Gaybutton

These menus will each be served both at the Casa Pascal and Poseidon restaurants: _____ CHRISTMAS MENU (Available both at Casa Pascal & Poseidon) December 24, 2008 Dinner December 25, 2008 All Day ( 10.30 ~ 23.00 ) Amuse Bouche ***** Dill & Black Pepper marinated smoked Salmon Fennel and Endive Salad on Hazelnut Oil Dressing -or- Home–made Venison and Mushroom Pâté with Cumberland Sauce, Waldorf Salad and red wine Pear ***** Pumpkin Cream Soup with Tea-smoked Duck Breast ***** Orange Champagne Sherbet ***** Stuffed Butter Ball Turkey served with Chestnuts, Cranberry Sauce and Gravy -or- Whole roasted Beef Tenderloin with Horse Radish and Apple Cream, red Wine Gravy and Béarnaise Sauce Both main dishes accompanied by green Peas, Carrots, Brussels Sprouts and braised red Cabbage , Roasted Potatoes with Bacon and Shallots ***** Caramelized Peach in Marsala Wine Zabayone -or- Traditional Christmas Pudding with Rum Sauce Price 1,550 baht / person ____________________ NEW YEAR’S EVE MENU Available both at Casa Pascal & Poseidon on Dec. 31, 2008 Amuse Bouche ***** Pan-seared Tuna & Salmon on Spanish Gazpacho Salad with a light Soya & Sesame Dressing ***** Mushroom Cappuccino with Black Truffle Snow ***** Pan-fried Goose Liver Medallion on Potato Blinis with Tomato & Onion Chutney ***** Lime Sherbet in oriental spiced Vodka ***** Pan-fried Alaska Scallops on four Vegetables, Served with wild Rice and Champagne Sauce -or- Oven-roasted Rack of Lamb à la Provencale with Gratin Potatoes, red wine Shallots and Leek ***** Fine selected international Cheese -or- Mixed fresh Berries in Walnuts & Vanilla Ice Cream on Galliano Mousse Menu Price 2,950 baht / person ____________________ For more information, please contact our staff Casa Pascal (038) 723-660 , Poseidon (038) 303-300 http://www.restaurant-pattaya.com info@restaurant-pattaya.com

That indeed does seem to be the case most of the time. If they don't feel "creepy" about it, why should we? I don't think it would bother me in the slightest. If the other farang chooses to feel awkward about it, that's his problem.

Thursday, December 4 OPENING RATES: US Dollar: 35.34 Euro: 44.74 British Pound: 52.035 Australian Dollar: 22.7075 Canadian Dollar: 28.0075 _____ CLOSING RATES: US Dollar: 35.53 Euro: 44.70 British Pound: 51.58 Australian Dollar: 22.7475 Canadian Dollar: 28.0575

There is a short video entitled "Who's the Next Prime Minister" on THE NATION web site. It's done in English. They never say who is doing this video, but from the looks of the background it appears to me to be an editorial coming from the newspaper staff. Anyway, I thought it was an interesting take on the way many Thais see things. If you're interested, the link is: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/specials/n...s&cateid=13

A mobile passport service will be in Pattaya through December 7. Normally, a boyfriend living in Pattaya would have to go to Bangkok to arrange for a passport, but for the next few days he can get one right here in Pattaya. The following appears in PATTAYA ONE: _____ Mobile Passport Application Center Opens On Wednesday Morning, we made our way to the Nusa Playa Hotel located in Soi 13 off Jomtien Beach Road to check-out the Mobile Passport Application Unit which has come here to the Pattaya area until 7th December. This is great news for local Thai’s who would normally have to travel to Bang Na in the outskirts of Bangkok to make the application. We arrived early on Wednesday Morning and the numbers of applicants was low, however we were told by staff that from late morning onwards the numbers dramatically increased.

