Gaybutton

Thailand's Loy Kratong holiday will be Sunday, November 5 this year. The following appears in the PATTAYA CITY NEWS: _____ Pattaya Eastern Sound to Rock Jomtien Beach in November On Thursday Morning at Pattaya City Hall, a further preparation meeting took place for the forthcoming Pattaya Eastern Sound Music City 2006 which will take place between 1st and 5th November on Jomtien Beach. The purpose of the event is to search for the Eastern Young Rocker 2006 and to promote local bands who will also take the stage. The Young Rocker competition will take place between 1st and 3rd and on 4th a concert featuring top Thai rock bands AB Normal and Overdrive will take place, followed by a Loy Krathong Festival Concert on 5th. Entrance is free to the 5 day event and there will be many booths and activities along Jomtien Beach .This event is sure to attract many thousands of young rock fans to Jomtien Beach and many interested tourists.

The following appears in THE NATION: _____ Question of Status Looms for Ousted PM Thaksin Shinawatra was travelling light. As far as the British government is concerned, however, he may have arrived in London yesterday with very heavy political baggage. It's not about attempts to buy an English Premiership football club this time. The smiling politician has been overthrown by a coup in his country, accused of massive corruption among other things, and his arrival immediately triggered speculation about political asylum. As of yesterday, he had not made any request, and his British hosts, while providing the best welcome he can expect, must hope that he will not do so. There are plenty of reasons why No 10 Downing Street must be feeling uneasy about the prospect that former prime minister Thaksin might try to seek to live in political exile in the United Kingdom. While he can call himself a political victim, future criminal charges or corruption probes can make things very complicated for Britain where international laws, bilateral relations or simple moral standards are concerned. Thai sources said the British government surely would be happier if Thaksin stayed quietly in London, where he maintains a Kensington apartment and a luxury home near the Thames, on his normal visa. "On his normal visa he can stay quite a while and the British officials surely will heave a sigh of relief if he uses it," said one London source. Thaksin and his entourage arrived at Gatwick Airport from New York yesterday on a Thai International flight. He was seen waving to his supporters while disembarking from the aircraft. He wore a dark suit, white shirt and a red tie. He and his entourage were whisked away by private car and left Gatwick Airport via the VIP channel. Thaksin was looking forward to reuniting with his wife Khunying Pojaman and their children in the English capital. His statement issued yesterday didn't signal an asylum intent - yet - just vaguely mentioning a "deserved rest" and charitable work. The BBC quoted Foreign Secretary Margaret Beckett as saying that Thaksin, who has business interests in the UK, had "chosen to come privately to London". "This is a matter for the people of Thailand," she told BBC news. It was "not a matter in which the British government is engaged", she added. She must be quietly hoping it stays that way. The Thai sources said an asylum request would create a political controversy in the UK. While Thaksin has admirers in government and diplomatic circles, his image among people on the street is something else. And there will be more to ponder if Thai authorities sought extradition on criminal charges. Meanwhile, other sources said if Thaksin was given some form of political status in the UK, it would be extremely difficult for him to travel because he would then be subject to certain conditions that would limit his mobility. "If he were to travel to France, and the Royal Thai government learnt about it and asked that the French government send him back to Bangkok, Thaksin would have to go through the complicated legal process of fighting the extradition charges," one source said. The International Herald Tribune quoted Pansak Vinyaratn, Thaksin's former chief policy adviser, as saying Thaksin would rest in London before travelling to other countries in Europe for further recreation. Pansak said Thaksin would concentrate on doing charity work for Thailand. "Dr Thaksin, as of now, will take a deserved rest. He will be planning to work on research and development and possible charitable work for Thailand," Pansak said, reading from a statement that Thaksin planned to issue later yesterday. Thaksin also called for a quick general election and suggested that the United Nations (UN) should get involved in the process to ensure fairness. Although he fell short of making a direct plea to the UN to intervene, Thaksin told reporters that his Thai Rak Thai Party could secure another victory if the world body was to sponsor the election. "We hope the new regime will quickly arrange a new general election and continue to uphold the principles of democracy for the future of all Thais," said a statement distributed by Thaksin's aides in London. In a related development, eyewitnesses said two of Thaksin's children, Panthongtae and Paethongtarn, were still in Thailand. Reporters yesterday called Panthongtae's personal number and a man claiming to be his personal aide insisted that Thaksin's son was still in the country. He said Panthongtae was still keeping his normal schedule, adding that he had gone to his office at How Come Company before returning home. Meanwhile, a reporter of a Thai-language newspaper saw Thaksin's youngest daughter Paethongtarn entering the Shinawatra residence on Charan Sanitwong Road. According to previous reports, Panthongtae and Paethongtarn flew to Singapore before going to London with Thaksin's wife Pojaman only minutes before the military took over the country. A lecturer of Chulalongkorn University's Faculty of Political Science said Paethongtarn was still enrolled as a student and pointed out that she had one year left before graduating. "Two weeks ago, Paethongtarn's mother sent a request for Paethongtarn's absence for going abroad and I think she will return to the country," he said. The faculty will have its final examination on Monday, he added.

