We are based in Thailand and want to offer a neutral news blog that describes current events in the country. We will be careful not to focus on personal opinions but instead provide factual news directly from Thailand, together with comments. The goal is to be fast, simple and accurate.
August 28, 2011
Farang Murdered in Phitsanulok
An unidentified farang (Thai for "foreigner") has been found dead in the province of Phitsanulok in northern Thailand. The police suspect it is a case of murder because the victim's head was covered in a plastic bag and fixed with sticky tape.
We will update you with more information as soon as we have it.
SOURCE: THE NATION
August 27, 2011
Gasoline Prices Drop Sharply
The price of 91 and 95 octane petrol and diesel have been reduced significantly, when the government's proposal to suspend the oil fund levy was approved yesterday.
For example, the price of 95 octane gasoline is now at 39.32 baht per liter. This is more than eight baht cheaper than yesterday when the price stood at 47.34 baht per liter.
August 26, 2011
1.5 Billion to Tourist Destinations
Thailand's Tourism Ministry have announced that they will apply for 1.5 billion baht to improve and beautify some predetermined tourist destinations in Thailand. This shall be done in 2012 and the process will start in Bangkok. Other destinations mentioned are Phuket, Chiang Mai, Hat Yai and Nakhon Ratchasima (Korat).
Hotel Reservation Required for Visa?!
Today The Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that the requirements for obtaining a 60 day tourist visa now requires that the applicant must obtain a hotel reservation in advance. Even the plane ticket (round trip) must be booked in advance. If the Thai embassies and consultants will require this kind of documentation (in reality), remains to be seen.
IMPORTANT! Most countries' citizens are allowed stay 30 days in Thailand (and will get a Visa on Arrival at the airport), without applying for a visa in advance in their home country.
August 24, 2011
Fire Destroys Koh Kaew Market
Koh Kaew Market in Phuket was destroyed by fire early this morning. Six fire trucks and twenty firefighters arrived on the scene, but it took two hours before they managed to get the fire under control. At that time, much of the market place was already destroyed.
Koh Kaew Market is an indoor market in the middle of Patong and more than 200 vendors reported have suffered because of the fire. However, luckily no one was killed.
SOURCE: PHUKET GAZETTE
August 23, 2011
Most Appreciated Hotels in Thailand
There are an almost unlimited number of hotels and in Thailand and sometimes it can seem almost impossible to choose the right one. Before the breakthrough of the internet we had to rely on tips from other travelers.
But nowadays it is easy to find reviews and ratings on the web which allows us to avoid the worst hotels and find the "real gems". We have selected the hotels that have received exceptionally good reviews by guests. Just click the link below.
Thaksin Shinawatra says he has no plans to return to Thailand in the foreseeable future. He visited Japan last week but he no longer has a valid Thai passport, because the previous government annulled it.
However, he has received new passports issued by the two states, Montenegro and Nicaragua. The Nicaraguan passport was awarded Thaksin in April 2009 and the Montenegrin citizenship and passport were given to him in March 2010.
THAKSIN IN THE US, 2005 - Photo by: DoD photo, Helene C. Stikkel
August 22, 2011
7-Eleven Supports 300 Baht Policy
Many economists and businesses have rejected the new government's pledge to raise the minimum wage in Thailand to 300 baht per day. However, the convenience store chain 7-Eleven says that they accept the proposal.
Piyawat Titasattavorakul, president of CP All Public Company Limited, which operates 7-Eleven in Thailand, also claims that the chain does not have plans to raise prices in the near future.
SOURCE: TAN NETWORK
New Layout for the Blog and Thai.nu
Those of you who follow this news blog have probably noticed that there has been very few updates during the last week. The reason for this is, among other things, that we have worked on "cleaning up the site". We have changed the layout, some colors and fonts, and cleaned up the navigation to make it more user-friendly.
Yes, but what the content then!? From now on we will focus a little more on tourism and the various forms of accommodation in Thailand, but will continue with the news blog as usual. We sincerely hope you will like the result!
The ambition is to create a first class and comprehensive Thailand portal!
NEW LAYOUT AND DESIGN - Photo and graphics by: Jens W, Yenit.com
August 12, 2011
HM Queen Sirikit turns 79
HM Queen Sirikit celebrates her 79th birthday today, and we wish her a very pleasant birthday and a long and continued happy life. HM Sirikit looked very fresh and vital on TV last night! We would also like to congratulate all the moms on Thailand's Mother's Day!
