Loss of Gravity - @freakingcat

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CAT PARTY 3 - Guest List and Invitation

Finally, after many months of waiting, the Cat is happy to announce that there will be

Cat Party 3 on 15th January 2011

8 pm

This Cat Party will be a Charity Party - we will ask everyone to bring donations -

either goods or money - for the House of Hope, an orphanage for Burmese Refugee

Kids at the Thai-Burmese Border.

Those are items which would be suitable for donation. If you don't want have any, we would highly appreciate a donation in any amount you find suitable :-)

House of Hope

Noodles

Canned Sardines/Mackerel

Brown Sugar

Salt

Cooking Oil

Cooking Sauce

Milk Powder (3-5 yrs old)

Washing Detergent

Jungle Refugees

Bags of Rice

Any kind of used clothes, shoes and blankets

First aid kits

From the donated Cash money Livestock and Fruit Tree Plants will be bought to

increase the self sufficiency of the Orphanage!

It's a good cause, so please give whatever you can!

All donations will be delivered directly and personally by @AndersInNon and @Roseqrala

100 % of all donations will reach the Orphanage!

Let's have a great PARTY and MAKE A DIFFERENCE!

TWEEPLE CAN HELP!

Everybody is invited to the Cat Party, but please DM me or write a blog comment to

confirm attendance. We will have to limit the number of people to approx. 50 persons.

Already confirmed:

@torrentabuse

@terryfrd

@niblerThejibler

@tulip_oum

@oldskooldi

@AndersInNon

@steviegell

@kribbkk (+1)

@moui+1

@Jiew

@Pac_Innovator

@MrEmKay

@domwinter

@AM_Thailand

@C_Ivo

@NattieKhe

@RynnerleinCFX

@roseqrala

@C_Ivo

@Bangkokdave

@photojourn

@Gmontadaro

@DJOcto

@timokl1

@Abhinew

@MarcusBurtBKK

@trisdee

@dynjo+1

@fishmyman

@BKKjase

@fsarawat

@scomma

@JosefYossarian

@Yenty_Thorng

@Moongoyal

@KhlongBangSue

@AndiAbroad

@justindunne+1

@WizardofWindsor

@pdouble0k

@travelhappy

@Mistah

@Renee_m

Maybe Attending:

@kalayakorn

@qandrew

@thai101

@babyfishie+1

@supinyaa

@bm_

@kalayakorn

@LukeInTh

@ladykarla45

@karinlohitnavy
- 4 January 2011
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The Thanong - Twitter Debate - An attempt to blog it

@ThanonK Welcome Khun Thanong! A few questions have arriveand are posted on my blog. If u are ready, I am happy to show you the first one

@ThanongKThanong

I just came back to my desk after a good leak.

@freakingcatfreakingcat

@ThanongK We have several questions posted on my blog from Tweeple. Are you willing to give an answer to them in the meantime?

@ThanongKThanong

@freakingcat But I am happy to answer your questions to my best.

@freakingcatfreakingcat

@thanongK First question by SouljackAZ:

@freakingcatfreakingcat

@thanongK Please Describe Phor Piang economic in detail. How can we apply method to our society which there are those who have and have not?

@ThanongKThanong

@freakingcat Phor Phiang will emerge as a new model to succeed the collapse Democracy/liberal capitalism as we know it.

@ThanongKThanong

In Democracy, the rich rob the poor. The trickle down economics never works. Only the rich (merchants/bankers/corporates) take the profits.

@ThanongKThanong

The merchants/bankers/corporates hide their masks behind Democracy. This democratic model lasts 50-60 years the most.

@ThanongKThanong

Socialism faces the same fate. From Lenin's revolution to the crumbling of Berlin Wall to China's change of heart, we have seen death of

@ThanongKThanong

socialism and communist. In this model, the poor rob the rich. But in the end, the government takes it all.

@ThanongKThanong

Europe is facing crisis from welfare state. In the end, government/bureaucracies, who look after banks interest, walk away from Democracy.

@ThanongKThanong

You can see that US model and European model has created massive debt. Middle class won't make it.

@ThanongKThanong

It takes several decades -- 50-60 years -- before the defects of these models emerge. But many people still get used to it, believing that

@ThanongKThanong

the good old days will come back again. Sorry it won't.

