Thailand Life: Tropical Ramblings

Travel to Phuket already declining

2008-07-01T12:56:00.001+07:00

The Nation:
"Several major airlines including Thai Airways International are cutting long-haul flights into Thailand next year in line with a forecast 12-per-cent drop in the number of inbound tourists, said the Association of Thai Travel Agents.
ATTA president Apichart Sankary said that although the Tourism Authority of Thailand targets 17 million visitors next year, only 15 million may arrive.
Starting from today, THAI will suspend its New York-Bangkok service. The company has also reduced flight frequencies, re-routed flights with particular impact on its US operations and introduced other cost-cutting measures.
"Other airlines such as Lufthansa are also considering reducing long-haul flights between Thailand and Europe," said Apichart.
Thailand is expected to miss this year's visitor target of 15.7 million. ATTA, which encompasses inbound travel agencies, expects the number to reach only 15 million.
While domestic tourism will be more sluggish than last year due to political conflict, Apichart attributed the lower number of foreign visitors to efforts in Europe and the United States to lure tourists from the Middle East.
Maitree Narukhatpichai, president of Phuket Tourism Association, admitted that foreign tourists' bookings for the island this month had dropped 15-20 per cent from last year's level due to political tensions, which were driving away visitors from major markets.
Seni Phuwasethavorn, president of the Koh Samui Tourism Business Association, said the high season would not be as active as last year due to the higher cost of traveling.
For instance, the ferry fare from Surat Thani to the island will soon be increased by 20 per cent. Currently, Samui's hotel occupancy rate is at 60 per cent, down from 70-80 per cent in the same period last year."

Bangkok Post:
"Tourism prospects in the approaching high season in Phuket and Phang Nga may not be as brisk as anticipated earlier, as continued rising oil prices are expected to deter some travellers.
Maitree Narukatpichai, president of Phuket Tourist Association, forecast that average hotel occupancy in Phuket in the coming high season from November to April would be 70% this compared with 75% in the 2006-07 high season.
Phuket has a total of 50,000 hotel rooms, up from 40,000 three years ago when many properties were still rebuilding after the 2004 tsunami.
The association projected tourism revenue in Phuket this year would amount to between 94 billion and 95 billion baht.
The hotel occupancy rate in May and June, the trough of the low season, was only 10-15% compared with 50% in the same period last year. The low rate was attributed mainly to high oil prices and the resulting surge in airfares.
Air tickets normally account for about 60-70% of the total expense of visitors.
Phuket has long been popular with Europeans, who are now facing fuel surcharges in the hundreds of dollars on top of the cost of their long-haul air tickets.
However, Mr Maitree said it would be too early to project the precise hotel occupancy rate in the high season, as most of the bookings would be concluded in August.
Should bookings decline, he said local hoteliers may need to design special tourism package to attract the visitors.
Chittiporn Suthipibul, deputy managing director of Khao Lak Resort in Phang Nga province, said hotel occupancy in Khao Lak from May to October was estimated at only 15%, up from 10% in the same period last year. However, the occupancy rate during the high season was expected to rise up to 85% compared with 70% a year earlier. Khao Lak currently has 5,000 hotel rooms, about 80% fewer than before the tsunami.
Last year, Khao Lak attracted 1.8 million visitors, up from 1.1 million in 2006. The figure was expected to top 2.3 million this year. The industry generated about six billion baht in revenue to the area in 2007, with revenue expected to grow to 7-8 billion baht this year."

Thai Beaches Named Most Favorite Asian Destination for Swedish Tourists

2008-06-26T16:37:00.001+07:00

Thailand has been named as the most favorite Asian vacation destination
among Scandinavian visitors, according to the Thai Tourism Authority
office in Sweden.

The Tourism Authority of Thailand’s Stockholm
Office Director Manit Boonchim said that Swedish tourists have voted
for this country as their most favorite place in Asia.

This is
according to an impressively high number of Swedish tourists to
Thailand during the first four months of this year, when around 190,000
people have flown into the kingdom to escape the cold winter to the
sun, sea, and sand here.

Manit said the TAT believes that the
number will rise further as the Swedes are keen to look for new exotic
destinations while vacationing.

He also stated that one of
Sweden’s leading tour companies, Apollo Travel, has reported that it
has been receiving an increasing demand for holidays on the beaches as
well as eco-tourism in Thailand from its Swedish clients these days.

It is now looking for new tourist destinations in the country for family holidays to cope with the rising demand.

Rip Tides at Nai Harn

2008-06-25T16:12:00.001+07:00

From a post in one of the Phuket Internet Forums:

Just a reminder to all we are into that time of year where the sea can get really dangerous.

Many
times the sand bottom can change pretty rapidly, cause a bit of a
dugout which can create super mean undertows and rip tides.

I
was at Nai Hairn beach on Sunday and watched a rip tide form really
quickly. Meanwhile the gal that was in the rip tide, well, her
boyfriend went up on the beach and walked away as she began to
struggle. I went down and motioned for her to move to one side or the
other of the rip tide and then to come into shore.

Remember,
when caught in a rip current sucking out to sea, swim parallel to the
shore and then come in. Don't exhaust yourself swimming against the
current.

Be safe and enjoy the beach.

Phuket Upcoming Events: 2008 Laguna Phuket International Marathon

2008-06-03T08:35:00.000+07:00

This year’s Laguna Phuket International Marathon, the third, is expected to attract some 4,000 competitors, of whom 1,500 will be coming from 40 countries overseas.

The 2008 Laguna Phuket International Marathon will be held from June 13th to 15th 2008 in Bang Tao Beach.

How many people live in Phuket?

2008-06-02T11:29:00.000+07:00

On the occasion of an argument between the state and the province, Phuket governor Niran Kalayanamitr, released an information which much suspected already, but had never been officially formulated regarding the number of inhabitants in Phuket.

Indeed, he complained that Phuket had received unusually low allocations in the past because the government had based the budget on the island's registered population, which stood at only 300,000 people.
Actually, according to Mr. Kalayanamitr, up to a million people live in Phuket and around six million people visit the island annually.

Phuket hotels and hotel location maps on Google Earth

2008-05-21T13:22:00.002+07:00

Google Earth and Google Maps are great tools to explore locations of interest and plan your holidays; is this bungalow REALLY on the beachfront? How far is the ferry port REALLY away.
Listed below is a complete list of hotels, bungalows, guest houses and resorts on Phuket Island, famous holiday beach destination in the South of Thailand. The hotels can be viewed individually or on a full overview map of Phuket sorted by beach.

Phuket Hotel List A-Z [187 hotels

A

Absolute Patong Ville (prev Patong Grand Ville)

Absolute Sea Pearl Beach

Access Resort and Spa

Alila Phuket

All Seasons Naiharn Phuket Hotel (Prev: Sabana Resort)

Allamanda Laguna Phuket

Aloha Villa Phuket

Alpina Phuket Nalina Resort

Amanpuri

Amora Beach Resort Phuket

Anchan Resort and Spa

Andaman Beach Suite

Andaman Cannacia Resort and Spa

Andaman Seaview Hotel

Andaman Seaview Resort

Andaman White Beach Resort

Aochalong Villa Resort and Spa

Aquamarine Resort and Villa

Arahmas Resort and Spa

Aspasia Phuket

At Panta Phuket

Ayara Hilltops (Former: Treetops Arasia)

B

Baan Boa Resort

Baan Karon Resort

Baan Karonburi Resort

Baan Krating Phuket Resort

Baan Laimai

Baan Sukhothai Hotel and Spa

Baan Yin Dee

Ban Raya Resort And Spa Koh Racha

Bel Aire Resort Phuket

Benyada Lodge

Best Western Phuket Ocean Resort

Best Western Premier Bangtao Beach

Best Western Premier Supalai Resort and Spa

Blue Marine Resort and Spa

Boat Lagoon Resort

Boomerang Village

Bundarika Villa Wellness Retreat

By The Sea Residence

C

Cape Panwa Resort

CC Blooms Phuket

Centara Karon (prev Central Karon Beach)

Centara Kata

Centara Villas Phuket (prev Central Karon Village)

Chandara Resort and Spa

Club Andaman Beach Resort

Club Bamboo Resort

Coconut Village Resort

Coral Island Resort

D

Deevana Resort and Spa

Diamond Cliff Resort and Spa

Diamond Cottage Resort and Spa

Duangjitt Resort

Dusit Thani Laguna Phuket

E

Elixir Resort

Evason Six Senses Phuket

F

Front Village Resort

H

Hilton Arcadia Phuket

Himmaphan

Homduang Bel Air Panwa

Horizon Beach Resort Hotel

Horizon Karon Beach Resort and Spa

Hyton Leelavadee

I

Impiana Cabana Phuket Resort and Spa

Indigo Pearl

J

Jintana Patong

JW Marriott Phuket

K

K Hotel and Biergarten

Kalim Resort

Kamala Beach Hotel And Resort

Kamala Beach Inn

Kantary Bay Hotel (Former : The Bay Hotel)

Karon Beach Resort

Karon Place

Karon Princess Hotel

Karon Sea Sands Resort

Karon View Resort

Karon Whale Resort

Karona Resort and Spa

Katathani Phuket Beach Resort

Katina Hotel (prev ST Plaza)

Koyao Bay Pavilions

Koyao Island Resort

L

Laguna Beach Resort

Laguna Holiday Club Phuket Resort

Layan Beach Resort and Spa Village

Le Meridien Phuket Beach Resort

Leelawadee Boutique Hotel

M

Maiton Resort

Malisa Villas Suites

Manathai Phuket

Mangosteen Resort And Spa

Marina Phuket (prev Marina Cottage)

Mercure Patong Beach

Merlin Beach Resort

Metropole Phuket

Millennium Resort Patong Phuket

Mission Hills Golf Resort and Spa

Mom Tris Boathouse

Mom Tris Villa Royale

Montana Grand Phuket

Movenpick Resort and Spa Karon Beach (Prev: Crown Plaza Karon Beach Hotel)

N

Nai Yang Beach Resort

Naithonburi Beach Resort

Nipa Resort

Novotel Beach Resort Panwa Phuket

Novotel Phuket Resort

O

Old Phuket Boutique Hotel

Orchidacea Resort (prev: Pop Cottage)

