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From Bangkok Post Protesters pick 3 sites as mass transit shut down Anti-government protesters converged on three sites in Bangkok on Saturday afternoon, in defiance of an emergency decree and despite a government-ordered shutdown of nearly all mass rail transit in the capital. Rally participants were asked to go to the location closest to them: the Lat Phrao transit interchange, Udom Suk BTS station or the Wong Wian Yai roundabout. The locations were confirmed in a tweet sent out by United Front of Thammasat and Demonstration (UFTD) at 3.08pm. Within an hour, large groups of demonstrators had made their way — on foot, motorcycle, taxi, tuk tuk and car pool in the absence of mass transit — to each of the venues, raising three-finger salutes along the way. The biggest group was seen at Lat Phrao, where about 2,000 people had gathered. The group at Udom Suk subsequently set out for the Bang Na intersection, with at least 1,000 arriving there around 4.30pm. UFTD also said parallel rallies were to be held from 4pm to 6pm in 17 provinces: Ubon Thani, Nong Khai, Roi Et, Chon Buri (Pattaya), Nakhon Pathom, Phayao, Chiang Rai, Nakhon Sawan, Kalasin, Uttaradit, Trang, Udon Thani, Nakhon Ratchasima, Surin, Sakon Nakhon, Khon Kaen and Songkhla. The 38-station MRT Blue Line was closed at 12.30pm and the closure of the Purple Line followed at 3.30. “For the safety and security of passengers, MRT Blue Line and Purple Line will be temporarily closed. We will resume the service as soon as posible when the situation returns to normal. We apologise for any inconvenience,” the operator said on its MRT Bangkok Metro Facebook page. However, this was not deemed sufficient in the eyes of the police, who are seeking to make it impossible for protesters to move about and gather, even if it inconveniences hundreds of thousands of other commuters. BTS subsequently announced that it would shut its entire system. Police also ordered the closure of all stations on the Airport Rail Link to Suvarnabhumi Airport and blocked access to Victory Monument and the Asok intersection. Both sites had been viewed as possible gathering places for demonstrators.

From CNBC Europe’s aviation regulator has declared Boeing’s 737 Max aircraft safe to fly after it was grounded in March 2019 following two accidents that left 346 people dead. Patrick Ky, executive director of the European Union Aviation Safety Agency, told Bloomberg Friday that he’s satisfied with the changes Boeing has made to the aircraft, adding that the aircraft could return to the region’s skies before the end of 2020. The announcement comes even though Boeing is yet to implement a software upgrade that his agency demanded. It could be two years before it’s ready.

As Anddy recently pointed out, Khaosod English's Facebook page regularly provides live coverage of major events. At the moment, it has a broadcast crew on scene in Bangkok. https://www.facebook.com/KhaosodEnglish/videos

From Bangkok Post Police: Demonstrators, online offenders will be arrested Police have warned that people will be arrested if they take part in demonstrations prohibited by the state of emergency, or if they post illegal messages online. Pol Maj Gen Yingyot Thepjamnong, the police spokesman, said on Friday that law enforcement was being intensified against Bangkok demonstrators who broke the law. The emergency decree bans public gatherings of more than four people. “Rallies cannot be organised. Police will take legal action. Offenders must be prosecuted. "Legal action can be taken retroactively. It will be done in compliance with human rights and international principles,” he said. Pol Maj Gen Yingyot said seven demonstrators were arrested at the Ratchaprasong intersection political demonstration on Thursday night. Rally leader Panupong Jadnok, aka Mike Rayong, had not been arrested, but was being followed by detectives. Pol Col Siriwat Deepor, deputy spokesman, said people who post information online that is false, affects security or leads to uncontrolled violence will be considered in violation of the state of emergency and the Computer Crime Act. They were liable to a prison term of up to five years and/or fine up to 100,000 baht.