@ThanongKThanong

In the Japanese model, the bureaucrats, the politicians, and the corporates take the helm, transforming the country to export model.

@ThanongKThanong

Again, this export led model of Japan is also about to fail. It banks on the consumption from the West, which must create debt to take in

@ThanongKThanong

the exports. This imbalances over consumption from West and over production from Japan and the like are about to crack.

@ThanongKThanong

Japan has never recovered after bubbles went bust in 1990s. So govt has stepped in with bailout, pouring some $6 trillion into public works.

@ThanongKThanong

In Japan, we see concrete jungles everywhere. Is that what the next and next generations of Japan want? concrete jungles.

@ThanongKThanong

The Chinese model tries to follow Japan, whose train is slowing down and will come to a stop with government debt exceeding 200% of GDP.

@ThanongKThanong

So China will also face problems with its roller-coaster ride, a disequilibrium within its system and society.

@ThanongKThanong

With consumption in US, Europe reaching dead end, the investment in factories in China will turn into dead assets.

@ThanongKThanong

Thailand has been making a mistake, a confused one though. We try to have a democratic model like the UK.

@ThanongKThanong

We want free trade, free democracy, human rights, free flow of information like US.

@ThanongKThanong

We want welfare state (Abhisit is now doing) like Europe.

@ThanongKThanong

We also have adopted export-led model of Japan, becoming a satellite of Japanese companies.

@ThanongKThanong

So you can see that the Thai people and Thai leaders don't know what we are or who we are. We try to be everything to everybody.

@ThanongKThanong

So after welfare state of Europe, Democracy-style of US, export led model of Japan, failure of Communism, I see phor phiang model as way out

@ThanongKThanong

The phor phiang model calls for restoration of old values, back to the basics, back to the community strength, back to big families,

@ThanongKThanong

back to nature. Back to what we Thais really are.

@ThanongKThanong

In capitalism, means of production/capital belong to banks/corporates/merchants.

@ThanongKThanong

In Socialism/communistm, means of production/capital belong to the bureaucrats or governments.

@ThanongKThanong

In export led models, means of production belongs to exporters and bankers.

@ThanongKThanong

In all of these models, the people are dead meat. Their incomes fall when you take into account inflation adjusted term.

@ThanongKThanong

In Phor Phiang model, means of production and capital belong to the community/people.

@ThanongKThanong

I believe phor phiang model will last centuries -- unlike export, capitalist, communist models, which last 50-60 years the most.

@ThanongKThanong

I am presenting a model that will revolt the world system.

@freakingcatfreakingcat

@thanongK A question from @steviegell: Who (or what) exactly do you think you are, and your roll in Thai society?

@ThanongKThanong

I consider myself to be an ordinary Thai, who will try to do the best for my country.

@ThanongKThanong

@freakingcat OK, CAT, what's S-Narut problem?

@ThanongKThanong

I am presenting a model that will revolt the world system.

s_narut Narut S.

This is my question @freakingcat @thanongk http://bit.ly/fJTIfYIf Khun Thanong want to explain himself, I'm here to listen.

@ThanongK @freakingcat Indeed, I don't know what to debate either. Like I said, I already made my point clear. I call you a coward for not be able to accept that it's actually the law that forbid you from report about CP, and instead try to fool yourself with that "It's a private matter" line.

@ThanongKThanong

@s_narut You are dek dek. I am calling for a revolt of the global system. U r simply trying to take on the nitty-gritty things here.

@ThanongKThanong

RT @s_narut: Wasting my time. Go back to unfollow @thanongk///Dek dek.

@ThanongKThanong

@freakingcat S-Narut has not made any rational statement. He is running away. Good for him.

@Phlalidalalida Phanyang

@ThanongK so u accuse ppl of running away, what about u Thanong, r u hiding from me by ignoring?

@s_narutNarut S.

Shit. I don't know how to answer this guy question and not look stupid. Ah, let's just call him dek dek. Bam! Done. lol. @thanongk

@ThanongKThanong

@s_narut Because u have nothing in your head.

@ThanongKThanong

@s_narut OK, I give you one more chance to show your courage. What is it all about?

@s_narutNarut S.

