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This is the most encouraging report yet. Very happy to learn that the beer bars on ground level are being populated by new--male--faces. The street level view should prove popular because that's where you can make eye contact with passers by. I'd like to think that Thailand and Vietnam could soon work out a travel bubble, given that they're two of the countries that have best managed their respective Covid situations.

From MSN / BBC Vietnam has minimised the economic damage from Covid-19 and is the only country in South East Asia on track for growth this year. Its economy is expected to grow 2.4% this year, according to latest figures from the International Monetary Fund. The IMF credited “decisive steps to contain the health and economic fallout from COVID-19” for the country’s success. Vietnam has had only 1,288 Covid-19 cases and 35 deaths. The IMF is predicting a strong economic recovery in 2021, with growth projected to strengthen to 6.5% “as normalisation of domestic and foreign economic activity continues.” Although Vietnam lacks the health infrastructure of many wealthier countries, it has been widely praised for its public health measures, which quickly brought numbers under control. It was quick to develop testing kits, and used a combination of strategic testing, aggressive contact tracing to help control numbers. The country has seen slower growth this year and its once-thriving tourism sector has taken a particularly bad hit, but it has avoided the worst economic effects of the pandemic. A number of factors have cushioned the blow, according to Michael Kokalari, chief economist for Vinacapital, a Vietnam-focused investment company. Perhaps the most unexpected windfall has come from the huge increase in the number of people working from home globally. “People have bought a new laptop computer or they’ve bought new office furniture, for both working and spending more time at home. Well, a lot of those products are made in Vietnam,” he told the BBC. Vietnam’s exports to the US have increased by 23% in the first three quarters compared to the same period in 2019, with electronics exports up 26%. Vietnam’s manufacturing sector has grown enormously over the past decade because businesses have started to look elsewhere as labour costs in China increased. The ongoing US-China trade war has also made China a less attractive place to manufacture, with a number of tariffs in place on exports. Many multinationals have started operating in Vietnam, including global technology leaders like Apple and Samsung.

From The Thaiger Rejoice Thailand. 681 tourists will arrive in November! Rejoice, roll out the red carpet and sound the bells. Here they come! Thailand is about to be flooded with 681 tourists who have applied for, and received, the Special Tourist Visa. Ok, we’ll admit that’s the number is a bit down on last year’s monthly 3.3 million tourist arrivals (average). But, twisting the numbers like only the Tourist Authority of Thailand can, that’s more than DOUBLE last months’ total tourist intake. The perpetually optimistic governor of the TAT announced the 681 tourists will be visiting Thailand during this month under the much-discussed Special Tourist Visa (STV) program. 263 of those ‘special’ tourists had already completed the 14 day mandatory quarantine, 134 were currently in quarantine and 284 would arrive before the end of November. The TAT governor says that the TAT, Thai Airways and hotels associations had been working on what he called the “Amazing Thailand Plus Special Package”. This was a one-stop-shop service to make it easier for the tourists to get their air tickets, apply for their visa, find out about where to quarantine and book trips around the country once they finish their quarantine period. Thailand would have normally be welcoming around 3.5 million tourists during November (according to 2019 data) but this year’s ‘disruption’, and the Thai government’s response to it, has all but closed down Thailand’s international tourism industry. ================================================= From The Thaiger Coming to Thailand? Check your insurance and ASQ fine print A concerned reader sent us this information, based on his experiences in the ASQ when he arrived in Thailand. We publish them with good faith but would urge everyone to check their insurance situation, whether they’re currently in ASQ or might be in the near future, to check your individual circumstances. The comments made about the ‘system’ are those of the writer… “Under current Thai ASQ rules, anyone who fails the RT-PCR test in quarantine is sent to hospital, even if they have no symptoms. The ASQ quarantine fee (paid in advance to the hotel) does not cover the hospital costs. So insurance is required. 1. I checked with AXA Thailand, as they offer an insurance policy for US$100,000 to meet the Covid-19 insurance laws. They told me this does NOT cover hospitalisation without symptoms, even after failing the covid-19 tests that are required in quarantine. I believe the odds of anyone who fails the test in quarantine having no symptoms are at least 50% and in this case their insurance will be invalid. The policy is not fit for purpose! 2. Most UK insurers offer travel insurance cover for “Emergency Medical Care”. As being sent to hospital merely for failing a test is not an emergency, then they do not cover being sent to hospital from ASQ. 3. Some UK insurers invalidate all of the medical cover, as any visitor to Thailand is “awaiting tests for an undiagnosed condition”, because they require RT-PCR tests.” The bottomline on all this is ask questions, check your insurance coverage and get everything in writing.