From Bangkok Post Protesters occupy Ratchaprasong intersection Anti-government protesters blocked Ratchaprasong intersection, in Bangkok's inner business district, late on Thursday afternoon, pushed away rows of riot police and shouted for the ouster of Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha. Hundreds of demonstrators first gathered outside CentralWorld shopping centre, on one corner of the intersection, shortly before 4pm, the time student leaders announced for a fresh rally before being arrested near Government House on Thursday morning. The protesters, mostly young people and including high school students, then moved to Ratchadamri Road, which adjoins the intersection, and finally blocked the road. Police read out the state of emergency declaration over loud speakers, saying it prohibited the rally and warned them of legal action. They formed up in rows confronting the demonstrators. The crowd pushed back the police and occupied Ratchaprasong intersection. They also kept shouting out rude references to the prime minister. Local shopping malls were closed. Protest leader Panupong Jadnok, aka Mike Rayong, showed up to lead the demonstrators, after disappearing from the rally at Government House on Wednesday night. Five other protest leaders were arrested on Thursday morning. Former student Chonthicha Chaengrew said demonstrators would not stay overnight. They would keep forming flash rallies. Demonstrators had to change their tactics, she said. The demonstrators would stand by their demands for the resignation of the prime minister, the reform of the royal institution and that His Majesty the King refrain from endorsing any future coup d'etat, she said. Ms Chonthicha said that the rally at Ratchaprasong intersection had no particular leaders. "Everyone here is the leader. We only arrange for loudspeakers," she said. At 7.30pm, the demonstrators shook the doors and managed to enter the skywalk at the intersection. ========================================= From The Nation Three top police officers sacked Three high-ranking police officers have been dismissed after the pro-democratic demonstrators marched to surround Government House on Wednesday. The dismissal of Pol Maj-General Somprasong Yentuam, Pol Maj-General Prasai Jittasonthi and Pol Major Manop Sukhonthanapat was reportedly ordered by the Royal Thai Police Operations Centre on Thursday. The centre said the order was given to Metropolitan Police Bureau chief Pol Lt-General Phukphong Phongpetra by the newly appointed National Police commander Pol General Suwat Jangyodsuk.

From The Thai Examiner PM warns parents to get loved ones out of zone Major General Rienthong Nanna, in a chilling Facebook post, warned that Bangkok was being surrounded by pro royalist forces and that everyone involved in the protest faced arrest as well as every supporter. There were growing fears on Wednesday night and early on Thursday morning that security officials and the establishment are preparing to crack down on the protest in central Bangkok which left protesters surrounding the seat of government in the country which was evacuated on Wednesday. Protesters near Ratchadamnoen Nok Road, adjacent to the site of Wednesday’s march, later in the evening confronted military units installing barbed wire near an army building in the vicinity while the government announced that Government House would not be opening on Thursday. Then, later, on Wednesday night, the Thai Prime Minister gave a statement in which he said that Wednesday’s protest was being regarded by the government as unrest and an attempt to undermine the legitimate government of the country as well as peace and order. He then went on to say that he had given strict orders to the police and security services to enforce the law and, under no circumstances, were officers to refrain from doing their duty. He particularly announced that any disrespect or actions causing offence to the Thai monarchy would not be tolerated. The announcement from the PM came, at the same time, as an arch royalist, known for his fiery and implacable rhetoric, posted a chilling message on Facebook. Major General Rienthong Nanna, called for forces to be ready to surround Bangkok and ‘take out the waste’ following events in the capital on Wednesday. He warned that everyone involved in the protest will be arrested and every person behind that person also.

From The Thai Enquirer Police, military, and ‘volunteers’ to coordinate strategy and block a planned anti-government protest The Royal Thai Police, the army, and a group of special ‘volunteers’ will coordinate to block protesters from gathering in downtown Bangkok on Thursday ahead of a planned rally, sources told Thai Enquirer. The protesters are rallying despite government orders to not do so, with the government threatening all potential rally-goers with arrest and detention under a emergency decree enacted Thursday morning. Police have warned protesters that just advocating for others to go to the rally could result in jail time. Despite these warnings, protesters say they will hold a rally against the government’s crackdown against protest-leaders in the early hours of Thursday and against the Prayut Chan-ocha government for stiffling the democratic movement in Thailand and for its close ties to the military. Security forces are under strict orders by the government to not let the protests go ahead, according to a senior Thai police official who asked to not be named. “The government has asked us to coordinate with the military and government ‘volunteers’ to not led the protest go ahead, so soldiers and police will be setting up roadblock and monitoring the situation,” the source told Thai Enquirer. It is unclear who the volunteers are at this point in time. Counter-protests organized by the government on Wednesday in the same area as pro-democracy protests led to small clashes between royalist forces and the student-led protesters. The counter-protesters were bussed in by the government and were off-duty military personnel, police, and royalist volunteers.

