Thailand

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  Bangkok Post: Breaking News

• India car sales hit record high

  9 Feb 2010 | 8:36 am

  Indian car sales raced to a record monthly high of 145,905 units in January as demand was boosted by cheap loans and a recovering economy, an industry group said Tuesday.

• UDD pledges non-violent campaign

  9 Feb 2010 | 7:12 am

  Key leaders of the anti-government 'Red-Shirt' United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD) on Tuesday promised the group would adhere to peaceful means, dismissing reports of a planned armed group to fight for their political agenda.

• India says no to first GM food crop

  9 Feb 2010 | 5:54 am

  India refused to grant permission Wednesday for the commercial cultivation of its first genetically modified (GM) food crop, citing problems of public trust and "inadequate" science.

• S.Africa thrash India in first Test

  9 Feb 2010 | 4:54 am

  South Africa thumped India by innings and six runs despite a fighting century by Sachin Tendulkar on the fourth day of the first Test on Tuesday to go 1-0 up in the two-match series.

• Govt prepared to cope with red shirts

  9 Feb 2010 | 4:15 am

  The government plans to take three levels of legal measures to control the red shirts of the United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship who are expected to stage a mass rally this month, acting government spokesman Panitan Wattanayagorn said on Tuesday.

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  Yahoo! Thailand News

• Cambodia wants World Court to rule on Thai border

  9 Feb 2010 | 8:19 am

  Cambodia will complain to the World Court that Thailand is occupying its land, the prime minister said Tuesday while visiting the territory at the heart of a bitter border dispute.

• Thailand tightens security ahead of Thaksin ruling

  8 Feb 2010 | 2:51 am

  Thailand has started deploying about 20,000 security forces to brace for protests ahead of a widely anticipated court ruling on the $2.2 billion fortune of deposed leader Thaksin Shinawatra, a spokesman said Monday.

• Thailand deploys 20,000 forces on Thaksin ruling

  7 Feb 2010 | 11:26 pm

  The Thai government has begun to deploy at least 20,000 extra security forces across the country ahead of a court ruling on the fortune of ousted premier Thaksin Shinawatra, a spokesman said Monday.

• Laos 'moving toward' Hmong access: US diplomat

  6 Feb 2010 | 9:06 am

  Laos was "moving toward" allowing access to ethnic Hmong whose repatriation by Thailand in December sparked international outrage, a US diplomat said Saturday.

• Cambodia rebukes Google over disputed Thai border map

  5 Feb 2010 | 9:57 pm

  Cambodia has accused Internet giant Google of being "professionally irresponsible" over its map of a ancient temple at the centre of a border dispute with Thailand, a letter seen by AFP Saturday showed.

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  BigNewsNetwork: Bangkok News

• Thai police arrest Japanese gangster wanted for murder in Japan

  9 Feb 2010 | 11:23 am

  BANGKOK — A Japanese gangster suspected of murdering a rival gangster in Kanagawa Prefecture last July was arrested in the Thai capital on Sunday, a diplomatic source said Tuesday. Kenichi A...

• First round exit for Sacha Jones in Thailand

  9 Feb 2010 | 10:45 am

  The 19 year old Aucklander won through three rounds of qualifying to make the main draw, but has been beaten 6-4, 4-6, 6-1 by Italian world number 72 Alberta Brianti. Marina Erakovic plays Austria's ...

• 7 sought for Klong Toei grenade attack

  9 Feb 2010 | 10:45 am

  Arrest warrants have been issued for seven people suspected to be behind the grenade attacks in Bangkok's Klong Toei market last Sunday night following fights between two rival groups of vendors.

• Police general moved over position selling claims

  9 Feb 2010 | 10:45 am

  The commander of Provincial Police Bureau 2 was yesterday transferred to an inactive post following allegations he had used favouritism in a recent reshuffle of police officers - and benefited from th...

• Thaksin to phone in four days ahead of his asset verdict

  9 Feb 2010 | 10:45 am

  Thaksin Shinawatra is expected to contact his supporters via a video link four days ahead to the February 26 verdict on his Bt76 billion impounded assets, an event organiser said on Tuesday.Bangkok 50...

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  BangkokNews.net

• Thai police arrest Japanese gangster wanted for murder in Japan

  9 Feb 2010 | 11:23 am

  BANGKOK — A Japanese gangster suspected of murdering a rival gangster in Kanagawa Prefecture last July was arrested in the Thai capital on Sunday, a diplomatic source said Tuesday. Kenichi A...

• First round exit for Sacha Jones in Thailand

  9 Feb 2010 | 10:45 am

  The 19 year old Aucklander won through three rounds of qualifying to make the main draw, but has been beaten 6-4, 4-6, 6-1 by Italian world number 72 Alberta Brianti. Marina Erakovic plays Austria's ...

• 7 sought for Klong Toei grenade attack

  9 Feb 2010 | 10:45 am

  Arrest warrants have been issued for seven people suspected to be behind the grenade attacks in Bangkok's Klong Toei market last Sunday night following fights between two rival groups of vendors.

• Police general moved over position selling claims

  9 Feb 2010 | 10:45 am

  The commander of Provincial Police Bureau 2 was yesterday transferred to an inactive post following allegations he had used favouritism in a recent reshuffle of police officers - and benefited from th...

• Thaksin to phone in four days ahead of his asset verdict

  9 Feb 2010 | 10:45 am

  Thaksin Shinawatra is expected to contact his supporters via a video link four days ahead to the February 26 verdict on his Bt76 billion impounded assets, an event organiser said on Tuesday.Bangkok 50...

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  Topix: Thailand

• Bra-pinching gang busted

  9 Feb 2010 | 12:46 am

  Thai police have arrested a gang of five men who allegedly stole more than 30,000 Triumph-brand bras worth an estimated 3 million baht , media reports said on Tuesday.

• Bomb hits truck carrying Thai soldiers; 7 wounded

  8 Feb 2010 | 8:06 pm

  Cambodian soldiers are seen by a machine gun as they guard along the Cambodia-Thailand border near Preah Vihear temple, Preah Vihear province, about 245 kilometers north of Phnom Penh, Cambodia, Friday, Feb.

• BANGKOK: A close encounter

  7 Feb 2010 | 8:03 pm

  Thai and Cambodian authorities were busy preparing and bracing themselves for what promised to be extremely awkward diplomacy, with Cambodia Prime Minister Hun Sen set to visit the Ta Muen Thom ruins in Surin.

• Peace prevails during Hun Sen visit

  6 Feb 2010 | 7:43 pm

  Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen's tour yesterday morning of Preah Vihear Temple - the subject of conflicting territorial claims with Thailand - went off without any incidents, but doubts remained as to his intentions in making the visit.

• Thailand, U.S., S Korea hold amphibious assault exercise

  5 Feb 2010 | 8:00 pm

  Thailand, the United States and South Korea jointly participated in a mock amphibious assault demonstration, as part of the annual Cobra Gold military exercise on Thursday in central Thailand's province of Chonburi.

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  InsideWorld.com: Thailand

• Angelina Jolie visits Haiti quake refugees (AFP)

  9 Feb 2010 | 7:18 am

  Visit our website to read more www.InsideWorld.com. Warning: Division by zero in /home/world/includes/classes.news.php on line 158 ' class="link_text" target="_blank">Story Link.

• Asian restaurant opening in Bearden

  9 Feb 2010 | 6:46 am

  Visit our website to read more www.InsideWorld.com. Warning: Division by zero in /home/world/includes/classes.news.php on line 158 ' class="link_text" target="_blank">Story Link.

• CIT sets John Thain’s salary at $6M a year

  9 Feb 2010 | 6:17 am

  Visit our website to read more www.InsideWorld.com. Warning: Division by zero in /home/world/includes/classes.news.php on line 158 ' class="link_text" target="_blank">Story Link.

• Angelina Jolie to visit Haiti: UNHCR (AFP)

  9 Feb 2010 | 5:45 am

  Visit our website to read more www.InsideWorld.com. Warning: Division by zero in /home/world/includes/classes.news.php on line 158 ' class="link_text" target="_blank">Story Link.

• Thai Airways to lease aircraft

  9 Feb 2010 | 2:46 am

  Visit our website to read more www.InsideWorld.com. Warning: Division by zero in /home/world/includes/classes.news.php on line 158 ' class="link_text" target="_blank">Story Link.

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  MCOT Political News

• PAD signature campaign to impeach 102 MPs

  5 Feb 2010 | 12:15 am

  BANGKOK, Feb 5 (TNA) Thailand's People s Alliance for Democracy (PAD) submitted a letter to Senate Speaker to start its signature campaign seeking to impeach 102 members of parliament who proposed th...

• Hun Sen to visit disputed border: Thai Deputy PM

  4 Feb 2010 | 11:00 pm

  BANGKOK, Feb5 (TNA) - Thailand's Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban on Friday reaffirmed that Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen will visit the disputed border areas near the ancient Preah Vihear t...

• PM chairs security meeting as Cambodian premier plans border visit

  4 Feb 2010 | 8:55 pm

  BANGKOK, Feb 5 (TNA) - Prime Minisiter Abhisit Vejjajiva on Thursday chaired a meeting of Thailand s National Security Council (NSC) to discuss various security issues including Cambodian Prime Minist...

• Government braces for security threat

  4 Feb 2010 | 3:58 am

  BANGKOK, Feb4 (TNA) - Thailand's Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban on Thursday met with national security-concerned agencies to lay out preventive measures against possible violence during the p...

• Thailand's Red Shirts rally against coup at military camps

  3 Feb 2010 | 10:37 pm

  BANGKOK, Feb 4 (TNA) The United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD) gathered at military barracks nationwide to show their stance against a coup that only they say will happen before disp...

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  Google Blog Search: Thailand Politics

• Wisdom Quarterly: American Buddhist Journal: Thailand: Bright ...

  Wisdom Quarterly: American Buddhist Journal

  9 Feb 2010 | 6:57 am

  Thailand: Bright Enlightenment, Dark Politics. Pandit Bhikkhu walks the path to spiritual enlightenment (The Star/Greg Jorgensen). Thailand temples offer retreat and spiritual enlightenment. BANGKOK – A growing number of people are ...

• FACT – Freedom Against Censorship Thailand

  facthai

  9 Feb 2010 | 2:09 am

  I spent and still spend a lot of time at the computer searching out the minutiae of Thai politics in books, foreign newspapers, Thailand's two English language newspapers, the Nation and the Bangkok Post, and most of all in the various ...

• Thai coup rumours-Irrawaddy « FACT – Freedom Against Censorship ...

  facthai

  9 Feb 2010 | 1:45 am

  Paul Chambers, a political researcher at the University of Heidelberg, has written on the role of the military in Thai politics. In an email to The Irrawaddy, he downplayed the possibility that a Red-shirt-oriented coup is in the offing ...

• Why Bangkok Pundit is crucial-Prachatai « FACT – Freedom Against ...

  facthai

  9 Feb 2010 | 1:38 am

  Prachatai: Many farangs who follow Thai politics often try to guess what momentous structural changes will shortly happen in Thailand. Some say in less than 3 years, some in less than 5 years, some within 20 years. Do you think Thailand ...

• Cambodia not forgotten « Thai politics

  stangoesagain

  8 Feb 2010 | 9:18 pm

  Excrement is Thailand is very expensive, because the Thai people gave it as a gift to the prime minister. Even with that, he still does not resign from his position. If you don't tell the truth about Siam troops' invasion in Cambodia on ...

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  BKKOK.COM

• Nigerian VP chosen to take over for ailing president

  9 Feb 2010 | 10:09 am

  Nigeria's vice president has been tapped to serve as head of state until ailing President Umaru Musa Yar'Adua recovers enough to resume his duties.

• Ukraine's Yanukovich: I'm no Kremlin stooge

  9 Feb 2010 | 8:48 am

  The man leading Ukraine's presidential election called on his rival Tuesday to accept defeat, and he vowed to unite Ukraine after an election that has

• Japanese firm ordered to fix airline seats

  9 Feb 2010 | 8:48 am

  The Japanese government has ordered repairs to seats aboard planes operating in several countries after accusing the manufacturer of falsifying safety test results.

• Real-life 'Avatar' story in India

  9 Feb 2010 | 8:41 am

  Campaigners fighting for the rights of indigenous peoples have appealed to the makers of the movie "Avatar" to help an Indian tribe protect its home

• Doctors: Haitian may have survived 4 weeks in rubble

  9 Feb 2010 | 6:32 am

  A man pulled alive from the rubble of a building in Haiti's capital may have been trapped since the January 12 quake that leveled much

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  Topix: Bangkok News

• The Birds: One night in Bangkok

  7 Feb 2010 | 10:20 pm

  A young monk plays with pigeons at Sanam Luang in Bangkok, Thailand. Bangkok authorities have closed the parade grounds near the Royal Palace for renovation and are planning to capture and relocate the park's pigeons.

• Bangkok, Thailand: Celebrate Chinese New Year and Valentine's Day at The Peninsula Hotel

  6 Feb 2010 | 10:02 pm

  February 14 marks the beginning of the year 4708 according to the Chinese lunar calendar.

• Review: Central World Plaza, Bangkok, Thailand: South East Asia's 2nd Largest Shopping Mall

  6 Feb 2010 | 1:47 pm

  Before I moved to Thailand, I came on a vacation and was surprised to see a shopping mall in Bangkok called the World Trade Center.

