten : Emotional scenes as thousands attend commemorative ceremonies on Andaman coast
By Post Reporters

Thais and foreigners mingled, tears flowed, and many embraced to console each other yesterday along the Andaman coast as the country's most devastating disaster that struck on the day after Christmas last year was remembered. Thousands of Thais and foreigners who are tsunami survivors or relatives of the dead congregated on the beaches of Phangnga, Phuket and Phi Phi island to pay tribute to the dead in a ceremony marking the disaster's first anniversary.

Over 10,000 participants packed the sandy beach of Bang Niang in Phangnga province shortly before sunset to share their remembrance for the victims in the commemorative event highlighting the government's One Year in Memory of Tsunami Ceremony.

There were also morning memorial services at seven locations in these provinces, and a ceremony to lay the foundation stone of the official tsunami memorial at Khao Lak-Lamru national park held during the day.

Interfaith memorial services were performed by Buddhist, Christian, and Islamic leaders before two young tsunami survivors, Thai boy Patiwat Komkla and British girl Tilly Smith read poems to commemorate the event.

``It wasn't devastation or death that won the day. It was Humanity that triumphed, the shining victory of Generosity, Courage, Love,'' Tilly recited the poem written by noted Thai writer Khunying Chumnongsri Hanjaneluck Rutnin.

Addressing the crowd, Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra said that after the disaster, people had learned another side of truth.

``It was hospitality that we had shared with one another. As long as we have it, our shattered lives one day will return to normal. The incident has made us learn better about the value of our lives, and human's faith,'' he said.

Survivors from foreign countries, families of foreign victims, and VIPs attending a memorial service earlier in the day on Bang Niang beach praised the government for organising the moving service.

The tsunami killed almost 5,400 people in Thailand, about 2,245 of whom were foreigners. And 2,800 are still listed as missing.

Invited guests lined up in the scorching sun to lay flowers and photos of their loved ones and signed a book of condolences. Many burst into tears and embraced as they consoled each other, while hundreds of local people watched from a distance.

Several foreign nationals, such as those from Sweden, Australia, the Netherlands, Germany and Japan, also held private memorial services at the sites where their compatriots died.

About 500 Swedish people attended a private memorial service in Phangnga, chaired by the Swedish ambassador to Thailand. More than 540 Swedes died in the catastrophe.

Sally Jean Nelson, from the United States, who lost her 15-year-old daughter, Kali, thanked the Thai government for having organised this emotional event.

``After going back to the States in January, our family have felt alienated to the others because the tsunami has changed our thought. So, we want to come back here and be with people who've had similar experience and feeling. This is a great healing opportunity for us,'' she said.

Lord David Triesman, minister of the United Kingdom's Foreign and Commonwealth Office, thanked the Thai government for cooperating with metropolitan police force from London in the search operation and body identification, even though many were still missing.

Japanese Senator Kiyohiko Toyaman, who headed the Japanese delegates to the memorial service, said : ``The ceremony is an important event to mark the turning point of the calamity, from mourning for the victims into a stage of new development of the Andaman coastal provinces.

Thousands of foreigners, including some 200 relatives of the dead and survivors, attended a memorial service on Phi Phi island.

Emma Lacey Williams, 22, a British volunteer who had spent five months on the island helping with rehabilitation work, said that as soon as she heard the news about Thailand's plans for a memorial service, she knew she had to come back.

Christ Patterson, 52, a British man who was plucked out of the sea by some islanders, said he returned because he wished to meet his rescuers again.

In Phuket, Patong beach was awash with candlelight when more than 100,000 candles were lit at 7.09pm in remembrance of dead tsunami victims.

KatoeyLover69

27-12-2005, 09:04 AM

Death Railway
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.

The Death Railway (known also as Burma Railway or Burma Thai Railway) was a railway built from Thailand to Burma (now Myanmar) by the Japanese during World War II to complete the route from Bangkok to Rangoon and support the Japanese occupation of Burma. It was so called because of the human cost of its construction. About 100,000 conscripted Asian labourers and 16,000 Allied prisoners of war (POW) died on the project. The Allied POWs were made up of 6,318 British, 2,815 Australians, 2,490 Dutch and the remainder from the USA or unknown

Japan was given right of passage to Thailand and occupied Burma during the Pacific War, however when the sea route through the Strait of Malacca became vulnerable an alternative way of transporting support to the troops in Burma was needed. A railway connection between Thailand and Burma was already surveyed at the beginning of the 20th century by the British, but was considered too difficult to be built. The Japanese nevertheless started the project in June 1942, connecting Kanchanaburi with Thanbyuzayat by the Three Pagoda Pass. Construction started simultaneously at the Thai and the Burmese side. Most railway materials (tracks, sleepers etc.) were carted from dismantled branches of the Federated States of Malaya Railways (FMSR - now known as Keretapi Tanah Melayu) rail network.

After 18 months the 415 kilometers of railway were finished, when on October 17, 1943 the two lines met about 18 km south of the Three Pagoda Pass at Konkuita. While most of the POW were then transferred to Japan, those left to maintain the line still suffered from the appalling living conditions as well as Allied air raids.

The most famous part of the railway is the bridge over the river Kwae Yai, "Mae Klong River (renamed Kwai Yai River in 1960)", named River Kwai in the book by Pierre Boulle and the later film The Bridge on the River Kwai. The first wooden bridge over the Kwae Noi was finished in February 1943, followed by a concrete and steel bridge in June 1943. Both bridges were destroyed on April 2, 1945, by the AZON crews of the 458th Heavy Bombardment Group USAAF, but had been damaged and repaired several times before already. The two squarish central sections of the current bridge were made in Japan and donated to Thailand to repair the bridge as war reparations.

After the war the railway was in too poor a state to be used for the civil Thai railway system, and needed heavy reconstruction. It was also converted from 1 metre narrow gauge to standard gauge. In June 1949 the first part from Kanchanaburi to Nong Pladuk was finished, in April 1952 the next section up to Wampo, and finally in July 1957 up to Nam +++. The portion of the railway still in use measures about 130km. Beyond Nam +++, the line is abandoned; parts of it have been converted into a walking trail. Since the 1990s there have been plans to rebuild the complete railway, but these plans have not yet come to fruition.

The living and working conditions on the railway were horrific. About 25% of the POW workers died because of overworking, malnutrition and diseases like cholera, malaria and dysentery. The death rate of the Asian workers was even higher; the number who died is unknown, as the Japanese did not count them.

Several memorials were built on the Thai side after the war. Directly at the bridge is a memorial plaque, and a historic locomotive is on display as well. Another memorial built by the Australians is at the Hellfire Pass, a landcut which cost most lives of all. The main POW cemetery is about 1 kilometre north of the city Kanchanaburi. 6,982 POW were buried there, mostly British, Dutch, Australian and American. A smaller cemetery a bit further outside city is Chong Kai with 1,750 graves. Both are maintained by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission.

The construction of the Death Railway was only one of many major war crimes committed by the Japan during the course of its wars in Asia. It is regarded as a major event in the Asian Holocaust, during which over 15 million Chinese, Korean, Filippino, Indonesian, Burmese, Indochinese civilians, Pacific Islanders and Allied POWs were killed.

Memorials
There are several museums dedicated to those who lost their lives constructing the railway - the best of which is at Hellfire Pass, north of the current terminus at Nam +++. Two other museums are in Kanchanaburi, the Thailand-Burma Railway Museum, opened in March 2003, and the JEATH War Museum. There is also a preserved section of line and memorial at the National Memorial Arboretum, England.

KatoeyLover69

27-12-2005, 09:18 AM

There's life on the railway of death By Bjarne Madsen

16,000 allied prisoners of war lost their lives here - and more than 100,000 others who aren't mentioned all that often. Today the " Railway of Death " and the Bridge over the River Kwai are two of Thailand's major tourist attractions.

Time has almost stood still at the railway station in Kanchanaburi. The ticket office could have been taken straight from an old film set. At 10:34 the train is due to pull in at the platform. But there's no hectic expectation as the time approaches. Nobody seems to really believe it will arrive at 10:34. And it doesn't! No Western service standards apply here, no passengers wait impatiently, consulting their watches and exchanging tales of bad travel experiences because the automatic doors don't hiss open exactly on time. Here the passengers, mostly westerners, possess a curious patience. An acknowledgement that this is just how things are supposed to be. But when the train turns up at 10:46 things begin to happen fast. Passengers dive for a seat on the hard wooden benches, benches that wake memories of past train rides of the kind that younger generations have probably only experienced on nostalgic veteran railways. Shortly after the train has set off the ticket-collector turns up, asking to see the tickets, punching them all with a friendly smile. The ticket is returned carefully to the shirt pocket. As a souvenir that joins the t-shirt from Bangkok and the photo taken of you riding on an elephant. The ticket from that time you rode on the "Railway of Death" and crossed "The Bridge over the River Kwai".

16,000 allied prisoners of war lost their lives when this railway was built during the Second World War, dying together with 100,000 slave labourers from India, China, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Burma and Thailand who aren't mentioned all that often. After all, there are lots of Indians and Chinese. 16,000 allied soldiers and civilians are far easier for the tourist to identify with. All the same, every kilometre of railway track cost the lives of 38 allies.

Just like when Dad was a lad

The "Railway of Death" left such a gruesome number of bodies in its track, in stark contrast to the number of wooden sleepers supporting the tracks themselves. Today there's life on the railway. Thousands of visitors to Thailand travel annually on the hard seats, sensing the gory past mixed with the glory of railway history. A choo-choo from the days when dad was a lad. Smiling vendors of local foods appear from time to time, selling their wares between the rows of benches. Now there's a chance to consume exciting Thai delicacies, similar to those found in countless stalls on the rather dirtier Bangkok streets, where there is little temptation to stop and buy. In the train on the "Railway of Death" the smell is somehow different. And ready-to-eat fruit and other things on sticks are consumed with relish for just a few Baht. Pleasantly cool in the tropical heat, Pepsi and Sprite complete the perfect illusion of a school excursion in bygone childhood days. The cheerful vendor hauls them deftly from a plastic bucket that is filled with blocks of ice.

The journey takes us over the famous bridge over the Kwai River, immortalized by Alec Guinness and William Holden yet filmed in Sri Lanka and showing a completely different bridge. But all the same... This is the real bridge. This is the genuine bridge that was bombed several times in 1945 and first rebuilt after the war. Two of the arches were supplied from Japan. Quite grotesque considering that Japan was the nation that was responsible for the loss of the lives of thousands of prisoners and slave labourers while building the railway. Today the bridge stands as a memorial to the prisoners of war and slave labourers who died of illness or as a result of torture by the Japanese.

The "Railway of Death" was built as a strategic railway between Thailand and Burma. 263 kilometres in Thailand and 152 kilometres in Burma. Later the Thais and the Burmese agreed to destroy the tracks from their common border and 100 kilometres into each country.

Construction of the railway began on the 16th of September 1942 with a labour force of about 30,000 prisoners from the allies and more than 100,000 slave labourers. First estimates by the Japanese engineers suggested that it would take at least five years to build, but the Japanese army forced the prisoners to complete it in only 16 months. On the 25th December 1943 the " Railway of Death " was completed.

Those who built but never rode

Today not many people seem to be thinking particularly deeply about the gruesome history of the railway as the train rattles and rumbles down the track. People discuss the old luggage nets, the wooden benches, the old-fashioned ceiling lighting and other things remembered from ancient local railways. They marvel at the beautiful lake views, the Kwae Noi River and the small temples. And they remember the last evening in Bangkok.

An hour or so after Kanchanaburi the train reaches Nam +++. Crowds of tourists and a few local inhabitants get off, leaving the "Railway of Death", the tourists with the ticket in their shirt pocket. Back at the hotel it joins the other souvenirs as a permanent remembrance of the "Railway of Death".

Back in Kanchanaburi you will find the Kanchanaburi War Cemetery with its 6,982 graves and the Chungkai War Cemetery with 1,750 graves. Visit them in remembrance of almost half of the many thousands of the allied soldiers who built, but never rode the "Railway of Death".

Published on 3/14/01

U-Need

27-12-2005, 04:12 PM

BANGKOK, December 25 - Half of high school students skipped class at least once and one in every 10 carried weapons to school, a Social Development and Human Security Ministry survey has indicated.

The poll found that 50 percent cut classes because they were fed up with teachers and the school system, and seniors tended to skip class more often than juniors, according to local newspaper The Nation internet news.

The survey, conducted by the ministry and the National Institute of Development Administration, explored "risk behavior" that students were engaged in over the past year.

About 280,000 Mathayom 1-6 students from 1,400 schools nationwide took part in the poll.

The poll also found that one-tenth of the respondents carried weapons to schools, thought about committing suicide and suffered physical abuse at home.

When asked about sexual orientation, 7 percent preferred people of the same sex while more male students suffered sexual violations than females.

Males had twice the risk of sexual harassment compared to females and most of those suffering sexual abuse were sexually deviated.

Sexual violations were closely related to suicides and sexually- abused students had four times the risk of committing suicide compared to others.

U-Need

27-12-2005, 04:24 PM

清邁府堤沙菊縣警署前天下午3時半獲報，在佬呂區8村294號有1名外國遊客喪生，警即趕到現場調查。
肇案屋是1幢2層洋樓，屋門使用遙控器控制，警在門前見到1輛汽車，引擎開著，排氣管接上了約長16米的p vc管子，管子的尾部拉進屋裡。
警撬開門進屋後見到瑞士藉男子彼得（51歲）的屍體，他穿著棕色的上衣和長褲，身上沒有傷痕，已喪生約6個小時。
警在屋裡找到8封遺信，譯成泰文意為：請發現屍首的人幫助辦理後事，另抱怨泰妻"勒"不辭而別，使他傷心不已。
警查悉，娘勒離開彼得後，他努力尋找不果，失望情緒低落，用汽車排氣管排氣自殺。警將傳訊有關的人，查出真相。

KatoeyLover69

27-12-2005, 04:48 PM

KatoeyLover69

27-12-2005, 07:04 PM

Do you know what is the " official name " for Bangkok ?

It's : " Krung Thep Maha Nakhon Amon Rattanakosin Mahinthara Ayutthaya Mahadilokphop Noppharat Ratchathani Burirom Udom Ratchaniwet Maha Sathan Amon Piman Awatan Sathit Sakkathatthiya Witsanukam Prasit "

and it means : " Land of angels, great city of immortality, of divine gems, great angelic unconquerable land, land of nine nobel gems, royal city, a pleasant capital, place of Royal Palace, eternal land of angels & reincarnated spirit "

KatoeyLover69

27-12-2005, 07:37 PM

Infection risk and oral sex

Written by Dr John Dean, specialist in sexual medicine, South Devon Healthcare NHS Trust

Oral sex is a very common sexual practice in both heterosexual and homosexual couples. It includes both oro-genital and oro-anal sex. Understandably, many men and women are concerned about the potential risks of contracting human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), the viral infection that can develop into acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) and other infections from oral sex. In this article, we look at the medical evidence available and offer advice on how to reduce the risks.

Cunnilingus is oral contact with a woman's genitalia and one study reported that 73 per cent of men and 66 per cent of women had experienced it. The same study reported that 69 per cent of men and 64 per cent of women had experienced fellatio, oral contact with a man's genitalia. Both activities have become increasingly common in the last 50 years, at least in part because they are considered 'safer' than penetrative sexual intercourse. The existing evidence shows that oral sex is a lower risk activity than penetrative vaginal or anal intercourse. However, low risk is not the same as no risk, and a variety of infections, including HIV, can be transmitted in this way. Safer sexual practices include masturbation and the use of vibrators or other sex aids, provided that partners do not share them without adequate cleansing.

Infection risk

AIDS and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)

HIV is a virus that causes progressive damage to the body's immune system, eventually leading to the development of chronic infections or cancers, and death. In its later stages, the collection of disorders resulting from HIV infection is described as AIDS. It is well known that penetrative vaginal and, particularly, anal intercourse, carry a high risk for transmission of HIV. Virus particles are found in semen and, to a lesser extent, saliva. Factors that might increase the risk of transmission are:

* being the receptive partner (ie taking the penis into your mouth).

* poor oral hygiene: the presence of oral thrush, mouth ulcers or gum disease.

* ulcer(s) on the penis or blood in the semen.

* allowing ejaculation of semen into the mouth.

* failing to spit out or swallow semen (the chemical environment of the stomach and digestive system will rapidly inactivate HIV).

There have been several studies reporting transmission of HIV between gay men who exclusively practice fellatio, rather than penetrative intercourse. There has also been at least one report of female to female transmission. In heterosexual couples, there is a significantly greater risk of transmission of HIV from male to female, than from female to male, but this includes all sexual practices, not just oral sex. As few couples exclusively practice oral sex, it is difficult to get reliable evidence and quantify the risk from oral sex alone, but from our understanding of how the virus is transmitted, we believe that the receptive partner (i.e. the one taking the penis into the mouth) is most at risk. Taking semen into the mouth, particularly with poor oral hygiene, further increases the risk for the receptive partner, although there are reports of HIV transmission as a result of fellatio without ejaculation.

Bacterial infections of the digestive system
There is evidence that the organisms Salmonella, Shigella and Campylobacter can all be transmitted by oro-anal contact. These can all cause severe abdominal pain and, sometimes, diarrhoea. Infections with Salmonella and Shigella can occasionally prove fatal.

Chlamydia
Chlamydia trachomatis infection may cause urethritis in men (pain and discharge from the urethra - the outlet from the bladder) or, in women, pelvic infection and fertility problems. In women Chlamydia quite frequently causes no symptoms. The organism has been isolated from the throats of both men and women. There is an association between fellatio and chlamydia infection, suggesting that at least male to female transmission is possible.

Gonorrhoea
Gonorrhoea is a sexually transmitted disease caused by the bacterium, Neisseria gonorrhoea. It usually causes a urethral (penile) discharge and discomfort on passing urine in men, and vaginal discharge and pelvic pain in women. It can be present without producing any symptoms at all, particularly in women, where up to 70 per cent may have no symptoms of infection. It is normally transmitted by vaginal or anal intercourse, but can also be transmitted through oral sex. It can cause gonococcal pharyngitis (throat infection). This is frequently without symptoms and only about 15 per cent of those affected will have a sore throat. Gonorrhoea is highly infectious.

Hepatitis A
Hepatitis A is a common viral infection that can cause jaundice and abdominal pain. It is not usually serious, although sufferers can feel very ill. The virus is found in faeces in high concentrations and will almost inevitably be present on the apparently clean anal skin of infected individuals. It can be transmitted by oro-anal contact. Several epidemic outbreaks have been reported among gay men, but heterosexual couples practising oro-anal contact are just as likely to be at risk.

Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B is a viral infection that is more common among people who have had a previous sexually transmitted disease, and among drug users. It can cause a very serious, potentially fatal, liver disease and chronic liver damage. It is most commonly transmitted by inoculation of infected blood, by sharing needles for injection, needlestick injuries and the medical use of infected blood products. Virus particles are found in semen, stool and saliva, as well as blood. There is clear evidence that it can be transmitted through vaginal and anal intercourse, but it is unproven whether it can be transmitted through oral sex. Certainly, there is a theoretical risk of transmission.

Hepatitis C
Hepatitis C is a viral infection transmitted in a similar way to hepatitis B, and so usually affects drug users. Some people with hepatitis C infection were infected with blood products, such as transfusions, prior to adequate screening procedures in the 1980s. There is limited evidence that hepatitis C may be transmissible through receptive oro-genital contact.

Herpes simplex virus (HSV)
HSV infection is the commonest cause of genital ulceration. In the past, it was almost exclusively caused by Herpesvirus hominis type 2, but in recent years it is increasingly caused by the type 1 virus, which was more usually associated with labial (lip) herpes or cold sores. Genital herpes is characterised by recurrent bouts of vesicles (small blisters), either on the penis or vulva, or other parts of the female genital tract. These rapidly break down to form small, painful ulcers. The first episode is usually associated with an acute feverish illness, which may be quite severe. It frequently recurs, although recurrent bouts are usually associated with a milder illness. HSV can also cause pharyngitis, an inflammation of the throat with similar ulcer formation. HSV is highly infectious and usually sexually transmitted. It is certainly transmitted by penetrative intercourse but there are several reports of transmission through oral sex. Virus particles are shed profusely from ulcers, either oral (including cold sores) or genital, and infection is far more likely when these are present. Transmission is unlikely, but not impossible, in the absence of ulcers.

Human papillomavirus (HPV)
HPV infection leads to the development of genital warts in both men and women, and is almost certainly sexually transmitted. Warts are usually fairly obvious on men (present on the penis), but may be more difficult to diagnose in women, as they may be restricted to the cervix (neck of the womb) and vagina. They can also develop around the anus, particularly if anal intercourse or oro-anal sex is practised, and, rarely, in the mouth and throat. HPV infection is important to identify and treat, as it can lead to the development of cancer of the cervix, mouth, penis and anus.

HPV virus is shed from the surface of warts and any form of direct physical contact may result in transmission. Although there is no definite evidence that HPV is transmitted through oral sex, it is highly likely that this can occur.

Molluscum contagiosum
Molluscum contagiosum is a common, infectious viral disease affecting the skin. It appears as multiple, small, dome-shaped blebs, often with a central plug. A curd-like discharge can be squeezed from them. The vast majority of molluscum lesions are transmitted in ordinary contact – they are common in children for example. There is limited evidence that it may be transmissible through receptive oro-genital contact.

.............. to be continued ( Part 2 ) ..................

KatoeyLover69

27-12-2005, 07:50 PM

................... continued ( Part 2 ) .....................

Infection risk and oral sex

Syphilis
There is a risk of transmission of syphilis by oro-genital sex, although it is difficult to quantify. Certainly, men and women may develop syphilitic mouth ulcers, or chancres, which shed the bacterium that causes syphilis, Treponema pallidum.

Thrush
Thrush is caused by a yeast, Candida albicans. Many people, perhaps up to 50 per cent of the population, carry Candida in their mouth or on the skin without it causing any symptoms. However, it can also cause infection and inflammation of the mouth, vulva, vagina, head of the penis and foreskin, usually with a cottage cheese-like white discharge present. Injury to the skin or mucous membranes, contraceptive pill use and diabetes are all predisposing factors. There is limited evidence that Candida can be transmitted by oral sex.

Worms
Threadworms, and probably other worms, can be transmitted by oro-anal contact or by fellatio after anal intercourse.

Risk reduction

Please note we are discussing 'risk reduction' and not 'risk prevention'. Avoiding oral sex is the only way of preventing infection by the oral route, but as it is an important and enjoyable part of most couples' sexual repertoire, this advice is impractical. Overall, oral sex seems to carry a lower risk of transmitting infections than penetrative vaginal or anal intercourse.

Limiting the number of your sexual partners and not being pressured into 'casual' sex with an unfamiliar partner is an important way of reducing infection risk. Consider whether your partner may have, or have had, other sexual partners, and what their infection status might be, before putting yourself at any risk.

It is perfectly possible to enjoy oral sex using some form of protective barrier. For fellatio, there are a wide variety of flavoured and scented condoms available, ranging from strawberry to curry, and from whisky to lager and lime! For cunnilingus and oro-anal sex, a dental dam - a thin plastic film - can be used. Remember that condoms can burst and dental dams can slip, so don't think that their use offers absolute protection. These products can be obtained from most pharmacies and many supermarkets. They can also be obtained by mail order from the Family Planning Association. Write to them to request their SexWares catalogue, at The Family Planning Association, PO Box 883, Mail Order Department, Oxford OX4 5NT.

Even if you use a barrier of some sort, it is important to maintain good oral hygiene and not to have oral sex if you have any cuts, sores or ulcers in your mouth, or on your gums or genitals. If you do get semen or vaginal secretions in your mouth, either spit them out or swallow them quickly. Don't keep them in your mouth, as it is the mouth that is probably the most important route for transmission of infections. The longer they are in your mouth, the greater the chance of infection.

If you are concerned that you have, or might be at risk of having a sexually transmitted disease, it is important to seek medical advice as soon as possible. Effective treatment is available for most diseases, including HIV. Early treatment is not only important for your own health, but in order to protect your partner from infection.

Last updated 01.05.2001
__________________________________________________ ________________________________

The documents contained in this web site are presented for information purposes only. The material is in no way intended to replace professional medical care or attention by a qualified practitioner. The materials in this web site cannot and should not be used as a basis for diagnosis or choice of treatment.

taurus75

27-12-2005, 07:53 PM

eeeiii.... pls dun dampen my coming mood ...hahaha
but nevertheless good info! always safe sex!!

KatoeyLover69

27-12-2005, 11:26 PM

Report from Bangkok Post dated Tuesday 27 December 2005 :-

Asian tours popular due to lower prices

By Sujintana Hemtasilpa

A cool breeze is drawing holiday-makers to the North this new year, but more Thais are going abroad to celebrate as the cost of doing so is not much higher than for a domestic trip. According to Massalin Sukpattanarakul, president of the Association of Domestic Travel (ADT), New Year holiday-goers this year will begin their long holidays on Thursday and return home on either Jan 3 or Jan 4.

Due to rising fuel prices and higher cost of living, the number of Thais making domestic trips this New Year period is expected to drop by about 30% from last year, said Ms Massalin.

But the number of Thais making overseas trips this New Year is increasing significantly.

One factor is that the cost of travelling within the country is now almost on par with the cost of going overseas to other countries in Asia, she said.

``Now, the domestic air fares on conventional airlines are almost the same as international air tickets to nearby countries,'' said Ms Massalin.

She said many travel agents preferred dealing with international airlines because of low-cost carriers' difficult reservation systems.

`For this reason, most travel agents will choose to offer their customers travel packages to overseas destinations instead because they are not hard to manage. It's also easier to work with international airlines,'' said Ms Massalin.

The most popular overseas destination this New Year season is China since the cost of going there is not much higher than for a domestic trip , she said.

Locally, domestic travel agents are highlighting new attractions in mountainous provinces such as Phayao, Phrae and Nan, along with Ratchaburi and Nakhon Ratchasima's Wang Nam Khiew district , she said.

A recent survey by the Chamber Business Poll at the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce showed that most Thais, represented by 82.5% of the survey respondents, would opt to celebrate the New Year at home.

For those who planned to travel, 99% said they would stay in the country, and 1% said they would go overseas.

The most popular domestic destinations are Chon Buri, Chiang Mai, Nakhon Ratchasima and Loei, the survey said.

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) projects that the number of Thais making domestic trips would increase by 1.93% from 2004.

Based on Immigration Bureau statistics, from December 2004 to January 2005 457,544 Thais travelled overseas.

KatoeyLover69

27-12-2005, 11:36 PM

KatoeyLover69

28-12-2005, 11:37 AM

The Sex Industry in Thailand

With its friendly citizens, fascinating culture, breathtaking scenery, laidback atmosphere, and awe-inspiring locations, Thailand more than most places deserves its right to rank as one of the top holiday destinations in Asia. Thailand, however, as is well publicised in the international media, has a booming sex industry which draws tens of thousands of sex tourists to the country each year. Sex in Thailand is “Big Business”, and lthough "Prostitution is illegal", the laws are rarely enforced.

History
Prostitution has existed in Thai society for centuries but it is only over the past few decades that the sex industry in Thailand has gained its notoriety. Prostitution was legalized in 1934 by Rama V but in 1960 The Thai
government outlawed the practise after pressure from the United Nations. In 1964 an influx of U.S. Military personel flooded the bars and brothels of Thailand whilst on R & R breaks from the Vietnam War; by the time the war ended in 1976, sex-industry establishments had expanded across the county and tourism was promoted in order to gain foreign exchange. Today, academic studies have valued the sex trade in Thailand as being worth more than 100 billion baht (US$2.5bn) a year. And while the foreign aspect of prostitution in Thailand may attract the most attention and money, most of the customers patronizing the establishments are Thai.

The Sex Workers
The majority of sex workers in Thailand come from poor, rural families from the country’s north and northeast regions. Most migrate to Bangkok or the other urban centers as a means to support their families, others are simply bored of village life and enter the flesh trade driven by a craving for the latest gadgets and brand name products. Child prostitution is a problem which the Thai government is aware of and there are severe penalties for anyone caught having sex with someone under the legal age limit.

According to the Thailand Government Public Health Department, there are approximately 75,000 prostitutes in Thailand. However, several well-informed non governmental organization (NGO) groups estimate that the number of prostitutes at any given time is close to 2 million. This figure represents 9% of female adult population and 3.15% of total population. If we include the owners, managers, pimps and other employees of the sex establishments, the related entertainment industry and some segments of the tourism industry, the number of workers earning a living directly or indirectly from prostitution would be several millions.

The Client
All over Thailand – most notably in the Patpong, Nana, Sukhumvit and Soi Cowboy areas of Bangkok, the coastal resort of Pattaya, Chiang Mai in the north, and Phuket in the south – it is common to see western tourists walking hand in hand with their temporary Thai "girlfriends". Studies have shown that most of these men would rarely – if ever – seek the services of a prostitute in their home country, but for some reason view the Thai prostitute in a different light, often losing sight of the fact that the girl they are actually with is in fact a prostitute at all.

Understandably, many of the men who fall into this way of thinking tend to believe that most of the girls working as prostitutes would probably have jobs outwith the sex industry if only their environmental and economic circumstances were different. Unfortunately, the environmental and economic circumstances are as they are and many of these girls have become quite the expert at milking the "Farang" (westerner) for as long as his time, wallet, and naivety permits.

HIV/AIDS
Despite Thailand reducing its rate of new HIV infections by more than 80 percent between 1991 and 2003 (the most successful HIV prevention campaign in the world), HIV/AIDS is still a very real issue in Thailand. At present the country has close to 700,000 adults and children living with HIV/AIDS out of a population of 64 million people.

WARNING: If engaging in the Thailand Sex Industry... ALWAYS PRACTISE SAFE SEX – HIV/AIDS IN THAILAND IS STILL A SERIOUS ISSUE...

U-Need

28-12-2005, 12:00 PM

IN THAILAND Tilly Smith, the 11-year-old from Oxshott in Surrey who was one of the heroes of the disaster, read a poem written by a Thai but translated into English.
Tilly raised the alarm while on holiday with her parents Colin and Penny. When the waters receded she recognised the signs of an imminent tsunami from her geography lessons at Danes Hill Preparatory School, and warned others to leave the beach.

In three elaborate ceremonies at Phi Phi Island, Phuket and Khao Lak, where 129 of the 141 British victims died, senior Thai officials including Thaksin Shinawatra, the Prime Minister, were flown in by helicopter to give speeches.

However, the occasion was also marked by charges that the Government was more concerned with rebuilding its tourist trade than remembering the 5,400 people who perished on its beaches.

At Phi Phi Island, where 37 Britons died, relatives listened to speeches promoting the Thai tourist industry and a tsunami song, It’s time to heal, it’s time to smile, was played throughout the morning. James Judd, from the Wirral, who came from Phuket for the day, said: “This is all so surreal. It gives me the shivers.”

Technicians faded the song as Surakiat Sathirathai, the Deputy Prime Minister and Thailand’s nominee to replace Kofi Annan as Secretary-General of the United Nations, called for the souls of the victims to “rest in peace and tranquillity”.

What the Deputy Prime Minister did not see were notices in Thai around the memorial area protesting that Mr Thaksin had reneged on pledges to have Phi Phi rebuilt within a year. “We never got the money or help you promised,” the notices said.

Locals complained that huge sums were being spent on promoting events such as yesterday’s, with the Government bringing in a Thai entertainment company with a record label and many stars on its books to choreograph events.

Some Thais and expatriates boycotted official commemorations and held their own ceremony at the opposite end of the beach. One Thai left the official event saying she “did not feel comfortable”.

Bilitis Somritsuk, 28, an advertising executive from Bangkok, said: “This is not right. This is like a circus. It seems all about money. It’s not the way we normally do things.”

Natawut Khaenthong, a local tour operator, said: “The Government never asked local people for a single word of what we want and what kind of rites or ceremonies should be held.”

In Khao Lak, 50 miles north of Phuket, where most of the British victims died, similar misgivings were expressed. “The Government is organising a jolly celebration party, not a memorial service,” Nantaya Saphanthong, a representative of the all-but-obliterated Ban Nam Khem village, said.

Although Mr Thaksin did not refer to tourism in his speech at Khao Lak, he told Asian tourists afterwards: “Please tell your fellow Japanese and Chinese back home to stop fearing ghosts and return to this region again.”

U-Need

28-12-2005, 12:23 PM

From Bangkok Post :

Asian spices : It's used to be Hong Kong martial arts, Taiwan tear-jerking drama, and Japanese comedy. This year it was Korean drama and food.

2006 saw the telly phenomenon of K-pop teen romance Full House, which kept youngsters and teens glued to Channel 7. Girls loved watching singer-cum-actor Jung Ji-hoon (Rain). Boys loved Song Hye Kyo. The realistic plot was in contrast with Thai soaps and their wishy-washy characters, verbal or physical violence, and cat fights over stupid leading men.

Channel 7's rival, Channel 3, fought back with Dae Jang Geum, another popular K-drama that spiced up (and swept the ratings of) television history in the region. With its unique storyline about cooking and medical treatment, slightly seasoned with romance, its success showed that there are certain Thai audiences who hunger for cultural wisdom and information with their TV programming, which is usually dominated by mindless fun.

Paparazzi

Paparazzi magazines, star-gossipy newspapers and star-struck TV shows mushroomed this year.

Some celebrities lent credibility to the paparazzi when the "gossip" turned out to be true. Model/actress Kathaleeya "Maem" McIntosh, deemed a TV princess for her immaculate image, blamed the paparazzi for spreading the news about her pre-marital pregnancy a few months before she eventually admitted it to the public.

The predictable break-up between lovebirds Nut Meria and Somchai Klemklat, and now a possible make-up, are evidence that the paparazzi can be ubiquitous.

Political statements and pro-social messages

A handful of good media are concerned about social well being and healthy content. The number of children's programmes has increased; hopefully the quality will increase too. Some soap operas, especially on Channel 7, talked about social issues like drunk driving, HIV/Aids and social responsibility.

Theatrical performances were more pro-active. A Thread in the Dark talked about being under the control of a dictatorship, while The Quartets questioned the power of the authorities. Nikorn Sae-Thang's Suey Sue Narok (Beauty to Hell) criticised the unfulfilled promise of the Otop scheme. In Prachao Seng (Desperation of God) are addressed issues of peace and war in parallel with the survival of the drama troupe.

Several small mobile troupes at the 4th Bangkok Theatre Festival, led by prominent artist Pradit Prasartthong, offered satires of government policies.

Y-Chromosome

"We're Here. We're Queer. Get Used to It." That message has been echoed loudly on both the telly and in theatres. While most television series still portray homosexuals as comedians, Rak 8009 featured a more realistic gay lifestyle and was awarded best TV series from a gay rights groups. Emerging on the scene is Rainbow Boys, featuring coming-of-age romance among university boys.

Theatres have been gay-friendly. Despite some stereotypical characters, some gay and gender themes emerged in Wanasak Sililar's I Wanna Say Thank You while Rashomon (All Male Cast) showed the dark side of being human, gay or otherwise. Damkueng Titapiyasakdi tickled audiences with the thought-provoking The Tootsie Horror Show.

News talk

One after another, the TV stations have added more round-the-clock news talk on their programming schedules. We have some good-looking TV anchors (are they journalists?) reading daily events from printed papers. As if they investigated the news themselves, they give comments and have an attitude. Sometimes they just make fun of the news. Some go on to become commercial presenters or entertainment show hosts, leaving their credibility in question.

Media critics have complained that this is a "cheap" way to gather news and present it. Others add that it could be a plan by "you know who" to devalue news credibility. Despite the criticism and suspicions, audiences and sponsors love it.

Eerie? Ewwww!

The 110-million-baht earning Shutter Kod Tid Vinyarn (The Shutter), filled with sure-fire formulas from other Asian ghost movies, paved the way to many more Thai ghost films this year. Chom Kamung Wej (Necromancer) featured witchcraft, Narok (Hell) featured torment after death, Rub Nong (Scared) offered blood-thirsty slashers, Long Kong (Art of the Devil) featured Thai voodoo, Phi Chalui offered comedy and so on. Some of these ghastly, supernatural films were not artistically up to par.

Fraught with digital garbage and lacklustre scripts, some movies went for blood and gore, offering increasingly morbid and unsightly scenes. But this has given a bad name to Thai cinema, which has been on the rise in the regional and international markets. In fact, it's the same scenario of when many producers followed a successful formula in the 1980s, resulting in banal content, poor quality and lack of creativity in the film industry.

Women to Women

Showing off the power beneath the powder has been the Pooying Theung Pooying talk show, which seemed to open a new space for female voices on social issues and gender perspectives. Although the viewpoints were not as varied as its prototype - American talk show The View, which features five American women different in age, race and professional background - it has provided a stage for these women to get their voices heard - until mid-year when they began to dumb down the issues to chit chat on more personal issues, degrading what they've been trying to achieve by perpetuating the stereotypes that women are only good for nonsensical talk and whining. And Pooying Theung Pooying Suay (From Women to Beautiful Women) on the weekends is living proof.

Yes!!!

In the land of television, loud applause should go to edutainment Khun Pra Chuay (Oh My God) that highlights the aesthetics and values of many conventional arts like music and dance, which are well-performed by the younger generation and well-received by the adult audience. As well, TV documentaries by TV Burapa like Khon Kon Kon and Lum Dum feature small people from all walks of life in a more comprehensive and humanistic fashion.

Finding a new home at Metropolis, Dreambox settled itself and recently celebrated the 100th showing of Onlamarn Lung Ban Sai Thong, making it the longest running comedy in Thai contemporary history. Meanwhile Patravadi Theatre successfully ran its Eclipse for over a year and kept open its space for experimental performing arts and dharma drama every weekend.

Compliments should also go to public spaces at TK Park at Central World, the Art and Design Centre at Emporium, Art Auditorium at Bangkok Bank, Hua Lumpong branch, and the upcoming Art and Culture Centre by the Bangkok Metropolitan Authority.

Extravaganza

Takonkiat Veravan, aka Big Boss of Scenario, repeated his success with Tawiphob: The Musical. With its mega investment, spectacle stagecraft and double cast, it was well received by the public and is set to make a comeback early next year.

After a huge investment, Siam Niramit opened its full-size stage and 2,000 seats to tourists. Its 80-minute nightly show might become popular with both tourists and locals alike.

Meanwhile, the newly-opened Siam Paragon offers a venue for marathon shopping and an aquarium for the curious. The ongoing construction of its opera/concert hall, to be finished in the two next years, promises to be extravagant.

Actors of the year

We have two names for Best Actor: First, Tony Ja (Tony who?). How about his Thai name: Panom "Ja" Yeerum? He of the 200-million-baht box-office smash Tom Yum Gung, who excels in martial arts, who flew to Sydney, who fought the Asian mafia and refrained from falling in love just to rescue an abducted elephant (yes, you read that correctly). Hopefully, he can save the future of Thai movies in Hollywood too.

Neck-in-neck, the award should also go to his co-star, comedian/ actor Mum Jokmok. He can't beat virile Ja neither in the movie nor in reality. But he deserves this title because of the fact that his other two movies, Cherm and Yam Yasothorn earned 30 million baht and 100 million baht, respectively.

Best actress of the year is Napakaprapa Nakprasit from Long Kong (Art of the Devil), who recently protested against the Supanahongse Movie Award committee, which put her in the Best Supporting Actress category. She felt it was unfair as she was the lead actress in the movie. But Somsak Teecharattanaprasert, who organised the award ceremony, did not agree. Interestingly enough, one Best Actress nominee has already been granted to preteen Grace, Somsak's daughter, for her role in Er Ler (Oh Yeah!).

Reality TV

How could we do a yearly wrap-up without including reality TV shows, that aggressive global trend? We still have many copycats of Western reality TV shows, including Thailand Next Top and Big Brother. Many localised versions like Hi-so Ban Nok and Jor Jai featured celebrities in hardship.

The favourites remain the singing contests, like The Star and Academy Fantasia 2, which seem to be less spellbinding because audiences now know what to expect.

Surprise is one key to success in this genre and so is controversy. Phrom Likit (Destiny), a blind date on television that toys with love on the tube, was sacked after a month. On Big Brother, a taxi motorcyclist was looked down on by other contestants, who were mostly middle class, so he gained public sympathy and won. The producers of Academy Fantasia 2 brought back the vote-out and consumer groups fret over the money that voters spend on SMS and MMS.

One thing is sure: Money is flowing among mobile phone companies, cable subscriptions, advertisements and sponsorships. Audiences will pay for their entertainment, no matter what.

KatoeyLover69

28-12-2005, 12:28 PM

Report from The Straits Times (Singapore) dated Wednesday 28 December 2005 :-

Man Says Thai Hotels Not Ready for Tsunami

By Alisa Tang
Associated Press Writer

PHUKET, Thailand (AP) -- A leading meteorologist who was accused of scare-mongering when he warned nearly eight years ago that a tsunami could strike Thailand said Tuesday that coastal hotels and resorts are still unprepared for another killer wave.

Smith Thammasaroj said tourist facilities along the Thai coast, where last year's tsunami killed nearly 5,400 people, have not yet hooked into the well-functioning National Disaster Warning Center, which would give quick notice of an approaching tsunami or other disaster.

"At the moment, they (hotels) do not even have a map or instructions to tell the guests what do" in a tsunami, Thammasaroj said Tuesday, a day after thousands of Thais and foreigners gathered on beaches to mourn the dead from the tragedy last Dec. 26.

Smith, the warning center's deputy director, led Thailand's meteorological department when he warned in 1998 that the country's southwest coast could face a deadly tsunami. Criticized then for causing panic and jeopardizing the critical tourist industry around the tropical resort island of Phuket, Smith retired under a shadow. He was rapidly returned to government service when his prediction proved accurate.

He complained Tuesday that hotels are willing to spend millions of dollars to rebuild but not some $12,000 more "to buy a small warning system and link into the government system to warn their guests." He noted that there was no legal requirement for them to do so.

However, some hotels said they have made preparations.

"We've done rehearsals. We've practiced. We have fliers. We have signage and information in each hotel room to inform the guests," said Asnee Kankaew, resident manager of the Holiday Inn Resort Phuket. The tsunami destroyed the first floor of the hotel on Phuket's popular Patong Beach, and some guests died.

Smith has also been critical of Thailand's meteorologists. At the time of the tsunami, he said that staff at the meteorological department working on Dec. 26 knew what was coming but failed to act because they were ignored earlier.

"They knew exactly what was going to happen, but they ... were afraid to make a decision, because they believed if they made a wrong forecast they would get blamed," Smith said.

The department has said it knew about the earthquake and the possibility that it could trigger a tsunami about an hour before waves began slamming ashore, but officials said they had no way to determine the size of the waves - and therefore the threat they posed - and were reluctant to issue a warning without such information because it could harm the tourism industry and anger the government.

Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra ordered an investigation in January but the results have never been made public.

KatoeyLover69

29-12-2005, 08:54 AM

Report from The Nation dated Thursday 29 December 2005 :-

Thailand to get 30 large new hotels in 2006

Thai and foreign hotel operators plan to open about 30 hotels with 20,000 rooms next year. Of the total, 12,000 rooms will be located in Bangkok and the rest will be in major tourist destinations like Phuket, Pattaya, Chiang Mai, Koh Samui and newly popular locales like Koh Lanta in Krabi and Koh Chang in Trat.

New hotels slated to open in Bangkok include the Hilton Millennium, Central World Hotel, The Regent Sukhumvit and Park Plaza brands under the Radisson Group, Holiday Inn Sukhumvit, Millennium Le Meridien, three Ibis brand hotels of the Accor Group, and the Novotel Suvarnabhumi Airport Hotel.

The new Bangkok airport and Chiang Mai Night Safari were important factors driving the increase in rooms, according to Prakit Chinamourphong, vice president of the Thai Hotels Association (THA). Also, many service apartments see benefits if they add hotel services under an impending change to the law governing hotels and serviced apartments. Under the legislation only hotels can market rooms on a daily basis, and if serviced apartment operators want to rent by the day they must pay the same taxes as hotels do.

Under current law serviced apartments can offer rooms by the day without paying hotel-related taxes.

According to the THA, Bangkok’s hotel occupancy this year has been 72.8 per cent, compared to 78.8 per cent in 2004. The average in the central region is 65 per cent; the North, 68 per cent; the South, 50 per cent; the eastern seaboard, 61 per cent; and 60 per cent in the far western provinces.

The Tourism Authority of Thailand’s foreign tourist target for 2006 is 13.4 million arrivals, compared to an original target of 15 million.

The THA also outlined its marketing plans for 2006. It will organise sales missions to deal with travel agents in markets with growth potential. The organisation with the Association of Thai Travel Agents will hold a seminar to educate members on market needs, starting with the Chinese market.

Chalong Anunyapisit, general manager of Radisson Hotel Bangkok, said new hotels would sprout in Bangkok as more international tourists, particularly business people and incentive travellers, visit the Kingdom.

“Thailand has succeeded in implementing trade agreements with many countries. This will help the country bring in more business travellers,” said Chalong.

Accor Asia Pacific said its latest property, Ibis Fenix Bangkok, with 150 rooms, would open in late 2006 at a prime location on Sukhumvit Road.

“We are confident in the Ibis brand track record in Asia and in Accor’s ability to deliver positive results,” said Michael Issenberg, managing director of Accor Asia Pacific.

Ibis hotels have been launched in South Korea and China and have exceeded all predictions with occupancy rates of more than 90 per cent during the hotels’ first two years of operation. He expressed confidence in achieving similar results in Bangkok.

Moreover, the 189-room Ibis Siam Bangkok is five minutes from the popular Pratunam shopping area and the 288-room Ibis Huamark Bangkok is near Ramkamheng University and the Hua Mark Stadium.

In southern Thailand’s Phang Nga province, 1,200 rooms have been reconstructed and were open for business, accounting for 20 per cent of all rooms before the tsunami, said Anupong Sa-nguannam, president of theTourist Association.

Phang Nga operators had reserved 600 rooms for guests of the government for tsunami memorial events, he said.

Khao Lak has an advantage in being the starting point for scuba diving trips to marine destinations including the Surin and Similan islands as well as Phang Nga Bay.

In Chiang Mai the tourism industry has expanded thanks to more elaborate Songkran and Loy Kratong festivals, and the new Chiang Mai Night Safari.

To tap the market in Chiang Mai, Central Hotels and Resorts announced development plans for new properties including management of the Daungtawan Hotel.

Central Pattaya Beach Resort will open in 2008, Central Phuket Beach Resort in 2009 and Central Krabi Bay Resort opened in December 2005.

Central also plans to develop hotels with 200 to 300 rooms on Koh Lanta, 200 rooms on Koh Tao, 200 to 300 rooms in Rayong’s Koh Kood.

Suchat Sritama
The Nation

KatoeyLover69

29-12-2005, 09:03 AM

Report from The Nation dated Thursday 29 December 2005 :-

Khon Kaen gold shops hit by wave of fake jewellery

Numerous gold shops in Khon Kaen province have fallen victim to a scam whereby partly fake gold ornaments are pawned as real gold. The fraud spree may be aided by expert goldsmiths taking advantage of high gold prices, police said.