THE BIRTHDAY OF HM QUEEN SIRIKIT - Graphics by: Jens W, Yenit.com
August 11, 2011
Prison Riot in Narathiwat
Inmates at Narathiwat Central Prison started a riot this morning, after the prison guards had confiscated cell phones, yaba pills (methamphetamine) and knives. The inmates shouted, booed and threw objects at the guards and reinforcement was called.
The inmates made an attempt to run for the prison walls, but police used tear gas which caused the inmates to retreat. The policemen were armed with rifles loaded with rubber bullets and fire trucks with ladders were used to monitor the situation from above.
This afternoon, the mayor of Narathiwat ensured that the riot was stopped and that no one has been seriously injured.
August 10, 2011
Iranian Nabbed with 3.5 kg "Ice"
A 22-year-old Iranians was arrested this morning at Suvarnabhumi International Airport. The customs found 3.5 kg of crystal meth (Ice) in his luggage. The raid was made after a tip to police. The narcotics is worth about twelve million baht.
Our thoughts: Several Iranians have been arrested in Thailand in recent years with rather large batches of narcotics. The Thai narcotics police are, of course, aware of this. One may ask whether it is worth US$5,000 (the amount he was paid) to risk several decades in a rough prison.
Bodybuilder Dies in Sauna
Aziz "Zyzz" Sergeyevich Shavershian, an Australian bodybuilder, personal trainer and model has died in Bangkok, only 22 years old. He was found in a spa sauna and was rushed to hospital but his life could not be saved.
Our thoughts: It's tragic when young people die. Our thoughts and condolences to the family.
I've seen a blog post in which people have suggested that anabolic steroids and similar substances may have contributed to the young man's death. It is obviously futile to speculate further at this stage (before an autopsy report), because also young can suffer from complications from undiagnosed heart defects, etc.
August 9, 2011
German Forger Nabbed in Chiang Mai
A 30-year-old German man has been arrested in Chiang Mai with a number of home-made 500 baht and 100 baht banknotes in his pocket. In his room the police found a color printer and other "equipment" for making counterfeit money.
Our thoughts: You should be careful describing people you don't know as dumb. However, I must say that I heard of more elaborate criminal ideas and actions than this (although you never should encourage such). What consequences can this young German expect? Will it be worth it? Of course not, but it will be a very harsh lesson. If you can't afford to stay in Thailand, arrange for a return ticket (in worst case with financial assistance from relatives and friends).
1 Mil Rai of Flooded Rice Fields
Estimated one million rai of rice paddies have been flooded due to the intense rainfall in recent weeks.
Thailand's rice harvest is expected to be hard-hit this year, as every rai produces on average of 400 kg of rice. With a simple arithmetic, you'll understand that the damage (and loss of income for farmers and the country) is huge.
Gold over THB 25,000 per Baht
The price of gold continue to rise. Whoever who decides to buy 23 carat gold jewelry today, will have to pay at least THB 25.400 per baht (15.16 grams).
The price of gold has increased about 10% in two weeks and it has quintupled in a decade. Some "experts" predicts that the price will continue to increase due to higher demand, current stock market collapse, U.S. being downgrade from AAA to AA + and the economic situation in South Europe. Many investors tend to buy more gold in times of economic hardship.
August 6, 2011
Yingluck New PM - Abhisit Re-elected
Yingluck Shinawatra, will officially become Thailand's first female prime minister on Monday, when His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej is expected to give his consent.
Abhisit Vejjajiva has also been re-elected as leader of the Democrat Party, the main opposition party in Thailand.
August 4, 2011
What does a Farang Eat?
What do foreigners eat in Thailand? Obviously, there are as many answers as there are "farangs" in the country, so I'll probably just talk for myself. About one third of the food I eat is traditional Thai dishes, one third is some kind of "fusion cuisine" and one third is food from other sources (everything from Swedish to Indian dishes). Fusion cuisine means mixed elements of dishes from different cultures.
I like a large variety of Thai dishes, but Tom Yum and Phrik Gaeng (red curry) are among the favorites, as well as dishes including fresh fish and seafood of various kinds. I really love spicy food. I often eat (but not always) as spicy as the locals. However, there are of course individual differences regarding the amount of chili that you use while cooking, even among Thais. Some have three fresh chilies in their Gaeng (curry), while others will be satisfied only at twenty!
Me and my wife buy our food at the local market, Tesco Lotus and in Makro. The latter are two supermarkets on the island. It would of course be ideal to only buy food at the market, as it also supports the local population and the phenomenon itself, but unfortunately, I must admit that the quality of some of the foods is not always the best.