P

Paradise Resort Koh Yao

Patong Bay Garden Resort

Patong Bayshore Hotel

Patong Beach Hotel

Patong Beach Lodge

Patong City Hotel

Patong Cottage Resort

Patong Green Mountain Resort

Patong Lodge Hotel

Patong Merlin Hotel

Patong Paragon

Patong Pearl Resortel

Phuket Graceland Resort and Spa

Phuket Island Pavilion

Phuket Merlin Hotel

Phuket Orchid Resort

Phuket Pavilions Hotel and Villas

Phuket Town Inn

Phulin Resort

Poppa Palace

Premier Resort Patong

Print Kamala Resort

R

Ramada Resort Karon Beach (prev Felix Karon)

S

Sala Phuket Resort and Spa

Salathai Resort

Sawasdee Guest House

Sawasdee Village

Sea Sun Sand Resort Phuket

Seaview Patong Hotel

Seeka Boutique Resort

Serene Resort Phuket (prev Sea Wind)

Sheraton Grande Laguna Phuket

Sino House

Six Senses Erawan Koh Naka Yai

South Sea Karon Resort

Sri Panwa

Sugar Palm Resort

Sunset Beach Resort

Sunset Mansion Phuket

Sunwing Phuket

T

Thara Patong Beach Resort and Spa (prev Swiss-Belhotel Thara Patong)

Thavorn Beach Village and Spa

Thavorn Grand Plaza Hotel

The Royal Phuket Yacht Club (prev Le Royal Meridien Phuket Yacht Club)

The Taste Phuket Town

Thiwa Ratri Resort and Spa

Tony Resort Phuket

Trisara

Tropica Bungalow

Tropical Garden Resort Phuket

Twinpalms Phuket

V

Village Resort and Spa Phuket

W

Woraburi Phuket

Up to 9 FREE Nights on Phi Phi Island with the latest hotel specials!

2008-05-15T13:33:00.005+07:00

For a long time Phi Phi Island has been one of the most popular destinations in Thailand. With beautiful beaches and crystal clear waters it still retains its small tropical island without roads identity.
Few get to see and experience the more exclusive places on the island such as the Phi Phi Island Village Villas (pictured right) and the Zeavola Phi Phi Resort.
Perfect for honeymoons and anniversaries the private villas offer breathtaking views and unrivaled luxury.
View photo galleries, descriptions and reviews for these luxury resorts and more at Phi-Phi.com.

At a time when everything around us seems to be getting more expensive, Amazing Thailand asserts itself as the ultimate holiday destination for 2008 with unbeatable holiday deals.

Offering great weather, dozens of exotic locations and a multitude of activities suitable for all tastes and ages. World famous Thai cuisine and hospitality. Now, hotelATM are adding to the list of reasons to visit. Massive Savings!

With over 90 Featured Hotel Free Night Offers to choose from and your sure to find what your looking for. And don't forget our own 10 Year Anniversary Offer available on EVERY hotel listed in our websites. There have never been more reasons to book your holiday today!

Links of Interest:

Trekking at Khao Ra (Phangan Viewpoint)

2008-05-10T10:12:00.001+07:00

Your best bet for seeing the authentic Koh Phangan away from the resorts is to go trekking! A trekking trip up Khao Ra – the island’s highest point above sea level – takes you through unspoiled rainforest of Phangan Island.
Head to Ban Madua Wan village north of Thongsala and pick up a trekking guide at the Phaeng Waterfall National Park. This will run you about 11 Euros, but is worth it to successfully trek your way up Khao Ra!
Take a swim suit to enjoy the rocky pools along the way, and cool off during the more than 600 meter above sea level climb to the breathtaking vista from Khao Ra.

Links of Interest:

Phangan Island hotels

Phangan hotels and hotel location maps on Google Earth

2008-05-09T12:52:00.005+07:00

Google Earth and Google Maps are great tools to explore locations of interest and plan your holidays; is this bungalow REALLY on the beachfront? How far is the ferry port REALLY away.
Listed below is a complete list of hotels, bungalows, guest houses and resorts on Koh Phangan, famous party island for the Full Moon Party. The hotels can be viewed individually or on a full overview map of Koh Phangan sorted by beach.

Koh Phangan Hotel List A-Z [65 hotels]

A

Ananda Resort

B

Baan Bang Rak Resort and Spa

Baan Panburi Village

Baan Talay Guesthouse

C

Chaloklum Bay Resort

Charm Beach Resort

Coco Garden Bungalows

Cocohut Village

Cookies Salad Resort

D

Delight Resort Phangan

Dew Shore Bungalow

Drop In Club Resort and Spa

F

First Villa Phangan

G

Garden Lodge Ban Tai

Golden Hill Wok Tum

Grand Sea Resort Koh Phangan

Green Papaya Resort

H

Haad Son Resort

Haad Tian Beach Resort

Hansa Resort

Havana Beach Resort

High Life Bungalow

I

Ibiza Bungalow Haad Yao

J

Jungle House Resort

L

Lighthouse Bungalow

Long Bay Resort

Loyfa Bungalow

M

Mai Pen Rai Bungalows

O

Ocean View Resort Phangan

Oceanus Resort

P

Panviman Koh Phangan

Pariya Haad Yuan

Phangan Bayshore Resort

Phangan Beach Resort

Phangan Cabana Resort

Phangan Centerpoint

Phangan Great Bay Resort

Phangan Orchid Resort (Bankai Orchid Resort)

Phangan Paragon Resort and Spa

Phangan Utopia

Phanganburi Resort and Spa

Phrueksa Beach Resort

R

Royal Orchid Resort Koh Phangan

Rung Arun Resort

S

Salad Beach Resort

Santhiya Resort and Spa

Sarikantang Resort and Spa

Sea Garden Resort and Spa

Smile Beach Resort

Sunset Cove

T

Thongnaipan Beach Resort and Spa (prev Raiwin Beach Resort)

V

Venus Resort

Vimarn Samut Resort

W

Wattana Resort

Links of Interest:

Burma relief efforts underway

2008-05-08T15:21:00.002+07:00

With the death toll in Myanmar now feared to be more than 100,000, a number of aid organizations have started relief efforts in the hardest-hit areas.
World Vision is reporting that it is already providing clothing as well as tarpaulins, blankets, rice and drinking water in the capital, Yangon. As of yesterday, World Vision had delivered 34.8 metric tons of rice, 18,000 liters of drinking water and 150 gallons of diesel for water pump generators to people in need. Clothing, blankets and tarpaulins have also been handed out to people living in six World Vision program areas in Yangon.

From the Phuket Gazette:

World Vision estimates that up to 2 million people may be affected by Cyclone Nargis, which devastated the area.
Meanwhile, the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) yesterday sent four aircraft loaded with food aid and other relief items that were expected to reach thousands of people today.
A total of 45 metric tons of high-energy biscuits (HEBs) is expected to arrive on three flights of WFP-chartered aircraft at Yangon airport early this morning – the first UN flights to arrive in the city.By yesterday, a total of 90 tons of rice had been distributed by WFP and NGO partners in Irrawaddy Division townships and Yangon.
The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies estimates that 95% of homes were destroyed in the low-lying delta region of the Irrawaddy River. The Myanmar Red Cross has been handing out relief supplies, such as clean drinking water, plastic sheeting, clothing, kitchen items and insecticide-treated bed nets to help prevent malaria.
Additionally, the International Federation has sent a first deployment of shelter kits from Kuala Lumpur and has released an initial 200,000 Swiss francs (US$189,000) to support the Red Cross relief effort.
Relief efforts have been hampered by the Myanmar government’s reluctance to lift restrictions on movement of commodities and international staff, the WFP reported. Several agencies and countries, including Thailand, have pledged aid but are still awaiting visa and goods-import approvals to be granted.
The Gazette has yet to learn of any government-led local relief efforts underway in Phuket, as the central government is handling aid coordination from Bangkok.
Readers who know of any private aid efforts being organized in Phuket are encouraged to contact the Gazette with details on how people can donate and volunteer.

Links of Interest:

Various Google Earth data about Cyclone Nargis

2008-05-07T13:44:00.001+07:00

Google has just released a layer for Google Earth which shows some data about the path of the cyclone in Myanmar, along with some maps to display the extent of the flooding. They
were built by UNOSAT, an organization working to help the people of Myanmar.

Also, NASA has created a simple KML that shows a powerful satellite image of the storm as it was charging toward the coast; it has also added an image showing the current aerial view of the country. Extensive flooding is quite visible. Get the file here.

Here are a few screenshots from the files:

Links of Interest:

Original post from Digital Earth Blog

Burma generals blocking aid while 30,000 are dead

2008-05-07T09:23:00.002+07:00

Quite difficult to understand, after Burma and its regime of military has received pledges of outside help in the human catastrophe following cyclone Nargis, that it still bars aid workers form entering the country.
As there was a holiday yesterday, Burma's embassy was closed and not offering visas for aid workers -- quite an unimaginable bureaucratic failure in light of the possibility, that much more than 30,000 people might have been killed and most of the current rice crop devastated.
My personal feeling would be NOT to give money to aid organizations; initially harsh for the population affected, but it is very doubtful that any help will reach them and secondly, it further solidifies the hold of the junta on Burma -- which must be broken or suffering on a much larger scale will follow. The choosing of the lesser evil...

From the Bangkok Post:

"The military junta has appealed for international aid to cyclone victims, but five days after the storm experts cannot even reach victims. In Bangkok, the [Burmese] embassy simply took Monday off for a holiday rather than issue visas, further frustrating would-be aid teams.
Thailand plans to ship 40 tons of food and medical supplies on Wednesday, but there is no sign the aid can be delivered from the airport to the needy. Nine tons of food and medicine were loaded on a Royal Thai Air Force C-130 cargo plane which flew to Rangoon yesterday. It was the first international aid to reach Burma - four days after the storm."

DPA:

"The government of Burma has not responded to a request to waive visa requirements for international relief workers waiting for permission to bring much needed aid to victims of Cyclone Nargis, the UN said Tuesday.
The UN had asked the military junta to waive visas for relief workers assembled in nearby Bangkok so they can begin their journey to Burma, said Rachid Khalikov, an official of the UN emergency relief department at UN headquarters in New York. But the Burmese embassy in Bangkok simply closed up on Monday, because it was a Thai holiday."