A department store-based branch of the Mae Thongphool Gold Shop chain in the northeastern province – all of whose 15 branches have been conned – pawned a partly fake gold necklace weighing 91 grams for more than Bt40,000.

Areerat Naononethong, a store clerk, said fake and real gold chains had been expertly mixed in single gold necklaces, making it difficult for staff to realise the ruse at once.

Inspection of gold to determine its authenticity is usually done by help of a simple chemical test performed on only the hook of each necklace, Areerat explained.

A more reliable test entails burning part of the gold ornament in fire or filing off the coating of individual chains to examine if the material is indeed authentic gold, and not simple gold-coated base metal. Most owners, however, refuse such tampering for fear of damage to their jewellery.

Chana Jarukamnerdkanok, head of the association of gold shops in Nakhon Ratchasima, said a large number of cases involving the pawning or selling of fake gold ornaments had also been reported in the province.

He said his association had warned all local gold shop owners to conduct filing-off tests before buying or pawning gold necklaces.

Chana said a mandatory file-off test would be conducted on every necklace being sold to his shop. He added that although sincere sellers were generally cooperative, most of them refused the test because it would devalue their necklaces.

Pol Colonel Sakda Techakriangkrai called on the public to buy gold jewellery only from accredited gold shops rather than from pawnshops.

The officer said that police suspected that some expert goldsmiths had participated in the wide-scale fraud by interweaving fake gold chains with real ones in necklaces.

U-Need

29-12-2005, 10:46 AM

Only a few days are left before the New Year starts. This not only marks a change of years, but also a happy time for wishing others well, personally or through wishing cards. It is also a time for giving gifts to one another. Normally, one or two months ahead of the year-end, a wide variety of products are put on sale to accommodate consumer demand. Among the merchandise commonly seen at supermarkets, department stores, discount stores and shops are 'gift baskets' to cater to New Year celebrants. A wide selection of gift baskets with exquisite packaging and a range of prices, from hundreds to tens of thousands of Baht, are on offer. Based on a survey on the New Year's gift shopping behavior of Bangkok residents, using a sampling group of 979 persons, aged between 15-65 years, and conducted by Kasikorn Research Center (KRC) December 6-11, 2005, it was found that Bangkok residents plan to spend around THB635 million on gift baskets for the 2006 New Year holiday.

Around 47.7 percent of the sampling group mentioned that they would purchase gift baskets. Most of them also bought baskets last year. Among the key factors in their decision-making on purchases of gift baskets, this year, is the kind of products put into the baskets. Health products come first as the most sought-after products. Meanwhile, most consumers are paying attention to the actual prices of each product arranged in the gift baskets, considering the value for money as one of the main criteria in their purchases. In addition, other details of products are also taken into account, i.e., the expiry dates and quality of products. Therefore, both the public and private sectors should seriously cooperate in monitoring product quality, so that the New Year will bring us real happiness.

KatoeyLover69

29-12-2005, 11:46 AM

Dos and Don'ts in Thailand

One of the main reasons people travel is to explore other cultures and establish how other countries and cultures do things. It is then quite remarkable then to see people wandering around the Kingdom imposing their cultural approach on the situations and events they encounter. Often these leads to confusion, worse, it sometimes leads to ugly scenes that are entirely avoidable with a modicum on insight on how things are done in Thailand. What follows then is a list of Dos and Don’ts for when you are in the Kingdom:

The Monarchy

The monarchy is revered by all Thais and people will simply will not tolerate any lack respect towards any members of the royal family – past or present. If you come from a culture like that in the United Kingdom, where royals are often in the news and are sometimes subject to criticism, be especially careful. Criticism of the King and Royal Family is not just frowned upon in Thailand; it is against the law – a punishable offence that is taken very seriously. As an example to underscore the importance of this issue, in 2002 two journalists from the Far Eastern Economic Review published a short article about the relationship between, Thaksin Shinawatra, the country’s Prime Minister, and King Bumibol Adulyadej. As a result of the article, the journalists were threatened with expulsion for contravening Thailand’s tough lèse majesté laws.

Religion

Thailand’s national religion is Buddhism (although there are significant numbers of Muslims and a minority group of Christians) and it is very important to be respectful as far as the religion is concerned. Always dress ‘politely’ when entering a temple or religious shrine. As you are on holiday in a hot country, your perspective of polite dress might be coloured by the situation you are in. However, shorts, bikinis, tops that show your bare arms, skirts that show your legs, open-toed sandals and generally dirty or unkempt attire is considered inappropriate. In some of the larger temples like Wat Prakeaw guards will actually forbid you from entering if you are dressed inappropriately, and you may have to hire sarongs and strips of material to cover yourself up before being permitted to enter. At the smaller temples you are on your own – do the right thing!

Buddha Images

Buddha images are sacred, whatever size or condition. Never climb on a Buddha image, and be very careful about taking photos – some images are so sacred photographs are forbidden. Abide by this rule or you may even be asked to leave. If you can’t cross your legs, don’t sit on the floor in front of temple’s Buddha image – in doing so you will point your feet at the Buddha which is an act of sacrilege (see Feet below). The 2004 film ‘Hollywood Buddha’ caused an uproar in Thailand and other Buddhist countries in the region when advertising posters for the film showed a central character sitting on the head of a Buddha image. Their reaction was most un-Thai like. Be warned.

Monks

Buddhist monks are not allowed to touch or be touched by a woman or accept anything a woman might offer. If a woman wants to give something to a monk it must first be given to a man, or put on a piece of cloth. The monk will then drag the cloth to him before picking the item up. Likewise a monk will not shake a man’s hand – that type of contact is forbidden. Monks travel on public transport and require the same respect there as they would receive at the temple. If a bus or train, etc. is crowded and a monk is likely to come into contact with people, do not hesitate to give the monk your seat. Often special seats are allocated for monks only – don’t sit in them!

Shoes

Do not wear shoes inside a temple where Buddha images are kept. Take your shoes off before entering someone’s home.

Greetings

Thais do not shake hands; they ‘wai’ – a gesture made by placing your hands together in front of your face a bowing a little. Generally, you should not wai to a child and a younger person should wai an older person first. However, these rules are possibly a little more flexible as far as a foreigner is concerned, the Thais you wai will generally very much appreciate you delving into the local custom and practice.

The Head

Whereas in the west a friendly pat on the head, especially the head of someone a bit younger than you, will be regarded as a friendly and supportive gesture, in Thailand any gesture towards the head will cause Thais to recoil and will be greeted with shock and possibly annoyance. Thais regard the head as the highest part of the body – the temple of the body as it were. As such touching someone’s head is entirely unacceptable.

The Feet

Whereas the head is the highest point of the body, the feet are the lowest. Do not point at things with your feet, and do not point the palms of your feet at anyone (see Buddha Images above).

Shouting and Shows of Annoyance

In Thailand shouting and shows of annoyance are entirely frowned upon, whatever the situation. There may be times when you face frustrations, do so quietly a calmly. Shouting and showing annoyance are signs of lack of discipline and in doing either you are in fact showing yourself up. This might lead to the Thai you are talking to trying to help you ‘save face’ by smiling and possibly even laughing to defuse the situation. For Westerners in particular, there could probably not be a less appropriate reaction and often it serves to exasperate a situation. The results are often explosive. Rather than deal with the subtle intricacies of this aspect of culture, simply do not get angry – things will work themselves out much better if you can avoid it.

Drugs

Thailand takes drugs very seriously and is trying to eradicate unlawful drugs entirely. Don’t either partake or trade in illegal substances. Clubs and places of entertainment are sometimes raided and people made to put forward urine samples. If you test positive, penalties will be harsh. Trading in drugs will lead to the death penalty or likely decades in prison.

General

Kissing, cuddling and similar behaviour are frowned upon if in public – especially amongst older Thais. Younger Thais are unlikely to be as shocked, but to avoid their possible discomfort, avoid the behaviour.

Thais are generally shy people and few are likely to walk up to you and engage in conversation. If this happens, and the conversation moves towards the purchase of gems, gold, jewellery or other such items, beware. Every year people get caught up in purchases of items at entirely inflated prices that have little or no value because they are told they can sell these items at a profit in their home countries. Remember you are here on holiday – not here to make a fast buck. If something seems too good to be true – it is.

Smoking in the street is illegal – you can be fined 2,000 Baht.

Dropping litter in the street is illegal – the same fine applies.

Do not engage in purchase of wild animals whether protected or not. Aside from the moral issues, punishments are very harsh.

KatoeyLover69

29-12-2005, 01:10 PM

Countdown to 2006 Celebrations

As the happy New Year is approaching, let’s get ready to celebrate the first moment of the next year by joining the countdowns at one of the magnificently decorated streets of Bangkok or of other provinces.

Bangkok:

Bangkok countdown is to be held at the Central World Plaza on Ratchadamri Road, downtown Bangkok on the New Year’s Eve. Various musical groups with famous singers and adaptive regional cultural performances by native artists wait to entertain all of you. The Central World Plaza will be transform into a fabulous paradise, together with the state-of-the-art spectacular laser lighting show. With our meticulous attention to this Bangkok Countdown Event, the New Year’s Eve experience will delight everyone with an impressive experience. In addition to the countdown, you can enjoy many festivities alongside including:

• “X’mas Tree Trail” created by many grand decorative Christmas trees along Rama I Road in front of Siam Discovery Center to the Emporium on Sukhumvit Road from 1 December 2005 to 15 January 2006

• Light decoration under the themes “Flower” and “Thailand Grand Invitation” from 1 December 2005 to 7 January 2006 in Ratchaprasong areas to celebrate the Diamond Jubilee of HM King Bhumibol’s Accession to the Throne in 2006.

• New Year’s Merit-making activities, offering food to the monks on 1 January 2006 at 06:00 hrs. at the Royal Field (Sanam Luang), opposite to the Grand Palace, Bangkok.

• Paying Homage to nine temples and shrines from 30 December 2005 to 31 January 2006 from 08:30 to 16:00 hrs. To be blessed at the beginning of the New Year, you are invited to pay homage to the sacred beings at nine temples and shrines, all located on or near the Rattanakosin manmade island viz. the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, the Temple of the Reclining Buddha, Wat Chana Songkhram, Wat Rakhang, Wat Suthat, Wat Arun, Wat Kalaya, the Father Tiger Shrine, and the Lak Muang Shrine.

For more information, please contact Bangkok Tourism Division on tel. 0 2225 7612-5

Expected venues in other provinces

Chiang Mai:

From 18:00 hrs. on 31 December 2005 to 01:00 hrs. on 1 January 2006

Venue: Tha Pae Road and the ground of Tha Pae Gate

Festivities are divided into 3 parts:
1. International Food Street
2. Musical Street
3. Entertainment Ground

For more information, please contact your travel agent or the Tourism Authority of Thailand Northern Office: Region 1 (Chiang Mai) on tel. 0 5324 8607.

Pattaya:

29 December 2005 – 1 January 2006

Venue: Bali Hai Pier, South Pattaya

Enjoy the grand festival with colourful fireworks to celebrate the New Year.

For more information, please contact your travel agent or the Tourism Authority of Thailand Central Office: Region 3 (Pattaya) on tel. 0 3842 7667, 0 3842 8750.

Hat Yai, Songkhla:

31 December 2005 – 1 January 2006

Venue: Sa-ne-ha-nu-son and the main roads in Hat Yai Municipality

Celebrate the New Year with many activities including Miss Night Paradise and Countdown 2006 Beauty Contest, stage performances by Malaysian, Singaporian and Thai artists, Marching Band Show, Street Carnival, Entertainment zones comprising Dance Zone, Fun Zone and Drink Zone, tour packages of paying homage to nine temples, Marathon competition and merit-making activities.
For more information, please contact your travel agent or the Tourism Authority of Thailand Southern Office: Region 1 (Hat Yai) on tel. 0 7424 3747, 0 7423 1055.

Phuket:

31 December 2005 – 1 January 2006

Venue: Saphan Hin Mining Monument, Phuket town

Experience spectacular fireworks as well as many interesting activities including a demonstration of traditional fruit carving and other handicrafts, music performances and sales of local and OTOP products.

For more information, please contact your travel agent or the Tourism Authority of Thailand Southern Office: Region 4 (Phuket) on tel. 0 7621 1036, 0 7621 2213

KatoeyLover69

29-12-2005, 10:19 PM

Report from Bangkok Post dated Thursday 29 December 2005 :-

State bus agency provides holiday tour service

BANGKOK, Dec 29 (TNA) - Members of the general public now have a new way for recreation on their holidays--up country tours with the Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (BMTA).

BMTA announced here on Thursday that the state-run agency had launched the new tour service in which holiday-lovers in Bangkok would be taken to tourist destinations in provincial areas--a one-day tour in each programme.

The newly-introduced service begins with a tour to Khao Khiew Open Zoo in the country's eastern province of Chonburi.

The initiative is part of the Ministry of Transport's plan to expand BMTA services, as well as promote public communications and study tours of students or other groups of people, according to BMTA officials.

Schools, groups of people or individuals interested in the new BMTA's service can contact the BMTA headquarters or call at 184 for more information and reservations. (TNA)

U-Need

30-12-2005, 06:05 PM

An odd-looking coconut tree with two trunks has been found in Surin Province.

Locals are worshipping the coconut tree in Sang_Kha District. The tree belongs to Mrs. Mit Kaewphirom. It is 10 meters tall, and the trunk separates into two at the middle portion. The owner said that 20 years ago she planted 3 coconut trees, but only 1 survived. Ten years later, a storm blew up a sheet of metal that sliced into the coconut tree. Mrs. Mit expected the tree to die, but strangely, it has grown two trunks.

KatoeyLover69

31-12-2005, 12:41 AM

Bro U-Need,

Thank you for joining me in posting articles about Thailand in this NEW thread.

However, I have one advice for you.........

Can you please quote your source of reference ( eg Bangkok Post, The Nation, etc ) and the date of the report ?

Your article will be ' more reliable ' and ' can be trusted ' if we know where it is taken from

KatoeyLover69

31-12-2005, 10:46 AM

Report from Bangkok Post dated Saturday 31 December 2005 :-

TIES WITH MALAYSIA / VEHICLE THEFT, SMUGGLING : Customs finally agrees to beef up surveillance

ASSAWIN PAKKAWAN WICHAYAN BOONCHOTE

Songkhla _ Customs officials have finally tightened their surveillance after eight years of continuous complaints from Malaysia that nearly 2,000 vehicles were stolen from its territory and smuggled into Thailand for sale. ''Our inspections have indicated that the cars were smuggled into the South by being hidden in cargo containers, ships, or being simply sent through some poorly-patrolled border checkpoints along the Thai-Malaysian border,'' said the director of the Regional Customs Bureau 4 Rakope Srisupha-at. According to an official Malaysian report, a total of 1,722 vehicles were stolen over a seven-year period since 1997, and most were motorbikes.

Many of the stolen vehicles were dismantled by car theft gangs in Malaysia itself and then exported as spare parts to Indonesia and Singapore, while Thailand served as a transit point through which the cars were delivered to customers in Laos and Burma, Mr Rakope said.

So far, Thai customs officials have seized 29 cars, all suspected to have been stolen from Malaysia. ''There must be orders first and a gang in Thailand then sends down payments from customers to its affiliated gangs in Malaysia,'' said a garage owner, who asked not to be named. ''A car is then stolen and sent to Thailand as a tourist car,'' he said.

The Customs Department has ordered its officials to keep an eye on cars being imported from Malaysia, especially second-hand vehicles. But Mr Rakope said, ''We have to be extra careful because if the checks are too rigid, it could hurt the tourism industry.''

The department is also investigating whether its custom officials were involved in the smuggling racket. The department has already transferred nine of its officials suspected of helping the smugglers.

However, Mr Rakope said not all complaints were linked to car theft gangs.

He said some Malaysian car owners who defaulted on instalments crossed into Thailand and sold their cars here before going back to report their cars stolen. A theft would allow them to claim the insurance money.

KatoeyLover69

31-12-2005, 11:03 AM

Report from Bangkok Post dated Saturday 31 December 2005 :-

Met Dept fears the worst for 2006 : More floods, drought on way, say experts

PIYAPORN WONGRUANG SURASAK GLAHAN

The year 2005 has been a bad year for natural disasters, with severe floods and drought hitting several parts of the country, but more is yet to come next year, experts have warned. They say the country should brace for more serious floods in 2006. Drought problems, which seriously hit the eastern region, will probably ease a little.

Kriengkrai Khovadhana, deputy chief of the Meteorological Department, said most parts of the country will be threatened by floods in 2006, though the magnitude of their impact has yet to be determined.

''Weather could still be far less predictable in the long term,'' he said.

The North was the first region to face floods, which began in April this year. Similar flooding occurred in other parts of the country towards the end of the year. The floods caused a huge economic loss to the country, with high casualties.

In the South, there have been five floods since October. The current flooding, which began two weeks ago, has ravaged eight southern provinces. It has been the most serious flooding in the region in decades, with 26 fatalities.

At the same time, 66 provinces experienced severe drought after an erupt end to the rainy season in Nov 2004.

The problem lingered on until the middle of 2005. It affected almost 10 million people and devastated almost 14 million rai of land, with damage adding up to 7.41 billion baht, the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation reported.

According to the Ministry of Science and Technology's Hydro and Agro Informatics Institute, this year's drought is the worst since the El Nino phenomenon in 1997-98. The hardest-hit area was the eastern region, which encountered a severe water shortage.

''This year's drought was the worst in 30 years'', said Netr Atchariyapituk, a senior irrigation official in Rayong.

''It was far beyond our expectations,'' he said.

The Meteorological Department has so far forecast that the temperature next year is likely to rise, and has warned of wildfires during January and February, and floods in May.

The agency says the first floods, to be triggered by tropical storms, will come to the North and Northeast as early as March. The western part is likely to suffer from heavy rains and floods in the second week of May, also the result of a tropical storm.

Then, from June to August, the North and Northeast may again experience heavy rains and floods because of low pressure and a southwestern monsoon.

The Central Plains and the East will probably face problems from September until the end of the year, then it will be the turn of the upper South and the East in October. In the last two months, heavy rain and floods are likely to hurt the lower South.

Weather experts say that they still have no clues to the cause of such extreme weather patterns.

Climate change expert Anond Snidvongs, of Chulalongkorn University's faculty of sciences, said it was too early to link the domestic severe climate pattern to the global climate change.

He said heavy rains in the South reflected the difference in temperatures between the Indian Ocean and the Asian continent, which was unusually high, resulting in heavy flows of air and moisture from the ocean to the land, and hence heavy rains and floods. He said to determine whether climate change is the cause, scientists need to first compare the frequency and intensity of such conditions in the past three decades.

However, they lacked such data concerning past severe climate patterns.

The expert said the unusual weather conditions were the result of fast economic development, with little concern for the environmental impact, adding that such trends needed to be reversed.

Suvit Yodmani, executive director of the Asian Disaster Preparedness Centre, urged the government to attach more importance to disaster preparedness, particularly in strengthening people's knowledge and capacities in dealing with disasters so that they could help themselves first.

He also spoke of a lack of coordination among related agencies in disaster management. ''State agencies still have their own missions, while disaster management has never come up on their priority list. What is needed is integration, in planning and implementation, among different agencies,'' said Dr Suvit.

Anucha Mokkhavesa, chief of the Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Department, said the country needed long-term planning in the area of water management to reduce the risk of flood-related disasters.

He said the agency has adopted a disaster management master plan and will encourage local administrative bodies to have a bigger role in disaster management in their areas.

Meanwhile, Samart Chokkanapitark, chief of the Irrigation Department, said any drought would be less serious than in 2005 as his agency had made efforts to retain enough water for consumption.

bedek05

31-12-2005, 08:07 PM

KatoeyLover69

01-01-2006, 03:17 PM

Report from Bangkok Post dated Sunday 1 January 2006 :-

Over 100 arrested in casino raid : Almost B2m seized in betting money

By Wassayos Ngamkham

Metropolitan police yesterday raided an illegal casino in the Tao Poon area of Bang Sue district and arrested more than 100 gamblers and confiscated almost two million baht in betting money.

It was the second time the casino was raided. On June 22, 353 gamblers were arrested and around 56 million baht in betting money was seized by 100 crime suppression officers and 10 commandos in a highly-publicised operation.

Pol Maj-Gen Amnuay Nimmano, commander of the Metropolitan Police Bureau's division 2, led some 150 police officers in uniform and plainclothes to raid the Tao Poon casino in Khao Sarn alley, Bang Sue district, at 4am yesterday. They acted on intelligence reports that the casino planned to resume business and would reopen during the New Year holiday period.

Before the raid, a number of plainclothes police had posed as gamblers and signalled the officers waiting outside to capture 11 doormen on duty at the casino's gates.

They stormed the two adjacent buildings which house the casino. The buildings were surrounded by high barb-wire fences.

Police caught 108 gamblers red-handed with 11,934 baht cash, 1,270 chips worth 1.79 million baht, 211 decks of cards and many other gambling tools.

The suspects were later taken to various Bangkok police stations for questioning. Suwin sae Lim, 64, confessed to being the building owner while Udon Ngamnimit, Niran Chiew-amornchai, Surasak Thongma and Somchai Siriwangso were identified as the bookies.

All were charged by Tao Poon police and arraigned by the northern Bangkok district court in the afternoon.

Metropolitan police commissioner Pol Lt-Gen Viroj Chantharangsi said plainclothes police waited for the gamblers to fill the casino before launching the raid.

Police will demand harsher punishment from the court against Mr Suwin who was on probation after being earlier arrested by crime suppression police on a charge of running a casino.

KatoeyLover69

01-01-2006, 03:25 PM

Report from The Nation dated Sunday 1 January 2006 :-

Koh Samui : Tourists, prices climb through the season

Samui is drawing so many local and foreign holiday-makers that just about every room on the resort island is booked.

Instead of the somewhat depressed high season they expected, tourism officials have to deal with a steady stream of complaints from visitors who say they are being overcharged for rooms.

The better-than-expected surge of tourist arrivals has been achieved despite heavy rains before December 25. Resort operators were expecting a 60 to 70 per cent occupancy rate during the New Year holidays due to the unseasonable downpour last month. Instead, all of Bangkok Airways’ 34 flights from Bangkok to the island during the New Year season have been fully booked.

Bhanu Voramit, chief of Samui’s Centre for Tourism Coordination, said the 12,879 rooms on the Kingdom’s second-largest island had been booked by about 30,000 tourists from Europe, East Asia and Thailand.

The country’s largest resort island, Phuket, is well on the road to recovery after suffering considerably from the December 2004 tsunami. Occupancy rates are at 90 per cent for beachside establishments, officials said.

The island’s tourism authority expects a Bt500-million New Year’s boost. Fireworks welcomed the year in on Patong Beach, Saphan Hin and Saphan Sarasin. A midnight run was also held.

Resort operators described the mood as optimistic after a sobering year due to the loss and destruction wrought by the tsunami.

Even East Asian tourists – who were slow to return after the disaster – are back.

KatoeyLover69

01-01-2006, 09:35 PM

Report from The Nation dated Sunday 1 January 2006 :-

PM Thaksin with family in Singapore for New Year holidays

Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra and his family left for New Year holidays in Singapore Sunday despite the government?s promotions for Thais to spend holidays in the kingdom to boost local tourism.

Thaksin said he did not spend the holidays in Thailand because he did not want to cause burden to some 50 officials, who might have to be on duty if he stayed in the kingdom.

Thaksin and his family will be in Singapore until Wednesday.

Critics said Thaksin decided to leave the kingdom because he believed an advice from a fortune teller who said he should leave Thailand during New Year holidays.

KatoeyLover69

02-01-2006, 09:55 AM

Report from The Nation dated Monday 2 January 2006 :-

BRINGING IN THE NEW YEAR: Thousands flock to make merit

After colourful countdowns on Saturday night, Thais throughout the country began the first morning of 2006 by making Buddhist-style food offerings, or taak bart, to monks. In many provinces, the religious activity was organised by provincial authorities while elsewhere communities staged their own. The biggest official offering was held at Buddha Monthon in Nakhon Pathom, where deputy Prime Minsiter Suwat Liptapanlop led local residents and visitors to offer food to 1,250 monks.

In Ranong, Trang and Songkhla, dry food items collected by the monks were to be gathered and sent to flood victims around Songkhla Lake. Floodwater continues to linger in Songkhla’s three districts because of the high level of water in the lake.

In Phuket, thousands of people took part in taak bart activities at Saphan Hin. In Tak, the line of people waiting to offer food to monks stretched for more than a kilometre.

End-of-year parties were attended by both locals and foreign tourists in most big towns, except for the three restive provinces on the southern border and some tsunami-affected provinces like Phang Nga.

Hotels in Phuket and Hat Yai reported occupancy rates of 70 per cent last night as tourists flooded into the towns to join the Andaman Fun Park and Entertainment Fair and the Night Paradise Hat Yai Countdown 2006, which were organised to help revive the tourism industry in the Andaman provinces. The two main countdown sites in Phuket were Patong Beach and Saphan Hin.

However, the influx of tourists into Phuket also brought back the water-shortage problem, local hotel owners said.

A highlight of the party in Chiang Mai was the launch of traditional floating lamps. However, the burning lamps caused two small fires in the main town – one near the parking lot of The House restaurant on Moolmuang Road and another one in the Wat Ket area. No one was hurt in the fires, which caused some slight damage to property.

Alcohol-fuelled fights among teenagers were blamed for the deaths of three people in Pattaya, Prachuab Khiri Khan and Nakhon Si Thammarat.

In Chiang Rai, police caught one Burmese and one Taiwanese trying to use the occasion to smuggle 400 grams of heroin across the Mae Sai Pass into Thailand.

In his New Year blessing, respected senior monk Phra Thep Wisutkawee of Bangkok’s Rachathiwaswiharn urged Thais to live their lives carefully and to follow the five Buddhist’s precepts.

KatoeyLover69

02-01-2006, 10:07 AM

Report from The New Straits Times dated Monday 2 January 2006 :-

Thai firms paying lucrative bonuses

BANGKOK, Sun: Despite stiff competition, rising fuel prices and inflation, some major companies in Thailand are paying lucrative bonuses to their employees, including one that pays up to 12 months’ salary.

In the list of bonus payments compiled by the Nation newspaper recently, automobile manufacturer AP Honda is giving a maximum 12 months’ salary and its competitor Toyota, seven months.

It highlighted the continued growth in the automotive industry in Thailand, dubbed the “Detroit of Asia”, where last month it became the 14th country in the world to have achieved one million locally assembled units.

Other companies that pay good bonuses are the highly-competitive media industry, with Thai Rath media group giving six months’ bonus and Matichon, 3.5 months. — Bernama

KatoeyLover69

02-01-2006, 10:13 AM

Report from The New Straits Times dated Monday 2 January 2006 :-

Uncertainties loom over Thai bid for airport supremacy

BANGKOK, Sun: Thailand aims to become South-East Asia’s aviation hub when the new US$3.7 billion (US$1 = RM3.78) Bangkok international airport opens but some aviation officials doubt that the June opening date will be met.

Suvarnabhumi airport is meant to surpass regional rivals Singapore and Malaysia, but the world civil aviation body has yet to approve the project.
Officials from an international aviation group say the facility — which was partially opened amid much fanfare in September last year — needs more time so tests can be run.

The airport, whose name means “ golden land ”, has been planned for more than 40 years and was variously scheduled to open in 1990, 2000 and September 29 2005. A high-speed train line linking it with the city is at least two years away.

The delays are because the Government ruled that the airport, 25km east of Bangkok, would be expanded to take both domestic and international flights, not simply international ones as consultants had proposed.

However Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, who publicly pledged it would open last September, decided in December to postpone a scheduled expansion immediately after the opening.

“We have checked and found that everything is ready,” Thaksin said in his weekly radio address yesterday. “The airport could be opened in the next 180 days or by the end of June.” Airport general manager Somchai Sawasdeepon said most construction work was finished except for airline facilities including lounges and offices.

“We are preparing for commissioning processes to make sure air traffic control and ground services will have as few problems as possible,” he said.

“Everything could be completed within the next six months,” he said, adding that the airlines had been told operations will start in June.Some observers remain unconvinced.

The International Air Transport Association (IATA), which represents 270 airlines, pointed out that the airport lacks approval from the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) for its security systems. “Without certification from the Icao, the new airport cannot be opened,” Chitvee Leelasiri, Iata country manager, said.

“It should be certified before commissioning works start.” He said the private sector was not allowed a full inspection of the airport during a September visit and airlines were worried about unresolved disputes over airline lounge designs.

“The period of another 180 days might be too short to be commercially operating,” Chitvee said. — AFP

KatoeyLover69

02-01-2006, 03:25 PM

Report from Bangkok Post dated Monday 2 January 2006 :-

GOOD FORTUNE IN BAD TIMES : As economic uncertainty mounts, fortune-tellers see increasing demand for their services

Story by SUJINTANA HEMTASILPA

Tougher economic times mean big business for fortune tellers, as people face an uncertain future. In the run-up to the New Year, Natthachai Leethananchai, director of Number Five Astrologer Institute at Imperial World in the Lad Phrao area, says he has seen a rise in client numbers.

''The 2006 economy seems to be a bit more slack than in 2005, so we can expect more clients,'' said Mr Natthachai.

Economic conditions have a certain level of influence over people's psychological condition. Economic uncertainty makes people feel insecure and anxious about their future, and that could prompt more people to seek advice from fortune tellers, he said.

''This year will be a tougher one for low-income people, while uncertainty over economic and social conditions is on the rise,'' said Thanawat Sirithanasub, an astrologer at Siriluck Astrologer Room near the Tha Chang pier.

''In April, there will be a major change in the cabinet because one of Prime Minister Thaksin's [astrological] stars is clashing with one of the country's stars. The change will derive from the people's demand,'' said Mr Natthachai.

He said the number of his clients usually increases significantly at the end and the beginning of the year, when people are pondering their futures.

It's not only astrologers who feel that anxiety is rising among Thai people. Economic concerns were also reflected in a recent survey by the Chamber Business Poll at the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce.

According to Thanavath Phonvichai, director of the Centre for Economic and Business Forecasting at the university, the survey suggested that Thais will spend 34.3% of their New Year funds on merit making, compared with 18.6% last year.

The statistics reflect the fact that people are more worried about future economic and social conditions, so they seek moral support, said Mr Thanavath.

In terms of the astrology business, when the 1997 financial crisis struck Thailand, the industry thrived, but at the same time several more competitors entered the market, Mr Thanawat said.

Many who became unemployed following the crisis opted for astrology as a new career, he added.

''I was the first to open an outlet at Tha Chang pier about eight years ago. With a lot of newcomers, this area has recently become the second-largest hub of fortune-telling outlets in the Bangkok, after Tha Phrachan,'' said Mr Thanawat.

Tough competition has barred experienced fortune tellers from raising their fees. The slower economic conditions have forced some to lower their prices.

Mr Thanawat said he has been charging his clients 200 baht per reading for eight years, despite rising operation costs.

Mr Natthachai said he lowered his charge from 500 baht per reading to 300 baht two years ago. ''During the past few years, people have not been willing to let go of 500 baht from their pockets.''

The lower price has drawn in more clients, he added.

Siriluck Sirithanasub, an experienced palmist and tarot reader at Siriluck Astrologer Room, said that in all kinds of economic conditions her clients' questions revolve around the same key areas: love; career and finance; health; family; and opponents or obstacles.

For her, there are always people who succumb to anxiety, whether the overall economy is in a good or bad state. Fortune tellers offer them sympathetic ears and guidance, as well as a horoscope reading.

Mrs Siriluck, who is married to Mr Thanawat, said people who visited her were from all walks of life, from small traders to high-ranking military officials.

She believes that Angelina Jolie once visited her without identifying herself as a Hollywood superstar.

Some businesspeople come to have their fortunes read almost every week.

''For many people, the more successful they are, the more insecure they feel,'' added Mrs Siriluck.

During the past eight years, 30% of her clients have been foreigners. Between 65% and 70% of the clients are women.

At Tha Chang pier, a busy tourist spot, Ms Siriluck and Mr Thanawat also offer English-language readings to international clients.

Mrs Siriluck said some other fortune tellers in the area also speak English since they have a good opportunity to practise their skills by interacting with international tourists.

KatoeyLover69

02-01-2006, 03:30 PM

Report from The Nation dated Monday 2 January 2006 :-

Thai AIDS death toll down sharply in 2005

The number of deaths from AIDS last year fell sharply because of much wider access to anti-retroviral drugs in Thailand, the public health ministry said Monday.

Some 1,478 people died from AIDS between January and November last year compared to 6,593 for the same period in 2004, the ministry said.

"The sharp drop is because of widespread access to anti-retroviral drugs which resulted in improvements to the lives of people living with AIDS and HIV," Thawat Suntrajarn, the Disease Control Department director said in a statement.

"The ministry has targetted a reduction in new AIDS/HIV cases to not more than16,000 in 2006," or a cut of about 10 percent, Thawat said.

There were an estimated 18,000 new AIDS/HIV cases reported in 2005, mostly among homosexuals and teenagers, he added.

Health authorities will increase their anti-AIDS campaigns for teenagers, particularly in tourist cities such as Pattaya and Phuket, stocking some 24 million condoms in 4,575 vending machines nationwide, Thawat said.

The ministry also aims to drastically reduce babies born HIV-positive. Last year, some 2,400 were born HIV-positive but this year the target is several hundred such infections.

Thailand made low-cost anti-retroviral drugs available on its national health scheme from October for the more than half a million people here living with HIV/AIDS.

The drugs, produced in Thailand, were available as part of a health scheme which allows the poor to receive hospital treatment for 30 baht (75 cents) per visit. /Agence France-Presse

KatoeyLover69

03-01-2006, 02:11 AM

Chinese Have Slowly Become Assimilated into Thai Society

By Yong Tiam Kui
New Straits Times (Malaysia)
Sep, 21, 2003

THE Chinese and the Thai are none other than brothers - so goes a Thai cliché that illustrates the seamless integration of Thai Chinese in mainstream Thai society. Thai Chinese, who make up 10 per cent of Thailand's 62 million people, continue to observe a few Chinese customs and festivals but that's about it.

An anthropological survey of Bangkok's Chinese community found that only first-generation Chinese immigrants aged 60 and above use Chinese as their first language. Second-generation Bangkok Chinese speak Chinese with their
parents but switch to Thai when they are with their peers. Most of the third generation cannot speak or understand Chinese at all. They speak, think and dream in Thai.

They identify themselves proudly as Thai and are clearly accepted as such by the majority Thais.

After all, several Prime Ministers of Thailand have been of Chinese origin, including the current Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra. In fact, it is said that almost two-thirds of Thai MPs have some Chinese blood.

Many people attribute the rapid assimilation of the Chinese to Buddhism and shared cultural affinities. But, that is only part of the story.

For many decades, successive Thai Governments have pursued a vigorous policy of assimilation.

When Luang Phibunsongkhram became prime minister of Thailand in 1938, he introduced a series of anti-Chinese measures.

Certain occupations were closed to the Thai Chinese. An alien registration fee and taxes targeted at the Thai Chinese were also introduced.

Government corporations were formed to compete with Chinese businesses. Thai Chinese were encouraged to give up their Chinese names for Thai ones.

Chinese language schools were closed in the 1950s. Tight controls were imposed on Chinese language newspapers.

Intermarriages between the two communities which were already fairly common were encouraged all the more. There's been so much intermarriage between the Chinese and the Thais, it has now become difficult to differentiate between the two communities.

In Bangkok, for instance, it is claimed that more than 50 per cent of the residents have at least one Chinese grandparent.

But, there has been a resurgence of interest in the Chinese language and culture among Thai Chinese in recent years. This has been attributed to the rising economic value of the Chinese language and the excellent state of Sino-Thai relations.

The Thai Government lifted the ban on the Chinese language after much deliberation in 1992.

But Thaksin has had to request for help from the Chinese Government because Thailand is very short of qualified Chinese language teachers.

Chinese is now being taught in 120 Thai-Chinese-run primary and secondary schools.

Thai national schools and universities are also offering Chinese as a foreign language.

KatoeyLover69

03-01-2006, 02:33 AM

Thai Chinese

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.

The Thai Chinese is a group of overseas Chinese born in Thailand. They constitute about 14% of the population, although due to intermarriage there can be no definite figure.

The majority of the Thai Chinese traces their ancestry back to the Chaozhou prefecture in northern Guangdong, thus they speak the Minnan Chaozhou dialect. A minority traces their ancestry to Hakka and Hainanese immigrants. As of 1987, there are approximately six million Thais of Chinese descent.

Language
The Thai language has now largely supplanted Chinese, although Teochew is sometimes used as a commercial lingua franca among the Chinese in Thailand, principally in Bangkok. However, the wide usage and revival of Mandarin Chinese is gradually becoming the second language of the majority of the newer generation Thai-Chinese for business purposes.

Unlike Singapore, and to a lesser extent Malaysia, the Chinese have largely eschewed Christianity and the speaking of Mandarin as their first language. The majority of the Thai Chinese do not identify at all with being Chinese, as they have assimilated into mainstream Thai society.

Religion
Theravada Buddhism has overshadowed the traditional Mahayana Buddhist and Taoist beliefs of the Thai Chinese, although some of the less assimilated Chinese do retain some or most of their beliefs. For example, the Teochew and Hainanese bring ashes from incense burned at the shrines in their villages. The Hakka have religious images in their houses called Faa Jukong, representing a male deity with black skin and upward pointing hair.

History
The history of Chinese immigration to Thailand dates back several centuries. Chinese traders in Thailand date back at least to the thirteenth century with Ayutthaya. Most of Siam was under Burmese control since the sacking of Ayutthaya in the 16th century, and The Emperor of China Kao Tsung, was alarmed by Burmese military might. From 1766- 1769, the Emperor sent his armies four times to subdue the Burmese, but all four invasions failed, but diverting the attention of Burma's Siam army. Half Thai Chinese General Taksin, taking advantage of the situation, organized his force and revolted. It was said that Taksin actively encouraged their Chinese immigration and trade, principally from Chaozhou prefecture, came in large numbers. The Chinese population in Thailand thus jumped from 230,000 in 1825 to 792,000 by 1910. By 1932, approximately 12.2% of the population of Thailand was Chinese.

However, such early Chinese immigartion consisted almost universally of Chinese men who later settled down to marry Thai women. Children of such intermarriages were known as Luk-jin in Chinese. This tradition of Chinese-Thai intermarriage declined to a considerable extent when large numbers of Chinese women began to immigrate into Thailand from the early 20th century onwards.

The corruption of the Chinese Qing government and the massive increase of the population in China, along with high taxes, encouraged many Chinese men to leave China for Thailand in search for jobs, thereby support their families back in China. Many Chinese prospered under the tax farming system, whereby private individuals were sold the right to collect taxes at a price below the value of the tax revenues.

In the late 1800's, as Thailand was busy warding off attacks from French Indochina and British Malaya, Chinese from Yunnan Province began raids into Thailand. Thai nationalist attitudes at all levels of society were colored by anti-Chinese sentiment. For centuries members of the Chinese community had dominated domestic commerce and had been employed as agents for the royal trade monopoly. With the rise of European economic influence many Chinese entrepreneurs had shifted to opium traffic and tax collecting, both despised occupations. In addition, Chinese millers and middlemen in the rice trade were blamed for the economic recession that gripped Siam for nearly a decade after 1905. Accusations of bribery of high officials, wars between the Chinese secret societies, and use of oppressive practices to extract taxes also served to inflame Thai opinion against the Chinese community at a time when it was expanding rapidly as a result of increased immigration from China. By 1910 nearly 10 percent of Thailand's population was Chinese. Whereas earlier immigrants had intermarried with the Thai, the new arrivals frequently came with families and resisted assimilation into Thai society. Chinese nationalism, encouraged by Sun Yat-sen, the leader of the Chinese revolution, had also begun to develop, parallel with Thai nationalism. The Chinese community even supported a separate school system for its children. Legislation in 1909 by Rama V, King Chulalongkorn requiring adoption of Thai surnames was in large part directed at easing tensions with Chinese community by assimilation, whose members would be faced with the choice of forsaking their Chinese identity or accepting the status of foreigners. Many of them made the accommodation and opted to become Thai.

The Chinese in Thailand were also discriminated under the military dictatorship of Prime Minister Plaek Pibulsonggram in the 1930s. State corporations took over commodities such as rice, tobacco and petroleum, and Chinese businesses found themselves subject to a range of new taxes and controls.

In spite of differences created by nationalism in Thailand and China likewise, the Chinese were still encouraged to become Thai citizens, and in 1970, it was estimated that more than 90 percent of the Chinese born in Thailand had done so. When diplomatic relations were established with China in the 1970s, resident Chinese not born in Thailand had the option of becoming Thai citizens; the remaining permanent resident Chinese alien population was estimated at fewer than 200,000.

Dialect Groups
The vast majorty of the Thai Chinese belong to various southern Chinese dialect groups. Of these, 56% are Teochew, 16% Hakka and 11% Hainanese. The Cantonese and Hokkien constitute 7% of the Chinese population each, and 3% belong to other Chinese dialect groups.

The Teochew Chinese, which constitute 56% of Thailand Chinese population, mainly settled in the region around Chao Phraya River in Bangkok. Many of them worked in government sectors, while others are involved in trade. During the reign of King Taksin, many influential Teochew Chinese traders enjoyed certain privellages granted by the king. These Chinese were called "Royal Chinese" (Jin-luang in Thai).

The Hakka Chinese constitute approximately 16% of the Thai Chinese population. Many of them are found in Songkhla and Phuket. The Hakka owned many private banks in Thailand.

There are also many Thai Chinese that have been descended from intermarriages with Native Thais. These Thai Chinese are called Peranakan Thai Chinese, or Luk jin in Thai. Most of them can be found in the Southern and Central Thai provinces especially near the border with Malaysia. They share a common culture and identity with the Peranakan Chinese in neighbouring Indonesia, Singapore and Malaysia.

Notable Thai Chinese
* King Taksin, Chinese (Teochew)–Thai descent
* Chuan Leekpai, Prime Minister of Thailand (1992-1995, 1997-2001)
* Thaksin Shinawatra, Prime Minister of Thailand (2001-present), Chinese (Hakka)–Thai

KatoeyLover69

03-01-2006, 02:40 AM

Plaek Pibulsonggram

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.

Field Marshal Pibulsonggram (July 14, 1897–June 11, 1964) (Thai พิบูลสงคราม, sometimes spelled Phibunsongkhram, Phibul Songkhram or Pibul Songgram) was Prime Minister and military dictator of Thailand from 1938 to 1944 and 1948 to 1957.

Born Plaek Khittasangkha on July 14, 1897, he entered the Artillery Corps in 1914 upon graduation from the Chulachomklao Royal Military Academy. Following advanced studying in France, the honourary name of Luang Phibunsongkhram was bestowed upon him by King Prajadhipok in 1928 (he was later to take Phibunsongkhram as his surname).

One of the leaders of the military wing of the People's Party which overthrew the absolute monarchy in 1932, Lieutenant Colonel Phibun rose to prominence as a popular man-on-horseback when he successfully crushed the royalist revolt the following year.

In 1938 Phibun replaced Phraya Phahol as Prime Minister, and consolidated his position by removing all possible opposition---members of the royal family, elected members of the Assembly, bureaucrats, and army rivals were arrested and executed in what were to be the first political executions in Siam in over a century.

As Prime Minister, he began increasing the pace of modernisation in Thailand. By clever manipulation of the mass media, Phibun fashioned a semi-fascist regime with ultra-nationalism as its central theme. He and Luang Wichitwathakarn, the Minister of Propaganda, built up the cult of the leader throughout 1939 and thereafter. A photograph of Phibun was to be found everywhere (in turn, those of ex-King Prajadhipok disappeared), his slogans were plastered on newspapers and billboards and repeated over the radio.

"Aimed to uplifting the national spirit and moral code of the nation and instilling progressive tendencies and a newness into Thai life", a series of Cultural Mandates were issued by the government. These mandates required that all Thais were to salute the flag, know the national anthem, and use the national language, as opposed to local dialects. People were forbidden to go outdoors without wearing hats, while they were encouraged to dress along modern (western) fashions. In Phibun's views, all this was necessary for Thailand to become more modernised, in the interest of progress and civilisation.

In 1939, Phibun changed the country name from Siam to Thailand.

The regime also embarked upon a course of economic nationalism, in which the Thai people were to support only Thai products and therefore destroy the Chinese grip on the market. Anti-Chinese policies were also undertaken; indeed, in a speech in 1938 Luang Wichit compared the Chinese in Siam to the Jews in Germany.

While ardently pro-Japanese at the beginning, Phibun and his regime soon considerably but cordially distanced itself from Japan following the aftermath of the French-Thai War, where Japanese territorial ambitions were skilfully realised during the peace talks. With war looming in the air, Phibun quickly deduced that the Japanese would be the aggressors. However, the government realised, that Thailand would stand alone when the Japanese onslaught came, considering the deteriorating relationships with the major Western powers in the area.

When war came, a hesitant Phibun was forced to order a general ceasefire and to allow the Japanese armies to use the country as a forward springboard for the invasions of Burma and Malaya. However, hesitancy gave way to enthusiasm when the Japanese blitzkrieged their way through Malaya. On December 12, a military alliance with Japan was concluded. A month later, on January 25 1942, Thailand declared war on the United States and Great Britain. Those who opposed the decision was forced from government; Pridi was appointed regent for the absent King Ananda Mahidol, while Direk Chaiyanam, the prominent Foreign Minister who advocated resistance against the Japanese, ironically became ambassador to +++yo.

When the tide turned against Japan, Phibun was forced to resign by the pro-Seri Thai Assembly, thus ending his six-year period as military strongman. Phibun went to take residence at army headquarters in Lopburi, where he bided his time. In the meanwhile, Khuang Aphaiwong was made prime minister to continue relations with the Japanese while at the same time assist the Seri Thai.

At the end of the war, Phibun was put on trial by the Allies on charges of collaborating with the enemy. However, the charges were dropped and he got off due to intense public pressure (public opinion was favourable to Phibun; he was thought to have done the best to maintain Thai interests).

In November 1947 army units under the control of Phibun carried out a coup which forced the Thamrong government to step down. The hapless Khuang was installed as prime minister as the military coup risked international disapproval. On April 8 1948, the military forced Khuang out of office and Phibun assumed the Premiership once more.

Phibun once again started his term of office with maneuvres to consolidate power; civilian rivals and members of the opposition were arrested and executed. Among the victims of the death squads of the notorious Police General Phao Sriyanond was the civilian assemblyman and one-time Seri Thai member, Tiang Sirikhanth.

But instead of fascism, Phibun now built for his regime the facade of democracy. American aid was received in large quantities following Thailand's entry into the Korean War on the UN's side.

Phibun's anti-Chinese campaign was resumed, with the government halting Chinese immigration and undertaking various measures to restrict Chinese economic domination of the Thai market. Chinese schools and associations were once again closed down.

