Gaybutton

Have you tried those contraptions that consist of a small bowl filled with some sort of a liquid, that plugs into electrical outlets? I tried those in my home and they work beautifully for me. There is also a good, natural way that works. I don't know if they are available in Thailand, but if you can find either an Allspice tree or Bay Rum tree, if you take a bunch of leaves, crush them up, and spread them around in corners and closets, they repel mosquitoes as well as providing a wonderful odor in the house.

Until recently I would have thought there is virtually no chance. However, especially now with the tourist industry in such bad shape, considering Thailand's dependence on it I have real hope that changes will be made to re-attract tourists, including gay tourists. I don't know if we can ever expect things to be as they were twenty years ago, but I see no reason why they can't at least come close. One of the simplest things they can do that would please tourists would be to end this absurd 1:00AM venue closing rule. More difficult, but necessary I believe, would be to recruit more police officers and re-assign current police officers to combating serious crime, with emphasis on drug crimes, bag and gold chain snatching, pickpockets, break-ins, gangs, and those sorts of crimes. They also need to do something about dishonest baht bus drivers. This nonsense about police not lifting a finger to help unless they are bribed also needs to stop. In my opinion, one of the main factors that keep tourists away is fear of crime. Years ago, I felt completely safe in Pattaya no matter where I was and no matter what time it was. Now Pattaya has become a crime ridden city and that's a major part of the problem. I think that's also a major factor hitting the real estate market as well.

Thursday, September 4 Opening Rates: US Dollar: 34.22 Euro: 49.54 British Pound: 60.645 Australian Dollar: 28.4225 Canadian Dollar: 32.1325 _____ Closing Rates: US Dollar: 34.25 Euro: 49.63 British Pound: 60.95 Australian Dollar: 28.5575 Canadian Dollar: 32.2575

I don't think you've left out anything. I think your analysis is excellent. I agree with every word you wrote.

Despite the rumors that circulated yesterday, Prime Minister Samak announced he has no intention of resigning. The following appears in THE NATION: _____ Samak Denies He Plans to Resign Speaking live on Radio Thailand, Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej denied that he planned to announce his resignation on radio Thursday morning. "How could I resign? I cannot resign," Samak said. "How could I resign? I cannot resign," Samak said. "I will stay on to protect democracy of this country. The whole world is watching us." The Nation __________ The following appears in the BANGKOK POST: _____ Samak Stays On Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej on Thursday dismissed claims he would resign. "Don't even think I am going to quit," he said. "The country needs a leader, and the world is watching us." Some media reports (not the Bangkok Post) featured reports that Mr Samak would step down to meet a demand from the 102-day street protest in Bangkok. During the first 20 minutes of his open-ended speech on nationwide radio, the prime minister was calm, as he reviewed events of recent days, and said that events would eventually become smooth "in order to protect democracy".

The tourism industry in Pattaya had plenty to fear in the first place, long before any of the present political turmoil got started. Business has been terrible for months. I was in some of the bars this evening. Plenty of boys, very few customers. Now, as a result of the current upheaval, things are expected to get much worse. The following appears in PATTAYA ONE: _____ Fears for the Pattaya Tourism Industry from Local Tourism Authority Chief On Wednesday we spoke with Khun Niti, Director of the Region 3 office of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) regarding the effect on tourism in relation to the political crisis now occurring in Bangkok and other Provinces around Thailand. Many Embassies have now issued travel warnings for Thailand following the Emergency Decree in place for Bangkok. Khun Niti told us that official figures for Pattaya indicate a drop in Tourism by approximately 20% from this time last year. The TAT suggest that the High Season will also see a significant reduction of tourists coming to Pattaya regardless of whether a solution to the problems in Bangkok are found or not. We have also spoken to a number of business owners here in Pattaya who do not wish to be named and they suggest that without a good high season, their businesses will probably not survive. A number of bar owners tell us that this years low season was particularly bad compared to previous years and they do not expect a good High Season due to a combination of the problems occurring in Bangkok and the unfavorable exchange rates at this time and the global economic slowdown which is forcing some countries into recession, including the UK and other European Countries.

The news media has already published that the Foreign Minister handed in his resignation today. If the rumors about the Prime Minister are true, what happens next? Will there be an orderly transition of power or a power struggle? We'll know soon enough.

Maybe they give it back . . .