• Review: Watsons vs. Boots, Bangkok, Thailand: Which Chain Drug Store is Better?

  6 Feb 2010 | 5:35 am

  Both are large, both sell thousands of items and both have over 100 locations. If you're in Bangkok and looking for a big drug store or pharmacy, which of these two is better and why - Watsons or Boots? Selection of Items - Most of the branches of Watsons in Bangkok are larger than the branches of Boots.

• Review: Central Ladprao Mall, Bangkok, Thailand: Northern Bangkok's Most Popular Mall

  5 Feb 2010 | 5:15 am

  Central Ladprao Mall is located on Pahonyothin Road in northern Bangkok, Thailand.

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  All Bangkok

• Maesot-Myawaddy Bike Day 11th

  7 Feb 2010 | 7:25 pm

  Date : 20 February 2010 Venue : Thai – Myanmese Friendship Bridge, Mae Sod District, Tak

• RAAT 6 - Hour Endurance Race 2010

  7 Feb 2010 | 7:18 pm

  Date : 19 - 20 Fabruary 2010 Venue : Bira Circuit Pattaya, Cholburi, Thailand

• At The Twilight We Fell in Love

  7 Feb 2010 | 7:13 pm

  Date : 14 February 2010 Venue : Prime Nature Villa HuaHin, Prachuap Khili Kran

• Lanna-style wedding on elephant back

  7 Feb 2010 | 7:10 pm

  14 February 2010 At the Thai Elephant Conservation Center in Hang Chat district, Lampang Province

• PTT Pattaya Open 2010

  7 Feb 2010 | 7:05 pm

  Date : 7 - 14 February 2010 Venue : Dusit Resort Pattaya, Chonburi

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  The Bangkok Bugle

• PUBLISH ASIA RETURNS TO BANGKOK

  8 Feb 2010 | 4:23 pm

  Publish Asia 2010, a media industry conference and expo that will attract around 500 industry professionals from around the world, will take place in Bangkok at the end of May.The 2009 event, which was originally scheduled to take place in the Thai capital at the end of May, was a victim of the April street disturbances. It took place later in the year in Chennai, India.The event, which also includes the prestigious Asia Media Awards, will take place between 11-13 May at the Centara Grand and Bangkok Exhibition Centre. With the event taking place in Thailand I hope there will be some Thai…

• THE MYSTERIOUS CASE OF DR NIKHIL

  7 Feb 2010 | 5:02 pm

  In 2008 he had widely reported plans for a 250 million baht media empire involving magazines and television production facilities. Just six months ago he was detailing plans for an 88-page bilingual business newspaper, telling The Bangkok Bugle: "We have been working on this project for the last 16 months and have already secured a host of strategic partners to enable the financial viability of this project." Last September he announced plans for a website called Savybitch that promised to be "Thailand's most controversial e-magazine."Now it appears those plans have been shelved.Dr. A.P.

• PUBLISHERS TAKE THE CREDIT ..

  3 Feb 2010 | 8:41 pm

  .. but perhaps not in the way you might think.I was talking to a friend in the printing business yesterday, and she told me how she'd recently lost the contract to print one of Thailand's most famous women's lifestyle magazine. Her company had been printing the title for the past 20 years. And the reason? The publisher demanded six months worth of credit.It's not unusual for publishers and printers to agree extended credit terms of around 90 days. This gives the publisher time to recoup some of the revenue from advertising and copy sales. In the case of this particular magazine with its…

• NEW LOOK AND FREQUENCY FOR ASIA NEWS

  2 Feb 2010 | 6:34 pm

  Asia News, the regional English news magazine produced by the Asia News Network, has adopted a new cover design and reduced its frequency from weekly to bi-weekly. The Asia News Network is a group of English language daily newspaper from throughout Asia. Titles represented include The Straits Times, The Jakarta Post, The Korea Herald and The Brunei Times. Thailand's representative is The Nation, and indeed the magazine is designed and printed in the kingdom. Content is varied and is drawn from newspapers across the region.Apart from the cover design there are just a few design changes to the…

• CHANGES AFOOT AT SOUTHEAST ASIA GLOBE

  2 Feb 2010 | 2:20 am

  EXCLUSIVE: By The Bangkok BugleThe publishers of Southeast Asia Globe has spoken exclusively to The Bangkok Bugle regarding industry rumours surrounding the future of the Thailand edition of the magazine. The Cambodia-based English language title launched a Thailand edition in October 2009, and five months on Publishing Director Kirk Bentham admitted things have been a lot tougher than expected.He said: "The Thailand edition has taken longer than anticipated to hit with the advertisers however, we've made very good impact at retail and with our readership." Editor in Chief Tassilo Brinzer…

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  Phuket Gazette

• February blood drive in Phuket

  9 Feb 2010 | 9:39 am

  PHUKET TOWN: The Phuket Chapter of the Thai Red Cross Society in conjunction with the Phuket Regional Office of the National Blood Center has announced the following dates and times for it mobile donation clinics for February:February 10 (10am to 2pm): Phuket Wittayalai School, Phuket TownFebruary 11 (11am to 3pm): Jungceylon, PatongFebruary 15 (1pm to 4pm): Radi Medical Systems, Pa KhlokFebruary 19 (10am to 3pm): JW Marriott Resort and Spa, Mai KhaoFebruary 25 (11am to 4pm): HomeWorks, WichitFebruary 26 (1pm to 5pm): Bangkok Phuket Hospital, Phuket TownCaucasians with Rh-negative blood types…

• Danish Prince Henrik coming to Phuket

  9 Feb 2010 | 9:39 am

  PHUKET TOWN: Phuket is preparing for the arrival of Prince Henrik of Denmark in mid-February.Louis Bronner, manager of Mom Tri’s Boathouse, last week met with Phuket Governor Wichai Phraisa-ngop to discuss security arrangements during the Danish royal’s stay on the island.Governor Wichai said he was notified by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs that Prince Henrik, husband of the Queen of Denmark, Margrethe II, would be arriving in Phuket in mid-February for a personal vacation. ... Full story

• Phuket braces for ‘ice’ storm

  9 Feb 2010 | 9:39 am

  PHUKET: Ya ice is replacing ya bah as the drug of choice for Phuket’s teenagers, according to the island’s top police officer.Phuket Provincial Police Commander Pekad Tantipong’s comments came after police seized 100,000 baht’s worth of ya ice (crystal methamphetamine) in a sting operation over the weekend.Six were arrested on drug charges. ... Full story

• Phuket education fair this Sunday

  9 Feb 2010 | 9:39 am

  PHUKET: More than 20 Phuket-based Thai, bilingual and international schools are taking part in the Phuket Private Education Fair at Central Festival this Sunday.The schools will be occupying booths at Central Festival’s Event Hall on the 2nd floor from 11am to 8pm on February 14, giving prospective students and their parents the chance to meet school representatives and find out more about curriculum, facilities and fees.Among the kindergarten, primary and secondary schools occupying booths at the fair are Thai schools Darasamuth, Kajonkiet Pattana, Kajonkiet Suksa, Thai Hua, Muslim Wittaya…

• Tourist safety: Phuket Gov meets honorary consuls

  9 Feb 2010 | 9:39 am

  PHUKET TOWN: The Phuket Governor met with honorary consuls from 16 countries yesterday afternoon to discuss ways to improve safety for foreign tourists on holiday in Phuket.Phuket Governor Wichai Phraisa-ngop chaired the meeting, which was hosted by the Royal Phuket City Hotel. Only the honorary consul from Spain was unable to attend. ... Full story

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  Phuket-Post: Top Stories

• Legitimise yourself

  8 Feb 2010 | 5:35 pm

  There’s one thing that you need to do business in Asia. It’s not business connections, inventory, partners, customers, nor even an idea. What you need to be taken seriously here is a business card. Woe to the businessman who enters a meeting and doesn’t have abusiness card to exchange.

• Patong Beach Party

  7 Feb 2010 | 5:34 pm

  The first of a planned monthly series of beach parties kicks off on 13 Feb, on the beach just off Soi Bangla.The free party will feature six non-stop hours of deejays and a fashion show by top international models.

• Fore! our community

  1 Feb 2010 | 10:03 pm

  The JW Marriot Phuket has raised an impressive 330,000 baht in funds to support the Baan Home Hug foundation orphanage, smashing its expected total of 120,000 baht.

• Pamper yourself at Sanamya

  1 Feb 2010 | 9:55 pm

  Sanamya’s slogan is “pamper yourself at Sanamya and watch your problems melt away.” It had been a long week and I had my fair share of problems that needed melting, I was also ravenous so sat down with high expectations.

• Accepting the force

  1 Feb 2010 | 9:45 pm

  Perhaps sensing my frustration at not being able to kick fast as lightning and with experttiming, Rick Attix explained about the gentle nature of Tai Chi...

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  Phuket Wan

• Phuket Jellyfish: Warning Cover 'Makes No Sense'

  8 Feb 2010 | 2:04 pm

  Latest A Phuket seminar on jellyfish is told that transparency is the wisest course. Warning signs on Koh Lanta in Krabi were painted over after the death of a young tourist there.

• Phuket Tuk-Tuks,Taxis: Fairer Fares Proposed

  8 Feb 2010 | 11:28 am

  UPDATE More key meetings are planned after a historic gathering of representatives from Phuket's tourism source nations suggested a new approach to metered tuk tuks and taxis on the island.

• Phuket Pilot Plans to Regain a Plane

  8 Feb 2010 | 11:15 am

  Latest A golf loving commercial aircraft pilot who lost a leg in a freak motorcycle crash on Phuket is planning to fly again, just as soon as he has a new right foot fitted.

• MediaWATCH: Phuket Graft Being Probed

  8 Feb 2010 | 9:33 am

  Phuket News Digest Phuket graft allegations being probed; Pirated goods set alight; Sodomy case stops; Google plans Facebook rival; Casino set for NY in Singapore; Man lives in rubble for weeks.

• Phuket Tuk-Tuk Meeting to Follow Consuls' Summit

  7 Feb 2010 | 10:54 pm

  .Latest The innovative summit between Phuket's Governor and 15 national representatives was hailed as a success by participants, and next week the governor begins talks about tuk tuks.

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  Topix: Phuket, Thailand

• Phuket Readers' Poll: closing times

  8 Feb 2010 | 3:24 pm

  PHUKET: Phuket Governor Wichai Phraisa-ngop is reportedly lobbying the government in Bangkok to have the closing time for bars and nightclubs in Patong extended to 4am.

• Phuket Opinion: Stop 'zero fare tours' before they start in Phuket

  7 Feb 2010 | 3:06 pm

  PHUKET: Plans by the Tourism Authority of Thailand and three tourism business associations to stop 'zero tour fare' operators from setting up in Phuket are laudable, especially given the damage such outfits have already done to the inbound Chinese market in places like Chiang Mai and Pattaya.

• Phuket could benefit from Finnish retirement community plan

  6 Feb 2010 | 3:04 pm

  PHUKET TOWN: Finland plans to build serviced apartments for retirees in Thailand, the Finnish website aamulehti.com has reported.

• No more free visas for Phuket tourists and expats

  5 Feb 2010 | 2:50 pm

  PHUKET: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Bangkok, who oversees the Royal Thai Embassies and Consulates worldwide, today confirmed that visa fees will be levied for all visa classes from March 5, 2010.

• Short trip to Phuket worth the money

  4 Feb 2010 | 2:43 pm

  Phuket's beach is so different from other tropical islands I've visited. The sands are all white, the sea is so clear.