From The Nation Solution fired at protesters contained 4 types of tear gas A sample of the solution police fired at pro-democracy protesters on Tuesday has tested positive for four different chemicals which burn the eyes and skin. Riot police fired the solution from water cannons at Kiak Kai Intersection, during a confrontation with protesters who were seeking to rally outside Parliament on the first day of charter-change deliberations. Protesters and journalists hit by the solution suffered stinging eyes and skin, as well as breathing problems. Many needed hospital treatment. On Friday, Weerachai Phutdhawong, a Kasetsart University chemistry professor, announced results of his analysis of a sample of the solution used on Tuesday. The results showed five chemicals, as well as a dye that turned the solution purple. The five substances were dimethyl sulfoxide, 2-Chlorobenzaldehyde, 2-Chlorobenzyl alcohol, 2-chlorobenzalmalononitrile, and o-Chlorobenzylmalononitrile. The first in the list was a solvent for the chemical mixture, said Weerachai. The other four all belong to the tear gas group of chemicals, he said. ====================================================== From Bangkok Post 'Bad Students' gather at Siam BTS Protesters wearing dinosaur costumes try to flee from an approaching inflatable asteroid at the Bad Student rally at the Siam BTS station on Saturday. (Photo: Wichan Charoenkiatpakul) Young “Bad Student” activists gathered on Saturday beneath the Siam BTS skytrain station, a day after it was revealed that two of their teenaged leaders were facing charges for taking part in protests. The demonstrators sheltered under the skytrain platform in front of the Siam Paragon shopping centre after rain forced them to change the rally venue from the nearby Ratchaprasong intersection. Police confirmed that organisers of the rally had informed them about their activity, which was given permission to go ahead. It was expected to end around 9pm. “#Bye bye dinosaurs” was the theme of the event that was publicised on the Bad Student Facebook page. “If parliament cast in the role of ‘dinosaur’ rejects and refuses changes, students like us will be the meteorite that collides with the backwardness of senior figures in society,” another message read. “As our calls for educational reforms are being ignored, see us at the Ratchaprasong intersection on Nov 21. Students will talk about all the things the dinosaurs don’t want to hear!” In keeping with the theme, participants dressed in dinosaur costumes were being pelted by inflatable meteorites launched at them from the crowd.

From Coconuts Bangkok Thailand has ordered more than 100 drugs including cocaine, morphine and opium decriminalized for medical and research use. The sale and possession of 102 substances classified as Category 2 drugs by the 1979 Narcotics Act may be sold or used under very specific limitations, according to a proclamation in yesterday’s Royal Gazette. The new regulations will come into effect in July 2021. Category 2 narcotics include cocaine, opium, morphine oxycodone, fentanyl and codeine. Possession and use will be granted to governmental organizations, approved pharmacies and health workers such as pharmacists, dentists and veterinarians. They can only be sold for medical treatments, research or “government benefit,” according to the proclamation. The regulatory shift is similar to that made in the wake of December 2018 legislation that cleared the way for medical marijuana. Possession is allowed for the purpose of manufacturing approved medical formulas and approved research programs. Notably, much as was approved for cannabis to clear the way for eventual cannabis tourism, it will be allowed aboard registered commercial vessels and airplanes for “emergency medical use.”

From The Thaiger Bangkok taxis can now start charging passengers extra for large luggage items with handling fees ranging from 20 to 100 baht per item. Under the new regulations, taxi drivers are required to tell passengers about the extra costs before the ride. Bags larger than 26 inches will be 20 baht and items larger than 50 inches will be no more than 100 baht. Other large items like sports equipment, bicycles, surfboards or musical instruments will be no more than 100 baht. After the first 2 items, additional bags will be 20 baht each. The Transport Ministry says people will not be charged extra for handicap equipment like wheelchairs and walking sticks. Passengers will also not be charged extra for small personal belongings like handbags, computer cases or backpacks.