Links of Interest:

Burma cyclone might have killed 30,000

Burma cyclone might have killed 30,000

2008-05-06T23:21:00.003+07:00

Maybe even worse than the tsunami of 2004, a tropical cyclone called Nargis hit Burma with very heavy rainfalls and winds up to 200km/h. As the cyclone was compounded by a storm surge of up to 3 meters in height up the Irawaddy river delta, a very large and flat rice growing region, most of the death toll comes form this flooding, because people were unable to flee the rising water.

Burma has had ample warnings of this storm coming, up to a week in advance, but seemingly failed to warn its population of this natural occurrence. It is now feared that the death toll might be even higher than 30,000, some even quoting numbers of possible hundreds of thousands.

NASA satellite pictures showing the flooded Iravaddy delta in Burma

TNA:

"The Thai government has approved a US$100,000 grant to assist victims of Cyclone Nargis which devastated Myanmar over the weekend, and Thailand will consider further assistance as the Cabinet meets today, according to the minister of foreign affairs.
Interviewed on the morning news program on Modernine TV (TV Channel 9), Foreign Minister Noppadon Pattama said the ministry doubled its aid to $100,000 from an initial $50,000 to help cyclone-battered Myanmar.
The cabinet meeting today will discuss providing more assistance on rehabilitation work, he said.
"We are among the countries that offered help to Myanmar early. The army on Monday sent dry food and medical supplies to cyclone-hit areas by a C-130 military transport aircraft. The Myanmar foreign ministry thanked Thailand for the humanitarian aid," Mr. Noppadon said.
Myanmar's state media said last weekend's cyclone killed some 10,000 persons in the town of Bogalay in the country's Irrawaddy Delta, raising fears that the country's overall death toll will rise significantly.
The Associated Press reported Myanmar's foreign minister told diplomats in Yangon on Monday that, overall, more than 10,000 people may have died when Cyclone Nargis struck Saturday.
Myanmar has appealed for urgent assistance from the international community in wake of the disaster."

Agencies:

"At least 15,000 people were killed in the Burma cyclone and the toll is likely to rise as officials make contact with the worst-hit Irrawaddy delta areas, the military government's foreign minister said today.
Nyan Win said on state television that 10,000 people had died in just one town, Bogalay, as he gave the first detailed account of what is emerging as the worst cyclone to hit Asia since 1991, when 143,000 people died in Bangladesh.
The total left homeless by the 190kph winds and 3.5-metre storm surge is in the several hundred thousands, United Nations aid officials say, and could run into the millions.
The scale of the disaster drew a rare acceptance of outside help from the diplomatically isolated generals, who spurned such approaches in the aftermath of the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami."

The Nation:

"Despite weather advisory from Thailand-based Asian Disaster Preparedness Centre, Burmese citizens were not given enough notice to prepare for Cyclone Nargis.
Burma's Department of Meteorology and Hydrology was told of the formation of Cyclone Nargis a week in advance, but the country was not prepared to handle a disaster of this magnitude.
Bhichit Rattakul, executive director of Thailand-based Asian Disaster Preparedness Centre (ADPC), said yesterday that one of the first warnings came from the US Navy's Joint Typhoon Warning Centre, which issued an alert on April 27.
The ADPC, which established an Asia-Pacific-wide early-warning centre for natural disasters at Thailand's Asian Institute of Technology in the wake of 2004 tsunami disaster, forecast the tropical cyclone in the Bay of Bengal, he said." ...
"According to news reports, large areas of southwest Burma are under water after the devastating cyclone that struck at the weekend, killing at least 22,000 people, satellite images show.
Tropical Cyclone Nargis slammed into Burma late on Friday, wiping away entire villages in the Irrawaddy delta and wreaking destruction on a country that is already one of the poorest on the planet.
Nasa pictures taken on Monday show the entire coastal plain under water, with fallow agricultural areas of the delta - the country's main rice-growing region - particularly hard hit by flooding."

Times Online:

"Most of the victims of the Burma cyclone were overwhelmed by a 12ft moving wall of water that bore down on their low-lying villages at the mouth of the Irrawaddy river delta.
In a rare press conference, members of the Burmese junta today gave the most detailed description to date of the disaster that killed at least 22,000 people at the weekend, and left a further 41,000 missing, according to Burmese state radio.
“More deaths were caused by the tidal wave than the storm itself,” said Maung Maung Swe, Burma's Minister for Relief and Resettlement, at a news conference in the rubble-strewn city of Rangoon, where food and water supplies are running low.
“The wave was up to 12ft (3.5 meters) high and it swept away and inundated half the houses in low-lying villages. They did not have anywhere to flee.”" ...
"“The impact of the disaster could be worse than the (2004 Asian) tsunami because it is compounded by the limited availability of resources on top of the transport constraints.”"

Links of Interest:

Earthquake in Krabi

2008-05-05T15:23:00.001+07:00

An earthquake with a magnitude of 2.7 on the Richter scale hit Krabi Sunday evening.

From The Nation:

The Meteorological Department reported that the quake took place at 5:55 pm. Its epicenter was in Play Phaya district at latitude 8.38 north and longtitude 98.44 east.
People living in Surat Thani's Phanom district could feel the quake.

Links of Interest:

Krabi Destination and Hotels guide

Patong clubs: Club Lime on Patong Beach Road

2008-05-01T11:26:00.005+07:00

Club Lime is a great addition to the Patong clubbing scene, found on Patong Beach Road right besides Rock City opposite the beach.
It can be easily found by the sign -- a huge slice of lime (what else?) -- and its neon interior that lights the street below. And in the early morning hours, the booming, hypnotic sound would be a magnet even for the blind.

This place is a sophisticated sort of 3-in-1 venue: nightclub, bar and restaurant – with very good food. But lets forget about the food: that is for old people! What about the music?

Music is mostly House, Techno or Tribal, played by the club's resident or visiting DJs. Club Lime is also developing a tasty line in drum-and-bass, the only place in Phuket featuring this music.
One can say that the owners of Club Lime try very hard to increase the quality of the music played in Patong, so far with mixed success; guest DJs from Bangkok are regularly on the program and for a while it was even rumored that DJ Tiesto would play there (but he went to play in Bangkok instead, his price tag was well out of line for such a small venue).

Open from 6 pm till late. Thursday’s ladies' night – free entry and a free drink for girls only. On other nights expect to pay 200 baht, or more if there's a special act.

Other have visited too, for example Matt Crook, who had the following to say:

I went to Club Lime for the first time on Friday night. What's good about this place is that it pushes real dance music and the DJs are fairly decent. The music was primarily electro, with a bit of house and tech house to boot. It was real dance floor stuff, although Club Lime doesn’t have much of a dance floor. But still, there is space in front of the bar to dance.

The guys at Club Lime are looking to push clubbing in Phuket to new boundaries. Starting next month, there will be drum ‘n’ bass nights (which I might get involved in) and more DJs will be asked to play.

The only thing with Club Lime is the people who go there. This is something that needs a bit of work. Hopefully a couple of articles I'm writing will drive some actual clubbers to the venue.

At the moment, it feels a bit like Bed Supperclub. Lime is full of old dudes and property sales girls. The sales girls in particular get on my nerves because they do nothing except take pictures of one another and rub their bodies on each other when everybody is looking.

... the last thing would not be all that bad for me personally to witness :-)

Links of Interest:

Go directly to a Thai Prison -- NOT!

2008-04-30T15:54:00.004+07:00

In case you have wondered, no, it is definitely not a good idea to break the law in Thailand and go to jail for it!
Not only have there been a whole range of books of former Bangkok prison inmates published, there is also a blog detailing daily life in a Thai prison; and unsurprisingly, it does not sound like fun at all...

Bangkwang is Bangkok’s maximum-security jail; designed for lifers and death row prisoners. All Bangkwang prisoners are serving sentences of at least 25 years and of its 7,000 inmates - mostly drug offenders - 883 have been sentenced to death.

The Thai people call Bangkwang the "Big Tiger" because it is a man-eater. Scores of prisoners have been put to death in its notorious execution chamber.

As the Times Online mentions, Bang Kwang Prison in Bangkok is #3 of the 10 most notorious prisons in the world:

Tempted to take a little marijuana on your fortnight package tour of Thailand? It may be unwise unless you want to end up in the infamous “Bangkok Hilton”.
In recent years the prison's population has trebled to 7,000 and the guards are out-numbered 50-1. Every inmate there is serving more than 25 years and for the first three months of their sentence each is forced to wear leg irons.
Inside Building 10, prisoners are held in solitary confinement in pitch-black cells two meters square wearing “elephant chains” for months on end.
"Thai prisons are tough," says Director of Prisons Khun Nattee in a superfluous warning to tourists. "You don't want to be in Bang Kwang."

Links of Interest:

Times Online
Information about visiting Bang Kwang prison
Angel of Bang Kwang Prison
Thai Prison Blog: life snippets of a Thai youth imprisoned for drug offences (in English)
Thai Visa Discussion
Escape from Klong Prem Prison
A Prison Visit

Aey Pornthip sexy photo shoot at the Zeavola Phi Phi Resort

2008-04-29T16:57:00.012+07:00

Aey Pornthip, a well-known actress in Thailand, hat recently a sexy photo shoot at the Zeavola Resort on Phi Phi Island where she was photographed by Tada Varich for 'in magazine'.

Zeavola Phi Phi is by far the most accomplished resort on Phi Phi island and offers a spa already famous around the region. Its secluded location -- it is only reachable by boat -- make it the perfect spot for a romantic tryst -- with Aey maybe...?

About the Zeavola Resort from Chubby Hubby:

"On Phi Phi island, we stayed at the gorgeous Zeavola Resort. This resort is built to look like an ancient Thai village, but with modern (and luxurious) touches.
There are two F&B outlets, a casual beachside cafe and a sexy, open-air restaurant with lovely design elements.
The food is good too. For dinner, we had a yummy crab pasta with asparagus. For breakfast the next day, we had a fantastic dish the hotel calls “Thai Royal Eggs”, which was fried eggs with minced chicken, sausages and other yummy stuff served on a cast-iron pan.
A really cute touch that I liked was that the breakfast menu here is printed on a wax-lined bag. Inside the bag are freshly fried dough fritters, which are served with your choice of sweetened condensed milk or a pandan jam."