On June 29, 1951, Phibun was attending a ceremony aboard the USS Manhattan when he was taken hostage by a group of naval officers, who were quick to confine him on board the battleship Sri Ayutthaya. Negotiations between the government and the coup group swiftly broke down, leading to heavy street fighting in Bangkok between the navy and the army, which was supported by the airforce. Phibun was able to swim back ashore when the Sri Ayutthaya was bombed; their hostage gone, the sailors and marines were forced to lay down their arms.

At the end of his term suspicions of fraudulent practices during an election came up. The resulting unrest led to a coup by Field Marshal Sarit Dhanarajata in 1957, after which Phibun was forced into exile in Japan, where he died in 1964.

KatoeyLover69

03-01-2006, 11:00 AM

Report from Bangkok Post dated Tuesday 3 January 2006 :-

SUVARNABHUMI AIRPORT / THE GOOD AND THE BAD : A year of controversy for Bangkok's newest pride

By Saritdet Marukatat

Good and bad news haunted Suvarnabhumi Airport throughout 2005, and it is still not clear when it will become operational. Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra had confidently declared the 155-billion-baht project would open to traffic on Sept 29, despite scepticism by people in the aviation business.

The Prime Minister at least partly fulfilled his promise, leading cabinet members and other dignitaries on two Thai Airways International flights which touched down at the airport, in Samut Prakan's Bang Phli district, for landing and systems tests on Sept 29.

Still, the airport cannot function commercially until all the construction and testing is completed.

The government is now eyeing a June opening for the first commercial flights. But given what is really happening there on the ground, even officials in charge of the project believe that will not be possible.

While the Sept 29 landings gave Mr Thaksin some solace, the airport project also contributed to the plunging popularity of his government with the controversy surrounding the purchase of the 26 US-made CTX 9000 luggage bomb detection machines.

US investigators indicated irregularities in the purchase of the machines in Thailand, China and the Philippines, but the government strongly denied this.

However, the Prime Minister did move Suriya Jungrungreangkit from the post of Transport Minister to the post of Industry Minister to ease pressure on the government after Mr Suriya could not clearly explain in parliament, where he was grilled on June 27 by the opposition parties led by the Democrats, why the detectors were so expensive.

Pongsak Raktapongpaisal replaced him as Transport Minister.

The latest bad news was the decision on Dec 28 by the Prime Minister to put on hold the plan to expand the new airport to enable it to process 45 million passengers annually. It is now expected to reach its capacity in 2010.

KatoeyLover69

03-01-2006, 11:08 AM

Report from Bangkok Post dated Tuesday 3 January 2006 :-

Operators stake claim to airport opportunities

By Sujintana Hemtasilpa

With the long-awaited Suvarnabhumi Airport scheduled to be operational in June, the area surrounding it as well as riverside locations in Samut Prakan province have been more attractive for hotel developers. Narong Suthipongpitarn, manager of the Thai Hotels Association, said the new airport certainly had brought about higher demand for accommodation in its vicinity.

The core demand will come from air crews and passengers who need accommodation, said Mr Narong.

However, hoteliers who want to develop new hotels in the areas will have to face higher land prices and construction cost.

Nevertheless, once Suvarnabhumi is operational, existing hotels in Bangkok's eastern suburbs and in Pattaya are the first to benefit from the influx of passengers through the new airport, said Mr Narong.

''The business at closer hotels such as the Novotel Bang Na and the Royal Princess on Srinakarin Road will certainly be brisk once the new airport is opened,'' he said.

The Royal Princess Srinakarin has spent 30 million baht renovating its property.

Several operators in Bangkok's eastern suburbs including Accor Asia Pacific, Central, Dusit and Sheraton are reportedly adding more rooms to existing properties.

At the same time, Central Hotels and Resorts plans to build another hotel next to its Central City Bang Na shopping centre on the Bang Na-Trat Road.

In Pattaya, which is only one hour away by car from the new airport, hotel operators are preparing their properties for more guests.

Many establishments have refurbished their properties while investors have begun developing more luxurious hotels in the resort city to welcome well-to-do tourists.

Next year, according to the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), the number of international tourist arrivals is expected to reach 13.2 million.

According to the Thai Hotels Association, 30 more hotels are set to open in Bangkok in the next five years, increasing the number of rooms in the capital to about 100,000.

Mr Narong said the earlier prime locations for hotels in Bangkok were along the banks of the Chao Phraya River, in Bangkok's commercial districts such as Silom and Sathorn roads, and near Don Muang International Airport. Now, the vicinity of Suvarnabhumi Airport has emerged as another prime site.

He said there was still ample room for hotels to grow as the country had a variety of tourist destinations to offer.

In line with Mr Narong's anticipation, the TAT has projected with the availability of several new tourist attractions, international tourists are likely to extend their average length of stay in Thailand to 8.2 days this year from 8.1 days in 2005.

KatoeyLover69

03-01-2006, 11:14 AM

Report from The Nation dated Tuesday 3 January 2006 :-

IMMIGRANTS: Thousands given Thai nationality

Approval of 13,827 citizenship requests is biggest in Thai history, Kongsak says; Highlanders form the largest group. Almost 14,000 migrants and their children were granted Thai nationality yesterday, the biggest such approval in history, Interior Minister ACM Kongsak Wantana said.

Of the 13,827 approved, 4,272 were migrants to Thailand, while 9,555 were children who had been born here.

The total comprised 2,279 Vietnamese, 3,175 Burmese, 6,363 highlanders, 704 Nepalese, 28 Tai Lue, 287 tribal people, 978 Chinese (ex-military Chinese from Yunnan, also known as Jeen Hor), and 13 from ex-Communist Malaysia.

“This is the result of years of working. In some cases it took as long as three years to complete the inspection and confirmation process,” Kongsak said.

“It is my policy to grant nationality as quickly as possible, as I consider it has a huge impact on people’s lives. Many children and young people face difficulties in their studies and work without Thai nationality, even though they were born in Thai territory.”

Kongsak admitted that the approval process had in the past been very slow due to security issues, and previous ministers therefore being reluctant to issue approval.

The proposals were checked at district level first before passing to the provincial level for a second check and then on to the national level in Bangkok, he said.

“To qualify for citizenship, applicants have to show that they do not pose any risk to national security, could be of benefit to the Kingdom and paid taxes,” the interior minister said.

“This is the highest number of approvals of the past seven ministers, and has taken five months of work under my administration.

“I am pretty sure that all of them are qualified to be Thais. In the worst case, if a mistake has been made in the approval processes, we should be able to trace it.”

However, the minister did not reveal how many people who had submitted requests were still waiting for their green cards.

Wattana Khamchoo
The Nation

KatoeyLover69

03-01-2006, 02:24 PM

Report from The Nation dated Tuesday 3 January 2006 :-

Dusit Zoo to offer night tour later this month

The Dusit Zoo in Bangkok will offer night tours starting after Chinese New Year later this month, the zoo director said Tuesday.

Wisit Wichasilp, the director of the Dusit Zoo, said the zoo would extend its service time from 6 pm to 9 pm.

But those visiting the zoo after 6 pm could not wander around on their own. They would have to take a provided tram to observe nightlife of some chosen animals for the show. Each tram ride would take about 30 to 45 minutes, he said.

He said the zoo would improve certain facilities in preparation for the night tours, such as installing spotlights at enclosures for certain animals, such as dear, bears, lions and tigers.

He said the night tour service would be launched soon after the Chinese New Year on January 29.

KatoeyLover69

05-01-2006, 12:31 AM

Report from Bangkok Post dated Wednesday 4 January 2006 :-

B700m elephant park for Doi-Pui, Chiangmai : New project in national park draws critics' fire

By Preeyanat Phanayanggoor

Chiang Mai : The profitability of the Night Safari is still in doubt without the wild animals from Kenya, but the government is already embarking on a 700-million-baht elephant park as the second stage of its multi-billion-baht Chiang Mai World megaproject. The park, tipped as the biggest of its kind with more than 200 elephants, will cover 6,000 rai of land in the Doi Suthep-Pui national park, which already houses the 1.2-billion-baht Night Safari park.

It is part of Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra's drive to turn Chiang Mai, his home province, into a world-class tourist attraction to compete with destinations like Disneyland in Hong Kong.Other developments planned for the megaproject, which will eventually absorb 23,000 rai of land in the national park, include a 500-million-baht Royal Flora Ratchaphruek exposition, a 15km cable car, an entertainment theme park, an aquarium, a spa complex and a monorail.

A 10-billion-baht total cost is estimated.

Plodprasop Suraswadi, the director of Night Safari who is also responsible for Chiang Mai World, said the elephant theme park would feature a jungle-like habitat.

The animals would live in natural conditions, roaming the forest for food.

An exhibition area would offer visitors comprehensive information about elephants - the designated symbol of the nation.

''The theme park will also reproduce some history relating to elephants in Thailand, including the traditional way of catching them in the jungle,'' he said.

The exact number of elephants which would roam the park is still to be settled, but there should be more than 200. They would include those now roaming city streets and so-called ''unemployed'' elephants.

Others would come from nearby elephant camps, including the popular Mae Sa camp in the Mae Rim area.

Mr Plodprasop said he would encourage owners of private elephant camps to co-invest in the park project. He placed particular interest on the Mae Sa elephant camp, which he claimed had caused environmental problems including pollution of the Mae Sa river.

However, the owner of the Mae Sa elephant camp said Mr Plodprasop was just being a bully.

Anchalee Kalmapijit said Mr Plodprasop has smeared her name with unfair accusations without solid evidence. Earlier, she said, forestry officials scoured her establishment, trying to find unregistered wild elephants.

''The government has never supported us. That's fine. But this time, they are starting to bully us. I'm not afraid of competition as long as it is fair,'' she said.

Northern conservationists said the government should review the whole Chiang Mai World project. It was much more of a problem, they said.

Chaiyaphan Prapasawat, of the Love Chiang Mai Network, said the elephant park, in particular, would lead to confrontation between local villagers and the animals over land, food and water.

''Ironically, while the government tries to exploit the national park for tourism-related activities, it has driven forest dwellers from their homes,'' he said.

Mr Chaiyaphan also worried about the environmental and social effects of the elephant park, which he said would also include several adventure activities for tourists including elevated animal observation platforms, bush lodges, a suspended canopy walk, a crocodile farm, a tiger zoo and a bird tunnel.

Leading academic Thanet Charoenmuang, of Chiang Mai University's social science faculty, said the Chiang Mai World project would completely change the image of the northern province, from a charming historical and cultural site with Lanna tradition to a modern tourist town.

''Chiang Mai would soon be big and ugly like Bangkok,'' he said.

''In the end, tourists would bypass Chiang Mai for other nearby provinces like Phrae, Nan and Lampang where beauty and nature are conserved.''

Mr Thanet said the government should shift huge projects away from Chiang Mai. Lampang, for instance, was an ideal location for huge projects because it was in the centre of the northern region. It was more appropriate to put the main development in Lampang and spread other projects over other northern provinces.

''The government should take a step back and draw up a proper development plan for Chiang Mai.

''I understand that Mr Thaksin has the good intention to modernise his hometown, the same way Banharn Silpa-archa did for the province of Suphan Buri,'' Mr Thanet said.

''But it needs a genuine understanding about the real value of Chiang Mai and what is best for the province. Not just throwing megaprojects at it.''

KatoeyLover69

05-01-2006, 05:59 PM

Report from The Nation dated Thursday 5 January 2006 :-

Malls use parking lots as shops

The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has found that 39 out of 81 department stores it inspected have made improper use of their parking lots by developing them into commercial space. Some malls have even auctioned off public areas in their parking lots, including public footpaths, at hefty rates. As a result of the outlets being allowed to occupy the parking areas, pedestrians had been onto the roads, causing traffic snarl-ups.

Thirty-one malls have been notified of the breach of city ordnance regulations and have since vacated outlets from the lots. Seven malls which have yet to free up their parking spaces are Jusco Ratchadaphisek, Amarin Plaza, Central Rama II, Carrefour Suvinthawong, The Mall Bang Khae, Future Park Bang Khae and The Mall Ramkhamhaeng.

Offenders are liable to a maximum three-month jail term and/or a 60,000-baht fine, plus a daily penalty of up to 10,000 baht throughout the violation period.

KatoeyLover69

06-01-2006, 12:42 AM

Report from Bangkok Post dated Thursday 5 January 2006 :-

Thai goalkeeper to play in England

Sudbury Football Club are set to sign Thai international goalkeeper Jamie Waite early next week after Braintree ruled out a move which would have seen him debut at Mildenhall on Monday, the Suffolk (Enlgand) Free Press reported today.

Waite was signed from Cambridge United last week, but AFC could not register him as he had signed Ridgeons League forms with Braintree, who demanded seven days' notice of approach.

"He helped them out in a Trophy game," said manager Gary Harvey, "and was not aware he had signed Ridgeons forms. He believed he had signed a Rymans form."

Last August, Waite told the Cambridge Evening News he hoped to play in the Oly;mics for Thailand, and in the English Premier League. "I'm the only Thai player in England and there are only two others outside of Asia. I get sponsorship from the Thailand FA and it's an opportunity for myself," he said.

"They're hoping I can succeed in England because their dream is to have a Thai player in the Premiership. I'm a long way from that at the moment, but hopefully I can get there."

The 19-year-old Waite, born in Thailand to a Thai mother, is working to earn himself a place in the Thailand under-23 squad for the qualifiers for the Beijing Olympics.

The keeper has been in their international set-up since he was 15 and has been told he stands a good chance of gaining a place.

Waite played for Kettering and Barrow last season after being released by Rotherham. He was team captain when the Thai under-23 side played friendlies against a Manchester City XI and Macclesfield last August..

KatoeyLover69

06-01-2006, 10:35 PM

Report from Bangkok Post dated Friday 6 January 2006 :-

Price hikes rattle public : Egg, petrol, sugar prices hit people's wallets, as government launches cheap meal offer

By Bangkok Post Reporters

Consumer spending power looks to shrink this year with eggs, petrol and sugar, traditional key cost-of-living benchmarks, costing more while the government comes under fire for being superficial in its efforts to ease the strain. The government may mark the first week of the year with a rise in, or even a float of, the retail sugar price. Sugar cane planters have called on the government to float the price to reflect real production costs.

''We're examining the production cost of sugar and a conclusion must be reached in a few days,'' said Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra.

Price caps were limited to six provinces, allowing vendors elsewhere to raise the price at will.

The provinces are Bangkok, Pathum Thani, Nonthaburi, Samut Prakan, Samut Sakhon and Samut Songkhram.

Mr Thaksin said the retail price of sugar has been going up since December.

The price went up from 13-14.5 baht a kilogramme to 16 baht and in certain areas increased to 18-20 baht/kg.

The country faces a shortage of sugar believed to have been triggered by the rising price of sugar in the global market.

Mr Thaksin said the commodity is being smuggled out to neighbouring countries where it can be sold at higher prices. It is also being hoarded.

The supply of sugar cane for sugar production is also inadequate due to drought, and increases in sugar cane demand for bio-diesel production.

Shortages of sugar are reported in several provinces including Nakhon Ratchasima and Songkhla.

''The government should intervene now. Consumers are being treated unfairly because retailers can raise the price whenever they want. Sometimes they simply don't sell,'' said Thirawat Traichamratras, a sweet vendor in Nakhon Ratchasima's Muang district.

The retail price of eggs is also going up in some provinces.

Manote Chutaptim, chairman of Layer Chicken Cooperative in Chachoengsao, said the retail price of eggs of mixed sizes will go up to 1.7 baht apiece.

''Production costs are 1.9-2 baht apiece now. Even after the price is adjusted, small-scale farmers don't get anything.

''The middlemen sell the products at high prices, forcing people to buy eggs at inflated prices,'' he said.

A farm in Khon Kaen prices high-grade eggs at 2.5 baht apiece.

''Production costs are soaring. Consumers should sympathise with us. They can pay 12 baht for a soda or more for cigarettes or alcohol,'' said Benjaporn Sriviroj, owner of Sriviroj farm.

To help consumers cushion an impact of potentially high goods prices, the government yesterday launched a cheap food campaign _ Im Tua Fah Rakha Diew (fill yourself up with a one-price dish) _ in its trademark populist fashion.

Customers at around 1,000 thong fah (blue flag) food stalls _ all run by the Commerce Ministry _ can enjoy a hearty meal for 10 baht.

Kicking off the campaign at Government House, Mr Thaksin said it was part of an attempt to bring balance to society where there is a gap between the rich and the poor. It was not a permanent solution but the scheme would help office workers cut costs and farmers sell their products.

''It will help the poor live in dignity,'' he said.

The cheap food scheme would give poor people access to nutritious food and, at the same time, stabilise the price and avert inflation.

Food stalls were set up in the Government House compound for the launch.

''If you do good and there are no complaints, I may consider a bonus for you,'' Mr Thaksin told the vendors.

As he walked past one stall, he grabbed a foam box of khao krapao and started digging in. He moved to the next cart, taking khao khai palo and handing 1,000 baht to the vendor.

Deputy Prime Minister Somkid Jatusripitak, also commerce minister, said the scheme would help poorer people, who were bearing the brunt of higher oil prices. The Commerce Ministry would keep a close watch on food prices which affect inflation rates.

About 1,000 foodstalls are taking part, scattered over 700 locations in Bangkok and other provinces, he said

KatoeyLover69

06-01-2006, 10:43 PM

Report from Bangkok Post dated Friday 6 January 2006 :-

White sugar supplies dry up amid price control talks

By Anchalee Kongrut

Consumers say white sugar has all but disappeared from the market amid attempts by the sugar industry to have state controls on its price removed. White sugar - a daily cooking staple - has been absent from the retail market for weeks, according to a Bangkok Post survey of fresh markets and hypermarkets in the Rama IV area.

This comes at a time when the sugar industry is negotiating with the government to allow the price of sugar to rise along with world market trends.

The world sugar price is around 17 baht a kilogramme, or four baht higher than that of the local produce.

At Tesco-Lotus supermarket on Rama IV road, consumers who wanted to buy white sugar were out of luck.

''This is the third week I have come here only to find that brown sugar is the only sugar available. I don't understand what has happened,'' said Boontham Navut, 72.

White sugar had also disappeared from shelves of hypermarkets such as Makro and Carrefour, and 7-Eleven minimarts.

''I believe retailers are now hoarding white sugar to resell it at higher prices.

''It is impossible that large and famous hypermarkets do not have white sugar in stock,'' said Vilawan Noicharoen, 32, an employee of a shipping company who shops at the Tesco-Lotus superstore on Rama IV road.

White sugar is available at major fresh markets such as Klong Toey but at a higher price - 18 baht a kilogramme against the government-controlled price of 14 baht a kilogramme.

Rhien Poomeiem, 64, a dessert vendor, has seen her income drop by half to 2,000 baht after white sugar began to disappear from the market in early December.

Her suppliers raised the price from 14 baht to 18 baht a kilogramme.

''Now, my coconut supplier plans to raise prices in line with that of sugar. But we cannot raise the prices of our desserts. If we do so, our customers will stop buying,'' said Mrs Rhien, who has sold Thai desserts for over a decade.

Sirichai Sasanapitakkul, or ''Hia Peng,'' 50, the owner of a major grocery selling sugar in Klong Toey, said the government needed to float sugar prices to encourage hoarders to free stocks. ''It must allow prices to increase and encourage farmers to grow more sugarcane to boost production for local consumption,'' he said.

KatoeyLover69

07-01-2006, 10:30 PM

Report from Bangkok Post dated Saturday 7 January 2006 :-

S'pore expert warns of terror in Bangkok : Says attack probable in city before end of year

Bangkok Post, Reuters - A Singapore-based security expert has warned that Bangkok could face a terrorist attack within a year as tension rises between Muslim and Buddhist communities in the South.

Rohan Gunaratna, a security analyst at the Institute of Defence and Strategic Studies (IDSS) in Singapore, also told a conference on Thursday that Iraq had become the new epicentre of jihad, or Islamic holy war, inspiring a new generation of terrorists around the world.

Asian leaders have put terrorism high on their list of security concerns following bomb attacks in Bali, Madrid and London, as well as outbreaks of violence in the south of Thailand where 80% of the population is Muslim.

''We believe that the threat of terrorism is growing at a very serious pace, and that it is just a question of time before they attack Bangkok,'' Mr Gunaratna, who heads a terrorism research unit at IDSS, told reporters on the conference's sidelines.

He said the Thai government needs to expand its intelligence network, engage Thailand's Muslim political leadership and work with neighbouring Malaysia to stop the spread of cross-border terrorism.

''If they don't do that, our assessment is that terrorists will attack Bangkok before the end of the year,'' he said.

Deputy Prime Minister Chidchai Chidchai Wannasathit, who is responsible for day-to-day security in the South, said there was no intelligence report to confirm Mr Gunaratna's warning, which, he said, was simply precautionary.

He said this week that most of those responsible for the unrest had been captured and that the government had ''fixed 40% of the problem''.

Mr Gunaratna said that terrorist networks have expanded to 10 European countries, as well as the Middle East, and were inspiring cell networks across Southeast Asia. Indonesia's home-grown Jemaah Islamiah, the group seen as al- Qaeda's regional arm, has been blamed for the 2002 bombings in Bali.

Meanwhile, army chief Gen Sonthi Bunyaratglin has pointed out that Indonesian-trained southern militants called RKK were involved in the beheading of an army sergeant in Yala and a spate of ambushes in the far South, which were aimed at scaring local villagers.

Gen Sonthi, a former special warfare officer admitted that soldiers were at great risk of being ambushed.

He also admitted that the southern militants were trying to introduce Iraqi-style violence to three southern border provinces and the military must stop them.

Earlier, Gen Sonthi said about 300 RKK members had been stationed in many tambons of the deep South to incite chaos and some of them had been arrested for burning Wat Promprasit in Pattani's Panare district and killing and beheading a monk there in October.

In the meantime, Pol Maj-Gen Witthaya Kosiyasathit, commander of Metropolitan Police Bureau division 4, admitted some alliances of southern instigators were residing in dormitories in Ramkhamhaeng.

He said some instigators were studying at Ramkhamhaeng University, especially the Political Science Faculty, and frequently travelled between Bangkok and the South.

Pol Maj-Gen Witthaya said there should be no serious concern about the group, who are being watched closely by police, as these men were neither professional terrorists nor leaders, but were occasionally hired to incite chaos due to their wildness.

The commander denied news reports that Faisol Hayesama-ae, suspected of perpetrating several bomb attacks in the South, was hiding in the Ramkhamhaeng area, saying it would be easier for the man to have escaped to Malaysia.

Mr Faisol was implicated in the Hat Yai airport bombing which killed and wounded scores in April last year.

However, Pol Maj-Gen Witthaya ordered Hua Mak and Wang Thong Lang police to instruct dormitory operators to register and screen all tenants and alert police about any irregularities.

KatoeyLover69

07-01-2006, 10:44 PM

Report from Bangkok Post dated Saturday 7 January 2006 :-

Bangkok City to get 2,000 modern vehicles

The Transport Ministry plans to serve commuters in Greater Bangkok with 2,000 modern air-conditioned buses, equipped with a global positioning system and contactless transfer ticket readers, in nine months. Opas Phetmunee, acting director of the Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (BMTA), said yesterday that the 2,000 new buses would be environmentally-friendly natural gas vehicles, and would collect a flat fare of only 10 baht that will allow passengers to change buses on newly designed web-like routes without being repeatedly charged.

He said the new buses will have wider doors and they will have sensors to prevent passengers from being squeezed.

A global positioning system will allow bus supervisors to check the frequencies of buses on individual routes and their speeds, particularly to discipline drivers.

The buses will have electronic signs to display bus route numbers and details. The signs will be useful when the BMTA needs some additional buses on particular routes because it will able to change route numbers and details on buses and move them to new routes that need more buses.

Along with the redesigned routes, the BMTA will renovate bus terminals where commuters can park their vehicles, eat, shop and get on buses.

A highlight of the new buses will be their electronic ticket card readers. Passengers will have ''radio frequency cards'' (RF cards) instead of conventional paper tickets.

The electronic ticket card system would allow the BMTA to reduce its staff, Mr Opas said.

Kamropluck Suraswadi, deputy permanent secretary of the ministry, said the RF card system would be ready for use in eight months.

Transfer tickets will allow commuters to catch not only passenger buses but also trains and boats.

State-owned transport agencies will join the new ticket card system in the first place and the ministry will encourage private operators, especially those who run electric trains, to participate.

A private company will be invited to introduce the ticket system and earn 5-7% of fares in return.

Such RF cards cost 30 baht and a card reader 6,000-7,000 baht.The new ticket system would be worthwhile regarding the end of printed paper tickets, Mr Kamropluck said.

KatoeyLover69

07-01-2006, 10:49 PM

Report from The Nation dated Saturday 7 January 2006 :-

Wives to get right to claim infidelity

Thai Rak Thai men MPs led by chief whip Pongthep Thepkanjana have thrown their support behind an amendment to the divorce law which would allow a wife to file for divorce against a husband who has had sex with another woman. The amendment was drafted by the Women’s Affairs and Family Development Office of the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security and will be put before the House during its March session.

The divorce law is Article 1516 of the Civil Law and states that if a wife sleeps with a man who is not her husband she commits adultery, giving her husband grounds to file for divorce. According to the law, however, a woman is unable to reciprocate if her husband sleeps with another woman, except if she can prove that he supports the other woman or regards her as being on the same level as herself.

“We propose to amend the law to allow wives to file for divorce against a husband who has had sex with another woman, even once,” said Kingkaew Inwang, deputy director of the office.

There was concern that male MPs would not support the proposed amendment, but many from the ruling party yesterday promised they would.

Thai Rak Thai chief whip Pongthep Thepkanjana said the law should be amended in the interest of equality between the sexes.

“The amendment aims to put women on an equal footing with men and will not create chaos in our society, though it is still one where many men are licentious,” he said.

Pongthep added that even with the amended law it would take a lot for a wife to sue an adulterous husband.

Thai Rak Thai MP Ardhasit Sappayasit said he had thought for a long time about amending the law because it would relieve family problems caused by a husband’s infidelity and make husbands thinking about being unfaithful realise the possible repercussions.

“I would encourage other MPs to support the amendment,” he said.

Democrat MP Ongart Klampaiboon also agreed with the proposal, saying it would make husbands think twice.

However, Chart Thai MP Chuvit Kamolvisit disagreed, saying sexual equality was of little use in a society filled with massage parlours peddling sex to men.

“If society’s fundamental values are not changed, the amended law would be bound to create chaos. Many men would be sued by their wives, and the courts would be overloaded,” he said.

Among female politicians support for the amendment was strong.

Thai Rak Thai MP Ladawan Wongsriwong said she and other female MPs agreed with the proposal and she had recommended TRT male MPs to support it.

“Most MPs agree and will vote for the law,” she said.

She said she was not concerned about how hard it would be to prove whether a husband had cheated on his wife, because at least it was better than doing nothing.

Senator Rabiabrat Pongpanich said she was delighted by the proposal with all the laws passed by male politicians that favoured men at the expense of women, though she was not sure if the male MPs making up the majority of the House were broad-minded enough to pass it.

“Article 37 of the Constitution is about sexual equality, but many organic laws still flout it,” she said.

However, she quipped, if the amendment is approved over half the men in the country may end up being sued.

Feminist activist Supensri Pungkoksung of the Friends of Women Foundation said amending the law was not enough and costs should be abolished for women because many faced financial difficulties when they took their husbands to court.

Chatrarat Kaewmorakot,
Sucheera Pinijparakarn
The Nation

KatoeyLover69

09-01-2006, 12:32 AM

Report from Bangkok Post dated Sunday 8 January 2006 :-

More trying to learn Chinese in Chiangrai : Business students see it a big plus to master the language

Story by Wassayos Ngamkham – CHIANG RAI

Increasing number of students in Chiang Rai's Chiang Saen district are signing up for Chinese language courses being promoted by the state as an important communication medium for conducting trade with Chinese merchants. Ratree Saiwichai, 26, a Chinese language lecturer at the Chiang Saen Wittayakom School, said as trade with China was booming, Chinese is becoming a must for business students aspiring to master the language in the hope of bringing the acquired skills to assist their family businesses.

She said Chiang Rai's office of Education Zone 3 has introduced both at the Chiang Saen Wittayakom School and Ratchaprachanukroh School the curriculum of the Chinese language as an optional course for students of the Mathayom 2-6 levels and as a obligatory course for Mathayom 5 and 6 (Grade 11 and 12) students.

The two schools are located in the Mekong river's economic zone which has become a major trading point with mainland China.

She said currently there are only two state schools and a private school that offer Chinese language courses, which were not enough to meet the rising demand.

''Now our schools have more than 200 students majoring in Chinese, but most have a lot of hard work ahead of them to improve their skills. Only a few are expected to master the language and that too because they come from families who use the Chinese language to do business with Chinese people,'' Ms Ratree said.

Ms Ratree is also offering two special Chinese language courses to members of the general public.

The fee is 1,000 baht per person. Each is a 16-hour course.

She gave assurances that on completing the two courses, the students would be equipped with enough necessary skills to communicate with the Chinese.

''Most students in my crash courses are females who want to go into the shipping business as it has the brightest prospects in the region,'' she said.

Phanthip Chiwongwiang, 15, a Mathayom 3 (Grade 9) student at Chiang Saen Wittayakom School, who always scores top marks in the subject, said the population of Chinese immigrants was growing in Chiang Saen.

Her father is also working for a Chinese-owned trading company.

''I want to follow in my father's footsteps and set up my own business in future.

''I find the Chinese language much easier to learn than Thai. I can now communicate in Chinese fairly well,'' she said.

KatoeyLover69

09-01-2006, 12:38 AM

Report from Bangkok Post dated Sunday 8 January 2006 :-

No smoking in trains, hotel lobbies

The Ministry of Public Health is planning to enforce a law banning smoking by the end of January in all hotel lobbies, train and health service establishments including spa.

Public Health Minister Pinij Jarusombat said the move, which he hopes could be enforced by the end of this month, is part of the Ministry’s policy direction that emphasises disease prevention. The number one cause of death for Thailand at the moment is cancer, which kills 45,759 people a year, or five every hour. Smoking or second-hand smokers by inhaling cigarette fume constitute one major cause of death and there are currently 11.3 million smokers in Thailand.

Mr Pinij said he has just signed two ministerial orders on to designate more types of smoke-free areas and to increase the size and visibility of no-smoking signs.

Once announced in the Royal Gazette, these two orders will prohibit smoking in all hotel lobbies that are air-conditioned; all establishments that offer traditional medicine and health related services including spa, massage and beauty retreatment parlours. All train carriages will also be smoke-free. Prior to these orders, smoking is banned only in air-conditioned compartments. (TNA)

KatoeyLover69

09-01-2006, 12:59 AM

Report from Bangkok Post dated Sunday 8 January 2006 :-

KARAOKE BARS IN CHIANG SAEN DECRIED : Residents call for action as seedy nightspots catering to Chinese traders spring up, threatening ancient cultural and historic values

Story by WASSAYOS NGAMKHAM – CHIANG RAI

Magnificent historic sites in Chiang Rai's Chiang Saen district stand in stark contrast to seedy karaoke bars and massage parlours which cater to the needs of Chinese traders who arrive in the district town by the Mekong river. Chiang Saen, its port as a main gateway for Thai-Chinese trade, has become a red-light district serving crew members from Chinese cargo ships around the clock.

Niti Yaprasit is one of 200 villagers in a conservation group called Rak Chiang Saen formed to protect the ancient town's cultural, historic and religious heritage from being spoiled by nightlife businesses.

He said Chiang Saen was the cradle of Lanna culture and tradition. It used to be a port for trading with towns in the upper parts of the river. As a tourist attraction, Chiang Saen was known for its religious, historical sites and the unspoiled way of life of various ethnic peoples here.

The inner district has 80 temples, mostly deserted.

But there are 12 massage parlours standing side by side, and 10 small karaoke bars. Their customers are mostly crew members from Chinese cargo ships docking at Chiang Saen port.

''We fear our children will get used to all this, and embrace it as a normal part of life,'' said Mr Niti.

He urged the temples to play a more active role in persuading children to become moral citizens.

Mr Niti said some massage parlours were set up as a front for sex services for Chinese traders, and accused Chinese of spoiling Chiang Saen's culture.

''We can easily tell them apart from local people. The Chinese like to shout at each other on the street,'' he said.

Chinese were also involved in gambling and some managed to take a tour bus to sneak into Bangkok, which could lead to illegal immigration problems.

''I want the government to consider relocating the port in Chiang Saen and to review the construction of the second port in Ban Sob Kok, 10 kilometres away from town,'' said Mr Niti.

''Local people are working with agencies to develop Chiang Saen into a more pleasant place to live. The Culture Ministry should lend a hand,'' he said.

Many land plots in Chiang Saen were owned by Chinese businessmen, some taking control of longan farms by marrying local women.

Amporn Piyaphan, 49, a shopkeeper living on the Mekong river bank, said some Chinese had set up shop to compete with local shopkeepers for customers.

''They are always regular buyers of the goods and services of their compatriots, but rarely visit Thai-owned shops except for massage parlours,'' said Ms Amporn.

Patchareeya Kawilo, 38, owner of Tata karaoke bar, said her bar caters to the Chinese because they have more purchasing power than local people.

Jang Chiew Ying, a Chinese woman who runs a grilled beef restaurant, denied her business had snatched customers from local counterparts.

''It is normal that Chinese people prefer Chinese food to Thai food,'' she said.

As for the burgeoning massage parlours which have masseuses aged under 20, Pol Lt-Col Chak Onnim, deputy police chief of Chiang Saen district, said most operate legally. Boonsong Chuejedton, mayor of the Chiang Saen municipality, admitted Chiang Saen has too many massage parlours and said the Public Health Ministry has been urged to inspect them, as some may be a front for sex services.

Pol Lt-Col Preecha Suwannasorn, chief of the Chiang Saen Immigration Office, said no illegal entry problems had been reported as measures were in place to control the movement of crew members aboard Chinese cargo ships. Pipat Sarangern, chief of the district's Land Registration Office, said Chinese land owners are few in Chiang Saen. Most land transactions are conducted among Thai businessmen.

KatoeyLover69

09-01-2006, 01:14 AM

KatoeyLover69

09-01-2006, 01:19 AM

Report from The Nation dated Sunday 8 January 2006 :-

Smoking ban to be extended to cover hotel lobbies, trains, spas

The Public Health Ministry is going to extend smoking-free zone to hotel lobbies, Thai-medicine service places, health spas, and to all train compartments.

Public Health Minister Pinij Charusombat Sunday disclosed that he expected the new rule to take effect before the end of this month.

"Smoking is a main cause of cancers that kill about five people each hour," Pinij said. He said his ministry intended to focus on disease prevention this year because many serious diseases were in fact preventable.

According to him, the country has 11.3 million smokers while some 52 million other people are non-smokers and should be protected from smoking fume.

Since 2002, the Public Health Ministry has issued the regulation that requires various types of places as smoking free. The smoking-free zone already covers buses, aircraft, elevators, public-telephone booths, air-conditioned shopping centres and department stores, school buses, public piers, air-conditioned restaurants and theatres, etc.

Pinij said the new rule would add hotel lobbies, Thai-medicine service places, health spas, beauty salons for health, massage parlours for health to the list.

"Also, we are going to make all train compartments smoking-free. Currently, the regulation bans smoking in air-conditioned train compartments only," he added.

Aside, Pinij said business owners would be allowed to design their own smoking-free logo based on basic requirements set by the ministry.

"Also, we will allow them to produce smaller signs. From the minimum of 10 centimetre diameter, we will allow the minimum of five-centimetre diameter," he said.

KatoeyLover69

09-01-2006, 10:30 AM

Report from Bangkok Post dated Monday 9 January 2006 :-

4,000 new buses, shorter routes : Transfer ticket plan should cut congestion

By Amornrat Mahitthirook

The Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (BMTA) will start revamping bus routes this month and deploy 4,000 new air-conditioned buses in a major exercise to provide Bangkok commuters with a more convenient and safer bus service. Opas Phetmunee, BMTA acting director said routes will be shortened from 35-40 kilometres to 20 kilometres each to form a web that will consist of inner, central and outer loops as well as routes to link the loops, the network of expressways and other mass transit services.

Nodes or bus terminals will be established to function as connecting points of the shortened routes to enable passengers to change buses at terminals without being repeatedly charged.

Terminals for the inner loop will be developed at Mor Chit 2, Victory Monument, Sanam Luang, Wong Wian Yai and Klong Toey.

Those for the central loop will be at Bang Khen, Happy Land, Bang Na, Keha Rama II, Bang Khae and Rama V, and those for the outer loop at Rangsit, Pakkret, Bang Buathong, Om Yai, Samut Sakhon, Paknam, Samrong, Suvarnabhumi and Min Buri.

The city bus state enterprise will acquire 4,000 air-conditioned buses to implement the re-routing scheme. It will deploy 592 buses in the inner loop, 768 in the central loop, 751 in the outer loop, 640 on expressways, 402 on circular routes and 847 on old routes.

Passengers will be charged a flat fare of 10 baht once and can change buses at will for one-way trips.

Mr Opas said that the re-routing plan will reduce the duplication of bus routes, thus cut the number of buses on streets and relieve traffic congestion.

Shortened routes will lead to safe service because drivers will not have to endure long routes. The conditions of new buses will also contribute to passenger safety.

The re-routing system will keep passengers waiting for only five minutes for a bus thanks to the shortened routes that will improve the frequencies of arriving buses.

Passenger convenience will also result from the freedom to change buses with the 10-baht flat fare and from re-routing because there will be new routes to reach suburbs and send commuters to electric train systems.

Electronic transfer ticket cards will be introduced to allow commuters to change buses smoothly.

As the new buses will be natural gas vehicles, the re-routing scheme will also be an environmentally-friendly project.

Mr Opas plans to try the re-routing system this month.

The BMTA supervises the service of almost 16,000 buses that operate on 430 routes. They consist of 3,623 buses of the BMTA as well as 3,485 ordinary buses, 1,113 minibuses, 2,179 small-street minibuses, and 5,512 passenger vans of concessionaires.

The BMTA has 4.9 billion baht in assets in the form of its own buses, land, garages and depots while suffering an annual loss of over five billion baht.

Along with the re-routing project, the BMTA plans to gradually replace its ailing 1,969 buses including ordinary buses that charge less than 10 baht with the new air-conditioned buses.

It plans to stop asking for a government subsidy of four to five billion baht a year to support its loss-making operation because it expects the re-routing system to make money.

To implement the re-routing scheme, the bus agency will require the government to pay about 8-12 billion baht to buy 2,000 air-conditioned buses or half the number designated for the new scheme.

The agency plans to gradually introduce the new buses on streets, with the first 500 to be deployed within eight months.

The new buses will have door sensors to prevent the mechanical doors from closing on passengers. They will also be equipped with global positioning system equipment to allow supervisors to manage the appropriate number of buses on duty on particular routes and monitor bus speeds.
The BMTA will let their concessionaires operate on the inner and central routes that do not duplicate its routes.

It will also open new routes on the outskirts of Bangkok for private operators. Suburban routes will also be assigned to its staff who may be interested in buying ailing buses from the BMTA and operating them.

The BMTA will encourage its staff to do the business because it will reduce its workforce through the introduction of the electronic ticket card system.

KatoeyLover69

09-01-2006, 10:43 AM

Report from Bangkok Post dated Monday 9 January 2006 :-

Bus-only plan for luxury store area : Traffic worse since Siam Paragon opening

Traffic police in Pathumwan are planning to ban private vehicles on part of Rama I road between Pong Pra Ram and Ratchaprasong intersection to ease traffic congestion on the road, which is flanked by several popular luxury department stores. Pol Maj Phairat Pookcharoen, a traffic inspector at Pathumwan police station, said he would propose the plan to the Metropolitan Police Bureau for consideration. If approved, the area in question, including Charoen Phon, Pathumwan, Chaloem Phao to Ratchaprasong intersection, would only be accessible to public buses.

He said traffic police had been collecting traffic data since Dec 9, which marked the opening of the luxury Siam Paragon department store. It revealed that traffic had become heavier from noon until closing time, particularly at weekends and during public holidays.

During weekdays, traffic was not so heavy during the afternoon and evening, he said.

The Ratchaprasong area is a famous upmarket shopping district where the majority of customers drive to the malls in their own cars, rather than relying on public transport.

Pol Maj Phairat unveiled his plan after the road ground to a standstill on Saturday. The congestion was so bad Pathumwan police decided to close the area to private vehicles.

Pol Maj Phairat blamed the traffic chaos on cars queuing up to enter department store car parks.

Moreover, traffic police and staff working in department stores are forced to allow cars coming from Ratchaprasong intersection to make a right turn to enter Siam Paragon and Siam Discovery, cutting the traffic flow.

''This is because each department store has a limited parking area. Drivers have to keep driving in order to secure parking space for their vehicles in the malls.

This causes heavy congestion within the parking lots, making it hard for other vehicles to enter, and as a result the vehicles are stuck in a jam on the road,'' he said.

He said the proposed ''public bus lane'' would help considerably in easing traffic congestion in the area.

KatoeyLover69

09-01-2006, 10:49 AM

Report from Bangkok Post dated Monday 9 January 2006 :-

Former communists get ID cards : Offer to help govt solve separatist strife

By Wassana Nanuam

Members of the former Communist Party of Malaya became Thai citizens after they received their Thai ID cards in Yala province yesterday, almost two decades after laying down their weapons and stopping their rebel movement against Malaysia. Yala Governor Boonyasit Suwannarat presented Thai ID cards to 253 members of the former communist party. They received smart ID cards embedded with microchips.

They are among 498 members of the former communist party who ended their fight against Malaysia, left their jungle battlefields and handed their weapons to the Thai government in 1987.

They live in Yala province and were given the status of aliens.

''I feel I was a Thai the very first day I came to live in the Piyamit village in Betong district of Yala almost 20 years ago because we took refuge on Thai soil.

''Although we were Malay, when we came to Thailand, we became Thai,'' said Herng-u sae Loo, 50, who used to lead a company of the former communist party.

He could sing the Thai national anthem clearly at the ID card presentation ceremony. In return, he promised to help the government solve violence in the far South.

''As a Thai, I am now ready to help solve problems, especially the unrest situation. If the government needs help from me, I am ready to do anything,'' he said. He also expects Malaysia to help Thailand end violent movements in the southern region.

''Malaysia already believes that we won't do anything against it because we have promised the Thai government that we have laid down our weapons and will stay away from politics. This proves Thailand's sincerity with Malaysia, so Malaysia should help Thailand solve the unrest,'' he said.

Yungfu sae Shai, 78, the former secretary-general of the communist party, said he too was keen to help the government handle the southern situation.

''The southern situation concerns us. We are ready to help by keeping an eye on border movements and promoting peace in the village,'' he said.

Another former communist member, Yuekfad sae Lin, 55, attributed southern violence to separatists, whom he and his colleagues do not know.

He said they were ready to supply information and clues if they found anything unusual.

''We are worried about everyday violence, especially in Yala. We always discuss how we can help.

''We are ready because we are Thai now and are supposed to take care of Thai soil,'' he said.

On Dec 24, 2002, cabinet endorsed Thai citizenship for the former communist members.

The process of nationality presentation together with the production of smart ID cards was not ready to start until Nov 9 last year.

Nationality and smart ID cards first went to the 253 people who live in Piyamit 1, 2, 3 and 4 villages in Betong and Bannang Sata districts.

The process is under way for the other 245 people now living in Chulabhorn Pattana 9, 10 and 11 villages in Than To and Betong districts.

The people who received their ID cards yesterday made a vow to be loyal to Thailand, Thai law and the royal institution and to help protect Thai sovereignty.

KatoeyLover69

09-01-2006, 11:02 AM

Report from The Nation dated Monday 9 January 2006 :-

Home-stay haven in Chiangmai

With villagers’ cooperation in conserving the environment and promoting local culture, Mae Kampong village in Chiang Mai has become a renowned home-stay destination for both local and foreign tourists who help create Bt100,000 in monthly revenue.

Phrommin Phuangmala, president of the Mae Kampong home-stay business in Mae On district, said that the village accommodated about 300 tourists a month on average, 40 per cent of them Thais.

“They want to experience local life, and they come here to stay with villagers around the clock,” he said.

What interests the tourists most is the making of the local chewy snack called miang, which is a tradition of the villagers, who sell the product in the eight northern provinces. They still make it while earning additional income from the home-stay business, Phrommin said.

“We included miang-making as part of the home-stay package, and it has proved successful. We have been voted one of the top five home-stay villages in the North, and we are drawing a host of visitors from government agencies and private operators,” he said, attributing success to the harmonious integration of environmental preservation and cultural promotion.

Wasant Phongmanee, a tour-operator, noted that the villagers were friendly and foreign investors liked mingling with them, despite some communications problems.

“The foreign tourists are impressed with the unique identity of the village, especially the miang-making, which we hope encourages the villagers to keep it up,” he said.

KatoeyLover69

10-01-2006, 09:15 AM

Report from The Nation dated Tuesday 10 January 2006 :-

Online cross-culture romance buoys cafes : In their quest for love across the globe, some Thai women are willing to pay Bt20,000 a year for a translation service at an Internet cafe in Udon Thani in order to keep in touch with their foreign boyfriends.

Kingkaew Prajantrasen, owner of DK Translation Shop, one of many Net cafes in front of Udon Thani Rajabhat University, said many women were looking for foreign boyfriends but their English skills were poor and they needed translation help.

For non-regular customers, the shop charges Bt30-Bt40 per translation. Regular customers can take out membership for Bt20,000 a year to get help from the shop staff in writing a resume for online match-making services, replying to e-mails in English, getting information about visa applications as well as love problems, Kingkaew said.

“We function as a translator of letters between two people – we are not a match-maker,” she said, adding that most of her customers were women aged over 40 who were poor and had previously been married. “We choose customers who need foreign partners to take care of them, not those wanting to rip off foreigners,” she added.

Besides translations, the shop also assists the women with long-distance phone calls and even sends staff on dates – at Bt200 per time – with a couple when they meet in Udon Thani, Kingkaew said.

The value of the service is passed on by word of mouth after a client successfully finds a foreign boyfriend. The reasons why more Thai women were turning to foreign partners are that Thai men are womanisers, drink too much and are lazy, plus the women were also saddled with debts, while foreign men were looking for women to take care of them, she said.

“There are many whose wishes have been fulfilled and many who have been disappointed and fooled by foreigners,” she said.

A customer calling herself Duan, 41, said she had been talking to an Australian man over the Internet for over a month using the shop’s translation service.

“He’s warm, kind and caring. We’re planning to get to know each other for two years before going further. He said if I cannot stay with him abroad, we can stay in Thailand because he’s interested in doing business in Phang Nga or Phuket,” Duan, a widow, said.

And if the marriage does not go as expected? Duan said she could only pray that she meets a good man because she does not want to deceive anyone for money. “It’s not that I am looking for a foreign boyfriend because of money. I just want a good and simple life with a good companion. We have discussed it and he wants the same thing,” she said.

Somtam vendor Riem, 27, said she moved to Udon Thani over a month ago with her two children after her husband assaulted her.

She met a 50-year-old Australian man and after he went home, she went to the Internet shop to keep in touch via e-mail and long-distance phone calls.