@ThanongK So can I expect a response with substance this time?

@ThanongKThanong

@s_narut I can answer policies, issues, agendas, but I can't answer details of private affairs. Can u?

@ThanongKThanong

@s_narut That's not a debate. How can I answer to a question that I have no information about?

@Phlalidalalida Phanyang

@ThanongK Make it up as what's u ppl are good at....when was the last time u can answer anything u even know??

@s_narutNarut S.

Shit. I don't know how to answer this guy question and not look stupid. Ah, let's just call him dek dek. Bam! Done. lol. @thanongk

@ThanongKThanong

@s_narut I can answer policies, issues, agendas, but I can't answer details of private affairs. Can u?

@s_narutNarut S.

@ThanongK Let me ask u this: If our PM have a party with naked girls dancing around & caught on tape, do u think you should report about it?

@ThanongKThanong

@s_narut Make your rational statement. Explain you view points. Why do you ask me a silly question?

@s_narutNarut S.

@ThanongK Why you don't want to answer that question?

@ThanongKThanong

@s_narut Go ahead to make your points rather than focusing on your obsession.

andrewspooner Andrew Spooner

  by jjbrowny
@

@ThanongK heard your obsession is very expensive, naughty and non-por phiang Swiss watches - true? If so, you've been a bad boy cc @s_narut

justinalick Justin Alick

@

@ThanongK Hypothetically, what would Phor Phiang's policy be re: people worth approx. $30 billion and yet avoid paying tax?

@ThanongKThanong

@justinalick The $30 billion assets belong to Crown Property, which is part of government agencies. CPB is not personal assets of the King.

@freakingcatfreakingcat

@thanongK A question from @bkkbase : Should journalists be accountable to the government or the people?

@bkkbaseDavid B Harris

@freakingcat I'm still waiting for the answer to my question.....

Comment: Question was never answered

@ThanongKThanong

In my phor phiang model, government will be very small. Since communities are sufficient, they don't need central govt to mess in their

@ThanongKThanong

business. Can't u see that genuine democracy or freedom only arise after the people are free from economic and political oppression?

@JackPrinyaJack Ruenprapan

@ThanongK So you must be an admirer of the Taliban system of governance.

@freakingcatfreakingcat

@thanongK A question from @mrpokpong What is the Nation's take regarding the recently released wikileaks cable on Thailand?

@ThanongKThanong

Very good. I have not seen Mr Pokpong take on US State Department's to suppress WikiLeaks. Or UK government's collusion with US on Julian.

@ThanongKThanong

Since US and UK are way above Thailand (u want to assume) in democracy/human rights, then show us the examples first.

@mrpokpongPokpong Lawansiri

@ThanongK It's easy to divert the issue. When HRW or UN criticised Thailand, ppl always ask why don't you ask US to clean HR record.

@ThanongKThanong

If US Administration adopts free flow of information and support WikiLeaks, then you can come back to the Thai case.

@StrontiumDog1StrontiumDog

@ThanongK You contradict yourself. You say Thailand should adopt an isolationist system. Then compare yourself to others....

@austen_cgAusten CG

@Thanongk Those are governments. We're asking about the role of journalism. US and UK media have been openly scornful of govt actions.

@austen_cgAusten CG

@Thanongk Those are governments. We're asking about the role of journalism. US and UK media have been openly scornful of govt actions.

@mrpokpongPokpong Lawansiri

@ThanongK K. Thanong, you are diverting the question, my question is what's the Nation views on the cables on Thailand?

@ThanongKThanong

@mrpokpong You have to ask urself first: Why the US government, which is an Empire, can't handle WikiLeaks?

@mrpokpongPokpong Lawansiri

@ThanongK and I did question about the arrest of #Assange by the UK gov't. Check my tweet on it. I called for a protest at the British Emb

@ThanongKThanong

@mrpokpong Try to campaign your human rights there first.

@LilMsreporterAnne A. Elicaño

@ThanongK Journalists in the UK and US are covering the wikileaks cables. Following ur argument, Thai journos can now follow suit, right?

@mrpokpongPokpong Lawansiri

@ThanongK It's easy to divert the issue. When HRW or UN criticised Thailand, ppl always ask why don't you ask US to clean HR record.

