The Vongthip Letter Jul 09

Another hectic month: Throughout 6/09, PM Abhisit was here, there and everywhere, trying to get his government’s policies accepted by the elites and implemented quickly by the bureaucrats. He had to work extra hard to get the SP2 and 2010 budgets through parliament in between official visits to Korea, Cambodia, Singapore, Malaysia, China and Vietnam.

Meanwhile, there were demonstrations not only by the Red Shirts but also by hundreds of other protestors who made a habit of gathering every Tuesday to show-case their grievances in front of the Government House. On 22-23/6/09 the SRT staged a 48 hour nationwide strike against “privatization.” Unionists from MEA and other state enterprises quickly joined in.

One of their demands was for THB 2,000/month allowance for those earning less than THB 50,000! Meanwhile, fruit farmers were campaigning for subsidies to shore up falling prices. A management scandal at GPF prompted thousands of their disgruntled members to protest against Government Pension Fund. Indeed, the birth of first baby panda born in Thailand was the best news of the month!

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July 3, 2009 | Filed Under Business & Economics, Politics, Property & Investment, The Vongthip Letters | Leave a Comment 

TRT Becomes CRT

CRPT exactly. Former prime minister Thaksin’s old ruling party Thai Rak Thai (TRT) becomes Chan Rak Prathet Thai, in short: CRT. I Love Thailand.org. Initiated by? Our dear prime minister’s office.

Well, CRT is not exactly a party. And not that anyone would accuse Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva of imposture. His programs and ideas are genuinely his own, aren’t they.

At least some of them. Which is why his new website offers interactive dialog. Something Thaksin didn’t think of, even though he as a telecom tycoon seemed ahead of the time.

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July 2, 2009 | Filed Under News & Media, Politics, The Thai Mind | 3 Comments 

The Police Minder

Last topic below about institutionalized Thai tourist scams is unsurprisingly divisive and polarizing. If you wish more insider background on the inner workings of the Royal Thai Police, here’s an outstanding BBC documentary about Khunying Porntip Rojanasunan aka Dr. Death.

The not-your-average-forensic-pathologist takes you by the hand and walks you through many recent events that become alive again. And she definitively has an opinion about the police and is not surprised why police hate her.

She better concentrate on dead bodies instead of enjoying the media spectacle around her colorful appearance, says a policeman. They can do without her. She’s closer to the military, says the flamboyant doctor. But will also not follow their command.

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June 30, 2009 | Filed Under Politics, Society | Leave a Comment 

Fewer Tourists, Tougher Scams?

+ BRITISH COUPLE FIGHTS BANGKOK AIRPORT EXTORTIONISTS +

Two tourists were held by an airport gang until they paid up £8,000

Nothing out of the ordinary? Or does the political and social downturn affect the attitude of Thais? Or still not enough blows to the tourism industry? Nicest part being: They weren’t held at a police station, but a “lurid pink motel” …:

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June 28, 2009 | Filed Under Being Farang, Travel & Tourism | 24 Comments 

Pandaphantitis

Sometimes it takes a panda to save an elephant. Or a mania to point the finger at real issues. So? Just dress up an elephant as a panda and people are actually watching. Watching the plight of the ignored pachyderm. The symbolic animal of Thailand.

See how you’re loved when you’re a panda for one day. Beautiful example of Thai ingenuity and wit. Wouldn’t be surprised if we soon get the Panda Party PP. It’s as clever as telling though to masquerade a problem as a panda:

You most certainly catch the attention of the gone-panda Thai population. Isn’t it amazing how easily you can stir up a mass movement around here. And see? Elephants are mocking the people.

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June 26, 2009 | Filed Under News & Media, Seriously, not ..., Society, The Thai Mind | Leave a Comment 

Thai Carmen

Thai culture through a Western drama of love and death. Traditional Thai Nang Talung puppet theater, modern dance and opera: Bangkok is about to get a very own Carmen.

The Thai adaption of Georges Bizet’s opéra comique with sweet love songs and marching tunes will receive quite a facelift.

Here some first teasers shot by fashion photographer Paul Aroon of the Thai gipsy girl Carmen putting as spell on Thai Don José. A promising experimental piece, not to miss:

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June 26, 2009 | Filed Under Culture & Arts | Leave a Comment 

Ode To CP Shrimp Wonton

Me knows, what a topic, what a heresy, but wait, who doesn’t like good food. And who’s never in a hurry. See? But even when you got time: CP Shrimp Wonton are … well … remarkable for a frozen food that you just nuke for two minutes and then enjoy.

They’re piling up in our kitchen, the black round plastic rice bowls of CP Shrimp Wonton. They’ve become a staple food. Just add some water, wave it and you got a full-bodied yet pleasant bouillon broth with divinely thin wonton pastry wrapped around juicy whole shrimp.

I know, aren’t there better ways than to support the monopolisms of Charoen Pokphand aka CP. True Corporation, 7-Eleven - and who again bankrolled the PAD? What a reactionary line of thought.

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June 25, 2009 | Filed Under Food & Drink, TTT - Top Thai Things | 1 Comment 

Thai Love Talk

The title of this post should actually read “Sex Talk.” That’s the title of the book Sex Talk we’re about to talk about. A personal guide to Thai sexuality. From a female perspective. But I’m reluctant to suggest that we’re cheaply fishing for hits to improve rankings and such.

The topic’s a too serious one that has brought much delight and also pain to countless farangs. The inability to bridge the gap between Thai and foreign culture can explain why the Thai woman is not always easily understood.

Understanding the Thai concept of love, romance and sexuality is key to the understanding of the Thai woman, or not. Not that I understand any of it. That’s why I met the author of the book, Kaewmala, and got some delightful insights. Or you don’t want to please your partner better?

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June 23, 2009 | Filed Under Bangkok Sirens, Being Farang, Nightlife, Society, The Interview, The Thai Mind, Travel & Tourism | 24 Comments 

Iran More Democratic Than Thailand?

Another great read, written by Bangkok’s almost-governor M.L. Nattakorn Devakula, published by the trusted Asia Sentinel:

“Is Iran More Democratic Than Thailand? - A painful comparison for the thinking mind.”

Not the first post-Thaksin essay by the son of former Bank of Thailand governor Pridiyathorn that will make some heads spin:

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June 23, 2009 | Filed Under News & Media, Politics | 3 Comments 

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