She said she was reluctant to remarry if the man asks her to because of her previous painful experience. “It’s good that I ran away from a bad experience. I met a good person who wants to help me,” she added.

By Athittaya Wichitanurak & Poramet Saenubol
The Nation
UDON THANI

KatoeyLover69

10-01-2006, 09:25 AM

Report from Bangkok Post dated Tuesday 10 January 2006 :-

Mega-business centre planned

International bids will be called later this year for the development of a transport and business complex costing up to 300 billion baht on the 400-rai Makkasan workshop compound of the State Railway of Thailand (SRT), Transport Minister Pongsak Raktapongpaisal said yesterday. He said he has ordered the SRT to publicise the Makkasan Complex project internationally and call for tenders once the bidding for the 10 mass transit routes in Bangkok has been completed.

Mr Pongsak described the project as a mega-business centre and gateway to Suvarnabhumi airport through a special railway airport link.

He wants a single contractor to develop the complex, saying he believes that more contractors would lead to complications. The contractor will receive a concession to operate the complex for 30 years and the contract will be renewable for 30 more years.

Contractors will have freedom in designing the complex, which could include a department store, a hotel, an office building and a hospital, he said.

The SRT will select a bidder with financial stability who offers profit sharing and pays high rent for the land.

Mr Pongsak estimated the SRT should be able to earn at least 10 billion baht from the project which would help it to repay long-standing debts. A source at the SRT said that developers in some European countries were interested in the Makkasan Complex project and have already contacted the SRT for details.

KatoeyLover69

10-01-2006, 09:28 AM

Report from Bangkok Post dated Tuesday 10 January 2006 :-

Chiang Mai's mass transit system a failure

A new city mass transit system in Chiang Mai has failed miserably as only an average of 3,000 people are using the service daily, causing Chiang Mai Municipality a monthly loss of more than one million baht. Chiang Mai mayor Boonlert Buranupakorn admitted yesterday that few people were using the services of the 26 city buses, offered by the municipality to relieve the growing traffic congestion and to replace the traditional red minibuses known as ''song taew.''

The new service, launched in May, needs to earn more than 100,000 baht a day in order to stay in business, but Mr Boonlert said so far it has earned only 50,000 baht a day.

On top of that the municipality is also required to pay daily compensation to 100 song taew drivers, who feared the new city buses would draw passengers away from them. The buses have so far run on only two routes. The service will later be extended to cover nine routes.

U-Need

10-01-2006, 03:30 PM

BANGKOK (AP)--Hundreds of residents of a Thai resort island angrily protested the killing of a British tourist, with some waving wooden clubs as police escorted the two Thai suspects back to the scene of the crime on Tuesday.

Besieged by protesters, police were forced to cancel a planned reenactment of the murder of Katherine Horton, a 21-year-old student from Wales, whose battered body was found the morning of Jan. 2 by a jet skier in the Gulf of Thailand.

Two Thai fisherman confessed Monday to killing Horton, who was vacationing on the island of Koh Samui, and DNA tests indicate the suspects raped the victim, police said.

Under questioning, the fishermen told police they spotted Horton while she was walking alone on a beach talking on her cell phone. One of the men, Bualoi Posit, 23, told police he grabbed Horton's arms, while the other man, Wichai Somkhaoyai, 24, confessed to hitting her several times with a stick before they raped her and then threw her body into the sea, police said.

The brutality of the crime has shocked this Southeast Asian nation, which makes billions of dollars a year from its tourism industry.

National police spokesman Lt. Gen. Ayiravid Subarnbhesaj said that residents and shop owners on Koh Samui "hate the suspects for causing severe damage to the reputation of the country."

Police had initially planned to reenact the crime Monday but were thwarted by a crowd of hundreds. Some protesters broke through a police barrier and began punching the suspects, said Ayiravid. A similar scene greeted police Tuesday morning.

"We had to cancel plans to reenact the crime for fear of violence," he said. Police want to stage a run-through of the crime to back up the suspects' confessions.

Police said that despite the DNA findings, Wichai denies having raped the victim.

If convicted of murder, the men could face the death penalty.

The arrests Monday followed an unusual public appeal last week by Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra to find the killers, saying that the slaying hurt the country's image and could damage its tourism industry, already suffering a downturn from last year's tsunami and the bird flu scare.

"I feel somewhat relieved that police have made the arrests," Thaksin told reporters Tuesday, calling for stern punishment if the men are found guilty. "I hope the family (of Horton) feels a little better, because we are doing our best."

U-Need

10-01-2006, 03:33 PM

The Thai baht has considerably strengthened in the same direction with other regional currencies, particularly Japanese yen, boosted by an inflow of foreign capital, according to the Bank of Thailand (BOT).
Bandid Nijathaworn, BOT's Deputy Governor, said here on Monday that the Thai currency had appreciated since early this year because other regional currencies, especially the yen, had strengthened significantly.
As well, the appreciation has stemmed from the foreign capital inflow into the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) directly. He said the central bank would supervise the baht movements to ensure that the local currency is neither too volatile nor strong. He warned investors to be cautious about investing in the Thai stock market, saying he was uncertain whether the foreign capital had flown in the country in a short run. He said BOT would monitor the baht movements on a daily and monthly basis.

He conceded the central bank could not determine at which level the baht should stay. However, the local currency has strengthened less significantly than other regional currencies. SET President Kittirat Na Ranong said the strengthening of the Thai baht showed that the country had enjoyed a steady economic growth. He believed the baht would continue to appreciate in the long run. Under the scenario, there might be complaints by some exporters that prices of their export products are higher, he said. The baht on Monday closed at 39.78 to the US dollar, up 0.73 per cent from last Friday. The Japanese yen, South Korean won, Indonesian rupiah, and Singapore dollar strengthened by 1.77, 1.06, 1.16, and 0.75 per cent respectively.

U-Need

10-01-2006, 03:35 PM

The following are major news items in Thailand's leading newspapers on Tuesday:

Bangkok Post:

-- Over 8,000 protesters from an alliance of 11 groups opposing the Thai-US free trade area (FTA) agreement took to the streets of the northern city of Chiang Mai to demand what they termed unfair trade negotiations be scrapped. They handed a letter of protest to the U.S. consulate-general in Chiang Mai as officials from the two countries began their sixth round of talks in two hotels.

The Nation:

-- Police have arrested two fishermen for the rape and murder of Welsh tourist Kathe-rine Horton on the island resort of Koh Samui last week after a DNA analysis of semen recovered from her body linked them to the crime.

The two, Bualoy Pothisith, 23, and Wichai Somkhaoyai, 24, were on a fishing boat moored off the island's Lamai Beach on the night of Jan. 1. Horton was attacked that night while walking on the beach alone as she was talking to her mother on her mobile phone. Her body was found in the sea off another beach the next morning.

Sing Sian Yit Pao:

-- China completed the task of trimming the ranks of the People ' s Liberation Army (PLA) by 200,000, bringing its total number of troops to 2.3 million.

The reductions mean that the ratio of Ground Forces has dropped to its lowest point in PLA history, while the ratio of Navy and Air Force forces, and the Second Artillery Force, have increased.

KatoeyLover69

10-01-2006, 04:32 PM

Report from Bangkok Post dated Tuesday 10 January 2006 :-

Thai vineyards newest tourist magnets

By Peter Janssen

Khao Yai, Thailand - Thais are notorious shoppers for gastronomical souvenirs.

When you visit Chiang Mai, try the khao soy - a curried noodle dish popular in the north while Trang in the southern boasts the country's best mu yang or barbecued pork. Muak Lek market in the northeast is famed for its curry puffs (for reasons not altogether clear.)

A new pitstop on Thailand's national menu map is on the outskirts of Khao Yai or big mountain National Park, the country's second largest nature reserve, which has in the past two years become the best place to find a bottle or two of Thai wine.

Thailand has been experimenting with domestic wines since 1991 when the late construction magnate Chaiyudh Karnasuta decided to pursue a semi-retirement hobby by investing in a vineyard in Phu Rua valley in Loei province, 430 kilometres north of Bangkok.

The result was the unassuming Chateau de Loei, a white wine that had its international debut at the first summit of the Asia Europe Meeting (ASEM) in Bangkok in 1996.

The attending European heads of state were predictably diplomatic about the Thai plonk.

Since Chaiyudh's experiment in Loei, chosen for its higher altitude, the local industry has learned a lot, such as Thais prefer red wines to white ones, only Shiraz and Chenin Blanc grapes are suitable to Thai climate and the soil and microclimate around Khao Yai, a mere two-hour drive from Bangkok, in the northeast are just as good as the cooler northern provinces for vineyards.

Three vineyards now rim Khao Yai, including the makers of local wine brands GranMonte, Pirom and Chateau des Brumes.

All three are the result of investments made by retired or semi- retired Thai businessmen, following in the footsteps of the father of Thailand's wine industry, Chaiyudh, who was also the founder of the Italian-Thai Company, one of Thailand's leading construction companies.

"I quit my five-day a week job to work seven days a week for myself," joked Visooth Lohitnavy, while supervising wine tasting at his Monpino wine store at his GranMonte vineyard in Asoke Valley, Khao Yai.

Visooth, a former CEO of British multinational Ren+++il Initial (Thailand), transformed his family-owned 40-acre farm in Asoke Valley into a vineyard in 1999.

He claims to have sold 60,000 bottles of his 2005 GranMonte stock, with 40 per cent sold directly to tourists visiting his Monpino shop and VinCotto restaurant.

"We've become another attraction for Khao Yai," said Visooth. "Mostly our visitors are middle or upper middle class coming here with their own transport."

In fact, only fairly well-heeled tourists, Thai or foreign, could afford Thai wines. An almost 300 per cent government tax levied on Thai wine keeps them beyond the price range of most Thais.

Imported wines in Thailand face nearly a 400 per cent tax, but even so many foreign brands are cheaper than Thai brands, which start in the 400 baht (10 dollars) price range.

The high tax is a major issue for the newly established Thai Wine Association, which boasts seven members including the makers of GranMonte, Pirom, Chateau des Brumes, Chateau de Loei, Chalawan (Pichit province), Mae Chan (Chiang Rai province) and Siam Winery.

"We're trying to educate the government about the healthful benefits of wine," said Visooth, who added that so far the government has turned a deaf ear to the association's appeal for lower taxes.

Until that happens, the key to the survival of Thai wineries has been through diversification into other money-spinners such as restaurants and resorts.

For instance, Visooth's neighbour the PB Valley Khao Yai Winery, maker of Pirom wine, also offers a plush resort and the Hornbill Grill, specializing in European cuisine washed down with Pirom wine.

PB winery, owned by Piya Bhirombhakdi, scion of the Singha beer brewing family, started its vineyards in 1992 with the help of German oenologist Wolfgang Schaefer.

Village Farm & Winery, another winery-cum-resort situated about 90 kilometres east of PB and GranMonte, has opted for a French flavour in an effort to market its Chateau des Brumes wine as Thailand's premium product.

Owner Virivat Cholvanich, a former senior executive of the Siam Cement Company, Thailand's leading industrial conglomerate, hires French winemaker Jacques Bacou to supervise his operation after every harvest usually in March to assure top quality.

"Germans don't know how to make good red wines," said Viravat. "Germany makes some good white wines and some white wines with red colours."

Village Farm's premium Chateau des Brumes Le Fleur, aged for 22 months in oak barrels imported from France, sells for 3,900 baht (95 dollars) at the farm and for as much as 8,000 baht at select Thai restaurants in Bangkok.

Virivat dismisses efforts by some Thai wineries to create a wine with a unique Thai flavour. "Wine is wine," said the former engineer.

pomrakthai

10-01-2006, 05:17 PM

KatoeyLover69

10-01-2006, 05:42 PM

With bro KTL's constant updates [looks like he is from the Bangkok Post] there are a lot of information gained, albeit a lot of reading to be performed leh :rolleyes:

With bro U-need joining in the fray..I think I must search and see whether I can represent Ayutthaya Post or not! :D

Keep it up. Me support you all bu reading, OK?

Prof pomrakthai,

I am glad to know that you find the postings interesting and informative ........

Why don't you also contribute since you are so knowlegeable about Thailand and I also know that you simply love and adore EVERYTHING about Thailand.

I think you also dream about Thailand and the sexy & beautiful puyings ........ I hope you don't wet your bed !

You must have been a Thai in your previous life !!!

KatoeyLover69

10-01-2006, 11:15 PM

Report from The Nation dated Tuesday 10 January 2006 :-

2 million stateless people to get Thai citizenship

The Cabinet Tuesday approved a plan to grant Thai citizenship to around two million stateless people on Thai soil.

But they will not be entitled to the government's Bt30-per-medical visit scheme.

Deputy government spokesman Danuporn Punnakanta said the plan was aimed at tackling problems that arose from the fact that stateless people had no legal status and rights in Thailand.

The plan will cover various groups of stateless people including children studying in Thailand-based schools as well as immigrants who have been living in Thailand for the minimum of 10 years straight, he said.

pomrakthai

10-01-2006, 11:52 PM

Prof pomrakthai,

I am glad to know that you find the postings interesting and informative ........

Why don't you also contribute since you are so knowlegeable about Thailand and I also know that you simply love and adore EVERYTHING about Thailand.

I think you also dream about Thailand and the sexy & beautiful puyings ........ I hope you don't wet your bed !

You must have been a Thai in your previous life !!!

Oh, I could match your knowledge leh [north south east west] I will try to in the near future or when an issue crops up, DEE MAI REU KHRAP?

At my half-a-century age, where got wet dreams wor??? The only thing that can wet my bed is incontinence [must wear 包大人 daipers :eek: ]

Previous life: King Chulalongkorn, maybe???:rolleyes:

U-Need

11-01-2006, 11:19 AM

Minister Pheng is asking SRT to speed up the bidding on the 400 rai of Makkasan to create Makkasan Complex after getting a concession holder for 10 mass transit lines in Bangkok. SRT was compelled to do PR efforts to attract potential bidders to be ready for bidding in the fourth quarter of 2006.
Minister Pheng said he wants a single concession holder to handle both construction and land development [repeating the Hopewell Saga?] because he does not want to have another headache from different contractors and the developers was the plan of [former Transport Minister] Minister Suriya. The concession for the private section would be 30 years which can be renewed for up to 60 years.
SRT can reap revenue from this concession from
1) Leasing - has to follow the market rate as a minimum. Highest leasing payment would be under serious consideration.
2) Revenue sharing - extra revenue SRT can get from private concession holders.
This revenue sharing scheme would add more income for SRT instead of giving away the SRT land to Treasury Dept. since Treasury Department has depressed the prices of SRT land to unacceptable levels--4 billion baht for Makkasan land instead of 8 billion baht according to the SRT estimation.
This new scheme would enable SRT to write off the outstanding debts.
So far, investors from European countries such as Italy are keen to participate in the project.

U-Need

11-01-2006, 11:34 AM

Trang - The parents of two children switched at birth should give them emotional support to prevent them feeling traumatised and confused now they have learned the truth, said a leading child and adolescent psychiatrist.

Dr Wimonrat Wanpen, of the Institute of Child and Adolescent Mental Health, said the two 10-year-olds are mature enough to understand what happened, but it would still be hard for them to control their feelings and emotions.

DNA tests revealed the biological parents of 10-year-old Orawan Chanthong actually raised her 10-year-old friend Jirayuth Boonyu and Orawan's biological parents gave birth to Jirayuth.

The switch reportedly occurred at birth. The two families are distant relatives and both women gave birth at Yan Ta Khao hospital on the same day.

Although the switch was confirmed by DNA tests, the children have decided to stay with their present families.

"Ten years is such a long time. The children develop a deeper bond with the families who brought them up than with their real parents.

"The truth they learned could be nightmarish for them," said Dr Wimonrat.

She said both children might now be confused. They could be angry at their twisted fate, or feel sorry for themselves. They could feel uncertain and wonder what their real parents were like.

"It could take about a month for the children to adjust," said Dr Wimonrat.

The best solution, she said, is to allow the children to express their emotions while the parents must treat them with tender loving care.

Switching back to the biological parents may not be necessary as the children are already grown up, she said. Instead, the two families should forge closer ties.

The Trang public health office yesterday ordered a panel to probe the case although the health officer believed Yan Ta Khao hospital was not to blame for the mix-up.

The parents believed the mistake occurred when hospital staff bathed the babies after they were born, accidentally switching them before bringing them back to the waiting families.

However, Dr Wirat Kiatmaytha, the provincial health office chief, told yesterday's press conference that it was possible Jirayuth and Orawan were swapped when they were held by relatives outside the delivery rooms.

It was difficult to tell if the switch was the hospital's mistake, he said, as it took place 10 years ago.

He said preliminary checks found that child delivery procedures at the hospital had been properly performed.

Wristbands are tagged to babies' arms for identification before they are washed and sent to the nursing room.

A probe panel chaired by Dr Vithoon Luangdilok, the office's medical expert, has been set up to investigate the case, Dr Wirat said.

Emotional counselling, especially for the children, would be provided by the Mental Health Department.

Several hospitals in the local area have chipped in to offer the families some financial assistance. Dr Wirat, however, insisted the amount was not an indemnity or restitution for any damages since no party was held legally responsible.

The acting director of Yan Ta Khao hospital said the hospital would help raise 300,000 baht for a scholarship for each child.

Both families have travelled to Bangkok to petition the Prime Minister's Office demanding the government bring the parties responsible for the babies' switch to justice, said Thanit Chupeng, a member of the Trang provincial administration organisation.

U-Need

11-01-2006, 11:38 AM

Thai silk-maker Jim Thompson Co is promoting its mulberry orchard and plantation in northeastern Thailand as a destination for tourists, The Nation reports.

The Jim Thompson Farm is located just a few kilometres from the famous silk-weaving village of Pak Thong Chai in Nakhon Ratchasima. The 600-rai farm is a model mix of advanced agricultural technology and traditional cottage industry.

Farm manager Jariya Meechuen said operations began in 1988 with the planting of mulberry trees and cultivation of silkworm eggs. The tiny eggs are sold to farmers throughout the nearby region, who raise the worms to harvest their golden cocoons, before selling them back to the farm and buying more eggs.

Currently, the farm produces an average of 30,000 boxes of tiny eggs a year, with each box containing an average of 30,000 eggs. In December 2000, the farm was opened to tourists interested in learning about the production process for Thai silk and the various other crops on the farm, including mushrooms and orchards.

Jariya said the farm was open each weekend during December, including this year, because this was the best time of year to visit due to mild weather and because the flowers were in bloom.

Since opening its gates to tourists, the farm has hosted an average of 10,000 visitors each December and generated average revenues of Bt5 million per one-month season.

The agricultural tours are not the farm's main source of income. Rather it's to allow our customers to understand how quality Thai silk is produced and to feel it close up, Jariya said.

Jim Thompson Co was established by the legendary American Jim Thompson in 1948 and has popularised Thai silk worldwide under its own label.

singrakthai

11-01-2006, 11:55 AM

Trang - The parents of two children switched at birth should give them emotional support to prevent them feeling traumatised and confused now they have learned the truth, said a leading child and adolescent psychiatrist.
Interesting news... today's Bangkok Post right? ;)
Read about the one regarding Welsh female tourist being raped and killed? Bangkok Post on 6 Jan reported found her body in a river in Koh Samui... chief of forensic said no signs of rape or assualts....
2 days ago, they captured the killers (2 fishermen)... admitted raped and killed... :rolleyes:

What about recent case of this Brazillian model? Friends reported police she went missing.... worried sick and thought she might have been kipnapped or worst killed.... later found her and she told police she was with a Thai man she met and went to join him to his friend's birthday party and later had sex with him *willingly*... the man confirmed he picked up the lady with another friend at 7-11 and later had sex with her in a model and then gave her some money to take taxi......

Oh, oh!!! What about recently hot case about a former Thai pop group singer, Anna, who's hot home made video with hi-so bf was released in the market... selling like hot cakes now! The singer still denying the lady in the video is her... hehehe

Amazing Thailand right? hehehe

U-Need

11-01-2006, 11:58 AM

Everyone knows Patpong for its world-famous female go-go bars. But if you whisper the right words into the right person’s ear, it can also be the portal into a world that is just as bright, just as eye-opening, and for some, just as disturbing. Those words are “man show.”

Like the female go-go bars of Patpong, this explicit world is not for everyone. In fact, the average Bangkokian drives by the male go-gos of Suriwongse hundreds of times without ever giving a second thought to actually going inside them, homosexual men included.

Yet for many years these bars have been a permanent fixture of the city’s gay nightlife and, for those of you who would never dare walk down Soi Twilight (formally known as Soi Pratuchai), you might be surprised – and curious, no? – to know what takes place inside. If not, don’t read any further.

Soi Twilight is as full of fluorescent-lit signs as any chunk of Khao San, but its aim is a bit different. When you see the neon signs advertising Dream Boy, Fresh Boys, Best Boys, and Boys Boys Boys, your initial reaction might be to jet in the opposite direction.

The soi is overwhelming. Every type of male – fat ones, very small ones, skinny and tall ones, probably even straight ones – packs the street, bouncing from club to club. And like any dense strip of nightlife, there are workers who vie somewhat aggressively for clients (note for women readers: yes, other women visitors were spotted, but at about a 1 to 100 ratio).

The average “man show,” as it is called, starts between 10 to 10:30pm and there’s another one at midnight. The entrance fee is the price of a drink, about 200 baht at each club. Before the performance, a group of young men stand on a typical go-go bar stage. In the one I chose, “Best Boys Bangkok,” which is rumored to really be the best (hence an extra 20 baht a drink), interest is promptly piqued. There are no poles, but there are monkey bars that line the ceiling. “What are they going to do with the monkey bars?” I wondered.

Sofas encircle the room with steel trays conveniently located in front to hold drinks and snacks. The boys on the stage don’t wear much, only booty-hugging breeches. They tap their feet to thumping music and every eight-count or so, they rotate in a circle.

At 10:30pm, the room grows dark. The music grows louder (it included the same jingle that introduces feature movie presentations). Lights of all colors start flashing, and all the boys disappear behind a red velvet curtain. Meanwhile, men in white and baby blue suits use flashlights to usher latecomers to their seats.

It’s at this point that the go-go bar turns into a theater. Five boys come out in sparkling uniforms, ruffles hanging in tiers off their sleeves. They start jamming to funky music. If it wasn’t for the white socks poking out of their black jazz shoes, you could mistake these dancers for any of the semi-professionals who back up bands and shows around town.

The act that followed the dancing was artistic, but would certainly be too raunchy for many. There were no bottles opened or darts shot out from beneath the waist, but there was a long scarf and an orifice involved. A lanky individual, clad in a top hat and wrapped in a rainbow flag came onto the scene after a bout of adventurous Indiana Jones-themed music. After undressing under a black light, he tastefully started removing a fluorescent yellow ribbon from his rear. All the while, he danced as gracefully as a rhythmic gymnast would during her floor exercise.

Several more acts followed. There was more dancing, some lip-syncing, lady boy comedy, and even a man who lit a fire on his behind. Audience members were free to use the flame to light up their cigarettes.

All of this is build-up for the last section of the show, one which we won’t describe here beyond the general: at “Best Boys Bangkok” on the night I visited, there was a full-blown sex show that involved sodomy (at least they practice it safely). Should you go to these bars for the “less” explicit entertainment acts, you might consider leaving before this segment. But if you’re aching to find out what the monkey bars are for, it’s in this portion that you will find your answer.

U-Need

11-01-2006, 12:00 PM

Sungai Kolok, Narathiwat – Despite the happy posters slapped on walls welcoming new arrivals to the Land of Smiles, businesses that once thrived in this seedy border town have little to cheer about these days.

Malaysians seeking a slice of Thailand’s racy nightlife once flocked to Sungai Kolok’s karaoke bars, brothels and “no-tell motels,” but after a series of devastating bomb attacks, they are taking their business elsewhere.

“Before this violence, we couldn’t fit the tourists in,” says Wei Yen Ping, who owns a hostess bar in the heart of Sungai Kolok, a small town where a string of powerful bombings by Muslim insurgents has earned it the unfavorable distinction of being Thailand’s most bombed place.

“Now look what it’s like. I’ve given up looking to make money. I can barely pay the bills,” he says staring out onto a deserted street, where more than half of the bars are shuttered.

Fifteen people have been killed and more than 150 wounded in at least 16 bombings here since a decades-old separatist conflict resurfaced two years ago.

The latest blast came on Saturday morning, when a small device exploded in a tea shop, injuring two Thai women and a Malaysian man – an incident that now seems almost normal in the restive provinces of Yala, Narathiwat and Pattani.

Security forces say the aim is to scare away the Malaysian pleasure-seekers who account for more than 90 percent of the tourism here. Malaysians once flooded this tiny Muslim town, with hotels fully booked, bars and brothels packed and restaurants thronged with diners.

But today, Sungai Kolok is a sorrier sight than ever.

Bored looking hostesses sit at empty tables, their conversations drowned out by pulsating pop music played for a smattering of customers, who are thinly spread around the neon-lit bars.

The sight of troops in camouflaged combat fatigues patrolling the streets and police clutching assault rifles peering into passing cars serves only as a reminder to the few remaining tourists to consider taking their money elsewhere.

The only sign of life is when scantily-clad girls dart out onto the street to drag customers into the bars.

“I’m afraid of the bombings but I have no choice,” says Pang, a petite Northeasterner, who like her customers, speaks fluent Mandarin and Bahasa Malaysia.

“I live here now, but before I came here, there was no violence. My family are very worried about me working here.”

The most devastating attack came in February last year when a powerful car bomb killed six people and injured more than 15. The device weighed 50 kilograms – five times larger than most of the bombs – and destroyed cars and shops and shattered windows across a huge area.

In the aftermath of southern Thailand’s first car bombing, Abdulaji Awaesuemae, chairman of the Narathiwat Tourism Association, said the town had “become a war zone,” and Narathiwat Governor Pracha Taeret called the bombing an act of terrorism too wicked for a Thai to have committed.

Since then, there have been five other large blasts, including a double bombing three months ago that tore through a strip of bars and restaurants just 40 meters from where Pang and her friends ply their trade.

One man died and more than a dozen were wounded.

For Ann, a 23-year-old hostess, it’s just a matter of waiting for the violence to die down.

“I’ve heard the bombs going off,” she says, topping up her glass of beer. “Every time this happens it makes me more and more worried but I stay because I believe this will end soon.”

The Tourism Authority of Thailand says there has been a 24-percent reduction in the number of tourists travelling to Narathiwat since the violence flared in January 2004.

But those whose livelihoods are at risk say the figure is much higher than that.

“I think it’s more than 50 percent,” says Prasert, a bar owner, whose two customers are surrounded by girls. “All the other bars on the street are closing. Some don’t have any customers all night.” He says it’s only a matter of time before he loses his staff.

“The girls want to stay but when they run out of money, they have to go work elsewhere in Thailand,” he says.

But for some customers, the risk of holidaying in Sungai Kolok seems part of the thrill.

Poh, a boozy Malaysian of 40 who slurs his words, says the bombings won’t keep him out of the bars.

“I’m not afraid to come here. These bombings are bad, but if you’re going to die, why not die in a place like this,” he says with a broad smile, his arms wrapped around a young girl in a cocktail dress.

Wei, a Malaysian businessman who says his profits surged when he opened his bar five years ago, says he has come too far and lost too much money to give up now.

He has put his faith in the government to bring the violence under control.

“I don’t want to quit,” he says defiantly. “I will wait for this violence to end, then the customers will come back. I’m confident the government can stop this.”

U-Need

11-01-2006, 12:05 PM

Oh, oh!!! What about recently hot case about a former Thai pop group singer, Anna, who's hot home made video with hi-so bf was released in the market... selling like hot cakes now! The singer still denying the lady in the video is her... hehehe Amazing Thailand right? hehehe

I watched the VCD as well, it is definitely her........Man Thailand is getting more interesting! Heard it is on the web as well, not sure what web site...... I guess she is trying to do a Masha and Mai.......both did it years ago.....Now they are so famous

KatoeyLover69

11-01-2006, 01:33 PM

Report from Bangkok Post dated Wednesday 11 January 2006 :-

Baht may hit 38 per dollar in Q1 2006

The Thai baht is likely to appreciate to 38 to the US dollar in the first quarter of this year because investors in the United States have shifted funds to invest in stock markets in Asia and weighed more investment in Thailand, according to a veteran banker.

Prasong Uthaisaengchai, Senior Executive Vice President of Bangkok Bank, said here on Tuesday that the US investors had sold dollars heavily and brought the money to invest in stock markets with more attractive returns since the US Federal Reserve signaled an end to its interest hikes following continued upward adjustment for up to 18 times.

Most investors have paid much attention to investing in Asian stock markets, resulting in all regional currencies, including the Thai baht, strengthening.

He said the Thai currency had rapidly appreciated since early this year because foreign investors brought a lot of funds to invest in the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET).

They viewed stock prices in Thailand are lower than those in other Asian markets.

The price/earning (p/e) ratio of the SET now stays at 8-9 times, while a p/e ratio of stock markets in neighboring countries average 13-14 times.

“The baht is very likely to strengthen to 38 to the US dollar in the first quarter of this year because the currency has rapidly appreciated since early this year. The baht used to appreciate to that level in the past,’’ he said.

With the strengthening of the baht, Mr. Prasong said, the country’s international reserve had increased to around US$54-55 billion baht.

The Bank of Thailand (BOT) has a duty to supervise the baht to ensure that it stays at an appropriate level, according to the veteran banker.

KatoeyLover69

11-01-2006, 01:44 PM

Read about the one regarding Welsh female tourist being raped and killed? Bangkok Post on 6 Jan reported found her body in a river in Koh Samui... chief of forensic said no signs of rape or assualts....
2 days ago, they captured the killers (2 fishermen)... admitted raped and killed...

Report from The Nation dated Wednesday 11 January 2006 :-

Hi-tech trail leads to swift justice for Horton’s ‘killers’

When the body of Katherine Horton was found floating off Thong Krok beach on January 2 her death seemed likely to remain a mystery, until the police uncovered a hi-tech trail that eventually led to her alleged killers.

With no witnesses to describe what happened to the 21-year-old Welsh student on the night of January 1, her cell phone - which a British couple found on Lamai beach - provided the first lead.

The last call from the phone was made at 21.30 on January 1.

Horton had been walking along Lamai Beach, a few hundred metres from her bungalow, talking to her mother Elizabeth.

When police traced the call, Horton’s mother told them she had been talking to her daughter for about 10 minutes when she heard her scream. After that the line went dead, the murdered girl’s mother told police.

Before Horton was attacked, the British couple who later found her cell phone passed her while they were out for a stroll.

They told police they heard a scream and about 10 minutes later walked towards the direction the scream came from but found nothing except the cell phone.

The couple left the phone with a waitress at Buddy Pub so that its owner could retrieve it.

Later, a mobile phone operator in Britain contacted Thai police with information on the length of Horton’s last call and the direction she was moving based on the network pole the call originated from and the one from which it was cut.

The spot where the phone signal ended would be where Horton was attacked.

Her call lasted about 10 minutes and the signal showed she was moving westward.

A police re-enactment based on this information led to the spot where her cell phone was found.

Police then used Google Earth to confirm the spot - which was not far from New Hut bungalow where Katherine was staying - by comparing it with the record of the phone signal.

On that night, there were two fishing boats moored off the beach.

One of the two was the Chor Chortsittichai 25 whose crew had gathered to drink that night.

One of the five crew members told police that after drinking and watching a pornographic video, two crewmembers - Bualoy Pothisith, 23, and Wichai Somkhaoyai, 24 - swam ashore to visit prostitutes.

After returning to their rusting trawler, however, they boasted that they had just raped a foreigner and described her as “very delicious”.

Police focused their investigation on the crew of the vessel after finding the crews of other fishing boats were less reluctant to give hair and saliva samples for DNA testing.

When all the evidence led to Bualoy and Wichai, police arrested them by posing as market vendors buying fish. The two suspects surrendered quietly after three shipmates told police they had bragged about the rape.

Police said the pair confessed they saw Horton talking on the phone on the beach and hit her with the pole of a beach umbrella that was nearby.

They then dragged her behind a pile of rocks about 40 metres away and raped her, police said. When they were finished they hit her with the same umbrella pole and then dragged her about 20 metres into the sea and left her there, police said.

The pair then returned to their fishing boat and went out to sea the next day, police said.

The DNA analysis of the semen recovered from Horton matched the blood samples taken from the two suspects, police said.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Mum ‘doesn’t feel hatred’

The mother of the 21-year-old Welsh student brutally killed on Koh Samui has refused to condemn the two Thai fishermen who were arrested for killing her daughter.

Elizabeth said, “I don’t feel anger towards them and I don’t feel hatred. I am using every last bit of emotional energy just to get through the day.”

According to The Sun newspaper, the grieving mother said, “I’m not able to think about it at the moment – I just feel numb.”

Speaking from her family home in Thornhill, Cardiff, the 53-year-old mother said, “I hope they have got the right people.”

While she was speaking to The Sun, a postman delivered a late Christmas present for Katherine sent from her brother, Christopher, who was in Australia.

The dead girl’s mother fought back tears as she thanked the postman and signed for the package.

She said, “It’s for Katherine — but she is dead. She is gone.”

Her daughter talked to her on the phone from Koh Samui on January 1, when two Thai fishermen allegedly killed her.

Meanwhile, Ruth Adams who was Katherine’s companion on Koh Samui, released a statement, saying she was “encouraged” to learn of the developments in the case.

The Nation

taurus75

11-01-2006, 07:15 PM

http://img221.imageshack.us/img221/3148/0257436002ie.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
Katherine Horton (left) and Ruth Adams on their final day on Lamai beach (PA Photo)

taurus75

11-01-2006, 07:16 PM

Protesters punch suspects in Thai rape, murder case

AP , BANGKOK
Wednesday, Jan 11, 2006

Hundreds of residents of a Thai resort island angrily protested the killing of a British tourist, with some waving wooden clubs as police escorted the two Thai suspects back to the scene of the crime yesterday.

Besieged by protesters, police were forced to cancel a planned re-enactment of the murder of Katherine Horton, a 21-year-old student from Wales, whose battered body was found the morning of Jan. 2 by a jet skier in the Gulf of Thailand.

Two Thai fisherman confessed on Monday to killing Horton, who was vacationing on the island of Koh Samui, and DNA tests indicate the suspects raped the victim, police said.

Under questioning, the fishermen told police they spotted Horton while she was walking alone on a beach talking on her cellphone.

One of the men, Bualoi Posit, 23, told police he grabbed Horton's arms, while the other man, Wichai Somkhaoyai, 24, confessed to hitting her several times with a stick before they raped her and then threw her body into the sea, police said.

Shocking brutality

The brutality of the crime has shocked this Southeast Asian nation, which makes billions of dollars a year from its tourism industry.

National police spokesman Lieutenant-General Ayiravid Subarnbhesaj said that residents and shop owners on Koh Samui "hate the suspects for causing severe damage to the reputation of the country."

Police had initially planned to re-enact the crime on Monday but were thwarted by a crowd of hundreds.

Some protesters broke through a police barrier and began punching the suspects, said Ayiravid. A similar scene greeted police yesterday morning.

"We had to cancel plans to re-enact the crime for fear of violence," he said.

Police want to stage a run-through of the crime to back up the suspects' confessions.

Police said that despite the DNA findings, Wichai denies having raped the victim.

If convicted of murder, the two men could face the death penalty.

Damage to tourism

The arrests on Monday followed an unusual public appeal last week by Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra to find the killers, saying that the slaying hurt the country's image and could damage its tourism industry, already suffering a downturn from last year's tsunami and the bird flu scare.

"I feel somewhat relieved that police have made the arrests," Thaksin told reporters yesterday, calling for stern punishment if the men are found guilty.

"I hope the family [of Horton] feels a little better, because we are doing our best," Thaksin said.

taurus75

11-01-2006, 07:17 PM

Backpacker murder: Two face court
Press Association
Tuesday January 10, 2006 7:04 PM

The two men accused of raping and murdering British backpacker Katherine Horton are due to appear before a court in Thailand, the Foreign Office said.

Bualoi Posit, 23, and Wichai Somkhaoyai, 24, will appear in court for the first time since being arrested and charged on Monday.

The hearing will be held 10 days before consular staff at the British Embassy in Thailand had initially predicted.

A Foreign Office spokeswoman said: "Consular staff are under the impression that the hearing is to set a date for trial.

"Under Thai law, the prosecution have 84 days from the point of arrest to get their case together for the trial to begin."

Detectives working on the case came under intense pressure from the country's Prime Minister, Thaksin Shinawatra, to catch the killers.

Mr Shinawatra called for Posit and Somkhaoyai to be executed if found guilty.

Police say fishermen Posit and Somkhaoyai confessed to killing Miss Horton, from Thornhill, Cardiff, on the evening of New Year's Day. Posit also admits rape.

DNA tests suggest the two men raped the Reading University student following a savage attack using a wooden stick, although Somkhaoyai denies rape.

taurus75

11-01-2006, 07:19 PM

Thai murder trial to be accelerated
Press Association
Wednesday January 11, 2006 10:59 AM

The trial of two Thai fishermen who allegedly raped and killed British student Katherine Horton will be accelerated to restore Thailand's tarnished reputation.

Police in Thailand said that the process of filing the case normally takes a few months - with a trial lasting about a year.

But the trial is now expected to begin next week.

"In this case we appeal (to the court) to expedite the trial because it involves the country's reputation," said police Maj Gen. Asawin Khawanmuang, deputy chief of the Royal Thai Police's investigation department.

He said police planned to file the case on Friday against the fishermen alleged to have raped and murdered Katherine, a 21-year-old student from Wales, who was holidaying on the island of Koh Samui. The trial is expected to begin on Monday.

The pair accused of killing the University of Reading student are reported to have appeared at a brief hearing in Thailand.

Bualoi Posit, 23, and Wichai Somkhaoyai, 24, were said to have appeared in court for the first time since being arrested and charged on Monday.

During the hearing at Suritani on the Thai mainland, the two fishermen signed their names and were taken to Suritani provincial prison, the BBC's website reported.

A Foreign Office spokeswoman said: "Under Thai law, the prosecution have 84 days from the point of arrest to get their case together for the trial to begin."

Detectives working on the case came under intense pressure from the country's prime minister, Thaksin Shinawatra, to catch the killers. He has called for Posit and Somkhaoyai to be executed if found guilty.

taurus75

11-01-2006, 07:20 PM

Thai terrorists 'target resorts'
Natalie O'Brien
January 11, 2006
JEMAAH Islamiah-linked terrorists in southern Thailand are believed to be planning to transform their insurgency from attacks against the Thai state to bombings of Western tourists.

US terrorism expert Zachary Abuza has told The Australian that the Muslim insurgency could spread from the hinterland to beach resorts, such as Phuket, frequented by Western tourists.

Dr Abuza will tell the Foreign Correspondents Club in Bangkok tonight there are also reasons to believe that JI may become involved in such a plan being hatched by Thai insurgents.

The two-year insurgency, which has killed more than a thousand people, has until this point been dominated by attacks against symbols of the Thai state, such as police stations, and dominant religion, such as Buddhist temples.

Attacks against Western tourists would mark a turning point in Thailand's war on terror, and Dr Abuza said the shift could be being driven by JI's sense of Islamist obligation to join battle with fellow Muslims.

"An attack on an out-of-area soft target is being considered as an option. They have not ruled it out," he said yesterday. "They would target Phuket because, like Bali, it is a soft target that would severely impact the economy and drive away foreigners in droves."

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has issued general travel warnings for Thailand, advising travellers to "exercise a high degree of caution ... because of the high threat of terrorist attack".

"We continue to receive reports that terrorists are planning attacks against a range of targets, including places frequented by foreigners," the DFAT website warns. But the threats have been more specific, with past intelligence acknowledging that the areas of Phuket, Pattong Pattaya, Bangkok and the island of Samui could be targeted.

Another terrorism expert, Rohan Gunaratna, also warned this week that terrorists were likely to attack Bangkok within the year.

Neil Fergus, the chief executive of Intelligence Risks, said tourist spots including beach resorts had been broadly considered as targets, but Bangkok remained the biggest problem.

Although security in Thailand has been dramatically improved in many areas, Mr Fergus said it would be difficult for any authority to protect expatriate and bar areas frequented by tourists.

In the past 10 days, 19 people - five of them policemen - have been killed in attacks in southern Thailand.

While a raid by militants two years ago on a weapons depot in Narathiwat province is generally regarded as the start of the Muslim insurgency, Dr Abuza said the violence had been spreading, albeit slowly, for several years.

Dr Abuza said that while Thai authorities claimed to have arrested 190 insurgents responsible for conducting or planning operations in the past two years, very few of the insurgency's leaders had been picked up.

The Government has also consistently denied the trouble is part of any international terrorist network or that JI is involved.

Dr Abuza has warned that there are insurgent leaders who want to take terrorism to the next level, and they could be helped by JI or whatever form al-Qa'ida might take, by attacking places such as Bangkok or Phuket.

U-Need

11-01-2006, 08:03 PM

By TAKASHI EBUCHI, The Asahi Shimbun

BANGKOK--Its name translates into "golden land."

The country's political and aviation leaders hope Suvarnabhumi Airport, with a name chosen by Thailand's beloved King Bhumibol, will bring prosperity and the world to its doorstep.

Bangkok's new international airport is nearing the final stages of construction. Set to open in summer, hopes are high that the airport will heighten Thailand's international presence.

It is also likely to spur fierce competition for passengers among Asia's busy air hubs.

The last of several major Asian airport developments begun in the past decade, Suvarnabhumi covers 3,200 hectares, more than three times the land area of Japan's Narita International Airport.

Asia has seen a string of airport expansion projects, starting with Kansai International Airport in Osaka Prefecture in 1994.

Next up were Kuala Lumpur International Airport and Hong Kong International Airport in 1998, Shanghai's Pudong International Airport in 1999, Seoul's Incheon International Airport in 2001 and Chubu Centrair International Airport in Aichi Prefecture in February 2005.

The new Thai airport is about 25 kilometers east of downtown Bangkok. Construction of two runways and terminal buildings is nearly completed, while cargo facilities are still being built.

Dubbed the "Pride of Thailand" on publicity banners, the airport boasts features that could indeed make it No. 1 worldwide.

Its control tower will rise 132 meters, the highest in the world. The airport will also have a passenger terminal floor space of 560,000 square meters in total, the world's largest.

"There are some items that have been purposely made the No. 1 in the world although it wasn't necessary from a functional viewpoint," said a source involved with its construction.

Two runways--one is 4,000 meters and the other 3,700 meters--are already in place, while the foundation for a third is being prepared.

When it opens, the airport will have a capacity for 45 million passengers annually, which is 1.5 times more than Narita and 2.6 times more than Chubu. It is expected to reach that peak load by 2008.

Eventually, the airport will likely handle about 100 million passengers, for which it will need a fourth runway.

Fueling such confident projections is Thailand's strong economic growth. Since 2002, the country's GDP has climbed at 4-7 percent annually, the second-fastest growth rate in Asia after China's.

Both passenger and cargo volumes at Bangkok's existing Don Muang Airport are on the rise. In 2004, 37.96 million passengers moved through Don Muang, 25 percent more than in the previous year.

That placed the airport in the top spot among Asia's international hubs.

Demand for aviation centers is growing throughout the region. Of the world's top 50 airports in 2004, 10 air centers saw more than 20 percent year-on-year growth in passenger numbers. Of those, nine are in Asia.

+++yo's Haneda, a domestic flight hub, handles the most passengers, with 62.29 million passing through in 2004.

Don Muang, at 37.96 million passengers, comes in a distant second, followed by Hong Kong with 36.71 million, Beijing with 34.88 million and Narita with 31.05 million.

Things could change. While Haneda saw a slight year-on-year drop of 0.9 percent in passenger volume from 2003, the other four had double-digit growth.

In addition to Don Muang's 25.8-percent passenger growth, other busy airports were Hong Kong with 35.5 percent, Beijing with 43.2 percent and Narita with 17.0 percent.

The Thai government eventually intends to use Don Muang primarily as an air force base, shifting the bulk of civil aviation functions to Suvarnabhumi.

"Bangkok has the advantage of being at the center of an aviation network linking Europe with Asia and Oceania," the Thai aviation authority said.

The new airport will extend the city's lead over its Asian rivals and consolidate its position as the region's central hub

U-Need

11-01-2006, 08:07 PM

MCOT BANGKOK, Jan 11 (TNA) - Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra has dismissed any suggestion that he is preparing to step down, saying that he intends to stay in office until his term ends in 2009.

Mr. Thaksin was elected last year with an increased parliamentary majority for a second, four-year term, but his government has been coming under increasing opposition criticism over a range of political and economic issues.

Addressing leading business executives, the prime minister confirmed he would continue to work for the national interest over the next few years and had no intention of dissolving parliament early.

He would only begin to consider the election campaign in the second half of 2008, and the next general election would not be held until April, 2009.

The prime minister assured his business audience of the government’s political stability, saying it had the overwhelming support of Thai Rak Thai MPs in the House of Representatives. Mr. Thaksin expressed his determination not to be moved by political critics and allegations against his government, and under no circumstances would he step down or dissolve the House.

The prime minister quoted visiting leading economist Dr. Jim Walker as suggesting that he should only be concentrating on his work, and ignore the critics.

Meanwhile, the prime minister argued the country’s economic condition remained healthy, with ample foreign reserves and controllable foreign debts.

Mr. Thaksin dismissed allegations the government was broke after substantial sums had been withdrawn from state coffers.

On the contrary, he said, all financial and treasury affairs had been strictly controlled to ensure they stayed within bounds.

U-Need

11-01-2006, 08:24 PM

AFP BANGKOK Wednesday January 11, 2006 11:40 - (SA)- Thailand and China are set to release an herbal drug which they claim can strengthen the immune systems of people with HIV and help control the virus, Thai health authorities said.

The drug, called SH Instant, combines three medicinal herbs from China and two from Thailand and is the result of a six-year, 80 million baht (two million dollar) research project, according to the Medical Science Department of Thailand's public health ministry.

The drug combines the Chinese herbs yingchen, huangqi and ganchao with pluak rak mon (part of the mulberry root) and dok kham foi (extracted from safflowers).

"Based on our research, the herbal product SH Instant will effectively enhance immunity against HIV infection and will also create immunity in cases of drug-resistant HIV," the department's deputy chief Pongpan Wongmanee said in a statement.

Researchers based their findings on a study of 60 patients, which found that the 40 taking the drug fared better in fighting the virus than the 20 who did not.

KatoeyLover69

11-01-2006, 11:15 PM

Report from Bangkok Post dated Wednesday 11 January 2006 :-

Rumours spread of 'days of danger' ( 10 to 29 January 2006 )
Deputy Prime Minister Chidchai Vanasatidya has dismissed rumours that further violence would occur in the three southernmost border provinces during a period of so-called "19 days of danger" coinciding with the Chinese New Year holidays.

Pol Gen Chidchai, who also is justice minister, said he had instructed authorities in the South, especially Narathiwat Provincial Police commander Pol Maj-GenYongyudh Charoenwanich, to stay on alert during the approaching Chinese New Year holidays because of rumours that violence will take place between Jan 10 and Jan 29 in the border region.