Links of Interest:

Zeavola Phi Phi Resort and Spa on phi-phi.com
Zeavola hotel image gallery and travel reviews
Zeavola Resort and Spa Phi Phi on this blog (also here)
Tourism news: Japanese investors take over Zeavola Resort
Thai sexy girls: Nun Woranuch
More Aey Pornthip pics

Bangkok's Lebua Hotel has another controversy cooking

2008-04-28T10:38:00.000+07:00

Bangkok's Lebua Hotel -- already before in the media with bad press -- has another think cooking: literally.
Somewhere in the firmament of Michelin-starred chefs there must be one willing to accept $8,000 for a single night's work. The only catch is that this particular dinner at a Bangkok luxury hotel has stirred up a mighty controversy, and two dozen chefs around the world have declined to cook it.

I personally find this quite disgusting in its hypocrisy:

Bangkok’s Lebua hotel, which is organizing the dinner, is no stranger to publicity - or to Michelin-starred chefs. Last year, it put on a decadent feast billed as the meal of a lifetime for $25,000 a head. Six three-star Michelin chefs were flown in from Europe to cook the 10-course meal, each plate paired with a rare vintage wine.

On April 5, the Lebua is offering another 10-course spread, this time for free. The hotel has invited 50 of its biggest-spending customers to the dinner prepared - it hopes - by three top-ranked Michelin-starred chefs.

There is one twist. Before dinner, guests will be jetted to a poor village in northern Thailand to spend the afternoon soaking up the sights of poverty. The dinner and full-day excursion will cost the hotel $300,000.

Links of Interest:

Patong nude girls on the beach

2008-04-27T11:13:00.002+07:00

Nude beaches in Thailand? Do they really exist? If one believes Lonely Planet, then nude sunbathing on the beaches pf Thailand is illegal; but so would be driving around without a helmet, gambling, or prostitution.
And with the bars full of Thai girls just a few meters away, it does not wonder when tourists coming to Phuket and Patong Beach argue rightly that there is much fuss about little. It is the 21st century after all, so showing some skin is not such a big deal (all the better if the girl looks the part).

In the end, let's not forget, Thailand is about 'sanook', 'sabai sabai' -- and making money. Breaking their own laws to get to the tourist Euros is fine, so bending them to habe a nice topless beach holiday is surely within limits. At least that is what those two nude girls on Patong Beach would have argued when asked.Links of Interest:

'Buddhist magic' bubble is bursting

2008-04-26T15:22:00.000+07:00

To the list of speculative market bubbles popping around the world, add this: Thai religious talismans. The talk is about so-called Jatukkam-Ramathep-Amulets with magic Buddhist powers, originally only from one temple in Nakhorn Sri Thammarat.
As Phuket, my home, is not very far from this Southern Thai city, a lot of the elder male generation here bought such amulets and many are wearing them. I personally think the Jatukham Amulets with their inscriptions from (Hindu) mythology and oversized format look rather gaudy, and Buddhist magic has little place in my personal understanding of Buddhism -- but who am I to tell the Thai people about Buddhism?

The popularity of the amulets, known as Jatukam Ramathep, goes back about two decades. Depending on who tells the story, they are named after either a 17th-century king or a Hindu god who reputedly defended the Buddhist monastery here from pirate attacks. Phantarak Rajadej, a previous police chief in Nakhon Si Thammarat, began making and selling a limited number of talismans in the 1980s to raise money for a Buddhist shrine. He is widely believed in the town to have mastered the art of black magic to ward off his enemies. After he died in 2006 at the age of 104, production in amulets surged.
Word about the talismans' supernatural powers quickly spread to Bangkok, the capital. Amulet traders say prices ballooned because many Thais were worrying about the impact of a military coup in September 2006. Some wanted to buy spiritual help to see them through the turmoil and maybe make them rich. Models carried names such as "Super Rich to the Heavens" and "Eternally Wealthy" and dealers paid millions of dollars in newspaper and television advertisements to fuel the frenzy. The research department of Thai bank Kasikornbank PCL estimated that the market for Jatukam Ramathep amulets swelled to $1.5 billion last year.

Nakhon Si Thammarat and its Buddhist clergy were among the biggest beneficiaries. Visitors arrived from Bangkok and as far away as Malaysia and Singapore. A room at the swankiest hotel in town, the Twin Lotus, required a reservation three months in advance. Airlines laid on extra flights to town, while prominent businesspeople chartered planes to fly monks and other VIPs to the Buddhist temple where the talismans were blessed, the 13th-century Wat Phra Mahatat. Amulet dealers in Bangkok say the temple has earned over a million dollars, which it is now using to repair walls, crumbling spires and ancient bell towers.

In Nakhon Sri Thammarat a lot of the local people supplemented their small incomes by buying up batches and selling them at a profit. In a pattern now painfully familiar to investors the world over, the boom was so great -- some amulets sold for as much as $75,000 -- that the bust could only be close behind. A glut, combined with growing suspicions that many amulets hadn't been properly blessed by Buddhist monks, has blown the bottom out of the market in the past few weeks. Most of the little clay objects, part of a billion-dollar-plus industry just a few months ago, are now practically worthless.
As a result, thousands of others across the country are now deep in debt. Some of the traders even have filed a suit for damages against their dealer, as well as the abbot of Wat Phra Mahatat for allowing his name to be used on posters advertising the amulets. Elsewhere in this small fishing town, the wife of the police chief is suing a district mayor, claiming he delivered a load of faulty amulets; he claims she's just trying to duck out of a deal since the market's collapse.

The abbot of Wat Phra Mahatat, Phra Thepvinyaporn, is unperturbed. "I'm not surprised that somebody would try to sue me," he says. "Many people are broken-hearted and will do anything to recoup their losses." But he says it is only natural that markets go up and then down. "There is a cycle, just like fireworks," he says, polishing his thick glasses and adjusting his orange robe in the baking heat. "When you light the firework it rushes skywards, then booms and disappears. When it's gone, you wait for another firework to be lit."

Comment from Forest Wisdom:

"Reading the news this week about the demise of the Jatukham Ramathep amulets’ popularity leads to further reflection. For a start, it shows how unwise I was to get so upset by the use of such talisman, for it was always going to be an impermanent craze. All crazes are. Getting caught up in the issue at the time and attaching to an orthodox view of what constitutes Buddhism, I created suffering around them – much to the bemusement of some of my Thai friends and work colleagues! If I had remained alert to the impermanent nature of such crazes, this suffering wouldn’t have arisen."

Links of Interest:

Lucky Charms In Thailand Are Out of Luck by the Wall Street Journal
Impermanence: Jatukham Ramathep Amulets by Forest Wisdom
Forest Buddhism & 'Magic' Amulets by Forest Wisdom

Free rice

2008-04-25T11:11:00.003+07:00

I just stumbled about a great website, Freerice.com; The site's goals are twofold: Provide English vocabulary lessons for free and help end world hunger by providing free rice to hungry people.
The system, the latest brainchild of e-charity innovator John Breen, works like follows: you select multiple choice word definitions: if you get it right, you get a harder word. If you get it wrong, the next word is easier. For each correct answer, Free Rice donates 20 grains of rice to the United Nations World Food Program.

By further reading up on this website on the internet, it becomes obvious that they have gotten a lot of meduia attention since their start in October 2007. It really is a very fun way to help the poor, all the more necessary with rice prices (and those of other basic staple foods) currently exploding on the world market.

"Freerice.com is an international, viral sensation. Folks from Thailand to Germany and India are just as enthusiastic . . . improving thousands of lives, all with a simple, collective, click of a mouse." - CBS Evening News

In case you were wondering, FreeRice.com is neither a hoax nor a scam, despite its seemingly too-good-to-be-true premise. The rice is paid for by the advertisers whose names you see on the bottom of your vocabulary screen. This is regular advertising for these companies, but it is also something more. Through their advertising at FreeRice, these companies support both learning (free vocabulary for everyone) and reducing hunger (free rice for the hungry).

It's no replacement for good, old-fashioned, get-out-your-checkbook charitable giving, but at 26 billion grains of rice (and counting) donated to date, neither should it be dismissed as just another online time waster.

Links of Interest:

Freerice.com
Web Game Provides Free Rice for Hungry -- BBC News
Lexicographical Beneficence: Freerice.com -- NY Times Magazine
Saving the World One Click at a Time -- Sydney Morning Herald

Zeavola Phi Phi Spa Resort

2008-04-24T13:16:00.002+07:00

I have been at the Zeavola Resort Phi Phi several times and at every visit newly impressed by the beauty of the hotel and the level of care the staff puts into their service. No wonder it is listed amongst the top Small Luxury Hotels of the World and voted by CondoNeste Traveller as "one of the hippest new hotels in the world". Zeavola Phi Phi is by far the most accomplished accommodations on Phi Phi island and is only a 4-5 star hotel because it lacks a full suite of facilities such as tennis courts; however it has a spa already famous around the region and its secluded location -- it is only reachable by boat -- make it the perfect spot for a honeymoon or just a romantic tryst.
I rather elect for the latter, and your girlfriend will be duly impressed by selecting the Zeavola Resort on Phi Phi.

click here for more Phi Phi Island hotel location maps

The beach area continues the theme of the Zeavola as a place to enjoy the best of nature in style. From the Bose speakers in the sand playing ambient music, the low futon like sun beds to the bright blues and yellows of the Tacada Restaurant awnings, the feeling is fresh respectful and smart. The views are wide taking in Moskito Island, Bamboo Island, Koh Lanta, Koh Jum, and the limestone karst scenery on the horizon at Krabi's Phrang Nga.

The 3 Beachfront and Garden Suites are 60m2 and the Village Suite is 40m2. The Village suite doesn't have the changing area or outdoor shower but does have a pretty Zen like sand garden.

The rectangular pool stretches an elegant 18m long, enough to relax and or lap for fitness. Surrounded by colour full deckchairs this is a peaceful facility as most guests seem to hang out by the sea.

Diner at the Baxil Restaurant right on the beach was full of the unexpected like black squid bread and a crab pasta that makes my mouth water even now. The chocolate soufflé is the signature dish of the Zeavola and all my taste buds and senses were replete by the end of the evening.