The White Night Buffet Restaurant SUNEE PLAZA, SOI V.C., PATTAYA Diary for September. NEW!! AIR CONDITIONED DINING. You now have the choice of an air conditioned dining room or the Soi side terrace. Every Week. For September we will be closed every Wednesday. The Months Menus. We are currently offering 14 menus. You can come and eat for 14 consecutive nights before a menu is repeated. As each menu offers at least 7 different main dishes as well as hot and cold accompaniments, salads and sweets, you have a wonderful selection to choose from. Tuesday 16th & 30th. One of my favorite menu’s. Asparagus Soup followed by Beef Stroganoff and Chicken A La King, with Potato Scallops and Mushroom Bake. I never manage a sweet. Sunday 14th & 28th. A lavish menu as a special Sunday treat. Includes Blue Cheese Soup, Roast Pork, Duck in Tamarind Sauce, Roast Potatoes, Mixed Vegetables in Mushroom Sauce, Chicken Meatloaf and the deserts include Bakewell Tart and Sherry Trifle!! Sunday 7th & 21st. Leek and Potato Soup, Roast Pork, Lemon Chicken, Duck and Bean Stew, Roast Potatoes, Bubble & Squeak. This is real comfort food! ADVANCE NOTICE!! Saturday 4th. & Sunday 5th. OCTOBER The White Night Restaurant and Bar La Cage present OCTOBER BEERFEST A weekend Beerfest with a selection of German Beers and wines on offer with traditional German delicacies including Bratwurst and Sauerkraut, Currywurst, Wienerwurst with Potato Salad! Umpa-pa music and lots of silliness guaranteed. Details soon. The White Night Buffet Restaurant, Sunee Plaza, 273/97 Soi V.C. In between Top Man and Bar La Cage. RESERVATIONS 0894028741 http://www.white-night-pattaya.com

BAR LA CAGE SOI V.C. PATTAYA Diary for September. Every Day. Happy hour until 9pm. BOGOF! Buy One Get One Free! (Beer Chang = 32.5 baht! Gin & Tonic = 40 baht!) Every Sunday. Chill out with popular Classical Music until 9pm. Friday 12th. Wine & Cheese Special. From 9pm. Come and enjoy a selection of International wines and cheeses. Sample as many of the wines that you fancy then enjoy a glass for just 150 baht. and help yourself to the free cheese board. Saturday 13th. We are off to the Mahidol University, Bangkok, to hear the Thailand Philharmonic Orchestra perform Carl Orff’s Carmina Burana. Just about room for one more in the minibus. Friday 19th. NAME THAT TUNE. From 9pm. Beat the intro and name the tune to win prizes. Test your memory of those pop hits of the 60’s and 70’s. 50 baht entry fee per person. Play individually or in small teams. Saturday 27th. The last concert of the season at the Mahidol University. Beethoven’s Triple Concerto and Mussorgsky’s Pictures at an Exhibition. Three seats in the minibus are available. ADVANCE NOTICE!! Saturday 4th. & Sunday 5th. OCTOBER Bar La Cage and the White Night Restaurant present OCTOBER BEERFEST A weekend Beerfest with a selection of German Beers and wines on offer with traditional German delicacies including Bratwurst and Sauerkraut, Currywurst, Wienerwurst with Potato Salad! Umpa-pa music and lots of silliness guaranteed. Details soon. All our ‘special’ nights are charity fund raisers for The Mercy Centre. Since January the total raised to date (27.06.08) is 31,890 Bar La Cage. (Mikes Bar.) That popular little bar next to the White Night and Top Man. Soi V.C. 273/98. 0894028741 http://www.lacage-pattaya.com

I wonder what those "secret chemicals" are. Probably a combination of Thai moonshine and hot peppers would do the trick . . . .

Tuesday, September 3 Opening Rates: US Dollar: 34.23 Euro: 49.555 British Pound: 60.895 Australian Dollar: 28.3575 Canadian Dollar: 31.885 _____ Closing Rates: US Dollar: 34.288 Euro: 49.285 British Pound: 60.525 Australian Dollar: 28.14 Canadian Dollar: 31.7825

There's one way to find out. Go to Immigration and ask.

The following appears in PATTAYA ONE: Click on the link for photos: http://www.pattayaone.net/news_01_09_51.html _____ Water-Powered Car Developed by Local Engineer. On Sunday Afternoon, we attended a presentation of a motor-vehicle which has been modified so it runs on water. The car has been developed by Khun Tanaert who realized that with the higher cost of petrol, alternative energy sources for motor vehicles were important and could make him a lot of money. The presentation was made at a garage located on the Sukumvit Road near Soi Kow Noi and used secret chemicals mixed with normal water to power the vehicle. We understand that the power output of the vehicle fitted with the new system is slightly lower than a conventional vehicle; however the cost of running the vehicle is much lower. Khun Tanaert is now applying for a license to fit cars with the new system which he says will cost around 20,000 Baht. If you would like further information on the new system please call Khun Tanaert on 082 208 9626-8.