Bangkok Airlines has announced their new temporary flight schedule. For those who wish to have it, the download link is: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/specials/03-12-2008.xls Note that it is in Microsoft Excel format.

If the winner can't be present, I'll be happy to accept in his behalf. He'll get the bottle. I'll get what's in it . . .

Hmmmm, the Waldorfs must be stuck on one of the cargo flights that never made it during the airport takeover. I hope they'll still be fresh . . .

The following appears in the BANGKOK POST: _____ Pause in the Battle By Achara Ashayagachat Although it was much anticipated, the Constitution Court's verdict dissolving the three coalition parties is not likely to put an end to Thailand's protracted political crisis. At best, it may provide a brief calm to the heated strife until parliament reconvenes next week for an extraordinary session to select a new prime minister. Whether parliament is able to reconvene will depend on the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD). The situation may explain the PAD's withdrawal from Government House, which it had illegally occupied for more than three months. Part of the move might have been strategic, as the PAD at the time wanted to beef up its demonstrations at Don Mueang and Suvarnabhumi airports. Part of it might have to do with its plan to vacate the seat of power for the new government it has been waiting for. But will the PAD be able to have its way? After all, the People Power party still has enough MPs - 221, after 12 were banned from politics by yesterday's rulings - to form a new coalition and propose a new prime minister. As for the PAD, even though it has given up on its siege of the airports, the damage it has done to the country's economy and image in the eyes of the international community will not be easily forgiven. It will have to be extremely careful about its next move. So, what does the PAD ultimately want? The PAD's demands seem to have a way of evolving along with the situation, although they are now repeating a call for an "impartial" government comprising of anyone - be they academics, business people, bureaucrats or politicians - except, of course, those from the Thaksin camp. The only way for them to achieve that is to prevent a new prime minister from being selected within the timeframe specified by the Constitution, thus triggering Section 7 of the charter under which certain rules may be suspended to break a crisis of electoral democracy. Only through this clause can the "impartial" or "national reconciliation" government comprising non-elected people be set up. Meanwhile, business people have proposed that a Democrat-led coalition be given a chance. Some people may have felt relief after former prime minister Somchai Wongsawat seemed to show no resistance to the court verdict and looked ready to abandon the premiership immediately after it was read. It was a good gesture on his part, albeit a belated one. If the former PM had indeed been determined to halt the political conflict, he should have dissolved the House when it became clear that he could not deal with the airport siege. The relief is likely to be short-lived, however, since in the end it is Mr Somchai's brother-in-law, the ousted premier and fugitive, Thaksin Shinawatra, who has been and will continue to be dictating the moves in this war game. Thaksin knows that he has not yet lost. Much more could happen. And it is becoming clear that neither Thaksin nor his opponent the PAD cares how much damage their fight will cause the country. Without the necessary number of MPs - unless there are some defections from the ruling PPP - the opposition Democrat party does not seem to have a decided gain from the parties' dissolution. It cannot form a new government anyway. And even if it could, the pro-PPP United Front for Democracy Against Dictatorship (UDD) would not let the party it sees as having done nothing, reap the windfall so easily. More protests will be in store. Another problem is that after this spate of party dissolutions and removal of party executives' political rights, there are only a few qualified choices left with which to form a viable cabinet. Indeed, with the "leftover" personnel they now have, it does not look like the PPP will be able to come up with an impressive prime minister or cabinet. In the final analysis, it does look like the crisis will go on in a vicious cycle. The new, incapable cabinet will again be rejected by the PAD and probably by the business people who are increasingly feeling the economic crunch and badly need a government which knows how to do its job well. Another lame-duck government would be the last thing they want. Meanwhile, most politicians will not think of doing anything now, except how to get around and amend Section 237 of the Constitution to get rid of the party dissolution clause which has kept them chained and crippled. The central question from now on is: will the PAD allow parliament to reconvene on Dec 8? If not, the group, which has already experienced protest fatigue, may face another backlash and see its support dwindle further. Another factor that should not be underestimated is the presumably angry "red shirts", and the possibility that they might be joined by those who feel wronged by the PAD's actions, too. A coalition of the wounded is always a dangerous one. These people might be willing to fight against bullets with their bare hands.