Chili, garlic, olive oil, lime juice, black pepper, red wine and olives are taste-enhancing ingredients I frequently use when I'm cooking at home.
Nowadays, I eat very little red meat (beef and pork), but a lot of chicken, seafood and fish. I really love salmon. I try to cut down on the carbohydrates in foods, especially sugars, as it makes me fat. However, I eat quite a lot of veggies. Broccoli, tomato, avocado, various kinds of onions and green peppers are the favorites.
Rambutan, pomelo, and mangosteen are my favorite fruits. All three are easy to obtain here on the island!
Red wine is one of my vices (especially Amarone), but as an everyday beverage I mostly drink water (carbonated and non carbonated). Tomato juice and grapefruit juice are also personal favorites.
My home-cooked lunch today (see picture below) consisted of:
• 250 grams of chicken fillet
• Five garlic cloves
• Five small fresh chilies
• Ten green olives
• Two tomatoes
• Red wine vinegar
• Olive oil
• Pumpkin seeds
Make a marinade of olive oil, pressed or finely chopped garlic, finely chopped chilies and little salt. Chop up the chicken into bite-sized pieces and place them in the marinade overnight. Stir-fry or roast the chicken in a little olive oil. Salt to taste. Slice up the tomatoes and pour over some olive oil and red wine vinegar and dried pumpkin seeds.
Serve with brown rice, pasta or fried potatoes.
MY LUNCH TODAY - Photo by: Jens W, Yenit.com
August 2, 2011
Pheu Thai Defends Tablet Policy
The winners of the election, Pheu Thai defends their idea to offer a tablet computer to each student in Thailand. The party believes that teachers still are important for maintaining the quality of learning, but the tablets are a great tool to quickly find the latest information.
In an experiment, they equipped first graders in Chiang Mai with tablets and now they want to continue with the experiment in other grades.
Critics have suggested that Pheu Thais election promises (including this) could be harmful to the national economy if implemented in the current situation.
SOURCE: NATIONAL NEWS BUREAU OF THAILAND
August 1, 2011
Best Accommodation 2011 - Koh Samui
There are plenty and plenty of hotels in Thailand. I have manually picked out the ones who have received the very best guest reviews in Koh Samui. The requirements to be listed below are these:
1. More than 25 reviews made
2. A score of more than 8.5 of out of 10.
The hotels and the resorts are listed by rate. The cheapest first and the luxury resorts last.
We hope this can help you to plan your vacation in Samui. Please note that these reviews can and will change over time. The hotels listed above were all rated above 8.5 (out of 10) at August 1, 2011.
In 2012, the criteria and requirements will be even tougher. Only the hotels with the very best reviews will be listed. Next week I will list the hotels Koh Phangan and Koh Tao with the highest ratings.
July 29, 2011
A More Efficient Reservation System
The technicians have worked hard to simplify the process for booking hotels in our Thailand-related websites. Among other things, you can now choose a variety of payment options. Before you were limited to credit card payments only. Also the pages have been given a facelift and the features have become better.
We have cooperated with Sawadee / R24 for about ten years, which also owns the building where our office is situated. The reservation team has an extensive experience of hotel booking in Thailand and they have worked hard in 2011 to make the booking process more "convenient" for the customer. This combined with the ambition to offer the best possible rates.
The effort on making the booking system even more user-friendly will continue. We want to thank everyone who booked hotels and accommodation with us over the years. The goal is as usual to combine great service with very low prices.
INTRODUCTION VIDEO ABOUT SAMUI ISLAND
July 28, 2011
Thailand Mourns Death of Princess
HRH Princess Bejaratana has died. She was the daughter of King Rama VI (1881-1925) and was born in 1925 in Phra Borom Maha Ratcha Wang (Grand Palace). A one hundred-day mourning period in honor of the princess will follow. Flags will also be at half mast at all public institutions for fifteen days.
The Princess was an accomplished musician and a devout Buddhist and nationalist. Reportedly, all her clothes were made in Thailand.
HRH Princess Bejaratana passed away at 85.
July 27, 2011
Gold Jewelry: THB 23.200 per Baht
The gold price is the same worldwide, so even here in Thailand the gold price has climbed sharply because of the shaky economy in the US and Southern Europe and a weak dollar.
Today the price for a baht of gold jewelry is THB 23.200. The baht is the traditional thai weight unit, equal to 15:16 grams The unit has the same name as the Thai currency. Many individuals and companies choose to exchange some of their savings in gold these days. Some financial advisors suggest that you should have at least 10% of your assets in gold.