The political turmoil in Thailand is starting to take its toll on the baht. Yesterday the baht closed at 34.11 against the US dollar. For the next several days I'll post the opening and closing rates on this thread. As always, I will edit the post at the end of the day to include the closing rates: Monday, September 2 Opening Rates: US Dollar: 34.27 Euro: 49.88 British Pound: 61.405 Australian Dollar: 29.0025 Canadian Dollar: 31.9425 __________ Closing Rates: US Dollar: 34.29 Euro: 49.62 British Pound: 60.995 Australian Dollar: 28.40 Canadian Dollar: 31.89

The following appears in the BANGKOK POST: _____ Army Called Out After Death at Govt House Clash The army interevened early on Tuesday after pro-government demonstrators attacked opponents occupying Government House and killed at least one protester from the People's Alliance for Democracy. Another 21 people were injured in the clashes, and the army commander ordered four companies of Army troops - about 400 soldiers - to the scene. "Soldiers must leave the barracks to help restore peace," said army commander Anupong Paojinda. Troops were armed with batons and shields as they arrived at the scene. The dead man was shot in the chest and beaten around the head, reporters at the scene said. Friends said he was a PAD supporters from Nakhon Ratchasima, who had only arrived in Bangkok on Tuesday with a busload of friends, to support the demonstrations aimed at forcing the government to resign. The condition of the other, injured protesters could not immediately be learned. The clash occurred when police yet again failed to hold their lines separating pro- and anti-government protesters near Government House. Shortly before 2am, attacking groups trying to oust the PAD crowds from Government House broke through the police lines to confront PAD guards. Both sides were mostly wearing motorcycle helmets and carrying sticks, clubs and PVC pipes. After the army appeared on the scene quickly, order was restored and the two sides retreated. ____________________ And this: _____ Nationwide Strikes By Post Reporters Forty-three state enterprise labour unions under control of People's Alliance for Democracy organisers have agreed to stage strikes and to selectively cut water and electricity, halt Bangkok buses and delay all Thai International Airways flights beginning on Wednesday. The aim is to help PAD to force the government out of office. Sawit Kaewwan, secretary-general of the State Enterprise Labour Relations Confederation and a core leader of the People's Alliance for Democracy, said the unions will begin by cutting water and electricity supplies to provincial police offices - and then to other selected targets. Telephone lines to government agencies and the homes of cabinet ministers will be cut. Flights of Thai International flights will be delayed nationwide and about 80 per cent of Bangkok buses will stop running. In a reversal of the policy, train service was restored yesterday to the Northeast and North. A union representative told the union meeting that the 7,500 staff of the Government Savings Bank will "follow the confederation's resolution." Mr Sawit claimed the plan to cut essential services was in response to the use of force against PAD supporters. Fellow PAD radical Sirichai Mai-ngam, president of the labour union at the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand, said the announcement of the confederation was only a threat, but then immediately said it would be put into action. The moves by the PAD-friendly labour unions were intended to protect the interests of the nation and were not for the benefit of state enterprise workers. The confederation has 43 state enterprise labour unions with more than 200,000 members, Mr Sirichai said. "Today is our D-Day. We have given them [the government] many chances. "If the government does not resign, we will continue our operations until it quits," Mr Sawit said. Boonma Pongma, vice-president of the BMTA's union, said there will be only 800 free red-cream buses left to serve Bangkok commuters, or about 20% of the whole fleet. Somsak Manop, vice-president of Thai Airways International's union, said the union will delay the arrival and departure times of THAI aircraft and will reduce the number of flights. Thammarat Ramkwan, president of the Provincial Waterworks Authority's union, said the union will initially cut water supplies to police stations across the country. Phien Yongnoo, president of the Metropolitan Electricity Authority's labour union, said the union was considering cutting off the power supply to help the PAD pressure the government. However, the power supply cut would be applied to government agencies whose bills were overdue by one month. "We will hold a discussion to consider whether the cut-off period could be shorter than one month. It should be one week or whatever. We will do everything to achieve our goal of pressuring the government," he said. However, at least three labour unions from state-run banks disagreed with the planned strike. Kusol Boonklom, president of the Bank for Agriculture and Agricultural Co-operatives' labour union, said members of the BAAC union needed to discuss the planned strike among themselves first. Natthapat Yimyai, president of the Government Savings Bank's labour union, said his members had varying views on whether to join the strike. Somsak Boonthong, chairman of the SRT's board, said the board is considering whether to resign following the stoppages by railway workers. "The move by the SRT union to stop rail services was wrong, so we are considering resigning and taking responsibility," he said. The board is expected to make a decision in two days, he said. Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej called an urgent meeting yesterday to discuss the union stance with leaders of the People Power party. PM's Office Minister Chusak Sirinil said the prime minister stressed the importance of legal means to deal with the protesters. Meanwhile, northern and northeastern train services resumed yesterday after hundreds of railway workers went on strike last week and paralysed the country's rail system. In Nakhon Ratchasima province, State Railway of Thailand governor Yutthana Sapcharoen held talks with railway workers and persuaded them to cancel the strike. The first northeastern train, on the Nakhon Ratchasima-Surin route, left at 6pm, while northeastern-bound services from Bangkok were expected to resume last night.