Here's the latest, as of 10:00 PM, Thailand time, Thursday, September 21: _______________ 4 Aides of Ousted Thai Leader Detained By SUTIN WANNABOVORN, Associated Press Writer Thailand's new military rulers said Thursday that four top members of deposed Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra's administration had been detained. The regime also assumed the duties of parliament, which was dissolved when the government was ousted in a coup earlier this week, and banned meetings by all political parties. The junta's actions, which it said was to maintain peace and order, have come even though no open opposition has emerged to its Tuesday night ouster of Thaksin. Other moves include barring the establishment of new parties and placing limitations on public meetings and restrictions on the media. Thailand has had no working legislature and only a caretaker government since February, when Thaksin dissolved parliament to hold new elections to try to reaffirm his mandate. With Thaksin secluded in London, the provisional government headed by Gen. Sondhi Boonyaratkalin also moved to place the vast assets of the telecommunications tycoon-turned-politician under scrutiny, amid mounting calls for his prosecution for alleged corruption. Thaksin released a statement saying he would take a "deserved rest," and urged the military to quickly arrange for new national elections. He urged "all parties to find ways and means to reconcile and work toward national reconciliation for the sake of our king and country." He did not say if he planned to return from London, where he has a home. Lt. Gen. Palanggoon Klaharn, a spokesman for the ruling military council, said the four trusted Thaksin associates were under the "care" of the military. Newin Chidchob, the minister attached to the prime minister's office, and Yongyut Tiyapairat, the minister of Natural Resources and Environment, surrendered to the military authorities Thursday, Palanggoon said. Deputy Prime Minister Chitchai Wannasathit and Cabinet Secretary General Prommin Lertsuridej, who was Thaksin's top aide, had been detained earlier. "During the transition period, every country does this in order for the situation to return to normalcy quickly," Palanggoon said. Thaksin's decline began about a year ago when a popular movement called for his resignation for alleged corruption and abuse of power. Critics allege he took advantage of his position as head of government to enrich himself and his associates. Less than 48 hours after the army sent tanks into the streets of Bangkok to terminate Thaksin's tenure, the capital was back to business as usual Thursday, with stores reopening and roads jammed with traffic. And despite condemnation of the coup by Western and some Asian governments, hope emerged in Thailand that the new government might have a chance to resolve a bloody Muslim insurgency that has led to the deaths of more than 1,700 people. An exiled rebel leader welcomed the military coup, saying it could help resolve the country's bloody Muslim insurgency. Lukman B. Lima, head of one of several groups fighting the central government for a separate Muslim state, said Sondhi, a Muslim, was the "only one who knows the real problems" of the Muslim-dominated provinces of southern Thailand. "We hope that the political (situation) can be resolved under Gen. Sondhi Boonyaratkalin as the new leader," Lukman wrote in an e-mailed response to questions from The Associated Press. Lukman, vice president of the Pattani United Liberation Organization, or PULO, is in exile in Sweden. Thaksin arrived Wednesday in London from New York, where he had been attending the U.N. General Assembly. "I left Thailand as the prime minister and now I am a jobless man," the official Thai News Agency quoted Thaksin as telling reporters on the flight from New York. "Never mind, I can still keep in touch with my family. Everyone is fine." However, the agency said Thaksin was "grim-faced" as he spoke. In his statement, Thaksin said he was planning to work on research and development and possible charitable work for the country. "The event in Thailand during the past two days should not detract from my main aim of national reconciliation," Thaksin said. "I haven't talked to him directly but judging from what I learned from seniors of our party, I don't think he will return in the near future," said Sansasee Nakphong, former spokeswoman for Thaksin's Thai Rak Thai party. Sondhi has said he would serve as de facto prime minister for two weeks and then the junta, which calls itself the Council of Administrative Reform, will choose a civilian to replace him. A constitution is to be drawn up and elections held in one year's time. The military leader received the imprimatur Wednesday of revered King Bhumibol Adulyadej, which should effectively quash any efforts at resistance by Thaksin's partisans. The junta empowered Auditor-General Jaruvan Maintaka to investigative government corruption, which could lead to the confiscation of Thaksin's assets. Jaruvan, dubbed "The Iron Lady" was one of the few government officials who tried to expose corruption during Thaksin's regime and would have lost her job if it had not been for backing from the palace. The Office of the Auditor-General said it would continue its investigation into 14 cases of alleged corruption that occurred during Thaksin's tenure. Washington believes Thailand's first coup in 15 years is "a step backward for democracy," State Department deputy spokesman Tom Casey said. The European Union demanded "that the military forces stand back and give way to the democratically elected political government." Other Western governments have issued similar statements. Thaksin's ouster followed a series of missteps that prompted many to accuse the prime minister of challenging the king's authority