@ThanongKThanong

@mrpokpong I believe in privacy and national security or national interest.

@ThanongKThanong

@mrpokpong In the flood of leaks, u don't know what is what. If the persons in the leak come back to tell u that they did not say so, what

@james_clarkJames Clark

@ThanongK @mrpokpong What reason would the US Ambassador have to lie in a cable about what he heard?

@ThanongKThanong

would you do?

@ThanongKThanong

@mrpokpong It is normal that we the media have received classified information. They are in my desk.

@mrpokpongPokpong Lawansiri

@ThanongK But isn't it strange if you withhold important infor to the public? Why is the Nation selective to cover only the one re-Bout

@ThanongKThanong

And when the persons (say Singaporean diplomats) in the leak sue you for Bt1 billion, what are you doing to do?

@mrpokpongPokpong Lawansiri

@ThanongK So you mean the Nation is afraid of being sued? Is that how you select your stories/ coverages? Only insensitive ones?

@ThanongKThanong

@mrpokpong U have to go back to the sources of the leaks? Who are behind WikiLeaks?

@bm_Jan

@ThanongK i'm sure when the redshirts get their cables there won't be any issues to print that as well

@bm_Jan

@ThanongK thats funny cause when they bashed Thaksin there was no problem at all citing them http://goo.gl/1zSaP

@ThanongKThanong

@mrpokpong For you have no way to verify the US Cables -- which are a strange animal to all of us.

@ThanongKThanong

@mrpokpong I sometimes receive classified information (nothing about WikiLeaks). And they end up in my desk.

@Phlalidalalida Phanyang

@ThanongK Classified info such as Thaksin's dying...55555 Thanong, jing jing, khun mai "Ai" lor....!

@mrpokpongPokpong Lawansiri

@ThanongK So you mean the Nation is afraid of being sued? Is that how you select your stories/ coverages? Only insensitive ones?

@ThanongKThanong

@mrpokpong It is not that we're afraid of being sued. As I have told u, US Cables are strange animals. U have to handle them carefully.

@mrpokpongPokpong Lawansiri

@ThanongK So you mean the Nation is afraid of being sued? Is that how you select your stories/ coverages? Only insensitive ones?

@ThanongKThanong

@mrpokpong U have to go back to the sources of the leaks? Who are behind WikiLeaks?

@mrpokpongPokpong Lawansiri

@ThanongK Follow-up Question: How do u & The Nation decide which classified info will be made available to the readers and the Thai public?

@ThanongKThanong

@mrpokpong US elites are going after themselves. Hiliary is the target. State Department's cables are the subject of embarassment.

@mrpokpongPokpong Lawansiri

@ThanongK Come on, you know it and we know it. Wikileaks are set up by internet activists, nothing to do with internal politics in the US.

@ThanongKThanong

@mrpokpong The Obama and Hiliary are on defence. Forget about the White House in the next term.

@mrpokpongPokpong Lawansiri

@ThanongK Follow-up Question: How do u & The Nation decide which classified info will be made available to the readers and the Thai public?

@ThanongKThanong

@mrpokpong The leaks just go out of control.

@ThanongKThanong

@mrpokpong Wikileaks are set up by internet activists, who are the recipients of the cables. Who leaked the cables is more important?

@TonyHedgesTony Hedges

@mrpokpong seems like @ThanongKhas stopped answering questions and is trying to steer things away from answering to making a speech

@mart_bkkmart

Good one! #wikileaks & #twitter need#LeseMajeste indeed! RT @ThanongK : @mrpokpong The leaks just go out of control.

@mrpokpongPokpong Lawansiri

@ThanongK Since you don't have any problem covering the ones on Bout and Thaksin.

@ThanongKThanong

@mrpokpong When influential people leak confidential or classified information, they want to achieve some purpose.

@IgorC166Igor Christodoulou

@ThanongK When ASEAN media start reporting on http: xxxxxxxx then u know that something's on.Get out of the bubble,no conspiracy there

@ThanongKThanong

@mrpokpong WikiLeaks is high-profile global politics, and we don't know what is what.

@Phlalidalalida Phanyang

@ThanongK u don't even hv any idea of what's really going on here and u think we expect u to understand Global politics????