As I surveyed the many media reports of pro-democracy demonstrations, I was awed how the Thai media has evolved in the face of the crisis. Even traditional conservative outlets have recognized their obligation to cover events that would have once been seen as "off-limits". Further, I've come to accept that events are unfolding so rapidly that my singular efforts can no longer adequately give them the justice they deserve. If members are interested in keeping up to date of the subjects raised here they can easily find coverage by going to the following websites that I've often cited in entries above. The Bangkok Post has been trying to provide objective coverage of both sides of the debate. It has even dispatched a video team to the scene of some demonstrations. https://www.bangkokpost.com Perhaps the most conservative of the mainstream media, The Nation (Nation Multimedia) has spread its wings as it attempts to provide broader coverage. It also operates the Thai Visa website. https://www.nationthailand.com The Thaiger covers events by including snippets from other media in a daily digest of news but occasionally adds its own version. If something happened in Thailand overnight, the Thaiger is good source to quickly come up to speed. https://thethaiger.com The Thai Enquirer, a publication of the Foreign Correspondents Club of Thailand (FCCT), presents a Monday-Friday daily news summary that covers all aspects of Thai news in detail. For news junkies like myself, this is a must read. https://www.thaienquirer.com/category/main-news/ Channel News Asia (out of Singapore) has a correspondent on the ground in Bangkok who provides objective and insightful coverage. https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/international Khaosod English has distinguished itself not only through its website, but via the live Facebook coverage of the demonstrations by a team of two reporters. In my opinion, their work is unmatched by their dedication--and personal risks they take--to keep their viewers informed. https://www.khaosodenglish.com https://www.facebook.com/KhaosodEnglish It's my hope that interested readers will access their choice of the above sites for updates news about the country that has become close to our hearts. Better yet, maybe you'll recommend articles going forward. It has been my honor to contribute to this thread since it began its run four months ago.

From Bangkok Post Eighteen hurt in Thailand's most violent protests since movement began Thai police fired water cannon and teargas at protesters marching on parliament on Tuesday, and at least 18 people were hurt in the most violent confrontation since a youth-led protest movement emerged in July. The protests have become the biggest challenge to Thailand's establishment in years. Demonstrators converged on parliament to put pressure on lawmakers discussing changes to the constitution. Protesters also want the removal of Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha, a former army ruler, and to curb the powers of King Maha Vajiralongkorn. Police sprayed water cannon at protesters who cut through razor-wire barricades and removed concrete barriers outside parliament. Officers then fired teargas. Thousands of protesters gathered at different points and the number grew into the evening. Ambulances ferried the injured to hospital. Bangkok's Erawan Medical Centre said 18 people were hurt, 12 of them suffering as a result of teargas. It said one of those hurt was a police officer. "This is brutal," said a 31-year-old volunteer with the FreeYouth protest group, who gave his name as Oh. Protesters pushed forward behind makeshift shields - including inflatable pool ducks. The deputy head of Bangkok police, Piya Tavichai, told Reuters: "Police had to use teargas and water cannon because protesters were trying to break through the barriers." Lawmakers were discussing several proposals for constitutional changes, some of which would exclude the possibility of altering the monarchy's role. There is also discussion of the role of the upper house Senate, which was entirely selected by Prayuth's former junta and helped ensure that he kept power with a parliamentary majority after last year's disputed vote. Some protesters scuffled with dozens of yellow-shirted royalists who had remained behind after an earlier demonstration by hundreds of right-wing Thais calling on lawmakers not to make changes to the constitution.

That's the general idea for which we can thank the ancient Greeks. In the US, it's been modified over time by the courts but the intent remains unchanged. I don't think you'd get an argument from Thailand's elites who've been prescribing these concepts since the protests began. The problem, of course, is who decides what "accepted societal norms" are. Well, the platforms themselves have begun to introduce some curbs but I don't think they've much changed the tenor of the debate. Personally, I believe that it falls to the media itself to exercise some restraint. People may be free to express themselves and Americans--and other democracies--highly value a free press. But having a free press doesn't mean that press is obliged to publish every utterance. Individual media can decide to be more selective. It has, in fact, recently started doing so by cutting away from the biggest liar when he begins lying, and calling attention to false claims as they are being made. Democracies recognize, however, in curbing the speech of citizens is something not to be undertaken lightly. In the end, a better informed citizenry is probably is a nation's last best hope of remaining a democracy.