BANGKOK, Sept 21 (TNA) Thailand's Council for Democratic Reform under Constitutional Monarchy on Thursday announced a ban on political parties meeting and barred the establishment of new parties. "Meetings of political parties and conducting any other political activities are banned," said the statement read on national television. The council said in its statement that the move is necessary to maintain law and order. It was the latest announcement after the council imposed martial law on a nationwide basis, and repealed the 1997 Constitution when they effected a bloodless coup d'etat Tuesday night to overthrow caretaker Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra. It also bans gatherings by five or more people and introduces restrictions on the media. The media has been asked for 'cooperation' to report the news straghtforwardly' and 'constructively' to restore national unity. (TNA)-E001 ____________________ AND THIS: ____________________ BANGKOK, Sept 21 (TNA) The Ministry of Information and Communication Technology sought cooperation from broadcasters to temporarily stop activities of political expression via short-messaging or phone-in. However, posting information or views on web-board is permitted provided that internet service providers ensure against offensive content. Permanent Secretary for ICT Kraisorn Pornsuthee invited representatives of the broadcast media, telecoms and internet service providers to a meeting Thursday to discuss the censorship edict issued by the Council of Democratic Reform under Constitutional Monarchy. (CDRM) At the meeting, Mr Kraisorn appealed to broadcasters to suspend interactive activities in which audiences are invited to send short messages (SMS) or phone-in live programmes to express opinion or comment on politics, as these activities may cause division. Broadcast media were also asked to refrain from making inappropriate reference to

For many the problem is easily solved. Many people are eligible for the one-year retirement visa, but they choose to do visa runs instead. I don't understand the reasons why people make that choice, but I'm sure they have their reasons. My suggestion is very simple: Get the one-year retirement visa if you are eligible for it. Then, the only thing you have to worry about is reporting your address every ninety days and renewing the visa once a year. You do not have to leave Thailand to renew the one-year visa. Why anyone would choose to do otherwise, if eligible for the one-year visa, escapes me. If you are not sure of what you have to do in order to obtain the retirement visa, just send me an E-mail. I have an article that I wrote not too long ago that clearly spells out what to do, step-by-step. If you'd like a copy of that srticle I will be happy to E-mail it to you. My E-mail address is gaybutton@gmail.com .