Breakfast was taken at the Tacada Restaurant on the beach in front of a golden sun rise just 50 meters from the Baxil Restaurnat. The a la carte menu included such delights as eggs Benedictine, the Maharaja meal (Indian curries and breads), the American breakfast with steak as well as usual the fruits, pastries and cereals.

The Spa is a celebration of comfort and style set out by the famed Horwath Spa Consultancy firm run by Khun Napali who created Chiva-som in Hua Hin. As a director of the Thailand Tatler Magazine her style and tastes resonate with those in the know. The extensive spa facilities feature 6 treatment rooms and 4 massage rooms each with relaxation rooms, some with private sauna or steam rooms or 15 degrees C cooling showers. The Hair Salon includes Pedicure, Manicure, all in all everything needed to make you feel special.

Khun Supinda who showed me around informed me that the Zeavola is staffed by 130 people from May to October and about 160 in the high season when the resort is full. When I was there 10 out of the 30 suites were occupied by guests (with another 22 suites available by high season). I think that in the near future the Zeavola will be booked out quickly as it is too good to be unnoticed.

Links of Interest:

Bangkok Dangerous Movie remake with Nicholas Cage

2008-04-23T20:54:00.000+07:00

Bangkok Dangerous, starring Nicolas Cage to be released this fall, is a remake of the original Pang Brothers film from 2000. Generally, American remakes of great Asian films don't turn out very well, but with the original directors onboard, and Nicholas doing his nutcase act, this might be a winner.

Here's a short YouTube clip with all the necessary ingredients: strippers on Soi Cowboy, a transvestite review, fast motorcycles, Thai boxing, big guns,and a targeted politician who looks like a slightly older and plumper Abhisit.

YouTube Clip of the upcoming Bangkok Dangerous

Tiger Bar Phi Phi Beach Party

2008-04-23T12:35:00.002+07:00

Tiger Bar Phi Phi, located in the center of Phi Phi Island in the village, next to Papaya Restaurant, is one of the most happening bars currently open on Phi Phi. The bar has a dance floor and a DJ playing his sound until the early morning hours. They are also quite active in advertisign their venue on the internet, as for example sending out party messages through their Facebook group; have a look if you are interested!

There is also an upstairs chill out lounge with leather couches to relax on and the bar downstairs will quite happily waiter serve your favorite cocktails directly to your sofa.

Tiger Bar offers a complimentary free drink between 9-11pm and a free bucket between 12-10am every night.

Links of Interest:

Eye Candy: Thailand entry for the 2008 Miss Tourism Queen Intl

2008-04-22T23:08:00.004+07:00

For some visual stimulation, I am posting here some pictures of the Thailand entrant of the 2008 Miss Tourism Queen International, held in Zhengzhou, the capital of central China's Henan Province on April 10, 2008. Pichamon Keawthong was under the top 20 finalists and won the Best in Asia Queen competition for 2008. A total of 115 contestants from around the world competed for the crown.

Since 1949, there have been more than 80 countries occasionally holding this competition for their Miss Tourism National Queen. With each country's tourism ambassadors gathering together, Miss Tourism Queen International aims at enhancing the tourism development, the friendship among different countries, and international culture exchange.

Okay, so lets have a closer look at Khun Pichamon!
Links of Interest:

Google Maps Satellite Imagery Update for Thailand

2008-04-21T15:57:00.008+07:00

Google Earth received a large image update at the beginning of April. The update has now been rolled out to Google Maps. A number of locations in Thailand has also received high-definition pictures (finally!).

The locations in Thailand with new satellite imagery is as follows: Hat Yai, Ubon Ratchathani, Pattani, Warin Chamrap and Mukdahan; those are locations in Isaan and Southern Thailand.

View more Thailand maps

Links of Interest:

Full list of image updates from the Google LatLong blog
Thailand google maps now available in English
News about other map and satellite services: MapJack beats Google Street View... at least in Chiang Mai
'I Love Isaan' Facebook Group

Weakening dollar worries travelers to Thailand

2008-04-20T10:59:00.000+07:00

The current crisis in the USA and their intentional policy of a weak dollar hurts travelers all over the world; especially those who really just do travel and are in need of refilling their wallet from overseas. Still there are ways to keep your currency risk to a minimum and prevent loosing too much if the dollar exchange rate goes not in your favor.

In the end it is all about perspective -- Southeast Asia is still very cheap compared to many other places in the world and even though a weak dollar might cost you an extra beer on your night out, the party is not stopping right there. All the more important to look for a good deal (like the Free Nights Offers I just wrote about yesterday)...

Nomadic Matt had this to say:

"A little piece of me dies everyday. Or I should say a little piece of my wallet dies everyday. As an American, I live on the world's worst currency- the US dollar.
Over the past few years, the value of the American dollar has steadily declined. The dollar now only get .50 to the pound, 60 euro cents, and, for the first time in 12 years, less than 100 yen. The Australia dollar has gone from being worth .50 cents to par now. The Canadian dollar is worth more than the greenback. Needless to say, it's hard being an American tourist right now.
As a constant traveler, I worry about the way currency moves like only a Wall Street trader would. Small changes in the dollar or other currencies can really effect me. My budget for Australia was 1000 dollars short because of the strong Australian dollar.
I got extra when I went to Thailand because the Baht had happened to weaken just a bit. I watch it to know when to withdraw money and when to hold off on the ATM run.
Sometimes you can't help it- you need money but I try to be careful. Why all the work? On a short holiday, it's not that big of a deal. You're not gone a while nor are you changing over lots of money. Yet when you are gone for months or years at a time make frequent ATM withdrawals, little changes in a currency can make a big difference."

Links of Interest:

Phuket ladyboys are in demand!

2008-04-19T10:21:00.001+07:00

Casual surfing around the internet brought me to a website purporting to be an escort service for ladyboys on Phuket. Frankly, this seems one of those unnecessary sercives around here where I just cannot grasp the business model.
If you are really inclined to meet a ladyboy in Phuket intimately, there is nothing easier than that (a lot would actually argue that one cannot flee the attention of them even when going out without a romp with a ladyboy in mind): head down to Soi Bangla, and chances are 100% that actually they themselves will try to pick you up.
Or go to the (excellent) Simon Cabaret Show and hang around after the show, this way not everything has to happen all in the open -- but then, if you wish to try a ladyboy you should be sure enough in your sexuality to not be shy about it.

Anyway, here is the website: Phuket ladyboy escort service
"Welcome to our gallery at Ladyboys in Phuket. An exclusive escort service where you will find stunning Thai ladyboys who are waiting to take care of you. We are a very friendly agency, just take a browse at our escort gallery, make your choice and get in touch, very simple."

Less enjoyable their rates, which are quite frankly outrageous (yes, I mean expensive!):

Shortime (2 hours)	5500B
Casual (4 hours)	6000B
Overnight (12 hours)	8500B
Night & day (24 hours)	9000B
2 Nights and days	16,000B
4 Nights and days	30,000B
7 Nights and days	48,000B

You should not forget, if you have this kind of money to spend on something that simple, most likely you will stay in an upmarket hotel.
As they are all in on making money there, you might have to pay some equally outrageous 'joiner fee' to the hotel for your 'overnight guest' (in some cases higher than the fee of the person providing the service, what smells like pimping to me, shame on you, Phuket hotels!).

A word about Simon Cabaret Show on Phuket: this is a very tasteful show of ladyboy performers, singers and dancers, quite on par with the Tiffany or Alcazar Cabaret Shows in Pattaya; actually a place where you can bring your girlfriend or the family and have a great evening. There is no sleaze so it shows the artistic side of the ladyboy life in Thailand -- even though you can still meet a lot of them later in Soi Bangla for as little as a group photo, a drink together or much more...

Links of Interest:

Phuket Ladyboy Escorts
Simon Cabaret Show
Phuketladyboys.com with some galleries)
Short Interview with a Phuket ladyboy about Life, Working and HIV
Third Sex Blog - Not All Girls Are Born Female

Blacklisted for traffic violations -- Thailand on a new low

2008-04-18T14:49:00.006+07:00

Another cracker from Thai politicians, who seem never shy to put cake on their
own face; this time it is about the Tibet-demonstrations and the repeated
dousing of the Olympic Torch on their way around the world. Understandable, that the Thais with their face-issues would wish this to go
without incidence -- however to shoot with such big guns is a typical sign of
lacking self-confidence...

From The Nation:

"Protesters disrupting tomorrow's Olympic-torch relay will be arrested
immediately and prosecuted for public disturbance, police say. Foreigners will be expelled and banned from returning. Those with residency will have it revoked permanently, spokesman Lt-General Watcharaphol Prasarnratchakij says." ...
"Free Tibet Network member Pokpong Lawansiri disagrees with the stance against pro-Tibet protests. "Under the Constitution, an individual - local or foreigner - has the right to rally for a cause," he says. "Peaceful rally should be allowed"." ...
"Prime ministerial aide Akhaphol Sorrasuchart says protests can continue as long
as there's no run disruption and they do not break other laws, including traffic, or damage property."

Deported and blacklisted because of a traffic violation? Thailand, get a grip!

Update from DailyXPress, April 19:

"As many as 100 pro-Tibet protesters are gathering today outside the United Nations headquarters in Bangkok. The controversial Olympic-torch relay takes place this afternoon. The demonstrators are protesting at human-rights violations by China in Tibet." ...
"The Buddhist networks ask locals and foreigners to show up and express solidarity with Tibet's right to self-determination. They denounce China as the "evil empire". Foreigners appear unfazed by police threats to deport them if they join in, saying they are determined to let the world know people in this country care about Tibet. "We recognise the dangers. We understand we don't have the protection of the Constitution, but it doesn't mean we cannot invoke international law [for the right to peaceful assembly]," says a Filipino resident, who asked not to be named." ...
"One man says today's protest is as much about China's human-rights record and setting a benchmark for acceptable state behaviour, not just in China but in Thailand, too. "It's about setting a standard, and we should also aim at Thailand's [human rights].""

Picture painted in Siam Square last night

Quite incredible in a Buddhist country, to see Buddhist policemen under the guise of government, cracking down on Buddhist organisations that will have majority Buddhist protestors from protesting the oppression of Buddhists to protect the face of Communists.