@mrpokpongPokpong Lawansiri

@ThanongK Alright! Although I disagree with some points and the follow-up Q is left unanswered, but thanks for the efforts.
- 16 December 2010
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Thursday 14.00 h - Thanong - Tweeple Debate Challenge

Dear Tweeple and Bloggers!

Most of us follow with more or less interest the tweets of @thanongK and they are

usually subject to heavy discussion, sometimes also leading to "bad" language from

both sides.

Many questions also remain unanswered or are not debated in a way which satisfies

the the person who has asked the questions. Some might have the feeling that their

questions are ignored. Khun @thanongK might also have questions to ask to the Twitter

community.

Thus I asked Khun @thanongK if he would agree to a twitter debate. He agreed.

Those are the rules:

* Tweeple are asked to submit (as commentary to this blog) any questions which

they would like to ask Khun @thanongK

* Out of these questions we will select 10 questions to be asked via twitter @thanongK

* Khun @thanongK will prepare 10 questions to ask Tweeple

* Those questions can be answered on behalf of the Twitter community by

selected Tweeple (Please nominate yourself in the blog) - a max. of 5 persons

* Every question can be answered with a maximum of 15 tweets

* NO RUDE or abusive language will be permitted (this applies to both sides!)

* As this is a public twitter debate, the questions and answers can be used by both sides in whatever form they wish (blog, article)

* The questions ask must not involve personal matter

* The debate will take place on Thursday 16th December at 14.00 pm

ARE YOU UP FOR IT???
- 14 December 2010
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Some thoughts by someone anonymous

Disclaimer: This text was NOT written by freakingcat. It came from an anonymous source.

Suthikiart Jirathiwat and Pracha Maleenont are quite close to Thaksin Shinawatra. They are still on good terms. If the reds set the blaze it would not make sense at all.
Places burnt down are symbolic of regime/system and representation of success. However the perpetrators are sparing many business locations
Dusit, MBK, ASTV, Nation, SisaoTewes, Pullman Kingpower, all left untouched.
Those would've been the reds' targets. Remember who was feuding with Central and BEC before all of this? Who was the biggest enemy of the Central Group and Ch. 3 in the past 3 years? The direct beneficiary of the fire is not reds or Thaksin...it's the man who feuded.
The fire kills 5 birds with one stone: Channel 3, Central, Thaksin, Reds, Anti-Monarchists. Pongpat was used. Game over for Thaksin as he and reds are delegitimized, while opponents of Central/Bangkok Bank/BEC benefit. Think about this for a minute and you'll realise the missing jigsaw of this puzzle.
The men behind the blaze are the men who wanted to drive BEC/Central/BBL out of business and blame it on protestors. The fires irrevocably end the reds shirts movement for now, while Thaksin cannot conceivably ever return to politics or even to Thai soil.
The victims of the fire are not Thaksin/Reds's enemies. They are the enemies of Thaksin's enemies. Ultra-hardcore-right-winged conservative types stand to benefit from this chaos.
Watch the aftermath closely and you'll see. Those who are desperate about clinging on to power are required to create an element of fear in the heart of its population. The incentive is greater than those who are aspiring to attain power.
People will go to great lengths to protect remaining interests while the threat is eliminated to foster a rally-round-the-regime type of feeling.
The goal of the movement to eliminate Thaksin forever from the system was not accomplished until today. It is end-game for him. We lose. Regime wins.
May I stress not coincidence ASTV, Nation, PullmanKingPower, Dusit remain untouched. This battle is deeper than what meets the eyes. And SiSao is untouched.
- 9 December 2010
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Amazing Editorial from Bangkok Post
Sorry is a word too many in Thailand find hard to say

Published: 7/12/2010 at 12:00 AM
Newspaper section: News
We are now in the midst of celebrations marking His Majesty the King's 83rd birthday, which will last till the end of the week. Many are hoping that this joyous period will continue at least until the New Year. After all we have been through this year, it doesn't seem too much to ask the various political forces to please give us a break.

But the reality is that we may not get this break, as upcoming events will trigger continued comment and make headlines while political undercurrents will simmer and bubble away. The government's various reform commissions, in particular Kanit na Nakhon's Truth for Reconciliation Commission, are soon to make public their reports and findings.