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  Thailand Blogs: Culture and Life

• Thailand: Greatest Urban Myths (Part 1)

  Stephen Cleary

  4 Feb 2010 | 11:20 pm

  Even for those who have never stepped a foot in the Land of Noodle Soup & Nose Jobs, chances are they’ve heard some classic Thailand myth worthy of an editorial column in the most sensational European tabloid. So worthy actually, that some of these urban legends have surfaced in such papers. But if you don’t read one in The Sun (UK), you’ll soon find a couple in some redundant second-hand guidebook, on trashy Internet forums, blogs written by 16 year-old school kids or daft videos on YouTube. However, the place best of all for enjoying Thailand legends are in the company of some…

• Bicycle Tours in Bangkok

  Richard Barrow

  2 Feb 2010 | 10:44 pm

  On Sunday, we went for an enjoyable bicycle ride in Bangkok. At first glance, this would sound like a crazy idea. But, it is amazing that after only a short boat ride across the Chao Phraya River, we were surrounded by lush green vegetation and almost complete silence. In fact, for most of the 25 kilometre route we cycled through jungle, along canals and down some side roads. There were only a few stretches that ran along major roads. The area that we visited has the nickname of "the lungs of Bangkok". Due to a giant loop in the river this area is virtually cut off from the mainland and…

• Thailand Polo King's Cup 2010

  Richard Barrow

  1 Feb 2010 | 8:05 am

  When we talk about horse polo, we usually think of the colonials in places like India. I watched my first polo match in Gilgit in Pakistan about 15 years ago. It was a thrilling game played out on a dusty pitch surrounded on all four sides by enthusiastic locals. For me growing up, I saw it as mainly the chosen game of the British royal family and the elite. It is not the kind of sport that the average person could try due to the high costs of keeping the horses. That is why I was surprised that they not only play horse polo in Thailand but they also have dedicated grounds for this. At the…

• Jao Por Tap Chinese Parade

  Richard Barrow

  24 Jan 2010 | 5:59 am

  The Chinese people of Samrong in Samut Prakan Province believe that their God Jao Por Tap will help them get rich. Behind Imperial World, on the old Paknam Railway Road, they have built a large Chinese shrine dedicated to this God. Every year, on the last Sunday of January, they hold a parade through town which is attended by literally thousands of local people. It was still dark when people started turning up at the Jao Por Tap Shrine. We arrived there shortly after 7 a.m. and both the road outside and the grounds of the shrine were crowded to capacity. This was the first time I had attended…

• Tour of Samut Prakan 02

  Richard Barrow

  21 Jan 2010 | 6:57 pm

  TOUR2 : Bang Nampheung Floating Market, The Erawan Museum, Reclining Buddha at Bang Phli and finishing with a meal at sunset at the Bang Pu Seaside Resort. Samut Prakan Province is sandwiched between Bangkok and the Gulf of Thailand. As it is so close to the capital of Thailand it doesn't receive many independent travellers. Most people see it as just the suburbs. Even the mighty Lonely Planet Guidebook for Thailand has now dropped the chapter on Samut Prakan. However, despite this, the province has a lot to offer for people who want something different. In Samut Prakan Tour 01 I told you…

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  Thai Photo Blogs

• Jungle Survival Exercise

  Suthee "Phong" Buayam

  9 Feb 2010 | 7:39 am

  A U.S. Marine eats a scorpion during a jungle survival exercise with the Thai Navy, as part of the "Cobra Gold 2010" (CG10) joint military exercise, at a military base in Chon Buri Province February 9, 2010. About 14,073 soldiers from six countries, including Thailand, U.S. , Singapore Indonesia, Japan and South Korea are participating in the three-week military exercise. (Reuters) U.S. Marines watch as a personnel from the Thai navy catches a cobra with his bare hands during a jungle survival exercise, as part of the "Cobra Gold 2010" (CG10) joint military exercise, at a military base in…

• Super Bowl in Thailand

  Suthee "Phong" Buayam

  8 Feb 2010 | 5:11 am

  Supporters of the New Orleans Saints NFL football club cheer their go ahead touchdown against the Indianapolis Colts during an NFL Super Bowl XLIV game party at the Roadhouse Bar in Bangkok, Thailand, early Monday, Feb. 8, 2010. The Saints went on to defeat the Colts 31-17 to win the NFL Super Bowl 44. (AP) Football fans, Tom Barrett of Bangkok, left, Morgan Perkins of Salt Lake, Utah, center, and Mike Hills of Sydney, Australia, right, react to the Indianapolis Colts first touchdown against the New Orleans Saints as they watch the NFL Super Bowl XLIV football game early Monday, Feb. 8, 2010,…

• Thongchai at Dubai Desert Classic

  Richard Barrow

  7 Feb 2010 | 4:32 am

  Thongchai Jaidee of Thailand tees off on the eighth hole during the third round of the Dubai Desert Classic golf tournament February 6, 2010. More Thailand pictures can be found at www.ThaiPhotoBlogs.com.

• Hun Sen Visits Preah Vihear temple

  Richard Barrow

  6 Feb 2010 | 6:08 am

  Cambodia's Prime Minister Hun Sen, right, sprays perfume as he prays at the Preah Vihear temple in Preah Vihear province, about 245 kilometers (152 miles) north of Phnom Penh, Cambodia, Saturday, Feb. 6, 2010. Hun Sen pays his first official visit Saturday to his troops at the historic temple in the disputed territory with Thailand. (AP) Cambodia's Prime Minister Hun Sen, center right, and his wife Bun Rany, sitting next to him, pray at the Preah Vihear temple in Preah Vihear province, about 245 kilometers (152 miles) north of Phnom Penh, Cambodia, Saturday, Feb. 6, 2010. Hun Sen pays his…

• Thailand Deports Karen Refugees

  Suthee "Phong" Buayam

  5 Feb 2010 | 7:06 am

  Myanmar's ethnic Karens move out from their refugee camp in Tha Son Yang district, Tak province near the Thai-Myanmar border February 5, 2010. Thailand suspended on Friday the forced repatriation of ethnic Karen refugees from military-ruled Myanmar, heeding calls from U.S. lawmakers and rights groups who said they faced possible death or enslavement. About 3,000 ethnic Karens entered Thailand in June, when the Myanmar regime stepped up fighting against the Karen National Union (KNU), a rebel group that has been seeking independence in the eastern hills bordering Thailand for the past 60…

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  Bangkok Pundit

• Thanong: It is treason to set up a people's army

  9 Feb 2010 | 4:00 am

  Thanong, of you know which publication, states in reference to the statement by Gen. Panlop, now aligned with the red shirt's, on the setting up of a people's army: The People's Army sounds like an overlapping army with the Royal Thai Army. Setting up the People's Army amounts to treason. BP: Really? In November 2008, the ...

• What is happening in red shirt land? Part II

  8 Feb 2010 | 10:30 pm

  After the earlier post this morning, Marwaan of IPS visits Sang Khom District in Udon Thai, in the ...

• Veera on Sudarat vs Chalerm

  8 Feb 2010 | 7:30 pm

  Have previously blogged on the public fight between Khunying Sudarat and Chalerm Yubamrung, but Veera in the Bangkok Post has an op-ed on the situation. Key excerpt: The maverick MP was also unhappy with his rival group's a...

• What is happening in red shirt land?

  8 Feb 2010 | 3:00 pm

  With the upcoming court case about Thaksin's assets some foreign reporters have gone to the Northeast. Nirmal Ghosh in the Straits Times: "This is a call for democracy, and a message to the army not to interfere in politics," said Kwanchai Praipana, a regional red shirt leader in Udon Thani.The message is for the army to remain neutral and not m...

• Democrat spokesman compares red shirts to dogs

  8 Feb 2010 | 4:00 am

  UPDDATE: Trying to balance a fine line between new readers and those who closely follow Thai politics and trying to use simpler titles. Thepthai is not the Democrat Spokesman with a capital S. He is actually Democrat Party leader's personal spokesman - the party leader being Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva. Matichon quotes Th...

• 
  Richard Barrow's Life in Thailand

• Bicycle Tours in Bangkok

  Richard Barrow

  2 Feb 2010 | 10:44 pm

  On Sunday, we went for an enjoyable bicycle ride in Bangkok. At first glance, this would sound like a crazy idea. But, it is amazing that after only a short boat ride across the Chao Phraya River, we were surrounded by lush green vegetation and almost complete silence. In fact, for most of the 25 kilometre route we cycled through jungle, along canals and down some side roads. There were only a few stretches that ran along major roads. The area that we visited has the nickname of "the lungs of Bangkok". Due to a giant loop in the river this area is virtually cut off from the mainland and…

• Thailand Polo King's Cup 2010

  Richard Barrow

  1 Feb 2010 | 8:05 am

  When we talk about horse polo, we usually think of the colonials in places like India. I watched my first polo match in Gilgit in Pakistan about 15 years ago. It was a thrilling game played out on a dusty pitch surrounded on all four sides by enthusiastic locals. For me growing up, I saw it as mainly the chosen game of the British royal family and the elite. It is not the kind of sport that the average person could try due to the high costs of keeping the horses. That is why I was surprised that they not only play horse polo in Thailand but they also have dedicated grounds for this. At the…

• Jao Por Tap Chinese Parade

  Richard Barrow

  24 Jan 2010 | 5:59 am

  The Chinese people of Samrong in Samut Prakan Province believe that their God Jao Por Tap will help them get rich. Behind Imperial World, on the old Paknam Railway Road, they have built a large Chinese shrine dedicated to this God. Every year, on the last Sunday of January, they hold a parade through town which is attended by literally thousands of local people. It was still dark when people started turning up at the Jao Por Tap Shrine. We arrived there shortly after 7 a.m. and both the road outside and the grounds of the shrine were crowded to capacity. This was the first time I had attended…

• Tour of Samut Prakan 02

  Richard Barrow

  21 Jan 2010 | 6:57 pm

  TOUR2 : Bang Nampheung Floating Market, The Erawan Museum, Reclining Buddha at Bang Phli and finishing with a meal at sunset at the Bang Pu Seaside Resort. Samut Prakan Province is sandwiched between Bangkok and the Gulf of Thailand. As it is so close to the capital of Thailand it doesn't receive many independent travellers. Most people see it as just the suburbs. Even the mighty Lonely Planet Guidebook for Thailand has now dropped the chapter on Samut Prakan. However, despite this, the province has a lot to offer for people who want something different. In Samut Prakan Tour 01 I told you…

• Thai Navy Memorial Day

  Richard Barrow

  17 Jan 2010 | 5:29 am

  Today marks the 69th anniversary of the battle with the French on 17th January 1941 near the island of Koh Chang. In dispute were some of the territories in Indochina that Thailand wanted to claim back. Although the Thais fought bravely, they lost two torpedo boats and the warship HTMS Thonburi was badly damaged. Thirty six Thai soldiers and sailors also lost their life in the battle. The HTMS Thonburi was later salvaged and repaired by the Japanese. It later saw life as a training ship. Today the bridge section and the front guns can be found at the Royal Thai Naval Academy where it was set…

• 
  Freedom Against Censorship Thailand

• Who is Akbar Khan, lèse majesté king?

  facthai

  9 Feb 2010 | 2:59 am

  [FACT comments: We’re so pleased Akbar finally got his own website. His efforts have gone unrewarded far too long!] http://whoisakbarkhaninbangkok.blogspot.com/

• Job opportunity: Asian Network of People Who Use Drugs-DWC

  facthai

  9 Feb 2010 | 2:51 am

  [FACT comments: We don’t often get the opportunity to advise about job offers. However, we hope this one will appeal to a FACT reader. It’s about working for real good in our society.] Job Opportunity: Regional Coordinator, Asian Network of People Who Use Drugs (ANPUD), Bangkok, Thailand Drug War Chronicle: February 5, 2010 http://stopthedrugwar.org/chronicle/619/anpud_regional_coordinator_position The Asian Network of People who Use Drugs (ANPUD) is an issues-based membership network that has the MIPUD principle (Meaningful Involvement of People who Use Drugs) as its guiding philosophy.

• Thai E-News counter-media-Prachatai

  facthai

  9 Feb 2010 | 2:47 am

  [FACT comments: Somsak is a free Thai, an increasingly rare breed. Thai E-News prints news in Thai that no mainstream media will touch. Free media is essential to Thailand’s development as a modern democracy. We are a long way from both. Thank you, Khun Somsak.] A close look at Thai E-News: counter-media in a time of conflict. Prachatai: February 3, 2010 http://www.prachatai.com/english/node/1601 ‘Thai E-News: News about Thailand that you may not have read in the news’ is the slogan of one of Thailand’s leading political websites.  It has only content and no web board.  It is…

• New book: Thailand Unhinged by Federico Ferrara

  facthai

  9 Feb 2010 | 2:42 am

  THAILAND UNHINGED: UNRAVELING THE MYTH OF A THAI-STYLE DEMOCRACY Equinox Publishing, 2010 http://www.equinoxpublishing.com/product_info.php?products_id=255 Thailand Unhinged: Unraveling the Myth of a Thai-Style Democracy offers a trenchant analysis of Thai politics and society over the tumultuous years that followed the ouster of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra. Thailand’s o­ngoing political crisis is explained through the prism of the country’s painful post-absolutist history – a history marred by the systematic sabotage of any meaningful democratic development, the…

• Thai cops, soldiers raid Karen refugee office-Mizzima News

  facthai

  9 Feb 2010 | 2:37 am

  [FACT comments: Gee, do you think Thailand is racist? Slaughter in the Muslim South, slaughter at sea of Rohingya boat people, forced repatriation of Hmong (let Laos do the slaughtering) and now let’s bash the Karen. Most knowledgeable and objective observers like the Karen and support their decade-long opposition to the Burmese junta. Maybe some Thai fatcats are making too much money from Burma’s military and Burmese blood. Cops and soldiers, oh my! All people on Thai soil, regardless of their status, should be protected by our laws and Constitution. Let's just blame it on drugs...maybe…

• 
  Isaan Style!

• Spiders and Teaching English, Isaan Thailand.

  9 Feb 2010 | 4:00 am

  The other day at school I arrived early as per usual and directly opposite our office door was this spider that had weaved a web that looked like a perfect X.The spider had weaved the usual web which was hardly visible as the X shape stood out so clearly. I have never seen a web like this before and have no idea the kind of spider it is and if this is the typical web it usually creates. Maybe a spider person can inform us all.Well things at school have nearly returned to normality, well as normal as a Thai school can be. The biggest show of the year is over but we still have one more show for…

• Dancing, Drinking and Ten Pin Bowling, Isaan Thailand.

  7 Feb 2010 | 4:56 am

  Well what a day yesterday was, that being Saturday. The day started out great with 9 holes of golf with a few mates. Mr. T my regular partner in crime on the golf course and I had managed to finally persuade another mate into joining us.So I was up at 5am and at the course by 6am, Mr. A then arrived and was looking relaxed even though he hadn’t played for a long time. Mr. T turned up a little late as he had had a latish night and a few beverages at a school function. Mr. T had to attend the secondary kids’ shows that were on Friday; I had to attend later this day for the primary…

• Dancing, Dancing, Dancing, Isaan Thailand.