That is true. The question is whether it will remain that way. The baht was expected to drop sharply amid fears of what is going to happen in Thailand as a result of the coup. However, the coup has been benign and the generals have clearly stated that they are going to establish a new government as quickly as possible and then step down from control and resume their normal duties. Fears apparently have been allayed, but it is still far too soon to know exactly what to expect the baht to do. There apparently was initial fear that the new regime was going to establish a Burmese style junta. No such thing has happened and, to date, I have seen nothing to indicate that it will happen. I fully believe that the new regime is going to do exactly what they have said they are going to do. I really do believe these are men of honor who did what they did because they thought it was right and not because they were hungry for power or any other reason that could be considered sinister. I suppose whether they actually were right or not depends upon personal opinion, but so far Thailand is absolutely peaceful and there has been very little repression. I believe they truly want a peaceful and positive outcome for this and they want to try to do something about the problems Thailand has gone through. Others may disagree, of course, but that's the way I feel about it. I think the baht is going to remain relatively stable and is not going to dramatically plunge as a result of the coup. The next few weeks will tell the story.

Thursday, September 21: Here are the closing exchange rates: US Dollar: 37.36 Euro: 47.40 British Pound: 70.60 Australian Dollar: 28.015 Canadian Dollar: 33.04

I also agree. Something you may not know, because this is a relatively recent change, is that if you overstay, they will place a stamp in your passport showing that you overstayed. Also, if for any reason you are stopped by the police and they check your passport, you will be arrested, charged with immigration violations, jailed, and prosecuted. Don't forget, if you intentionally overstay without getting a legal extension, then you have intentionally committed a crime in Thailand. Not a good idea. For the 1900 baht it will cost to keep yourself legal, it's money well spent.

On a related subject, those who have to report their address every ninety days - if you are late for that, the fine is 2000 baht.

As of the moment I'm posting this, the US dollar to baht exchange rate is 37.22 baht per dollar. Because of the coup the baht was expected to dramatically weaken. So far that has not happened and now the predictions are that it will not happen. _____ BANGKOK, Sept 21 (TNA) The baht has rebounded more steadily this morning after weakening sharply on Wednesday in response to a coup d

BANGKOK, Sept 21 (TNA) Most people in all walks of life support a coup d

BANGKOK, Sept 21 (TNA) The Administrative Reform Council (ARC) President General Sonthi Boonyaratkalin confirmed that Suvarnabhumi Airport will begin full domestic and international operation on September 28 as scheduled.