Links if Interest:

More discussion on Thai Visa
Don't Feed China's Nationalism

Snorkeling in Phi Phi Island Bay

2008-04-18T10:55:00.005+07:00

Weather on Phuket and Phi Phi has stayed hot, sunny and calm since beginning of
the month, allowing for great days on the beaches both destinations have to
offer. As it is officially "low season" even Patong Beach is not crowded and it is possible to pick the best spot for yourself.

Today, however, I decided to revisit Phi Phi and brought back a great video feeding the reef fish in Phi Phi bay. A little bit shaky, but it gives a good feel what Phi Phi is all about: relaxation, a great time and some physical
exercise at the same time.

That snorkeling on Phi Phi offers a great time can be also seen on the following gallery from phi-phi.com: Snorkeling
on Phi Phi Island:

Links of Interest:

Zeavola Phi Phi Resort Super Rates Deal
Phi Phi Image Galleries
more Phi Phi Island activities: kayaking around Phi Phi Ley

Another stupid Farang gets shafted by a Thai bar girl

2008-04-17T21:14:00.004+07:00

How many times have we all heard stories how stupid Farang get ripped off by a clever Thai bargirl and dropping him like shit as soon as he is sucked dry?
Clearly the Farang in this self-published website is bitter, but most of what happened to him seems to be self induced through pure naiveté.
Hard to tell what the timeline is but it appears this guy fell in love, wanted to buy land and build a house with a Thai girl from Buriram and live happily ever after in the space of weeks -- just the usual story.
But read for yourself...

The story ends as usual, he got shafted and built this domain around is own naive and dumb behavior. A great read, if you are into 'Schadenfreude'!

Phen, the clever seductress from Buriram

The lesson out of this: don't try to put a pretty bird in a cage and when you do, don't come crying if she shits on you!

Links of Interest:

Thailand, the Land of Goh Hok and Kee Gong
Original post from 2 the Big Mango

Phi Phi Island Free Night Specials

2008-04-17T10:31:00.002+07:00

There is a lot of moaning on the internet, that places like Phi Phi Island and Phuket are overpriced. That is only true if you insist in coming in peak season and stay in over-marketed hotels at full price. But the weather even in April can be great, as a fact is has been mercilessly sunny and hot here since the beginning of April.

And why would anybody pay the full price in the age of the internet?! Hotel discount and comparison websites abound, and there is even a whole newsletter dedicated to Free Nights and Special Price Offers for hotels in Phi Phi, Phuket, Samui, Koh Phangan and other locations in Thailand:

"There's never been a better time to Save on your next trip to Thailand. No matter where you decide to stay or for how long. Short stay hotel specials ranging from 3 to 7 nights are ideal for those of you who want to stay in one two or even three different locations. For longers stays of 10 nights or more our 10 year Anniversary offer provides truely UNBEATABLE value. Take a few seconds to view an instant free quote to see just how much you could save when you book with hotelATM.
With Hotel Specials on many hotels and resorts, 10 year Anniversary Offer for EVERY hotel and resort listed in our websites on top of our already Discounted Rates, there are savings to be made no matter wher you go. But only if you book with hotelATM."

Links of Interest:

Thailand funny photo of the day

2008-04-16T23:57:00.004+07:00

The picture below comes courtesy of Dan's Expat Life.

Methinks that the proprietress should consider a name change... But I gotta admit, while I am used to seeing Tinglish, this one made me laugh out loud and drive around the block to be sure I saw it right. Obviously I did. So I thought I would share the frivolity.

Fellow Blogger Jamie Monk becomes 'Phuket Blog' authority

2008-04-16T23:54:00.002+07:00

Just a short while ago, Google recognized Jamie's Phuket as the authority website on 'Phuket blogs', all together with a special display of Sitelinks. Jamie is of course well known in the local blogosphere and has written for his blog for well over a years time, so he has spent a good amount of time and sweat on his blog(s).

And still, as I mused in a previous post not so long ago (Are Thai girls really the most fascinating thing about Thailand?!), blogging obviously is not all it ought to be!
Even with being the top listed site about Phuket blogs, Jamie has according to Top Of Blogs most of the time less than double the page views than this blog right in front of you, and this after he spent such a long time to develop his content.

The weakness in -- lets call it cultural? -- blogging: if I would write day-in and day-out about Thai girls, best without their clothes on, I might have hundreds of readers easily. With a more broad approach, obviously the number of readers is minuscule, compared to less discerning websites where I do know the visitor numbers reliably.
This means in a world where the glass if half empty, that nobody really cares that much about Thai culture or seemingly fascinating details about the expat lifestyle here. In a world, where the glass is half full, good luck that Phuket and Pattaya cater directly to the needs of the mainstream, so there will always be an endless stream of new material coming...

Links of Interest:

A Koh Phi Phi travel report

2008-04-16T08:54:00.004+07:00

The Phi Phi Islands has become a magnet for young travelers from all over the world, enjoying the great natural beauty of the islands, the beach party style nightlife (and no sleaze like in Phuket or Pattaya, travelers are really mainly with themselves), the endless variety of available activities: from kayaking to snorkeling to diving. But let one of these travelers, Karina Brown, talk for herself...

Approaching Koh Phi Phi on the ferry from Koh Lanta was a really awesome sight. It's quite different to the other islands we have seen as it had big rock faces surrounding the bay with beaches in between...

We were stuck on the ferry waiting for it to reach the pier for a long time but by now we were kind of getting used to the Thai transport system where there is simply no time so someone in a hurry. Luckily we weren't and once we reached dry land we found a travel agent who booked us a bungalow for 3 people. There was no transport on Koh Phi Phi which was kind of weird so we had to walk to our hotel while a young boy trollied our big rucksacks ahead of us. The roads and alleys are like a maze and we weren't sure if we'd ever find our way back but you kind of get a feeling for where you are eventually!

Our bungalow was perched on the side of a hill so we had a sweaty climb with our rucksacks up to it but once we were there it was worth it. The wooden bungalow was clean with had a hammock outside and it was near the swimming pool and bar. Even though the pool was a weird green colour we went for a swim to cool down after our hike! That afternoon was spent looking around the shops and going on the internet to catch up with people back home. In the evening we went to a James Bond themed bar to watch the film "The Beach" which Ruth and Georgie had seen but I hadn't. I was really pleased I got to see it as the next day we actually went to THE beach in the film!!

The famous Phi Phi Viewpoint

The next day was much more exciting. We got up at 8.30am for a full day cruise on a boat to explore the islands surrounding Koh Phi Phi. There were two boats: one full of beer drinking Scandinavians (there are an insane number of Swedish people in Thailand, its unbelievable!) and our boat which was slightly more relaxed! The first stop was Maya Beach which I mentioned before is the actual paradise beach from the film, it was so exciting to be there! And yes, it is just as beautiful as it is in the movie :-P We kayaked from the boat to the shore where we did some snorkelling but didn't see very much as it was mainly dead coral. We then passed the Viking caves but we couldn't go inside due to nesting birds. Next stop was Monkey Island where we sadly didn't see any monkeys but we saw loads of tropical fish when we went snorkelling which was great. We even saw a Nemo fish but it was a tiny one! Then we had lunch on the boat followed by a stop at Bamboo island for more swimming and snorkelling. The last stop was a place where there are supposedly sharks but no one saw any in the end which was a bit of a shame! Not sure I'd want to see a shark anyway though...

Links of Interest

Songkran 2008 Video from Soi Cowboy

2008-04-15T16:20:00.001+07:00

Another effort at videotaping Songkran at Soi Cowboy in Bangkok on Sunday the 13th. The main focus of the video is two girls who are dancing and hugging for the camera, but in the background you can see a water fight developing that is probably more entertaining.

Click here to watch the video.

Links of Interest:

original post from Bargirlsrpeople2: Songkran Video: Sunday 13 April 2008

Another Phuket Election - Apr 20th (Bar Closing 19th)

2008-04-15T15:54:00.003+07:00

It seems, like bars will close again this weekend, hopefully only for one evening. Phuket Election Committee (PEC) Director Supap Akkam has announced that the Phuket Provincial Administration Organization (OrBorJor) elections – one specifically to elect a new OrBorJor president and another to elect a new OrBorJor council – will be held on April 20; this normally means that bars will have to close or at least cease to sell alcohol on the night before.

From the Phuket Gazette:

"Nighttime actives will be drier than usual tomorrow in preparation for the Phuket Provincial Administration Organization (OrBorJor) elections on Sunday.
The Phuket Election Committee has announced that, in accordance with election law, a booze ban will be in effect throughout the province, prohibiting sales and distribution of alcohol, including in bars and clubs, from 6 pm Saturday to midnight Sunday.
Phuket province has 202,056 eligible voters, who will be able to cast their ballots between 8:30 am and 3 pm on Sunday at one of 326 polling stations.
Islanders will be voting for a new OrBorJor president along with 24 OrBorJor council seats for Muang, Thalang and Kathu districts. Votes will be counted immediately after the election has closed, with the unofficial result expected to be released on Monday."

no 'Hansum Man' for these Soi Bangla bar girls...

more info: click here.

Why are there actually still elections in Thailand? After all those so very obvious shenanigans of the current (and all the past) government parties, it seems totally unnecessary to me. Thai people do not understand democracy, do not value it and government seems to be just another of the many pyramid schemes going on here...

Sonkran 2008 Reactions and Travelogues

2008-04-15T10:50:00.002+07:00

Songkran 2008 is over for good, with the girlfriend relating from Isaan that she just came home from the last round around the village. Here on Phuket it was only two days and all over Thailand varying times in between those two extremes. Not everybody was happy of course, but this was to be expected.

Phuket Sonkran 2008 from Travelpod:

"Songkran is the big new year's holiday time here. It's 5 days of vacation all over the country. The main celebration is spraying water on each other. Big, powerful water guns, huge tubs of water with plastic bowls (like in the bathroom to flush the old non-flushing toilets), hoses, spraying anyone who passes by, on foot motorbike open truck etc.
Some things I saw: Middle aged men with plump, shaking bellies in tight "speedos" parading around with talc-water smeared on their white-red cheeks. Ladyboys strutting in soaked skirts and T-shirts, laughing and splashing onlookers. Pickup trucks crammed with families, soaked, pointing waterguns at everone below. Teens dancing in the streets to techno being blared out from storefronts. 30 year old farang (foreign) men marching around the sidewalks wearing plastic Winnie-the-Pooh water backpacks hooked to water pistols. Man with Ghostbuster-like water backpack soaking it all in as he gets fired on from all angles. Kids still squirting at each other while swimming at the beach.
I'm on the biggest island in Thailand, Phuket. It's about resorts, some longstay, some real estate for sale, lots of mini marts, 7-11's, cabarets, clubs, small bars, beaches on various bays, tropical foliage, lots of steep hills between beaches. Resorts with tennis clubs, fancy restaurants, traditional Thai-style bungalows. Tiny, plain bungalow huts around a beach for $40/night."