Wednesday, December 3 OPENING RATES: US Dollar: 35.28 Euro: 44.67 British Pound: 52.385 Australian Dollar: 22.4975 Canadian Dollar: 28.055 _____ CLOSING RATES: US Dollar: 35.34 Euro: 44.545 British Pound: 51.80 Australian Dollar: 22.51 Canadian Dollar: 28.0325

Here's a copy of the actual menu:

You've got me on that one. I'm rarely in Chiang Mai at all, let alone long enough to pick up on different ways of saying things. Maybe it's regional dialect or something. I don't have a clue why the same word would be pronounced one way in the south and a totally different way in the north, to the point that it doesn't even sound like the same word. I wonder how many other Thai words are like that.

Didn't I see some at Villa Market . . . . .?

The following appears in THE NATION: _____ Suvarnabhumi Siege Ends By The Nation Published on December 3, 2008 Rush to get airport functional again. PAD leaves, claiming 'final battle' won as Somchai no longer PM People's Alliance for Democracy followers last night started bidding farewell to Suvarnabhumi Airport, bringing an end to their eight-day siege that has caused incalculable damage to the country and the economy. Airport authorities are now rushing to reopen the regional aviation hub, shuttered since it was hijacked on November 25. Serirat Pasutanond, acting president of Airports of Thailand (AOT), said earlier that Suvarnabhumi could be officially reopened to passenger flights on December 15, but after the PAD began to vacate the premises, he said resumption of services would depend on inspections of the extent of damage to systems and facilities. Claiming to have won their "final battle", the government opponents made their exit after the Constitution Court disbanded the People Power Party and two other government coalition partners - automatically dismissing Somchai Wongsawat as prime minister in the process. Suwannee Samrongwattana, deputy airport director, said several incoming and outgoing flights were operated by eight Thai and foreign carriers at the airport last night. Officials from the airlines and the International Air Transport Association will today start checking security and other systems. More than 200,000 foreign and Thai travellers were stranded by the forced closure of both Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang airports. Hardest hit are the country's international image, tourism and related industries, with damage estimated in excess of Bt100 billion. Suwannee said protesters last night started to clear out the first, second and third floors of the terminal, while those on the fourth floor agreed to leave today following lengthy negotiations. An airport security team also started inspecting designated areas inside the terminal last night to ensure that all areas are safe to resume operations. AOT yesterday renewed air cargo services at Suvarnabhumi at 9am. Serirat reported that the airport had already lost Bt350 million in revenue, while the shutdown of cargo services had caused lost business opportunities and other costs approaching some Bt25 billion. Thai Airways International and other domestic and international airlines have also suffered tremendously from the mass occupations of the two airports. AOT reported a total of 27 international flights yesterday operated by THAI, AirAsia, Nok Air and China Southern to evacuate passengers still stuck in limbo. ACM Somchai Tien-anant, managing director of Aeronautical Radio of Thailand, said a total of 45 flights had taken off from Suvarnabhumi since Sunday after protesters allowed stranded aircraft to leave. He said that now Somchai was no longer prime minister, the PAD had no more excuses to camp out at the airports. The Joint Standing Committee on Commerce, Industry and Banking said in a statement that the incumbent government had lost its capability to manage the country, so other parties should be allowed to form a new administration. "If there is no success, the National Assembly [Parliament] should be dissolved to return the power to the people," it said. The JSCCIB also asked the |PAD protesters to leave the airports immediately and demanded that they stop all unlawful demonstrations.