  4 Feb 2010 | 7:32 am

  Wow, this week at school has been a total waste of time being there. We have our biggest night of the entire school year happening this weekend. It is deemed a family night where parents sit, eat and watch their child or children put on a dancing spectacular.Last week the practice started, well actually it started even before that. Last week it really stepped up with kids all over the school choreographing their dance routine. There were different selections of music blaring from CD players everywhere.And then there was this week. My whole week has been a waste of time. In 4 days I have only…

• Thai Newspaper Death Pictures Need to be Stopped, Thailand.

  1 Feb 2010 | 5:31 am

  I must warn you that this post contains the pictures of a young girl who was killed in a car/motorbike accident and was plastered on the front page of one of Thailand’s newspapers.The pictures are saddening and could be extremely upsetting for some. The pictures are graphic; I do not condone them but want to draw attention to the terrible standards of the Thai media.I am currently making a new website that is dedicated to exposing these pictures and newspapers and will also have a petition online to present to the Thai government to put a stop to this. I will complete this site during my…

• Christmas at a Thai School, Part 5 Isaan Thailand.

  1 Feb 2010 | 2:53 am

  Way back just before Christmas, my school had a fun day for the kids that involved different things throughout the day. The first post I did was about the game we organised for the kids. Post number two had a few pictures of outfits kids had worn; post number three had more pictures of outfits and kids hanging out. Post number four was about the start of the dance competition and the Beat Boys hitting the stage.And this post will continue on with more of the dance competition. This team of girls you will see are primary students. This is pretty much a typical outfit across Thailand for days…

• 
  Jaime's Phuket

• Sala Bua Restaurant - Karon Beach

  6 Feb 2010 | 11:15 pm

  My day job - manager of Sunrise Divers, a PADI dive shop at Karon Beach. The shop is tucked away in a little square called Karon Plaza, about 4 minutes walk to the beach. Next door to our shop is a family run hotel called Karon Place, and they have a restaurant attached called Sala Bua, open only in the high season from about mid October to end of April. Due to the very convenient location I find myself eating lunch there at least a couple of times per week.The prices are not as cheap as the local restaurants nearby, but about on par with Mama Noi, just around the corner. Thai dishes go for…

• Elephant Trekking

  30 Jan 2010 | 8:56 pm

  I've never actually done an elephant ride. Might take the kids one day, I am sure we'd all enjoy it. There are elephant trekking places all over Phuket. Some are close to the main beaches, others get a bit more off the beaten track (better in my opinion, I don't want to be trekking with a view of Patong or within earshot of a busy road!). And it's good business for sure, riding an elephant is on many tourists "must do" list. My parents have been over here visiting a number of times, and it was on their 2nd visit in 2004 that they went off for an elephant ride. I asked mum to write about the…

• Mom Tri's Oasis Restaurant (Kata Beach)

  27 Jan 2010 | 5:39 am

  My normal restaurant choice for lunch is something cheap and simple... there are several choices close to where I work in Karon Beach such as Mama Noi, or a great Phad Thai shop, or several small local places. But a couple of weeks ago I was invited for a business lunch at Mom Tri's Oasis at Kata Beach. I have eaten before at Mom Tri's Kitchen which is overlooking Kata Noi Beach, so hoped for similarly delicious food.The Oasis restaurant really is right on Kata Beach. There were sunloungers just a couple of meters away.... felt a bit odd... I was told that the restaurant is much nicer in the…

• Kathu Tin Mining Museum

  16 Jan 2010 | 11:12 pm

  The Phuket Tin Mining Museum in Kathu district is now open (more or less). There is still work continuing, it's not 100% open, maybe by the end of 2010, but anyway, I decided to go check it out with my kids on Saturday. It's not the easiest place to find unless you know the back roads. Coming from Kathu you have to take the back road around behind Loch Palm Golf Club that heads through the hills to the British International School. It's not a road that many people use. I guess the museum was built here because they needed lots of land, so had to find a place where land was not too…

• Jamie's Phuket 2009 Best Bits - Part 2

  7 Jan 2010 | 3:19 am

  Seems there was a lot said in 2009, so this blog summary for the last year has been split into 2 halves. This is Part 2, following on nicely from Part 1. The second half of any year begins with July. Here in Phuket, July is pretty quiet - we are in the "low season" although weather is often pretty nice actually. For more on the weather, please do look at and bookmark the Phuket Weather Blog. Thank you.July - We started with a little restaurant that we often drive past but rarely stop at - if it has a name, I don't know.. something like "Good Food, Nice View" - great view actually from Cape…

• 
  Lost in Translation, Life in Bangkok

• Chuoy Duoy Chuoy Duoy So Soft

  1 Feb 2010 | 6:00 pm

  Chuoy Duoy, the Thai word for “help me”, a voice so squeaky and soft we heard while dining by the road side. Me car parked alongside up ahead, the street lights never maintained and broken, the pavement for pedestrians so dark. As she ran weakly her body so petite, she screamed but sounded like she was more of talking “Chouy Duoy, Chouy Duoy…..”. The diners all stood up and moved over to watch the commotion as ran alongside traffic chasing the invisible man we did not see. She was walking along minding her own business, a man just walked alongside her, pried her handbag off her and…

• Watching the Opportunities Slip By

  28 Jan 2010 | 2:26 am

  For many us here, money no enough have we, lucky not are we. So we watch and only watch. Opportunities, one after another, they slip by. Was at Hua Hin lately, dining next to a Farang table were we. Lucky E-San wife net in what look like an aged seventies elderly. Dutchman he is, spoke much he did not, but land he was buying. A crooked faced man was with them, believe him I would not, but looked like the Farang did. The man I would not trust was a middle man looking for the land. He was calling all over, spoke aloud proudly he did. Priced 1.9 million, 39 rai of land for the Thai-Farang couple…

• Pai, How to Get Rich Guide

  25 Jan 2010 | 2:41 am

  Pai, a little town up north in the middle of farmlands has been growing in popularity with both Farangs and Thais. I’ve been there and back. Most people there are mountain folks who had stayed on inherited or illegal lands for generations. Now how to get rich?Coffee in Love, the coffee hole I will talk about, is situated along the main road with a lucky view overlooking the flat valley. So are many other small coffee joints set up to cash in on the 4 winter months where tourist arrives like packs of wild animals on a stampede. Coffee in Love is reputed as such, you never arrive in Pai…

• Metropolitan Electricity Authority, Up their Ass

  18 Jan 2010 | 6:55 am

  Metropolitan Electricity Authority (MEA) of Thailand can go fuck themselves good. As always in Thailand, doing some of the most basic stuffs such as paying your bills can sometimes tear your balls into pieces. For no fuck reasons, they had disengaged Internet payment arrangement with the local bank I use. And calling them on their 1130 hotline for their English operator gave me a feeling that he or she died (was put on hold forever). Now I have to find their branch in front of some wet market to pay my bills, that’s if I can even find it. And until today, they still assumed Thai is the…

• Koh Kood – Urban Transition gone Wild

  15 Jan 2010 | 7:43 pm

  Anywhere Thais discover the last potential paradise, the sea life will die. While the resort I stayed boasted of its abundant wild sea creatures that visit the jetty in the mornings, the next resort just a hundred meters right was spear fishing the life out of the blur sting ray that ventured to the wrong place at the wrong time. The Thai guy, crouched low on the jetty platform, long spear on hand. With a quick bolt, I witnessed him probed deep into the shallow sands. And then he pulled up a good sized ray. Proudly, he walked back to his resort and everyone came gathering making him even more…

• 
  JOTMAN

• Sarah Palin sees "potential trouble in the future," seeks "divine intervention"

  7 Feb 2010 | 6:08 am

  Many mainstream US media accounts of Sarah Palin's speech last night (NYT, WaPo, CNN) failed to report Palin's call for "divine intervention."  Only the Guardian, a British newspaper, quoted Palin's most outrageous statement in full.  Once again, the US media ignores facts necessary to telling the real story concerning Sarah Palin: the observation that millions of Americans -- including the mainstream media itself -- are bewitched by a veritable nutcase.Responding to a question about what Congress's top priorities should be, Palin said:"I think, kind of tougher to put our arms…

• Account of an Israeli medic in Haiti

  7 Feb 2010 | 5:22 am

  I suspect a lot could be learned about how to respond quickly to future disasters by studying the Israeli team's experience.  Following the earthquake in Haiti, Israel was able to mobilize reserves and have necessary medical equipment and supplies on board an plane within 24 hours. For such a small country, Israel's response was both massive and timely.  Israel21 interviewed Dr. Ian Miskin, one of Israel's foremost infectious disease specialists, just back from Haiti:   According to Miskin, on a professional level, the team learned much from the experience. "We made plans…

• Sarah Palin on bipartisanship

  6 Feb 2010 | 7:26 pm

  I happened to catch Sarah Palin's tea party speech.    During the Q and A session, Palin offered some worthwhile advice for Obama and the Democrats on the question of bipartisanship.Responding to a question about what she would do as president, Palin said that if she thought the other party did not share her agenda, she would not maintain any pretense of pursuing bipartisanship.   Palin suggested that hearing leaders talk about bipartisanship when it is not feasible has made people cynical about politics.She has a point. At helm of a party that has enjoyed majorities in…

• How much did Wall Street donate to Democrats from 2008-9?

  6 Feb 2010 | 10:43 am

  Last week I shared my depressing conclusion that the Democrats have empowered the Republicans to veto their agenda because it means a Democrat doesn't have to.  Obama is happy to talk tough.  But he knows he will never have to sign any tough bills.  The president trusts that Democrats will continue to allow Republicans to prevent Congress from passing legislation that could upset the big donors to either party.Robert Reich writes:Wall Street firms and their executives have been uniquely generous to both political parties, emerging recently as one of the largest benefactors of…

• Fear the deficit?

  5 Feb 2010 | 3:09 pm

  Paul Krugman compares the hysteria about the US budget deficit to the "group think" that convinced so many people that Iraq possessed WMD.  He believes a story told to help Republican candidates will turn destructive:For the fact is that thanks to deficit hysteria, Washington now has its priorities all wrong: all the talk is about how to shave a few billion dollars off government spending, while there’s hardly any willingness to tackle mass unemployment. Policy is headed in the wrong direction — and millions of Americans will pay the price.

• 
  OakMonster's Den

• Equal Opportunity Offender

  oakmonster

  8 Feb 2010 | 9:47 pm

  I’m one of those fortunate enough to have and hang out with diverse groups of friends, both in real life and out here in the blogosphere and twitterverse.  All of them different shapes and sizes in colors of the rainbow with even larger variety of interests and points of view.  All have great sense of humor and never take anything too seriously. But those we pull no punches on the most are Brandon’s circle of friends.  The boys have known each other since high school and once we’re welcomed to the family, you’re also fair game for endless teasing and good natured…

• Crouching Photos Hidden Papers

  oakmonster

  4 Feb 2010 | 10:34 pm

  My room is 85% cleaned.  10% is paperwork. 4% miscellaneous stuff that needs to be sorted and put away. 1% stuff to be taken to donation. With this, I found LOADS of old photos.  I also found old college papers, my first American high school report card, my Mater Dei transcript full of A’s and occasional B’s with only one tarnish of a D in what American school system categorize as Calculus. I found my immunization history and a letter from a Thai doctor certifying that I don’t have any deadly Third World communicable diseases.  Was that something the embassy needed to…

• Meatless Tuesday: Week 5

  oakmonster

  2 Feb 2010 | 11:16 pm

  Breakfast & Through out the day Snacks Starbucks decaf soy caramel macchiatto.  I ordered a tall but they gave me a grande. Starbucks chocolate croissant I never got to finish.  We had birthday party today in the office so I was saving room for cake. Lunch Brown jasmine rice with 2 sticks of barbecue “beef” skewers and 4 cherry tomatoes.  The skewers look like poop, seriously like a log of poop.  It did have very meaty texture, though, and less soy tasting.  Unlike the marinaded “chicken” I had a while back. A mini red velvet cupcake…more like a shot of…

• Ear Candy

  oakmonster

  31 Jan 2010 | 9:58 am

  I’m pretty sure every girl wants to be serenaded.  I mean, tell me you haven’t had a little dream about that whole scene of opening up the window/balcony to find your boy downstairs, singing to you with or without a guitar, with a mariachi band, or holding up his boombox. I must say that this romantic fantasy all started for me because of Freddy of My Fair Lady.  He was outside her house because “there’s nowhere else on earth that I would rather be”.  I mean, seriously!   Would a boy REALLY think that of me Obviously, “On the street where you…

• Meatless Tuesday: Week 4 (Plus other things)

  oakmonster

  27 Jan 2010 | 7:45 am

  Well crap. I’ve been so busy that this blog is slowly becoming all about my Meatless Tuesday.  Sorry guys! Just to catch you up, last Wednesday was our 8th wedding anniversary.  On our way to our tradition dinner at Benihana through the infamous SoCal rainstorm, we were rear-ended. As we crested over the 405 close to Fairview exit, we got out of the carpool lane to get to the 73.  Suddenly in front of us, a black sedan was sideway on the #1 lane.  Its visibly damaged trunk was partly in the carpool lane and the hood in #2 lane.  Unable to swerve around, Brandon slammed the…

