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From Bangkok Post While the government is upbeat about its Phuket reopening scheme, health personnel in Greater Bangkok are struggling to deal with a surge of new Covid-19 infections and deaths. Hospitals are experiencing a shortage of intensive care unit (ICU) beds and staff to take care of patients in serious condition. The Public Health Ministry has mobilised 144 newly-graduated doctors from several provinces to help take care of patients amid the shortage of medical personnel in Bangkok. A welcoming event was organised on Thursday for the doctors who specialise in internal medicine, pulmonary medicine, infectious diseases and critical care medicine. "I would like to say sorry [for calling you to come] and thank you for your help," said Thongchai Kiratihatthayakon, deputy permanent secretary for public health, during the ceremony. "Now, Bangkok and the surrounding provinces are in a real crisis, patients are beginning to die at home. "We do not want Thailand to be the same as Europe last year when many patients were allowed to die at home because there were no beds at hospitals," he said. "Some of you might think why it has to be you [to be sent]," Dr Thongchai said. "It is because we really want your help, and your rectors see that you are the best. Now [the outbreak] is not manageable, that's why we want you all." "In our life, we have never experienced something like World War II but we are now in a war where all countries around the world are struggling to fight against this disease," he said. https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/2141823/doctors-arrive-in-capital-amid-surge-in-cases =========================== From The Nation

From Thai Enquirer Rainbow Capitalism is all sizzle and no steak Pride month may be over but many challenges remain for the LGBTQ+ community in Thailand. Among the biggest challenges are sorting allies from opportunists, especially corporations eager to capitalize on the growing LGBTQ+ market without actually taking meaningful steps to support the community. This opportunism is known as rainbow capitalism or pink capitalism. The LGBTQ+ market was worth 1.7 trillion baht as far back as 2016 and is undeniably one of the biggest Thai consumer markets out there. While campaigns like the 2018 Tourist Authority of Thailand’s ‘Open To The New Shades’ ploy brings tourism dollars into the country, legislation has fallen ironically behind the progressive facade the TAT put in place. While Thailand is the first country within the region to enact a Civil Partnership Bill, something the TAT can promote to the tune of billions of tourist dollars, activists say it is not enough in the long run. Ta Kasitipradit, a graphic designer and activist on LGBTQ+ issues at Thaipface is one of those critics who say that corporations and the governments can do more. “A corporation’s solidarity to the LGBTQ+ community does not and should not lie in the flags put up every Pride Month but rather their receipts, their financial spendings and contributions towards LGBTQ+ causes, their vote in support of bills concerning LGBTQ+ rights — pride is not superficial”. Critics like Ta understand that while Thailand and Thai corporations like to position itself as a gay friendly paradise, the truth is that the LGBTQ community still faces discrimination when it comes to legislation. Continues at https://www.thaienquirer.com/29302/thailands-rainbow-capitalism-is-all-sizzle-and-no-steak-when-it-comes-to-supporting-lgbtq-rights/

From Antaran News Jakarta (ANTARA) - Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs and Investment, Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan, has hinted that the government will likely delay opening Bali to foreign tourists following the recent spike in COVID-19 cases. "When it comes to Bali, I think you can answer it yourself. It is impossible to reopen it (in the near future), given the (presence of the) Delta (variant of COVID-19 in the country)," he said at an online press conference on the implementation of emergency public activity restrictions (PPKM) in Jakarta on Thursday. The Indonesian government is currently focusing on handling the COVID-19 pandemic, he said adding, it will implement emergency PPKM in Java and Bali from July 3 - July 20, 2021. "So we are not thinking of it (reopening Bali) anymore. At this moment, we are thinking of how to lower (COVID-19 cases) by inoculating as many people as possible and (ensure people are) following the health protocols. That is what we are doing now," the minister informed. https://en.antaranews.com/news/178058/indonesia-likely-to-postpone-reopening-of-bali-to-foreign-tourists

From The Reuters / Thaiger 5 million Moderna doses for private hospitals 5 million doses of the US-made Moderna Covid-19 vaccine will be imported to Thailand at the end of 2021 and the beginning of 2022 to be administered by private hospitals. A set price of 3,400 baht for a package of the 2-dose vaccine, including service fees and insurance, was agreed on by the Private Hospitals Association. The first 3.9 million doses of the vaccine will be delivered by the fourth quarter of the year while the next 1.1 million doses will be delivered in the first quarter of 2022, according to Thailand’s Government Pharmaceutical Organisation, which procured the vaccines for the private hospitals. The Thai government’s nationwide Covid-19 immunisation campaign has heavily relied on the AstraZeneca vaccine and the Sinovac vaccine. The Infectious Disease Association of Thailand recently wrote a letter to PM Prayut Chan-o-cha, urging him to procure more mRNA vaccines for Thailand. The Moderna and Pfizer vaccines are mRNA. Thailand has also ordered 5 million doses of the 1-shot Johnson & Johnson vaccine as well as 20 million doses of the Pfizer vaccine, which is a mRNA type of vaccine. https://thethaiger.com/news/national/thailand-to-import-5-million-moderna-vaccine-doses-for-private-hospitals ==================================== From The Thai Enquirer Senior doctor says home quarantine for asymptomatic patients “necessary” Asymptomatic patients must be allowed to home quarantine to free up space and reduce pressure on the country’s healthcare system, a senior doctor at Siriraj Hospital told Thai Enquirer on Wednesday. Hospital beds, including those at field hospitals, are now in short supply throughout the Greater Bangkok area as Covid infection numbers climb above 4,000 new cases per day. In response, the Department of Medical Services (DMS) said this week that Asymptomatic patients should be allowed to quarantine at home to alleviate pressure on the healthcare system. (Read more here) Now, a senior doctor at Siriraj Hospital says that the policy must be introduced immediately because of the new Delta Variant of the virus. “This new variant has already spread to over 30 provinces and it is more contagious than previous strands that we have seen,” said the doctor who asked not to be named citing hospital policy. https://www.thaienquirer.com/29141/senior-doctor-says-home-quarantine-for-asymptomatic-patients-necessary/ =============================== From The Thaiger 57 deaths; 5,533 new infections 5,533 new Covid-19 cases and a record high of 57 Covid-related deaths were reported today by the Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration. Since April 1, the latest and most severe wave of the virus in Thailand, the CCSA has reported 235,971 Covid-19 cases. Out of the new cases, 44 were reported in correctional facilities, showing an improvement in the Covid situation at Thai prisons, where more than 30,000 inmates have tested positive for the virus over the past few months, but a significant increase in the number of local transmissions.

Burdett’s Bangkok series encompasses six books over a dozen years. If I had to pick two must reads, it would be the bookends: Bangkok 8 and The Bangkok Asset. But I found all of these gems good reads that offer much insight into prostitution, Buddhism and corruption, Thai style. Although I agree with CurtisD on the wisdom of Col. Vikorn when it comes to matters of prostitution, it’s noteworthy that the protagonist of the series, Detective Sonchai Jitpleecheep acknowledges that his most significant other is fellow cop and boyhood pal, Pichai, who we come know in the first few pages of Bangkok 8. Sadly, Picahi meets an untimely death in the line of duty and our detective makes no qualms about his intense emotions for the young man: “I roll a fat spliff, light up, inhale heartily. Now all of a sudden, I’m distilling grief. I’m ripping off every Band-Aid, I’m daring to bleed, and I’m concentrating the pain (Buddha, how I loved that boy!) I don’t want relief, I want him. With my agony carefully located right between my yes, I take another toke, hold it as long as I can, repeat the process. I don’t want enlightenment, I want him. Sorry, Buddha, I loved him more than you.” These are books I've reread many times. You can read more about the series, and other Burdett novels at the link below. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Burdett#The_Sonchai_Jitpleecheep_Series Lucky has also recently posted about the Burdett novels.

From The Thai Enquirer Government’s latest Covid-19 restrictions spark civil disobedience campaign The hashtag #กูจะเปิดมึงจะทําไม (“We’re staying open. What are you going to do about it?”) trended on Thai social media on Wednesday following the country’s latest Covid-19 restrictions, which prohibit restaurant dine-ins and mandate a 9 pm closing time for one month. Thailand tightened its Covid-19 restrictions from June 28 after prime minister Prayut Chan-o-cha declined to call for a lockdown of the capital to control the outbreak that began in April. These latest restrictions were announced in the middle of the night on June 26, prompting criticisms and complaints from citizens nationwide. On Tuesday night, one Facebook user and restaurateur took matters into their own hands and began a campaign, which sparked the trending hashtag, calling for other restaurateurs to band together and allow customers to dine-in — with Covid-19 measures in place — despite the ban from the government. There has been tremendous online support for the campaign, with many netizens pledging to dine at any restaurant that participates. Restaurateurs, specifically, have also chimed in to express their grievances and frustration with the government’s handling of the situation. “How is it fair that big corporations like 7-11 are allowed to stay open for 24 hours while us small businesses are left to die? We’ve barely seen any clusters originating from restaurants,” wrote one Twitter user. “We can go into the malls and walk around for hours but just can’t eat at a restaurant in there. What kind of logic is this?” asked another user rhetorically. https://www.thaienquirer.com/29165/__trashed/ ========================================== Medical body tells government to stop buying Sinovac, focus on mRNA vaccine A recommendation from the Infection Disease Association was widely shared on social media on Wednesday urging the government to acquire more mRNA vaccines and less Sinovac. In a statement dated Tuesday, the body recommended the purchase of mRNA vaccines, including those made by Moderna and Pfizer, rather than inactivated vaccines, such as Sinovac, in anticipation of the Delta variant. The Delta variant, first found in India, has the potential to surpass the Alpha variant, first identified in the United Kingdom, as the dominant variant in Bangkok within the next couple of months, the Department of Medical Science said on Monday. “In the plan to purchase 150 million doses, Sinovac vaccines account for a high percentage, even when the vaccination is not very effective against Covid-19,” the statement said. “The ratio to buy mRNA vaccines should be the highest, and that would benefit the efforts to contain and prevent the virus,” they added. They said that existing vaccines are less effective against the Delta variant than they were against the original variant. mRNA vaccines are also less effective, and their ability to develop immunity is reduced, but they are still protective. Despite modest reductions of 3.2 to 2.1 fold in response to the Delta variant when compared to the original strain, Moderna said the vaccine should still protect against it. AstraZeneca’s ability to develop immunity against the Delta variant is also reduced. But a study released by Oxford University last week shows that AstraZeneca and Pfizer remain effective against the variant. Both vaccines offer 90 per cent protection against hospitalization from the Delta variant. However, there has yet to be any study that suggests Sinovac is effective against the Delta variant, as no official study has ever been released by the Chinese maker, the Infection Disease Association said. “The Sinovac study confirms its effectiveness against only the Alpha variant, which is insufficient for determining what vaccines to consider for the next batch,” they said. https://www.thaienquirer.com/29152/medical-body-tells-government-to-stop-buying-sinovac-focus-on-mrna-vaccine/ ==================================== From The Thaiger Covid-19 Update: 4,786 new cases A record high of 53 Covid-related deaths was reported today by the Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration, raising the pandemic’s death toll in Thailand to 2,023. The vast majority of Covid patients died over the past 3 months with the daily fatality count in the 20s to 40s. 4,786 new Covid-19 cases were reported today, with most infections reported in Bangkok. The CCSA has reported a total of 259,301 Covid-19 infections since the start of the pandemic last year. Of that number, 230,438 cases were reported since April 1 in Thailand’s latest and most severe wave of infections. The current wave of Covid-19 is on an upward trend with 49,799 active cases 1,911 are in critical condition, including 556 of those patients are on ventilators. 1,826 new cases in Bangkok. More than 100 clusters in Bangkok are being monitored, according to Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Natapanu Nopakun, who gives the daily Covid update in English. “We are all facing emotional fatigue as well as general exhaustion in society, not only in Thailand but around the world. Now that’s something that we have to continue to join hands, continue to fight off Covid together. Our efforts will pay off, for sure.” Cases remain high provinces surrounding the capital with 433 new cases reported in Samut Prakan, 253 cases in Samut Sakhon, 191 in Nakhon Pathom, 177 in Pathum Thani, and 155 in Nonthaburi. https://thethaiger.com/coronavirus/wednesday-covid-19-update-4786-new-cases-provincial-totals

From the BBC The colonial law that left an anti-LGBTQ legacy in Asia For much of the past two centuries, it was illegal to be gay in a vast swathe of the world - thanks to colonial Britain. Till today, colonial-era laws that ban homosexuality continue to exist in former British territories including parts of Africa and Oceania. But it is in Asia where they have had a significantly widespread impact. This is the region where, before India legalised homosexual sex in 2018, at least one billion people lived with anti-LGBTQ legislation. It can be traced back to one particular law first conceptualised in India, and one man's mission to "modernise" the colony. 'Exotic, mystical Orient' Currently, it is illegal to be gay in around 69 countries, nearly two-thirds of which were under some form of British control at one point of time. This is no coincidence, according to Enze Han and Joseph O'Mahoney, who wrote the book British Colonialism and the Criminalization of Homosexuality. Dr Han told the BBC that British rulers introduced such laws because of a "Victorian, Christian puritanical concept of sex". "They wanted to protect innocent British soldiers from the 'exotic, mystical Orient' - there was this very orientalised view of Asia and the Middle East that they were overly erotic." "They thought if there were no regulations, the soldiers would be easily led astray." While there were several criminal codes used across British colonies around the world, in Asia one particular set of laws was used prominently - the Indian Penal Code (IPC) drawn up by British historian Lord Thomas Babington Macaulay, which came into force in 1862. It contained section 377, which stated that "whoever voluntarily has carnal intercourse against the order of nature with any man, woman or animal" would be punished with imprisonment or fines. Lord Macaulay, who modelled the section on Britain's 16th Century Buggery Act, believed the IPC was a "blessing" for India as it would "modernise" its society, according to Dr Han and Dr O'Mahoney's book. The British went on to use the IPC as the basis for criminal law codes in many other territories they controlled. Till today, 377 continues to exist in various forms in several former colonies in Asia such as Pakistan, Singapore, Bangladesh, Malaysia, Brunei, Myanmar and Sri Lanka. Penalties range from two to 20 years in prison. In places with Muslim-majority populations which also have sharia law, LGBT persons can also face more severe punishment such as flogging. Lasting legacy Activists say these laws have left a damaging legacy on these countries, some of which have long had flexible attitudes towards LGBTQ people. Transgenderism, intersex identity and the third gender, for example, have traditionally been a part of South Asian culture with the hijra or eunuch communities. In India, where for centuries LGBTQ relationships were featured in literature, myths and Hindu temple art, present-day attitudes now largely skew conservative. "It's in our traditions. But now we are getting so embarrassed about [LGBTQ relations]. Clearly the change happened because of certain influences," says Anjali Gopalan, executive director of Naz Foundation India, a non-governmental organisation which offers counselling services for the LGBTQ community. One common argument governments have made for keeping the law is that it continues to reflect the conservative stance of their societies. Some, like India, have even ironically argued that it keeps out "Western influence". But activists point out that this perpetuates discrimination and goes against some countries' constitutions which promise equal rights to all citizens. This has a "de-humanising effect" on an LGBTQ person, and can seriously impact their access to education and career opportunities as well as increase their risk of poverty and physical violence, said Jessica Stern, executive director of LGBTQ rights group OutRight International. "If you're a walking criminal, you're living with a burden every day. Whether you internalise it or not, it affects you and everyone who loves you," she told the BBC. The Covid pandemic has exacerbated these problems, she added. One recent example her group found was in Sri Lanka, where the police were tasked to distribute emergency rations while the country was under curfew - but some in the LGBTQ community were too afraid to come forward due to the country's anti-sodomy law. "People said they have to risk arrest or risk going hungry… it's a stark life or death choice they have to make," said Ms Stern. Some governments, like Singapore, have tried to tread the middle ground by publicly promising never to enforce the law. But the LGBTQ community in the city-state say this is unfair as they live knowing the government could change its mind at any time. Olivia and Irene Chiong left Singapore five years ago for the US, where they got married and are both legally recognised as the mothers of their two daughters - something that would not be possible back home. The lack of rights is one reason they find it difficult to return, as well as the refusal among some Singaporeans including government ministers to acknowledge that there is discrimination. "I think for me the biggest frustration comes from the fact that Singaporeans think everything's okay - that as long as gay people keep quiet... keep themselves in the closet, it's fine!" said Olivia. "There are many rainbow families in Singapore…You can't just keep sweeping things under the carpet. "The only reason why Singapore is holding so tightly to (377) is because it gives them the illusion of control," she said. A long road ahead There has been progress - most notably, of course, with the Indian Supreme Court's decision in 2018 to repeal 377, following years of legal challenges mounted by determined activists. It was a historic decision and a major step forward for LGBT rights in India. But three years on, there is still a very long way to go in changing cultural attitudes, activists say. "The most common thing we still see in counselling is families wanting their gay sons to get married (to a woman)," said Ms Gopalan. "Everything is linked to the family in India, and marriage is a very big part of our lives. So the first issue is acceptance from the family and then by extension, society." Activists say more protection is needed, such as anti-discrimination laws. Earlier this month, a court in Chennai ordered officials to draw up plans for reforms to respect LGBTQ rights. Still, India's repeal of 377 has helped to lessen the stigma - and inspired other countries. In Singapore and Kenya, activists have used the repeal in legal arguments against their own colonial anti-homosexuality laws. Two centuries after it was used by the British as a legal blueprint, India once again is seen as an example to follow - this time to strike down that very law that was exported across Asia. "It has emboldened others in Asia, unequivocally... it sent a message to all former colonial outposts," said Ms Stern. "Activists I spoke to have said that if it can happen in India, it can happen here too." https://www.msn.com/en-xl/news/other/the-colonial-law-that-left-an-anti-lgbtq-legacy-in-asia/ar-AALyE86#image=3

From Vietnam Express Vietnam has decided to shorten centralized quarantine time for fully vaccinated entrants from 21 days to seven, as the country plans to initiate a vaccine passport program. Officials made the announcement at a meeting Friday between the National Steering Committee for Covid-19 Prevention and Control and the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism. It's still not clear when the new quarantine period will be applied and if it will be limited to a number of destinations in Vietnam. But it is part of the country's plan to trial the use of vaccine passports that allow foreigners to travel to certain destinations that have managed the novel coronavirus pandemic well. Previously, on Tuesday, the tourism ministry and Kien Giang authorities had been requested to prepare a plan to receive foreigners to Phu Quoc Island in the southern province next month. https://e.vnexpress.net/news/news/vietnam-cuts-quarantine-time-to-7-days-for-vaccinated-entrants-4299431.html ===================================== Form Vietnam Express International flights may resume later this year Flight routes between Vietnam and Northeast Asia and Europe may resume later this year, the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam (CAAV) anticipates. A CAAV representative said Monday that they expect Covid-19 vaccination rates in Vietnam and the rest of the world, especially in important aviation markets for Vietnam like Northeast Asia and Europe, would increase greatly in the second half of 2021. Back in March, the CAAV had proposed the reopening of international flight routes in stages, where certain flights could resume this September under a "vaccine passport" program, which allows a shortened quarantine period for eligible entrants. A maximum threshold of seven such flights were proposed. https://e.vnexpress.net/news/news/international-flights-may-resume-later-this-year-aviation-authority-4301344.html

From MSN News Thai stars relive experiences, lessons Filipinos saw the emergence of Thai Boys Love (BL) genre last year and embraced it with open arms. I Told Sunset About You (ITSAY) was one BL series that caught their attention and fancy. Good news is, POPTV, the first all-Pinoy streaming service, streams the Filipino-dubbed version of the coming-of-age drama series, produced by Nadao Bangkok and Line TV. A quick recall of the ITSAY plotline: Childhood friends named Teh and Oh-aew, played by actors Billkin Putthipong and PP Krit, respectively, ghosted each other because of a petty misunderstanding. After many summers, they run into each other in a review school. As they work their way to pass, if not ace, the college entrance exam, the two rekindle their friendship. “I think ghosting is something we could do but we should not do, because we should actually solve the problem,” PP gave his two cents, through a translator, on a person’s decision to cut ties and cut off communication with another person without explanation in an interview with The STAR. “We should find the cause of the problem. And we should talk about it, like be clear with each other.” He added that sometimes people are not in the mood to talk about their problems, and if one may add, they feel compelled to run away from others. “If we will eventually talk, but our mood has not settled down yet, it may bring the problem to a bigger effect,” said PP. That’s why people need some time and space to think things over and talk again. According to Billkin, there are two possible reasons why a person ghosts another in a relationship. “One is you are hating that guy so much,” said he in English. “Another thing is you love that guy so much. You want to raise the attention from him.” Billkin continued that ghosting is not a sign of cowardice but didn’t rule out the possibility that one ghosts another “(because) he is a coward.” What’s clear is, reasons for ghosting are varied and personal. He added that a person may do it to see how people react to and feel about the former’s sudden disappearance. “I like his confidence,” said PP about his character, Oh-aew. “He knows his goals, his aims and his objectives (in life). Although he may not be sure about his future path, his future career or what he actually wants to do (next) but his being confident is (what) I really love about him.” Teh’s concern for others, on the other hand, has won the heart of Billkin. “He is a caring person,” said the actor. “He always thinks of others in everything he does. He cares for his mom, he cares for his brother, he cares for his friends. That’s the thing that I love most (about my character).” I Told Sunset About You is among the popular BL series of 2020. Many may attribute its following to PP and Billkin’s performances, the script and cinematography. Its sequel I Promised You The Moon is available on Line TV and Vimeo Plus. https://www.msn.com/en-ph/news/national/i-told-sunsets-about-you-thai-stars-relive-experiences-lessons/ar-AALoRlB

From The Thai Enquirer Thai LGBTQ+ history through the looking glass: religious freedom and LGBTQ+ rights in Thailand In 2015, Thailand enacted the landmark Gender Equality Act that made gender-based discrimination illegal. However, gender discrimination is allowed if it serves to protect “the welfare and safety of a person or for following religious rules, or for the security of the nation” according to Section 17 in the Act. Despite the lack of overt persecution of LGBTQ+ individuals, Thai society is still not wholly accepting of gender and sexual minorities according to a 2014 UNDP report. In this article, we interview LGBTQ+ activist Sirisak “Ton” Chaited (they/them) about their recent gender-inclusive monasticism #ทุกคนต้องบวชได้ #ทุกเพศต้องบวชได้ campaign and dive into the brief LGBTQ+ history in Thailand to better understand the intersectionality between religious freedom and LGBTQ+ rights in Thai society. As 95% of Thais are Buddhists, Buddhism has been the cornerstone of Thai culture for many centuries. Regardless of your interpretation of Buddhist religious scriptures, texts, and teachings, some Thai Buddhist-practioners are of the belief that nonconforming sexual orientation and gender identities may be viewed as a punishment for past lives’ sins or the inability to control sexual tendencies and impulses. Yet a closer look at Thai history may explain why this notion is not a noble truth. Predating the Rattanakosin era (1782 AD – present), various temple murals depict homosexuality among Thai men and women according to Chaingmai-based Dutch journalist Sjon Hauser’s observations in Transsexuality in Northern Thailand Historical Notes. “Whether or not Buddhism has been instrumental in influencing the development of the popular Thai notion [of กะเทย “kathoey”, the Thai term commonly used with, but is not limited to, transwomen, intersex individuals, and effiminate gay men], a very similar mixing of physical and psychological sex, gender behaviours and sexuality occurs both in the Pali terms [sic] pandaka and in the Thai term kathoey. Both terms are parts of conceptual schemes in which people regarded as exhibiting physiological or culturally ascribed features of the opposite sex are categorized together. If Buddhism was not the source of the popular Thai conception of kathoey then at the very least it has reinforced a markedly similar pre-existing Thai cultural concept” wrote Thai history scholar Peter A. Jackson, PhD. in the book Queer Dharma: Voices of Gay Buddhists. After Thailand transitioned from an absolute into a constitutional monarchy in 1932, the state propagated national culture by implementing traditional concepts of gender as one of the tools to establish social order as observed by Scot Barme, a visiting fellow at the History Research School of Pacific and Asian Studies at the Australian National University in his book Luang Wichit Wathakan and the Creation of a Thai Identity; and renowned Thai scholar Thongchai Winichakul in his book Siam Mapped: A History of the Geo-Body of a Nation. The concept of Thai nationhood at the time included imposing “modern” notions of gender identity and sexual orientation through state institutions such as the military, the police, and school which remained to this day. Through this “modernization”, the Thai moral construct was propagated to be inherently intertwined with Thai gender roles — modeled after the Victorian middle-class movement in Europe in order to portray Thailand as a “civilized nation”– which is reflected in personal sense of virtue. Supposedly, adhering to an indoctrinated gender role naturally serves to reflect good morals and character in Thai society. A deviation from the Thai indoctrination of gender roles, in this sense, would allow individuals to shy away from morality, exemplary character, and the Thai nationhood. It is interesting to see how once socially flexible concepts of sexual orientation, gender identity, and morality in ancient Thailand was shaped into an austere and rigid pre-conceived declaration of righteousness by modernity in the pursuit of nationhood. In our pursuit of being civilized we became uncivilized, as it were. According to LGBTQ+ activist, TEDx speaker, organizer of the first-ever Chiangmai Pride Parade in 2009, and Amnesty-acclaimed human rights defender, Sirisak “Ton” Chaited, the gender-inclusive monasticism #ทุกคนต้องบวชได้ #ทุกเพศต้องบวชได้ campaign was initiated because “religious freedom is a basic human right”. For Ton, “religion is generally used as a tool for segregation and is more often than not the root cause of discrimination unto an individual or community; a systemic issue embedded in almost each and every society, including ours”. Continues at https://www.thaienquirer.com/29087/thai-lgbtq-history-through-the-looking-glass-religious-freedom-and-lgbtq-rights-in-thailand/

From The Thai Enquirer Bangkok’s daily Covid case count has reached a new high for a second consecutive day, and it has been trending upwards, the Center COVID-19 Situation Administration Center (CCSA) announced on Tuesday. “Bangkok added another 1,692 cases today, which is a new high for the capital,” said Dr. Taweesin Visanuyothin, CCSA’s spokesman. This surpasses Bangkok’s previous record of 1,628 cases set on Monday, the same day the number of new cases in Thailand topped 5,000, a record-high for the country. “It seems like the number in Bangkok is continuing to increase… and it is now on an upward trend,” Taweesin added. In the past 24 hours, the CCSA reported 4,662 cases and 36 related deaths nationwide. As of April 1, there had been 225,652 cases and 1,876 deaths from Thailand’s third wave, which began at entertainment venues in Bangkok and its surrounding provinces. A total of 47,481 people are currently being treated at hospitals. Among them, 1,846 are in critical condition, including 527 on ventilators. https://www.thaienquirer.com/29111/bangkok-covid-19-reaches-new-high-a-second-day-in-a-row/ ========================================================= From The Thaiger Chief medic says Delta variant will become dominant strain in Bangkok The Department of Medical Sciences says it expects the Delta Covid-19 variant to become the prevalent strain in Bangkok within the coming months. The variant was first reported in Thailand in April, when it was detected in migrant workers in the Laksi district of the capital. The spread of the variant has sparked concern globally due to it being highly contagious and potentially more resistant to vaccines. The Bangkok Post reports that a record 331 cases of the variant were reported in the capital last week, taking the total number of Delta variant infections to 822. DMS chief Supakit Sirilak says there is every indication it will come to be the dominant strain. “All figures foretell that Bangkok will eventually be dominated by the Delta (variant) in the next few months, but please don’t worry. People should follow (containment) measures to prevent disease infection, including by rushing to get vaccinated.” https://thethaiger.com/coronavirus/chief-medic-says-delta-variant-will-become-dominant-strain-in-bangkok

That's certainly an odd anecdote you've selected. You describe a black woman from America (who you say you stumbled upon at a BTS station) who can't speak or read Thai as an example of what's wrong with Thai public education? Hmmm.... That's (how can I put it charitably) convenient? It's also a twofer: you get to disparage both a black woman and the US in the same anecdote. Perhaps you might have described problems directly related to Thailand's management of its public education. But I guess a yarn about a "stout African American lady" from Louisiana was just too rich to pass on. Gimme a break. Somehow this doesn't come as a complete surprise. When you can't envision a solution then you--and your like-minded Thai friends-- assume none can possibly exit.

When you adopt that conclusion in a discussion about achieving equality, it doesn't leave much room for hope and all this windy talk is nothing more than an academic debate. But judging from what I've seen you express over time, I believe you do see some solutions, and one in particular that we all seem to have touched upon at one time or another: change the public education system which rates among the worst in SE Asia. At the moment, only those families with sufficient income to send their children to private schools can prepare them to succeed in university. So, I'd argue, that the ruling class has designed it this way as a means of insuring that only their sons and daughters inherit the levers of all forms of power--commercial, government, social, electoral, judicial, higher education. And the only way to change that is for citizens demand those changes. Otherwise, you tacitly accept the premise that they are nether capable or deserving of equal access.

From Vietnam Express In Japan, "Thua Me Con Di" is currently available on over eight video on demand platforms, including Rakuten TV, Fuji TV On Demand, VideoMarket, Paravi, HikariTV, Crank-In! Video, U-Next, and GYAO. It was released in Vietnam in August 2019, and chosen for "A Window on Asian Cinema", a category for the latest and most talked about films by directors in Asia at the 2019 Busan International Film Festival in South Korea. The directional debut of Trinh Dinh Le Minh, the movie depicts the drama of Van and his boyfriend Ian, who’ve just returned to Vietnam from the U.S. The couple is initially unable to come out about their relationship because of the taboo involved, especially in rural Vietnam. This leads to friction between them, and Van is forced to explain the nature of their relationship to his mother. "Thua Me Con Di" (Goodbye Mother) is among the top five best selling foreign films on the Japanese video on demand platform Rakuten TV. Arriving in Japan in January, the movie has become one in the Top Five Best Selling Foreign Film in the first half of 2021, together with Hollywood blockbusters like "Tenet" and "Wonder Woman: 1984," according to Skyline Media, distributor of "Thua Me Con Di" in Japan. It has also received a lot of kudos from Japanese audiences, with a 4.9/5 star rating on Rakuten TV. https://e.vnexpress.net/news/life/culture/vietnamese-lgbt-themed-movie-becomes-hit-in-japan-4300203.html

From The Thaiger Koh Larn off the coast of Pattaya could be reopening to tourists in the near future. As Thailand prepares to reopen to foreign tourists by October, the Chon Buri island will serve as a pilot project for the area’s reopening. Pattaya Mayor Sontaya Khunpluem says the city is in favour of the Thai government’s 120-day reopening plan, a goal announced by PM Prayut Chan-o-cha earlier this month. No proposed reopening date has been reported, but earlier reports list Pattaya to reopen in September. A vaccination campaign has been launched on the island in an effort to inoculate 70% of people on the island, a requirement for reopening. The Koh Larn reopening pilot project is included in an economic and tourism recovery plan for Pattaya, which was hit hard by the lack of foreign tourists during the pandemic, the mayor says. Local officials plan to revive domestic tourism in the area before the reopening for international tourists. https://thethaiger.com/hot-news/tourism/koh-larn-to-pilot-pattayas-reopening-to-tourists

If the government is afraid of its people, it should be trying to figure out why--unless, of course, it's satisfied with it. China has made great economic strides but rules by fear as a matter of preference. Well that's a far from accurate description how Thailand elects its leaders. The House of Representatives consists of 500 members, of which 350 are directly elected. The other 150 is elected through party lists given to the election commission by the political parties before election day. In the current system as laid out by the 2017 constitution, known as "mixed member apportionment (MMA)", the voter casts a single vote for his or her constituency MP, which is then also used in the calculation of the party list seats. This differs from the previous 2007 constitution, where the vote for constituency MP and party list MP were separate. Special elections can be called if the candidate fail to pass the commission's standards (known as yellow-cards) or if a vacancy occurs. The commission also have the authority to annul or ban candidates based on their standards (red-cards). The last election for the House occurred in 2019, with a special election being held in Chiang Mai after the winning candidate was disqualified. The current 250 senators of the Senate of Thailand were not elected, but were appointed by the National Council for Peace and Order, the military junta which ruled Thailand from 2014 to the 2019 general election. The 2017 constitution does not include elections for the Senate. That's all a far cry from the goal of allowing each citizen to directly elect their leaders. We may face a global crisis, but deviating from the right for voters to directly elect their leaders is not the answer. Only the voters should decide that matter, not a select group of appointed elite members of those societies. Th choice is clear: you either put your trust in each man and woman or you trust a group of the economically and politically privileged. In the end, that's the only way to achieve true democratic institutions.

Fighting oppression can indeed make some people angry. But if the gays who were attacked at the Stonewall Inn didn't get angry, we probably wouldn't even be discussing gay pride today. Human rights is something worth fighting for. Whether you're seeking voting equality, racial equality or sexual equality, no one said it was going to be easy. It often involves risk and admonishment. Lee Kwan Yew's method is to rule his subjects essentially by fear. So I automatically eliminate the Singapore model. And ruling a city state is much easier than a country as large and diverse as Thailand. As for what's achievable, that remains an unknown. But what is definitely known is that you'll never find out unless you try. As to how do you go about actually achieving it, you begin by giving all citizens the right to directly elect their leaders. That's ground zero. I don't think this quote will ever go out of fashion: "Many forms of Government have been tried, and will be tried in this world of sin and woe. No one pretends that democracy is perfect or all-wise. Indeed it has been said that democracy is the worst form of Government except for all those other forms that have been tried from time to time.…" Winston Churchill, 11 November 1947

It's been long acknowledged that the elites of Thai society enjoy a certain impunity when it comes to the law. Most readers can recall the incident when Vorayuth "Boss" Yoovidhya, heir to the Red Bull beverage fortune, ran down and killed a Bangkok motorcycle cop. The hit-and-run took place in August 2012, when Mr Vorayuth rammed his car into a motorcycle driven by Pol Snr Sg Maj Wichian Klanprasert of Thong Lor police station. According to a Bangkok Post article published on June 15 of this year, Mr Vorayuth postponed his court appearances more than five times before finally fleeing abroad in 2012. While Mr Vorayuth was overseas, a speeding charge against him was dropped after its one-year statute of limitations expired in 2013. Meanwhile, a second charge -- failing to stop to help a crash victim -- expired on Sept 3, 2017. Two charges remain active -- the first, for drug use after cocaine was found in his system following a drug test. The charge expires on Sept 3 next year. The second charge -- reckless driving causing death -- will remain valid until 2027. The OAG (Office of the Auditor General) had initially dropped the charge, but later decided to pursue it after a public uproar. https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/2132255/at-least-10-may-face-probe-over-boss-acquittal-role Earlier this month, The Thaiger reported the following news: Killer’s sentence reduced from 10 years to 3, plus community service 4 years ago, 56 year old Suthep Pochanasomboon, was convicted of killing 17 year old Nawaphol Poengpai after an argument about a parking space. Now, Suthep’s sentence has been commuted by the Supreme Court to 3 years. The shooting which led to Suthep’s temporary incarceration happened close to the Ang Silla market, which is in the Chon Buri Province. Suthep had honked his horn at Nawaphol and his friends for blocking an intersection with a van. They argued. Suthep swore, honked his horn, flashed his lights. At some point, Suthep was punched in the face several times. Eventually, the van was moved. However, this was not enough to satiate Suthep. He followed the van, honking again. Nawaphol and his friends then pulled over and made their way to Suthep’s car. Suthep says he feared for his family’s safety and shot Nawaphol. Suthep was originally found guilty of killing Nawaphol. The Supreme Court felt that Suthep could have fired his gun into the air to scare off Nawaphol and his friends. However, he elected to shoot the teenager in the chest. However, the court also determined Suthep acted in self-defence because he had been assaulted earlier when the two parties had first interacted. Part of Suthep’s reduced sentence is he will have to perform 30 hours of community service and take anger management classes. He was also fined 2,000 baht for having a gun in public. They did not mention whether he is allowed to drive. He is out on probation. SOURCE: Chiang Rai Times Thai PBS https://thethaiger.com/news/national/killers-sentence-reduced-from-10-years-to-3-plus-community-service

For those unfamiliar with SOTUS, it was a popular Thai TV series in 2016-2017. According to Wikipedia, it is an adaptation of the novel SOTUS: พี่ว้ากตัวร้ายกับนายปีหนึ่ง by Bittersweet. The title SOTUS refers to the S.O.T.U.S. [th] system which Kongpob (Prachaya Ruangroj) and his fellow freshmen have to undergo to be recognized by the hazing team, led by third-year student Arthit (Perawat Sangpotirat), as their official junior students. As the activities unfold, the two groups go through a series of conflicts and reconciling, and the friendship and love among them gradually flourish. In early March 2017, a sequel of the series entitled SOTUS S: The Series was announced where both Perawat and Prachaya will reprise their roles. The sequel premiered on 9 December 2017 and was followed by a spin-off on Our Skyy (2018)

Equality for gays can't be achieved by parades or dot parties alone. At some point it requires legislation to ensure those rights to be treated as equals. It's a human rights issue at its core. Far from ruining your discussion, talking about the political implications of attaining equality is indeed necessary. It provides the actual context in which equality can be assured. For equality to be permanent, at some point those rights must be enshrined in law. Pretending that gay pride is not as much a political issue as it is a social issue is short sighted at best.

Amazing how quickly the gloomy forecast for Boeing and AIrbus has turned the corner. From Bloomberg News United Air Seen Finalizing Its Largest-Ever Narrow-Body Jet Deal United Airlines Holdings Inc. is poised to buy more than 200 Airbus SE and Boeing Co. jetliners, one of the largest purchases in its history, as the U.S. carrier revamps its single-aisle fleet with more efficient planes, according to people familiar with the plans. While terms are still being finalized and the order size is in flux, the total deal has expanded from that first reported by Bloomberg News earlier this month, said the people, who asked not to be identified as the talks are confidential. United is expected to take upwards of 150 of Boeing 737 Max jetliners and more than 50 Airbus A321neos, they said. The deal will be showcased during investor and media events scheduled for Tuesday by the Chicago-based carrier. The order highlights the vigor with which demand for new jets has snapped back in the U.S. following the historic collapse in air travel last year as the coronavirus pandemic swept the globe. United ordered 50 of Airbus’s long-distance A321XLR model in 2019 and has accelerated deliveries from previous Max orders to capitalize on Americans’ surging demand for leisure travel. Even with a slew of 737 orders, a parallel deal for Airbus’s A321XLR to replace Boeing 757s, United’s oldest and largest single-aisle jets, would come as a blow to the U.S. planemaker and add to pressure to fill the mid-range gap in its commercial jet line-up. https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2021-06-26/united-air-seen-finalizing-its-largest-ever-narrow-body-jet-deal?srnd=premium

I don't think anyone disagrees with that observation. However, I inclined to point out a flaw in the following rationale: Thinking that enlightened leadership will somehow emerge out of the current undemocratic morass that exists only to perpetuate rule by a small minority of the economically privileged is leaving a hell of a lot to luck. If I had to choose, I'll always opt for the will of all the people to vote for their leaders. It may not guarantee enlightened leaders, but at least it allows the less privileged to have their say in the matter. Otherwise, you assume that commoners are unfit to make weighty decisions that are now being made almost exclusively by hi-so elites concentrated in Bangkok and Chiang Mai. Most of us come to Thailand to spend some quality time with guys, almost all of whom come from lower economic backgrounds. I'm not comfortable with the idea that they may make great partners in bed but can't be trusted to vote for whom they choose. They're not stupid. They can't possibly do any worse than the current crew that rules the roost.

From Channel News Asia The Hong Kong High Court's landmark ruling allows same-sex couples to now co-own subsidised housing AFP/Philip FONG HONG KONG: Married same-sex partners will be allowed to own subsidised housing together in Hong Kong after a landmark High Court ruling on Friday (Jun 25), a major stride for LGBT rights in the financial hub. Hong Kong does not recognise same-sex marriage but individual couples can challenge discriminatory policies in court. Hong Kong's subsidised housing policies, which do not acknowledge same-sex partners as a tenant's family member, "constitute unlawful discrimination on the ground of sexual orientation", the Court said. The case was a second victory for gay couple Henry Li and his deceased partner Edgar Ng against the city's government, after a 2020 ruling allowing same-sex couples equal rights to inheritance. Ng, who suffered from depression, took his own life in December. The case was filed before his death in 2019 but hearings began in April 2021. https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/asia/hong-kong-court-ruling-overturns-anti-lgbt-housing-policy--15090296

From The Thaiger Thai embassies offering COEs for Sandbox travellers from Monday, June 28 The final stumbling block – the issue of Certificates of Entry for people keen to take advantage of the Phuket ‘Sandbox’ – appears to be sorted out. The way is now clear for fully vaccinated travellers to re-enter Thailand via the Phuket Sandbox plan. The plan is also being rolled out for the trio of Gulf Islands – Koh Samui, Koh Phangan and Koh Tao – in a version called ‘Safe and Sealed Routes’ from July 15. Now, Royal Thai embassies in some countries are posting information that travellers can apply for a COE from next Monday, June 28. Click on this link to read HERE. The final part of the Sandbox puzzle, confirmed by the Thai cabinet last Tuesday, was its signing into law as part of the Royal Gazette. That was expected on Thursday or Friday, but, following the update to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website, is now expected over the weekend. For people who had already booked flights and accommodation on Phuket for July, they were unable to complete their paperwork as foreign Thai embassies were not able to issue the necessary Certificate of Entry. Many readers told The Thaiger that the embassies were either impossible to contact or, if they did respond, said they knew nothing of the Phuket Sandbox. Continues at https://thethaiger.com/hot-news/tourism/foreign-embassies-offering-coes-for-sandbox-travellers-from-monday-june-28

I would also prefer that a gay pride demonstration focus on equality. Unfortunately, given deepening social and political divisions, holding events aimed at altering public opinion of any kind would be impossible without politics creeping into the message. When you consider the polarized views on constitutional reform and the growing dissatisfaction with how the government is handling the Covid crisis, there's not much room for light. Taipei has a different social order. Although there remains political divisions among the citizenry, a certain cohesiveness exits because of the common foe across the Taiwan Strait. And the distribution of wealth is not extreme as it is in Thailand. In an atmosphere like this, it's a lot easier to celebrate equality without having to compete with other issues that could subvert the main intent.