I believe it's been reported by more than one member that he is disproportionately large.

Extracted from South China Morning Post The bell at Siam Inter Auto (SIA) rings frantically, marking more than US$1 million in sales of second-hand cars – most sent to auction by banks clawing back what they can from Thais unable to make their repayments in an economy floored by Covid-19 . From condominiums and cars, credit cards to mobile phones, bad debt is rushing through Thailand and experts fear worse is to come for Southeast Asia’s second largest economy after the government ended a repayment holiday for struggling individuals and small businesses. Some of the consequences of this unprecedented economic collapse are parked in rows in the vast lot of SIA’s suburban Bangkok warehouse, where potential buyers do a high-speed triage of repossessed cars as fast-talking auctioneers whip up bidding wars from two podiums. SIA has its finger on the pulse of the Thai economy, according to Gai Nanthana, its genial executive vice-president, and the prognosis isn’t good. “We feel the economy. When things are good, our business is good as people sell their old cars and upgrade,” said the 57-year-old. “When the economy is bad – we do better. It’s very sad but bad debt forces people to sell … or downgrade, especially the middle class. Right now they are facing punishment. They can’t make their payments.” Official data released on Monday showed that Thailand’s economy shrank 6.4 per cent year-on-year in the third quarter, an improvement from the previous quarter’s contraction of 12.1 per cent at the peak of the Covid-19 outbreak. The better-than-expected came as global lockdowns eased and the government’s 1.9 trillion baht (US$62.9 billion) stimulus package began to feed into the economy, according to the National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC). “These GDP statistics don’t really mean anything to the real economy,” said Virot Ali, international political economy lecturer at Thammasat University in Bangkok, “as they represent only those able to join government schemes and not the poor. If you look at the household debt, credit card debt, personal loans and all defaulted loans, they’ve risen to a record high.” Household debt hit nearly 84 per cent of GDP in the second quarter, according to the Bank of Thailand. Against this backdrop, banks and smaller lenders are still in a rush to repossess, while their fear of defaults on repayments have led to nearly half of all mortgage applications being rejected amid the pandemic, according to the central bank. That has left up to US$30 billion of unsold properties across Bangkok alone, according to Thailand’s Real Estate Information Centre. xacerbating the situation is the Bank of Thailand’s decision late last month to end its blanket debt holiday for “the stability of the financial institution system” after 1 million small businesses deferred payments on around US$44 billion worth of loans – which experts say is likely to wipe out many small businesses that have staggered through to this point. “Given the end of the debt moratorium, [small and medium-sized enterprises] – particularly in sectors that face an abrupt disruption, like tourism – are unlikely to have the financial resources to sustain their operations,” said Pavida Pananond, associate professor of International Business at Thammasat Business School. Thailand is also a split-screen economy, with the gap between rich and poor among the widest in Asia. That is set to get a lot worse, experts say, as major conglomerates – and the business clans who own them – scoop up distressed assets while small businesses are decimated.

From Channel News Asia SEOUL: South Korean flag carrier Korean Air said on Monday (Nov 16) it will buy out its smaller, troubled rival Asiana Airlines in a US$1.6 billion deal as it looks to consolidate with the global aviation sector devastated by the COVID-19 pandemic. The deal combining South Korea's two biggest airlines comes as carriers around the world struggle with low demand, haemorrhaging cash and grounding planes to survive. "The main reason behind Korean Air's decision to acquire Asiana Airlines at this time is to stabilise the Korean aviation industry, which is suffering from the COVID-19 pandemic," Korean Air said in a statement. "Once Korean Air completes its acquisition of Asiana Airlines, the airline is expected to be ranked as one of the top 10 airlines in the world." Korean Air said it would pay 1.8 trillion won (US$1.6 billion) for Asiana, using cash from a 2.5 trillion won rights issue early next year. The deal also includes Asiana's affiliates, including low-cost carriers Air Seoul and Air Busan. "Considering that Korean Air's financial status could also be endangered if the COVID-19 situation is prolonged, it is inevitable to restructure the domestic aviation market to enhance its competitiveness," Korean Air added.