• 
  Philip Golingai

• Tanks in the night spark coup talk

  29 Jan 2010 | 6:19 pm

  Thai Takes By PHILIP GOLINGAITWENTY-TWO V-150 armoured personnel carriers (APCs) rumbled into the streets of Bangkok on Monday night. And – not surprising for politically-jittery Thailand – the immediate assumption was the military had launched a coup.It turned out that the APCs were decommissioned from an operation in the country’s restive southern provinces and were on their way via Bangkok to Pathum Thani (a town north of the Thai capital) for maintenance. The next day the military apologised for causing panic and for not informing the public about the movement of the APCs.It also…

• Explosive rumour is true after all

  22 Jan 2010 | 6:58 pm

  Thai TakesBy PHILIP GOLINGAIAT AROUND 3am on Jan 15, an M79 grenade was fired into the compound of the Thai Army headquarters in Bangkok, landing near the office of Army chief General Anupong Paochinda.The Thai authorities kept silent about the attack until the media broke the story a week later. In fact, as late as Thursday, Defence spokesman Thanathip Sawangsaeng had claimed that ill-intentioned people were trying to create chaos by circulating such a rumour.Later that day, Army spokesman Colonel Sansern Kaewkamnerd acknowledged that the “rumour” was indeed true.However, he said the…

• Thai food everywhere

  15 Jan 2010 | 7:35 pm

  THAI TAKES By PHILIP GOLINGAITHE other day I was eating Thai food in a restaurant in a Bangkok suburb with a Malaysian tourist and my guest was surprised that the dishes did not taste like the ones in her favourite Thai restaurant in Kuala Lumpur.“What’s the difference?” I asked.“Well, now that I’ve tasted this,” the 30-something woman said, pointing at her Tom Yam Kung, “the one in KL tasted very Malaysian”.Me, being me, I had to gloat over why I brought her to Kratip restaurant in Bang Kapi Mall, about 30km away from the heart of Bangkok’s tourist traps.“The food here is…

• A peep into Thailand's future

  8 Jan 2010 | 9:43 pm

  Thai TakesBy PHILIP GOLINGAIA THAI fortune-teller predicted that “after a coup the country would have a new prime minister whose name begins with the Thai letter pronounced “Awe”.In response to that prediction, Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva said: “There are people who want to bring about violence but it is my and the government’s duty not to let that happen. I reiterate that whoever thinks violence is an answer to this society is thinking wrong.”Probably Abhisit could dismiss the prediction as it came from a fortune teller. But perhaps he should also read an article…

• Thailand 2009: Take the quiz

  1 Jan 2010 | 8:49 pm

  Thai TakesBy PHILIP GOLINGAI1) WHO is the most adored in Thailand?a) Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajivab) Ousted Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatrac) Lin Ping, the baby Panda2) What fever swept Thailand?a) H1N1 feverb) Panda feverc) Liverpool feverd) All the above3) Who shot Sondhi Limthongkul, co-leader of the Yellow Shirts, an anti-Thaksin movement?a) The militaryb) The policec) Gunmen hired by Thaksin Shinawatrad) Insurgents from Thailand’s Deep Southe) “a” and “b”4) Who is Suvanant Kongying (according to CNNGo.com)?a) Thailand’s most searched for celebrity on Google in 2009b) Her…

• 
  Phuket Weather

• Blue Skies over Phuket

  9 Feb 2010 | 1:27 am

  Daily updates of Phuket weather would be silly at this time of year. For the last 10 days I could just write "sunny, hot, blue skies". February is the driest month of the year (see: Phuket Rainfall Averages) - you can't guarantee no rain, although February had no recorded rain in 2002, 2003 or 2005 according the the rainfall stats given to me by Steen (who lives in Patong).If you want great weather, calm seas, and like it hot - February is a good time to come - if planning a last minute trip, have a look at the hotel deals on LateStays.com. Got a bit too dry this week and my garden was…

• Hot Days - I love Aircon

  28 Jan 2010 | 11:21 pm

  Every day this week has been hot and sunny. Have not seen any rain although did hear rumbles of thunder last night and a few distant lightening flashes lit up the sky. Would not be surprised if we do get some thunderstorms in the next 2 days - when it's this hot, then mother nature steps in with a cooling shower. Thankfully there is still a bit of a breeze blowing from the North East - when the winds stop blowing, it gets very hot in March and April.I hardly notice the heat during the day as I am sitting in the aircon here at the dive shop. People coming into the shop normally make approving…

• Flowers in the Window

  24 Jan 2010 | 11:28 pm

  A week of sunshine, memories and happiness. The weather at this time of year in Phuket is just about right. Not too hot, a slight breeze to cool the air, hardly any rain, clear starry nights. Just wish I had more days to enjoy it - will not grumble about being an office worker, but in the busy high season, it takes a lot to run a dive shop, takes up chunks of time that should be spent playing with the kids or just being with my dear wife who puts up with a lot. Thanks, dear.The song in the Youtube video below does sum things up fairly well.On Saturday, I had that time. I had a vague feeling…

• Sunshine, Memories and the Future

  19 Jan 2010 | 9:01 pm

  This is just about the best time of year to be in Phuket - the best weather. It's hot but not as hot as it's going to get in the next 2 or 3 months, there is still a bit of a NE breeze blowing and the "winter" nights are often cool by Phuket standards, meaning temperatures might drop to 25°C. Hey, feels cool to me!The last few days have all been hot and sunny... a bit of haze or light cloud around which keeps the temperature down slightly. Don't want it to be too much of a shock for Europeans who are arriving from sub zero frozen lands! On my precious day off (Saturday) I took our kids to…

• Partial Eclipse of the Sun over Phuket

  15 Jan 2010 | 12:55 am

  The title should tell you already that it's sunny. Been a hot, sunny week here, the last few days of what we call the peak season, the mad New Year tourist rush.. now it's just normal "high season". After a busy week, I plan to enjoy my day off tomorrow. The plan is to at least go and do something interesting, although of late we have tended to just go to the beach.. however, I need something to blog on my Phuket Blog.. have a few things planned such as a hike up the Big Buddha hill, a trip to James Bond Island and plan next week to finally blog my favourite pizza in Phuket!Today, for a short…

• 
  tea stains

• Not the Boomtown Rats

  7 Feb 2010 | 7:34 pm

  I am feeling very jolly today. I like Mondays. I think it might be a hangover from my art college days when I attended part time on Mondays and Tuesdays. How I loved the end of the weekend so I could get into college and make things. It’s still utter selfishness that I like the start of the week. (Shhh, it’s because I can go back to writing and not thinking about family again until the end of the day.) I’m also cheerful because the Computer Studies coursework was done. At least I think it was. I am told it was. I refuse to chase it up and look at every piece of paper. I have to remind…

• Funny from Daughter

  4 Feb 2010 | 4:14 pm

  Daughter was off school last Monday with a bug that has been doing the rounds. I emailed her form teacher, cancelled her bus place and let her gym coach know because she’s having extra training for a competition on Sunday. On my way out of the house for my meeting, I said to Daughter – "which drama teacher is taking the after school activity? Can you write and let her know that you won’t be there as you’re off sick?" And with that I left. This was the email that Daughter sent. Names and addresses have been changed to protect the guilty. I haven’t stopped laughing yet.

• It's a mystery

  3 Feb 2010 | 7:45 pm

  I sometimes wonder whether my need to write has increased since I’ve been surrounded by a foreign tongue. Although I can speak some Thai, it’s strictly practical – getting around in a taxi because only about 5% of the city’s taxis know where they’re going; ordering food, finding out where the loo is. I can hold a conversation with a Thai about why we’re here, how long we’ve been here, where we’re from, how many children I have. Those are the things – along side food – that they make small talk about. With, from memory, some 44 consonants and 26 vowels, I found it…

• Jack Spratt and his wife

  31 Jan 2010 | 8:34 pm

  We had a bit of a drama this morning. Yesterday Husband’d been out shopping with a colleague at one of the computer malls, Panthip Plaza – affectionately called Pants-tip by me. It’s a mad place, full of touts and vendors, offering ‘sexy movies’ and hooky computer software. But this morning Husband couldn’t find his bank card. Eek. Julia was asleep in the spare room which is where he’d unpacked the various goodies. So having checked the contents of his pockets, wallet etc he had to go off to work without checking the obvious place that it would be. I’d got his bank book, work…

• Writing

  28 Jan 2010 | 9:00 pm

  Do you remember the other day that something exciting dropped into my lap? And I flatly refused to tell you what it was? I think I just ignored your pleas in the comments. I am hard of heart… On Wednesday I promised to come by and tell you about my adventure when I went ‘off piste’ in Bangkok, into Thonburi, where the maps remain oddly blank. The thing is, I can’t tell you about my adventure… It wasn’t just to chase away the blues. It was also a research trip for a commission. I’ve been asked to write four personal essays on adventures I’ve had in Thailand to be…

• 
  Thailand Land of Smiles

• The #1 Reason to Move to Thailand

  Talen

  9 Feb 2010 | 11:28 am

  Can anyone guess what the #1 reason is to move to Thailand? Over the weekend the East coast of America was hit with a North Eastern blizzard which dumped 30 inches on top of me in Maryland. Now that i’s over and we are all dug out you would think I’m relieved, I was until they forecast another storm today that is predicted to drop a further 10-20 inches of the nasty white stuff. This is the most compelling arguement of any that can be made for moving to Thailand forthwith! Although with my luck the snow would follow me there too, and there is precedent for Snow in Thailand.

• Thailand in the News Week Ending 02/06/10

  Talen

  7 Feb 2010 | 1:19 pm

  GM Spending Bailout Money Overseas General Motors announced this week that they would be spending 455 million dollars, that’s 15 billion baht to you and me, retooling their plant in the Tayong Province of Thailand. Now, I’m all for companies expanding their businesses in Thailand and providing work for Thai citizens but not at the expence of the American tax payer. GM is probably the worst run company on the planet and their executives still have their heads up their collective asses concerning the crap cars they manufacture. The fact remains that since the United States…

• Burapa Pattaya Bike Week 2010

  Talen

  5 Feb 2010 | 12:47 pm

  The 13th annual Burapa Pattaya Bike Week will be taking place this year on February 12-13 at the Pattaya Indoor Stadium located in Soi Chayapreuk 2 in Jomtien. Billed as one of largest Bike events in South East Asia it’s expected to draw 10,000 bikers from all over SEA, America, Great Britain and Australia as well as 35-40,000 people attending each day of the festivities. As with previous years there will be a live music all day both days including local acts and western acts from America and the U.K. Included in the 2 day event will also be many other events including a Miss Chopper…

• No More Free Tourist Visa’s to Thailand

  Talen

  4 Feb 2010 | 5:53 pm

  The Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Bangkok have confirmed that tourist visa fees will be reinstated as of March 5, 2010. Thailand’s tourist visa fee’s were removed last year in a bid to revive travel and tourism to the kingdom. Since June 25, 2009 all tourist visa’s from anywhere in the world were free and will remain free until March 4, 2010. Apparently the Foreign affairs Ministry, who oversee the Royal Thai Embassies and Consulates worldwide, believe that Thailand tourism in 2010 will be booming, or at least that is the hope. While there has been some grumbling across the…

• Miss Walking Street 2010

  Talen

  1 Feb 2010 | 5:59 am

  February is going to be a month full of events from Bangkok to the Issan region and with Valentines day and Chinese New Year in the mix there will be a little something for everyone’s tastes. One such event that you might want to mark your calenders for is the 1st annual Miss Walking Street pageant in Pattaya.  The event will be held by the Utopia Lounge in Soho Square on February 14th at 8pm and will feature over 40 contestants from many of  Walking Streets best bars and go go’s. You might be thinking that this sounds a little redundant because every night is a beauty pageant…

• 
  ThaiPulse Blog

• Fuji Apples at Big C – 29 THB

  Fuji Apples at Big C – 29 THB is a post from: ThaiPulse.com/blog/, a Thailand focused website. ©2009-2010 ThaiPulse Fuji Apples at Big C – 29 THB is a post from: ThaiPulse.com/blog/, a Thailand focused website. ©2009-2010 ThaiPulse Farang Food Alert: Awesome apples, these FUJI brand from Big C. I can sometimes find them in the open market – but there is another kind that looks similar to Fuji apples and they’re junk. Usually the way I [...]

• Guy Caught on National TV

  Guy Caught on National TV is a post from: ThaiPulse.com/blog/, a Thailand focused website. ©2009-2010 ThaiPulse Guy Caught on National TV is a post from: ThaiPulse.com/blog/, a Thailand focused website. ©2009-2010 ThaiPulse Great clip… look at the guy over the shoulder of the one supposed to be getting the attention of the camera… This won’t happen in Thailand because we have censors that take care of all our naughty internet surfing… Related Posts:Thailand National Parks [...]

• Mildly Venomous Thailand Snake: Red Necked Keelback

  Mildly Venomous Thailand Snake: Red Necked Keelback is a post from: ThaiPulse.com/blog/, a Thailand focused website. ©2009-2010 ThaiPulse Mildly Venomous Thailand Snake: Red Necked Keelback is a post from: ThaiPulse.com/blog/, a Thailand focused website. ©2009-2010 ThaiPulse I let my Malaysian Pit Viper go the other day – and haven’t had time to get the video of that up on YouTube yet. This is my new girl – a Thai girl – but, she’s from all over [...]