The following appears in the BANGKOK POST: _____ King Endorses CDR Statement Seen as Evidence Situation is Under Control POST REPORTERS The Council for Democratic Reform (CDR) announced His Majesty the King's endorsement of Gen Sonthi Boonyaratkalin as its leader yesterday in what was seen as confirmation that the council had the situation under control. The council made the announcement late yesterday afternoon, several hours after Gen Sonthi appeared on television with the rest of the council members to affirm that the utmost effort would be made to return sovereignty to the people as soon as possible. During the afternoon press conference, Gen Sonthi promised to usher in an interim civilian government within the next two weeks. In that time, the council would draft an administrative charter to accommodate the formation of the new interim government, which will spend up to a year penning a new constitution for political reform. Once the new constitution is in place, the general election will be called, he added. An informed source said it was likely that the constitution would be drafted by a compact group of people, rather than by a large assembly, as happened after the student-led popular rising in October 1973. And changes likely would be selective, possibly focusing on provisions like the time-lock on candidates to be political party members before they contest a general election, along with their academic qualifications. Both the small size of the drafting committee and selective amendments would be efforts to save time, the source added. Gen Sonthi said the council was now approaching experts in charter drafting, asking them to help put in place a temporary administrative charter. When the new interim government is appointed, the interim prime minister will take charge of political reform. The reform process is expected to be completed in one year, so that the general election could be called in October next year. ''Now, we're searching for a qualified person to be the new prime minister. We want a neutral one who advocates democracy with the constitutional monarchy,'' said Gen Sonthi. Meanwhile, former charter drafter Khanin Boonsuwan suggested constitutional reform could take only six months if the dissolved 1997 constitution is used as a draft for the new one. Mr Khanin also called for public input in the drafting process and suggested that the draft charter be put forward for a referendum before it goes into effect. Prinya Tevanaruemitrkul, a law lecturer at Thammasat University, echoed Mr Khanin's suggestion that some clauses in the 1997 charter be invoked to allow for quick elections. He stressed that the new parliament, installed to draft and vet a new constitution, must not serve more than one year. ''It is the only way for damage control,'' said Mr Prinya. The key reason cited by the CDR to justify its coup d'etat is that the Thaksin Shinawatra administration allegedly ran the country with corrupt intent and their management favoured cronies. For this reason, Gen Sonthi was asked at the press conference what actions the council plans to take against Mr Thaksin and other ousted cabinet members for their alleged corrupt practices. Gen Sonthi said all actions will be in accordance with the law, and wrongdoers must be responsible for the crimes they had committed. For the time being, the council had no plan to set up any special committee to scrutinise alleged corruption practices by Mr Thaksin and his cabinet members. The council did not plan to seize Mr Thaksin's assets or shares in Shin Corp either. Kantathi Suphamongkhon, the former foreign minister, said he was grateful that no bloodshed had occurred, adding that he did not believe that supporters of the past government would seek a confrontation. ''From what I understand, I think it is all finished. It has been very peaceful, and that's good,'' Dr Kantathi said from Paris, where he is on a trip with Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn. ''I don't think there will be a fight. I am thankful that the events did not turn violent. That is the most important factor, that no bloodshed occurred.'' Dr Kantathi said he had not spoken with Mr Thaksin since the coup, but that he had been in contact with the Foreign Ministry. As for the report that the council has detained former deputy prime minister Chidchai Wannasathit, Gen Sonthi admitted Pol Gen Chidchai was in the council's custody. ''We didn't arrest him. We just invited him to be with us, and he's well taken care of in Bangkok,'' he said. Gen Sonthi also insisted nobody else was supporting his group's coup d'etat, adding that he had spent two days pondering before making the final decision to stage the coup. Bank of Thailand governor M.R. Pridiyathorn Devakula is strongly tipped to lead the civilian government, but he vehemently denied being approached for the job. A source close to the CDR said that M.R. Pridiyathorn is deemed an appropriate choice because he has a clean record and sound credentials. The priority is to restore investor confidence and the central bank governor is capable of putting together a dream team of economic ministers. Another possible candidate for the prime minister's post is former army chief and supreme commander Gen Surayud Chulanont, a privy councillor. M.R. Pridiyathorn once voiced support for Gen Surayud whom he believed was capable of resolving violence in the troubled South. The CDR is unlikely to opt for Gen Surayud because the appointment of an army man would look bad in the eyes of the international community. Former senator for Bangkok Sophon Suphapong yesterday noted that the prime minister should be recognised by the United Nations and understand the southern situation. He did not mention the name, but the qualifications point to former prime minister Anand Panyarachun who was appointed to the premier's post after the 1991 coup and 1992 Black May bloodshed. Mr Anand is known for his management skills, vision of political reforms and strong advocacy for good governance. The source, however, said Mr Anand is not keen on taking up the post and deems M.R. Pridiyathorn appropriate to lead the government. There is also speculation that president of the Supreme Administrative Court Ackratorn Chularat and Privy Councillor Palakorn Suwanrat are among the candidates. Responding to the speculation, Mr Ackratorn insisted it was ''1,000% not true''. It is reported the CDR will today review the annual military reshuffle, said to have been politically influenced and caused deep divisiveness within the military.

Thursday, September 21: Here are the opening exchange rates: US Dollar: 37.44 Euro: 47.465 British Pound: 70.635 Australian Dollar: 28.13 Canadian Dollar: 33.0225 Not much different from the Tuesday exchange rates. It will be interesting to see where the baht goes. I'll keep you posted.

PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENT - THAILAND 1. This Public Announcement is being issued to alert U.S. Citizens traveling to and residing in Thailand to the recent military coup in Thailand. This Public Announcement expires December 19. 2. On September 19 a military group calling itself the Council for Democratic Reform Under the Constitutional Monarchy (CDRM) seized control of the Thai government and declared martial law. The CDRM banned any political gathering of more than five persons. The CDRM also banned the hoarding of goods or the increasing of the price of goods of any kind. The CDRM announced it will appoint a civilian government within two weeks as the first step to returning the country to democratic government. 3. The military deployed troops around key government facilities and other strategic locations, but there is little visible military presence elsewhere. There have been no indications or reports of any violence at this time. 4. Road traffic throughout the country continues to flow normally, although at reduced volumes. Public transportation is in service and all airports and most border crossings appear to be operating as normal. There have been reports of difficulty crossing the border with Burma at Mae Sot and Ranong. Americans who are scheduled to fly into or out of Thailand in the coming days are encouraged to contact their airline to ensure that the flight schedule has not been changed. 5. Given the fluidity of the current situation, the Department of State advises all American Citizens in Thailand to continue to monitor events closely, to avoid government installations and any large public gatherings and to exercise discretion when moving about. 6. The Department of State and the Embassy in Bangkok are continuing to follow developments closely. For the latest security information, Americans traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department's Internet web site at http://travel.state.gov where the current Worldwide Caution Public Announcement, Travel Warnings, and Public Announcements can be found. Up to date information on security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the United States and Canada, or, for callers outside the United States and Canada, a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays). 7. American citizens traveling or residing in Thailand are encouraged to register with the Department of State or the U.S. Embassy or Consulate General. American citizens may also register at https://travelregistration.state.gov. The Embassy is located at 95 Wireless Road in Bangkok. The American Citizen Services Unit of the U.S. Embassy can be reached by calling 66-2-205-4049 and by e-mail at ACSBKK@STATE.GOV. The Consulate General is located at 387 Wichayanond Road, Chiang Mai 50300, Thailand. The telephone number is 66-53-252-629. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * To subscribe or unsubscribe to this list, go to: <http://bangkok.usembassy.gov/embassy/acsemaillist.htm> The U.S. Embassy Consular Section is located at 95 Wireless Road, Bangkok 10330, Thailand (Nearest BTS Skytrain station: Phloen Chit) American Citizen Services Unit Window Hours: Monday - Friday, 7:30 - 11 AM and 1 - 2 PM Note: The ACS unit is CLOSED on the last Friday of every month. Tel: +66-2-205-4049 Fax: +66-2-205-4103 E-mail: acsbkk@state.gov <mailto:acsbkk@state.gov>