From Thai Enquirer Thai LGBTQ+ film nominated for Best Foreign Language Film at Asian Film Festival 2020 Present Still Perfect, a Thai LGBTQ+ film directed by independent and LGBTQ+ filmmaker Anusorn Soisa-ngim has just been nominated for “Best Foreign Language Film” for the 2nd Annual Asian Film Festival Los Angeles Golden Diamond Awards 2020. Hosted by the AFF Committee, the nominees were announced on Saturday, November 7 2020 in Maybourne Beverly Hill Los Angeles. The film festival will be held virtually on its official website and multimedia channel due to Covid-19 and its restrictions. The film has been nominated along with five others from Canada, China, Azerbaijan, and Laos.

From Thai Enquirer Students call for massive protest ahead of parliament vote Student pro-democracy demonstrators are calling for a large scale rally outside of parliament as the lower house prepares to deliberate charter amendments on Tuesday. The students say they want a “massive demonstration” to put pressure on parliament to amend the constitution. Student-led protests have gripped the country for the past four months with students demanding an end to military interference in politics. They are calling for the removal of the Prayut Chan-ocha government which took power during a military coup and manipulated the legislature to remain in power after elections. The students have also called for reformation of the country’s once-sacred royal institution. Their final demand is to fix or rewrite the current constitution which was drafted by the military and allows the army to handpick all 250 members of the upper house senate. The charter also allows the senators to vote for the prime minister. The protesters say they will begin their rally on Tuesday at 3pm and stay until “the voting is complete,” something which will not happen until Wednesday. Royalist protesters say they will also plan their own demonstrations to keep the current charter in place. According to the right wing, royalist group Thai Phakdee, the current constitution and Prayut-led government is vital in protecting the royal institution and the monarch from the demonstrators.

From Bloomberg News / Bangkok Post Asia Pacific nations including Thailand, China, Japan and South Korea on Sunday signed the world’s largest regional free-trade agreement, encompassing nearly a third of the world’s population and gross domestic product. Top officials from 15 nations that also include Australia, New Zealand and the 10 members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations inked the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership, or RCEP -- nearly a decade in the making -- on the final day of the 37th Asean Summit hosted virtually by Vietnam. “The completion of negotiations is a strong message affirming Asean’s role in supporting the multilateral trade system,” Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc said ahead of the virtual signing ceremony. The agreement will contribute to “developing supply chains that have been disrupted due to the pandemic as well as supporting economic recovery,” he said. A minimum of six Asean countries in addition to three non-Asean partners must ratify RCEP for it to come into force, Singapore’s Minister of Trade and Industry Chan Chun Sing told reporters following the signing. Singapore plans to approve the deal “in the next few months,” he said.

From Bangkok Post Monument wrapped to cap dramatic day of rallies Three pro-democracy rally groups came together on Saturday to wrap Democracy Monument in a huge cloth banner bearing messages denouncing the government and calling for reform. The highly symbolic act followed an equally dramatic scene just two hours earlier, when hundreds of demonstrators turned their backs on a Royal motorcade. As vehicles carrying Their Majesties the King and Queen to a ceremony to inaugurate a new subway extension passed nearby, the demonstrators faced the other way, raised three-finger salutes and sang the national anthem. As the evening wore on, speakers in front of the covered monument reiterated their demands for a new constitution, the resignation of Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha and reform of the monarchy. The charter was the main focus of their attention, as Parliament is scheduled to debate amendments on Tuesday and Wednesday. Seven bills, six of them drafted by political parties, are on the agenda but the youth-led movement wants lawmakers to adopt the one drafted by the civil group iLaw. ====================================== Video coverage of the events can be found on the Bangkok Post website and Khaosod English's Facebook page.