The gold price has doubled in just three years!
July 26, 2011
Assimilation in a New Culture
I am not suggesting that immigration and integration in Europe (for example), works perfectly, it's not my point here. Instead I thought about applying arguments from the debate for us in Thailand.
Let's start with the language. Honestly, how many of us who live here full time, are fluent in Thai? I know one and maybe five that are able to speak ONLY in Thai with the locals, but I know about one hundred people who are only able to form simple sentences. To be honest, I can only make myself understood and participate in simple discussions. I can read and write only parts of the alphabet. And this after seven years in the country! Most (but not all) immigrants in Europe, are speaking the new language relatively well after seven years. English works fine with 90% of people in Samui. Obviously because I live on an island where tourism is the main industry. The question is whether this "excuse" is good or if it can even be considered as an excuse?!
And what about the culture? How many of us begin to embrace the Thai customs, other than that we visit a temple a few times a year to get the white lace tied around our wrist? How many of us read Thai literature, watch Thai movies, follows the Thai news and go to Thai theater? In this case, my personal conscience a "little whiter". I am naturally interested in everything related to the country and has been so for over twenty years. Partly, it has to do with my job, partly because I have been "hooked on Thailand" since I was a teenager and first experienced the heat at Don Muang International Airport.
What about the economy? The Thai social safety net does not allow us to live on government benefits, except for limited medical care if we work (legally) in the country and the company pays its social costs. Moreover, I wonder if "we" do not contribute to more Thai jobs, than we "steal jobs" from the locals. In this regard, there is probably no one direct cause for introspection.
Ok, the Thai society is not exactly world famous for its aspirations to assimilate us foreigners. But the times we whine about how bad immigrants adapt in Europe, we can always take the opportunity to examine ourselves a little, or at least give it some thought. Naturally, I promise that within a year to write about any progress I made on my language skills. My first task was to schedule 30 minutes Thai-learning at work every day. There are obvious advantages of being "your own boss".
July 24, 2011
A Third Helicopter Crashes!
Another Thai army helicopter crashed in Petchaburi this morning! This one was of Bell 212 model and it is the third that crashes in just a week. Three of the crewmen were killed and one was injured. He is treated at hospital but was able to give interviews during the day.
Pittaya Krachangwong, Commander of the Royal Thai Army Aviation, said that the helicopter type will be subject to a temporary ban on flights and checks will be conducted.
July 23, 2011
"Our Thoughts are with Norway"
Yesterday was a very tragic day. A narcissistic wacko believes that he is doing something noble and politically motivated when he kills nearly one hundred teenagers at a youth camp. The attacks were extremely well planned and according to his "manifesto", the preparations took several years!
Initially, I was angry and then I started to think of the victims of this insane madness. I can not even imagine how horrible it must be for the parents who will have to bury their own beloved daughters and sons. I guess that the perpetrator's family also are experiencing the worst nightmare of their lives. Our thoughts are with Norway and its people!
July 21, 2011
Two Helicopters Crashed
Two Thai military helicopters have crashed in the past week near the Thai-Burmese border. In the latter incident, the helicopter was a Black Hawk and it was found by Burmese troops.
Five people were killed in the first crash and eight soldiers (some high ranked) and a journalist from Channel 5, were killed in the second crash. The weather was bad when the incidents occurred.
BLACK HAWK UTILITY HELICOPTER - Photo by: US Navy
July 19, 2011
Train Crash in Southern Thailand
A train en route from Bangkok to Surat Thani collided with a truck today in the province of Ratchaburi. 42 passengers were injured, of whom about half are foreigners. Also the truck driver was injured. There are no reports of deaths.
The injured passengers are citizens of Thailand, New Zealand, Denmark, United States, Germany and Switzerland. The most seriously injured are still in hospital.
July 18, 2011
UN: Both to Leave the Temple Area
UN's highest court in Hague has decided to create a provisional demilitarized zone around the disputed Preah Vihear temple. This means that both Thailand and Cambodia have been ordered to withdraw their military forces from the area.
Representatives from both countries said they were satisfied with the court's decision.
July 16, 2011
Asanha Bucha and Wan Khao Pansa
Yesterday, Asanha Bucha (วันอาสาฬหบูชา) was celebrated in Thailand. Many Thais are then visit the local temples in honor of Buddha's first sermon. Alcohol sales are prohibited and this day is also a national holiday in Thailand.
It also means the start of Wan Khao Pansa, which means that the monks will spend three months in their temple.