The following appears in the BANGKOK POST: _____ Foreign Concerns As signs of violence continue to emerge between the People's Alliance for Democracy and the administration of Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej, there is one group hoping for a miracle of peaceful reconciliation - the diplomatic corps. Analysis By Achara Ashayagachat The ambassadors, consuls and embassy officers stationed in Bangkok believe Thailand cannot afford to hurt its core, income-generating sectors that are intricately linked to the outside world, such as the tourism industry and foreign direct investment (FDI). Like the Thai public, two foreign representatives are tensely watching if this political battle will turn the clock of Thailand's democracy backwards, in which case they would have to accept the Thai people's choice with pity. A Nordic ambassador said it was still too early to draw conclusions regarding the medium- and long-term impact on the FDI. For now, foreign investors are following Thailand's political situation very closely and will in due course make up their minds whether Thailand is still a good country for them to invest in. Since the ouster of former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, there has been no major dangerous signs until the past several days, when clashes between police and demonstrators took place. According to the ambassador, the latest disturbances were the two bomb blasts in the protest vicinity that are starting to shatter the fragile confidence of the tourism sector. Inevitably, Thailand depends largely on the revenue from this sector. If there are more incidents of violence and more bombs go off on either side, both the tourists and foreign investors will unfortunately be scared away, the diplomat said. The anti-government PAD's siege of the Government House has gone on for about a week now. And there is no sign they would consider retreating. At the same time, the pro-government United Front of Democracy Against Dictatorship (UDD) has given its marching orders and is moving ever closer to the encamped PAD demonstrators - a move that is causing people to worry about violent clashes. Meanwhile, the special joint session of parliament, aimed at resolving the ongoing political turmoil, provided meager, if any, hope of achieving a solution. The increasingly grim outlook has caused another wave of concern among the diplomatic corps, who have only restored recognition of Thailand since the Dec 23 election when the country managed to have a democratically elected government once again, after more than a year under military coup. Quite a few diplomats are puzzled by the very fact that there are strong voices among the Thai people, led by the PAD, calling for another military intervention and a shift from the one-man-one-vote, to a mostly-appointed representative system. The division in Thai society is so deep, the Nordic ambassador observed. It was supposed to become less but has instead become more pronounced. Differing views are not being taken into account and it seems there is not much room for compromise in this stand-off. The Sept 19, 2006 coup failed to solve the rift within Thai society, let alone the political problems. Italian ambassador Ignazio di Pace agreed that the country's political developments are turning to a dangerous corner, as the two opposing groups might confront each other and accidents can occur any time. "The longer the confrontation is allowed to go on with no agreement, the more sensitive the situation will become. This can have a great implication for Thailand and it is a great sadness for me, after three years here, to see the on-going situation," Mr di Pace said. The Italian ambassador yesterday went to see with his own eyes how the PAD demonstrators were sticking to their battleground. He said Thailand was now being featured on the BBC and CNN's main news coverage and the issue is in the international fora. Certainly, it's not a good image that is being presented. For example, tourists are trapped at Phuket international airport while the center of national administration, Government House, has been seized. "This is very unique," he said. The Nordic ambassador added that in other countries it would be unimaginable for demonstrators to seize Government House and for the governing administration to allow such an incident to take place, either. Still, he hoped there would be some peaceful way to iron out the differences. The basic principle to start with is to respect the court process and the rule of law. If the former or present premier is accused of being corrupt, the public should work to ensure that they are punished by the courts. "It should be like that, shouldn't it?" the ambassador asked. But before talking about the legalities, he suggested that a commission be established to defuse the situation and bring the country back from the brink and from potentially violent clashes. However, the idea of a mediator or mediating committee will only work if both sides accept the person or persons chosen for the task, he said. "Unless the PAD gives up or the premier agrees to step down, both sides will remain locked in an impasse. But if one agrees to slip away from that point and allow parliament to choose a new leader from the ruling or coalition parties, will that be acceptable for the Thais?" he asked. The Italian ambassador remained hopeful that a peaceful way to reconcile still existed, a way to solve the problem that was consistent with the rule of law. "It is certainly the business of the Thai people, but as a friend of Thailand, I want to ensure that democracy remains the best system despite some shortcomings," said Mr di Pace. Clearly, he said, there is an attempt to go back from the electoral system to a semi-appointment system, but he doubted if Thailand could afford to reverse the system it has been implementing for several decades. Like the Nordic diplomat, the Italian ambassador also confirmed that should parliament appoint a new government, or even if the Thais eventually choose to try a different system other than electoral, "I'm still Thailand's friend." "But I just doubt if that would work for Thailand," he said. Sunai Phasuk, representative of Human Rights Watch, conceded that members of the international community may be scratching their heads when it comes to the current political situation in Thailand. Thailand has had experience with ideological conflicts before, Mr Sunai said. "During the Oct 1973 or May 1992 incidents, we learned that once one camp starts to dehumanize the other, the conflict would end in blood. We need crisis envoys or a commission to stop that," he said. At this point, university rectors are discussing if it is possible to offer some choices that are acceptable to both conflicting camps and to ask them to come to the negotiating table. There they can debate and review what went wrong with the current electoral system and what can be done. It remains to be seen whether such a proposal will find an audience amid the ever louder protest calls.