The deputy prime minister, scheduled to revisit the southern border provinces on Friday, assured the public that no critical action would take place during that period as has been speculated.

Interior Minister Kongsak Wanthana dismissed speculation that RKK or Runda Kumpulan Kecil, an armed group of Muslim insurgents thought to be specially-trained in Indonesia, had plotted further action during the days leading up to Chinese New Year.

Air Chief Marshal Kongsak said he had not been informed of any movement by the group -- which is suspected both of receiving specialised military training in Indonesia and of being implicated in the slaying of a Buddhist monk at Wat Prompasit in Pattani last year.

The interior minister asked the authorities--including the Ninth Provincial Police--to step up security measures throughout the region. He said the Thai authorities would not only have heightened security measures against possible insurgency during such holidays as the Chinese New Year but also during other times.

The authorities will adhere to the rule of law and continue to provide assistance for Southern villagers in a bid to keep them from being misled by the insurgents, he said. - TNA

KatoeyLover69

12-01-2006, 12:08 AM

Report from Bangkok Post dated Wednesday 11 January 2006 :-

PM: Horton's killers must be put to death : Briton's murder 'hurts Thailand's reputation'

By Bangkok Post and AFP

Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra yesterday called for the execution of two fishermen if they are convicted of the rape and murder of a British tourist on Koh Samui.

"They must be sentenced to the harshest possible punishment," Mr Thaksin told reporters in the northeastern town of Loei where he was travelling.

"They have caused serious damage to our country's reputation. By giving them the maximum sentence, it will give remedy to the relatives and the British government and show that we are taking the case seriously," he said.

He expressed confidence the government's efforts to mete out justice would soothe the victim's grief-stricken family. The prime minister also warned police not to target anyone as scapegoats for the murder.

Police prepared their case for prosecutors after the two men were charged Monday with the Jan 1 rape and murder of 21-year-old Katherine Horton.

Horton's body was found on Jan 2 in the sea off Koh Samui in Surat Thani. She was visiting the country on a short vacation before her final university exams in Britain.

Yesterday, police flew the two suspects, Bualoi Phothisit, 23, an Ubon Ratchathani native, and Wichai Somkhaoyai, 24, of Nakhon Si Thammarat, by helicopter from Koh Samui to Surat Thani police station for interrogation.

A planned re-enactment was cancelled for the second time yesterday and the suspects' detention location and all legal proceedings were transferred from Koh Samui to the provincial police station because of fears that angry crowds on Koh Samui might attack the men if they remained on the island. The suspects had donned police uniforms to evade the attention of locals.

"There were hundreds of Samui residents who rallied and denounced the suspects, whom they said had damaged the island's reputation," Pol Maj-Gen Santhan Chayanond, deputy chief of Provincial Police Bureau 8, said.

"So for the sake of the suspects' safety and to let them to fight for justice in court, we decided to cancel the reenactment."

Bualoi confessed to the murder and rape charges but Wichai denied he had raped Horton.

Still, police said they were confident they had enough evidence to charge the Nakhon Si Thammarat man with rape and murder.

"Even though Wichai confessed to hurting the victim and denied a rape charge, we have clear and sufficient evidence to nail him," said Pol Maj-Gen Santhan.

The case will be forwarded to the public attorney who will recommend whether to indict the suspects before the Surat Thani court on Friday.

To prevent any more such cases, the police officer said he was looking to propose the establishment of one more police station on Koh Samui to better maintain peace and order.

Amnuay Dejchana, owner of the New Hut Bungalow where Horton last stayed, said he felt relieved that the suspects had been caught.

His bungalow has seen occupancy rates tumble since news of the murder spread.

Foreign Minister Kantathi Suphamongkhon said in Loei he was ready to visit Horton's family in Wales if the opportunity permitted.

The Foreign Ministry would keep in touch with the British embassy and the Hortons in case the family had any questions about the investigation.

Mr Kantathi said the murder reflected badly on Thailand's reputation.

__________________________________________________ ___________________________________________

My Comments : It is legally WRONG for PM Thaksin to call for the execution of the two suspects, if found guilty, as this amounts to inteference in the judicial process and he is telling the Judge what sentence to pass. It is up to the Judge to weigh the gravity of the crime and to hand out the appropriate sentence - whether it is the death sentence, life imprisonment or XXX years in prison.

KatoeyLover69

12-01-2006, 12:11 AM

KatoeyLover69

12-01-2006, 12:15 AM

Oops ............ sorry, double postings !!!

KatoeyLover69

12-01-2006, 12:21 AM

Oops......... Sorry, double postings !!!

pomrakthai

12-01-2006, 01:39 AM

Report from Bangkok Post dated Wednesday 11 January 2006 :-

PM: Horton's killers must be put to death : Briton's murder 'hurts Thailand's reputation'

My Comments : It is legally WRONG for PM Thaksin to call for the execution of the two suspects, if found guilty, as this amounts to inteference in the judicial process and he is telling the Judge what sentence to pass. It is up to the Judge to weigh the gravity of the crime and to hand out the appropriate sentence - whether it is the death sentence, life imprisonment or XXX years in prison.

Wah...Bro KTL not only disgruntled with POMRAKTHAI, but now gets angry with Taksin who is the head of THAIRAKTHAI party :o

Ya, tend to agree with you on "interference of judicial process that could cause a "miscarriage" of justice. But, in this part of the world...the bench could be "emotionally" involved in such a case as they are also human and fully aware of the bigger picture that the Thai economy is at stake due to this adverse publicity. people in authority could exercise some muscles to influence the outcome of the judgement, by just commenting not amounting to recommending.

The "YB factor " is stronger than the "CB" factor. [CB stands for Common Bum, not C*** Bye]

It is not nice to be a "whistle blower" [better get others to blow...oops pardon the pun]

KatoeyLover69

12-01-2006, 11:31 AM

Report from The Nation dated Thursday 12 January 2006 :-

Police to check if accused fishermen raped another Brit

Police are investigating whether two fishermen charged with raping and killing Welsh student Katherine Horton on New Year’s Day sexually assaulted another foreign tourist on Koh Samui. The other woman, aged 26 and also from Britain, lodged a complaint with police in October about an assault that took place on Samui Island during a vacation with her family.

Two attackers, who have not been identified, raped her at a restaurant.

The victim later spoke to many media outlets in Britain in a bid to demand justice.

Horton was attacked at the end of popular Lamai beach, beaten to death and her body dumped in the sea.

Two fishermen – Bualoy Posit, 23, and Wichai Som Khaoyai, 24 – were arrested for raping and killing her.

Police said the suspects had confessed to the crime.

They are now in custody awaiting trial.

Police, meanwhile, plan to question five more witnesses in regard to the Horton case.

Provincial Police Region 8 deputy commissioner Maj General Santhan Chayanont said yesterday photos of Bualoy and Wichai would be sent to the other rape victim.

“If she identifies them as her attackers, they will be prosecuted for both cases,” he said.

Koh Samui police super-intendent Colonel Arkom Saisamai said hair belonging to the October attackers was collected.

“We can conduct tests to determine whether two cases are linked,” he said.

Arkom, who has worked on Samui Island for 10 years, said local people were angry about the brutal attack on Horton.

Chairman of the Surat Thani Fishermen’s Associa-tion, Anan Chusak, said Horton’s murder had damaged the image of fishermen as well as the country.

“The owners of fishery businesses must screen their workers more carefully,” he said.

Thai Fishery Association Secretary-General Surapol Seeprasert said representatives of his group had already met with the heads of marine police and the Customs Department to lay down measures to prevent fishermen from committing crimes.

“Also, we will ask all entrepreneurs in fishery businesses to monitor the behaviour of their fishermen,” he said.

U-Need

12-01-2006, 11:36 AM

375 words
12 January 2006
English
(c) 2006 Thai News Service

Section: Corporate News - MCOT Plc, operator of the ModerNine TV channel, on January 10 announced that it has set up a partnership with Prommitr Production Co Ltd to produce the largest-ever soap opera series Phoo Chana Sib Tis, The Nation reports.

The company also said that it would pay staff an 11-month bonus - equivalent to a 16.5-month bonus, as it includes a mid-year 50-per-cent salary rise, president Mingkwan Sangsuwan said.

Mingkwan said the higher bonus came after better-than-expected results for 2005. Channel 9 expected to earn Bt3 billion last year, but he declined to reveal actual earnings.

MCOT paid staff a six-month bonus mid-year and will pay the remaining five-month bonus for the shortly. The company also raised salaries for its 1,200 staff by 50 per cent last August. It also changed its fiscal year from October to September to January to December after privatisation.

With a huge investment of more than Bt100 million, the new 34-episode soap is based on the novel written by Ja Kob about the life and loves of King Bayinnaung, who ruled the Toungoo dynasty in Burma from 1551-81. He unified the country and conquered the Shan States and Siam to make Burma the most powerful kingdom in mainland Southeast Asia.

The series will take about a year to produce and will screen early next year on Channel 9.

Under the profit-sharing partnership, Prommitr Production Co Ltd will finance production, while MCOT Plc will take care of marketing and advertising.

We have everything ready to make this historic soap opera happen, said MC Chatrichalerm Yukol, preisident of Prommitr and executive producer of the soap.

Chatrichalerm is currently directing the movie The Great King Naresuan, which will hit theatres by the end of this year.

He said It [Phoo Chana Sib Tis] will be the first soap opera in Thailand to be shot in a movie-like high-definition format, he said.

Kamla Yukol, Prommitrvice-president said: We are now seeking someone to play Chadej [King Bayinnaung]. The 'Seeking Chadej' campaign will be shown on ModerNine channel from on January 12 onwards.

singrakthai

12-01-2006, 11:39 AM

I watched the VCD as well, it is definitely her........Man Thailand is getting more interesting! Heard it is on the web as well, not sure what web site...... I guess she is trying to do a Masha and Mai.......both did it years ago.....Now they are so famous
Kinky right? Played with hand cruffs too! :D This lady hi-so.. speak in english when making love... hehehe... good figure but fake boobs... hehehe
Where can I find Masha and Mai video????? :D
Heard Masha likes young men.... hehehehe

U-Need

12-01-2006, 11:40 AM

425 words
12 January 2006
English
(c) 2006 Thai News Service

Section: General News - The press council on December 19 expressed concern that a new policy by the police to stop parading suspects in front of media conferences would violate the suspects' rights, The Nation reports.

On November 16 the Royal Thai Police (RTP) put a ban on press conferences at which suspects and evidence are presented to the media except with approval from a police commander.

By not being allowed to talk to the press, a suspect would have no avenue in which to present a defence to any charges. Suspects should have the same rights as everyone else in accordance with the Constitution, Phongsak Phayakhawichian, president of the Press Council of Thailand (PCT), said at a council seminar.

RTP spokesman Achirawit Suphanphesat countered that the policy did not ban press conferences completely. There were still opportunities for press conferences if approved by a police commander - who would have to take full responsibility for any consequences that arise - or there is a continuing crime situation.

Suspects can also speak through their lawyers, he said.

Achirawit said the policy was issued to prevent a backlash against the RTP arising from the actions of some police officers who might be inclined to call a press conference out of self-interest without concern for the consequences, such as in the Sherry Ann Duncan case.

We have to accept that there have been such incidences by the police in the past, Achirawit said.

He accepted the policy would have a significant effect on the relationship between police and press. He said as far as the press was concerned, the announcement of the policy was like sudden thunder (completely unexpected).

Phongsak said in practice, the policy was not very clear. He insisted the Constitution states that a suspect is considered innocent, consequently they should have the right to speak to the public through the press.

Being made to speak through their lawyer only should be considered a rights violation in some way, and we should pass this question on to the Lawyers Society of Thailand for an interpretation, Phongsak said.

Achirawit said it was not the intention of the RTP to prevent the press from doing their jobs in respect of a suspect. The ban was particularly aimed at stopping the press from getting under the feet of the police.

He said he would pass on all concerns of the press council to national police chief General Kowit Wattana, especially the issue of a suspect speaking through a lawyer.

U-Need

12-01-2006, 11:44 AM

Kinky right? Played with hand cruffs too! :D This lady hi-so.. speak in english when making love... hehehe... good figure but fake boobs... hehehe
Where can I find Masha and Mai video????? :D
Heard Masha likes young men.... hehehehe

I have the photos containing Mai which is some years ago. While Masha's photo and video was taken when she was working in Bangkok Palace years ago. Masha is going out with a young VJ for some years now.

U-Need

12-01-2006, 11:47 AM

519 words
12 January 2006
English
(c) 2006 Thai News Service

Section: General News - Ministry hears surcharge complaints, finds bogus orders, The Nation reports.

The Commerce Ministry on January 10 heard numerous sugar traders complain that some of their number were bribing millers to ensure a steady supply of the commodity.

The need to pay bribes was pushing prices up, traders said. They are paying millers Bt17-Bt20 per kilogram even though the ministry has set the price at Bt14.25 per kilogram, they said.

A senior ministry official said that millers said higher prices were being charged because of the supply shortage. Licensed millers are supposed to supply 400,000 100kg sacks of sugar per week.

However, they say that due to the supply shortage they only have enough stock to supply future contracts.

The ministry official said, however, that most of the advance contracts sugar millers claim to have are bogus.

Seventy per cent of the country's millers said they have signed contracts to supply sugar in the future, but a report found that only 20 per cent had actually signed advance contracts, the official said on condition of anonymity.

Many sugar millers have told the ministry that were unable to supply the 400,000 sacks of sugar per week they are obligated to supply because they have to reserve sugar for advance contracts.

However, an inspection by the ministry found that in many cases the millers had contracted to sell the sugar to parties that did not exist.

As a result, the Internal Trade Department on January 11 will send inspection teams to verify the amount of sugar held in millers' warehouses across the country.

The inspectors will look for excess stockpiles that can be sold to ease the current sugar shortage.

Siripol Yodmungcharoen, director-general of the department, said the inspection teams would inform the minister of any firms that have hoarded sugar to take advantage of higher prices.

Sugar traders from 50 provinces have already reported the size of their stockpile to the ministry.

The department needs to inspect all sugar warehouses to check whether the amounts provided are accurate or not, he said.

The ministry reported that there are about 520,000 tonnes of sugar in public warehouses.

The total amount of sugar stockpiles in both government and private warehouses is nine million tonnes.

Siripol added that the ministry would distribute 115,00 tonnes of sugar to consumers to relieve the sugar shortage problem.

The sugar is from three associations of millers and will be sold to consumers directly through provincial Commercial Offices.

Meanwhile, the Customs Department on January 10 seized illegal sugar exports bound for Cambodia and Laos. The shipments totalled 28,250kg and were worth about Bt400,000.

Sathit Limpongpan, director-general of the department, said the domestic price is lower than the world market price and this has encouraged small traders not only to hoard stocks but also to smuggle sugar out of the country.

Illegal exports were putting pressure on the domestic price as well as supply, he said.

Sugar exports have been closely monitored since last September.

U-Need

12-01-2006, 11:49 AM

676 words
12 January 2006
English
(c) 2006 Thai News Service

Section: General News - Concerns raised over credentials of obscure Singapore company picked for ground-handling

Airports of Thailand Plc (AOT) on December 19 awarded a controversial 10-year contract to an obscure Singapore firm, which, through Thai Airport Ground Services Co Ltd, will be managing ground services handling at Suvarnabhumi Airport, The Nation reports.

Forbisher Pte Co Ltd of Singapore has taken over Thai Airport Ground Services (TAGS) in which it now holds 48 per cent. The track record of Forbisher has not been made clear and no information on the company turns up on an Internet search.

The contract was awarded by the AOT board, chaired by Srisook Chandrangsu, despite the ambiguous credentials of Forbisher.

Deputy Transport Minister Chaiyanan Charoensiri, who is in charge of Suvarnabhumi Airport's development, said on December 19 AOT was trying to clarify whether TAGS was a Thai-owned or a foreign-owned entity.

The other foreign shareholder in TAGS is British Airways Plc, which owns 8.5 per cent. Together, the combined holding of the two foreign companies is above 51 per cent, the statutory limit of foreign ownership in Thailand.

AOT's senior executive vice president ML Yom Ngonrot, who is also chairman of TAGS, said despite Forbisher's holding, TAGS was still a Thai company. Its shareholding is less than 50 per cent and Thais control the management, he said.

Bancha Pattanaporn, acting president of AOT, said the board had assigned Yom to supply details of TAGS' current shareholders.

TAGS proposed acceptable operating expenses and is expected to generate Bt418 million in income for AOT in the first year of the concession, he told reporters. If we handled it ourselves, the cost would be higher.

Thai Airfreight Forwarders Association (TAFA) president Keeree Chaichanawong was concerned about AOT's decision to award the contract to TAGS. We have made proposals to AOT many times for the rent of warehouses at Suvarnabhumi but there has been no answer. As TAGS will handle this, we will need to re-rent the warehouse from the company. This is against the government's policy to boost Thailand's competitiveness through lower logistics costs.

Under the contract approved on December 19, AOT will need to pay TAGS Bt1 billion in the first year with the cost increasing exponentially in coming years. AOT's board on December 19 also approved TAGS' Bt937-million budget for the construction of a logistics centre building. Bancha said by doing so, the construction work would be closely monitored by AOT engineers.

Krungthep Turakij reported on December 19 that the deal was not transparent in that AOT did not call for bids when it was selecting the company for the 40,000-square metre free zone logistics centre (FLC) operation. An AOT source defended the decision as an outsourcing deal, so a bid was not necessary.

A senior official at AOT said earlier that TAGS had been tipped for the job from the start, as it was owned by AOT. However, in the shareholding structure, AOT's stake in the company is only 28.5 per cent while Forbisher, which emerged as a shareholder only this year, holds 48 per cent.

TAGS handles ground services at Bangkok International Airport. Its original shareholders consisted of mainly airlines and tourism-related agencies including Thai Airways International and Lufthansa. The shareholders' structure was revamped in July after it was clear that TAGS' services would not be extended once the international airline business was moved to Suvarnabhumi. Krungthep Turakij also mentioned that Forbisher could be a nominee of a politically linked Thai interest group.

A source from AOT said Forbisher stepped in as an experienced airport ground services provider in Singapore specialising in airport IT systems.

This is a normal survival strategy. We needed to bring in the Singapore investor to survive in the industry, said a source at TAGS who asked not to be named. He denied the rumour the company had Thai political connections.

U-Need

12-01-2006, 11:54 AM

460 words
12 January 2006
English
(c) 2006 Thai News Service

Section: General News - A serious campaign against corruption is the emphasis of the Government this year. In his weekly radio address on 7 January 2006, Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra stressed his administration's strong efforts to fight corruption.

The Prime Minister said that the corruption problem had intensified and that he had instructed all government agencies to step up the crackdown on corruption. In order to deal with the problem effectively, a new system and new measures must be introduced. For instance, anti-corruption teams would be formed and sent to monitor work and check graft charges. Investigations and inspections would be carried out more seriously to prevent the problem in both government agencies and state enterprises.

The Prime Minister said that the Government had been empowered, to a certain extent, to take action against corruption. The law gives more power to the National Counter Corruption Commission in dealing with graft charges. Since new members of the National Counter Corruption Commission had yet to be established, taking action against corruption by the Government had become difficult. He believed that, after the royal approval of the new National Counter Corruption Commission and the start of its work, anti-corruption operations would go more smoothly.

The Prime Minister said that, in his meeting with provincial governors on January 6, he also emphasized anti-graft efforts, saying that drastic action would be taken against corrupt officials. Graft in government projects and services must be eliminated. He warned officials not to get involved in corruption. Disciplinary action would be taken against them, if there was no concrete evidence. But in cases in which concrete evidence was found, legal action would be taken against corrupt officials.

He said that, beginning on 1 February 2006, the Government would introduce a new system for electronic auctions for government contracts to prevent price collusion. The Prime Minister said that e-auction was not just bidding through the Internet, but there must be an e-auction station where bidders would compete face-to-face. The winner would be the one who offered the most attractive price, without being informed of the median price for the project.

The Government is revising regulations for the e-auction procedures to ensure transparency. The Prime Minister assigned Deputy Prime Minister Wissanu Krea-ngam to oversee the amendment to the e-auction regulations. According to the Prime Minister, the e-auction process should be called reverse e-auction, as the Government intended to buy items and services from bidders, not to sell them.

While waiting for amendments to e-auction regulations, all government agencies were told to put on hold bids for projects worth more than one billion baht.

U-Need

12-01-2006, 11:57 AM

1389 words
12 January 2006
Bangkok Post
English

Roy Hamric

Foreigners first began visiting Chiang Mai in the late 19th century when the British opened a "mountain station" to extract teak trees and other timber. During the Vietnam War, Americans found it to be the most beautiful and sleepy of Thailand's mountain cities.

Today, it's ranked among the top of Asia's most livable cities list and an increasing number of Chiang Mai's Buddhist wat, or monasteries, are drawing in more and more Westerners seeking introductory classes on Buddhism and meditation retreats.

A growing number of farang (Westerners) are forsaking the more traditional spas and venues that offer massage, Thai cooking and yoga classes for Buddhist studies classes in English and Thai meditation retreats that run from one to 21 days or longer.

Wat Umong, one of Chiang Mai's 300 Buddhist monasteries, rests in the foothills of Mount Doi Suthep, rising 5,478 feet above the 1,000-year-old city. Wat is a Thai word from the Pali-Sanskrit word meaning "dwelling for pupils and ascetics." Wat Umong's history goes back to the 14th century.

On the densely wooded monastery grounds, limestone sculptures of the Buddha are scattered over the ground, some nearly completely covered by climbing vines. Small kuti - self-sufficient huts that house monks - are bathed in yellow sunbeams filtering through the leafy canopy. The deep murmuring sound of monks' chanting sutras filled the evening air one day this fall.

On a pathway, blue signs with white lettering offered helpful aphorisms: "Today is Better than Two Tomorrows." "I have not failed - I found ways that don't work." Sixteen foreigners sat quietly in a red-roofed Chinese pavilion beside a two-acre pond. Green algae circled the pond's edge almost to its centre, leaving a circle of water where large turtles poked their snouts into the air.

Nirodho Bikkhu, an Australian monk who lives in a nearby kuti, walked into the pavilion and sat down. He adjusted his brown robe and smiled.

"I would rather answer your questions and just talk. Does anyone have a question?" he asked. Moments of long silence. Finally, a young girl with bronze skin from days on the road asked: "Is reality real?"

The monk smiled. Speaking slowly, he explained what the Buddha said about objective and subjective views. He talked about meditation as a way to experience the mind, the senses and the body. He talked about a concept in Vipassana Buddhism of small, discreet divisions of mental activity that can take years of meditation to fully distinguish. "They pass by unnoticed by most people," he said.

More silence. Then an American lady asked: "What about bardos," the different stages of the death-journey found in Tibetan Buddhism.

"I speak only about what the Buddha said," Norodho Bikkhu answered. "Bardos are concepts found only in the 'Tibetan Book of the Dead'."

A young woman listening to the monk, Laura Robbins, stayed the full two hours. After everyone left, she had a private conversation with Nirodho Bikkhu.Later, walking beside the pond, she said she was starting a 21-day meditation retreat at a nearby monastery in two days.

"A little serendipity got me to this point," said Robbins, an English teacher from Portland, Oregon. While on vacation in Prescott, Arizona, she had a conversation with the owner of a Thai restaurant who gave her the name of an American woman who teaches meditation.

"I choose that temple," she said, "because of what the woman teacher said, and I liked it that there were a lot of nuns there."

In the past, it took a lot of effort for Westerners to find a wat where they could receive introductory lectures on Buddhism or go on short or long meditation retreats. Like many temples, Wat Umong is rapidly expanding its offerings to Westerners. .

"We will be friends to anyone who wants to know more about Buddhism," said Songserm Bikkhu, the teaching monk who directs Wat Umong's newly-opened International Buddhist Education and Meditation Practice Centre, which has 17 rooms for foreigners who can choose from one to four-day retreats. There is no cost, just individual donation. Many Westerners give US$4-6 a day.

"If people would like to take a retreat or to ordain as a monk and practice here, they can," Songserm Bikkhu said. "If they would just like to come, learn and go and practice on their own, they can."

Most Chiang Mai wat teach Vipassana meditation, a system based on meditation and attention to the four foundations of mindfulness. Exercises are based on mindfulness of body and movement, mindfulness of feelings, mindfulness of mind and mindfulness of objects. In Pali, Vipassana means "to see things as they really are."

The retreat schedule is the same at most wat: rise at 4am followed by morning chanting and mediation, breakfast, dharma study, followed by lunch, afternoon walking and sitting meditation, a one-on-one talk with the supervising monk, rest time and evening chanting, concluded by more sitting and walking meditation. Students are encouraged to do sitting and walking meditation up to 12 hours a day.

A short distance down the road from Wat Umong is Wat Ram Poeng, built in 1451, with touches of Burmese Buddhist architecture. A popular meditation centre with Asians and foreigners alike, the wat is home to the Northern Insight Vipasanna Mediation Centre.

Eric Stirnweis of Fort Collins, Colorado, was in his second week of retreat, along with other Americans and people from Sweden, Canada and France. While waiting for his daily interview with the abbot, he said he had already increased his walking and sitting meditation to about 12 hours a day.

"Here you eat, sleep and meditate - that's it," Stirnweis said. "They push you."

At the end of the retreat period, he said, each student goes through "termination" - a three-day period of very little sleep and constant sitting and walking meditation.

The daily interviews are helpful, he said, but the practice is tough with lots of ups and downs.

"It's different - no telephone, no email, six hours of sleep a day at most, but it's a healthy focus," he said. "The abbot is definitely perceptive. I didn't even say anything one morning, and he said, 'Ah, there's much negativity here.' He seems to know you without talking to you."

Wat Ram Poeng is in the process of expanding facilities to house up to 30 foreigners.

Frequently, foreigners who want even longer retreats are sent to Wat Dthat Sri, a sister temple. It also is in the process of creating a foreigner-housing area complete with small cottages outside the wat grounds.

An American, Kathryn Chindaporn, who co-directs the meditation centre for foreigners with her Thai husband, Thanat, recalled her phone conversation with Laura Robbins.

"This is a good place for basic or long-term practice, tailored to individuals," said Chindaporn, who is from Everett, Washington. "We use the mental libelling technique. It is easy. You think, 'I'm taking a step with my right foot, or I'm feeling content or sad.' It's easy to use, but the practice makes it very deep."

Chindaporn said she was on her way to India in 1986, but found herself staying on in Chiang Mai to practice full-time at Wat Ram Poeng, where she took classes in Buddhist studies, learned Thai and has since translated early Thai meditation texts into English.

Meanwhile, Laura Robbins had started her retreat at the wat and had begun daily interviews with Thanat Chindaporn.

"It's going fine," she said on her second day of the retreat. Ten days later, she took a two-day break, but planned to return the next day for another 10-day stay.

"It was very difficult," she said. "I wanted to leave at least three times. I was surprised how hard it was - the simplicity of it was frustrating.

"My mind was running everywhere," she said. "At the end we tried to practice for 72 hours straight. I had some very set ideas about who I am. I found that by pushing past that I've come out being much more gentle with myself."

KatoeyLover69

12-01-2006, 12:26 PM

Report from The Nation dated Thursday 12 January 2006 :-

Mandarin teachers on the way to Thailand

Thailand and China will join forces to tackle the shortage of Mandarin teachers and textbooks in the Kingdom, Education Minister Chaturon Chaisang said yesterday.

Chaturon and Chinese Deputy Education Minister Zhang Xin-sheng yesterday witnessed the signing of an initial memorandum of understanding (MoU) by the Thai permanent secretary for education and Zhao Guochen, deputy director of the China National Office for Teaching Chinese as a Foreign Language – better known as Hanban.

The official MoU would be signed again in the presence of Chinese prime minister Wen Jiabao, who will visit Thailand soon, Chaturon said.

Hanban and Thailand’s Educa-tion Ministry will train 1,000 Mandarin teachers a year, with each teacher receiving a month’s intensive training in Thailand and two months’ training in China, Chaturon said.

Hanban would also award 100 scholarships a year for Thais to study towards bachelor’s degrees in China, and annually provide 500 Chinese volunteers with an opportunity to teach Mandarin in Thailand, starting this year.

The Education Ministry will be licensed by Hanban to use textbooks entitled “Happy Chinese” in schools and a joint committee would be set up to improve the Mandarin curriculum in primary and secondary schools this year, Chaturon said.

Hanban will also help Thailand develop e-learning systems and send its teachers to develop intensive Mandarin teaching software, he said. China has also offered to establish Mandarin schools in rural areas, and Thailand may build one school as a symbol of the bilateral cooperation.

Zhang said the Chinese government would give support in the form of materials, textbooks and teacher training because previous discussions showed that Thailand was serious about supporting Mandarin learning and teaching.

Meanwhile, Education Inspector Pojana Wongtrakool told a seminar on Mandarin teaching at the Ambassador Hotel yesterday that the ministry hoped about 100,000 Mathayom 6 students – or 20 per cent of all students at that level – would study and be able to communicate in Mandarin by 2010. The ministry wants at least 4,000 students a year to develop their Chinese-language skills to the bachelor’s degree level.

KatoeyLover69

12-01-2006, 12:33 PM

Report from The Nation dated Thursday 12 January 2006 :-

Thai kids reaching puberty at younger ages, study shows

Young people are reaching the age of reproduction earlier than in the past, a study released by Chulalongkorn University has found.

Researcher Siriyupa Nansuna-nont from the university’s Centre for Research and Development of Sexuality Education collected data from almost 6,000 students between the ages of 10 and 24 from across the country.

On average, girls reported having their first menstrual period at 12 years of age. The youngest reported age was 9 and the eldest was 20, she said.

Boys on average were found to begin having nocturnal emissions at the age of 13, with 8 being the earliest reported age and 22 the eldest.

Siriyupa said the results were in line with a survey in the UK of 14,000 young people. The survey found that one-sixth of girls had reached the age of reproduction by 8 years of age, compared with the previous generation in which only one 1 in 100 girls had their first period by that age.

Likewise, one in 14 boys reported reaching puberty by the age of 8, up from one in 150 boys in the previous generation.

“It might cause problems if they reach the reproductive age quicker but lack the knowledge of sexuality they need to deal with the change. This puts them at risk of becoming troubled adults,” Siriyupa said.

Further research would be required to determine if there was a link between reaching the age of reproduction earlier and premature sexual activity, she said.

Prof Nikorn Dusitsin, from the centre, said sex education was needed in schools to prevent problems arising from young people reaching the age of reproduction without being knowledgeable about sex.

Research in Scandinavian countries showed that the average age at which girls reach the age of reproduction decreases by 5 every 10 years, he said.

According to Siriyupa’s research, the average age at which Thais have sex for the first time is 16, which she said was too young because they are still in school.

One of her respondents reported having sex for the first time at the age of 7 with a 55-year-old man. “That shows that some youths are having premature sex as a result of sexual abuse,” she said.

KatoeyLover69

12-01-2006, 12:39 PM

Report from The Nation dated Thursday 12 January 2006 :-

Thai kids reaching puberty at younger ages, study shows

CORRECTION : : Research in Scandinavian countries showed that the average age at which girls reach the age of reproduction decreases by 5 every 10 years, he said

Should read as :
Research in Scandinavian countries showed that the average age at which girls reach the age of reproduction decreases by 5 months every 10 years, he said

KatoeyLover69

12-01-2006, 12:50 PM

Report from The Nation dated Thursday 12 January 2006 :-

Mia Nois better watch it

A government committee yesterday approved a series of landmark legal amendments that would empower wives to demand compensation from other women involved in routine extramarital affairs with their husbands.

Deputy Prime Minister Wissanu Krea-ngam, who chairs the panel, said other key amendments would also result in rape not being limited as a crime against only women.

“The definition of rape would also include sexual violations by men against men, women against men, and women against each other,” he added.

As for the extramarital affairs, men visiting brothels or seeing prostitutes would not be held accountable under this condition.

The current criminal code defines rape as a crime in which the penis of a man penetrates into a vagina of an unwilling woman he is not officially married to.

Such penetration by a man against his lawfully wedded wife against her will is not rape under existing law – only a sexual violation, as are acts by men against men and women against men.

The Civil Code currently allows a man to sue another man who has sex with his lawfully wedded wife for compensatory payments, in addition to filing for divorce.

Thai women can only file for divorce against their husbands, but have no rights to demand civil punitive damage payment from the other women involved in the affair.

Piyanart Srivalo
The Nation

KatoeyLover69

12-01-2006, 12:57 PM

Report from The Nation dated Thursday 12 January 2006 :-

Who’s who of Thai business community

In ancient times, distance was a key factor in determining a person’s importance in society. The further from the capital city a person was stationed, the less important he was in the ruler’s eyes.

If this principle were applied to the seating of businessmen at their lunch with Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra yesterday, many of the guests would have been wondering what they’d done wrong.

There were about 50 tables at the lunch, with the prime minister’s located in the centre of the first row.

Sitting near him were some big names, with Charoen Pokphand Group chief Dhanin Chearavanont on his right and Board of Trade chairman Pramon Sutheewong on his left. Next to Dhanin was Prasert Bunsumpun, president of PTT Plc, whose firm was commended as a successful example of privatisation. Sitting across from Dhanin was his son Supachai Chearavanont, president of True Corp Plc.

To the surprise of many, Kongkiat Opaswongkarn, president of Asia Plus Securities Plc, who was rumoured to be the investment banker to whom Thaksin talks most frequently, was also at the table.

Given that the forum was organised in cooperation with the Thai Bankers Association, many would expect that TBA chairman Chartsiri Sophonpanich would have been seated at the PM’s table. He was indeed seated at a nearby table, hosted by Deputy Prime Minister Somkid Jatusripitak.

Prasarn Trairatvorakul, president of Kasikornbank, was seated even further away at the table next to Chartsiri’s.

Looking back, several prominent businessmen were seated at tables in the back rows, including Pliu Mangkornkanok, chief executive officer of Tisco Bank; and industrial estate and steel mill operator Sawasdi Horrungruang; who were seated among Thai and foreign businessmen who represented nearly all industries.

Regardless of the distant seating, those businessmen should not feel agitated. No matter where they sat, on the table was the same menu, which of course contained a bowl of shark fin soup, and on the agenda was the same Thaksin and those same buzzwords.

KatoeyLover69

12-01-2006, 01:03 PM

Report from The Nation dated Thursday 12 January 2006 :-

Stray dogs led police to alleged killers of Welsh tourist

Police investigating the rape and murder of a British tourist at a Thai beach resort said Thursday that stray dogs played a key role in leading them to two Thai fisherman who allegedlycommitted the crime.

The mother of the victim, 21-year-old Katherine Horton, told policeher daughter had called from a cell phone while walking on a Koh Samui beach. The mother, Elizabeth Horton, said she heard her daughter scream as dogs barked in the background, and then the line went dead, said police Maj. Santan Chayanont, who heads the police task force investigating the murder.

That information led police to suspect that the attackers were Thai, said Santan. He said that Thais tend to chase away stray dogs away, while Westerners pet and feed them.

"The dogs are friendly with Westerners, but they turn fierce on Thais,''Santan said, adding that four stray dogs were known to live on the particular beach where Horton was last seen. "The barking dogs were the additional clue that helped police narrow down the suspects and focus on Thai men.''

Two Thai fishermen confessed Monday to killing Horton, whose battered body was found the morning of January 2 by a jet skier in the Gulfof Thailand. Police have said DNA tests showed that semen found onHorton's body belonged to the two suspects.

KatoeyLover69

12-01-2006, 01:08 PM

Report from Bangkok Post dated Thursday 12 January 2006 :-

Unshackling the drug habit : Sight of addicts, mental patients chained to walls of rehab centre accepted by locals

Story by Wassana Nanuam

The sight of men chained to trees and walls at a ponoh school in Mayo district may shock strangers, but not local people.

These men have been diagnosed as mentally deranged from prolonged drug abuse, or are HIV-Aids positive.

A charity rehabilitation centre set up at the school provides herbal treatments which are accepted by local people even though they have not been approved by the Public Health Ministry.

The centre was founded by Sakariya Jehtae, the babor, or headmaster, who was formerly a religious teacher at Thammathan Foundation School in Yala. He converted his house into a ponoh school-cum-mental asylum and Aids treatment centre, operating under religious principles, 18 years ago.

Nearly 2,000 patients have so far been treated at the centre with herbal medicines twice a day, in the morning and at bedtime.

Most patients are young Muslim men, all are shackled to prevent them escaping. Some had gone berserk and smashed everything around them.

The herbal treatments are said to cure drug addicts, the mentally ill and those in the early stage of HIV-Aids.

When Mr Sakariya died in October last year, the task of running of the facility passed to his wife Mrs Nuriyoh, 42, nephew Muhammad Soreh Kiya, 32, and two followers.

"We use herbs from this area and from Arab countries," Mrs Nuriyoh said. "Despite the lack of approval from the Public Health Ministry we will continue the treatments because they are effective and acceptable to local people and we will continue helping them, she said.

Mr Muhammad said not everyone agreed with their methods, but patients must follow the rules.

"Drug addicts, the mentally ill and hallucinating patients here must follow our rules. Their relatives must allow us to chain patients to prevent them from escaping, damaging things and attacking other people," he said.

"Suffering caused by being chained will make them stay away from drugs. People criticise us for chaining them, but it's our rule to confine them for 3-6 months depending on the severity of their condition."

Malang Masae, 36, from Yaring district said he was admitted suffering from hallucinations as a result of drug abuse. He had now recovered. He wanted to go home and would not take drugs again because being chained up was painful.

Abdulloh Jehso, 25, from Mayo district could speak sensibly again after two months of treatment for marijuana addiction and alcoholism, but admitted loneliness might cause him to use marijuana again after going home.

Neither of the two men had any ideas about the violence in the far South and said they could not care less about it.

Heroin addict Amrun Arwae, 37, said he had come to the centre 20 days for help.

He had chains around his ankles and said he did nothing but read all day.

But not all patients recover quickly.

Even after four months, Kamanording Useng still thinks of little else than the cartoon characters Super Seya and Pokemon.

KatoeyLover69

12-01-2006, 01:21 PM

Report from The Nation dated Thursday 12 January 2006 :-

Give tourists discounts in low season: Thai travel agents

The Association of Thai Travel Agents (ATTA) has suggested that airlines and hotels offer greater discounts during the low season to attract more travellers.

“Airlines should provide special packages and discounts on air tickets to attract travellers to the Andaman Coast for the 2006 summer season,” said Apichart Sankary, president of ATTA.

He said discounts for tourists should be offered during the low season between May to October. Most tourists coming to Thailand are still not travelling to some parts of the Andaman Coast including Krabi and Koh Phi Phi as much as to other destinations such as Hua Hin, Rayong and Koh Samui.

However, Apichart said tourism from Scandinavia to Phuket had rebounded strongly.

“Tourist numbers from Western countries have recovered nearly 100 per cent when compared to last year. Right now, room occupancy in Phuket’s three-star hotels is 90 per cent, while the four- and five-star hotels have reached 50 to 60 per cent,” said Apichart.

The government together with the tourism industry organised the “One Year in Memory of Tsunami” event from December 25-27, 2005, in remembrance of the tsunami victims. ATTA handled about 1,000 participants during the event, mostly from Sweden, Norway and Germany and some Asian countries.

Apichart added that the government must continue to concentrate on improving the Andaman coast’s image, focusing on the safety measures implemented to encourage tourists to return to the region.

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) yesterday said its 2006 “Thailand Grand Invitation” campaign would cover five themes: destinations, events, festivals, grand openings, and services.

“Not only the sites but also festivals will make tourists return, ” TAT’s governor Juthamas Siriwan said.

The travel industry has always been critical of the short lead-time TAT uses when attempting to promote festivals. Tour operators claim late notification of events means it is almost impossible to advertise festivals in catalogues and other sales material.

This year, Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra will send invitations to national leaders to participate in an event on June 29 to fete His Majesty the King as the longest reigning monarch in the world.

Governors throughout the country have also been told to highlight attractions in their provinces to drum up more tourism.

Suchat Sritama
The Nation

taurus75

12-01-2006, 05:42 PM

http://img80.imageshack.us/img80/976/thaksin4lw.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
Riding Thailand's political bandwagon
By Daniel Ten Kate

BANGKOK - Pesky protesters are again waving the constitution in Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra's face; their latest gripe is the pending free-trade agreement (FTA) with the United States.

Hundreds of protesters briefly disrupted talks between US and Thai officials in the northern city of Chiang Mai on Tuesday before police restored order. The five-day talks, the fifth round in the FTA negotiations, end on Friday.

Two months ago, the partial privatization of state-owned electricity firm EGAT Plc was the issue du jour, and a group of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) succeeded in getting the

then-obscure Administrative Court to halt the initial public offering (IPO) dramatically a day before the company was to start selling shares.

Though it remains to be seen whether a Thai court will demand a similarly unexpected suspension to the FTA talks with the US, the issue appears to be headed down the same path. Like the failed IPO of EGAT (Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand), analysts said the Thaksin administration would only have itself to blame if the dissidents managed to stymie the trade talks.

"In the second year of his second term, Thaksin is finding that all of his major policy planks are facing opposition," said Thitinan Pongsudhirak, a political scientist at Chulalongkorn University. "The lack of public participation in decision-making has been pent up for five years now. Thaksin deserves this because he's dismissed the consultation process from the beginning, and now it's coming back to haunt him."

EGAT's privatization and the US trade talks represent the most ambitious efforts of two of Thaksin's core economic platforms: the privatization of state-owned enterprises and the proliferation of bilateral FTAs. So it is no surprise that both issues crystallize the wider debate on the state of democracy and the country's development path.

In EGAT's case, the pros and cons of privatizing state enterprises became moot after the government offered to sell EGAT employees discounted shares if they dropped their opposition to the listing. Though observers ticked off some long-standing complaints against the sale - particularly that an independent energy regulator was not in place and that the privatization would not result in increased competition - the IPO seemed inevitable in early November.

Then suddenly, a group of NGOs launched a constitutional challenge against the privatization, arguing that parliament had passed no law authorizing the executive branch to privatize state enterprises.

Egged on by the colorful opinions of Manager Media Group founder Sondhi Limthongkul, whose weekly political talk show turned into a must-see anti-Thaksin rally at Lumpini Park in central Bangkok two months ago, thousands of people, right or wrong, began to see the privatization as a vehicle to line the pockets of government officials and allow foreigners to take over Thai national assets.

It did not seem to matter that EGAT's partial privatization was not setting any precedents and constituted a sale of only a quarter of the company. In happier times, the Thaksin administration managed to get state-owned energy giant PTT listed on the Stock Exchange of Thailand without any major hang-ups.

Similarly, the Thai-US FTA is by no means the first trade pact the country has negotiated. The Thaksin administration faced only limited opposition to its watered-down trade deals with India, China and Peru, and more complete agreements with Australia, New Zealand and Japan.

Subsequently, though, the Thai Senate Foreign Affairs Committee has argued that the Thai-Australia pact was never debated in parliament as required under Article 224 of the constitution. It plans to launch a legal challenge before the Constitutional Court.

It's the politics ...
Just as the debate surrounding EGAT had more to do with due process than the benefits of privatization, so the current kerfuffle over FTAs is not a deep-seated intellectual debate about free trade.

The main opposition group, FTA Watch, for example, often jumbles together legitimate concerns over intellectual property rights and drug prices with non-FTA related issues, such as EGAT's privatization and Thaksin's invitation to foreign firms to bid on the government's multi-billion dollar megaprojects.

Now the same group of people that threw a wrench in EGAT's plans intend to file lawsuits with several courts, alleging that the government is violating the constitution by entering into an agreement with a country that will require substantial changes to domestic law without first getting approval from the National Assembly.

Though any such lawsuits would tread uncharted waters, any delay in the talks could be significant, given that the leaders of both countries have said they want to wrap things up this year.

US President George W Bush's authority to negotiate bilateral trade pacts that can receive an up-or-down vote in the US Congress expires in 2007, and given that 2008 is an election year in the US and Bush will be fighting off lame-duck status, it is uncertain that US lawmakers will renew that privilege.

Ironically, Thai government officials seemed just as negative about a trade deal with the US six months ago as their current critics do now. Back then, senior officials privately questioned whether the country would benefit from a deal, and a senior trade negotiator, Winichai Chaemchaeng, said negotiations with the US could drag on "for two to three more years".

In September, chief Thai negotiator Nitya Pibulsonggram told reporters that he was not operating under a time frame, but Thaksin changed all that a few weeks later when he met with Bush and agreed to make "vigorous efforts" to conclude the deal some time this year.

Thai trade negotiators have been relatively quiet since then, allowing groups such as FTA Watch to steal headlines with fear-mongering catch phrases such as "FTA kills farmers" and "Life is not for sale".

Since the acronym "FTA" easily fits onto bumper-sticker slogans that take highly complex issues and grossly misrepresent them in five words or less, it becomes all the more important for the government to lucidly explain the merits of signing a trade deal with the US. But similar to the explanations given for EGAT's privatization, government officials have not clearly told the public how the country will benefit from the FTA.

Most of the public statements by ministers are general assertions that they will not sign a deal that is not in the country's best interests.

But while that approach may have worked when the government's popularity was soaring, the erosion of public support due to corruption scandals and conflicts of interest has made it essential for government officials to toss aside their vague reassurances and state unequivocally why Thailand needs a trade deal with the United States.

Barring a coherent and transparent explanation of government strategy, the opposition is only likely to get louder. "The government has used a very narrow group of people to handle the deal and kept information from the public, which is why the protests are still considerable after nearly two years of negotiations," said Sompob Manarangsun, a political economist at Chulalongkorn University.

taurus75

12-01-2006, 05:45 PM

'One-day trial' for murder accused
Press Association
Thursday January 12, 2006 5:24 PM

The full court hearing of the two men accused of raping and murdering British backpacker Katherine Horton in Thailand could be over in one day, the Foreign Office has said.

Bualoi Posit and Wichai Somkhaoyai could appear in court as early as next Monday after Thai police said the legal process would be accelerated to restore the country's tarnished reputation.

The Foreign Office said it had been told the two fishermen would plead guilty to premeditated murder and gang rape.

Previously, Somkhaoyai had admitted being an accomplice to murder but denied raping the 21-year-old from Thornhill, Cardiff, despite his DNA being retrieved from her body.

The spokesman for the Foreign Office said: "The accused have had their first remand hearing.

"The police will submit their papers to the public prosecutor by the end of the week.

"As both men are to plead guilty to premeditated murder and gang rape, it is likely their case could last as little as one day."

Major General Asawin Khawanmuang, deputy chief of the Royal Thai Police's investigation department, said today: "In this case we appeal (to the court) to expedite the trial because it involves the country's reputation."

Detectives working on the case came under intense pressure from Thailand's Prime Minister, Thaksin Shinawatra, to catch the killers.
Yesterday, he called for 23-year-old Posit and Somkhaoyai, 24, to be executed if found guilty. Miss Horton's inquest is due to be opened and adjourned by Cardiff coroner Mary Hassell.