• I’m Afraid of Americans…

  I’m Afraid of Americans… is a post from: ThaiPulse.com/blog/, a Thailand focused website. ©2009-2010 ThaiPulse I’m Afraid of Americans… is a post from: ThaiPulse.com/blog/, a Thailand focused website. ©2009-2010 ThaiPulse I’m afraid of Americans. David Bowie and Trent Reznor… Related Posts:Asia, Europe Agree on American Dress CodeWhy do Americans read Personal Development Blogs?American Attitude? You Talkin' to ME?The American Attitude... What is it?ThaiPulse! Becomes Interactive - chat with me by this site...Powered by Contextual [...]

• Prozac? Nahh, Give Me the Good Stuff

  Prozac? Nahh, Give Me the Good Stuff is a post from: ThaiPulse.com/blog/, a Thailand focused website. ©2009-2010 ThaiPulse Prozac? Nahh, Give Me the Good Stuff is a post from: ThaiPulse.com/blog/, a Thailand focused website. ©2009-2010 ThaiPulse I strongly recommend a sometimes daily dose of fukitol. We all need it – especially if you’re living in the USA. Here in Thailand I don’t need this nearly as much – especially because I’m not teaching English. Hell, I’m [...]

• 
  My Thai Village Life

• Village Farang’s Google Map ...

  31 Jan 2010 | 12:42 am

  Felt like doing something different this year.  At the bottom of the page you will find a map.  Village Farang’s Chiang Rai, is my personal map of Chiang Rai.  Not meant to be all inclusive but rather a glimpse into places we frequent.  Putting too many bike or motorcycle routes gets messy so have removed most.This is a work in progress so would appreciate feedback, especially on usability.  I have found that with some browsers it may be necessary to reload the page to get things working properly.  Please click away on the list and zoom in on things of interest…

• Missed Pictures from The Other Day ...

  17 Jan 2010 | 6:22 am

  Retracing our path, but this time on the Phantom.  Stopped to take some pictures I missed on that day.

• Yearly Visa Renewal in Mae Sai ...

  9 Jan 2010 | 12:01 am

  We don’t often have the occasion to drive the 111 km to Mae Sai on the Burmese boarder, but at this time of year, it is a necessity. The yearly visa renewal thing, you know. Well, an extension of stay based on being married to a Thai, would be more correct. Events normally proceed quite smoothly with a little patience and a smile. With very few people there on the day, no waiting in line this time.Chiang Rai being the small yet spread out place that it is, we were not overly surprised to bump into a couple we know. Being able to visit a bit while the wheels of bureaucracy turned heavily but…

• Pictures to Begin the New Year ...

  4 Jan 2010 | 9:18 pm

  The lush sea of green that so recently surrounded the house has faded to a sandy, slightly ruddy brown, with burned out patches of ash.  The once narrow trail, turned roadway to the dam, has yet to show signs of regrowth along the edges.  The drainage gates on the floor of the reservoir are no longer visible but the water level is still precariously low with little sign of recovery before the middle of the next rainy season.Cookie and I are, however, free to walk where we will.  Along the road or through the fields, there is little impediment to our progress.  With still…

• Chiang Rai Flower Festival 2009 ...

  30 Dec 2009 | 7:56 pm

• 
  Bangkok Diaries

• Nancy Chandler’s Map of Chiang Mai

  DougBangkok

  5 Feb 2010 | 8:56 pm

  Nancy Chandler’s Map of Chiang Mai is a post from: Bangkok Diaries Thank you for reading Bangkok Diaries. If you have a post or a story you would like to share please send us your submissions. Looking to meet someone in Thailand? ThailandFriends is the premier English-Language Social Network of Thailand. TF offers all members a unique online experience (dating or otherwise) complete with access to dating and social networking functions such as chat rooms, private messaging, forums, journals, partys & events and whole range of services to help you meet the most compatible Thai singles. Men…

• Losing Face

  Admin

  22 Jan 2010 | 9:34 pm

  Losing Face is a post from: Bangkok Diaries Thank you for reading Bangkok Diaries. If you have a post or a story you would like to share please send us your submissions. Looking to meet someone in Thailand? ThailandFriends is the premier English-Language Social Network of Thailand. TF offers all members a unique online experience (dating or otherwise) complete with access to dating and social networking functions such as chat rooms, private messaging, forums, journals, partys & events and whole range of services to help you meet the most compatible Thai singles. I think a serious basic flaw…

• On being a Western woman in Thailand

  BKK Blue

  20 Jan 2010 | 2:47 am

  On being a Western woman in Thailand is a post from: Bangkok Diaries Thank you for reading Bangkok Diaries. If you have a post or a story you would like to share please send us your submissions. Looking to meet someone in Thailand? ThailandFriends is the premier English-Language Social Network of Thailand. TF offers all members a unique online experience (dating or otherwise) complete with access to dating and social networking functions such as chat rooms, private messaging, forums, journals, partys & events and whole range of services to help you meet the most compatible Thai singles. It is…

• Sutthisan Road Gogo Bars : Same Same But Different

  Anonymous

  19 Jan 2010 | 7:46 am

  Sutthisan Road Gogo Bars : Same Same But Different is a post from: Bangkok Diaries Thank you for reading Bangkok Diaries. If you have a post or a story you would like to share please send us your submissions. Looking to meet someone in Thailand? ThailandFriends is the premier English-Language Social Network of Thailand. TF offers all members a unique online experience (dating or otherwise) complete with access to dating and social networking functions such as chat rooms, private messaging, forums, journals, partys & events and whole range of services to help you meet the most compatible Thai…

• Strangeness on ThaiLoveLinks

  Billy Bangkok

  17 Jan 2010 | 7:52 am

  Strangeness on ThaiLoveLinks is a post from: Bangkok Diaries Thank you for reading Bangkok Diaries. If you have a post or a story you would like to share please send us your submissions. Looking to meet someone in Thailand? ThailandFriends is the premier English-Language Social Network of Thailand. TF offers all members a unique online experience (dating or otherwise) complete with access to dating and social networking functions such as chat rooms, private messaging, forums, journals, partys & events and whole range of services to help you meet the most compatible Thai singles. I was sitting…

• 
  Bangkok Jungle

• Visitors to Town?

  bangkokjungle

  8 Feb 2010 | 5:31 pm

  Bangkok Events and Bangkok Festivals Around the city of Bangkok you will find an array of celebrations, festivals and events, a number of which are celebrated all over Thailand, such as the colourful dragon parades during the annual Chinese New Year Festival. Further events are specific to Bangkok and include Film Festival in February, the International Bangkok Motor Show in March, and the International Fashion Fair (BIFF) each August. Many events and concerts are held at Bangkok’s popular Thailand Cultural Centre along Ratchadapisek Road, and within other notable entertainment venues…

• Vote Yr Fav Brit Album

  bangkokjungle

  8 Feb 2010 | 4:59 pm

  click

• Gil Scott-Heron: Godfather of Rap Is Back

  bangkokjungle

  8 Feb 2010 | 4:13 pm

  In the 70s and 80s, Gil Scott-Heron’s music was a mesmerising mix of wry poetry and politics and he became known as ‘the godfather of rap’ and ‘the black Bob Dylan’. But then he got into drugs and, not so long ago, it looked like he was finished. Now the great outsider is back, he’s made a new album and he’s here on tour. He tells Sean O’Haganhis extraordinary story. One of the most moving songs on Gil Scott-Heron’s long-awaited new album, I’m New Here, is called “Where Did the Night Go”. Over the most minimal…

• Great New Blues From An Old Hand

  bangkokjungle

  8 Feb 2010 | 3:59 pm

• Techno Gluup…in case you need to know

  bangkokjungle

  7 Feb 2010 | 10:48 am

  Essentially a beefed-up iPod touch with optional 3G connectivity, the iPad’s basics are no surprise: a just-under-10-inch capacitive multi-touch display; a focus on ebooks, videos, web-browsing, photos, and music; new multi-touch versions of Apple’s iWork productivity apps ($9.99 each for Pages, Numbers, and Keynote); linkage with Apple’s app-glutted (140,000 and counting) App Store and the company’s new iBookstore; and a custom Apple chip at its core – what Cupertino refers to as the A4, a system-on-a-chip running at 1GHz and presumably developed by the PA Semi…

• 
  A Northwest Guy in Central Thai

• Would You Wear It?

  EJ & MJ

  16 Jan 2010 | 12:42 am

  Seen in a shop today: I couldn't bring myself to spring for it, but couldn't pass it by either. I'm pretty sure the Guevara/Obama combo is meant to be a compliment. Would you wear it? A Northwest Guy Living in Central Thailand

• Mini-Meat

  EJ & MJ

  23 Dec 2009 | 12:28 am

  I have lived in Thailand for about five years now.  When the neighbors started blaring traditional Thai music loud enough to shake the windows before FIVE IN THE MORNING, I realized that much of what seemed unusual when I first moved to Asia has become pretty routine.  Instead of getting ticked at them, I just thought, “huh, guess the neighbors are having a wedding or something today.”  Likewise with foods – everything seems pretty ordinary these days.  That is, until today.  Today a couple of the folks from church and I went out to visit the homes of a few…

• Loy Your Grathong

  EJ & MJ

  1 Nov 2009 | 4:57 pm

  It’s time again for the Loy Grathong festival in Sukhothai.  We have a few newcomers to the central Thai mission team, so we took them to the mother of all Loy Grathong festivals, which happened to be nearby in Sukhothai.  Loy Grathong is a festival in Thailand where people float little boats down rivers or in ponds to symbolize their sending away their troubles and sins from their lives.  We skipped that part of the activities, but I mustered up the motivation to dust off the camera and submit a few shots of the old city for my loyal readers: We actually beat the crowds by…

• Maintenance

  EJ & MJ

  24 Aug 2009 | 7:16 pm

  A while back, my old pickup needed a new battery.  When shopping for a car battery, what you will notice right away is that folks here in central Thailand rarely use the newer “maintenance free” style of car batteries.  As far as I can tell, there are a couple reasons for this.  1) The maintenance free batteries are more expensive.  2) The older style batteries seems to last slightly longer (provided you take good care of them). I have had to get into the habit of checking the water levels in the battery weekly, just like the other fluid levels in the truck. …

• Gardening Fail

  EJ & MJ

  9 Aug 2009 | 3:41 am

  A while back, I planted several types of veggies out in the back yard.  The only one that survived: okra.  So far, these are the only guys who have eaten any of it. A Northwest Guy Living in Central Thailand

• 
  Joy's Thai Food Recipe

• Thai Food Recipe: Yum Tua Puu (Wing Bean Spicy & Sour Salad)

  Joy

  17 Jan 2010 | 7:40 am

  Prepare: 500 g. Shrimps (peeled, de-veined) 250 g. Minced pork 500 g. Wing beans (Cut 0.5cm) 10-15 Fresh red peppers (sliced) 5-10 dried red peppers (Fried) 4 tbsp. cut scallion (0.5cm) 4-5 tbsp. cut coriander (1 cm) 12 tbsp. sliced red onion (or as much as you like) 300 ml Coconut milk -Chao Koh brand, I like 1 tsp. salt 4 tbsp. Chili paste for [...]Thai Food Recipe: Yum Tua Puu (Wing Bean Spicy & Sour Salad) is a post from: Joy's Thai Food Recipe & Dessert Blog!

• Thai Food Dessert: Buad Fuhk Tong (Pumpkin in Coconut Milk)

  Joy

  13 Jan 2010 | 5:48 am

  Thai Food Dessert: Buad Fuhk Tong (Pumpkin in Coconut Milk) Prepare: 300 g.    cut pumpkin 250g.     coconut cream (thickest part) 250g.     coconut milk 5              pandanus leaves (cut, 2 inches) 1/2 tsp.  salt 4-5 tbsp.  sugar Cooking Instructions: 1. Boil the pumpkin with coconut milk in medium heat for 10 minutes. Throw the pandanus leaves in the pot. The time you boil it will depend [...]Thai Food Dessert: Buad Fuhk Tong (Pumpkin in Coconut Milk) is a post from: Joy's Thai Food Recipe & Dessert Blog!

• Thai Food Recipe: Gaprao Neu-uh (Stir fried Beef with Basil)

  Joy

  27 Dec 2009 | 6:46 am

  Gaprao Neu-uh , กะเพราเนื้อ (Stir fried Beef with Basil) Prepare: 500g.  minced beef 1            onion (sliced) 1/2        yellow sweet bell pepper (sliced) 1 cup    Basil 2 tbsp. sliced garlic 2 tbsp. slice red chili pepper 1 cup   Rice 2 tbsp. vegetable oil or olive oil 1 tbsp. fish sause 1 tbsp. soy sauce 2 tbsp. oyster sauce Cooking Instructions: 1. Add vegetable oil into a hot pan. Wait until [...]Thai Food Recipe: Gaprao Neu-uh (Stir fried Beef with Basil)…

• Thai Breakfast: Khao Tom Moo (Boiled Rice with Pork)

  Joy

  26 Dec 2009 | 9:54 pm

  Thai Breakfast: Khao Tom Moo (Boiled Rice with Pork) Prepare: 500g. Minced pork (mixed with black pepper and crushed garlic) 300g. Sliced shitake mushroom 1 cup cooked jasmine rice 1 handful sliced scallion 1 handful sliced coriander 2 tbsp. finely crushed garlic (fry until it turn yellow) 1 crushed coriander root 1 tbsp. pickled radish 1 tbsp. fish sauce 50g. stock powder 2-3 cups water Cooking Instructions: 1. Add [...]Thai Breakfast: Khao Tom Moo (Boiled Rice with Pork) is a post from: Joy's Thai Food Recipe & Dessert Blog!