You'll find many non-copyrighted similar photos at the following URL: http://flickr.com/search/?q=moon+venus+jup...erer_searched=1

The following appears in the BANGKOK POST: _____ Airports Cannot be Reopened Quickly Must Pass Checks, Get Standards Certification There will be inevitable delays in bringing Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang airports back into operation when the anti-government demonstrators eventually disperse. Neither the government nor officials of Airports of Thailand (AoT) really know how badly the airports have been affected by the occupation by thousands of People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) supporters. "We cannot say anything for now because we have no idea how much damage has been done," AoT acting president Serirat Pasutanond said yesterday. However, it was unlikely the process would be quick, because staff would have to go through complicated and stringent checks, make repairs if needed and get re-certification, he said. "Even the complex IT systems at the two airports will have to be rebooted and calibrated, just like when you start-up a new airport," he said. Ground handling equipment and other support facilities which were moved out from Suvarnabhumi to U-tapao airport would also have to be moved back to Suvarnabhumi. "It could take days, weeks or even months, only God knows how long," a frustrated Mr Serirat said. The PAD security detail has not allowed airport or airline workers to enter the area once they left. Most of the surveillance TV cameras at the two airports have also been disabled. Before the operations can resume, the AoT will first need to ensure that the airports are back up to standard. They will have to be checked by the Department of Civil Aviation under the yardstick established by the International Civil Aviation Organisation, an agency of the United Nations. An endorsement from aviation authorities of the United States, the European Union and international airlines would also be needed. The likelihood is that U-tapao airfield, a navy facility in Rayong province, will continue to serve commercial air traffic while Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang are inactive. However, U-tapao has only a limited capacity and is jam-packed with passengers, mostly stranded foreigners, and has been struggling to cope with a backlog of flights. Airline executives gave a sigh of relief after the PAD allowed them to fly out the 88 aircraft which had been parked at Suvarnabhumi since Tuesday, to eliminate the risk of damage to the planes. AoT officials were worried that the planes could be vandalised at the airport. About 50 of the planes flew out on Sunday evening and the remaining aircraft were to leave today, if the airlines were able to find pilots. The US State Department and the European Union have labeled the airport seizures an inappropriate form of protest and urged the protesters to leave the airports peacefully.

Gentlemen, once again I ask that you please keep this thread an information-only thread. Please post opinions and comments on other threads.

The following appears in THE NATION: _____ Suvarnabhumi Airport to Remain Closed Until at Least Dec 15 : AOT By The Nation Suvarnabhumi International Airport will remain closed to passenger flights until at least Dec 15 due to the disruption caused by anti-government protesters. Airports Authority of Thailand's acting director Serirat Prasutanont said that the country's main airport has lost more Bt350 million due to the closure of the protesters. But the airport allowed the cargo flights to land on Tuesday, the first flights were expected to arrive later the day. People's Alliance for Democracy has led anti-government protesters to seize the airport since last week. The extension of the suspension for passenger flights is made although AOT and PAD met on Tuesday and agreed that the airport will resume its service as soon as technical officials examined functional and operational system,. The panel set up to solve the airport crisis is attended by PAD's co-leader Somkiart Pongpaiboon, AOT's president Wutthipun Wichairat and AOT's advisor to the president ACM Kittisak Ratprasert. Somkiat said that the meeting agreed that all flights in and out the airport will be resumed as normal. PAD which has seized the airport since last week will divide channels and space for passengers from the protesters. The panel will examine assets inside and outside the airport to check if there was any damage before returning the areas to AOT. Somkiat said he could not say for now when officially the airport will resume the service because he has to talk with other PAD's co-leaders. Meanwhile Wutthipun said that AOT will jointly inspect the readiness of the airport with PAD as soon as possible. "I think that Suvarnabhumi Airport will be able to be re-opened within 24 hours," he said. Referring to checkpoints set up by PAD at the entrances of the airport, AOT and PAD will jointly conduct the screening of passengers into the airport. "First priority of the work is to clean all the passengers' buildings and to remove tones of garbages from the areas," he said. Meanwhile an informed source said AOT told PAD that the airport should be resumed the service on December 3.