So far there are indications that Khun Kanit's commission may not be able to get to the bottom of the deaths resulting from the April-May protests and riots, mainly because it was unable to obtain information from security agencies.

The United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD) will continue to hammer home the point that those responsible for the deaths of their protesters, in particular the six victims at Wat Pathum Wanaram, must be revealed.

Let's cut to the chase. People died - innocent bystanders and protesters - from bullets, bombs and weapons fired by security forces and by red shirt militias dressed in black. Let's also throw into the ring the so-called "third hand". Sadly (though I would be more than happy to be proven wrong), I doubt we will ever find out the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth.

So where does that leave us? How can we move forward without the truth being known? As a number of peace activists have already written, reconciliation, the healing of wounds and deep divisions within our society, cannot occur unless a genuine effort is made at uncovering the truth. Also, forgiveness cannot occur unless apologies are made.

Many parties are responsible for allowing Thai society to reach the stage of division and acrimony which we are going through. The politicians of all shades and parties, the security forces (police and military), the bureaucracy, the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD), the UDD, academics, business and media - we are all responsible.

During the PAD protests and the UDD protests, many businesses, especially big business, remained silent. They only started speaking out when tourist numbers plummeted after Suvarnabhumi Airport was shut down. Did they speak out against the violation of the rule of law?

During the red shirt occupation of Ratchaprasong, many businessmen urged the government to enforce the law. They remained silent when told that there would not be enough ambulances and vehicles to take away the dead and injured which would run into the thousands if security officials went in blasting away.

It is commendable that the Thai Chamber of Commerce has declared that it will now play a greater role in bridging the gap between the haves and have-nots in Thai society. But Thai businesses could have done more sooner. They could have done more to curb corruption within the bureaucracy, government and politicians. They can do so by refraining from being the other hand of corruption.

No doubt there were groups of academics who started speaking when events started getting out of hand these past few years. But the fact remains that quite a number could have played a more meaningful role instead of working, assisting and siding with one political side or another and, in particular, remaining silent when the rule of law was trashed.

No one questions the right of the yellows and reds to express their views or to protest. But they repeatedly used their media to propagate half-truths and incite hatred as justification for violence and breaking the law. Repeatedly their protests infringed on the rights of ordinary Thais.

On Jan 25, 2011, the PAD will gather against laws that would enable the government to conclude treaties and international agreements without obtaining parliamentary approval. They have every right to express their views and Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva is prepared to bend over backwards to discuss the issues with them, hoping to avert prolonged protests.

Protest away, I say - so long as Parliament and roads are not blocked and ordinary people can go about with their daily lives.
The UDD says that it has changed. Thida Thavornseth, the wife of detained red shirt leader Weng Tojirakarn, now heads the movement. She announced last week that the reds have abandoned violence as a means to achieving their political objectives. They have formed groups to build up strength in foreign affairs, legal issues, youth and labour, religion, red shirt alliances and academic work such as the management of the red shirt "school" that teaches strategies to members. Suspicions remain, however, and it is no surprise that this change in leadership is viewed simply as a superficial change of strategy. Let's not forget that hard-core red shirt leader and Puea Thai MP, Jatuporn Prompan, could lose parliamentary status this week.

There is no question that the real power behind Puea Thai and the UDD remains in the hands of former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra. It also remains to be seen whether Puea Thai MPs will continue to adopt their dual so-called democratic role: in Parliament during the day and street-side democracy at night. The same applies to the yellow shirts.

For the politicians in general, well, what can I say? Many Thais would be happy if they just did their job of serving the people - as they claim they will do at every election. They would do well to erase the words "vested interest" from the politicians' handbook of standard operating procedures.

As for the military, not staging a coup d'etat would be a good start.
As I mentioned earlier, we are all responsible for having allowed the division to run so deep and wide, and for the double standards that exist no matter which political party rules the roost. Therefore, we all owe the Thai people and Thai society, an apology. Unfortunately, those who can really make some headway in healing the wounds cannot bring themselves to say they are sorry. This will take time. But I hope that in the years to come - hopefully sooner than later - they will find the strength to do so.