• Cutting Ripe Papaya: Less Pain

  Joy

  24 Dec 2009 | 5:01 am

  Cutting Ripe Papaya: Less Pain Since I was 10 years old, my main duty is to help in the kitchen whenever there was someone is cooking and it is a must if my aunt is in there. I think that is how, EE, her daughter learn to cook, she is way better than me and able [...]Cutting Ripe Papaya: Less Pain is a post from: Joy's Thai Food Recipe & Dessert Blog!

• 
  My Thailand Diary

• Friends

  Lillian

  4 Feb 2010 | 5:06 pm

  Yesterday was one of those days when I came home, and the love that I’d been shown by some of my girlfriends carried me through the whole afternoon. The Songthiew driver couldn’t drive so I ended up doing the drive to school 3 x. Its only a 15 min drive.. but still !  I was [...]

• trying to understand..

  Lillian

  2 Feb 2010 | 6:00 pm

  Still here, still going forward. School, driving, cooking, caring and spending time with my kids still take up most of my time. Nothing I can write about here seeing I want to protect my kids privacy. But we’ve been through a really hard time… I can’t write about that eather ! arrrrggggh I’ve lost my mojo. [...]

• Solar eclipse in Thailand

  Lillian

  15 Jan 2010 | 12:57 am

  .. well.. here in the South of Chiang Mai.. Its a bit darker than usual, I thought it was going to to rain and remembered that there is a solar eclipse. The birds didn’t sing for about 10 min.. soo weird. But they have found their song and are at it again Apparently the [...]

• Riding my bicycle in Chiang Mai

  Lillian

  3 Jan 2010 | 12:07 am

  Another little tour today. Out towards Sarapii.. along the Mae Nam Ping river all the way down to were the river parts. The trash in the water was horrible . Didn’t feel like posting it. This photo is one we took from the reservoir that provides Chiang Mai with water. No idea where the water comes [...]

• First Day of the year in Chiang Mai

  Lillian

  1 Jan 2010 | 6:15 am

  Today, my hubby and I went on a little bike tour. I’ve been on my bike a couple of times lately, mainly because my kids are off school and going to the gym is just too time consuming ! Anyway, we went up past Rachapruek to a Wat Phrathat Doi Kham. So much fun !! I [...]

• 
  This is Thailand

• It’s Been Awhile Since You’ve Heard From Me Here In Thailand

  webmaster

  13 Jan 2010 | 8:08 am

  Hey everybody!  It’s certainly been awhile.  The reasons are many.  One, I was in the U.S. for 8 months.  When I’m not in Thailand, it’s hard to find things to write about.  I used to write often about the politics, but all of that has kind of gotten “same, same”, as they like to say here.  I’ve been back over 2 months now and to be honest with you, I haven’t felt very motivated to write.  I guess a lot of the things I used to consider crazy are now quite commonplace.  Maybe it has something to do with being married as well.  I don’t…

• Thaksin Continues His Attempt to Ruin Thailand

  webmaster

  16 Apr 2009 | 9:40 pm

  Just when things had settled down in Bangkok it appears that Thaksin Shinawatra is once again attempting to tear Thailand apart.  I just saw this item on the Bangkok Post’s website: Sondhi Limthongkul, the Manager media mogul and founder of the People’s Alliance for Democracy, survived an assassination attempt Friday that police said left him and two others wounded. The gunmen fired about 100 rounds from assault rifles through the windows of Mr Sondhi’s car as he was on the way to record a programme for his ASTV station before dawn on Friday. He suffered head injuries, the…

• Thailand Tightens the Noose Around Thaksin’s Neck

  webmaster

  15 Apr 2009 | 10:59 am

  I was pleased to see this piece in today’s Bangkok Post: Thaksin’s passport revoked, retains citizenship The passport of fugitive former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra has been revoked for his role in inciting the protests that caused the cancellation of the weekend Asia summit in Pattaya and subsequent rioting, the chief government spokesman said on Wednesday. Thaksin still retains his Thai citizenship. ”The foreign ministry has cancelled his passport,” spokesman Panitan Wattanayagorn said. ”The incident on the 11th [of April] is the reason. ”The…

• I’ve Had it with Thaksin’s Escapades in Thailand

  webmaster

  11 Apr 2009 | 1:19 pm

  You may have noticed that I haven’t posted for awhile.  We’ve gotten settled back into our lives in the states for the spring and summer.  But I’ve been reading about the daily political news coming out of Thailand and I’ve stayed silent.  I can’t be silent any more.  Thaksin Shinawatra is ruining Thailand. Now Thaksin and his goons have given Thailand a huge black eye by ruining the Asean Summit. UDD protesters have caused the summit to be canceled and the leaders of the summit countries have gotten out of Pattaya with their lives.  How do you think…

• What’s Wrong with the men in Thailand?

  webmaster

  2 Mar 2009 | 9:23 am

  One thing that has bothered me since spending any amount of time here in Thailand is the quality or I should say lack of quality of Thai men. Now there are exceptions to every rule and I know of some.  I have a very dear friend who is a wonderful man, a great husband and an all around great guy.  I’ve also met many fine Thai men.  But unfortunately this doesn’t seem to be the rule.  More the exception. Let me give you some examples from my own new family.  My wife has 3 sisters.  The unmarried one dumped her idiot American boyfriend (thank god).  This was one of those young…

• 
  The Nation's State

• Autonomy as a means to ending a brutal conflict

  3 Feb 2010 | 5:57 am

  Helicopter banking in over Yala about to land at Sirindhorn base. November 2009. Op-ed in the Bangkok Post - Autonomy as a means to ending a brutal conflict on February 2, 2010:The issue of autonomy has been steadily gaining interest and is now a serious consideration as a means of mitigating the long-running conflict in the southern border provinces.The fact that a political solution is being openly debated is a positive step because, short of a Carthaginian Peace, there is no military option for solving an armed insurgency which rejects the legitimacy of the state.Yet autonomy is not a…

• The Daily Dose

  17 Jan 2010 | 5:00 am

  From Voice TV comes an English language news show called the Daily Dose. I particularly like the show's lead story on an Asia Times story Reds ready to rumble in Thailand which they describe as: "Reds ready to rumble in Thailand By Nelson Rand and Chandler Vandergrift in Atimes.com had some keen insights into the army's (sic).These are several key phrases from the article which is worth a read.The military effectively suppressed April's UDD protest, but questions are emerging about possible cracks in the chain of command. While Thailand's military has long been factionalized along graduating…

• Negotiating with the Reds

  9 Jan 2010 | 7:55 am

  *ALL PHOTOS COPYRIGHT*UDD leader Kwanchai Poipana at FM 97.50 radio station in Udon Thani. Note the handgun on the tableFrom the HD Centre comes an op-ed printed in the Malaysian Insider: "Virtually unseen and certainly unexpected, a new threat is emerging in Asia - and it is not growing on the back of extremist religious dogma. Rather, the newest non-state armed groups battling governments in the name of justice and freedom draw on what was thought to be a dead ideology: MarxismThere is also a strong left-wing current humming through other popular opposition groups such as the Red Shirt…

• Warring Colours

  17 Dec 2009 | 7:38 pm

• Photo of the Day: Constitution Day with the Reds

  10 Dec 2009 | 7:26 am

  * All images copyright *The Reds rallying for Constitution Day. The Bangkok Post estimated a suspiciously low number of 5000 protesters while Red leaders were claiming 20,000. If I had to guess, I would say at least 15,000 if not the full 20,000. What is, unfortunately, not surprising is that the English language Thai media completely neglected to report on what was the rational for the protest. While it is easier to draw the palace and pretend it is an affront to the King's over-compensating birthday celebrations that is not the case. It is Constitution Day, and considering paramount issue…

• 
  Thailand Golf

• Three Thailand Golf Vacation Add-On Hot Picks

  Mark

  2 Feb 2010 | 1:04 pm

  Many a golfer on a Thailand golf tour asks about other nearby destinations to visit in combination with Thailand or as an addition to a Thailand golf holiday. Here are my 3 hot picks for nearby Asia golf destinations. 1....

• Stick It Close From The Rough Around The Thailand Greens

  Mark

  25 Jan 2010 | 11:20 am

  Every Thailand golfer lands in the rough sooner or late, especially on courses with narrow fairways such as Amata Spring in Bangkok or Santiburi in Samui or courses with rough between the fairway and green such as Bangpra in Pattaya....

• Thailand Tourism’s Secret Golf Course: Bangpra International Golf Club

  Mark

  18 Jan 2010 | 5:20 pm

  Did you know that Tourist Thailand (TAT) owns their own golf course? One would think this would be an excellent maneuver as TAT sights golf as one of the seven key areas for Thai tourism promotion and development. Ironically though,...

• Best Place For A Relaxed Thailand Golf Retreat

  Mark

  12 Jan 2010 | 6:11 pm

  Chiang Rai is away from the crowds and still offers a great golf holiday. Thailand’s northern most city of significance, Chiang Rai may not have a quantity of golf courses but with Santiburi Chiang Rai Country Club it certainly has...

• Thailand's Ryder Cup Once Again

  Mark

  6 Jan 2010 | 5:57 pm

  Asian and European Golf Teams will be able to boast their own royal connections when Europe and Asia do battle in the fourth Royal Trophy this weekend January 8-10 at Amata Spring Country Club in Bangkok. Asia's bid to defend...

• 
  WordPress Tag: Thailand

• Ten essential things to do when you visit Thailand

  pokerthai

  9 Feb 2010 | 9:25 am

  Image : http://www.flickr.com It is not difficult to understand why thailand has become a hot name now, when tourism discussed. Finally, thailand is very rich in culture as an expression of its many museums and temples. At the same time, Thailand has much to boast of their natural resources. These are two key factors that tourists from around the world to bring to Thailand. 1.) In the channels of Bangkok Bangkok, Thailand is known forits open channels. It is used for various activities at sea, and you can find floating houses here, which certainly ask to stay in this houseboat? At the same…

• PEOPLE WHO HATE TO DRINK TEA. SOME REAL SCIENTIFIC PROVEN FACTS BY GYANDOTCOM

  gyandotcom by Rohit Sharma

  9 Feb 2010 | 9:22 am

  The health effects of tea have been examined ever since the first infusions of Camellia sinensis about 4700 years ago in China. The legendary emperor Shennong claimed in The Divine Farmer’s Herb-Root Classic that Camellia sinensis infusions were useful for treating conditions including tumors, abscesses, bladder ailments, and lethargy.The possible beneficial health effects of tea consumption have been suggested and supported by some studies, but others have found no harmful effects. The studies contrast other claims no harmfull effects of tea, including antinutritional effects such as…

• THE NEXT AGE MIRACLE LJ001 ANTIVIRAL COMPOUND.

  gyandotcom by Rohit Sharma

  9 Feb 2010 | 8:30 am

  Although a variety of broad-spectrum antibiotics have been developed, broad-spectrum antiviral agents have proved more difficult to identify. Effective treatments have been developed for individual viruses such as HIV, herpes viruses and influenza viruses – and vaccines have also been developed against papilloma viruses and herpes viruses – but there is a need for small molecules that are able to treat a range of viral infections and could also be used against newly emerging viruses.Researchers led by a team at UCLA have now identified a compound, LJ-001, that can treat a range of…

• Simulated Amphibious Assault

  OUT

  9 Feb 2010 | 8:21 am

  HAT YAO, Thailand (Feb. 4, 2010) U.S. and Thai amphibious assault vehicles speed toward the beach during a simulated amphibious assault as part of exercise Cobra Gold 2010. Cobra Gold is a joint and coalition multinational exercise hosted annually by the Kingdom of Thailand. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Greg Johnson/Released)

• my island workstation

  katiekatie

  9 Feb 2010 | 8:16 am

• 
  Gruvr.com: Bangkok Concerts

• Wednesday 10th: IDIOT3 at The Rock Pub Bangkok

  9 Feb 2010 | 12:39 pm

  at The Rock Pub Bangkok on 2010-02-10

• Thursday 11th: nakadia at DEMO BANGKOK, THAILAND

  9 Feb 2010 | 12:36 pm

  at DEMO BANGKOK, THAILAND on 2010-02-11

• Saturday 13th: Diamond Noise at Asia Tour Bangkok

  9 Feb 2010 | 12:32 pm

  at Asia Tour Bangkok on 2010-02-13

• Sunday 14th: Laurent HOUNSAVI at BANGKOK - (Thailand) Bangkok

  9 Feb 2010 | 12:29 pm

  at BANGKOK - (Thailand) Bangkok on 2010-02-14

• Sunday Feb 28th: DESIGNER DRUGS 808 Bangkok

  9 Feb 2010 | 12:26 pm

  808 Bangkok on 2010-02-28

• 
  Changwat, Amphoe, Tambon

• Two municipalities renamed

  Andy

  9 Feb 2010 | 4:09 am

  Announced in the Royal Gazette on February 2, two municipalities have changed their name. In both cases the name was originally same as the corresponding subdistrict and is now modeled after the name of the district, as both form the major (or only) municipality within the district. Since both date back to sanitary districts, they only cover parts of the subdistrict. So though it is not stated anywhere, this also opens the possibility to upgrade the TAO responsible for the non-municipal areas of the subdistrict into a municipality later without having to change the name then. The two…

• Municipal upgrades delayed for how long?