BUDDHA IN THE DEER PARK- The painting is found at: Wat Chedi Liem
July 14, 2011
Iranian Nabbed with 15 Kg of Ice
A 28-year-old Iranian citizen has been arrested at Suvarnabhumi Airport on suspicion of having smuggled 15 kg 'ice' to Thailand. Ice is a form of methamphetamine.
The drugs were "sculpted" into works of art at a very advanced and "creative" way, but the customs officers had received a tip which led to the man stopped and had his luggage searched.
The street value is estimated to be about 50 million baht. The Thai narcotic laws are very strict and the arrested man will probably spend decades behind bars, if he is found guilty.
July 12, 2011
Eight Killed in Head-on Collision
Seven students and their driver were killed today in a traffic accident in Surat Thani province. Eight people were seriously injured and were rushed to hospital.
The bus was on its way to Yala when a head-on collision with a ten-wheel truck occurred.
SOURCE: THE NATION
Australian Teacher Shot in Chiang Mai
Lynda Cody, a middle-aged teacher from Melbourne, was shot by armed robbers, while sitting in a car. She had been visiting a night market outside Chiang Mai.
Fortunately the bullet only grazed the back of the head and she had to get six stitches at a nearby hospital. The incident is now being investigated by the police.
July 9, 2011
"Bangkok - World's Best City"
According to the travel magazine "Travel and Leisure", Bangkok is voted as the world's best city (chosen by the readers), according to these criteria: sights, culture, restaurants, people, shopping, and value.
Top 10 list:
1. Bangkok - 90,49 points
2. Florence - 89,92 points
3. Rome - 88,45 points
4. New York City - 88,40 points
5. Istanbul - 88,18 points
6. Cape Town - 88,06 points
7. Siem Reap - 87,90 points
8. Sydney - 87,84 points
9. Barcelona - 87,83 points
10. Paris - 87,78 points
BANGKOK AFTER DAWN - Photo by: Jens W, Yenit.com
July 8, 2011
Democrats Appoints New Leader
According to Suthep Thaugsuban, the Democrats (Phak Prachathipat) is to hold a meeting in mid-August to nominate a party leader.
Democrats Want to Dissolve Pheu Thai
Democrats' legal team is preparing to ask the Election Commission (EC) to disbandment Pheu Thai because of the presence of banned members during the election campaign.
The politicians who are considered to be 'controversial' are former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra and former Deputy Prime Minister of Thai Rak Thai, Jaturon Chaisang. According to Democrats Thaksin and Jaturon should be considered to lose their right to work politically for five years.
July 6, 2011
Pheu Thai: Raising Minimum Wages
Pheu Thai says that they will raise the minimum wages to 300 baht a day. The state employees (with the lowest wages) are expected to receive the wage increase in October.
The increase has been criticized by various entrepreneurs in the private sector and some economists.
July 4, 2011
Five Parties in Coalition
Pheu Thai, which won 265 seats of 500 possible, is now part of a coalition with four other parties. Together they hold 299 seats.
The four other parties in the coalition:
• Chart Thai Pattana Party - 19 seats
• Chart Pattana Puea Pandin - 7 seats
• Phalang Chon Party - 7 seats
• Mahachon Party - 1 seat
Many Post-Election Questions
Our thoughts: The next six months will probably provide answers to these questions:
• Exactly which parties will be included in the coalition?
• Which ministers will be included in the government?
• Will Jatuporn Prompan be allowed to become a minister?
• Will any senior politicians from other parties join Pheu Thai instead?
• Will Abhisit leave the political scene now?
• And probably the most important question, will Thaksin return? And if so, in what role? And what kind of reception will he get from supporters and opponents?
We sincerely hope that Thailand's political situation can be stabilized. No more of the unrest and violence that the country experienced in 2010.
Preliminary Election Results
The preliminary election results show that the three largest parties will get the following number of seats in the Thai Parliament:
• Pheu Thai Party - 265 seats
• Phak Prachathipat (Democrats) - 159 seats
• Bum Jai Thai - 34 seats
If the numbers change (when they become official), we will of course update this.
Abhisit Resigns as Party Leader
Abhisit Vejjajiva is resigning as leader of the Democrats. However, it is still uncertain whether he will accept the possibility of re-election when the party must choose a new leader in a relatively near future.
July 3, 2011
Thank You and Congratulations!
Congratulations Pheu Thai and Yingluck Shinawatra to the election victory!
In addition, thanks to all of you who have been reading! Tomorrow we are back with more news, more analysis on the election and other events in Thailand.