I'm a little interested in the answer to that question too. I've never heard of this particular language school. What sets it apart from others?

Our dear friends and guests, Please be informed of our new Gourmet Set Menu serving from September 1. through 15 available at Casa Pascal Only Weekly Set Menu serving from September 2 ~ 15 available at both Casa Pascal and Poseidon. September 1. – 15. Gourmet Set Menu House Champagne *** Amuse Bouche *** White Wine Cackle Berry Chardonnay, Australia 2004 French Fine de Claire Oyster & Alaska King Crab Leg *** Chicken Cream Soup with three Beans and smoked Salmon Tatar *** Tian of Sardines, Egg Plants and Tomatoes *** Lime Sherbet *** Red Wine Sea Horse Bay, Shiraz, Australia,2006 *** Almond crusted Pacific Dory on creamy Pesto Angel Hairs or Chicken Ballotine stuffed with Truffles and potted Apples Lentils and Brussel Sprouts *** Mango Parfait with Coconut Ice Cream or Selection of premium international Cheese *** Coffee or Tea Calvados, Grappa, Remy Martin, Williams Food only 1,450 Baht net (31.60 Є), Menu with Unlimited Beverages 2,900 Baht net (63.20 Є) <Weekly Special September 2. – Sep. 8. > APPETIZER Apple, Celery and Chicken Salad on Lemon Mayonnaise Dressing SOUP Spinach Cream Soup with Quail Egg MAIN COURSE Burgundy Beef Stew with Potato Dumpling or Risotto with Squid & Clams DESSERT Crème brûlée or Coffee or Tea <Weekly Special September 9. – Sep. 15. > APPETIZER White Asparagus with Black Forest Ham SOUP Tomato Cream Soup MAIN COURSE Pork Steak in Mushroom Cream Sauce and Buttered Noodles or Chicken Cordon Bleu, French Fries and green Salad DESSERT Amaretto Ice Cream Cake or Coffee or Tea WINES White Wine : Monte Vino Bianco, Italy Red Wine : Monte Vino Rosso, Italy Food only: 3-Course @ 580 Baht net 4-Course @ 680 Baht net Food & unlimited Wine: 3-Course @ 950 Baht net 4-Course @ 1,300 Baht net *** All prices are including 7% VAT. Service tip is at your own discretion ***