The White Night Christmas Day Turkey Dinner Served “Family Style” at two sittings, 6.30pm & 9.00pm. * * * * Complimentary Bucks Fizz. * Tomato Soup or Asparagus Soup. * Waldorf Salad. * Roast Turkey, Traditional Sage and Onion Stuffing, Chipolata Sausages, Cranberry Sauce, Bread Sauce and Rich Gravy. * A selection of seasonal vegetables including; Roast Potatoes, Mashed Potato, Peas, Carrots, Broccoli, Cauliflower and Sprouts. * A sweet selection to include; Christmas Pudding, Mince Pies, Sherry Trifle, Chocolate Mousse, Fresh Fruit Salad with Brandy Sauce, Custard and Cream. * A small digestive drink and Tea or Coffee. * 590 Baht inclusive. Reservations only. Call Mike on 0894028741.Attached is my poster as a jpg, and below is the plain text version. Cheers! Mike

BAR LA CAGE SOI V.C. PATTAYA Diary for December. Every Day. Happy hour until 9pm. BOGOF! Buy One Get One Free! (Beer Chang = 32.5 baht! House Vodka & Tonic = 40 baht!) Saturday 13th. Thailand Philharmonic Orchestra. Afternoon concert at the Mahidol University. The program includes music by Bartok and Khachaturian. Tickets only 300 baht. Depart the bar 12.30pm. Saturday 20th. School Disco. From 9pm. The boys will be in their School Uniforms for this end of term Disco. All the hits of the 60s and 70s provided by Scratchy and his mobile disco. Sunday 21st . Classical Carols for Christmas. 7 - 9pm. A selection of traditional Carols played on the Gramophone for your enjoyment. Sunday 21st. From 11pm. “Later” with George Stanley. The Blues Crooner returns to La Cage for two very special ‘live music’ gigs. Arrive early if you want a seat! Monday 22nd. From 9 – 11pm. Wine & Cheese evening. Sample as many of our special selection of wines. Buy any glass for just 150 Baht and enjoy a chunk of specially imported English Cheddar !!!! Monday 22nd. From 11pm. “Later” with George Stanley, part two! The Main Man returns to woo us with his very special Christmas set. Wednesday 24th. Christmas Eve Party. From 9pm. A Christmas sing along. All your favourite Xmas hits. Mince Pies and a glass of Port at 11pm. Then at midnight, we welcome in Christmas Day with presents under the Tree for everyone! Thursday 25th. Christmas Day. Nice & easy. Chill and relax around the Tree with your favourite friends and your favourite drink. Wednesday 31st. New Years Eve Party! Come and ring in the New Year with us. Free welcome drink! Free Buffet! Free Bubbly to toast the chimes of Big Ben at Midnight! Everyone’s welcome to the Party! A Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you all. Bar La Cage (Mikes Bar). That popular little bar next to the award winning White Night Restaurant. Soi V.C. 273/98. 0894028741 All our ‘special’ nights are charity fund raisers for The Mercy Centre, And this year to date, you have helped raise well over 35,000 baht. Thanks. http://www.lacage-pattaya.com

That's good to know. I think you just saved a lot of stranded people the additional hassle of going to Immigration on top of everything else they're going through.