In case you've been losing sleep over what is happening with Thaksin, here's the latest from THE NATION: _____ Ousted PM's Desperate, Frustrated Hours On his flight from New York to London, deposed premier Thaksin Shinawatra looked calm, resigned and, in his own words, "jobless". "I didn't expect this incident would happen," Thaksin was quoted by the Thai News Agency (TNA) as telling reporters on the chartered plane as he headed for the United Kingdom. "I was prime minister when I came, and I was jobless on the way back," he told TNA, in his first remarks to reporters since being overthrown. "I volunteered to work for the country - [but] if they don't want me to do that - I won't," he reportedly said. Thaksin was in New York to attend a meeting of the UN General Assembly when military leaders staged the coup late on Tuesday. He left on Wednesday for London, where he maintains a residence and where he was expected to meet with his family, amid growing speculation that he might seek a political exile there. "I was in contact with my family the entire time this was happening, and I was also in contact with the military," he told TNA. However, the former PM was silent on whether he would seek exile in England after he and a small number of accompanying ministers arrived in London. His wife Pojaman reportedly flew from Bangkok to Singapore on Monday with ousted PM's Office Minister Newin Chidchob, and from there both took a flight to London to wait for Thaksin. Apparently accepting defeat, Thaksin left on a Thai Royal Air Force plane for London with Deputy Prime Minister Surakiart Sathirathai, spokesman Surapong Suebwonglee, his personal assistant Padung Limcharoenrat, deputy commander of the Special Branch Maj-General Atthasit Thareechatra and secretary to the ousted prime minister, Maris Cheysanguan. Thaksin's chief adviser, Pansak Vinyaratn, who has had several direct experiences with coups under other former Thai prime ministers, was not seen on the flight to London with Thaksin. At first, Thaksin reportedly wanted to fly to London by a chartered Russian flight, but later changed his plan and flew in the Air Force plane. Yesterday morning Thaksin and his close aides held an intense discussion in his hotel room at the Grand Hyatt Hotel in New York about the situation in Thailand. They were briefed regularly by someone calling from Bangkok and monitored the developments on CNN. Holed up in the plush New York hotel, Thaksin could do little but watch his own apparent downfall on television. As tanks rumbled through Bangkok's streets, he huddled with top aides in the luxurious, 1,400-room Grand Hyatt in the bustling heart of Manhattan. Cut off, 11 times zones from home, and with his political fate hanging by a thread, Thaksin launched a desperate, cross-continental rearguard action. But as the coup reached a climax, his aides in New York admitted they were losing touch. In an ironic twist, the man who made billions from telecommunications could not phone home. Troops had seized government communications lines, a Thai official said on condition of anonymity. "It is very difficult to communicate with people, to get to know the exact situation there," the official said. Thaksin tried to get access to TV Pool to declare a state of emergency and announce the removal of the Army chief, but he was only able to get Channel 9's cooperation. "TV Pool denied him the signal, and he looked very testy and his face told all," a source close to him said. An initial attempt to get iTV on board seemed promising, but due to some unexplained problems his former TV station could not serve as a broadcast outlet for his crucial announcements. In the end, he could only rely on Channel 9. When broadcast was done and he was about to finish reading his third announcement, he saw the writing on the wall. As messages flashed across television screens in Thailand declaring martial law in Bangkok, defiant Thaksin aides insisted he would not relinquish power. "The prime minister is quite calm," a senior official told AFP on condition of anonymity. "He watched President George W Bush speak at the UN General Assembly from his hotel room," the official said. As United States' news networks bracketed Bush's speech with pictures of military personnel carriers rolling through the streets of Bangkok, Thaksin can hardly have avoided also witnessing the political earthquake back home. "He feels he is the elected prime minister and he would like to safeguard the Constitution of the country," the official told AFP. During that time, he tried to call his Cabinet members, but only managed to get through to former Natural Resources and Environment Minister Yongyuth Tiyapairat, another source told The Nation. Thaksin aides, meanwhile, hurried to rewrite his speech to the General Assembly - brought forward from Wednesday to about 6pm Bangkok time on Tuesday because of the fast-moving crisis in Bangkok. In the Grand Hyatt lobby, journalists and a few expat Thais gathered, desperate to learn Thaksin's fate. Elsewhere, the bustle of New York life went on undisturbed. Outside the UN, meanwhile, anti-Thaksin demonstrators gathered, chanting "Thaksin go to hell". "We normally don't like coups," said 48-year-old Chanyute Oottamakorn, a New York City employee originally from Nakhon Sri Thammarat. "But this time we welcome it. We needed it because he's so stubborn," he said. "We are happy," said another protester, a woman in her 50s who declined to give her name. She described Thaksin's regime as a corrupt group of liars. Confusion reigned at the Thai embassy in Washington, DC. "We are watching it on CNN," an official said. Finally, Thaksin's speech at the UN General Assembly was cancelled as the coup reached a global audience, putting him and the delegates in an awkward position. Thaksin sensed that something was seriously wrong when he discovered that the man who ended up leading the coup, General Sonthi Boonyaratglin, did not show up for a Cabinet meeting via teleconference. The Army chief was reportedly playing golf with other coup plotters. Shortly after that, Thaksin tried to appoint Supreme Commander General Ruengroj Mahasaranond to the post of Army chief. At about 9pm Bangkok time, reporters were summoned to his room. They sat and listened as he called Bangkok to declare a state of emergency. His voice was shaky and almost choked with emotion. According to another report, the latest effort to contain Thaksin involves revoking the ousted premier's travel document. The idea was to force him to stay in one place, and bar him from moving around to drum up support. The Nation, Agencies

Ha! That's a great observation and certainly true. He's absolutely right, guys. Got a boyfriend in Thailand? I'm afraid the coup isn't going to give you a break from coughing up the money. Regimes may change, but the money flow goes merrily on. Some things never change. I wonder how long it will take before we start hearing stories about certain young gentlemen using the coup as the latest excuse for "you can send money to me?".

The answer to that is simple. Yes. The ARC, as the coup leadership has been dubbed by the press (Administrative Reform Council) has stated that the airport will open on schedule with full airline operations.