The following appears in the BANGKOK POST: _____ Analysis: Tyranny of a Minority In other civilised countries, provocation and occupation of the seat of government would bring swift enforcement of the law. The PAD's revolting rampage has been met with tame official responses. By Thitinan Pongsudhirak The writer is Director of the Institute of Security and International Studies, Faculty of Political Science, Chulalongkorn University. ______________________________ Over the past three years, Thai politics has degenerated from the tyranny of a majority under former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra to that of a minority led by the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD). Prior to the military coup in September 2006, Mr Thaksin exploited his Thai Rak Thai party's electoral successes to abuse power and monopolise political outcomes, reaping rents and rewards for businesses of his family and associates and lining pockets of his cronies. But now his erstwhile opponents have abused their unelected power from a different direction, holding the entire country hostage to their demands and revealing their distrust and disdain for the majority of the electorate. The ongoing political crisis took a turn for the worst on August 26 when PAD demonstrators moved from their regular street protests to arbitrarily take over a state TV station, several ministries and Government House. They resorted to physical force by breaching and tearing down the fences and walls of these state agencies, and have since encamped at Government House. These unlawful efforts were an unprecedented provocation. In other civilised countries, such a provocation and occupation of the seat of government would have been met with a swift and complete enforcement of the law to regain the state properties. Instead, the PAD's revolting rampage has been met with tamed official responses. Even at Makkhawan Bridge in an old and historic area of Bangkok where altercations between the authorities and protesters ensued following a police attempt to dismantle the three-months-old protest site, injuries were limited. More protesters were injured when they marched and confronted police at the gates of the Metropolitan Police Bureau. Stationed inside the gates with the PAD crowds massing outside, the police reportedly deployed several tear gas canisters. The adverse public reactions to the authorities over these scuffles are understandable. State-perpetrated violence against the people is deeply etched in the Thai psyche, imprinted by the military's gruesome suppression of university students in October 1976 and middle-class demonstrators in May 1992. Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej's role in the October 1976 suppression also constrains him from being seen as trigger-happy. As a result, Mr Samak has allowed the PAD to rule the streets and illegally occupy Government House. In addition, as the PAD bullies its way in a unilateral and anti-democratic effort to bring closure on the Samak government, its many sceptics and critics are cowed into silence. Dissent against the PAD brings personal attacks and character assassinations. Yet this is the time for those myriad Thais - the silent majority - who never liked Mr Thaksin then and despise Mr Samak now - to come out and condemn the PAD's blatant hijacking of Thailand's democratic system. They lack the PAD's voice, vehicle and organisation, but they must find a way to speak out. The white ribbon campaign, initiated by Thammasat University law professors, should be revived for those who are no fans of Mr Samak and his government but who oppose the PAD's methods and intentions. Other campaigns to give voice to the columns of people sandwiched between the PAD and the Samak government should also be considered and tried. As fledging and fragile as it is, Thailand's democratic system is still in operation. It staged a general election just eight months ago. The voices of people who spoke at the polling booths then should still be respected. Moreover, these voices are now reinforced by a restoration of institutional checks and balances after the coup. Even the PAD leaders have not doubted the current integrity of the independent agencies such as the Election Commission, National Counter Corruption Commission and Constitution Court. Nor has anyone disputed the rulings of the Supreme Court and Criminal Court, which have taken Mr Thaksin to task and issued a conviction and three-year jail sentence on his wife. Mr Thaksin and his wife even had to flee from the law by their exile in England. This judicial process and its several critical verdicts to come on Mr Samak's conflicts of interest and the ruling People Power party's dissolution, among other cases involving government officials, should be respected and allowed to run their course. But the PAD knows that in the end the majority of the electorate is likely to opt for a party with Thai Rak Thai and PPP's winning policy platform. As a result, it has nakedly revealed its hand. The PAD wants to bring Thai politics back to a bygone era of appointed representatives, of keeping Mr Thaksin, Mr Samak, Thai Rak Thai and PPP out of power for good through its own seizure of power. The forces in cahoots with the PAD are now conspicuous. The Democrat party, which has lost the elections time and again and is still unable and unwilling to focus on appealing policies, has never categorically rejected the PAD methods and objectives. Leading Democrats have visited the PAD at Government House, and a Democrat MP has been a PAD organiser from the outset. Democrat party canvassers and their networks are reportedly involved in the closure of Phuket and Krabi airports. If this is untrue, it is imperative on the Democrats' leadership to categorically deny their members' handiwork in the unrest in the southern provinces, their electoral stronghold. Mr Samak now faces dire choices. The PAD leaders have staked their movement exclusively on Mr Samak's resignation. Caught between a rock and a hard place, Mr Samak cannot crack down on the illegal occupants of Government House for fear of what is perceived as his past sins and the potential for a broad-based confrontation and violence. But allowing the PAD's rampage to settle in makes the prime minister look lame duck and ineffectual. The bicameral legislative meeting yesterday was a good way forward but unlikely to resolve the crisis. As Mr Samak's position becomes more untenable, his resignation and the PAD's blackmailed success would be an event of infamy in Thai political annals, a huge setback for Thai democracy. Even those who abhor Mr Samak but who want to see Thailand's longer-term political maturation would have to root for him to weather this round of PAD-instigated maelstrom.

There are now reports of a bombing incident in Bangkok. Apparently the bomb was quite small and no one was hurt. The following appears in the BANGKOK POST: _____ Explosion at Guardhouse after Parliament Meeting (BangkokPost.com) - An explosion occurred at the police guardhouse in Bangkok's Padung Krung Kasem near Pracha Kasem Bridge, opposite of the Teachers Council of Thailand, at around 1am Monday. The incident took place after the special joint session of parliament, aimed at resolving the ongoing political turmoil, ended at 12.45am Monday. The blast shattered glasses of the police guardhouse and nearby buildings, including a private school. The police investigated the site to determine whether the explosion was triggered by ill-intentioned people or caused by the air-condition compressor. According to People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) coordinator Suriyasai Katasila, the group did not trigger the explosion at Padung Krung Kasem. He said other parties could be behind such act and wanted to blame the PAD. The anti-government group will continue to lay siege to the Government House, he added.