The next logical question is who, exactly, is in charge now? According to THE NATION: Chaovarat Becomes Caretaker PM No-1 Deputy Prime Minister Chaovarat Chanweerakul will become caretaker prime minister pending a meeting of the caretaker Cabinet, former PM's Office Ministers Sukhumpong Ngonkham said Tuesday. He said the caretaker Cabinet would make a former decision as to who should be caretaker prime minister replacing disqualified Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat. ____________________ The following appears in THE NATION: _____ People Power, Chart Thai and Matchima Thipataya Parties Disbanded By The Nation The Constitution Court on Tuesday ruled to disband three coalition parties, People Power, Chart Thai and Matchima Thipataya, and banned the three's party executives from electoral process for five years. The high court held the three parties for accountability on electoral fraud involving party executives, Yongyuth Tiyapairat of People Power, Monthien Songpracha of Chart Thai and Sunthorn Wilawan of Matchima Thipataya. In the fraud case linked to People Power Party, the high court cited the Yongyuth conviction by the Supreme Court as the ground to penalise the ruling party. For cases linked to Chart Thai and Matchima Thipataya, it invoked the rulings by the Election Commission as the basis to punish the two parties. The nine presiding judges reached unanimous decisions against People Power and Matchima Thipataya parties. And they formed the eight-to-one decision to punish Chart Thai. The high court opined that the punishment by disbandment was mandatory as sanctioned by Article 237 of the Constitution and that it had no leeway to selectively punish the party executives on the individual basis. ____________________ The following appears in the BANGKOK POST: _____ PPP Dissolved The Constitution Court on Tuesday banned Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat from politics for five years and dissolved the ruling People Power party (PPP) and two other coalition parties, Chart Thai and Matchimathipataya, over voting fraud cases. "As the court unanimously decided to dissolve the PPP, therefore the leader of the party and party executives must be banned from politics for five years," said Chat Chonlaworn, head of the nine-judge court panel. "The court had no other option," he said. The verdict came amid a confrontation between Somchai, the brother-in-law of ousted former premier Thaksin Shinawatra, and anti-government protesters occupying Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang airports. Somchai was elected by parliament on September 17 after his predecessor, Samak Sundaravej, was forced from office last month for appearing in television cooking shows. The judge, wearing a black robe with a scarlet collar, read the order live on national television. "No matter whether you are satisfied or not with the verdict, we ask you to accept it," he said. The verdict said the party must be disbanded because PPP executives had been convicted of vote fraud after elections in December 2007. "Although some party executives had no knowledge of the election fraud, the law stipulates clearly... the party must scrutinise its executives thus the party cannot deny responsibility," Chat said. The court banned 109 PPP, Chart Thai and Matchimathipataya executives from politics for five years. ____________________ And this, from CNN _____ BANGKOK, Thailand (CNN) -- Thailand's Constitutional Court ordered the ruling People Power Party dissolved Tuesday for electoral fraud, banning Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat and more than 30 party officials from politics for five years. The ruling follows months of opposition protests, including a week-old siege of Bangkok's international airport and sparked angry counter-protests by Somchai's supporters outside the court. The court also banned at least one of the PPP's ruling coalition partners, effectively dismantling the government over allegations of vote-rigging. There was no immediate reaction from Somchai or his party to the ruling. Demonstrators have occupied Thailand's Government House since August, forcing lawmakers to meet elsewhere. They said Monday that they would end the sit-in and move to Suvarnabhumi international airport, where they have left flights grounded and countless passengers stranded since November 25. "We wish we hadn't come here at all," said Keri Gannam, a visitor from the United States, who was honeymooning in Thailand. "It's just stressful. It's taken away everything... I'm supposed to have job interviews. I missed them." "Money isn't flowing in for us," said her husband, Andy. "And we came here to take a couple of relaxing weeks -- something both of us had earned. And it's turned out being a disaster, basically." The opposition People's Alliance for Democracy accuses Somchai of leading a proxy government for his brother-in-law, ex-Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, who was ousted in a 2006 coup. Thaksin returned to Thailand after the PPP victory in 2007, but fled the country again just as he was to appear in a corruption case against him. The anti-government protesters want Thaksin extradited and tried on those charges. It also accuses the PPP government of wanting to amend the constitution so Thaksin does not have to face charges. About 60,000 tourists arrive at Suvarnabhumi every day, and the airport siege has had a devastating effect on Thailand's vital tourism industry. Protesters at Suvarnabhumi granted two small concessions on Monday to help alleviate the misery of thousands of travelers. By Monday afternoon, 37 aircraft had left Suvarnabhumi. All but one airplane, which flew empty to Shanghai, landed at the U-Tapao Royal Thai Navy Airfield, about 140 kilometers (90 miles) southeast of Bangkok, airport spokeswoman Monrudee Gettuphan said. From there, travelers can try to catch a flight home. A convoy of buses, carrying Muslim pilgrims stranded at Suvarnabhumi since last Tuesday, was also allowed to leave for the naval base. From there they can make their trip to Saudi Arabia for the Hajj, a pilgrimage that Islam requires all able-bodied Muslims to make at least once in their lifetime. Authorities have estimated 100,000 passengers have been stranded at Suvarnabhumi since protesters began the siege, which has had a devastating impact on Thailand's tourism industry. Agencies reported Monday that the French government was sending a Boeing 747 to Thailand to help bring its citizens home. Frederic Desagneaux, a French foreign ministry spokesman, told reporters that the plane would take around 500 people and give priority to those with small children, people with health issues and senior citizens, The Associated Press reported. Protesters have shut down a second, smaller airport that the government had been using as its temporary office after being shut out of its headquarters, and demonstrations have occasionally turned violent. A pair of explosions injured 49 people -- three of them seriously -- when what was believed to be a grenade was launched at protesters at Government House early Sunday. Later, police said there was another blast in a road in front of Don Muang. Police say they do not know who carried out the attacks. But PAD blamed pro-government supporters. At the arrivals area of Suvarnabhumi on Monday, a CNN cameraman recorded a group of protesters leading a man outside. The man, his clothes in tatters and too weak to walk on his own, appeared to have been beaten. Somchai declared a state of emergency at the two airports last week, but it is not certain what powers the declaration gives the government. Somchai himself has been avoiding the capital, choosing instead to stay in the northern city of Chiang Mai.