As far as I know, all venues will be open and operating as usual. The bars and clubs in Pattaya are all open. I have not seen any reports or heard word-of-mouth that suggest any kinds of curfews whatsoever. With the exception of the tanks in specific areas of Bangkok, nothing else seems to be out of the ordinary. Besides, it would seem to me that the new leadership has better things to do at the moment than spend time worrying about what time gay bars are going to close. What difference would it make to them? Somehow, I can't imagine they would be worried about a counter coup emerging from Future Boys. Can't you picture it? Attack of the Purses!

I do. I've had my say. Now it's back to letting people know what's going on around here. The following article is the most recent and most accurate I have been able to find: _____ BANGKOK, Sept 21 (TNA) Thai Army Commander-in-Chief Gen. Sonthi Boonyaratkalin assured members of the diplomatic corps that the Administrative Reform Council he chairs will restore normalcy soon by effecting an interim constitution, appointing a civilian prime minister within two weeks and a constitution-drafting body as soon as possible. Gen. Sonthi also said that no legal action is being taken against ousted caretaker Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra and his family. Over 70 members of the diplomatic corps representing 43 countries and various international organisations attended the briefing at the Army headquarters chaired by Gen. Sonthi. Gen. Sonthi explained through translator the reasons why the Council had to seize power. He pledged to put an interim Constitution in place within two weeks, along with appointment of a civilian prime minister. New elections will take place in a year's time. At the same time, a legislative body and a constitutional drafting council will be appointed to expedite works towards a general election, he said. Moreover, Gen. Sonthi pledged ARC will abide by all UN charters and agreements, as well as all international treaties Thailand has committed to. The country will also maintain good ties with the world community. Gen. Sonthi told the diplomatic corps that the coup took place peacefully with "cooperation from the people and without resistance." The Council was also granted an audience with their Majesties the King and Queen. Responding to the questions posed by diplomats, Gen. Sonthi said that the martial law applies only to designated areas and it is not enforced in the border areas. To the question of what the ARC intends to do with Mr. Thaksin and his family, Gen. Sonthi said there is no action whatsoever planned against the former prime minister and members of his family who enjoy every right as Thai citizens. (TNA)-E007

This evening I finally had my chance to try Manhattan's. I was with a group of four and all of us thoroughly enjoyed it. I had the prime rib and it was absolutely perfect. I can't possibly improve on TeePee's review, but I can certainly concur. This is a marvelous restaurant, a dream come true for those searching for truly great steaks. It's expensive, especially by Thai standards, but well worth it. I would estimate that most people will end up spending between 1000 to 3000 baht, depending on whether you want drinks, wine, appetizers, dessert, etc. Their menu, by the way, does include Thai offerings if you happen to be with someone who prefers Thai foods to great steaks. We asked about the web site. We were told their web site will be up and running in about a week and the menu will be included on the web site.

All cable TV channels are back online now and operating normally, including those in the above list. I, and I believe just about every "farang" in Pattaya, would disagree with embassy warnings to reconsider travel plans. As I said in earlier posts, everything is fine. Everything is perfectly normal, at least in Pattaya, and without the news you wouldn't have any idea that a coup or anything else unusual had even taken place. Even the bars are open and running normally. I see no reason to avoid coming to Thailand or changing travel plans. As for me, the only traveling I plan on doing is from home to the beach.

I hate to break the bad news, but I wrote no such thing. If you read a little more carefully, you'll find that post was made by GayThailand, not Gaybutton. Even if I had written it, your remark was totally uncalled for and utterly ridiculous. I suggest changing your handle and re-registering. I think you just kissed your credibility goodbye. You can continue posting as "takesall" if you wish and I'm sure your posts will be given consideration . . . for what they are worth.

I highly recommend Khun Doon. He has always provided excellent service for me at very reasonable prices and he shows up when he says he will. If it is something he doesn't handle, he knows people who do. Whenever I have a problem, he's always the first one I call and I have never been disappointed. His number is: 081-694-6206

Yes, we could. We don't. I can't speak for others, but I am trying to bring the facts of the situation to light. If there are news reports available, I see no reason to paraphrase them into different words when perfectly good ones are already there. We cut and paste for the convenience of those who rely on the message board for information and have neither the time not inclination to research out the news. If that is something you don't find interesting, nobody is twisting your arm to read any of it. Also, I moved this topic to this forum, where it belongs.