From Forbes Thailand’s new tourist visa is ready for applicants from all countries. Here’s what you need to know to apply for it. For Americans, here’s the link for the requirements listed by the Thai embassy in Washington, D.C. and the visa application form. Specifically, you’ll need: your passport; two 2”x2” (passport-sized) photos; bank statement showing, for each month over the past six months, a balance of the equivalent of at least 500,000 Baht (about $17,000); health insurance that covers Covid-19 valid for your entire length of stay, with coverage of a minimum of $100,000 in medical treatment; booking confirmation of an Alternative State Quarantine hotel; visa application form for U.S. citizens; declaration form with your travel details and attesting both your Covid status and that you’ll follow Thailand’s health rules; money order for the $40 visa fee and a self-addressed envelope. Once approved for your visa, you then apply for a Certificate of Entry online. Thailand wants to make sure that travel is as safe as possible. So, before getting the green light to board your flight, your airline will check: your visa; your Certificate of Entry; your certificate of a negative PCR test taken a maximum of 72 hours before departure; your “Fit to Fly” health certificate, issued maximum 72 hours prior to departure; proof of health insurance.

Extracted from The Diplomat Before Trump, South Korean Conservatives Also Claimed a ‘Stolen’ Election For Korea watchers, U.S. President Donald Trump’s narrative that Democrats, backed by foreign powers, have “stolen” the election through massive voter fraud uncannily resembles a widespread conspiracy theory that emerged in South Korea following its legislative election on April 15. Both narratives suggest that the liberal/progressive parties colluded with “China” to tamper with ballots, in elections that were expected to – and indeed did – benefit the progressives. The convergence of the narratives on electoral fraud in South Korea and the United States is not a coincidence. Different forms of the American far-right’s discourses and practices have been adopted by its Korean counterparts, from the emergence of fringe media outlets that stand in opposition to the “mainstream media,” to the widespread use of Pepe the Frog memes on fringe sites. Furthermore, an increasingly assertive Beijing has made it easier for South Korean conservatives to rally around their existing anti-communist identity and accuse progressives of colluding with outside enemies, a stance that fits neatly with the narratives from the U.S. But this is not merely a tale of two similar narratives or a frivolous double-take on fringe conspiracy theories. It brings attention to the domestic contexts that have allowed these conspiracy theories to emerge out of the fringe, as well as the potential of greater challenges. The American struggle with right-wing populism has been well-documented already, and this article instead focuses on the South Korean context, which has received relatively less attention. The movement questioning the results of the April 15 election in South Korea highlights factors in its political landscape that may further disrupt the foundations of its democratic system in the same way that the election of Trump has done in the U.S., and it underscores the transnational element of today’s right-wing politics, which act both at the domestic and international levels. Preparing for the election amid a COVID-19-struck economy and unfavorable polling numbers, Trump had been suggesting for months that the election might get “stolen” by Democrats and foreign actors like China. In particular, the Trump campaign problematized the increased use of mail-in ballots. In August, Trump said, “The mailmen are going to get them, and people are just going to grab batches of them … [China and Russia], they’ll be grabbing plenty of them. It’s a disaster, it’s a rigged election waiting to happen.” s expected, once it became apparent that the election would not be going his way, Trump started to call the mail-in ballots “illegal,” and launched numerous legal battles. Foreign Policy’s James Palmer warned that Trump is likely to take up the conspiracy theories circulating in the right-wing Chinese media that link Biden to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). As Trump started to make claims of “illegal ballots,” Min Kyung-wook, an ex-member of the South Korean National Assembly, wrote on November 5 that the “dark shadows” of the April 15th election that unseated him had “extended” to the U.S. presidential election, referring to Joe Biden’s expected victory. Drawing a parallel between the two elections, Min pointed to the CCP and “leftist factions” allegedly collaborating with Beijing as the forces behind the acts of electoral fraud in both the U.S. and South Korea. To be clear, the “mainstream” in both the U.S. and South Korea has responded to these claims of electoral fraud with swift dismissal. However, in the era of “alternative facts,” the space that the “mainstream” occupies is under constant challenge, and these “fringe theories” have come out of the fringes, with prominent political figures in “mainstream” parties, like Trump or Min, behind them. The context in the U.S. that has led to the resurgence of the far-right has been well-documented and analyzed, and it might be necessary to continue watching this space in South Korea, which seems to be mirroring the U.S.