KatoeyLover69

13-01-2006, 12:22 AM

Thailand Public Holidays for 2006

January 2 (Monday) In Lieu of New Year's Day

January 30 (Monday) Chinese New Year

February 13 (Monday) In Lieu of Makha Bucha Day (Feb 12) (*)

April 6 (Thursday) Chakri Day

April 13 - 15 (Thursday, Friday & Saturday) (17 substituition) Songkran

May 1 ((Monday) National Labour Day

May 5 (Friday) Coronation Day

May 12 (Friday) In Visakha Bucha Day (*)

July 12 (Wednesday) Buddhist Lent Day (*)

August 12 (Saturday) H.M. The Queen's Birthday (*)

October 23 (Monday) Chulalongkorn Memorial Day

November 6 (Monday) Loy Kratong Day

December 5 (Tuesday) H.M. The King's Birthday (*)

December 11 (Monday) In Lieu of Constitution Day (Dec 10)

December 31 (Sunday) New Year's Eve

KatoeyLover69

13-01-2006, 09:07 AM

Report from The Nation dated Friday 13 January 2006 :-

$2-BN TAKEOVER: PM’s clan agrees to sell Shin to S’pore

Thaksin sealed deal with Temasek on New Year trip to city-state: source. Singapore’s state-run investment agency Temasek is set to take over Shin Corp by buying out the Shinawatra family’s 40-per-cent stake worth Bt80 billion, a Shin source said yesterday.

The deal was cemented on the holiday visit made by Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra and his family to the city-state from New Year’s Day to January 4.

Two days later, on January 6, the two sides signed a letter of intent which would see the Shinawatra and Damaphong families give up their combined 40-per-cent holding. Payment for the shares would be made in two transactions next week, the source said.

There has been intense speculation over the past two weeks about the Shinawatra family’s alleged plan to get out of Shin in order to reduce political pressure from charges of conflict of interest.

The PM’s family stands to pocket a handsome premium from selling Shin, which controls Advanced Info Service (AIS), the country’s leading mobile-phone operator, as well as Thai AirAsia, Capital OK and iTV.

The takeover price of US$2 billion means that Temasek will be paying Bt69 for Shin shares, which closed at Bt44.50, down Bt0.25 yesterday. AIS lost Bt3 to Bt109. The local market underwent a technical correction after rallying strongly since the beginning of the year, buoyed by foreign buying.

Temasek is likely to allow the current management at Shin to remain in control.

“Khun Thaksin has been negotiating with the investors from Singapore since the beginning of last year. The sell-off of Shin will help ease political pressure. Besides, the telecom market has reached saturation level. It is better to bail out of the business at its peak rather than wait for the price to fall further,” the source said.

“The 3G [third-generation cellular service] is only a new technology. Investing in 3G would not help improve the margins of the company in any significant way, but it would further complicate the political problems.”

Temasek controls Singapore Telecom, a 21.4-per-cent strategic partner of AIS, the flagship of the Shin conglomerate. Earlier, reports suggested that SingTel would be the buyer.

The acquisition would boost Temasek and SingTel’s control of Shin to more than 60 per cent, but they are only interested in AIS’ mobile phone business, the source said. So the Shinawatra family would be given a buyback option for the TV station, consumer-finance company and budget airline.

An investment banker in Singapore said SingTel was definitely interested in Shin but would have to weigh political fall-out from the takeover.

He said it was unlikely the Shinawatra family would completely let go of AIS, which has been a big money-spinner.

“If they’re still in politics, they should have a cash-cow company to help raise funds for politics,” he added.

KatoeyLover69

13-01-2006, 09:13 AM

Report from The Nation dated Friday 13 January 2006 :-

Toyota aims for even bigger share in Thailand

Toyota expects its share of the Thai automobile market to grow further and exceed 40 per cent this year, despite its own forecast that the total market will grow by only 5 per cent. Toyota’s market growth forecast of only 5 per cent would give 2006 the lowest annual growth in the local automobile industry for more than five years.

However, Toyota Motor Thailand president Ryoichi Sasaki said the forecast was a conservative one and it was natural that growth would fall to a reasonable level as the industry completed its recovery from the 1997 economic crisis.

Riding on the recovery of the Thai auto market, Toyota, under Sasaki’s leadership, has increased its market share from between 27 per cent and 28 per cent six years ago to about 35 per cent in 2004, and again to a surprising 39.5 per cent last year.

Speaking to reporters at the opening of Toyota’s Bt200 million “edutainment centre” in Siam Square yesterday, Sasaki said the company aimed to improve its market share to 40 per cent with the launching of more new autos this year.

“My short-term target for market share is 40 per cent, but how much more we can improve it beyond that, I don’t know,” he said. “Forty per cent, by itself, is very high – one of the highest [auto market shares] in the world. In Japan, excluding the mini-car segment, our market share is 30 per cent. If sales of Daihatsu and Hino are included, our market share there might be 40 per cent.

“I’m very proud and happy,” he added.

Sasaki said the Thai automobile market had fully recovered from the financial crisis and, from now on, annual growth would be a steady 5-10 per cent.

Last year was the first in 23 years that Toyota had achieved leadership in both the commercial vehicle and passenger-car segments in Thailand, as well as becoming the country’s biggest automobile exporter – thanks to its IMV (innovative multi-purpose vehicles) project, which commenced last year, spawning the popular Vigo and Fortuner models.

The Kingdom’s biggest auto-maker has predicted that the local market will grow by only 5 per cent this year, reaching 735,000 units.

Because of several new products that car companies plan to launch this year, Toyota projects the passenger-car segment will grow by 13.8 per cent, after suffering a 12.7-per-cent drop last year. On the other hand, it believes the pickup segment, which grew by more than 30 per cent last year, will expand by only 0.2 per cent in 2006.

Toyota expects to sell a total of 295,000 units this year, up 6 per cent from 2005. The company aims to sell 106,000 passenger cars for a market share of 49.5 per cent, and 180,000 pickups for a share of 38.2 per cent. The rest will be non-pickup commercial vehicles.

Sasaki said the pickup truck market had grown much faster than anyone expected last year and its share of the total automobile market now exceeds 60 per cent.

With regard to exports, Toyota expects to sell 230,000 vehicles in overseas markets this year, up by more than 51 per cent over 2005. Their value will be Bt99 billion. The figure excludes the export of original equipment manufacture and service parts, which the company expects will be worth Bt53 billion, up 15 per cent from last year.

This year, the company plans to produce a total of 510,000 vehicles, up 23 per cent over last year, retaining its leadership in both export and domestic sales.

Pichaya Changsorn
The Nation

KatoeyLover69

13-01-2006, 09:19 AM

Report from The Nation dated Friday 13 January 2006 :-

Elusive contractor breaks her silence

The elusive woman behind the company that won the lucrative ground-services contract at Suvarnabhumi Airport has broken her silence while allegations of questionable dealings surround her company.

Rawadi Jantawit, who owns 50,000 shares in Singapore-based Frobisher Pte Co Ltd, this week granted Nation Weekender an exclusive interview about her life and business dealings.

The weekly newsmagazine’s January 16 issue hits news-stands today.

Most of the interview involves Rawadi’s other business, Maxima Master Co Ltd, the licensed producer of Maxima in-built furniture, of which she is managing director.

Rawadi flatly refused to discuss Frobisher and granted the interview on the condition the subject would not be broached.

Through its 48.5-per-cent share in Thai Airport Ground Services Co (TAGS) , Frobisher will take charge of ground services at Bangkok’s new airport.

For its efforts TAGS will earn about Bt1 billion annually – thanks to a controversial concession that never went to public tender.

The Singapore firm is suspected of being linked with powerful Thai politicians.

Rawadi told Nation Weekender that she was born in Trang, the eldest of three siblings, and spent her childhood in Nakhon Si Thammarat. While in secondary school, she won a scholarship to become an exchange student in the United States under the American Field Service (AFS) programme.

After returning to Thailand, she enrolled in Ramkhamhaeng University’s Faculty of Humanities and graduated within three academic years.

She described herself as a lively and outgoing person, but said her parents didn’t often allow her to go out alone when she was young. “They didn’t allow me to join school outings and they often accompanied me to cinemas,” she said, adding however, that her parents always welcomed her friends at home.

The businesswoman said she would retire after she had achieved what she set out to do with Maxima.

“Then I’ll go travelling with my nieces and nephews,” she said, adding that she had no children of her own.

KatoeyLover69

13-01-2006, 09:56 AM

Report from Bangkok Post dated Friday 13 January 2006 :-

Hail a high-tech taxi in Bangkok : Bangkok's 'green' taxis will soon have GPS navigation and electronic payment facilities

Most people don't really worry about which taxi they jump into, but soon they could be a bit more selective now that one company is giving its cabs a technology upgrade.

Suvarnabhumi Taxi Cooperative has invested over ten million baht in a GPS tracking system and other high tech equipment that will allow the company to know exactly where taxis are and also allow passengers to track a vehicle over the Internet.

Its taxis will also be able to accept credit card payments.

Suvarnabhumi Taxi Cooperative committee member Hudsadin Eamsherangkul said the GPS and communication system enabled its computer control centre to locate and trace every "Green" taxi of the cooperative, of which there are around 1,500 vehicles today.

Every taxi has a GPS module that sends a signal to a computer system at the taxi centre via the GPRS mobile network, explained Mr Hudsadin, who added that the computer centre could also remotely control some functions of the taxi in cases of emergency, such as turning on the emergency light or a siren.

The GPS system will be active in around 1,000 Green cabs this year and 500 more cabs in 2007, with a target that every Green cab will be GPS-enabled within three years.

In conjunction with the credit card reader there will also be a display terminal that will show passengers relevant information regarding their trip. The display terminal will also be put to use this year as an advertising medium and also showing passengers music videos, film trailers, and tourism spots.

The Cooperative has worked with media companies and department stores such as Central and the Mall on sales promotion campaigns.

The electronic taxi payment system provides more convenience for passengers to pay fares electronically by using credit cards. It also allows the cooperative and drivers to manage their non-cash fares.

The cooperative has worked with Kasikorn Bank, Visa and Mastercard implementing the electronic payment system, and would select one of three companies - Ingenico, Embes, and HyperCom - to install the system.

A pilot project was run at the end of 2005 and the service will be available early this year.

The new system starts from the time the driver commences his shift. They start the shift by logging on to the network via a PIN pad. Whenever there is a card transaction, the driver swipes the card with the PIN pad and enters the fare for the trip. The system then computes other charges such as administration fees and communicates with the bank's host for online authorisation and prints the receipt upon approval.

At the end of the shift, the driver logs-off and prints the end-of-shift totals to collect money from the depot, off-set with the rental of the car for the day.

With an e-payment system, the drivers need not hold a lot of money, while passengers get more convenience. The cooperative handles the system and administration.

The digital mapping, vehicle tracking & monitoring, and the calling system was handled by Mappoint Asia, while the radio centre was run by Hova International.

Hova has over 20 years of experience in taxi service and radio centres, pointed out Decho Eamsherangkul, the president of the Suvarnabhumi Taxi Cooperative.

The cooperative received its licence in July 2002 and so far has around 2,500 members and 1,500 taxis.

Members pay a fee of 200 baht a year and 100 baht a month for service administration, while each member holds 500 shares in the cooperative, a value of 5,000 baht.

"Suvarnabhumi Taxi was born to be different and we position the Green cab as an alternative for taxi passengers," the president said.

He pointed out that all data is recorded at the centre, which also keeps driver records in a computer database, providing a higher level of security for passengers. There are more than 25 Green taxi service stops throughout Bangkok at various hotels, department stores and hospitals, with the number to increase to 40 by the end of the year.

"You will notice that every Green cab has covered seats with white cloth, which we do to make our service look professional. But passengers pay a normal fare, with no extra charges," the president said.

The GPS equipment for each vehicle costs around 10,000 baht, but the co-operative didn't install it to make a profit, but rather to improve quality and safety for passengers.

Besides adding hi-tech gear, the Cooperative has also held training for members in areas such as English language, first aid and self-protection. The drivers were given English classes and passenger service tips by the Non-Formal Education Office.

In case of an emergency, the drivers have take a first aid course provided by Phyathai 1 Hospital.

At the Suvarnabhumi Taxi call centre there are three teams of staff that work with the digital map 24-hours a day. The call centre will receive jobs and distribute them within a 100 kilometre area around Bangkok and suburbs.

The cooperative is now in the process of testing a vehicle location system that will allow a passenger's friends and family to track the location of a cab over the Internet. The service is expected to be launched this year.

taurus75

13-01-2006, 12:01 PM

Thai pair admit murdering Katherine

Two Thai fishermen arrested for the rape and premeditated murder of a British tourist earlier this month on the southern resort island of Koh Samui have pleaded guilty in court to both charges.

Bualoi Posit, 23, and Wichai Somkhaoyai, 24, were charged by police with carrying out a brutal New Year's Day attack on Katherine Horton, a 21-year-old student from Cardiff, whose body was found floating in the Gulf of Thailand on January 2.

The two men nodded affirmatively in turn when asked by a judge at the provincial court of Surat Thani, 330 miles south-west of Bangkok, whether they were guilty of the charges.

Wichai's lawyer, Promphatchara Namuang, confirmed both men pleaded guilty, and said that a hearing to determine their punishment would begin on Friday, and probably last just one day.

The murder charge carries a maximum sentence of death.

However, Thai courts usually reduce such sentences to life imprisonment or less in cases where defendants plead guilty.

singrakthai

13-01-2006, 12:07 PM

However, Thai courts usually reduce such sentences to life imprisonment or less in cases where defendants plead guilty.
Bad luck for these 2 fishermen... cos PM Thaksin himself calls for Death Sentence for these 2 men.
Well, but if those 2 men really did what the newspapers reported them doing... raping, killing, and then boasting to their friends about raping, then they really deserve death...
cheers

U-Need

13-01-2006, 12:13 PM

445 words
16 January 2006
English
(c) 2006 Thai News Service

Section: Business News - The Nation - PTTEP unit finds crude oil,natural-gas deposits in Algeria.

PTT Exploration and Production Plc announced yesterday that it had discovered natural gas and crude oil deposits at an onshore field in Algeria.

PTTEP said its unit, PTTEP Algeria Co, has discovered oil and gas at blocks 433a and 416b in the Bir Seba field.

PTTEP Algeria owns a 35-per-cent stake in the blocks. PetroVietnam Investment and Development Co holds 40 per cent and Algeria's national oil company, Sonatrach, the remaining 25 per cent.

The discovery is expected to yield a daily maximum flow of 5,100 barrels of crude oil and 4.8 million cubic feet of natural gas. - The Nation.

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THAI airways: Code-share agreement with Gulf

National carrier Thai Airways International yesterday signed a code-sharing agreement with Bahrain-based Gulf Air.

The pact covers flights from Bangkok to Bahrain and Muscat, the capital of Oman, and allows Gulf Air to code share on Thai flights from Bangkok to Phuket and Chiang Mai.

Gulf Air operates daily Bahrain-Bangkok flights and four flights from the Thai capital to Muscat. The Middle Eastern airline is owned by Bahrain, Oman, and Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates.

In a separate development, the Finance Ministry said it would issue euro commercial paper worth US$141 million (Bt5.6 billion) for THAI to borrow to refinance its Samurai bond that is due in March. - Agence France-Presse, The Nation.

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New name: TOCC now Aditya Birla Chemicals

Aditya Birla Chemicals (Thailand) Ltd became the new name of Thai Organic Chemicals Co Ltd (TOCC) on January 1.

In addition to local sales, the company exports about 35 per cent of its output to 44 countries.

The chemical business is carried out through five legal entities: Thai Organic Chemicals (TOCC), Thai Epoxy and Allied Products, Thai Sulphites and Chemicals, Thai Polyphosphate and Chemicals and Thai Peroxide. During 2005, the group merged all these companies (except Thai Peroxide Company Ltd, a joint venture with FMC Corp, US) into TOCC. - The Nation.

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OTOP: Tesco Lotus sales reach Bt200m

More than Bt12 million was taken by vendors of One Tambon One Product crafts in the 10-day fair held from December 16-25, bringing cumulative Otop sales through Tesco Lotus outlets to Bt200 million.

Tesco Lotus chairman Sunthorn Arunanondchai said it was a win-win situation for both customers and Otop vendors and an example of how Tesco Lotus supports local communities.

He added that the company would continue its support of Otop fairs this year and expected to hold 12 nationwide in the first quarter.

U-Need

13-01-2006, 12:15 PM

245 words
16 January 2006
English
(c) 2006 Thai News Service

Section: Business News - Tell officials sugar costs hitting them hard, The Nation reports.

The local sugar shortage and rising expenses have prompted many food manufacturers and related industries to approach the Internal Trade Department for approval to increase retail prices.

Items whose producers have proposed price increases include condensed milk, soda beverages, concentrated soft-drink syrup, canned fruits and some chemicals that use sugar as a raw material.

Siripol Yodmunagcharoen, director-general of the department, said yesterday that many firms making products under its price control measures were prepared to increase retail prices.

However, the department has to consider their real production costs and whether they have actually been affected by the sugar problems.

The department has not yet allowed those goods to increase retail prices. We have to control the price of some goods, not only to curb inflation but also to alleviate consumers' cost of living, he said, adding that the department has asked for cooperation from consumer-goods suppliers to maintain prices.

Siripol added that manufacturers and suppliers who want to increase the retail price of goods needed to submit both production costs and a balance sheet for their operations over the past two years. This information will be used to determine whether to approve a price hike.

The Commerce Ministry has forecast that inflation should not exceed 4.5 per cent this year.

U-Need

13-01-2006, 12:19 PM

241 words
16 January 2006
English
(c) 2006 Thai News Service

Section: General News - Thousands of free-trade protesters yesterday retreated after declaring an initial victory, claiming their two days of rallying had raised public awareness about the threat the Thai-US trade pact poses to Thailand, The Nation reports.

After a clash between police and some 500 protesters at Chiang Mai's Sheraton Hotel on Tuesday, the government decided to shift the talks to the Northern Heritage Resort, about 20 kilometres from the hotel. Though the talks have continued at the new venue, Kamol Upakaew, leader of the People Living with HIV/Aids Network, claimed the change of the venue was evidence that trade negotiators had realised the power of people.

However, Deputy Public Health Minister Anuthin Charnveerakul, who attended the negotiations on Intellectual Property Rights yesterday, said the talks were shifted because the government was concerned about the safety of the delegates and wanted to continue the talks in a friendly atmosphere.

Saree Ong-somwang, secretary general of the Consumers Organisation, said the ongoing trade negotiations showed the government was too enthusiastic about the talks, even though they had already lost legitimacy. However, Saree said the FTA Watch Group was satisfied with the media coverage about the possible impacts of the Thai-US FTA.

Although, we couldn't stop the talks, we think more peopleare concerned now and will join us next time, she said.

U-Need

13-01-2006, 12:28 PM

555 words
16 January 2006
English
(c) 2006 Thai News Service

Section: Government and Politics - Being Thaksin's brother-in-law has meant others get transferred instead, The Nation reports.

The Labour Ministry permanent secretary position seems to be the best one for the prime minister's brother-in-law Somchai Wongsawat.

The Cabinet on Tuesday approved the appointment of two top officials: Somchai swapped his position as permanent secretary of the Justice Ministry with Charu-pong Ruangsuwan, the Labour Ministry's permanent secretary.

The transfer drew attention because Somchai is Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra's brother-in-law. It was clear that the swap was made because the government had to find the most suitable position for Thaksin's brother-in-law. Somchai had served six years in the post, which comprised a full four-year term and a maximum of two 12-month extensions.

At first, there were discussions about how to extend Somchai's term in the Justice Ministry, as the 58-year-old has two years left before he retires.

Deputy Prime Minister Wissa-nu Krea-ngam suggested Somchai could stay in his position if the government amended the law.

But Thaksin did not dare face the criticism that would inevitably fly his way if he were to amend the law to favour a relative. Instead he took the easy way out and transferred Somchai to another position.

During his six years at the Justice Ministry, Somchai watched four people serve in the position of minister. The reason for each change was the same: a conflict between the minister and Somchai. And each time, it was the minister who was ousted, not the permanent secretary.

In Thai politics, conflicts between politicians and ministry officials usually end in the transfer of the official. So it was clear just how much clout Somchai has as the PM's brother-in-law.

Four former justice ministers - Purachai Piumsombun, Suwat Liptapanlop, Pongthep Thepkanjana and Chaturon Chaisang - circulated through the Justice Ministry's revolving door because of disputes with Somchai.

So why did Thaksin place Somchai at the Labour Ministry?

The main reason is that Labour Minister Somsak Thepsuthin is close to Somchai's wife, Yaowapa Wongsawat.

Yaowapa is leader of the Thai Rak Thai Party's Wang Bua Ban faction. Somsak used to be a member of the faction before he defected and founded his own Wang Nam Yom faction.

However, Yaowapa always attends Wang Nam Yom meetings at Somsak's house. It is a badly kept secret that Wang Bua Ban and Wang Nam Yom are one and the same.

The relationship between Somsak and Yaowapa is quite good, so this position [Labour Ministry permanent secretary] is very suitable for her husband, said a source close to Somsak.

The source added that if Somchai had been moved to another big ministry, such as Public Health or Agriculture, it might have created conflicts. Yaowapa does not have a good relationship with Public Health Minister Pinij Charusombat or Agriculture Minister Sudarat Keyuraphan.

However, Somchai might only stay in his new post temporarily, before being promoted to permanent secretary in the Office of the Prime Minister, which is a more important post in the upcoming bureaucratic reform. Or he could return to the Justice Ministry after Charupong's retirement in October.

U-Need

13-01-2006, 12:30 PM

UK Daily News 14:50pm 12th January 2006

Two men arrested for raping and murdering a Welsh backpacker may have been responsible for another sex attack on a UK tourist, it emerged today.
The Bangkok Post is reporting that Bualoi Posit, 23, and Wichai Somkhaoyai, 24, are being linked to the rape of a British tourist last October.

The two men appeared in court in Thailand today and pleaded guilty to raping and murdering 21-year-old Katherine Horton of Cardiff.

Police Major-General Santhan Chayanond, deputy chief of Provincial Police Bureau 8, told the paper he has ordered local police to check for any link between the two defendants and the unsolved rape which occurred during the early hours of October 20.

A spokesman for the Royal Thai Police said that Somkhaoyai this week confessed to raping women in the past despite never being prosecuted.

The spokesman said: "He told police that he had raped many times before."

On the day Miss Horton's inquest was opened and adjourned in Cardiff today, a memorial service attended by locals, tourists and Buddhist monks was held near to her body was found on Lamai Bay on January 2.

During the 30-minute ceremony, flowers were laid on the ground while eight monks chanted and prayed for the soul of Miss Horton.

Varakorn Rattanarak, head of the Samui municipal council, told local media: "We wanted to do something good to show that we have not ignored her plight.

"All Samui residents regret what has happened to her and her family."

He added: "The alleged perpetrators are not island residents. We're doing what we are able to do to help."

U-Need

13-01-2006, 12:34 PM

325 words
13 January 2006
Bangkok Post
English
(c) 2006

Thai Post Editorial - A group of senators and elected representatives has called for amendments to the 1997 Constitution. Although their calls were motivated by self-interest, many people agree that certain sections of the charter should be changed.

In this respect, we urge the government to allow people from all walks of life to voice their opinions. Any changes should be based on the voice of the majority.

A rebellious faction in the ruling Thai Rak Thai party (TRT) is against Section 107 of the Constitution, which states that an election candidate must be a political party member for at least 90 days.

The TRT rebels say they want to leave the party, but are afraid that their departure might prompt Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra to dissolve the House of Representatives and call a snap election. The rebels will not have time to join a new party and, therefore, cannot run in the election. This is an unlikely scenario. We don't think the prime minister will dissolve the House simply to punish a small group of defectors. In fact, Section 107 was written to prevent MPs from switching parties so easily. In the past, rebellious MPs were paid to move to new parties, causing coalition governments to collapse. A strong government is good. But an effective checks-and-balance system must be in place to prevent the prime minister from abusing his authority. Right now, two-fifths of all elected representatives are needed to submit a censure motion against the prime minister. If the number is reduced to one-fifth, the elected representatives will have more clout to keep the prime minister in check.

Critics also want to change the selection procedure for members of independent organisations, which they claim are under political influence. To address these concerns, Prime Minister Thaksin may set up a committee comprising neutral and respected persons to consider amending the Constitution.

U-Need

13-01-2006, 12:37 PM

Jan 12 2006
By Sonia Sharma, The Evening Chronicle

Promoters fined for illegal fly-posting

Double trouble lay in store for a firm promoting gender-bender dance troupe the Lady Boys of Bangkok.

The Lady Boys were in the North East in September, wowing crowds in Times Square, Newcastle.

But in the run-up to their performance, posters were slapped on railings and walls in Newcastle and Gateshead to advertise the shows.

The promotion for the tour was carried out by Urban Circus Ltd, a subsidiary of Cheshire-based parent company, The Gandey Organisation Ltd.
And at Gateshead Magistrates' Court yesterday, the Gandey Organisation admitted 19 offences of displaying unauthorised adverts.

The firm was fined £100 for each offence and ordered to pay £600 costs - a total of £2,500. One of the company's directors, Phillip Briggs, 49, of Cheshire, appeared in court.

Then just hours later, JPs in Gosforth, Newcastle, hit the firm with a second court bill of £1,200 after Briggs pleaded guilty to six further offences.

Prosecutor Susan Scott said: "A total of 82 advertising posters were removed from sites within the borough. In most cases, once removed by officers, fresh advertising material was put in place in some locations overnight."

In mitigation, Vince Ward told the court that Urban Circus Ltd was in charge of organising the promotion of the tour but responsibilities of distributing posters were delegated to a local company.

He added: "That's not to seek to distance the company from the offences because the Gandey Organisation and ultimately the directors are responsible for that.

"Mr Briggs takes full responsibility that these posters were put up. He apologises for it."

Billed as "spectacular and flamboyant", the Lady Boys show has been packing them in at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival since 1999.

The 16-strong troupe has played to sell-out audiences in Brighton, Dublin, Glasgow and Manchester. Earlier last year the cast gave their first shows in Australia.

Briggs told the court the show is set to return to Tyneside in September after rave reviews last time round.

U-Need

13-01-2006, 12:45 PM

416 words
13 January 2006
Bangkok Post
English
(c) 2006

SRIWIPA SIRIPUNYAWIT

Ten Thai businesswomen who have reached the pinnacles of their careers have been shortlisted as potential candidates for the upcoming 2006 Leading Women Entrepreneurs of the World (LWEW) awards, according to the event organiser.

The LWEW awards from March 19-23 will be the first to be staged in Thailand and in Asia.

The candidates from Thailand will be decided by the Star Group, a panel of judges responsible for organising the 10th LWEW in Bangkok.

Most of the candidates are from the retail business, real estate development and direct sales. They include scions of well-known business families such as Chadatip Chutrakul of Siam Paragon Development, Nalinee Paiboon of Giffarine Skyline Unity, and Patama Leeswadtrakul of G Steel Plc. Other nominees are Pannin Kitiparaporn of Ratchada Niramit, Patra Sila-on of S&P Syndicate Plc, Yuwadee Bhicharnchitr of Central Development Store Ltd, and Khunying Sasima Srivikorn of Golden Land.

Completing the list are Sirina Chokwatana Pavarolarvidya of Boutique Newcity Plc, Supaluck Umpujh of Siam Paragon Development and Araya Arunanondchai of Ratchaburi Sugar Company.

The criteria of the candidates include ownership or at least a 50% stake in a business, or as head of a non-profit organisation. Sales of the business should exceed US$20-25 million for candidates from developed countries and $5 million for candidates from developing ones. The candidates should be well recognised and have social responsibilities as well.

Last year the LWEW awards had 20 global winners, of whom two were from Thailand: Pranee Pha-oenchoke of Thai Rung Union Car Plc and Supaphan Pichai-ronarongsongkram of Chao Phraya Ferry.

"I am proud to be included among this talented group of businesswomen. I'm confident that every candidate was chosen due to their hard work and devotion," Ms Supaluck said.

An elated Mrs Sirina said that she had never anticipated such an honour because she was raised amid strict Chinese values where women were not given an important role in family businesses. "This success comes from the teachings of my father originally meant for my brothers which I took to heart since I was a child. I developed my own management and accounting systems which were honed from years of experience."

S&P Syndicate's Mrs Patra revealed her success tips for a successful business, "No matter what business it is, you must have integrity and honesty in order to succeed."

U-Need

13-01-2006, 02:42 PM

UDN news 13 Jan 2006

The Police are looking for the mother of a buried baby's body in Phuket

1具初生男嬰屍被掩埋在普吉府石橋尾觀景亭附近，嬰屍被野狗自土坑中拖出來才被發現。

屍體已有部份被啃咬掉，推測可能已被掩埋了兩天，因已開始發出臭味。警推測可能因產後夭折或被狠心母親墮胎。警正尋找死者的母親，以查明真相。

普吉府直轄縣警署前天上午8.45時接報，在直轄縣石橋尾觀景亭附近，發現1具初生男嬰屍，據報即率員前往調查。

肇事地點距國家報災警報台約100米處。嬰屍是被野狗自土坑中拖出來，腦袋與身體有些部份已被啃咬掉。推測可能已被掩埋了兩天，因已開始發出臭味，而且渾身發青。推測可能於出生時便告夭折，被其父母掩埋掉，或者是狠毒母親墮胎。

警已保留嬰屍的衣物，以便尋找死者的母親，以查明真相。

U-Need

13-01-2006, 04:10 PM

CNA Time is GMT + 8 hours
Posted: 13 January 2006 1522 hrs

BANGKOK : Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra said on Friday a missing Muslim human rights lawyer had been killed by government officials, in a case that has drawn international concern.

Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra said at least four officials were involved in the murder of Somchai Neelapaijit, who went missing in Bangkok in March 2004. He said prosecutors would file a new case, possibly next month.

"I know that Somchai is dead, and more than four government officials were involved, but witnesses and evidence are still being collected," Thaksin told reporters.

He said Thailand's Department of Special Investigations was working on the case and that murder charges were being considered.

"Circumstantial evidence confirmed that he's dead. But this case is not easy at all, and because it involves government officials, it's very difficult to find evidence and witnesses," he said.

Thaksin's comments, the first time he has publicly accepted Somchai was murdered, come one day after a police officer was convicted and sentenced to three years in prison over the lawyer's disappearance.

Four others were cleared of all charges by a criminal court.

Thaksin did not say if new charges would be filed against the same group or against other government officials.

But he said murder charges had not been filed against the five because investigators have yet to find Somchai's body.

Somchai had publicly accused police of torturing four of his clients while in custody.

The clients, all Muslim men, were accused of belonging to regional terror group Jemaah Islamiyah but were acquitted in June 2005.

His disappearance, and the failure of police to explain the case, is frequently cited as one of the grievances against the Bangkok government in southern Thailand, where more than 1,000 people have been killed in two years of unrest blamed on Islamic separatists, organised crime and corruption.

Major Ngern Thongsuk was convicted of coercion for forcing Somchai into a car the night he disappeared, but his light sentence drew quick condemnation from Somchai's family as well as rights groups.

"Instead of resolving the 'disappearance' of Somchai, the trial of five police officers has ended with his fate and whereabouts unclarified," said Catherine Baber, deputy Asia director at Amnesty International.

"The authorities must act to clarify these questions and ensure all suspected perpetrators of his 'disappearance' are brought to justice." - AFP/de

KatoeyLover69

14-01-2006, 01:15 PM

Report from The Nation dated Saturday 14 January 2006 :-

Thai teens still fall short of healthy height

Sixteen-year-old Thais are still several centimetres shorter than the World Health Organisation (WHO) recommended height for that age.

Deputy Prime Minister Suchai Charoenratanakul, chairman of the Thai Health Promotion Foundation, said yesterday that according to the WHO a healthy height for a 16-year-old boy was 1.735 metres, while a girl of the same age should be 1.625m tall.

“But on average Thai boys are between 7.5cm and 11cm shorter than that, and Thai girls are about 5.5cm and 6.5cm shorter,” he said.

He said one reason for this height discrepancy was a lack of calcium consumption. A survey by the Public Health Ministry showed that Thais on average consumed only about half of the calcium that their bodies required. Calcium, which is available in milk, encourages bone growth.

A survey by the Livestock Development Department showed that Thais consumed only 12.03 litres of milk a year on average.

“A lack of calcium can lead to bone degeneration or osteoporosis,” Suchai said.

Thai consumption of milk is a far cry from that of Americans, who drink about 92 litres a year, and Australians, who consume about 202 litres. In Asia, Japanese drink 39 litres per year on average.

Suchai said the information had prompted Thai Health, the Agriculture Department and the Public Health Department to launch a campaign to promote milk consumption, called “Nurturing True Love with 100 per cent Pure Milk”.

“We hope to boost milk consumption among Thais to 34 litres a year,” he said.

Suchai also called on organisers of Children’s Day activities to serve milk instead of carbonated beverages.

KatoeyLover69

14-01-2006, 01:19 PM

Report from The Nation dated Saturday 14 January 2006 :-

Rape, murder verdict due on Wednesday

A Surat Thani Court will on Wednesday pronounce its verdict on two fishermen charged with the brutal rape and murder of a British tourist on Koh Samui, the judge said yesterday.

The accused, Bualoy Phothisith, 23, and Wichai Somkhaoyai, 24, pleaded guilty on Thursday to raping and killing 21-year-old Katherine Horton, a student from Wales, who was vacationing in Samui with a girlfriend over the New Year.

After hearing from eight prosecution witnesses, who included a policeman, two of the accused’s co-workers, forensic experts from Bangkok and a doctor, Judge Chamnong Sutchaimai said he would announce the verdict on Wednesday.

The defence did not call witnesses.

Prosecutors had initially planned to field 11 witnesses to testify but later decided that eight would suffice.

Maj-General Santan Chayanont, who headed the investigation, was the first witness to take the stand.

His testimony lasted four hours as he gave details of how police had found Horton’s body in Lamai Bay on January 2 and traced and arrested the fishermen on January 8.

Bualoy and Wichai were arrested after sailors told police that the duo had gone ashore on the day of he crime and later told them they had raped a foreigner and dumped her body in the sea, police said.

The suspects told police earlier this week they had been drinking and watching pornographic films on their boat before swimming to shore and attacking Horton.

Santan said Horton had been walking alone on the beach and speaking with her mother on her cellphone when her attackers struck.

Wichai admitted he had beaten Horton several times with an umbrella before they raped her and threw her body in the sea.

Test results confirmed the DNA samples found on Horton linked Bualoy and Wichai to the rape and murder, police said.

Police cancelled the re-enactment of the crime out of fear the fishermen would be attacked by the crowd.

Many foreign and Thai reporters observed the trial hearing yesterday, but the court did not allow them to record the testimony, saying it had not yet made its ruling.

The two defendants, wearing prison uniforms and shackles, appeared calm and showed no fear or remorse during the hearing.

The Nation
Surat Thani

KatoeyLover69

15-01-2006, 12:35 AM

Thought this might be interesting news to all.

PM SHUTS DOWN MORE THAN 800,000 OBSCENE WEBSITES

Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra has said that more than 800,000 websites deemed "inappropriate," will be shut down. He has warned website hosts not to allow any inappropriate messages or pictures to show on theirs websites.

The premier said that the bottom line is to eradicate obscene media which may mislead youths. He said that those who post inappropriate pictures or messages on the website will be seriosly punished.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 14 January 2006

Uncle TV,

Make sure that your Hatyai After Dark website does not contravene any of the guidelines laid down by PM Thaksin.

KatoeyLover69

15-01-2006, 12:45 PM

Report from Bangkok Post dated Sunday 15 January 2006 :-

Koh Samui tourist police reinforced

Surat Thani (TNA)
Police are adding another police station on Koh Samui off this southern province, aimed at providing better security, especially tourists, following the New Year's Day rape and murder of a Welsh student holidaying on the island, a senior police officer says.

Pol Maj Gen Sunthan Chayanond, Deputy Commissioner of Provincial Police Region 8, said Koh Samui still has insufficient numbers of police for the number of local residents and tourists on the island.

Because of the circumstances of the recent crime, police will coordinate with other agencies in logging details of all fishing trawlers and crew that frequent at prominent tourist islands, including Koh Samui, Koh Pangan and Koh Tao.

The plan to boost the number of police personnel comes after the corpse of 21-year-old Welsh student Katherine Horton was found on Jan 2 floating offshore near a Koh Samui tourist beach.

Police last Monday arrested two fishing trawler crewmen, Bualoi Phothisit, 23, of Ubon Ratchathani, and Wichai Somkhaoyai, 24, of nearby Nakhon Si Thammarat Province, both of whom confessed to the rape and murder.

According to investigators, DNA tests confirmed that both men had raped her. The verdict from their one-day trial are to be announced on Wednesday by the Surat Thani court.

KatoeyLover69

15-01-2006, 12:56 PM

Report from Bangkok Post dated Sunday 15 January 2006 :-

Stateless children beg for citizenship : Little 'faces without a state' seek a nationality

For children who belong to no country, being able to get Thai citizenship as a Children's Day present has been their ultimate dream.
Reading from a letter she wrote to Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra to state her Children's Day wish, Natthakan, a Mathayom Suksa 2 student at Sop Moei Vitayakom school in Mae Hong Son's Sop Moei district, summed up the emotion shared by countless other stateless children in the country.

"I'm one of the faces without a nationality. Mine is a body without a soul. I don't have a clue what my future holds," she said. "The gift I ask on this Children's Day only you have the power to give. It's in your hands and I'm at your mercy," the girl said, sobbing.

The gift is none other than the change of status from a stateless person to a Thai. The message, taken from her letter which was sent to Mr Thaksin, was read out loud at the start of a Children's Day celebration for stateless children at the centre for children and community networks development in Sop Moei district last week.

Natthakan continued in her letter: "I was deprived of opportunities, oppressed, threatened and taken advantage of. I have seen my rights violated and faced so many problems words fail me. Only those who have experienced the same hardships know how I really feel."

Natthakan'a parents hold a green hilltribe ID card issued in 1999 which entitles them to only a temporary stay in the country, and not Thai citizenship. The card must be renewed annually with the cabinet's approval.

Natthakan was born in Thailand but it does not make her a Thai by birth.

There are about 150,000 stateless people in Mae Hong Son alone, Deputy Governor Sitthichai Prasertsri said.

Emerging from a three-hour cruise up the Salween river from the Samlab village next to where Miss Natthakan lives is a tiny village called Ban Mae Di. She said the village is home to 19 households and 86 Karen people in Mae Sariang district.

Ban Mae Di means "village off the map" because the settlement on the Thai side of the Salween river does not exist anywhere in the state database.

The areas along both sides of the Salween river have long been home to the Karen, said village chief Ta-gla, 55.

For the past 18 years, no population survey has ever been conducted there. The village is not even listed on the domicile registration system.

No villager holds any citizenship document, let alone a household registration.

There is no school either as the location is too remote. Locals have to send their children to a nearby refugee camp for their education.

"I wanted to study here at Ban Mae Di so I could be with my family," said Naw Brutu, 15, Ta-gla's daughter, a Mathayom Suksa 1 student. "I wanted to learn Thai. Only English, Karen and Burmese are taught at the camp," she said.

In Meeda Nawanat's case, luck was on her side. After finishing high school, the girl from Sop Moei district got a scholarship from Payap University to pursue undergraduate studies in law.

But her statelessness will prevent her from qualifying as a judge or serving as a public prosecutor. But with a law degree she feels she will at least be able to help other stateless people in legal matters.

"Though stateless, we should not lose hope. There are always people looking over our shoulders to lend us a helping hand," she said.

KatoeyLover69

16-01-2006, 10:36 AM

Report from Bangkok Post dated Monday 16 January 2006 :-

Traditional Chinese-language schools bracing for tough times : Old-style schools gird for competition against trendy mall outlets, overseas courses

Story by Sirikul Bunnag

Traditional Chinese-language schools well known for grooming Thailand's top businessmen are bracing for tough times ahead.

These days, many parents prefer to send their children to more "modern" language schools in shopping malls, or to take language courses during the summer holidays in China.

Nongluck Dejdamkerngchai, head teacher of Peiing School, a 91-year-old Chinese-language school in Chinatown, said the school's popularity has paled in comparison with trendy Chinese-language centres in department stores, or multi-language international schools.

Chinese classes are also more widespread, taught at many primary and secondary schools.

Mrs Nongluck said in the past 30 years, the school has enrolled as many as 1,000 students a year, from kindergarten to Pathom 6. Often, the numbers of students at kindergarten and Pathom 1 levels exceeded the school's quota, and lots had to be drawn.

These days, the school teaches 500 students a year while kindergarten and primary students no longer compete for limited seats.

Mrs Nongluck said most students come from average Chinese business families living in Chinatown.

"However, many parents don't choose our school. Sometimes, they just call to ask for some tips on Chinese studies or come over just to buy Chinese textbooks. They seem to favour the conventional school system while language centres offering crash courses in Chinese are also popular.

"Traditional Chinese schools are now considered old-fashioned and outdated," she said.

Mrs Nongluck looks on the bright side.

"We are more concerned here about the quality of education.

"We look for news to improve on quality. We import Chinese textbooks direct from China, and have introduced computer courses. We have put on a Chinese cultural exhibition. Each year, teachers get the chance to improve Chinese language skills with native speakers," she said.

Nam Aromsook, head teacher of Kwang Chao Chinese School, said students now have more options for study, so numbers at traditional Chinese schools are dropping.

"We have to adjust to survive. Apart from the conventional curriculum with an emphasis on Chinese language, we have also set up a language centre to provide the public with a 30-hour course on basic Chinese language skills," he said.

Natthanant Chutimajirattikorn, 12, a Pathom 6 student at Peiing School, said she studies there because it is close to home. She has learned Chinese at the school since she was young.

"Now I think I am more knowledgeable than students from other schools," she said.

Viriya Ngam-rangsima, 12, a Pathom 3 student from the same school, said Chinese speakers are in growing demand in the job market as several major Thai companies have invested in China. Some are joint ventures with Chinese investors in Thailand.

Thaniya Liangchaichoke, 9, a student at Peiing School, said Chinese families prefer to send their offspring to study in Chinese schools so their children will master the tongue and use that knowledge to do business. But children in Chinatown are more inclined towards conventional schools which offer a wider range of courses.

Vanida Cheewaphantusi, 45, said the children of well-off families go to China to study during the summer holidays.

She said the multi-language schools are organised better, and have more modern equipment.

"Students at multi-language schools have proven to be more fluent in many fields of study. They can also express themselves in both Chinese and English with greater confidence," Mrs Vanida said.

KatoeyLover69

16-01-2006, 10:43 AM

Report from Bangkok Post dated Monday 16 January 2006 :-

Education Ministry pushes Chinese language

Story by Sirikul Bunnag

The Education Ministry has signed an agreement with China to promote the study of the Chinese language, which is expected to be fully integrated into the education system by 2011.

Potjana Wongtrakul, inspector-general of the Education Ministry, said the ministry had developed a five-year plan beginning this year to promote the study of Chinese. It is hoped about 500,000 high school students, 170,000 students from vocational institutes and 400,000 university undergraduates will achieve an acceptable standard of proficiency. This represents about 20%of students, respectively, from each group.

The plan also aims to encourage members of the workforce to learn the language as it could prove a useful communication medium and boost career prospects.

Local businessmen, however, say Thailand is years behind other Asian countries in promoting Chinese language learning.

Mrs Potjana was speaking at a seminar on Friday on the promotion of Chinese studies. She said a national panel would implement the plan, which would include people from the public and private sectors and Chinese language experts.

Centres promoting the study of Chinese would open in Bangkok and other parts of the country. Study and assessments would be strictly controlled.

Research would be carried out in collaboration with educational institutions in China, which would include a curriculum developed with the latest learning formats, educational media and technology.

The abilities of lecturers would be evaluated in line with China's standard appraisal of language proficiency. An online curriculum database and language centre would also be made available to the teachers.

An agreement was signed at the seminar between the Education Ministry and Hanban, China's national language institute, to develop the teaching of Chinese. Zhang Xinsheng, China's deputy education minister, witnessed the signing ceremony.

Under the agreement, Hanban will help set the criteria in selecting schools to experiment with its newly-developed textbooks. The copyright on its Thai-language textbook, Happy Chinese, would be transferred to the Education Ministry for use in schools.

Hanban and the Education Ministry would hold an intensive three-month training course, which would reach 1,000 local teachers of Chinese. Participants would spend two months in China, with the remainder of the course being carried out locally.

The institute would also provide 100 scholarships a year to help young teachers further their studies up to bachelor degree level in China. A group of 500 volunteer teachers from China would be dispatched to help teach the language, beginning this year.

Mr Zhang said the country had introduced formal Chinese language learning rather late compared with Japan, South Korea and other countries.

There are about 20,000 Chinese language schools in Japan, 40,000 in South Korea and 10,000 in the United States.

"Although Thailand is relatively late in joining the scene, I'm confident the country has the vision required for developing Chinese language learning, which will help it catch up with other countries or even leapfrog them before long ," he said.

Kosak Chairasmisak, president of 7-Eleven Co, said language proficiency itself was not enough. Emphasis should also be placed on other aspects such as culture, beliefs and the value system of the Chinese people, he said.

"There are very few people with a deep understanding of the Chinese language. A lack of in-depth and all-round knowledge could hinder investment and competitiveness.

"Chinese language study here is lagging behind neighbouring countries in the region." he said.

U-Need

16-01-2006, 10:46 AM

Prachachart Thurakij, January 12-15, 2006

There are internal conflicts between Mr. Khiri Kanchanaphak (the owner of BTS) and Mr. Kasem jatikawanit (the Head of BTS Board) on many issues such as

1) The ways to run the company
2) The selling of BTS stock to the government - Mr. Khiri is willing to sell BTS stock at 5 baht/share - well below the par price of 10 baht/share as the way to get a long term deal with the connection for other routes. This is instead of 15 baht/share according Mr. Kasem's plan to extract the most from the government's coffer. This plan is due to the fact that Mr. Kasem is a staunch supporter of the Democrats, so animosity toward the TRT government is not a surprise at all.
3) The debt restructure plans. The old plan proposed by Mr. Khiri has folded since the creditors refuse to approve the debt restructure deal despite the approval from both shareholders and the BTS Board. Therefore, creditors have sold debts of BTS to the following companies as the sign of disapproval of the BTS debt restructure plan:
3.1) SCB sold 6 billion baht of BTS debts to a subsidiary of ADB
3.2) KfW sold 34 billion baht of BTS debts to Deutsche Bank
3.3) IFCT has sold 2.68 billion baht of BTS debts to contractors from the U.S.
This effectively forces BTS to go back to square one for debt restructure.
Mr. Khiri is satisfied with the new creditors who purchase BTS debt, but Mr. Kasem is urging Mr. Khiri to come up with a new debt restructure plan so as to offer an IPO for the Samrong extension which needs a 5-6 billion baht investment.
The current debts of BTS are 39 billion baht--33 billion baht in principle and 6.3 billion baht in outstanding interest.
30% of BTS debt is in baht denomination while the other 70% is in US dollar denomination.
The new plan is to:
1) Write off the debt by 8.5 billion baht - 6.3 billion baht in outstanding interest and 2.2 billion baht in principle.
2) Convert 4.3 billion baht debts into equity.
3) Convert 12 billion baht debt into bonds redeemable in 18 years.
4) The rest of the debts (14 billion baht) will be paid all in 18 years instead of 12 years.
This would compel BTS to cut down the par price of the share from 10 baht/share to 5 baht/share and the allocation of stocks will be as follows:
1) BTS would own 42.1% instead of 58% of shares
2) The creditors with insured equity would own 29.8% of shares
3) The creditor without insured equity would own 2.8% of shares
4) The rest would be an IPO
Mr. Khiree said he is going to handle the new debt restructure plan by himself. It would take 8 months to finish the new debt restructure plan since BTS gets 8-9 million baht revenue per day.
Note: TRT could exploit the conflicts between Mr. Khiree and Mr. Kasem (Super K), but the government has not done so since the plan to obstruct the Taksin extension backfired on the government.