From Bangkok Post Government announces state of emergency in Bangkok to quell protests The government banned gatherings of five or more people and the publication of news or online messages that could harm national security early on Thursday under an emergency decree to end Bangkok street protests. Protests have escalated for three months and protesters set up camp outside Government Houseto demand his resignation late on Wednesday. The government said it also acted after demonstrators obstructed a royal motorcade. "It is extremely necessary to introduce an urgent measure to end this situation effectively and promptly to maintain peace and order," state television announced. It was accompanied by a document setting out measures that took effect from 4am to ban big gatherings and allowing authorities to ban people from entering any area they designation. It also prohibits: "publication of news, other media, and electronic information that contains messages that could create fear or intentionally distort information, creating misunderstanding that will affect national security or peace and order."

The wealthy will scoop up those empty condos and other properties, using the guise of keeping the people safe as cover. The rich get richer and the poor get poorer.

As of this moment, live video of the protest demonstrations in Bangkok are available on the Bangkok Post website. https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/politics/2002047/live-video-protesters-march-on-govt-house

I'm beginning to come around to conclusion that authorities really don't want any of the nonsensical plans they've put forward to actually succeed. It's their way of trying to persuade those who lost jobs that they're "trying" to do something to restore tourism. File under "we feel your pain."

Just as a point of clarification, the numbers I posed above pertain only to Covid19 deaths and not deaths from all causes.

Yet another alternative to the alternative travel scheme from the folks who brought you the original Special Tourist Visa. From Bangkok Post Looser quarantine eyed The Ministry of Public Health has proposed a new type of Alternative State Quarantine (ASQ) that will allow short-term visitors to travel to designated areas during their 14-quarantine period in some selected provinces. Director-general of the Health Service Support Department, Thares Krassanairawiwong, said a new type of ASQ was being discussed for short-term visitors in the provinces ready to reopen. This type of ASQ would allow tourists to travel to designated areas during the 14-day quarantine period instead of confining themselves to hotel premises, the doctor said. The new ASQ will come with terms and conditions to be discussed between government units and entrepreneurs. People in each of the provinces must be informed of the new ASQ and approve of it, the official said. Foreign visitors must accept travel routes set by the provinces and must not veer off course. Most importantly, they must come from countries with low Covid-19 risk and no local infections for three months, Dr Thares said. Tourists must test negative for the virus in 72 hours prior to departure and stay in home quarantine for 14 days before leaving their country. They must also book flights and accommodation through travel agents. The provinces which are ready to reopen must make sure that routes for foreign visitors will not be used by local residents. Recommended activities for tourists include wellness tourism activities such as massage, spa and gastronomic tours. Hotels where they can stay must be hotels with SHA (Safety and Health Administration) standards, the doctor said. The areas where foreign tourists can visit will be fixed, he said. They are required to use tracking devices with representatives of agencies responding to Covid-19 travelling with them at all times.

There are many Americans on this board and none that I'm aware of are Trump fans. Most of us detest him. But I'd hate to see a discussion become a US-bashing exercise because we have a jackass in the White House. Everyone I know wants him out of there. The next month--or possibly more--could be the most decisive in the US since the Civil War. Not unlike a some EU countries, America is experiencing a resurgence of right-wing nationalism. This will test the ability of political systems to peacefully resolve these conflicts. I hope that all of us will continue to bear in mind that our true common interests are our adventures in Thailand and other Asian countries and beyond. In the end, that has nothing to do with our particular nationalities. That's what keeps us coming back here.