The following appears in the BANGKOK POST: _____ Suvaranbhumi to Resume in 7 days, if PAD Leaves Airports of Thailand (AOT) acting president Serirat Pasutanond said Suvarnabhumi airport could resume operation in about a week once the anti-government protesters led by the People’s Alliance for Democracy (PAD) leave the airport. Mr Serirat expected it would take authorities approximately seven days to check the readiness of Suvarnabhumi once the protesters leave. He said 88 aircrafts stranded at Suvarnabhumi are gradually being released to transport the remaining passengers from the U-Tapao airport in Rayong province. AirAsia announced that the airliner had arranged special flights from Chiang Mai, Phuket and U-Tapao airports to more than 10 destinations to facilitate stranded passengers. People can log on to www.airasia.com for further information. Thai Airways also offered 14 outgoing flights from U-Tapao, one flight from Chiang Mai airport, two flights from Phuket airport, 16 incoming flights to U-Tapao, a flight to Chiang Mai airport and two flights to Phuket airport. For reservations and further inquiries, please contact Thai Airways at 0-2356-1111, 0-2545-4000, or log on to www.thaiairways.com.

Today I drove by the Thai Airways ticket office in Pattaya at about 12:30pm. They are open. Unfortunately, it is a madhouse. There were at least 100 people there. Apparently they are being issued numbers and have to wait their turn to be called. They were lined up outside the building. Along the Beach Road sidewalk a canopy had been erected and chairs were provided, enough for most of them to at least be able to sit down while waiting their turn. It was obvious most of them are going to be there for many hours. None of them looked happy. There was not even a semblance of a party atmosphere. Everyone looked frustrated and upset. There were also several security guards and police officers there to help maintain order. I was not able to see what the office hours are. If you are among those who will need to visit the office, I urge you to get there very early and bring some food and water with you unless you prefer to buy from the vendors strolling by.

Maybe they've been hanging around 'JOM-shun" too long . . .