KatoeyLover69

16-01-2006, 10:50 AM

Report from Bangkok Post dated Monday 16 January 2006 :-

Ancient Muslim sites in Ayutthaya falling into disrepair

By Anchalee Kongrut

Ayutthaya - A Muslim cultural expert has called on the government to pay more attention to historic sites of ancient Muslim communities in Ayutthaya that are falling into disrepair.

Teeranand Chuangpinit, director of Thon Buri Historical Information Centre, was referring to Chao Kun Takia Cemetery and Chao Kun Ku Cham Cemetery, the final resting place of noble Muslims of the Ayutthaya era, including a nephew of the powerful Sheikh Ahmad Qomi, the first lineage of the Bunnag family and the country's first Chularatchamontri who lived in the reign of King Narai.

Traditional buildings on the premises of Chao Kun Takia Mosque, more than 300 years old, are in disrepair. People can modify the buildings at will. Old and new architectural styles become confused.

Mr Teeranand said sites with great historic importance deserve better care from the Fine Arts Department.

"Just a few kilometres from a designated World Heritage site, these two historic places have never received money or expertise from the state conservation agency," he said.

"As a result, we lack important historic evidence belonging to local people with a different religious faith," said Mr Teeranand.

The Takia Mosque community is an early settlement of Muslim migrants who came from Persia during the reign of King Songtham of Ayutthaya. Some believe the Chao Kun Takia Cemetery was the burial ground of a respected Muslim Indian believed to have possessed supernatural power.

The Takia Mosque has become a popular destination for local and foreign Muslims. Buddhist Thais also visit the mosque to make a wish and, if the wish is granted, make merit such as releasing goats and chickens.

Chao Kun Ku Cham Cemetery is also in poor condition.

The burial ground of the fifth Chularatchamontri, the state counsellor on treasury and international trade, is set in an unadorned concrete house. "This looks much better compared to the past," said Mr Teeranand.

The burial ground was covered by a tin roof when he visited the area a decade ago.

The Cham canal, once a busy trade channel which local people used as a short cut to the Chao Phraya river, is clogged. The area around the Cham canal was originally a settlement of Cham, ethnic Muslims from Indochina based in Kampong Cham in Cambodia, who entered Thailand over four centuries ago.

Mr Teeranand said local history would soon disappear unless historians and the Fine Arts Department came to the rescue.

Pradit Kanjan, 67, member of Aliyinnuroy Mosque in Ayutthaya province, said local people wanted to preserve the sites but lacked expertise and money.

U-Need

16-01-2006, 10:52 AM

892 words
16 January 2006
Bangkok Post
English

PRADIT RUANGDIT PREEYANAT PHANAYANGGOOR

The anti-poverty reality show featuring Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra's visit to Roi Et has received poor reviews even before it goes on air today, with academics decrying it as a political TV drama which could split the country.

Renowned sociologist Thirayuth Boonmee said it was ironic that Mr Thaksin had lost touch with reality through his own reality programme, "Backstage Show: Prime Minister", which begins on UBC cable network today.

"The prime minister is making a personal soap opera out of politics, which is slipping into a serious crisis on so many fronts," Mr Thirayuth said.

Mr Thaksin will be on camera for many hours a day as he remains in At Samat district of Roi Et from today till Friday for workshops on eradication of poverty.

He likened the show to a traditional lakhon kae bon -- a form of merit-making in which a troupe of dancers or folk artists give a performance in front of a deity _ aimed at reversing the bad omens which have beset him.

The best setting for it would be in the confines of his own home with his cronies as cast, Mr Thirayuth said, slamming the live show as a waste of taxpayer money.

The prime minister should wake up to the myriad problems facing the country. The economy must be put right, and poverty still troubled most of the population. The bird flu scare had not gone away and the southern violence posed such grave concerns that Privy Council chairman Gen Prem Tinsulanonda and former prime minister Anand Panyarachun had to step into the peace-building process.

The Thammasat University academic predicted a crisis for the government this year.

"Solving the country's problems is not something to toy with. It certainly isn't a political fantasia," Mr Thirayuth said, comparing the At Samat show to the popular Academy Fantasia TV programme which searches for new stars.

The At Samat show, criticised as image dressing for Mr Thaksin, would preoccupy government officials and cabinet ministers with trivial tasks such as writing scripts and frying rice. They would not have time to attend to more urgent national issues.

Mr Thirayuth said his worry was that Mr Thaksin was using the show as an instrument to enlist political support from people upcountry to counter public discontent with him in Bangkok.

City folks were disenchanted by the numerous corruption allegations against Mr Thaksin's relatives and cronies and his trampling on the free press, Mr Thirayuth said. The prime minister needed a political cushion to fall back on and he was likely to visit the provinces more often this year.

He drew a parallel with some Latin American countries where the leaders' supporters in the provinces clash with city residents unhappy with a corrupt government.

The people would be divided, he said, pointing to the Friday night scuffles between supporters of media firebrand Sondhi Limthongkul, who is the prime minister's most vocal critic, and the anti-Sondhi group from the North, Mr Thaksin's home turf. "Mr Thaksin seems to have hit a dead end staying in Bangkok where he is hounded by critics. So he heads to the provinces to get people there to come to his side," Mr Thirayuth said.

The only "plus" he could think of about the At Samat show was that it may help raise local people's political awareness.

Government spokesman Surapong Suebwonglee insisted the show was neither a TV drama nor a tool to polarise the country. The government intended it to be a lesson for state officials nationwide to learn first-hand from the prime minister how to eradicate poverty.

The show's target groups were officials, not viewers at home, and so there would no broadcast of Mr Thaksin sleeping or taking a bath.

Mr Surapong said Mr Thaksin did not set out to divide the people. He wanted to lead by example through a demonstration of people-centred development.

Agriculture Minister Sudarat Keyuraphan said Mr Thaksin would listen to At Samat residents and local leaders and analyse their problems, particularly those relating to low farm prices.

"There will be no showering of gifts or waving of the magic wand," she said.

The latest Abac Poll found the majority of Bangkok residents had little interest in the show. While 29% of the respondents thought the show was not a good idea, 20% approved of it -- but 51% declined to comment at all.

The Northeastern Civic Coalition said the show was a publicity machine for Mr Thaksin and disregarded local wisdom.

Spokesman Vivatchai Timhin said local people knew best what was needed to improve their lives.

The government's populist policies were ruining local farmers' ability to be self-sufficient. The prime minister lacked any insight into the roots of poverty.

Suntree Sengking, chairman of the network of NGOs in the Northeast, said the populist policies forced poor people to rely more on the Thai Rak Thai party and only aggravated people's debt burdens.

The show would undermine the bureaucratic system, particularly agencies such as the Centre Against Poverty chaired by Gen Chavalit Yongchaiyudh.

If Mr Thaksin was sincere about tackling poverty, he should be brave enough to meet poor people from other districts.

U-Need

16-01-2006, 10:56 AM

By SUTIN WANNABOVORN, Associated Press Writer
Last Updated: January 15, 2006, 06:36:32 AM PST

THAM THA MAUK, Thailand (AP) - Severe floods that washed away homes, bridges and lives apparently have compensated hapless villagers in southern Thailand with a treasure - gold.
Hundreds of fortune-seekers armed with shovels and pans are flocking to the stream of Tham Tha Mauk village in search of the precious metal, which surfaced from stream banks after the deluge.

"The spirit of Tha Mauk (Grandfather Mauk) has given us worshippers a treasure to compensate for what we lost in the flooding," said 60-year-old Sangad Chankhaew as he flashed a broad smile after a buyer gave him $30 in cash for a gold nugget the size of a rice grain. Sangad found the nugget 30 minutes after starting his day of panning for gold.

He was among about 50 gold diggers on the banks of the Tha Mauk stream, scooping sand and mud into wooden pans and hopefully swishing them around in the water one recent morning.

November's flooding - the worst the area has seen in 40 years - caused landslides and the collapse of the stream's banks, exposing an area for gold digging.

"The gold is more plentiful than in the past years," said Sanguan, Sangad's older brother who goes by only one name. He said his family has made about $2,000 since they began panning after the water receded.

Sanguan's house was lightly damaged by the floods, and a part of his pineapple plantation was washed away.

The flooding swept away houses, roads and bridges in Prachuab Khiri Khan province's Bangsaphan district, 180 miles south of Bangkok, where the stream is located. Six people were killed in flash floods in Bangsaphan in November.

Gold diggers have offered flowers, incense and sweets to Tha Mauk's small spirit house, which was erected near the stream. Local folklore says that the spirit of Tha Mauk owns the gold-rich forest of the area and that he occasionally gives to worshippers from his stores.

Some gold buyers see their purchases here as his sacred gifts.

"This gold is a present from the holy spirit, so I bought it to keep for prosperity in my life," said Pradit Sawangjit, 42, a pineapple plantation owner who bought the nugget from Sangad.

Many gold diggers had left jobs at pineapple and coconut plantations to look for gold.

Ruangsri Polkrut, 52, traveled more than 60 miles from Chumpon province to sit on a rock by the stream for more than six hours a day to search.

"I've earned about 5,000 baht ($120) from three days panning for gold. It's not big money but enough for the school fee of my daughter for next term," Ruangsri said.

Tham Tha Mauk used to be a gold mining village, but gold digging ended some 30 years ago when vast swathes of forest were converted into private pineapple plantations.

"This area used to be a national forest, but the rich people turned this land into their private pineapple plantations," Sanguan said. "But after the water washed way part of the plantation and the banks of stream, we had every right to look for gold again."

KatoeyLover69

16-01-2006, 10:57 AM

Report from Bangkok Post dated Monday 16 January 2006 :-

THAI faces challenge as AirAsia targets Krabi

By Boonsong Kositchotethana

The no-frills carrier Thai AirAsia will launch a daily service to Krabi in March to cash in on the expected revival of tourist traffic to this Andaman coastal province.

Thai AirAsia, 51% owned by Thailand's Shin Corp and 49% by Malaysia's budget carrier AirAsia, will start offering one flight a week between Bangkok and Krabi on March 1 before adding an additional daily flight two weeks later.

The airline will use Boeing 737-400 aircraft on its flight to Krabi, its eighth domestic destination, according to company sources.

It will be the second local airline to serve the province and will break the monopoly of Thai Airways International (THAI). Also operating scheduled services to Krabi from overseas are Singapore's Tiger Airways and Sweden's Nova Airlines.

With its low-cost regime, Thai AirAsia will become a threat to the national carrier's business but will give Krabi's struggling tourism industry a helping hand and offer passengers more choices.

A promotional one-way fare, excluding taxes and fuel surcharge, on the Bangkok-Krabi route will be as low as 499 baht and will go as high as 2,200 baht, compared to THAI's all inclusive fare of 3,200 baht.

THAI operates four flights a day to and from Krabi on 149-seat Boeing 737s. It may have to cut back its frequencies to Krabi as demand may not grow as quickly as the capacity being provided by two local airlines, industry analysts said.

Arrivals at Krabi airport last year fell by 31.34% to 159,527, compared to 232,360 the year before, as many tourists, about 90% of whom were processed through the airport, shunned the province following the tsunami. Air movements (take-offs and landings) through Krabi fell to 2,942 last year, down from 5,874 in 2004.

Aside from Thai AirAsia, no other airline has sought permission to fly to Krabi where Phi Phi Island is also located.

Local carriers such as Phuket Airlines, PB Air and Bangkok Airways used to serve Krabi out of Bangkok in the pre-tsunami period but subsequently suspended operations due to difficulties filling seats.

However, the two foreign carriers are continuing with their services: four flights a week from Singapore by Tiger Airways' A320s (180-seat) and one direct flight a week from Stockholm by Nova Airlines' 350-seat A330, Krabi airport officials said.

Thai AirAsia executives said the airline was not expected to fly to any other domestic cities this year as options were limited.It would rather increase frequencies on routes it is already serving or introduce inter-provincial routes. The airline flies from Bangkok to eight other overseas destinations in the region.

U-Need

16-01-2006, 10:59 AM

Time is GMT + 8 hours
Posted: 15 January 2006 1407 hrs

BANGKOK : Forty people who were arrested in the Thai capital after illegally holding a demonstration on government premises have been released, police said Sunday.

A few thousand supporters of media mogul Sondhi Limthongkul rallied in downtown Lumpini park Friday after which hundreds then broke into the grounds of Government House, calling on Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra to resign.

The 40 protestors, who were arrested on Saturday morning after ignoring police requests to leave, were freed unconditionally later that day, police spokesman Lieutenant General Ajiravid Subarnbhesaj said.

Thaksin in his weekly radio address on Saturday vowed to prosecute the protestors, saying they broke the law.

About 30 supporters of Sondhi, an arch critic of Thaksin, gathered in Lumpini park on Sunday, organisers said.

Sondhi regularly holds his "Thailand weekly" programme there, from where he airs corruption allegations against the Thaksin administration. - AFP/ch

U-Need

16-01-2006, 11:01 AM

BANGKOK (AFP) - Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra Saturday vowed to prosecute protesters who broke into Government House in Bangkok overnight and called for him to resign.
A few thousand supporters of media mogul and Thaksin arch critic Sondhi Limthongkul rallied in a downtown park then walked to Government House late Friday when several hundred briefly entered its grounds.

"Regarding last night's events, it was regrettable that a former national police chief led protesters to break the gate at Government House, which I consider an illegal action," Thaksin said in his weekly national radio address.

"I will prosecute all who breach the law."

Government House is Thaksin's office, where his cabinet holds its meetings and he receives dignitaries.

Former police chief and Bangkok senator Pratin Santiprapob, who resigned in 2005 claiming senators worked for the government and were not neutral, joined the gathering of Sondhi's supporters in Bangkok's Lumpini park.

"These rallies are becoming unbearable and must stop," Thaksin said of several meetings during which Sondhi presents his "Thailand weekly" programme and airs alleged corruption by the Thaksin administration.

At their height, the rallies attracted tens of thousands of people, but began waning in early December after Thaksin withdrew all six defamation suits against Sondhi when revered King Bhumibol Adulyadej called on public figures to accept fair criticism.

Friday's event drew fewer than 5,000 chanting people wearing yellow t-shirts and head bands and waving Thai flags. Several hundred anti-Sondhi demonstrators tried to stop the rally but were unsuccessful, Thai media reported.

Some 40 of several hundred protestors who remained at Government House at dawn Saturday were arrested. Police said calm was restored to the area where Thaksin later met children as part of national children's day events.

"Approximately 40 people were arrested this morning on charges of obstructing public order but they are not the core protest members," police spokesman Lieutenant General Ajiravid Subarnbhesaj told AFP.

Those arrested are detained at a police school on the capital's northern outskirts, Ajiravid added.

"There are some protesters who are hired and misled by wrong doers, people broken-hearted by the government's refusal to grant their wishes, people who every week invent stories and demand I step down," Thaksin said.

Thaksin heavily criticised the protesters and vowed he would not resign because of "mob" pressure, adding he was re-elected in a landslide in February 2005 and had brought many benefits to Thailand.

"I consider that they did not respect the rule of law and were aggressive by storming the Government House gates at midnight and calling for my resignation, accusing me that I cannot solve the nation's problems," he said.

"More than 19 million people elected me and since I assumed office I managed to repay the IMF's debt two years earlier than scheduled," Thaksin said of debt to the International Monetary Fund.

"Thailand is now a donor country, and has an historic record of international reserves at $52.8 billion," he added.

U-Need

16-01-2006, 11:05 AM

194 words
16 January 2006
Thai News Service
English

Section: Corporate News - Temasek Holdings is buying up to 40 per cent in Shin Corp, a source from Shin Corp was quoted in Krungthep Turakij as saying.

A source from Shin Corp said that on 1-4 January Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra had traveled to Singapore to discuss a merger with Temasek Holdings, a giant Singaporean firm that holds 59 per cent in Singapore Telecom and 29 per cent in DBS Group. The source said that after the Shin Corp board discussed the plan, the Shinawatra and Damapong groups signed an agreement to sell their Shin Corp shares to Temasek for two billion dollars, or about 69 baht a share.

The source said that Temasek is primarily interested in investing in the mobile phone service provider Advanced Info Service (AIS), in which Shin Corp holds 43 per cent. After taking over Shin Corp they may sell off the shares in Shin Corp's other investments like ITV, Capital OK and Thai Air Asia.

At present Singapore Telecom already holds 19 per cent in AIS and one per cent in Shin Corp.

KatoeyLover69

16-01-2006, 11:08 AM

Report from Bangkok Post dated Monday 16 January 2006 :-

Ready for take-off at Suvarnabhumi Airport : Manager of Suvarnabhumi Airport says tests are going well and readiness in June is a certainty, unless the government itself decides on a further delay

Story by Boonsong Kositchotethana

For those who are sceptical about the opening of Suvarnabhumi airport, given the numerous false starts so far, June 2006 is the date they should look forward to.

The words of assurance come not from Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra or other politicians, but from the person who is supposed to know what is going there best - Somchai Sawasdeepon, the airport's General Manager.

"By the end of May, all systems will definitely be ready for commercial flights," he said in an interview last week.

"Yes, the airport will be 100% ready and can be safely operated by June."

However, the official opening date of the 125-billion-baht facility, first planned some 40 years ago, will be decided by the government, said Mr Somchai.

The government reportedly plans to open the airport for flights carrying world leaders and dignitaries who will be attending celebrations later this year to mark the 60th anniversary of His Majesty the King's accession to the throne.

Mr Somchai said work on the airport was 99.8% complete and most of the activities now under way involved testing, commissioning and correcting minor defects.

About 25,000 workers are still engaged in various phases of work to ensure that the new deadline is met.

At the height of construction in the middle of last year, the labour force swelled to 50,000 as they worked around the clock to prepare for the first test flight on Sept 29, 2005 - the date previously set for completion.

According to Mr Somchai, by March all construction activity will be completed. "What we will see then will be experts, engineers and technical personnel testing various systems," he said.

The senior executive of Airports of Thailand Plc (AoT) did acknowledge concerns over the baggage-handling system, which has undergone months of rigorous tests so far.

"There is 3-5% malfunction rate resulting from problems such as misreading of barcodes on baggage tags and the mechanical system of the carousels," he said.

The baggage-handling system must work faultlessly if the airport is to be declared fully ready for operation, Mr Somchai said.

The system, with its 22-kilometre conveyor belt, is designed to handle 10,500 bags per hour.

While the aviation industry said the integration of computer-based units around the site of the main airport into the 'Aims' (airport information management system) was the most critical factor that would hold up the opening of Suvarnabhumi, Mr Somchai thinks differently.

"I'm not concerned about Aims so much. I can guarantee that the whole system will be operational by May 15," he said.

Appointed as the airport's General Manager last October, Mr Somchai confirmed that AoT on Dec 30 sent out letters to all airlines, 99 in total, announcing that the airport "will be ready for operational service in 180 days and AoT will inform you of the exact opening in due course".

However, aviation executives still question the June opening date, in spite of the written notification, saying that facilities need more time for test runs.

Critics have said the more likely date for the commercial start-up of the airport, about five times the size of the existing Don Muang airport, is the last quarter of the year.

Mr Somchai acknowledged that doubts that still lingered in the minds of aviation executives because they did not have access to full information and updates about progress.

"There is a shortcoming in the communication and information flow that we will seek to improve," he conceded.

"In fact, we have only 140 people (AoT officials) who are handling this mammoth project."

As well, he said, misinformation had been fed to the media and the public on some airport-related issues by parties with hidden agendas.

For instance, some companies have complained that they still did not know how much they would have to pay AoT for the use of space at the airport.

Mr Somchai produced a letter dated Nov 18, 2005 with details of the charges.

U-Need

16-01-2006, 11:10 AM

501 words
16 January 2006
Thai News Service
English

Section: Business News - Thailand's major economic reform will be carried out in all areas this year. Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra outlined the direction of the Thai economy in 2006 at a gathering of 480 top business leaders on 11 January 2006 at Santi Maitri Hall, Government House.

The Prime Minister said that the Government had invited the members of the private sector to the meeting in order to provide them with a clear picture of the Thai economy, so that they would become more confident in making decisions on their businesses. He admitted that 2005 was a difficult year, as the country faced many problems, such as the tsunami disaster, unrest in the South, avian flu, higher oil prices, drought, and flood. Even so, the Government believed that the Thai economy would grow by 4.7 percent in 2005, with inflation at 4.5 percent.

Prime Minister Thaksin said that economic reform that was planned last year would be implemented this year. The Government will promote the industries that contribute to the domestic economy and Thai exports. Industrial diversification will be given a major boost to create wealth in the regions of the country. Concerning agriculture, new farming techniques will be introduced to reduce costs and increase output. Greater emphasis will be placed on processing agricultural products. Tourism and financial sectors will also be reformed to strengthen the country's service sector.

The next area to be reformed is the government service, which involves the entire legal system to cope with globalization. Operation research teams will be sent to analyze ways to reduce working procedures and ensure good governance in the government service. Efforts will be made to create e-government and e-service. The energy structure will be adjusted to reduce loss in foreign currency. The Government will act in response to His Majesty the King's speech delivered on 4 December 2005 on the promotion of biodiesel. It will also encourage more use of natural gas for vehicles and gasohol.

The restructuring of state enterprises will be introduced to enhance efficiency and flexibility and facilitate their investment. More state enterprises will be listed on the Stock Exchange of Thailand. The Government will further develop infrastructure and more investment will be seen in the electric train system networks linking Bangkok with nearby provinces. Numerous property development projects will be carried out along new traffic routes. The Prime Minister said that Suvarnabhumi Airport would be opened for commercial use in late June this year, when Thailand would begin aviation liberalization. Concerning water supply, all villages in Thailand will have tap water by 2006. International bidding will be opened for water management to help ease drought and flood problems.

Prime Minister Thaksin is confident that the Thai economy in 2006 will grow by at least five percent, saying that the Government will fight all problems and obstacles and will not give up.

U-Need

16-01-2006, 11:13 AM

351 words
16 January 2006
Thai News Service
English

Section: Business News - The Bank of Thailand (BoT) warned today that the baht was too strong, saying it was monitoring the situation closely to prevent any speculative capital flow.

BoT Governor M.R.Pridiyathorn Devakula said this morning's exchange rate of 39.45 baht to the US dollar was deemed by the central bank to be too strong and required very close attention to prevent the value of the currency having a damaging impact on the country's international trade.

The reason why the baht continues to be strong is because of the capital flow from the West to the Eastern part of the world, including Thailand. As far as we're concerned, the bulk of this money is heading towards investment in the Stock Exchange of Thailand(SET), and in a considerably higher proportion than in 2005, he said.

The governor said that within the first 10 days of 2006, 50 billion baht had already poured into the SET, compared with 110-120 billion baht in foreign investment funds for the whole of 2005.

M.R. Pridiyathorn attributed the influx of foreign capital to concerns over the stability of the US dollar instead of greater confidence in the baht and other Asian currencies. For the time being, the BOT had no plans to restrict capital flows either in or out of the country because it still considered the situation "normal".

He said while one still had to be cautious about short-term capital flows, indications so far were that capital inflows had gone into stock investment, rather than towards currency speculation.

However, the governor pledged that the Bank of Thailand would ensure that the baht was not too strong to help Thai exports, while also guarding against short-term currency speculation by foreign speculators.

M.R.Pridiyathorn said he believed that Thailand would continue to see a positive inflow of foreign capital this year, not only in the stock market, but also towards Foreign Direct Investment (FDI).

FDI into Thailand last year totalled about two billion dollars, higher than in 2004.

U-Need

16-01-2006, 11:15 AM

UDN News

Student robbed goldsmith shop to repay loan

【本報訊】學生哥因嗜賭而毀了自己前途。由於欠了賭債無能力償還，他就鋌而走險，到金行搶金，結果被附近百貨公司的保安員擒住，交給警方發落。萬佛歲府直轄縣警署前天上午11時接報，在直轄縣挽巴洗區菩通路詩樂金行發生搶劫案。歹徒已被附近的百貨公司保安員擒住。警前往調查查知，疑犯是就讀於某理工學院電機科的乃比益 (19歲)。警自其身上搜出所搶來的2條3銖重金項鍊。

該金行女東娘阿拉耶(51歲)供說，當時，她照常在照顧店務之際，疑犯進店來，佯稱要選購3銖重金項鍊。她取出2條給他挑選。詎料疑犯乘她不備時，抓起金項鍊奪門奔逃。她隨後追趕，並大聲呼叫。附近差隆泰百貨公司的保安員見情即上前將乃比益擒住。

疑犯乃比益承認說，他因欠了足球賭債2萬銖。他已與債主約定於當天還債。

可是至約定時間，他還找不到錢。當經過該金行時，他就鋌而走險，進去搶金，但卻失手被捕。

警於審訊後，已將他拘押依法究辦。

U-Need

16-01-2006, 11:18 AM

167 words
16 January 2006
Thai News Service
English

Section: Business News - Economic ministers met to discuss the 2006 economic development policies, and vowed to push chicken and processed shrimp as the star exports this year.

Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister Somkid Jatusripitak yesterday (January 12, 2006) called a meeting of economic ministers comprising Industry Minister Suriya Jungrungruangkit, Agriculture Minister Sudarat Keyuraphan, Finance Minister Thanong Phitthaya, and Prime Minister's Office Minister Suranand Vejajeeva. Mr. Somkid said all economy-related ministries will look at the whole picture and stick to their product development strategies.

The Ministry of Industry will push Thailand to become the 2nd hub of electronics in Asia, in place of Singapore and Malaysia. The Ministry of Finance will handle tax measures and provision of incentives to entrepreneurs. The Agriculture Ministry will work to improve the quality of products, and this year exportation of chicken and processed shrimp will be emphasised.

U-Need

16-01-2006, 11:20 AM

577 words
16 January 2006
Bangkok Post
English

The Education Ministry has signed an agreement with China to promote the study of the Chinese language, which is expected to be fully integrated into the education system by 2011.

Potjana Wongtrakul, inspector-general of the Education Ministry, said the ministry had developed a five-year plan beginning this year to promote the study of Chinese. It is hoped about 500,000 high school students, 170,000 students from vocational institutes and 400,000 university undergraduates will achieve an acceptable standard of proficiency. This represents about 20% of students, respectively, from each group.

The plan also aims to encourage members of the workforce to learn the language as it could prove a useful communication medium and boost career prospects.

Local businessmen, however, say Thailand is years behind other Asian countries in promoting Chinese language learning.

Mrs Potjana was speaking at a seminar on Friday on the promotion of Chinese studies. She said a national panel would implement the plan, which would include people from the public and private sectors and Chinese language experts.

Centres promoting the study of Chinese would open in Bangkok and other parts of the country. Study and assessments would be strictly controlled.

Research would be carried out in collaboration with educational institutions in China, which would include a curriculum developed with the latest learning formats, educational media and technology.

The abilities of lecturers would be evaluated in line with China's standard appraisal of language proficiency. An online curriculum database and language centre would also be made available to the teachers.

An agreement was signed at the seminar between the Education Ministry and Hanban, China's national language institute, to develop the teaching of Chinese. Zhang Xinsheng, China's deputy education minister, witnessed the signing ceremony.

Under the agreement, Hanban will help set the criteria in selecting schools to experiment with its newly-developed textbooks. The copyright on its Thai-language textbook, Happy Chinese, would be transferred to the Education Ministry for use in schools.

Hanban and the Education Ministry would hold an intensive three-month training course, which would reach 1,000 local teachers of Chinese. Participants would spend two months in China, with the remainder of the course being carried out locally.

The institute would also provide 100 scholarships a year to help young teachers further their studies up to bachelor degree level in China. A group of 500 volunteer teachers from China would be dispatched to help teach the language, beginning this year.

Mr Zhang said the country had introduced formal Chinese language learning rather late compared with Japan, South Korea and other countries.

There are about 20,000 Chinese language schools in Japan, 40,000 in South Korea and 10,000 in the United States.

"Although Thailand is relatively late in joining the scene, I'm confident the country has the vision required for developing Chinese language learning, which will help it catch up with other countries or even leapfrog them before long ," he said.

Kosak Chairasmisak, president of 7-Eleven Co, said language proficiency itself was not enough. Emphasis should also be placed on other aspects such as culture, beliefs and the value system of the Chinese people, he said.

"There are very few people with a deep understanding of the Chinese language. A lack of in-depth and all-round knowledge could hinder investment and competitiveness.

"Chinese language study here is lagging behind neighbouring countries in the region." he said.

U-Need

16-01-2006, 11:21 AM

1328 words
16 January 2006
Bangkok Post

English

What he does with sensitive information at his fingertips is a test for Thaksin, and for Thai democracy

By PHILIP J CUNNINGHAM

The unblinking eye of a security camera is the first thing that greets the foreigner arriving in Thailand these days. Posing for the mandatory mugshot at airport immigration is awkward, like being booked at a police station. It doesn't make for a warm welcome, nor is it necessary.

Not even authoritarian China has surveillance this upfront and invasive; not even high-tech Japan, which was long ridiculed until its mandatory fingerprinting of foreign residents was rescinded; not even in post-9-11 America does the security-obsessed US immigration bureau see it necessary to do this, though they have admittedly made visitors feel unwelcome in other ways.

And then came the news last week that closed-circuit surveillance cameras modelled after Britain's Orwellian CCTV system are being planned for numerous undisclosed locations across Thailand.

Life in Thailand under Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra these days gives a new twist to the concept of police state: the atmosphere is not palpably oppressive in the Iron Curtain sense, one does not encounter unsmiling snoops and goons on every corner. But for all its subtlety, the long arm of Mr Thaksin may very well be more effective in creating a subliminal climate of fear. Given the Big Brother aspects to the rule of a great leader whose face is ubiquitous and whose words make the airwaves daily, Orwellian references come to mind; its 1984 meets Burmese Days.

First there's the informal information ministry of an ambitious prime minister who has a finger in everything from tourism to education to combatting terror. The great man is not just always in the news, he is the news, and his ubiquitous presence is increasingly framed as central to the national narrative. The great man not only has the ability to create news through staged events and off-the-cuff comments, but follows up with critiques of the coverage and pointed criticism of his critics.

Given the enormous amount of PR and information content produced by the television stations and ad agencies owned and controlled by people close to the prime minister, its hard to escape his mug or his mind. The great man's voice (often strained and raspy from excessive public speaking) is hard-wired to thousands of rural villages compelled to carry his weekly radio talks by public loudspeaker.

Not only have television and radio become his loyal retainers, reporting the world much as he sees it, keeping him close to centre stage, but he has eyes and ears everywhere. He's on the record asking taxi drivers to tattle on their passengers and his family's vast telecoms holdings combined with more traditional levers of state power s+++e the not-so-paranoid conviction that his people can monitor private conversations on mobile phones.

As if the great man's good-cop/bad-cop persona is not confusing enough, the policeman-turned-prime minister frequently plays the role of detective, judge and jury, proclaiming knowledge of the who, what, when, where and whys of an incident even before the smoke has cleared. This includes his infamous claim that he knew who did it, made moments after an explosion took place aboard a plane being readied for boarding. Boeing specialists later determined it to be an accident caused by a dangerously over-heated air-conditioner.

Less amusingly, in the case of the troubled South, in what for all the world looks like a militant Islamist struggle, drug dealers are the favourite scapegoat. The recurrent theme of blaming things on drug dealers is worse than over-zealous policing, for it essentially posits the existence of a class of people with no rights, criminals who deserve to die, a concept that dangerously infected the police bureaucracy during a vicious anti-drug campaign with provincial quotas that netted some 2,500 dead alleged drug dealers.

This human rights travesty of unsolved extra-judicial killings has never been adequately examined or redressed, and along with the perhaps not unrelated upswing of violence in the South, is the biggest blot on Mr Thaksin's tenure in office. Cavalier and unaccountable policing sets a tone contemptuous of due process that makes it hard for people, especially in troubled segments of society, to trust the law.

In a national press that is increasingly controlled by cronies of the prime minister, Mr Thaksin has the indiscretion to make public pronouncements about the guilt or innocence of suspected criminals even before trial, in a recent case going as far to say two suspects will get the death penalty. Given Mr Thaksin's decidedly un-Buddhist enthusiasm for the death penalty, he has uncannily positioned himself not as a humble servant of the law but a latter day lord of life.

The policeman's job is not an easy one and it becomes even harder if the trust and co-operation of the people is lost. Few citizens would begrudge a certain amount of discreet and disciplined snooping to locate and apprehend dangerous criminals and terrorists, as the police have been doing for years. Thailand has many competent police; the problem is the handful who betray their pact with the people by seeking personal gain or partisan political purpose.

During Mr Thaksin's early tenure in office, nationally prominent journalists discovered their bank accounts and mobile phone activity were under unwarranted scrutiny. Political opponents are slapped with police investigations. Whether it be random urine checks at certain nightclubs or the latest gun-slinging crackdown on drugs, the uneven quality of law and order in Thailand carries the tell-tale fingerprints of a policeman turned premier.

At a time when the liberal arts students of Mr Thaksin's generation were on the streets of Bangkok battling dictatorship, he was a police cadet. A man who spent his youth studying criminology, while eschewing sex, drugs, revolution and rock and roll, may, for all his apparent goodness, see the world with less empathy and wisdom than his once wayward liberal peers.

Mr Thaksin's first big business break involved a deal selling computers to police stations nationally. This not only feathered the war chest he would need to get into the rough-and-ready world of telecoms and then politics, but perhaps taught him that information is power.

Knowing the right people is a widely acknowledged source of power, knowing things about people, privileged information that police must deal with in their often difficult jobs, is a source of power as well.

There is no evidence that Mr Thaksin started out his career with an eye to use police information as power, and he may well even now see himself as basically honest, earnest and disciplined in regard to how he uses the immense stores of sensitive data available to him at his fingertips.

Paradoxically though, as Mr Thaksin's power reaches new heights, his self-control weakens and his vision narrows. His battle with his own ego is amplified by the media he controls, thus causing his problems to become the nation's problems, his personal demons to be cast as public demons. Suddenly the dysfunctional dynamics of one man's family are writ large as moral crusades, crackdowns and campaigns, thus becoming everyone's business.

As political power and moral legitimacy become more tightly centralised in the hands of this ambitious and unconventional criminologist, Thailand becomes the model for a new kind of oppression: the police information state.

This is a serious setback to Thailand's hard-earned democracy. If the media is reduced to a mouthpiece and privileged information is used in pursuit of narrow vested interests, personal agendas or the settling of political scores, the gains of the October and May democracy movements shall have been in vain.

Philip J Cunningham is a freelance writer and political commentator.

U-Need

16-01-2006, 11:23 AM

694 words
16 January 2006
Bangkok Post
English

Veera Prateepchaikul

Get ready to log your television sets on to UBC Channel 16 this afternoon for the year's most talked about reality show. Back Stage Show: The Prime Minister is the first programme of its kind on earth. It features an incumbent government leader working or doing whatever, and at sleep, around the clock for five days running.

The star of the show is -- who else? _ Thaksin Shinawatra, the prime minister of Thailand for the past five years.

Other ministers will also be featured during the show's run. But they are merely extras.

To make sure the audience does not miss a single movement by the star of the show -- of course there are strictly private moments that must be censored _ UBC, the only live broadcaster, has deployed an army of about 100 employees equipped with some 40 cameras to do the shooting throughout the dramatic event.

Reacting to criticism that the reality show is just another publicity stunt to prop up the prime minister's sagging popularity, Mr Thaksin steadfastly maintains the show is meant to give government officials lessons on how he himself approaches and tackles the problem of poverty.

It will be instructive, so rural folks will be able to follow in his footsteps to address the same problem themselves. He also insists that no scripts have been written in advance for him.

So the audience -- if they can afford the time to watch the show in its entirety or just a part of it without getting too bored _ can judge for themselves if this is just a publicity stunt in line with the Thai Rak Thai slogan "Think New, Act New".

Or they might decide this is an honest, meaningful exercise that allows government officials to learn valuable tips from our dear leader of how to tackle the poverty problem.

For the show to achieve its objective as outlined by the prime minister -- that is, to reach government officials, particularly those responsible for solving poverty _ it is imperative that they have access to the show, at least a big part of it if not its entirety. Which means the UBC service must be installed in government offices.

More importantly, the officials themselves must be made to watch the show so that they will not miss valuable tips from the prime minister. And that means they will have to set aside their regular work to concentrate on watching the show for five consecutive days.

I wonder how many government offices have access to UBC service, or how many officials will be glued to the show even if they have access to the service. Have orders already been issued to those responsible for solving Thailand's poverty problem, such as interior officials, to watch the programme?

A similar reality show launched last year by UBC, Academy Fantasia, was a big crowd-pulling success. That was partially attributable to the fact that the audience was allowed to take part in the programme by sending in votes for their favourite contestants.

For some unspeakable reason, the producers of Mr Thaksin's reality show have decided not to hold a rating survey by inviting the audience to phone in to express their views about the show. That is understandable. After all, who would watch such a boring programme, which is neither entertaining nor educational, on and on for days.

Mr Thaksin has 19 million fans who voted his Thai Rak Thai party into government in the general election last February. Even if half of those party supporters watch a portion of the show, it could only partially be deemed a success even if the real objective of this whole drama was to prop up the declining popularity of the prime minister rather than give officials some lessons on how to deal with the poverty problem as Mr Thaksin insists.

But whatever the objectives or the consequences, the show must go on. Thank God, only UBC will be broadcasting the show live, 24 hours a day, for the next five consecutive days.

Veera Prateepchaikul is Deputy Editor-in-Chief, Post Publishing Co Ltd.

U-Need

16-01-2006, 11:24 AM

192 words
16 January 2006
Thai News Service
English

Section: Corporate News - Taiwan's Chunghwa Telecom Co. to expand its broadband Internet operations in Thailand this year, a Chunghwa Telecom official said Thursday, The Nation reports.

Chunghwa Telecom spokesman Hank Wang made the comment as a trial one-year cooperation agreement with TOT Corp. Plc nears its end.

Chunghwa Telecom, Taiwan's largest telecom firm by revenue, signed an agreement with TOT in March 2005 to provide the Thai company with a 150-channel broadband Internet network in Chiangmai.

Wang said Chunghwa Telecom plans to either lease its technology to local companies or establish a joint venture after the agreement with TOT expires in March.

However, he said the matter is still at an evaluation stage.

Chunghwa Telecom Chairman Ho Chen Tan said Thursday Chunghwa Telecom is interested in expanding its broadband Internet operations in Thailand, where penetration of the service is low.

In Taiwan, high-speed Internet penetration reaches 50 per cent, according the Ministry of Transportation and Communications, whereas in Thailand it is only 1 per cent, according to a Merrill Lynch report from March 2005.

U-Need

16-01-2006, 11:25 AM

588 words
16 January 2006
Bangkok Post
English

Story by SIRIKUL BUNNAG

Traditional Chinese-language schools well known for grooming Thailand's top businessmen are bracing for tough times ahead.

These days, many parents prefer to send their children to more "modern" language schools in shopping malls, or to take language courses during the summer holidays in China.

Nongluck Dejdamkerngchai, head teacher of Peiing School, a 91-year-old Chinese-language school in Chinatown, said the school's popularity has paled in comparison with trendy Chinese-language centres in department stores, or multi-language international schools.

Chinese classes are also more widespread, taught at many primary and secondary schools.

Mrs Nongluck said in the past 30 years, the school has enrolled as many as 1,000 students a year, from kindergarten to Pathom 6. Often, the numbers of students at kindergarten and Pathom 1 levels exceeded the school's quota, and lots had to be drawn.

These days, the school teaches 500 students a year while kindergarten and primary students no longer compete for limited seats.

Mrs Nongluck said most students come from average Chinese business families living in Chinatown.

"However, many parents don't choose our school. Sometimes, they just call to ask for some tips on Chinese studies or come over just to buy Chinese textbooks. They seem to favour the conventional school system while language centres offering crash courses in Chinese are also popular.

"Traditional Chinese schools are now considered old-fashioned and outdated," she said.

Mrs Nongluck looks on the bright side.

"We are more concerned here about the quality of education.

"We look for news to improve on quality. We import Chinese textbooks direct from China, and have introduced computer courses. We have put on a Chinese cultural exhibition. Each year, teachers get the chance to improve Chinese language skills with native speakers," she said.

Nam Aromsook, head teacher of Kwang Chao Chinese School, said students now have more options for study, so numbers at traditional Chinese schools are dropping.

"We have to adjust to survive. Apart from the conventional curriculum with an emphasis on Chinese language, we have also set up a language centre to provide the public with a 30-hour course on basic Chinese language skills," he said.

Natthanant Chutimajirattikorn, 12, a Pathom 6 student at Peiing School, said she studies there because it is close to home. She has learned Chinese at the school since she was young.

"Now I think I am more knowledgeable than students from other schools," she said.

Viriya Ngam-rangsima, 12, a Pathom 3 student from the same school, said Chinese speakers are in growing demand in the job market as several major Thai companies have invested in China. Some are joint ventures with Chinese investors in Thailand.

Thaniya Liangchaichoke, 9, a student at Peiing School, said Chinese families prefer to send their offspring to study in Chinese schools so their children will master the tongue and use that knowledge to do business. But children in Chinatown are more inclined towards conventional schools which offer a wider range of courses.

Vanida Cheewaphantusi, 45, said the children of well-off families go to China to study during the summer holidays.

She said the multi-language schools are organised better, and have more modern equipment.

"Students at multi-language schools have proven to be more fluent in many fields of study. They can also express themselves in both Chinese and English with greater confidence," Mrs Vanida said.

U-Need

16-01-2006, 11:27 AM

368 words
16 January 2006
Bangkok Post
English

Community radio station FM92.25, whose programmes have been critical of the government, was again raided by Public Relations Department officials yesterday.

They searched the premises, but took no further action.

The station operates from TPI Tower in Sathon district but was shut down last year and its signal can currently be heard only over the internet and on some other community stations.

The officials claimed the station violated regulations by using a transmitter rated at 2,000 watts, which is more powerful than the legal 30 watt limit for community radio.

PM's Office Minister Suranand Vejjajiva gave notice that action would be taken against operators of any community radio stations which failed to comply with technical regulations such as the height of their transmitting aerial and signal strength and if their programme content was damaging to the country.

Transmission signals of all community radio stations would be checked. Those violating the regulations would be penalised. The imminent crackdown would not zero in on community stations run by government critics or those of the Manager Group, he said.

The Manager media empire is owned by Sondhi Limthongkul, the government's fiercest critic. He hosts the Thailand Weekly talk show which exposes alleged irregularities committed by the government or those close to Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra.

Mr Suranand, who oversees the department, said the raid on FM92.25 complied with legal procedures.

"The government welcomes political views from people, be they from political debate or community radio stations. But people expressing their views must respect the democratic system and the law," he said.

"The government is willing to act on their comments and inspect alleged irregularities."

The government would act against those who failed to respect the law by giving false information causing damage to the country.

He vowed to take action against operators of community radio stations if their stations violated regulations on community radio operations that limit the antenna height to 30 metres, the transmission power to 30 watts and the broadcasting range to 15 kilometres.

An initial check found two or three community radio stations in Bangkok breached the regulations, he said.

U-Need

16-01-2006, 11:29 AM

561 words
16 January 2006
Bangkok Post
English

Story by PREEYANAT PHANAYANGGOOR - ROIET

For the members of the Thawangkum and Simnongmueng families it will be a once in a lifetime experience when they become neighbours of a very distinguished guest -- Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra.

Mr Thaksin is due to spend the first night of his five-day anti-poverty workshop in At Samat district on a large field belonging to Somdetch Thawangkum.

Mr Somdetch, 53, who works as a taxi driver in Bangkok, rushed home yesterday in the hope of welcoming his new neighbour. "I'm so proud the prime minister has decided to camp out in the field next to my home," he said.

The field, covering about three rai, and located nine kilometres from the centre of At Samat district, has been transformed into a makeshift military-style camp, where Mr Thaksin and his team will sleep over.

However, Mr Somdetch won't be able to get too neighbourly with his special guest since his own home, which is close to where Mr Thaksin will be based, will be occupied by the governor of Roi Et and his staff, meaning Mr Somdetch has to spend the night at a relative's home nearby. Mr Somdetch said he was still happy about the arrangement.

"I couldn't believe my ears when the assistant village headmen told me about the prime minister's plan. I did not prepare anything special for the occasion, simply a regular clean-up," he said.

However, Mr Somdetch's wife, Wongchan, wants the government to pay her family in return for using the family's land as well as other facilities inside their home so she can use the money towards her daughter's education.

Just opposite where Mr Thaksin will be camping, Sri Simnongmueng said she and her husband were even luckier since they didn't have to sacrifice anything to stay close to the very special guest. Mrs Sri, 69, said she would stay up late until she caught sight of the prime minister.

"My sons and daughters who live nearby and neighbours in Ban Non Somboon, will come home to get a glimpse of Mr Thaksin," she said. However, she was not sure whether or not she would get the chance to tell Mr Thaksin about her problems. "I don't think I'll get close to Mr Thaksin as there will be so many people around him, including many state officials and security personnel," she said.

"If I had the chance, I would tell him about the floods, which damaged the paddy fields, and the poor water quality in the village," she said.

Mr Thaksin's base will include seven tents. Four will be used as sleeping quarters, while two will be used for meetings. The other is for cooking.

Mr Thaksin will share the four tents being used as sleeping quarters with cabinet members, including Prime Minister's Office Minister Newin Chidchob, who will have separate sleeping quarters, a metal framed military bed and a mosquito net. Mr Thaksin will have a private bathroom next to his tent. He will eat with locals who will cook local specialities for him.

About 10 UBC cameras have been installed near Mr Thaksin's sleeping quarters to broadcast his activities in a live "reality TV show"-style format.

U-Need

16-01-2006, 11:34 AM

China Daily 01/16/2006
CHUAN YU
2006-01-16 07:12

Like most foreign businesspeople, Prasong Uthaisangchai is evidently attracted by China's seemingly inexorable economic growth and vast market.

"Everybody is looking at the growth story in China," he says, citing the nation's stunning 8-9 per cent average gross domestic product growth over the past two decades. "They want a piece of the cake."