The US isn't alone among western nations posting high death rates. Deaths per million pop. Spain 704 US 671 UK 644 Italy 598 France 487

From Channel News Asia TOKYO: Tokyo on Sunday (Oct 11) opened its first major community hub for LGBTQ people this month, part of a pre-Olympics project that campaigners hope will tackle stigma and raise awareness of discrimination. Pride House Tokyo is based on similar inclusive pop-up sites set up at past Olympics, but will offer a permanent meeting space and information centre, seeking to educate the public about sexual diversity and offer refuge to those suffering harassment or discrimination. While Japan has some protections for sexual minorities, it remains the only G7 country that does not recognise same-sex unions, and many couples say they can struggle to rent apartments together and are even barred from hospital visits. Those challenges mean spaces like Pride House, set up in coordination with Tokyo 2020 Olympic organisers, are sorely needed in Japan, activists say. "Japan, not just in sporting circles but society as a whole – including schools and workplaces – is not friendly to LGBTQ people, and it is hard to come out," Gon Matsunaka, who heads the project behind Pride House, told AFP. While the centre is being set up under a recent Olympic tradition, the project is officially named Pride House Tokyo Legacy, and activists hope its influence will extend beyond the Games. The venue "will be a landmark that could change the landscape for LGBTQ people in Japanese society", Matsunaka said.

Dozens of injured passengers were rushed to nearby medical facilities for treatment, said provincial hospital director Sombat Chutimanukul Photo: AFP / Mladen ANTONOV From Bangkok Post CHACHOENGSAO: Eighteen passengers were killed and 44 injured on Sunday when a bus collided with a train in Chachoengsao province, officials said, after earlier saying 20 had died. The collision happened at about 8.05am at a railway crossing near Khlong Kwaeng Klan railway station, around 50 kilometres east of Bangkok, as the bus passengers were on their way to a temple for a ceremony to mark the end of Buddhist Lent, said a district police chief. Provincial governor Maitree Tritilanond earlier told reporters that so far about 29 people were injured, but the number was revised upwards to 44, all but 13 of them discharged from hospital by early afternoon. Footage shared by a government department showed the bus edging from the road onto train tracks before a blue cargo train slammed into its side. Witnesses said the railway crossing had no barrier, but they heard the noise of a train alarm shortly before the horrific crash. The bus was taking about 60 people from Samut Prakan province south of Bangkok to Wat Bang Pla Nak temple for the traditional tod kathin, an annual religious ceremony where Buddhists present monks with new robes and make merit to mark the end of the Buddhist Lent.

As I followed the links in the above article, I zeroed in on the Twitter feeds. It was then that I discovered what a truly remarkable and inspiring story the life of Jordan Windle really is. It left me with the feelings I remembered from the rescue of the 13 footballers from the cave in Thailand. If there was ever a time in my life that I could use some inspiration, this is one of those times and this is ones of those stories that's providing it. Continues with Jordan's account of his life from an orphanage in Cambodia to discovering diving in Fort Lauderdale and beyond. Wonderful writing, photos and video. http://www.jordanwindle.com/mystory.html

From Outsports.com Jordan Windle is straight but has a gay dad. Now with Greg Louganis’ help, he’s aiming for the Summer Olympics in Tokyo. Jordan Windle is a diver at the Univ. of Texas and is focused on making the United States Olympic team and competing in Tokyo. Photo by Kirk Irwin/Getty Images Jordan Windle has been around gay people almost all of his life. Having been adopted from Cambodia at 18 months by Jerry Windle, the national-champion diver has, as a straight athlete at the top of his sport, become a defender and champion of the LGBTQ community. On the latest episode of the Five Rings To Rule Them All podcast, I talk with Jordan and Jerry about the young star’s rise, and his personal and professional friendship with Olympic champion Greg Louganis. The similarities between the two — both adopted, both young diving proteges — have led some to call Jordan “Little Louganis.” Also, Jerry gives us insight into the life of the parent of an elite athlete and how Jordan was “discovered” by a diving coach when he was just a kid. Plus they talk about the added complications of being of different races, especially when Jordan was a boy and didn’t fully understand what that was. Now Jordan is competing for the Univ. of Texas, where he has won multiple NCAA championships and set an NCAA scoring record. Now back on campus in Austin, he talks about the disappointment of the delay of his Olympic dreams and how he’s prepping for Tokyo next year. You can listen to the conversation with Jordan Windle and his dad, Jerry, on the Megaphone player, or by visiting Spotify for an easy browser player. Five Rings To Rule Them All is also available on Google Podcasts, Apple podcasts and many more platforms. Just search for Outsports wherever you get your podcast. And be sure to follow Five Rings To Rule Them All on Twitter. https://www.outsports.com/2020/9/15/21433902/jordan-windle-dive-texas-usa-olympic-diver