Songkran 2008 on Khao San Road from Nomadic Matt:

"The all day water fight carries on into the night as people have dance parties in the street and major roads are shut down to accommodate them.What is truly amazing about this holiday is how friendly everyone is about it. Everyone is so polite about covering you in water and smearing flour all over yourself. Many will say "sorry" while they do it. As you get involved in big water fights, everyone is still all smiles. Walk down the street, spray a stranger, and they just laugh and spray you back and go on. You could never have this type of festival in the West- people would get drunk and start fights or riots would break out. "Hey man, don't get me wet!" they would say. But here it is all smiles. Everyone expects it.
But, like everywhere else, there are cops around. I remember walking down the street firing people and I hit a cop. After speaking some Thai to his fellow officers, three of them started moving towards me with looks on their faces. Now we all know what happens when cops get involved so I was not happy to seem them as they began walking closer to me and drawing their weapons. They started yelling at me in Thai as they came closer and fired. So I did what I one would do in a situation like this- I fired back. They got me good but I managed to soak one of them pretty bad before one snuck behind me and cover me with cold water. Three against one in a water fight is tough. But we all had a good laugh. A holiday where the cops get involved is sure be fun."

Khao San Songkran 2008 from Texturbation:

"Somebody’s going to get killed, I thought. I’ve got to get off the street, right now.
Some idiot mobile phone marketing prick, at some point since I last visited Bangkok during Songkran, must have thought it was a good idea to put up a stage in the middle of Khao San Road. Free live music and branded freebies, thrown into the crowd.
It wasn’t a good idea. It was a foolish idea. There are maybe a hundred thousand wet Thai kids walking around a few blocks around Khao San. Think Halloween in the Castro, but with water guns, and for three days and nights. Ten thousand kids are walking in from the west, another ten thousand are walking in from the east, and aforementioned mobile phone marketing prick has erected his damn fool stage in the dead centre, precisely the correct choke-point required for some serious Hillsborough-style carnage.
That’s interesting, I thought, I can’t seem to breath. I also seem to be slowly suffocating the crying Thai girl next to me. I’m either going to die, or kill somebody. I have to get off the street.
There were five people between me and the nearest bar. I’d been fighting to get past them for twenty minutes, but nobody would move. I got in the face of the nearest one.
“I’m going to throw up!” I yelled, and watched her get the fuck out of the way. That simple lie, coupled with a mime, got me into the bar in twenty seconds flat.
It was a really shit bar, and I was stuck there for three hours. There was no way to leave. In the first hour, hysterical western women would stumble in, clutching the arms of their trembling boyfriends. In the second hour, some people started breathing into paper bags. In the third hour, people started carrying in unconscious and convulsing Thai girls.
So, yeah, good party."

Links of Interest:

Thai Songkran date may be changed

2008-04-14T16:41:00.001+07:00

If the Culture Ministry of Thailand has its way, the next Songkran festival will not necessarily start on April 13. Wattana Boonchab, an expert at the Culture Ministry, said the ministry is considering reviving a tradition in which Songkran Day is determined with the help of an ancient calendar that is common in most Southeast Asian countries, rather than fixing the date on April 13.

I do not think there is much more commentary necessary, but this is probably a flop just as bad as trying to forbid the sale of alcohol, tight clothes or waterguns on Songkran. Are there still youth in Thailand who are actually still listening to this BS or have they by now totally given up on respecting their elders -- I would not wonder if this is what the Thai policy makers are coming up with #constantly#...

By tradition, Songkran Day is determined based on a suriya yatra sacred book which describes the passing of the sun. Songkran is a Sanskrit word, meaning the passing of the sun from one zodiac to another. The passing happens every month, but the most important passage is in April when the sun leaves Pisces to enter Aries, which traditionally marks the beginning of the new year _ the time when the new harvest season begins. But technically the sun may not immediately enter Aries due to timing changes.

Although a day technically comprises 24 hours, things are different astrologically. There is a lapse before the sun passes into Aries. That Songkran is fixed on April 13 makes people forget the other two important days during the traditional new year. They are wan nao and wan thaloeng sok, which literally means celebration of the new year, on April 15 or April 16, Mr Wattana said. Nao, he said, means stay in Thai. In this sense, it specifically means the lapse of the sun passing.

”That’s exactly the period when the sun is between the two zodiacs. Nao when pronounced by people in the North is a word that gives this particular date an inauspicious meaning. It sounds like the word for rotten so people usually skip this day if they are to hold an important event, to avoid bad luck,” he said. ”But since we no longer recognise wan nao, we inadvertently conduct auspicious ceremonies on an inauspicious day.”

The revival of the tradition will help people know when to avoid this date -- that is, a day between Songkran and wan thaloeng sok. Mr Wattana said wan thaloeng sok this year falls on April 15 and it will fall on April 16 for the next three years. In 2012, it falls again on April 15. After 2012, thaloeng sok will be on April 16 for the next 80 years.

Links of Interest:

Songkran 2008 image galleries

Songkran 2008 image galleries and photos

2008-04-14T15:07:00.003+07:00

Songkran (Thai new Year) 2008 was -- like in the previous years -- unbelievable fun. I was right in the midst of the action on Soi Bangla, and got drenched in water for the two days straight this event is held in Phuket.

There is a more traditional way of participating in Songkran, and for all the moaners out there: it was your free choice. My girlfriend chose the more peaceful option and went home to her parents.

To get your own idea how Songkran 2008 went: the first photo galleries and images of Songkran 2008 are out on the Internet (I did not dare to bring my camera with me).

Links of Interest:

Songkran 2008 mayhem on Soi Cowboy

Indonesia lifts YouTube ban

2008-04-13T11:25:00.001+07:00

The ban imposed by the Indonesian government on websites such as YouTube, MySpace has been lifted.
The Indonesian ISPs were ordered to block access to the web sites that hosted the controversial movie, "Fitna", created by the Dutch politician Geert Wilders. President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono has personally ordered the ban of the movie for disturbing social harmony in Indonesia. He also urged the Indonesian citizens to not use violence in their protests against the movie.
But after the citizens have protested against the ban the ISPs decided to block individual pages instead of banning the entire service.

Well, the last sentence says it all -- the Indonesians are not only technically more apt then the Thais, their government (even though similarly over-zealous) also seemingly actually listens to protests from their citizens; one rmeembers that the Thai government only was able to block the whole YouTube domain and waited with the unblockign for weeks after heavily censoring protests against this blocking as well...

Phuket Bike Week 2008 Happenings

2008-04-12T16:40:00.002+07:00

Phuket Bike Week 2008 was kick started last night with an exhibition of gleaming custom choppers and other iron steeds, both old and new, showing their muscle in seven zones at Jungceylon shopping center. Yamaha, Suzuki and BMW have taken some of the stands to show off their latest superbikes, tourbikes and even jet skis until 11 pm tonight.
I wandered a little bit around the exhibition zone and was frankly not too impressed as it seemed basically deserted when I came; but the real action will be anyway out in Soi Bangla tomorrow and there are already lots of big bikes and bikers around -- I guess it will be more busy than last year's event.

Two coalition parties to be disbanded (or not?)

2008-04-12T09:43:00.002+07:00

I personally do think Thai politics are great; they are like Thai soap operas, a lot of screaming, no plot resembling any reality and purely for entertainment only.
In the end a big cheque is sent to the main actors, who will then be invited to play in the next soap, under different identities but still totally recognizable to any viewer."

AFP:

"Thai election authorities said on Friday they will ask a court to disband two partners in Thailand's coalition government after an investigation concluded they had bought votes in December polls." ...
"The two parties are key partners in a coalition government led by Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej's People Power Party (PPP). But even if the coalition lost the 45 seats the parties hold, the remaining partners would still hold a comfortable majority, with 271 of the 480 seats in parliament.
However, Samak has launched a drive to amend the constitution and strip the courts of the power to disband political parties. He argues that the threat of party dissolution destabilises the government. The constitution was drafted by a panel following a 2006 coup and was approved in a national referendum in August."

The Nation:

"Foreign Minister Noppadon Pattama said yesterday nothing would stop the government from amending the charter.
The government has been under attack for many weeks for its decision to amend the charter, especially Article 237, which in effect states that if a party executive is found guilty of electoral fraud, then the political party of which the executive is a member should be disbanded.
Critics see the move as an act of self-preservation, and a PPP Deputy Leader is facing such a charge.
The foreign minister criticized Article 237 as unsound. "This Article 237 has never existed in Thai history. It's against religious teaching for someone to commit a wrongdoing and then someone else pay for it," Noppadon said. "Punishment should be reserved for the one who has committed the crime. So any party executive who committed an offence should be punished, but the party should not be disbanded. Otherwise, people could try to have parties dissolved," said Noppadon."

Update: from The Nation, April 20:

"Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej admitted Sunday that his coalition government has to rush to amend the Constitution because the Election Commission is bent on dissolving three coalition partners.
He said the government would collapse if the People Power Party, Chart Thai Party and Matchima Tipataya Party were dissolved so the coalition had to amend the charter for the future.
Speaking during his Talk in Samak's Style live programme on NBT channel, Samak said he initially planned to amend the charter during the last three months of his government's term but he now had to rush to push for the amendments because of the dissolution cases."

Phuket Bike Week Event Schedule (April 12-13, 2008 Patong Beach)

2008-04-11T17:51:00.001+07:00

The Phuket Bike Week is an annual event famously held each year during Songkran; thousands of bikers will come to Phuket from all over Thailand, many as well from Thailand, Singapore and even further away.
Beautifully enhanced big bikes can be seen by the hundreds, and of course there are the usual contests held between all the fun of a water-drenched Soi Bangla full of happy Thai girls ready for the action.