The news we're all waking up to on the morning of Monday, September 1 is an escalation of problems and threats - from both sides. The Thai government is threatening to do something similar to what Ronald Reagan did in response to the Air Traffic Controller strike; fire the railroad workers on 'sick out' strike. For those of you who are wondering if all of this is having an effect on life in Pattaya, the answer is no, at least so far. Again, everything in Pattaya is perfectly normal and the only way you would know any of this is going on is by watching and reading the news. In Bangkok, as far as I know, none of this is occurring in the gay areas or major shopping areas. I would have thought all this turmoil would have a dramatic effect on the exchange rate, but so far the baht has remained relatively stable for the past week. Just for the record here are the opening exchange rates for Monday, September 1: US Dollar: 34.06 Euro: 49.81 British Pound: 61.445 Australian Dollar: 28.99 Canadian Dollar: 31.89 ____________________ The following appears in the BANGKOK POST: _____ Transportation, Utilities Threaten Strikes Supporters of the People's Alliance for Democracy threatened on Sunday to stage strikes that threaten electricity and water supplies in Bangkok, and to close more airports in the South. In Bangkok, the union spokesmen of the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand and the Metropolitan Water Works Authority said workers would take a one-day sick leave on Monday. Official Thai News Agency said the spokesmen threatened to cut water supplies and electricity to all police stations nationwide. Media reports quoted PAD supporters in the South as saying protesters could shut down seven airports. The claim appeared credible; the group easily shut three airports last Friday. PAD coordinator Sunthorn Rakrong told reporters in the South that he had the power to close seven airports: Hat Yai, Phuket, Surat Thani, Krabi, Samui, Nakhon Sri Thammarat and Trang. In addition, if they wished, anti-government groups could block all roads leading to the South, as far north as Bor Nok in Prachuab Khiri Khan province. Mr Sunthorn said he expected there would be large protests if Prime Minster Samak Sundaravey tried to enter the South. Railway service has been halted nationwide. TNA finally reported that all railway service has been halted in the North, even around the key city of Chiang Mai. Assistant stationmaster Silrat Deewajee said he had no idea when service might resume. The Transport Ministry warned the State Railway of Thailand union on Sunday it might hire outside workers to get the trains running against unless workers ended the sick-out they began last Thursday in sympathy for PAD protests in Bangkok. ____________________ The following appears in THE NATION: _____ PAD Warns of More Airport Closures in the South By The Nation Published on September 1, 2008 The People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) in the South threatened to close seven airports if Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej refused to resign. Shutting airports was one of the measures they planned to adopt, Sunthorn Rakrong, a coordinator of the PAD from the South said. The airports in their sights were Hat Yai, Phuket, Surat Thani, Krabi, Samui, Nakhon Sri Thammarat and Trang. They also planned to block all roads leading to the South starting from Bor Nok and Prachuab Khiri Khan. As a last measure, they announced that Samak would be barred from entering the South. Meanwhile, the government yesterday threatened to hire new workers if State Railway of Thailand (SRT) staff go on long leave or strike work in a bid to pressure the government to resign. The government will consider hiring train drivers and other staff if this occurs, a minister said. The SRT operates at a loss and the agency relies on taxpayers to continue services. "The strikes hurt the public even more. I believe we can find people who can replace them. We can train them how to operate trains,'' the minister said. Meanwhile, Phuket International Airport resumed services yesterday and protesters later dispersed from the airport entrance, their protest site for three days. Phuket deputy governor Worapoj Ratsima and Wing Commander Wicha Nernlop, director of Phuket International Airport, told a press conference after a meeting that the airport would resume operations yesterday afternoon. Deputy Commissioner of Provincial Police Pol Maj-General Pisan Jundilok said security had been tightened at the airport but the crowd of protesters will not be dispersed. In the meantime, airport staff opened another entrance for both international and domestic passengers to access the airport. The protesters dispersed yesterday afternoon, saying they had been successful in pressuring the government and helping PAD demonstrators in Bangkok to continue their protest. Methee Thanmanatrakul, chairman of Thai Hotels Association in the South, said the protest had caused losses and tarnished the country's image as about 15,000 tourists use Phuket's airport each day. Railway services in Thailand's northern region have been paralysed after all northern line train services in Chiang Mai were suspended yesterday. Passengers have no choice but to change to other modes of transportation. An assistant to the Chiang Mai train stationmaster, Silrat Deewajee, said it is unclear when services can resume. The SRT labour union's work stoppage has disrupted train services nationwide. However, Chiang Mai airport is still open amid tightened security. In the South, Hat Yai airport resumed operations on Saturday after a two-day blockage of the facility. Some passengers travelled from Phuket to embark from Hat Yai airport as the island resort's airport remains closed. Meanwhile, Surat Thai airport resumed services yesterday after some protesters, who had blocked the airport on Saturday, dispersed. ____________________ The following appears in THE NATION: _____ Counter Rallies Mobilise By The Nation Published on September 1, 2008 The ruling People Power Party (PPP) yesterday moved to mobilise masses in Bangkok and provinces to join counter rallies against the anti government People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD). Thousands of PAD protesters still occupied Government House for the sixth day, paralysing the administration of Samak Sundaravej, which yesterday also resorted to a joint parliamentary session to try to defuse the PAD protests. A PPP source said government MPs, especially those in the Northeast, were ordered to organise at least 5,000 supporters per province to hold counter rallies in front of the provincial city halls. These counter rallies will also head for Bangkok if the PAD did not stop pressuring the Samak government, he said. "In Bangkok, we've also prepared to enlist supporters to join the pro government Democratic Alliance Against Dictatorship or DAAD." "These supporters are mainly those working inside industrial estates and factories in Bangkok's peripherals, " said the PPP official. The pro government camp also issued an ultimatum for PAD protesters to leave Government House within the next week or else it would step up its counterattacks. "If they're still adamant, our supporters from all over the country will join forces to help PM Samak to return to his office," Vipoothalaeng Pattanaphumthai, of the pro government DAAD, told crowds gathering at Sanam Luang. The pro government camp also threatened to set the headquarters of opposition Democrat Party on fire as one of its key members is a PAD leader. Pracha Prasobdee, a Samut Prakarn MP, said more government MPs would join the counter rally held by DAAD to show support for Samak. "We won't use violence. We will be peaceful and I believe hundreds of thousands of people will join counter rallies," he said. The pro government DAAD yesterday held a counter rally in front of Parliament as MPs and senators joined the debate on anti government protests. Besides the Bangkok counter rally, pro government groups also show up in several northeastern and northern provinces such as Nakhon Ratchasima, Chaing Mai and Buriram. In the northeastern province of Nakhon Ratchasima, pro and anti government groups held rallies next to each other near Suranaree Monument. Police was told to be on high alert to help prevent a potential clash. Prapas Ngoksungnone, a leader of the anti government rally, accused the government of failing to tackle the hardship of farmers. The government has committed massive corruption and acted as a proxy of ousted prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, he said, adding that his group held the rally to protest against the use of force against unarmed protesters in Bangkok. Pol Col Boonlert Wongwatchana said more than 50 police were deployed at Suranaree Monument. In Khon Kaen, some 20 teacher groups issued a statement in support of Samak and condemning the PAD. Niyom Sriwiset, a teacher leader, said Khon Kaen teachers disagreed with the PAD and wanted the government to restore order. In Roi Et, some 1,000 provincial DAAD members also demonstrated in support of Samak. In Buri Ram, PPP MP Sanong Thepaksornnarong led more than 10,000 people from 23 districts in a rally at the Muang district office supporting Samak. In Chiang Mai, some 500 people led by Phetchawat Wattanapongsirikul, chairman of the Federation of Northern People for Democracy, also demonstrated at city hall in support of the government.