Uthaisangchai, the senior executive vice president of Bangkok Bank, supervises the international operations of Thailand's largest lender. He is not so sure whether buying into a local bank a strategy many of his counterparts are using to circumvent the huge cost of building distribution channels in the sprawling country would yield the desired results.

It would take three to five years, he says, to judge whether such "marriages" are successful, given the sharply different mentalities of foreign banks and their Chinese spouses, who are heavily influenced by planned-economy mindsets.

"I still cannot tell now," he says. "But you risk losing the chance if you are late."

After opening four Chinese branches and reaping return-on-equity ratios of close to 10 per cent, his bank is taking a cautious shot - by joining one of the consortia bidding for a minority stake in the troubled bank in South China's Guangdong Province.

Financial security

The sweeping wave of foreign equity investment, however, has set off alarm bells among local academicians and some government officials, triggering worries that foreign banks may take control of China's banking system and threaten its financial security.

Sceptics believe that if foreign banks take control, which they fear is possible when more banks are publicly traded, they will be able to influence China's industrial and monetary policy through the banking system; firewalls would be difficult to build in the event of a financial crisis like the one that swept Southeast Asian countries in the late 1990s.

That makes a ceiling on foreign equity investment in a Chinese bank - currently at 25 per cent combined or 20 per cent for a single foreign bank - extremely important and indispensable.

The current limit is an appropriate level because it allows foreign banks to participate in the management as the second-biggest shareholder, but could keep them from becoming the biggest shareholder as long as the government wants to keep control, the CBRC official says. Non-government local shareholders are not allowed to own more than 15 per cent.

Should a crisis occur, "the 75 per cent, though scattered (among many investors), can speak with one voice because they have common interests," he says.

Others disagree. Foreign banks are only seeking to maximize their profit from investments, and have no political intentions, says Lin Yan, an analyst with Fitch Ratings.

An inefficient and fragile banking system, instead, could hinder effective allocation of a nation's scarce resources, and may cause systemic credit tightening, shake public confidence and therefore threaten economic and social stability, says Fred Hu, managing director of Goldman Sachs Asia.

"There is no evidence of the participation of foreign financial institutions leading to, or aggravating the instability of a nation's financial system," he says. "Instead, the world's most developed and efficient financial systems are the most internationalized ones, like Hong Kong, Singapore, Britain, Switzerland and Luxemburg."

Agrees Tang Xu, director of the Research Bureau of the People's Bank of China, the nation's central bank. "When I cannot manage my banks well, I can have others manage them for me by giving them incentives," he says. "When they succeed, my financial control and ability to maintain economic stability will grow, and the financial system will be more stable."

There has been talk that regulators are considering raising the 25 per cent ceiling, but CBRC officials have said no adjustment will take place until its study of existing foreign equity investments is completed at the end of this year.

Do we need them?

Foreign banks were not as interested in the bad loan-ridden Chinese banks a few years back, and greater foreign ownership was not included in the nation's World Trade Organization commitments made in 2001.

And banking regulators expect benefits different from what they initially wanted from foreign investors. "Originally, the idea was to get more capital," says Liu Shuyi, deputy director of the CBRC's Zhejiang Office. "Now it's mainly management expertise and know-how, so as to complete the integration with the rest of the world as fast as we can."

A few years of restructuring and tightened capital supervision have brought the share of banks that meet the 8 per cent capital adequacy requirement to 68 per cent of total banking assets from a meagre 0.54 per cent at the end of 2002.

Chinese regulators hope foreign participation will bring in new forces to help remodel local banks with international best practices in such key areas as management, internal control and corporate governance.

"As they do a good job of managing their 20 per cent of the bank, overseas strategic investors are also managing the remaining 80 per cent of Chinese investment," CBRC Chairman Liu Mingkang said in a recent briefing.

Signs of improvement are abundant, as Chinese banks usher in directors assigned by foreign investors, optimize corporate governance structures, and reconstruct their management and risk control systems.

But as Uthaisangchai says, it's too early to judge whether the Sino-foreign marriages are a success.

"I cannot say all the goals have been met, but the first steps have been taken," says Lin Yan, adding her firm has raised ratings for Bank of China, China Construction Bank and Bank of Communications. "It will take time for the new systems to work."

And as Chinese banks test the water in international capital markets, the involvement of foreign strategic investors serves as an anchor of investor confidence. The 19.9 per cent investment from HSBC was seen as a bright spot for the initial public offering of Bank of Communications last June in Hong Kong, which was 205 times oversubscribed by retail investors. "Given the lack of confidence among foreign public and investors in China's banking system only a year earlier, it was difficult to imagine a Chinese bank could list hitchlessly in the international capital market," Hu says.

Yet foreign participation is no elixir, at least for solving the chronic problem of bad loans. A PBOC survey in 2003 showed administrative interference was the reason for 80 per cent of the bad loans in the preceding two years, while poor management was to blame for the remaining 20 per cent.

"It is up to the progression of reform in China's economic and social mechanisms, such as changing local government functions, improving the legal environment for the financial industry and building a credit culture," says Xu Yunhui, president of Tebon Securities Co Ltd "It's not as simple as selling shares to foreign investors."

For sale or on sale?

Alongside debate on whether selling to foreign investors is an appropriate reform path is much clamour about pricing, particularly for the four State-owned banks that control more than half of banking assets. Sceptics say the prices, which are largely measured by net assets of the banks, fail to include such intangible assets as brand, customer base, distribution networks and human resources.

A key bone of contention was the initial public offering price of China Construction Bank, which stood at 1.96 times the bank's 2005 net assets, much higher than what Bank of America paid prior as a strategic investors - 1.15 times of net assets.

The criticism was strongly refuted by government officials and economists. Foreign buyers have reasons for discounts, they say, which include government interference like the assignment of senior management, relatively high social security expenditures, frequent fraud cases in recent years, poor profitability and corporate governance, as well as the limited influence in management due to ownership limits.

The valuation of Chinese banks is indeed, not at a low level, according to Fred Hu. The three Chinese banks listed in Hong Kong average a price-to-book ratio of more than 2 times, compared to the 1.48 times average of Asian banks and a 1.79 times average for European banks,

"It's unavoidable that there will be favourable terms to attract buyers, but that does not mean a cheap sale," says an analyst who prefers to be anonymous.

"It is cacophony around the reform of the State-owned banks," he says. "But that is a set strategy, which is indispensable for meeting challenges brought by the World Trade Organization commitments."

The debates still rage but the wave of selling shares to foreign investors is not yet ebbing. Industrial and Commercial Bank of China, the nation's largest commercial lender, is still in talks with potential investors including American Express. Agricultural Bank of China, although awaiting the State's bailout package, will likely follow a similar path.

The majority of the more than 100 city commercial banks, and far bigger numbers of rural and urban credit co-operatives, are also gradually becoming of age for marriages with foreign investors.

As in marital unions, only time will tell whether such marriages bring happiness to both sides.

U-Need

16-01-2006, 11:37 AM

235 words
16 January 2006
11:23
Associated Press Newswires
English

BANGKOK, Thailand (AP) - Police in the Thai beach resort of Pattaya said Monday they had detained a man suspected of raping a British tourist after offering her a ride on his motorcycle.

Police arrested the 19-year-old after the woman, identified as a 29-year-old tourist from the city of Liverpool, told police she had been raped by a Thai man, said police Maj. Apimuk Amnartmankong. He faces up to 15 years in prison if convicted.

The arrest came just two weeks after another British tourist, 21-year-old Katherine Horton of Wales, was raped and murdered on New Year's Day in the southern beach resort of Koh Samui. Two Thai fisherman are on trial for that crime, which carries the death penalty. The pair is expected to be sentenced Wednesday.

Police said the alleged rape in Pattaya occurred Saturday evening, when the woman was waiting for a taxi and a man pulled up on his motorcycle and offered her a ride, which she accepted. Motorcycle taxis are common in Thailand.

The man allegedly stopped the motorcycle on a dark road, dragged the woman into an area of bushes and raped her, the woman told police, Apimuk said.

Pattaya, about 110 kilometers (70 miles) southeast of Bangkok, is known for its beaches, its thriving sex industry and high crime rate.

U-Need

16-01-2006, 11:39 AM

487 words
16 January 2006
Asia Pulse
English

BANGKOK, Jan 16 Asia Pulse - Highlights of today's newspapers:

BANGKOK POST:

- Shareholders holding in excess of 60 per cent of the outstanding shares in Golden Land Development Plc, one of the country's leading residential property developers, have expressed interest in selling and are in discussions with three parties, according to sources close to the deal.

- The carmaker AutoAlliance Thailand (AAT) and seat manufacturer General Seating Thailand (GST) have settled disputes with their labour unions. But 300 workers at the auto-glass maker Saint-Gobain Sekurit (SGS) remain on strike in Rayong for higher pay and benefits.

- Mystery still surrounds the future of Shin Corporation and whether Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra and his family are preparing to exit the company he founded 22 years ago.

- DTAC, the country's second largest mobile company, says it is prepared to compete with a regional player if Singaporean interests end up taking over Shin Corporation.

- Thai companies may find it tough to enter the multi-billion-dollar market for US government contracts even under a free-trade deal.

- The Finance Ministry is studying tax reforms aimed at anticipating the country's changing fiscal needs as a result of future liberalisation.

- SET president Kittiratt Na Ranong yesterday reiterated his intention to step down if Thai Beverage Plc does not list on the market.

- 124 Communications said Airports of Thailand had hired the company as its public-relations consultant. The contract worth 21.94m bt runs until July.

- The no-frills carrier Thai AirAsia will launch a daily service to Krabi in March to cash in on the expected revival of tourist traffic to this Andaman coastal province.

THE NATION:

- The 2007 fiscal budget is expected to be presented to the Cabinet tomorrow, despite fuzziness over how much transit mega-projects will cost.

- The National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) will meet with its licence holders and their telecom concessionaires today to discuss its draft regulations on consumer protection.

- The Thai Airways International board is courting MCOT president Mingkwan Sangsuwan to head the national flag-carrier, a company source said on Friday.

- industrial and food ex-porters hope to do well this year because of global economic growth and new manufacturing technologies.

- The Agricultural Economics Office reports that production of main commodities rice, cassava, maize, rubber, palm oil and fruit is projected to grow 4-5 per cent and their value to increase 10-15 per cent this year.

- Toyota still trailed behind Isuzu in one-tonne pickup sales last year, Tri Petch Isuzu said in a press release on Thursday just hours after Toyota announced 2005 sales figures that showed it had taken the lead in commercial- and passenger-vehicle segments in Thailand for the first time in 23 years.

- Comtech Group Inc, a leading provider of customised module design and subsystem solutions, last week acquired a 51-per-cent interest in Huameng Engineering Service Ltd.

KatoeyLover69

16-01-2006, 05:48 PM

Report from The Nation dated Monday 16 January 2006 :-

Horton's mother speaks against death penalty

The mother of murdered Welsh university student Katherine Horton has said she does not believe her daughter's killers should be executed in Thailand , BBC News reported.

Elizabeth Horton told BBC Wales she did not support the death penalty, but said she was not making a plea for clemency.

The trial of two fishermen accused of raping and murdering Horton, 21, took place on Friday in Surat Thani. They pledged guilty and the court will issue a sentence on Wednesday.

Horton's mother told BBC Wales: "I have never believed in the death penalty. I don't believe anyone has the right to take another person's life.

" But a life sentence should mean life. The Thai authorities will deal with it as they see fit. I would not want to interfere with the Thai legal system."

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

My comments :-

Elizabeth Horton is perfectly right in saying that " she would not want to interfere with the Thai legal system."

Whereas PM Thaksin has asked for the Court to pass the death penalty on the 2 suspects. In doing so PM Thaksin is "interfering with the judicial system

KatoeyLover69

17-01-2006, 02:42 AM

Report from Bangkok Post dated Tuesday 17 January 2006 :-

Phuket: Tourist excess, water shortage

Phuket (TNA) – Growing tourist numbers threaten to create a water shortage on the resort island of Phuket later this year, the Phuket governor said.

The number of visitors was likely to rise to five million this year, putting pressure on supplies, the governor said. The province had already called on the government to tackle the water problem urgently, he added.

Cabinet has recently approved a budget of 66 million baht to prevent a water crisis on the island, ranked one of Thailand’s top tourist destinations.

A senior provincial irrigation official, Suwin Anukul, said that the Bangwad dam, the province’s biggest reservoir, could only meet another five months of local demand.

If there was no rain in the first half of the year, the province would have to draw on two other water sources in Talang district to meet supply needs, said Mr. Suwin.

Construction of two new reservoirs on the island would be stepped up to provide a long-term solution to the province's water shortage problem.

Water from the Ratchaprapa dam in Surat Thani province would also be diverted to supply the Andaman coastal provinces, he said.

A feasibility study and environmental impact assessment are to be conducted before the project is given the go ahead.

U-Need

17-01-2006, 10:54 AM

Wisarut Bholsithi from Thairath, January 16, 2006

Deupty BMA City Clerk Ratthaphon Methanathaworn said that after the discussion with the Highway Department, BMA has decided to change the names of the folowing roads and lanes.

1) (Old) Kaset - Nawamin -> (New) Prasoed Manookrit from Kaset Intersection to Nawamin Intersection with total distance of 9.10 km.

2) Upgrading Sangkhom Songkrau Lane (Soi Sangkhom Songkrau - AKA Chokchai 4 Soi 6 to Sangkhom Songkrau Road (Thanon Sangkhom Songkrau) even though it is a 2-lane road. This is due to the fact that Thanon Sangkhom Songkrau has become a shortcut linking Chokchai 4 Road (Lad Phrao 55 Road) with Lad Phrao 71 Road as well as Pradit Manootham Road (Ram Indra- At Narogn Expressway) with a distance of 1.4 km.

3) Changing Trimit Road in Samphanthawongse district (Bangkok Chinatown) to "Thanon Mitraphab Thai -Chin" (AKA Sino-Thai Friendship Road) as the commemoration for 30 years diplomatic relations between Thailand and mainland China.

All changes have to be done by May 2006.
Furthermore, BMA has agreed in pinciple that they should introdue number on the lanes (sois) in Yaowaraj Road from Odean Circle (now Chinatown Gate) to Ratchawongse intersection.
The left side would be Yaowaraj Soi 1, 3, 5 while the right side (from Odean Circle) is Yaowaraj Soi 2, 4, 6. The old names of Sois would be preserved within brackets on the signs.
However, Songsaawat Road and Phadung Dao Road would not change into numbered lanes for Yaowaraj Road. However, the final approval would is pending.
The plan to change Soi Inthamara into Soi Sutthisarn to be in line with Suthisarn Road has been suspended for a while until the decision from the Adminsitration Court has been handed down after the Inthamara family has filed the case in Adminsitration Court.

U-Need

17-01-2006, 10:56 AM

Wisarut Bholsithi from Transport Journal, January 16, 2006
1) Airprot express bus for the following routes
1.1) Silom - Suvannabhum
1.2) Bang Lam Phoo - Suvannabhum
1.3) Sukhumvit - Suvannabhum
1.4) Hua Lamphong - Suvannabhum
Either private concession holders or hotels can operate these express buses on the following four routes with the following conditions attached:
1) No passenger stops along the route allowed.
2) No subcontracting to other companies.
2) Transit buses - either by Transportation Co. Ltd. (for intercity services to Suvannabhum via motorways) or BMTA (within tha Bangkok vicinities). BMTA already has seven routes.
3) Airport taxi - accordign to the meter plus 50 baht surcharge in the same way as Don Muang Airport Taxi. However, all the taxis must be brand new ones.
4) Limo service - only limos with engines of at least 1900 CC and space for at least 2 big suicases and NGV engines allowed for limo service to Suvannabhum.

U-Need

17-01-2006, 11:02 AM

TRADE / THAILAND-US TALKS; 100% foreign ownership in financial institutions sought
246 words
17 January 2006
Bangkok Post
English
WICHIT CHANTANUSORNSIRI

The United States wants its businesses to be allowed to maintain 100% foreign ownership in banks, securities brokers and insurance companies under the Thai-US free trade agreement, according to Naris Chaiyasoot, the director-general of the Fiscal Policy Office.

Foreign ownership restrictions exist for all three sectors, albeit with exemptions allowed for cases such as banks taken over by foreign institutions following the 1997 crisis. In general, insurance firms and banks limit foreign shareholdings to no more than 25%, although proposals are being considered to raise the cap to 49%.

Financial services was a key topic for discussion in last week's sixth round of negotiations under the Thai-US FTA held in Chiang Mai. Officials hope to conclude negotiations by midyear, with the next round of talks scheduled to be held in the US next month.

Dr Naris said US officials want to fully liberalise shareholding rules for banking, insurance and securities brokerage under the FTA.

"In any case, [financial services] remains as a conditional position, and will depend on negotiations in other sectors as well and how much benefit Thailand will receive," he said.

US officials also want Thai regulators to allow US banks to apply for new banking licences and employ more US professionals.

But Thai negotiators are seeking prudential "stability" measures under the FTA to allow Thailand to maintain controls on capital flows in case of instability.

U-Need

17-01-2006, 11:07 AM

233 words
17 January 2006
English

BANGKOK, Jan. 17 (Xinhua) -- The following are major news items in Thailand's leading newspapers on Tuesday:

Bangkok Post:

-- A decade after laws were passed limiting areas where staff can smoke in state offices, the Thai government has finally decided to enforce them. Any permanent secretary or chief of a state office who continues to turn a blind eye to staff or visitors violating non-smoking laws will be fined 20,000 baht ( about 500 US dollars), Public Health Minister Phinij Jarusombat warned Monday.

The Nation:

-- China is to present a special gift -- two giant dragon lanterns -- to the King of Thailand to mark the 60th anniversary of his accession to the throne. The dragons will take pride of place at the Chinese New Year festival in Yaowarat (China Town) on January 29 and 30. This year's China Town festival will be bigger than ever in Bangkok, and will have the theme: "A warm friendship of two nations under the great kindness of the King Bhumibol Adulyadej."

Sing Siam Yet Pao

-- Al Qaeda's leader Osama Bin Laden could be seriously ill or dead, said an Australian terrorism expert. Australian Broadcasting Corporation radio quoted Clive Williams from Sydney-based Macquarie University as saying that he has seen evidence to support the theory that Bin Laden died of massive organ failure in April last year.

KatoeyLover69

17-01-2006, 12:49 PM

Report from Bangkok Post dated Tuesday 17 January 2006 :-

Thais just don't want to work as housemaids

By Penchan Charoensutthipan & Ampa Santimetaneedol

The Labour Ministry's " Magic Maid " training programme needs a little touch of magic itself to make it work.

The 10-day training scheme for housemaids, designed to create job opportunities for people from the provinces, has drawn little interest.

"We can hardly find anyone who's interested. With people better educated now they want to do something else," a labour official in the Northeast said.

"Furthermore, there are not so many young people left in the provinces. The harvest is over and they've already gone back to the city."

And those who are applying for the scheme are in the 35-40 age bracket - considered too old.

"There are only middle-aged people. We have to accept them, although I don't know if they're up to the job physically," he said.

"Magic Maid", launched on Jan 6, is one of the anti-poverty schemes being showcased by Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra during his five-day visit to Roi Et's At Samat district.

The programme was expected to draw up to 6,000 applicants nationwide. The 10-day course runs for six hours a day, with those who complete it looking to earn about 5,000 baht a month.

A labour official in an Eastern province said the scheme had fallen flat there too. People wanted jobs in the tourism and services industry which paid better.

'It doesn't matter how cool the name is. It's the kind of job Thai people don't fancy. At the end of the day we'll have to recruit wives or relatives of state officials," he said.

In At Samat, Duangthip Suwanworn, 32, said no one wanted to be a housemaid and suggested that if the government really wanted to help, it should build irrigation canals and roads to facilitate farming.

A group of villagers waiting to welcome the Prime Minister said North-Eastern people valued freedom and independence.

"We like to be our own boss, or work in factories, or other kinds of jobs and go back home to look after the family," one villager said.

Labour Minister Somsak Thepsuthin has also launched a course on caring for children and the elderly.

KatoeyLover69

17-01-2006, 12:55 PM

Report from Bangkok Post dated Tuesday 17 January 2006 :-

Alcohol advertising to be banned in Thailand

The Public Health Ministry has rejected a recommendation to limit the hours for advertising alcohol on television, and will ban all advertising for alcoholic drinks, all the time, in all media. The laws are expected to be announced in March.

Public Health Minister Pinit Jarusombat said this morning that a meeting of the Alcoholic Consumption Control Board has deliberated the draft legislation controlling alcoholic beverages and a law banning advertising alcoholic beverages in all media. He said that the advertising time has been proposed to change from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. to 2 to 5 a.m.

In the end, the minister told Radio Thailand, the committee decided to ban all advertisements of the products on television, on all radio stations and in all print media.

Mr. Pinit said that a sub-committee has been set up to draft the law, adding that it should not take longer than 30-45 days and can be announced without cabinet approval.

The draft legislation will also cover the distribution of alcoholic beverages, making the minimum age of alcoholic buyers from 18 to 21 years old.

In related news, protesters at the Securities and Exchange Commission have vowed to continue demonstrations against the approval of a Singapore stock market listing for bear and liquor giant Thai Beverage.

KatoeyLover69

17-01-2006, 01:14 PM

Report from Bangkok Post dated Tuesday 17 January 2006 :-

Roi Et villagers take fast lane to Bangkok

By Preeyanat Phanayanggoor

Roi Et : Many Bangkok residents have had chance encounters with people from At Samat, even if they had never heard of the district before the Prime Minister and his entourage arrived.

People from the impoverished district in this North-Eastern province have long worked in the big city as tuk-tuk and taxi drivers to make ends meet during the farming off-season.

Driving taxis is a popular sideline for young males from Roi Et, including many from At Samat where Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra yesterday launched his five-day workshop to tackle poverty.

A retired village headman, Amporn Sonwongthong, said a lack of jobs in Roi Et has driven many young people to Bangkok.

Persistent floods have forced about 40 men from his village of Ban Nam Kham to become taxi drivers, he said.

"Many farmers could no longer grow rice due to the repeated floods of the past six years, so some had to earn a living in Bangkok instead. Those lucky enough to grow a crop of rice can use money earned in Bangkok to hire extra help during the harvest season," Mr Amporn said.

Ban Nam Kham villager Prasit Kum-oan, 41, was home for a three-day break from Bangkok. He said he became a taxi driver because it was flexible and allowed him to come home often. He often took a week off during the harvest season to help his wife in the paddy fields.

Mr Prasit said friends and relatives from Roi Et have formed a large community of taxi drivers in Bangkok. He said up to 200 drivers are from his village and nearby villages in tambon Pon Mueng alone.

"I have rented a house with about 10 other taxi drivers from Roi Et. It feels like living back home because we speak our local dialect and cook local dishes such as somtam and fermented fish [pla ra]," Mr Prasit said.

During his 10-year career, he said, he has helped train eight men from his village as taxi drivers. "It usually takes a week to teach them how to drive on Bangkok's busy roads and for them to remember important areas and buildings," he said.

Mongkolchai Suramanee, 32, a taxi driver from Ban Pon Mueng village, said for some years there had been more drivers from Roi Et than from other provinces because it is difficult to get a job without guarantees from other drivers.

Roi Et residents have a head start, he said, since many newcomers are relatives or friends of veteran drivers.

Mr Mongkolchai said many taxi drivers from Roi Et still work as farmers, tending the fields during the rainy season and driving in Bangkok during the dry season.

But he called on Mr Thaksin to help create jobs in At Samat so residents would not have to leave their parents and families.

"I haven't bought a house in Bangkok because my parents and my home are here in Roi Et. If I could choose, I would love to stay in Roi Et with my family while earning the same amount of money as in Bangkok," Mr Mongkolchai said.

KatoeyLover69

17-01-2006, 01:22 PM

Report from Bangkok Post dated Tuesday 17 January 2006 :-

Smoking ban to be strictly enforced in all state offices : Advertising of alcohol to be curbed or banned

By Apinya Wipatayotin

A decade after laws were passed limiting areas where staff can smoke in state offices, the government has finally decided to enforce them.

Any Permanent Secretary or chief of a state office who continues to turn a blind eye to staff or visitors violating non-smoking laws will be fined 20,000 baht, Public Health Minister Phinij Jarusombat warned yesterday.

The people caught puffing away will be fined 2,000 baht.

Smoking restrictions have long been enforced in private enterprise.

Mr Pinij was speaking after signing a memorandum of understanding with 20 ministries and nine state organisations, including the Prime Minister's Office, on the enforcement of non-smoking areas in state offices. It takes effect today.

He said although non-smoking regulations were introduced many years ago, there had been lax enforcement in government offices. The signing of the memorandum would serve as a reminder to smokers and senior officials that the law would be enforced.

The Public Health Ministry yesterday also agreed in principle on the need for tougher controls on the advertising of alcoholic beverages.

The national committee on alcohol control, chaired by Mr Phinij, will consider whether to shorten the period of TV advertising from seven hours to only three hours a day or to ban alcohol advertising altogether.

Ads for beer, spirits and other alcohol are allowed on TV only from 10pm to 5am, so as not to encourage drinking by adolescents. This may be limited to between 2am and 5am.

"We will work on the details. Hopefully, everything will be settled within 45 days," the minister said.

If a total ban on advertising alcohol in the media was implemented, television would be hardest hit in terms of revenue. Research by the Centre for Alcohol Studies found total annual media revenue for advertising of alcoholic drinks is about 2.3 billion baht, with 1.6 billion baht going to TV, 229 million baht to newspapers and 169 million baht to radio stations. The study was between 1999 and 2004.

According to a ministry survey, Thais drank an average 58 litres of alcohol per person in 2003, up from 20.2 litres in 1989.

Health officials have been particularly concerned about the rapid increase in drinking among the 11-19 age group.

New laws or laws being drafted aimed at stemming this trend include limiting areas where alcohol can be sold, banning alcohol sales at petrol stations, limiting sales hours in stores and raising the legal age from 18 to 21 years.

Drafting of the bills is expected to be completed the end of next month and they will then be sent to the parliament.

KatoeyLover69

17-01-2006, 01:28 PM

Report from Bangkok Post dated Tuesday 17 January 2006 :-

Govt urged to make Malay official language

By Anucha Charoenpo

A veteran peace campaigner has urged the government to make the Malay dialect, spoken by the majority of people in the deep South, another official language of the region to help restore peace and unity.

Mark Tamthai, deputy chairman of the National Security Council's strategic non-violence committee and director of the Chiang Mai-based Phayap University's research institute, made the recommendation to the National Reconciliation Commission (NRC) which is finalising a report suggesting solutions to the unrest in the Muslim-dominated southernmost provinces of Yala, Pattani and Narathiwat.

The NRC will submit the report of its findings and recommendations to the government by the end of next month.

Mr Mark said he believed that making the Malay dialect another official language besides Thai would give local Muslims a reason to be proud of their heritage and thus help ease tensions.

Also, it would help overcome problems arising from the use of Thai during police questioning of local suspects and witnesses, as well as ensure protection for people's basic rights.

"The government need not fear that local Muslims in the deep South will not speak Thai after they are allowed to use their own dialect as an official language," Mr Mark told a seminar on peace and tolerance in the deep South, held at the Institute of Asian Studies under Chulalongkorn University's Political Science Faculty. Dual official languages have been in use in many other countries with no ill-effects, said Mr Mark, who is also an NRC member.

Citing Spain as an example, he said this European country had been under Generalissimo Francisco Franco, who ruled the country with an iron fist from 1939 to1975. The late dictator had no respect for "regional nationalism" and regional differences. He had made Castilian Spanish the only official language and outlaw other dialects of Spain.

Mr Mark said violence and conflicts were rife in Franco's Spain, which consisted of several minority groups each of which wanted to be independent of the iron-fisted rule.

After Franco's death the Spanish government allowed their people to use their own dialects and made three more dialects official languages.

In the context of "regional nationalism", he said the government should give local Muslims more say in making policy decisions affecting their lives.

The government should study the pros and cons of peace-building efforts from other countries encountering conflicts and take lessons from them to adjust measures for peace in the deep South.

He cited Sri Lanka as a country mired in violence, saying the Thai government should also look at elements that hamper peace-building efforts in the deep South.

Associate Professor Chanthana Banphasirichote, a political science lecturer at Chulalongkorn University, said she and colleagues from Prince of Songkhla University, Assumption University and Yala Islamic College have been doing a research comparing the levels of tolerance of southern violence between Bangkokians and residents of the Muslim-dominated southern provinces of Narathiwat, Pattani, Satun, Songkhla and Yala.

Their findings will be added to the NRC's final report and recommendations.

Meanwhile, violence in the deep South continued yesterday.

In Narathiwat, Marosae Joso, 42, a rubber plantation owner, was shot and wounded by a motorcycle gunman while on his way to tap rubber yesterday.

He was sent to Narathiwat Rachanagarind Hospital where he was reported to be in critical condition.

In Songkhla, Pol Snr Sgt-Maj Jaras Promchuay, 46, was found dead with multiple gunshot wounds on a road in Thepha district yesterday. He was ambushed while on foot patrol following an assignment briefing at Huay Pling police station.

Supri Awae, 21, and Niso Ti-ngi, 25, accused of killing two marines in Tanyong Limo village last September and arrested on Saturday in Narathiwat's Rangae district, were yesterday handed over to Rangae police for legal proceedings after being questioned at the police forward command in Yala.

KatoeyLover69

17-01-2006, 01:33 PM

Report from Bangkok Post dated Tuesday 17 January 2006 :-

Chinese New Year heats up

By Chatrudee Theparat

Chinese New Year festivals are expected to generate more than one billion baht in tourism revenue and attract more than 300,000 local and international visitors, according to a deputy governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT).

Santichai Euachongpreasit said that of the 300,000 projected visitors, more than 30,000 were expected to be from mainland China, Hong Kong, Taiwan and Singapore.The number of international visitors during Chinese New Year was expected to increase 50% from last year's figure.

The TAT has earmarked a budget of 10 million baht to support Chinese New Year festivals held by public and private organisations in Bangkok's Yaowarat area and in other provincial tourist destinations including Hat Yai, Phuket, Nakhon Sawan and Pattaya, said Mr Santichai.

In Yaowarat, the festival will be bigger than ever with plenty of lantern decorations, as organisers mark the 60th anniversary of His Majesty the King's accession to the throne and the 30th anniversary of Thai-Chinese bilateral relations, he said.

About 600 'gold' prizes will be given away at draws during the festival in Yaowarat, which starts on Jan 29.

The onset of the Year of the Dog is also expected to spur spending sentiment. Retailers have already started staging Chinese New Year sales promotions.

siamcutey

17-01-2006, 01:34 PM

Horton's mother told BBC Wales: "I have never believed in the death penalty. I don't believe anyone has the right to take another person's life.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

My comments :-

Elizabeth Horton is perfectly right in saying that " she would not want to interfere with the Thai legal system."

Whereas PM Thaksin has asked for the Court to pass the death penalty on the 2 suspects. In doing so PM Thaksin is "interfering with the judicial system
She's right by saying no one has the right to take another person's life but the fact is the rapists cum murderers do not have the right to rape and take her daughter's life away too.

Anyway the max sentence to be given for such a crime is execution with lethal injection. If they are given the max sentence, it is not considered interfering with the judicial system.

With their unremorseful actions and behaviour, I seriously think they should be given the max sentence if not would anyone out there still have trust in Thailand's judicial system?

SC

KatoeyLover69

17-01-2006, 01:39 PM

Report from Bangkok Post dated Tuesday 17 January 2006 :-

Mitsubishi's largest plant to come online in Thailand

By Pitsinee Jitpleecheep

The world's largest Mitsubishi air-conditioner factory in Chachoengsao will be completed in September this year.

After the 1.2-billion-baht factory in the Amata Nakorn Industrial Estate is up and running, the total capacity of Mitsubishi Electric Consumer Products (Thailand) Co will double to three million units per year, 80% of which are destined for export.

Thailand is one of the most important air-conditioner production bases for Mitsubishi, alongside Japan, China and Scotland, said Mitsushige Dehari, managing director of Mitsubishi Electric Kangyong Watana Co, the distributor of Mitsubishi appliances.

Since the facilities in Japan and China can only serve local demand, the parent firm looked to Thailand to serve and expand its export markets, he added.

"The increased capacity from the Thai operation will be exported to Japan, Europe, South America and other countries we have yet to reach. It will fulfil our parent firm's policy of becoming one of the world's three largest distributors of air-conditioning products in the future," said Mr Dehari.

Currently, LG is the world's best-selling brand, followed by the Chinese brand Gree, while Mitsubishi has dropped to No. 5 from No. 3 over the past few years.

Locally, sales of all Mitsubishi products in fiscal 2005 ending on March 31, 2006 are estimated at 6.4 billion baht, up over 17% from the same period last year.

Praphon Potivorakun, Mitsubishi Electric Kangyong Watana's deputy managing director, said overall market demand for home appliances in Thailand last year grew by 5% and sales turned out to be better than expected.

"As the weather was hot throughout the first half of last year, we introduced an affordable economy-type model to meet the demand. As a result, sales of our air-conditioner products grew by 60% last year," he said.

The Thai economy this year is expected to grow by 5%, partly driven by more exports as a result of the proliferation of free trade agreements.

The market growth of electrical appliances this year will be on par with the 5% seen last year. The opening of the Suvarnabhumi International Airport and the World Cup tournament this year will help boost the overall demand.

To tap it, the company will spend about 530 million baht on advertising and promotional campaigns this year.

Sales are expected at seven billion baht for the 2006 fiscal year ending in March 2007. Of the total sales, about 57% will be contributed by air-conditioners, 19% refrigerators and 10% water pumps.

poompoom

17-01-2006, 02:46 PM

She's right by saying no one has the right to take another person's life but the fact is the rapists cum murderers do not have the right to rape and take her daughter's life away too.

Anyway the max sentence to be given for such a crime is execution with lethal injection. If they are given the max sentence, it is not considered interfering with the judicial system.

With their unremorseful actions and behaviour, I seriously think they should be given the max sentence if not would anyone out there still have trust in Thailand's judicial system?

SC
these 2 guy facial expression look very YA YA even kanna caught by the police. think it very bad to the imagine of thailand if dun give them a hard 1. ppls wont scare. must kill chicken let monkey see mah.

KatoeyLover69

17-01-2006, 09:54 PM

Report from The STAR dated Tuesday 17 January 2006 :-

Malaysia repatriates 131 Thai Muslims

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia has repatriated all 131 Thai Muslims who fled violence in southern Thailand and crossed illegally into Malaysia, officials said Tuesday.

The Thai villagers' return to their home country has ended any concerns that relations with Thailand might be hurt by their presence in Malaysia, said Radzi Sheikh Ahmad, Minister in the Prime Minister's Department.

"They've been sent back already,'' Radzi told reporters.

"Both sides are very happy. Thailand is happy, we are happy. It's no more an issue.''

Radzi could not say exactly when the Thais had been repatriated.

They had crossed the border into Malaysia last August.

Attorney General Abdul Gani Patail also said Tuesday that the Thais had been sent back, adding that he had been informed about it "some time ago.''

The 131 Thais illegally crossed the border into Malaysia's northeastern state of Kelantan on Aug. 30 last year, claiming they felt threatened by the Thai military's crackdown on Islamic insurgents.

They were subsequently detained by Malaysian immigration authorities.

One of the refugees was handed over in November to Thai officials, who accused him of treason, stealing arms and the slaying of an official.

Malaysia is a mainly Muslim country, while neighboring Thailand is predominantly Buddhist.

However, Thailand's far south bordering Malaysia has a Muslim majority and is facing an Muslim insurgency that has left more than 1,100 people dead since January 2004. - AP

KatoeyLover69

17-01-2006, 09:57 PM

Report from Bangkok Post dated Tuesday 2006 :-

130 Thai Muslims still in Malaysia

Kuala Lumpur (BP-dpa) - Malaysia has issued an apology to Thailand that one of its ministers "miscommunicated" by announcing that all 130 Thai Muslims who fled into the country last August had been released and sent back to Thailand. No such release or return actually occurred.

Attorney-general Abdul Gani Patail said his statement on the release of the refugees was a miscommunication and apologised for the error.

"I sincerely apologise for the wrong information on the matter," he told the official Bernama agency, just hours after another senior Malaysian minister also told reporters that the Muslim refugees had been released. They had not.

Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Mohamad Radzi Sheikh Ahmad said earlier Tuesday that the 130 had returned home, but declined to give further details of their supposed release. Mohamad Radzi could not be contacted for comment last evening.

Both men's statements caused surprise in Thailand.

Mr Radzi told reporters the 130 Thai Muslims who left for Malaysia last August had been sent back to Thailand. He said this morning all 130 were "released" quietly last year, without publicity, and sent back to Thailand.

"No more issues. All have been sent back," he told Bernama. "Both sides (Malaysia and Thailand) are very happy."

But a few hours later, there was confusion. Deputy Prime Minister Surakiart Sathirathai said as far as he knew, "the 131 people are still in Malaysia and Malaysia is taking care of them".

"I checked with the Foreign Ministry, our embassy in Malaysia and police officials. Nobody said there was a release of 131 Muslim Thais from Malaysia," he told reporters. "The Malaysian government has not told us anything."

Deputy Prime Minister Chidchai Wannasathit, with day-to-day responsibility for security in the far south, said the Interior Ministry and immigration officials on the Thai-Malaysian border could also confirm the 131 had not yet returned. But then many people pass the border without checking with authorities - just as the Muslims did when they left for Malaysia in August.

"We're surprised by the report. We verified it with our embassy and other sources. It's not true," a foreign ministry official told Thai newsmen and Bernama. He added the refugees were currently still at a holding centre in Malaysia's northeastern Terengganu state.

The Muslims were interviewed by officers from the UN refugee agency in Kuala Lumpur, a move which Bangkok slammed as seen to be interfering with its internal affairs.

In December, Malaysia handed over one of the refugees to Thailand after a request by authorities to question the man on his alleged involvement in the January 4, 2004 robbery of 300 weapons from an army depot.

The 131 Thais had claimed that they fled Thailand's Narathiwat province out of fear for their safety in light of increasing violence in Thailand's deep South - Narathiwat, Pattani and Yala provinces - where more than 1,000 people have died in clashes and revenge killings over the last 22 months.

The flight of the Thais from Narathiwat province for Kelantan state last August triggered testy exchanges and flurries of diplomatic concern. One man was arrested on Thai request and forcibly returned to face charges of violence.

The Malaysians said the Thais fled unrest in the South. Thailand maintained the 130 were pawns of separatists. The UN High Commissioner for Refugees initially tried to investigate the case but quickly backed off when challenged by Thailand.

U-Need

18-01-2006, 10:33 AM

Published on January 18, 2006

Video link opens channel for PM to lash out at critics, rally ministers to help the poor. Prime Minister Thaksin Shina-watra chaired yesterday’s Cabinet meeting via video-conference link from Government House to Wat Ban Kloy in Roi Et’s At Samat district.

The telecast started with a tirade by the premier against his critics, then ranged over a swag of different issues - from protest marches, poverty alleviation and education matters to smuggled cars from Malaysia.

In remarks before reviewing the agenda, Thaksin noted the vacant seats in the Cabinet room, saying tongue-in-cheek that many ministers were working with him to tackle poverty-related problems in At Samat.

He then told ministers in Bangkok about his encounter with 300 protesters after arriving Roi Et Airport on Monday.

“I talked to anti-dam protesters and those from a potash mine and agreed to meet them again for lunch on February 24 in Udon Thani,” he said.

These protesters were from non-government groups and aired their grievances within reason.

“But there is a group of people bent on overthrowing the government. I will not waste time trying to talk to them as they are cheaters and cannot understand any human language,” he said.

He lashed out at his critics, who he said comprised a man who committed fraud but escaped punishment due to the expiry of statutory limitations, a loan defaulter and a rogue businessman who cheated shareholders.

“These people vented their anger at the government, which denied them any favours,” he said.

He also made sarcastic remarks about his critics, characterising them as political vagrants for hire and saying police and the Social Development and Human Security Ministry should round them up for rehabilitation.

The prime minister continued his tirade by instructing Deputy Prime Minister Chidchai Vana-satidya to tighten law enforcement regarding public demonstrations.

“Relevant authorities should strictly ban any marches on Bangkok roads and tolerate only those keeping to the sidewalks,” he said, referring to the march by protesters last Friday from Sondhi’s talk-show at Lumpini Park which culminated in an intrusion at Government House.

Thaksin then turned to his trip to the Northeast, saying he had asked the Interior Ministry to instruct At Samat district officials to conduct a comprehensive review on the supply and demand for local products in order to improve the livelihood of locals.

He said the Interior Ministry would work jointly with the Social Develop-ment and Human Security Ministry to find gainful employment for villagers.

On Monday night, he said he met a couple who owned a sewing machine but recently found that production orders had dried up. He urged authorities to help them find new orders for garments or supplementary income from agriculture. He said most poor villagers whom he met on his first day needed to boost their monthly earnings by Bt3,000 to Bt5,000.

The National Economic and Social Development Board would act as the secretariat to co-ordinate with local authorities nationwide in implementing the At Samat model of poverty eradication as demonstrated by him, he said.

Commenting on events relating to the National Children’s Day and the Teachers’ Day, he said he was impressed with proposals advanced by a children’s council and an opinion survey on teachers’ performance. “I told the education minister to act on the children’s proposals regarding pornographic media outlets and the survey on teaching quality,” Thaksin said.

“I also instructed Deputy Prime Minister Chidchai to map out preventive measures against child abuse,” he added.

This year, the Education Ministry will launch a campaign to do away with rote learning, which is still prevalent from kindergarten to doctorate studies, he said.

Deputy Education Minister Rung Kaewdaeng had been assigned to deal with teachers’ debt problems, so they could devote full attention to their classes, he said.

He further stated that he had ordered Chidchai and Defence Minister Thamarak Isarangura to jointly supervise the investigation into the arms smuggling case in Phetchaburi. “I suspect the involvement of a lieutenant colonel and want the case solved,” he said.

In his other instructions, he said Deputy Prime Wissanu Krea-ngam would organise a government reception in honour of HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn.

HRH has received the Indira Gandhi medal.

Chidchai had been given the task of overseeing inquiries into the smuggling of luxury cars from Malaysia, following the uncovering of a smuggling gang by police inspector General Seripisut Temiyavej, he said.

Finance Minister Thanong Bidaya then interjected, saying said seized cars would not be auctioned off but distributed for government use.

The measure would prevent smugglers from laundering their illegal operations by buying back impounded cars before reselling them on the market, Thanong said.

Piyanart Srivalo

The Nation

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Headline sucks: PM

Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra hit out at several newspapers yesterday for what he viewed as their biased coverage of his reality show being broadcast by UBC from Roi Et province.

He singled out the Thai-language Kom Chad Luek, in which a front-page headline read: “Villagers banned from selling in At Samat”. The report said local food stalls were not allowed to do business during the prime minister’s visit to the district.

"This headline sucks, it’s not constructive. Writing like this can hurt the country. The writer must be dreaming, not awake," Thaksin said during his breakfast, adding that he had bought some local dishes on his first night in the province.

"I dont want to be praised [by the media], but they should care more about a code of ethics," he said.

Thaksin was having a breakfast with a handful of Cabinet members who are accompanying him on his anti-poverty mission. He also hosted a meal for a group of reporters covering the reality show.

Shortly before 8am, the prime minister and his entourage left for Ban Kloy Temple, about 2km away, for a Cabinet meeting via a video-conferencing system. Thaksin travelled on a home-made farm truck and gave the driver Bt2,000, telling him to use it for the fuel. The truck driver, Preecha Mithaowan, said he was very happy and felt it was a great honour to have driven the truck for the government leader. –The Nation

U-Need

18-01-2006, 10:37 AM

633 words
18 January 2006
Bangkok Post
English

The Technology Promotion Association (Thailand-Japan) is organising its annual "Communicating in Business English" seminar from March 12 to May 21, at its premises. Applications will be accepted until February 1.

The cost is 3,100 baht. Call 02-259-9160-9 ext 1811 for more information.

Voice of Islam

Walailuck University and the University of Copenhagen are organising a seminar entitled "Voices of Islam in Europe and Southeast Asia" at the Twin Lotus Hotel, Nakhon Si Thammarat province from January 20 to 22.

Panelists include academics from Europe and Asia.

Call 07-567-2073 or 07-567-2014 for more information.

College music concert

The College of Music, Mahidol University invites music lovers to enjoy the "6th Concert" on January 27 and 28, performed by the Thailand Philharmonic Orchestra (TPO).

The concert will be conducted by Claude Villaret in the college's Music Auditorium. Pieces to be performed include Luang Pradit Pairau's or Sorn Silpabanlaeng's, Khaek Khow, Chopin's Piano Concerto in E minor, No 1 and Mozart's Symphony No 40, in G minor, K550.

The soloist is Adrian Oetiker. Tickets are 200 baht.

For more information and reservations, call 02-800-2525 ext 154/5 or 241.

Economics fun

Dhurakij Pundit University's Faculty of Economics will stage an "Economics Problem Solving Competition for Secondary Students" on January 26 at the Chalermkiat Building and Sanan Ketudat. Teachers who would like their students to enter the contest should call 02-954-7300 ext 358 or 565.

Dharma weekend

The Young Buddhists Association of Thailand and the House of Dharma will hold a weekend Vipassana (Insight) meditation retreat, running from 5pm on Friday, February 3 to the evening of Sunday February 5. Instruction will be in English, with some Thai translation. It will be held at the Young Buddhist's Association of Thailand's meditation centre in Pathum Thani. The retreat is open to all, and it is not necessary to be a Buddhist to take part. Vegetarian food and single room accommodation will be provided.

For more information, call 02-511-0439, email [email protected] or visit www.houseofdhamma.com/detailsret04.htm .

Going global

If you're interested in internationally-successful Thai products, you should attend the talk "Yothaka Retrospective", to be given by Suwan Kongkhunthian and Somchai Thanapolkiat at the Thailand Creative and Design Centre, on January 27, from 7 to 9pm. The speakers are the founders of Yothaka International, one of the leading water hyacinth furniture manufacturers and exporters. The talk will reveal the company's success in using local material to create items that are successful on the international market. Admission is free. For more information, call 02-664-7667.

Gems and Jewellery Seminar

The Asian Institute of Gemological Sciences (AIGS) will give a free gems and jewellery seminar entitled "How to Buy Diamonds" and "Understanding Basic Jewellery Design" (in English). The seminar will be held on January 19, from 1 to 4pm at the AIGS office, 33rd Floor, Jewellery Trade Centre, Silom Road. For reservations call 02-267-4315-9.

New book promotion

Asia Books is holding a "New Year, New You" promotion, to highlight new books to help freshen up your life. The promotion is running at all Asia Books branches from now until February 15.

In addition to the promotion, customers spending 2,000 baht on selected titles will get a 200 baht gift voucher or a book from The Tao of Pooh series.

For more information, call 02-715-9000 or visit to www.asiabooks.com .

Used discs

Bored with a DVD, CD or VCD? Take it to CD Warehouse and sell it for cash or part-exchange it for a new disk.