  Andy

  8 Feb 2010 | 4:16 am

  There are 140 upgrades of TAO to subdistrict municipalities which have been decided upon in the board meetings but according to the annual statistics of the Department of Local Administration not been done till December 15. The Thai Wikipedian Potapt, who keeps the district articles on the Thai Wikipedia much more current than I manage to do on the English one, made me realize that most probably these upgrades have probably been set back for four years. The last number of upgrades last year was mainly due to the fact that twelve years ago in 1997 a total of 3637 TAO were created, which by now…

• Royal Gazette title page in 1909

  Andy

  5 Feb 2010 | 4:02 am

  I have been working with publications in the Royal Gazette a lot, but only recently I first processed one which was on the starting page of a volume, so I could see the header displayed above. Notice that it features the Royal Coat of Arms of Siam, which was in use 1873-1910. The publication I was looking at was the creation of the sanitary district which later became the city of Nakhon Ratchasima in 1909 - พระบรมราชโองการ ประกาศใช้พระราชบัญญัติสุขาภิบาลในตำบลโพกลาง…

• Thursday linkage

  Andy

  4 Feb 2010 | 4:10 am

  A new set of nice links. Tribudragon visits the district office of Minburi, which might be the oldest still-original district office in Thailand. All of the buildings for the various administrative units I have seen so far are quite recent and all look very similar. Korat Weekends visits the district office of Mueang Nakhon Ratchasima. Bangkok Library is a great resource on the (English) libraries in Thailand, as well as some random other topics like maps of the Bangkok districts. Though I knew this site for quite some time already, now with this new linkage column I can finally give the…

• Mae Sot upgraded to a city

  Andy

  3 Feb 2010 | 4:11 am

  Yesterday the first transcript of a 2010 meeting of the board to consider draft laws (คณะกรรมการพิจารณาร่างกฎหมาย) was uploaded, directly with an important municipal change. Already effective January 28, the town Mae Sot (เทศบาลเมืองแม่สอด) at the border to Myanmar has been upgraded to a city municipality (thesaban nakhon, เทศบาลนครแม่สอด). The reason why the upgrade was done so quickly is the fact that on January 28 2010 the term of the municipal council ended and an election…

• 
  Catherine Wentworth: Photography

• Sunbirds: Baby in Nest

  catherine

  30 Jan 2010 | 11:59 pm

• Wat Bang Phra: Sponge

  catherine

  16 Jan 2010 | 7:53 pm

• Wat Bang Phra: Protective Bracelets

  catherine

  15 Jan 2010 | 7:27 pm

• Wat Bang Phra: Tattooed Monk

  catherine

  15 Jan 2010 | 3:25 am

• Wat Chalerm Phrakiat: King Chula

  catherine

  28 Nov 2009 | 12:00 am

• 
  Women Learning Thai

• Events Calendar at Thailand, Land of Smiles

  Catherine Wentworth

  7 Feb 2010 | 7:18 pm

  At last, a proper calendar for Thailand… Awhile back I started chatting on twitter with Andrew from The Bangkok Bugle about the lack of available calendars for Thailand. Andrew compiled some pretty decent resources – Bangkok’s best what’s on magazines – but we all agreed that none 100% fit the bill. Talen from Thailand, Land of Smiles decided to take up the challenge: I’ve always liked keeping readers informed on upcoming events in Thailand but it’s been a bit of a struggle because a lot of organizers and even TAT wait until the last minute to start…

• Tiger Temple Interview: Dr Somchai

  Catherine Wentworth

  6 Feb 2010 | 12:21 am

  David does the Tiger Temple… I could start this post off with something all dramatic like, ‘Temple Tiger Eats East End Expat!’. But I’m lazy. And lying is such a bother. So this is what you get instead… When the Tiger Temple appeared in the news this week, I wrote: Thailand’s Tiger Temple Sues Conservationists. The court case also prompted me to gather materials from a visit my buddy David made last November. On David’s first trip to Thailand he stopped by the floating market, celebrated the Loi Krathong festival, and grinned through Bangkok’s fertility…

• A Thai Learning Thai

  Lani Cox

  4 Feb 2010 | 5:00 pm

  This Thai learning Thai… Unfortunately there was no mystical transference or osmosis of language from mother to womb. So I am an American born woman who is ironically half Thai and half Chinese. Ironically because my ethnic makeup is very Thai, something I learned when I moved here as an adult. There are many Thai-Chinese in bra-tet Thai including the reining King. So it is the great unanswered question: why did my mother not teach my brother and I Thai? We can look to historic events and circumstances surrounding my birth. The Vietnam War had ended and the good people of the United…

• Thailand’s Tiger Temple Sues Conservationists

  Catherine Wentworth

  3 Feb 2010 | 8:49 pm

  Tiger Temple Sues Conservationists Over Abuse Allegations… Thailand’s Tiger Temple has long been involved in controversy, and the complaints are many: Drugging the tigers. Abusing the tigers. Selling off older tigers. Putting visitors in harms way. Breeding tigers unprofessionally. The complaints go on and on… I’ve been to the Tiger Temple in Kanchanaburi twice. Both times were instigated by visitors to the Kingdom who were excited about getting their photo taken with real tigers. And I have to admit, I was excited my first time too. On my earlier visit years ago, I…

• Successful Thai Language Learners: Thomas Lamosse

  Catherine Wentworth

  2 Feb 2010 | 5:00 pm

  Interviewing Successful Thai Language Learners… Name: Thomas Lamosse Nationality: American, Edina, Minnesota Age range: 30-40 Sex: Male Location: Bangkok, Chonburi, Edina Minnesota Profession: Teacher/PhD student-Phonology Website/blog: Talk-2-Me-Thai Book/course: Talk-2-me-Thai DVD phrasebook What is your Thai level? I will let you decide. I never boast about my language skills. Do you speak more street Thai, Issaan Thai, or professional Thai? When I speak Thai, I pay special attention to the tones, vowels and characters of the words I am using. I guess that would be considered more…

• 
  Thailand Art Photography

• Jumping Thai Boys

  admin

  9 Feb 2010 | 9:52 am

  Photography of jumping Thai boys was the task for our 2 young photographers, while went to a relaxing afternoon at Huay Tung Tao lake, near Chiang Mai, North Thailand...

• Budding Plants Red Hoya coronaria Blume 1826

  admin

  28 Jan 2010 | 7:07 am

  A few Out of this World macro shots of a budding red Hoya cornaria Blume 1826 flower

• Der Schrei Edvard Munch Thai Art Photography Version

  admin

  23 Jan 2010 | 9:32 am

  How to express our feelings better than with our very own interpretation of Der Schrei by Edvard Munch

• Sawasdee Pee Mai Happy New Year 2010

  admin

  1 Jan 2010 | 4:59 am

  After a very bad 2009 we´re looking hopefully forward to the new year 2010

• Akha Tribe Boy in a Well

  admin

  23 Dec 2009 | 10:39 pm

  Tribe boy Jonny never misses a trick...

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  The Thai Pirate

• Rugby game in Pattaya

  The Thai Pirate

  3 Feb 2010 | 11:09 pm

  I got together with the Panthers again for a match vs. the 'Goosers'. (check the backdrop - you don't get those in Ilford) All I knew was that this team were associated with the British Club, a popular expat organisation based in BKK. When they turned up there was a little confusion, mainly because they were all Thai(!) (I was expecting a bigger expat contingent, like us). We didn't care, either way we were going to get a game. You can imagine the scenario, a side made up of about twenty 30-40 (50?)-ish expats from all walks of life, vs. a gang of about thirty young Thais,…

• Thai TV Commercial - Where are my bloody flip flops?

  The Thai Pirate

  2 Feb 2010 | 6:35 am

  Have you ever lost your shoes in Thailand? Now you know. Translation: We can assure you that this dog has not been trained at all. Everything that the dog does is of it's own volition. Mistine Foot Odour Spray.

• Great place to stop in Pattaya - Aiyara Palace Hotel

  The Thai Pirate

  31 Jan 2010 | 3:10 am

  There are two main reasons we visit Pattaya these days, work, or rugby. This one was rugby (yeees). We hit the streets of Pattaya early to find somewhere half decent to stop; somewhere that wasn't too divey, nor expensive (tricky as it was a Saturday, when prices are higher). Having checked out a couple of semi-grimy, overpriced resorts, we had a stroke of luck and stumbled across a real gem, the Aiyara Palace on Nagula Road. I admit when I got out of the car to fetch a price list I thought, probably 3000 odd baht, out of our budget... so I was a little shocked when the girl behind the…

• Worrying division

  The Thai Pirate

  27 Jan 2010 | 8:33 am

  The politics of Thailand. What am I to tell my son? 1 - support a power clique, a privileged few; only interested in maintaining status quo and their own means, or:2 - support champagne socialism, at its most absurd; purporting to be an advocate of the majority, but in truth, only interested in power and wealth...In a Buddhist country, where so much emphasis is given to 'finding the middle way', how ironic this philosophy doesn't exist in the political realm..

• The 'Pearn Wan' Centre, Hua Hin

  The Thai Pirate

  24 Jan 2010 | 5:55 am

  Pearn Wan translates roughly as 'enjoying yesterday'. The Pearn Wan Centre in Hua Hin is a small collection of streets and stairways built to mimic the old style streets of yester-year. At first sight, the dramatic front to the building makes it look as though you are entering a modern art gallery.... which is basically what the Pearn Wan is. The old shop fronts and streets have been well constructed, largely from reclaimed wood and other materials, with lots of colour provided by the various offerings and bright attire of the patrons. The place pulls in the crowds too, mostly…

• 
  Phuket Observer

• Phuket Film Festival on again

  Alasdair Forbes

  8 Feb 2010 | 6:07 pm

  With all the comparisons with Cannes, can we expect the Phuket Film Festival to attract startlets posing for the cameras? - Photo by Eric D Apparently undaunted by the way the 2009 Phuket Film Festival fizzled out, organiser Scott Rosenberg is gearing up for another go at it, and has issued a call for entries for the 2010 event. The first festival was in 2007, with the second due to have been in June last year. That collapsed when the Thai government decided to host an Asean summit in Phuket with massive security to counter any attempts by the opposition Red Shirts to disrupt the summit.

• Old Phuket Festival offers a feast of entertainment

  Alasdair Forbes

  3 Feb 2010 | 9:20 pm

  Entertainment at last year's Old Phuket Festival: Kids ride in a rickshaw, a young boy demonstrates his kung fu prowess and a dragon is paraded along Thalang Rd. The 11th annual Old Phuket Festival, which this year will run from February 19 to 21, promises a feast of free entertainment along with the chance to mingle with locals who will also be celebrating the Chinese New Year. So easy I can do it standing on my head: Performers from China spin plates at last year's Old Phuket Festival. As in past years, streets in the old part of Phuket Town will be pedestrians-only, with street…

• Friendly invasion: USS Nimitz stops in Phuket

  Alasdair Forbes

  1 Feb 2010 | 5:14 pm

  An F/A 18 jet fighter parked in front of the Nimitz's "island". The nuclear-powered US aircraft carrier Nimitz, with close to 6,000 crew on board, dropped anchor off Phuket yesterday (January 31) for a few days of R&R. It was accompanied by the guided missile frigate USS Rentz and the destroyer USS Pinckney. Phuket is a change of scenery for the crew, who have spent seven months involved in Operation Enduring Freedom, providing air support for troops on the ground in Afghanistan, and flying more than 1,450 sorties over that benighted country – an average of 12 sorties…

• Phuket feast for Jazz lovers – and charity

  Alasdair Forbes

  31 Jan 2010 | 8:04 pm

  Franck Blanchard is the band's bassist For romantics who enjoy jazz, French group Jazz Cool Band (JCB) will play a one-night gig in Phuket Town on February 14 – Valentine’s Day – in the Suan Chaleamprakiet 72 years Queen Sirikit Park (next to the Tourism Authority of Thailand offices on Thalang Rd). The nine-piece band – which includes sax, clarinet, piano, bass, trombone, trumpet, bugle and drums, fronted by Jean Louis Nguyen Qui on vocals and sax – have two agendas: to promote the big-band jazz sound, and to help raise money for charity. In the case of the…

• Phuket’s first water park, Splash Jungle, reviewed

  Alasdair Forbes

  29 Jan 2010 | 7:23 am

  Down the plughole backwards - the Superbowl swallows another victim. The Observer was invited to the official opening today of the shiny new Splash Jungle water park at West Sands, next to Mai Khao Beach and the airport. We hired a guinea pig to test out the rides. Here’s his report on the Big 5 rides: “Being short and furry (cute, too), I opted to start on the lower level, about four miles up. Well, that’s what it feels like when you’re short and furry. A lot of steps. There are three chutes on this level, each twisting this way and that. “The beige-coloured one…