It depends on where you intend to be. If you're staying in Bangkok, then as long as you stick to the gay areas and major shopping areas, and keep away from the government buildings, you're probably just fine. In Pattaya you're perfectly safe. In Pattaya you wouldn't even know anything is going on at all. It was like that in Pattaya during the coup too. If it weren't for the news, you never would have known anything was happening. It's the same now. Personally, I would be a little nervous about trying to travel somewhere within Thailand by air, in case the airports get taken over again. But you do have the option of going to the airports and buying one-way tickets. That way, the worst that can happen is you go to your next destination by bus. Nobody has tried taking over buses. I think the odds are in your favor regarding air travel, though. The airports are all clear and operating normally now. Chances are good that the protesters won't try to take over the airports again. In other words, you'll be just fine and there is nothing to worry about at all unless you intentionally go to the areas where the protests are occurring. If you are not sure, then tell your hotel where you intend to go and ask if you are going to encounter the protest areas. I see no need for people to cancel their trips to Thailand, despite what the embassies are saying.

The following appears in the BANGKOK POST: _____ Resort Airports Reopen at Phuket, Krabi Protesters dispersed and authorities reopened the airports at Phuket and Krabi in the South on Sunday, Airports of Thailand announced. Authorities said up to 15,000 passengers have been stranded at the airport on the southern resort isle of Phuket - the gem of Thai tourism. Several thousand more missed their flights at Krabi. "The airport resumed operations at about 11am," Phuket International Airport director Vicha Neunlop said. The island airport is the second busiest in Thailand under normal circumstances. "Krabi airport resumed normal service since early Sunday morning. The first flight from Bangkok has landed. There are no protesters left since the morning," an airport official at the southern resort town said. Hundreds of protesters from the People's Alliance for Democracy appeared suddenly last Friday afternoon at Phuket, Krabi and Hat Yai International airports and forced them to close by barricading approach roads and - in Phuket - going on the runway. Service at Hat Yai was resumed on Saturday.

It's been a long time since I used a short time room. And just think, you had it all set up to go there in no time at all, to use for a little time. Now, that's what I call being prepared, big time . . . . .