This becomes more ridiculous by the hour. From Bangkok Post First batch of arrivals via the special tourist visa scheme must be 100% clear of Covid-19 The entire batch of tourists coming to Thailand via the special tourist visa (STV) in the first phase must be 100% clear of the coronavirus or the reopening plan will be scrapped indefinitely, says Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, the tourism and sports minister. He said that if the scheme sees no infections for the first groups in October and November, fears about a local spread will subside. "Before we approach the second stage on Nov 17, which aims to shorten the quarantine period, we must evaluate the first phase," Mr Phiphat said. "If there's even a single case, we cannot continue to the second phase." Mr Phiphat said he would like to propose a 7+7 plan where tourists are kept in their room for seven days, then allowed outside the room but still within the hotel area for another seven days.

From Bangkok Post Medical chief backs reopening The director-general of the Department of Medical Services is backing the proposal to reopen the country to revitalise the virus-battered economy. Dr Somsak Akksilp said that not only was Thailand well prepared for a second wave of Covid-19 but that maintaining zero local infections was an unrealistic target since it was still not known when a vaccine would become available. "We cannot afford to maintain zero cases forever," Dr Somsak said. "We need to reopen the country. The country must move forward and people have jobs to do. "This means we may have to see a small number of infections but if we work together to prevent them, the country will be able to achieve a balance between public health and the economy." Sophon Mekthon, chairman of the Government Pharmaceutical Organisation (GPO), said that it had ensured enough supplies of face masks, N95 masks and personal protective equipment (PPE) in the event of a second wave of Covid-19 -- and more could now be produced locally. In particular, the GPO had been working with the Thai Textile Manufacturing Association and the Department of Science Service to make high-quality equipment, Dr Sophon pointed out. Opas Karnkawinpong, acting director-general of the Department of Disease Control (DDC), said it had about 1,000 rapid investigation teams and planned to triple the number. The aim was to control any further waves of infections within three to four weeks, reduce the death rate to below 1.4% and increase each province's ability to deal with Covid-19, Dr Opas said. Interior Minister Anupong Paojinda, meanwhile, pointed out that the mandatory quarantine period for tourists was still 14 days and had not yet been reduced to 10 days since further studies were needed.

From The Thai Enquirer Twitter reveals 926 social media accounts run by the Thai Army to discredit political opponents Twitter revealed on Thursday that it had uncovered a network of accounts “partaking in information operations” against prominent anti-government figures and opposition politicians. According to the social media giant’s safety page, the company discovered 926 accounts which could be “reliably link[ed] to the Royal Thai Army and was actively engaged in information warfare against the government’s political opposition. The full list of accounts associated with the RTA can be found here. Twitter said it would continue to take action against the network as it uncovers further details. Student and anti-government protests have gripped the country for the past three months with demonstrators calling for a new constitution and the military-backed government to step down. Students have raised concerns in the media and during the protests about propaganda campaigns conducted by the government to delegitimize their movement and possibly insight violence towards the protesters. Such notions are not far fetched as historic crackdowns by the government against previous student demonstrations have resulted in mass killings on university campuses, most notably one on October 6, 1973. The revelations by Twitter on Thursday will likely back up the student’s and opposition politician’s claims that they have been targeted by the government for harassment. Previous leaks pointing to an information campaign by the army was dismissed by the prime minister and the army commander who denied such campaigns existence. The Royal Thai Army and the government spokesman could not be contacted at the time of writing. In this file photo taken on October 6, 1976, shirtless students lie facedown on the ground, with their hands behind their heads, as police stand guard on the Thammasat University campus in Bangkok, when students protesting the return of a military dictator were shot, beaten to death and lynched by state forces and royalist mobs. ======================================================= From Bangkok Post Progressive Movement to contest at least 32 provincial elections The Progressive Movement will field candidates for election to provincial administration organisations (PAOs) in 32 provinces in its first test of support at the polls. The movement's leader, Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit, announced its intention on Friday. He said the group's candidates will run for office in at least 32 provinces in the PAO polls, which are to be held in December. More provinces could be added later if the candidates were ready, he said. Mr Thanathorn promised there would be no vote buying. Candidates would bid for voter support with policies including mass transit projects and tourism, environment and education issues. "We will campaign on our platform," he said. Mr Thanathorn and other former MPs of the Future Forward party have been on the political trail in many provinces since the party was disbanded by the court in February for accepting an illegally large 191 million baht election campaign loan from Mr Thanathorn.