From Bangkok Post Foreign funds pile into Thailand as vaccine progress boosts tourism hopes Progress towards a coronavirus vaccine is fuelling optimism Thailand will soon reopen for mass tourism. Overseas investors are already piling into the country’s financial markets. Inflows into Thai sovereign debt have climbed to the highest in 17 months in November, even though the month is less than half over. The baht has strengthened almost 3% since the end of October, making it the best-performing currency in Asia after the Indonesian rupiah. The new Bank of Thailand governor, Sethaput Suthiwart-Narueput, will host his first Monetary Policy Committee meeting next week, though he is unlikely to do much to deter foreign funds. “Foreigners have been mainly buying the front-end of the Thai debt curve for exposure to baht gains,” said Poon Panichpibool, a strategist at Krung Thai Bank. They were betting on Thai currency gains, and it looks like the baht would strengthen further over the next 12 months as a vaccine would be a major trigger for tourism arrivals, he said. The recent political protests that have weighed on demand for Thai assets are also starting to look less of a deterrent -- at least based on one metric. The implied yield of the offshore baht has dropped below that of the onshore currency this month, after being more than 100 basis points above it in early September. The spread is seen as a proxy for political risks. At the same time, there’s no sign the protests are going to end in the near future. The political noise may persist for some time as the 2013-2014 demonstrations took more than six months to settle, said Tim Leelahaphan, an economist at Standard Chartered. While there are always some negatives around, the overall outlook for Thai bonds due to the vaccine progress and resumption of tourism is looking better than it has for some time. The surge of inflows seen so far this month could well prove to be the rule rather than the exception as 2021 rolls around.

From the Thai Enquirer A look back at the Trump presidency and Thailand Many Thais would have been asleep when the election results in Pennsylvania were finally called at nearly midnight, Bangkok time. Some of those who were awake greeted the news that former vice president Joe Biden had won the state, and with it the American presidency, with relief. President Donald Trump will not receive a second term. That is unsurprising, perhaps. After four years of Trumpian turmoil, exacerbated by the coronavirus pandemic, the Pew Center found that those around the world with favorable views of the United States are at record lows, and there is little confidence in the president himself. Many Thais were amused at times by slips such as when Trump referred to the nonexistent country “Thighland,” but on the whole more would have simply felt repelled by presidential behavior that was unpresidential far too often. Indeed, many had feared for the worst when Trump was elected. I still remember election day in 2016, friends gathered around a projector screen showing a map of the United States, watching as state after state turned red. Lunch was eaten with a sense of disbelief: what, exactly, were Americans thinking? And what would it mean for the world? It was easy to predict all sorts of mayhem. What else could one have thought when such a loose cannon was to be handed the nuclear codes? In the end, the simple truth was that no one had much inkling of how a Trump administration might actually govern. So now that Joe Biden is president-elect and the Trump presidency will wrap up, barring any unexpected success in the challenges being mounted by a president unwilling to admit defeat, it would be fruitful to look back and cut through all the sound and chaos. What did Trump mean for Thailand? The image that emerges was that it was quite a mixed bag. It could have been worse, but it still wasn’t great. Continues with photos https://www.thaienquirer.com/20685/a-look-back-at-the-trump-presidency-and-thailand/

By all accounts that we're privy to, the guest in this case reacted unreasonably when charged the corkage fee. But the hotel staff and management failed to diffuse the situation. Once it entered the legal system, it should have been obvious to the management of the bad press it was on the verge of bringing down upon itself. This seemingly minor incident made news worldwide. I believe that Trip Adviser had an obligation to its users to inform them of the outcome that led to the jailing of the individual. If any of us were considering this hotel, or any hotel anywhere else, would we not want know how the dispute like this was handled. It's one thing to go to be charged in a civil action for libel. It's another thing altogether to be put in jail for something you said about a hotel, unreasonable or otherwise.

From Coconuts Bangkok Art and performances to headline just-announced Saturday rally ‘Mob Fest’ Pro-democracy organizers announced at noon today that their next mass rally will begin at 2pm Saturday at Bangkok’s Democracy Monument. Aiming for a festival vibe, about 20 protest groups banding together in yet another coalition as “Mob Fest,” plan to campaign on “all the issues” with an event featuring performances, art and speeches. Four days after the last rally saw thousands of protesters march to the Grand Palace bearing letters for the king, the newly minted “Mob Fest” Facebook page made the announcement. “Mob Fest will open a space for protest from 2pm on Nov. 14 to campaign on all issues related to the constitution, from the fringes to the capital, from the sidewalk to the monarchy,” read its announcement. Despite announcing that the rally would start at the Democracy Monument, the group did not state where it will end up. The ongoing series of protests have seen details withheld until the last minute to avoid tipping off the authorities. Mob Fest includes more than 20 groups including Bad Student, Free Arts and Women Freedom Thailand.