11 April
14.00 hr.
Over 5,000 big bikes from local and abroad such as Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Hong Kong, Thailand, etc. gather in Phuket.
Phuket Bike Week & Motorcycle Exhibition 2008 at Jung Ceylon Phuket and at the car park area of Phuket OTOP (10th – 12th April 2008)

12th April 2008
Morning session
Welcome all bikers at Main Stage (Dolphin Park), Patong Beach
Bike caravan parade around Phuket island and plant trees at Nong Harn Lake, Nai Harn Beach.

16.00 hr. onwards
17.30 hr.
Songkran parade and activities begin.
Parade of revered Phra Phutthasihing Buddha image and Nang Songkran from Sea Pearl Beach Hotel along the beach to Soi Bangla in Patong Beach.
Remark: Parade features processions of Phra Phutthasihing Buddha image (by Phuket Fantasea) / Tom-tom and Nang Songkran (by TAT) / Jung Ceylon Phuket / Patong Hotels Association / Phuket Rider Club (Phuket Bike Week) / Phuket E-san Club and communities in Patong area.

18.30 hr.
Songkran official opening ceremony at Main Stage (Soi Bangla) by Phuket Governor.
Songkran kids contest, Pong Lang music and dancing art show from Siam P. Sangthabtim
E-san festival by Phuket E-san Club at football field (near Dolphin Park), Live music show, E-san foods competition, etc.

19.00 - 22.00 hr.
Phuket Bike Week Grand Dinner 2008 at Thai Nan Restaurant in Phuket Town by Phuket Rider Club & Ride Thailand Magazine, Tel.: 0 7635 2069 www.phuketbikeweek.com

13th April 2008
07.30 hr.
Gather at Wat Suwan Khiriwong
Offer foods to monks and bathing Phra Phutthasihing Buddha image at Wat Suwan Khiriwong
Offer lunch to monks

Afternoon
18.00 hr.
Join Songkran on Patong Beach
Dancing art show from Thaksin University at entrance of Soi Bangla, Patong Beach

... a long schedule -- maybe too much for some (form last year's Phuket Bike Week)...!Links of Interest:

Phuket Bike Week Official Website

Songkran approaching fast -- are you ready?

2008-04-11T13:40:00.004+07:00

From April 13 to April 15, 2008 the whole of Thailand will celebrate Songkran (Thai สงกรานต์), the Thai New Year. Are you readily prepared for the fun and action -- or don't you even know what Songkran is all about?

As mid-April is the hottest time of the year, in the past people would sprinkle water among themselves in nice way to bless each other. Also, the bones of the forefathers would be washed, so it was (and is) quite a serious moment for many.

But there is also a more lighthearted side to Songkran; all out water fights with plastic water guns and even fire hoses will erupt in many tourist areas like Phuket or Pattaya, but the same festival spirit can be found also in the Isaan and the north of Thailand. Incidentally, Chiang Mai is quite famous for its lively Songkran celebrations.

Up in Isaan, the festivities have in some places already started -- my girlfriend just drove back to Nong Bua Lamphu to see her family and related to me that Songkran is already in full swing in some places.
Less taken by Songkran is for example Phuket, where water throwing will be on the evening of the 12th and on the 13th and you will get a very bad look if you dare to try this outside those dates.

Songkran in Khorat

Always good for a laugh, the Thai government has tried to tone down the fun, maybe to increase productivity of the Thai state (while at the same time it decided to give an extra day of holidays on very short notice, go figure).
Last year, girls wearing t-shirts and tank tops where outlawed, this year the fight of the police will be against the use of plastic guns. Of course, in the end this is Thailand and nobody will give a hoot...

Sonkran in Soi Bangla in Phuket

Links of Interest:

Six Senses Phuket Raceweek 2008 registration open

2008-04-10T16:26:00.004+07:00

The NRG Cup, free-flow of drinks, new boats, international TV coverage... and more is in store for Six Senses Phuket Raceweek 2008!

Online registration is now open for Six Senses Phuket Raceweek 2008 – anticipated to be the best Raceweek yet – offering a reduced entry fee for early registrations. Phuket’s ‘Green Season’ regatta, now in its 5th year, sees a mixed fleet of yachts race in the southwest monsoon breezes off Phuket’s south coast every July, this year from 23-27 July. While retaining the same one-regatta-one-venue format, combining four days of competitive racing with five nights of grand waterside parties – a format that has met with unanimous approval from competitors – this year’s event brings a host of new dimensions.

Read more:

Funeral Service for Expats in Thailand

2008-04-10T09:05:00.004+07:00

Seeing this 'Foreign Funeral' Service Ad this morning in the Phuket Gazette (even before my morning coffee!) really made my day...

(but in case you need it, I post it here)

Thai Police file lese majeste against BBC reporter Jonathan Head

2008-04-09T23:06:00.007+07:00

The Thais, always good for a propaganda nightmare with their shortsighted pride and 'loss of face' have done it again -- how anybody in his right mind can charge a reporter working for a long time for the BBC with their outdated 'lese majeste' laws is absolutely beyond me... this is much worse than shutting down the whole YouTube website for a month because there might or might not have been videos offensive to really thin-skinned people on there.

The Nation wins the price in this article by being extremely sparsely on the important facts (again) -- eg what really was the content of the speech: since it was held in front of the Foreign Correspondents Club in Bangkok, I am sure somebody must have a transcript handy -- but they are so pressed into a corner by the narrow-minded Thai government that they would not dare to bring facts to their readers.

The FCCT is still completely mum about this incident, as mentioend in this article below; their website currently shows curiosly an advert for 'The King of Thailand in World Focus' instead.

Incidentally, not only famous reporters and globally known websites are under threat of being accused of 'lese majeste': it can hit normal people too (for example for not standing up in the cinema when the anthem is played).

From The Nation:

"A police investigator has filed a lese majeste complaint against a BBC reporter over comments he made in a short speech on "Coup, Capital and Crown" at the Foreign Correspondents' Club (FCCT) in Bangkok in December.
Pol Lt-Colonel Watanasak Mungkijkarndee, an investigator at Bang Mod police station, filed a copy of the video of Jonathan Head's opening speech at the FCCT plus a transcript and translation to investigators at the Crime Suppression Division.
He said he filed the case alone and without any political motive.
Pol Lt-Colonel Boonlert Kalayanamitr, the officer in charge of the case, said an investigative committee must be appointed. Evidence will be sent to the Royal Thai Police's Foreign Affairs Division, which will translate and interpret the comments as well as request advice from linguistic experts on Head's speech, he said.
Head, who has worked in Asia for the BBC for many years, was not available for comment last night. Friends said the reporter - highly regarded here - is on assignment in the Philippines.
A member of the FCCT board preferred not to discuss the news "at this stage" because the issue was sensitive and the club was unsure of all the details relating to the complaint.
The move was the talk of foreign reporters yesterday. "It just sends a chill," one commented."

Recent articles of Jonathan Head for the BBC:

Why Thailand's King is so revered
(with remarks to 'lese majeste')
Thailand's wealthy untouchables

Links of Interest:

FCCT-The Foreign Correspondents' Club of Thailand
Article in the International Herald Tribune
Article in the Matichon (in Thai)
Discussion on Thai Visa

As so often is the case, the discussion out on the internet was much more enlightening and open.
As one poster said:

"The question is not really what's in this low level creep's mind but whather some goon at a higher level has put him up to it, and why.My guess is that sanity will prevail given Jonathan's BBC background and excellent connections here. However whatever happens Thailand's reputation suffers. The huge irony is that this kind of incident damages the institution that 99.999% revere."

Another had this to offer:

"They must have some idea that pursuing this one will make a mockery of Thailand on an international scale.
Face will probably get in the way of this level of decision making though. Give 'em enough rope..."

And an interesting spin to this incident, in the light of other articles written by Jonathan Head and published by the BBC:

"As some posters have already guessed, this appears to be a warning shot across the bow in typical cowardly style in order to deter further articles from Mr. Head touching a raw nerve and exposing the truths about this country."

And closing a thought about Thailand, democracy and how it touches the lifestyle of us expats here:

"A timely reminder to those who periodically pepper the forum with the fatuous notion that Thailand was,is and can be a democracy.
The country is a playground for vested interests shared among the police, armed forces and a hegemony of families. Lifting rocks to expose their squalid activities is a perilous endeavor and Mr. Head is being reminded of that.
Defamation suits and accusations of 'lese majeste' are their preferred tools of attack although the odd assassination may suffice if "someone" gets really angry.
Still, the living is cheap, the beaches fine, the food interesting and the women are beautiful, plentiful and, above all, available.... who cares about human rights etc.,etc., when you can have all this."

DJ Tiesto in Bangkok mid-April 2008

2008-04-09T16:03:00.002+07:00

Bangkok is not rare in international-rating nightlife events, but that Tiesto is coming to play is really great news. I will not be able to make it, but if you like this kind of music, mark April 17th and 18th in your calendar!

Tiesto is coming to town. If you like DJs - Tiesto is one of the best. On the 17th he is playing at The River and on the 18th he is playing at Club 808.

Patong Beach Road will become parking-free zone (and pigs can fly!)

2008-04-08T17:43:00.003+07:00

The beach road in Patong a parking free zone? This will not happen in a thousand years; tuk tuks cluttering up the beach road all along the red and white border every night (often directly in shouting distance to traffic police). As this is so clearly against the law, it could be stopped immediately. Since it has not, ergo, it most likely never will.
More here from the (as always helpless with facts) Phuket Gazette who will eat any political breadcrumb falling from the table of the Phuket Governor...

From the Phuket Gazette:

"Patong Deputy Mayor Chairat Sukkabal on April 2 announced that from next high season no parking will be allowed along the busy beach road.
“Taxis will be allowed on Thaweewong Rd only to drop off passengers,” K. Chairat told a press conference at Phuket Provincial Hall.
“Tuk-tuks and hawkers are currently taking up all the parking spaces along the beach road, leaving tourists with no place to park. We will provide more parking spaces and change traffic regulations to force all cars to park on the new road, away from the beach,” he said.
The new road he was referring to was Phang Muang Rd, the new road being built parallel between Nanai Rd and Rat-U-Thit 200 Pi Rd, which is expected to be completed before the next high season.
The new road is expected to redirect traffic, including tuk-tuks, away from Thaweewong Rd, thus making Patong more tourist-friendly, he said."

Links of Interest: