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Tag Archives: Thailand

Plane Crash in Phuket, Thailand

16-Sep-07

NYT/AP:
BANGKOK, Thailand (AP) — A passenger plane filled with foreign tourists crashed Sunday as it tried to land in heavy rain on the island of Phuket, splitting in two as it was engulfed in flames, officials said. At least 66 people were killed.
The budget One-To-Go Airlines was carrying 123 passengers and five crew members […]

Indonesia: “Rattled by Earthquakes”

13-Sep-07

CNN.com:
JAKARTA, Indonesia (CNN) — Less than a day after being rocked by a deadly earthquake, people on the Indonesian island of Sumatra were jolted again Thursday morning by a pair of powerful tremors that prompted the Indonesian government to issue additional tsunami warnings.
Residents in other Indian Ocean nations also were put on notice about […]

Thailand’s Amulet Craze

21-Aug-07

Jennifer Chen has an excellent story in the Wall Street Journal about Thailand’s Jatukam Ramathep amulets. Don’t miss it.
Not so long ago, Nakhon Si Thammarat was a sleepy town with no obvious tourist attractions — or tourists. Its economy revolved around shrimp farming and fishing.
Now this provincial capital in southern Thailand is crawling with […]

Thai Voters Approve New Constitution

20-Aug-07

CNN/Reuters:
Thailand’s voters have approved an army-drafted constitution, but a hefty “No” vote suggests December’s general election will be messy, with ousted Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra still a potent political force.
With 98 percent of votes counted on Monday in Thailand’s first referendum, the Election Commission said about 57 percent of people had accepted the charter, […]

Khao San Road Goes Upscale: My Story in Today’s New York Times

19-Aug-07

I’ve got a travel story in today’s New York Times. It’s about how Bangkok’s legendary Khao San Road, long a meeting place for backpackers, now offers a variety of upscale amenities.

“Why Thailand’s Generals Will Root for Man U”

18-Aug-07

Time’s Hannah Beech:
The guy selling spears of chilled guava down the street sports a Chelsea football jersey. Everywhere in soccer-mad Bangkok, in fact, people wear garments proclaiming their affiliation with one or another English Premier League team. But one jersey you’re unlikely to spot? That of Manchester City. It’s not because City has struggled, unsuccessfully, […]

“Bangkok Through the Window”

10-Aug-07

That’s the name of Stephen Cysewski’s photo gallery, where you’ll find various images of Bangkok as seen through “Taxis, Cars, Buses, and Trains.” Don’t miss it.

Hello Kitty Armband for Misbehaving Thai Police

09-Aug-07

I’d seen this amusing item a few days back, but thanks to reader Paul D for pointing it out again.
Seth Mydans, in the New York Times:
It is the pink armband of shame for wayward police officers, as cute as can be with a Hello Kitty face and a pair of linked hearts.
No matter how […]

An Overview of Thailand’s Political Situation

29-Jul-07

Richard Bernstein’s Letter from Thailand, in yesterday’s IHT, provides an overview of the current political situation in Thailand:
About a week ago, the Thai press reported on a 30-year-old man, apparently not a brilliant one, who, for unexplained reasons, was tormenting an elephant. He hit the animal, according to the newspapers, whereupon the usually placid beast […]

Four Seasons Tented Camp

19-Jul-07

Good wine, designer shoes, elephants, and Thailand’s Four Seasons Tented Camp all converge in my new globorati post.

Bangkok 8: Coming to the Big Screen

02-Jul-07

Variety:
Millennium Films has optioned “Bangkok 8,” the first in a three-book bestselling mystery series by John Burdett. “V For Vendetta” helmer James McTeigue is attached to direct.
In “Bangkok 8,” a detective with the Royal Thai Police Force tracks the murderers of his partner, and also a U.S. Marine. The trail leads through Bangkok’s drug and […]

Ghost Festival

27-Jun-07

Last weekend we ventured up to Loei Province, in the far north of Thailand, to witness the annual Ghost Festival (or Pee Ta Khon). Below are some pics. And here’s the full photo set.
In short, Pee Ta Khon involves the local people marching through the streets of a small town wearing ghost and monster […]

Phuket’s Emerging Yacht Scene

13-Jun-07

That’s the subject of my newest Globorati post.

Thailand 1-3 Holland

09-Jun-07

On Wednesday night A and our friends Austin and NG ventured out to Bangkok’s Rajamangala Stadium to see Thailand host The Netherlands in an international friendly. Holland won 3-1, though the scoreline flattered the Thai team. The Oranje were superior technically and physically and simply outclassed their opponents. Thailand did, however, score a consolation goal […]

Thai Snack Report: Exotic Potato Chip Flavors

09-Jun-07

I recently spotted some exotic potato chip flavors at my local 7-11. And, being a snackfood aficionado and naturally inquisitive to boot, I had to pick ‘em up.
My report follows.

Lays Barbeque Spareribs flavor:
Taste: A hearty blend of seasonings lends this chip a full, spicy flavor. Strong finish with hints of cayenne. Musty aroma. […]