From The Thaiger Getting Back to Thailand, the latest information about ASQs and STVs | VIDEO Whilst some restrictions have been eased, there has been a doubling down on other restrictions for travel back to Thailand at this stage. Here’s all the latest information about the Social Tourist Visa (STV), ASQ (Alternative State Quarantine), golf courses. And then there’s the Thai baht which is causing problems as well. The situation is very fluid but we do our best to keep you up to date with ALL the latest information that will help you get back to Thailand. Continues with video https://thethaiger.com/hot-news/visa/getting-back-to-thailand-the-latest-information-about-asqs-and-stvs-video

From South China Morning Post / MSN Thailand’s erotic Boys Love TV dramas are a hit with Indonesians, gay and straight Six years ago, Jakarta resident Reza Pahlevi, 36, had sunk into a depression, believing he had no prospects of finding love as a gay man in conservative Muslim-majority Indonesia. But watching a subgenre of Thai romance dramas depicting erotic relationships between male characters, known as Boys Love (BL), helped the urban professional find acceptance. "My first ever Thai series was Coz You're My Tee, which was a corny teenage drama but it somehow made me feel better," said Pahlevi. "For the first time, I felt it was OK not to have anyone in my life. The rest is history. I started watching What the Duck 1 and 2. These TV series provided comfort food for my mental well-being." Get the latest insights and analysis from our Global Impact newsletter on the big stories originating in China. The BL subgenre is inspired by yaoi, a Japanese form of homoerotic fiction featuring a romance between a masculine and feminine boy, which are often created and enjoyed by heterosexual women. Between 2014 and 2020, around 57 series were produced and released in Thailand under the BL genre. LINE TV, the free streaming platform which has been broadcasting BL dramas since 2016, has more than 30 series stockpiled for future release. The platform's figures show its BL audience share has risen from 5 per cent to 34 per cent since 2019. These shows are screened on mainstream TV stations during prime-time evening slots in Thailand and later streamed on YouTube, reflecting the Southeast Asian nation's relative tolerance towards the LGBT community. Earlier this year, Thailand approved a draft bill which, if passed by parliament, will recognise same-sex "civil partnerships". While the bill avoids the term "marriage", it will ensure many of the benefits enjoyed by heterosexual married couples. Across Asia, attitudes towards LGBT issues range from liberal to harsh. Same-sex marriage is legal in Taiwan, while Singapore has a colonial-era law criminalising homosexuality (although it is not enforced) and Malaysia's LGBT community has faced persecution by religious authorities. In Indonesia, gay sex is punishable by caning in the conservative province of Aceh. Although the country's criminal code - written during the Dutch colonial period─- makes no mention of homosexuality, a new draft bill is currently being debated in parliament which would impose draconian clauses outlawing same-sex relations and premarital sex, among other things. Against this backdrop, the country's LGBT community - and even some straight women - have sought escapism and comfort in BL dramas. The Twitter account @thaiifess has over 44,000 followers. The Facebook group BL Fans Indo has more than 3,700 members. On Instagram, thaioverdose boasts more than 4,700 followers. BL fans are a diverse group. Sultan, from Jambi, is new to Thai BL dramas but is smitten. "I started watching four months ago but now I'm a hardcore fan. Initially, I kept seeing photos of Brightwin (Thai actor Vachirawit Chiva-aree) on my friends' social media and got curious about him. I think he is hot. That's how I got started." Benny Prawira, a psychologist who works in suicide prevention, said works of art such as films and TV shows can evoke positive reinforcement for people undergoing emotional stress. "Members of sexual minorities can find comfort in seeing their kind portrayed as normal people who have beautiful relationships and are loved by their families and friends. I believe this is how Thai BL dramas impact their gay fans in Indonesia," he said. I feel like I have idols who understand me and who don't judge me for who I am.