Yingluck Speaks to the Nation
Yingluck Shinawatra thanks her constituents, colleagues and even his political opponents.She expressed that the victory is not a victory for the party but an opportunity to serve the people.
Abhisit Congratulates Yingluck
Abhisit has congratulated Yingluck. It looks like Thailand gets its first female prime minister. Pheu Thai have the mandate to form a government.
Thaksin Seems Confident of Victory
Thaksin Shinawatra seems confident of victory. He says that "the Thai people are tired of conflict" and that "Pheu Thai is the only party that offers reconciliation".
Democrats Victorious in Bangkok?
Very preliminary results suggest that the Democrats are ahead of Pheu Thai in Bangkok. We'll have to await the final outcome.
Democrats Awaits Official Results
Democrats say they are waiting for the official election results.
Almost 2000 Complaints to the EC
Until the election, the Thai Election Commission has received 1.929 complaints about alleged election fraud. Some of these cases will be investigated.
SOURCE: THE NATION
Celebrations at Pheu Thai's HQ
In Pheu Thais headquarters, the mood is great, but Yingluck Shinawatra will not comment yet.
The Polling Stations have Closed
Now the polls are closed in Thailand. Some exit polls are predicting a great victory for Pheu Thai.
Smooth Election Day in Bangkok
It seems that the turnout in the capital is high, and there are no reports of serious incidents. The atmosphere is somewhat relaxed at most polling stations.
Arrested for Attempted Vote Buying
A woman was arrested today in Maha Sarakham suspected of preparing to pay people to vote for a particular candidate. In a bag, police found lots of hundred baht notes.
Queues at some Polling Stations
It is raining in some parts of Thailand today, for example in Songkhla and Sukhothai, but it does not seem to prevent Thais from exercising their democratic right to vote. Outside some polling stations, the queues are quite long.
Brothers Wounded in Voting Dispute
Two brothers were hospitalized after attacking each other, including using a hunting gear used to catch rats. The cause of quarrel is said to be a dispute about the election combined with alcohol.
Abhisit and Yingluck have Voted
Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva and the opposition leader Yingluck Shinawatra voted early today in Bangkok. Both said thought they would be victorious.
July 2, 2011
170,000 Policemen at Polling Stations
According to Thai authorities, 170,000 policemen (!) are protecting the polling stations in Thailand to maintain order.
Trains and Buses Full of Voters
Today, the buses and trains heading to northern and northeastern Thailand have been full of voters who are on their way to their home provinces to vote.
The provinces in the north and northeast is traditionally Pheu Thai strongholds and many people from these parts of Thailand are working in Bangkok and in the southern tourist resorts.
Chavalit: Thaksin can Return
The former general, Prime Minister and current Pheu Thai politician Chavalit Yongchaiyudh believe that Thaksin Shinawatra can return to Thailand if the Pheu Thai Party is victorious in the elections.
Preliminary Election Results at 9pm
The Election Commission of Thailand has indicated that it expects that the preliminary election results will be available at nine o'clock tomorrow night.
July 1, 2011
Pheu Thai Denies Bribing the Media
An email sent from a Pheu Thai advisor to Thaksin Shinawatra was reportedly leaked to the Thai press. The email claims that the advisor should have spent more than 20,000 baht for food and drink along with named journalists.
In a statement, Pheu Thai denies that they are bribing the press.
Two Thais Sentenced to Death
Two Thai nationals have been sentenced to death by hanging in Malaysia. The two men, 37 and 44 years old, was sentenced for drug trafficking involving 21.6 kilograms of cannabis into the country.
The men deny the charges, claiming that it was not them who were carrying the drugs found in the tourist minivan they were traveling in.
My name is Jens and I was born in the early seventies in Södertälje, Sweden. I traveled for the first time to Thailand in 1989-1990 and already then started to have strong (positive) feelings for the country and it's people. During subsequent trips, it was mainly beach-life and Muay Thai training on the agenda but as time has gone by a strong interest regarding Thailand's history, community and culture has emerged within me. In early 2004, I moved here permanently.
My wife Rawadee is indirectly involved in the writing and contributes with knowledge, facts and inspiration. We try to alternate daily news from the country with our own reflections. The news and blog are illustrated with some photos, both my own and others. I hope you'll find the reading somewhat useful and I am of course open to your comments, suggestions and criticisms.
We are full-time geeks. Jens is working with web development, search engine optimization, graphic design and photography. Rawadee had a computer shop before, but is now also working with web development.
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August 28, 2011