From Khaosod English Protesters To Seize Democracy Monument, Tell Prayut to Quit BANGKOK — Pro-democracy activists on Thursday announced their demands for a protest scheduled to take place at the iconic Democracy Monument on Oct. 14, the anniversary of the student uprising against military rule in 1973. At a news conference held at Sanam Luang, the site of the previous rally held on the weekend of Sept. 19 and Sept. 20, the protest leaders demanded resignation of PM Prayut Chan-o-cha and his “cronies,” a special parliamentary session on charter amendments, and reforms of the monarchy. “We will bring Thailand back under democracy and return power to the people,” activist Panupong Jadnok said. The new set of demands are meant to unite all pro-democracy movements under the umbrella of the “People’s Party 2020,” a reference to a clique of military officers and civilians who toppled absolute monarchy in 1932 and established parliamentary rule. “The People’s Party hasn’t gone anywhere,” Panupong said. “They’re in the hearts of all democracy-loving citizens.” Today’s press conference at the Sanam Luang was also attended by leader of the Free People Movement Tattep Ruangprapaikitseree, Laponpat Wangpaisit of the Bad Student network, and Jatupat Boonpattararaksa of community rights advocacy group Dao Din. The group urged the protesters to gather from 2pm onwards on Oct. 14 at the Democracy Monument, where the campaigners will “seize the monument back for the people” as the first activity for the day, according to co-leader Arnon Nampa. Democracy Monument was built in 1939 to commemorate the revolt that overthrew the royal government six years prior. Originally designed as a public space, security officers in recent years barricaded the monument and turned it into a garden sealed off from the public, possibly to deter anti-government protests from taking place there.

From The Thai Enquirer Germany considers halting FTA negotiations with Thailand over the suppression of democracy Germany is considering a proposal to halt free trade talks between the European Union and Thailand due to the Thai government’s undemocratic practices, according to debate within the Bundestag this week. To halt free trade negotiations, Germany would have to convince other European Union nations to follow suit. Frithjof Schmidt, a German MP from the Green Party, said in the Bundestag that the Thai “military junta” decision to dissolve the Future Forward Party, which was the country’s second-biggest opposition party, was undemocratic. “Some time ago, the European Union suspended negotiations over the free trade agreement because of the junta’s behavior,” he said while referring to the EU’s decision to end free trade talks with Thailand after the coup of 2014. “Are you willing to commit to the European Council to suspend these negotiations again as long as the junta still blocks the return to democracy in Thailand?” he asked. The talks resumed after the elections were held in Thailand last year but the progress of the trade deal is now in doubt as Heiko Maas, the German Foreign Minister, told the Bundestag that all options were open. The EU is Thailand’s fifth-largest trading partner after ASEAN, China, Japan, and the US. Trade between Thailand and the EU reached US$44.5 billion in 2019, accounting for 9.2 per cent of the country’s total trade. Of that, exports accounted for $23.58 billion and imports were worth $20.91 billion. The EU has last year signed an FTA with Vietnam which came into effect in August 2019 and it became only the second ASEAN country, after Singapore, to have signed a trade pact with the EU.

When I came across the fax machine quote from the spokesperson for the Thai National Shippers’ Council, it struck me as odd in this day and age. But apparently Thailand has found a niche manufacturing demand for a relatively low-tech product. The machines can be the traditional stand-alone units we're all familiar with from the past of combined into the more widely popular all-in-one machines (phone, fax, printer and copy). Came across a site that addressed the issue with 16 reasons people still prefer the "fax" feature. Three of the reasons seemed to carry the most weight, particularly the first where web security is becoming an increasingly critical factor. It can be isolated from the internet Confirmation pages (proof of message receipt) – the most import reason. Japanese, Chinese, and Korean characters are often written