As a member of the media, upon reflection, we should have done more. We should have spoken out more vehemently against the military coup d'etat that unseated Thaksin, even though we were opposed to his systematic undermining and gutting of the essence of the Thai democratic process.

We should have spoken out louder and stronger against the illegal occupation of Government House, government agencies and Suvarnabhumi Airport. We should have spoken out against decisions made by top military and security officials to go into neutral gear and ignore orders from an elected government even though we did not like the governments of Samak Sundaravej and Somchai Wongsawat.

Most importantly, we should have been more ardent and vigorous in highlighting the double standards that exist in Thai society. It may not have made much of a difference. But at least we should have done our part. We should have done more.

Therefore, for what it's worth, I apologise.

Pichai Chuensuksawadi is Editor-in-Chief of Post Publishing Plc. He can be reached at: <
7 December 2010

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Letter from a Brave Sister demanding Truth

ELISABETTA POLENGHI
Milano, 2 Dicember 2010
ATT: Mr. Somsakdi Suriyawongse
Royal Thai Embassy,
Via Nomentana, 132
00162, Roma, Italy
Your Excellency Somsakdi Suriyawongse, Ambassador to Thailand,

It was much to my surprise that, opening my mail, I found an invitation to attend the party for the
83rd birthday of your revered King, His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thailand.
I am sure you will understand that in the present situation, I am forced to decline. The

reasons, for which I cannot accept, I imagine are more than understandable.
As you know, despite our remarkable collaboration, a clear sign of confidence and will on our part
to reach a definition of this matter through diplomatic and civil solutions, combined with total

determination and cooperation, unfortunately, did not produce the desired outcomes.
It is a bitter reality, again compounded by your invitation which clearly indicates that there is not
the slightest awareness of the seriousness of the situation, which I and my family are living.

After more than six months, the circumstances of Fabio's death and the results of the
investigations, carried out by the Thai authorities, have not yet been made known to us. The
"efforts" of the Thai authorities, in this sense, can certainly not be considered satisfactory or

exhaustive.
How can we participate in your joy, with all due respect, having still not received
answers regarding the personal effects of Fabio, which apparently disappeared into thin
air, similarly to the subtraction of the camera taken by a man, still unidentified by local authorities,

despite the many images that we immediately made available to you. Nor have we received a
response regarding the request to place a plaque in memory of Fabio at the place where he was
killed... Quite frankly, we would have expected a reply from you on this latter point if only

for reasons of courtesy towards the family.
Certainly, the institutions in Thailand have made offers of financial compensation as you well
know. We believe that these offers are absolutely inappropriate, not to mention incongrous, and

althou we do not doubt your good faith we believe it is an obvious attempt to close our mouths
and pay back the dignity of our Fabio with a little money. Obviously, the economic aspect is in
second order for us when compared to the matter of establishing the true circumstances that led

to the death of our dear family member, the protection of human rights and the upholding of those
recognised values of justice and democracy for which Fabio sacrificed his life.
I wish a Happy Birthday and long life to His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej whom, I would

immagine, after all the blood shed during the riots will also be waiting for justice for Thailand's
citizens and like us will be living moments of great suffering and embarassment due to how
the local authorities are treating the relatives of the many victims.
I reserve the right to inform the Press on the matter.
I look forward to receiving news from you, at the soonest, regarding the circumstances of the

death of my brother, Fabio, together with a demonstration of active collaboration on your side in
the search for the truth of this matter.
Best regards,
Elisabetta Polenghi - Via Pestalozzi, 3, 20143, Milano, Italy

3 December 2010

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Anders Edberg's Donation Trip to Burmese Border

Donation Trip organized by Thailand Twitter Community. Delivered food, water, clothes, shoes, blankets, hygiene articles to 35 burmese orphants and 15 burmese refugee families in Sangkhlaburi district, Kanchanaburi province, Thailand on November 13-14, 2010.

To view all pictures with comments from Anders please check out this link!

http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=1823277&id=1424702278&fbid=1714834077069

17 November 2010

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How to obtain a Thai Driving License

1) Don't panic! It is not as hard as you might imagine, even you need to throw out all western ideas and concepts of how it might work. Get a good night's sleep, it might be a long day ahead!

2) Prepare the following documents:

   - Passport with Visa (You need a valid Non-Immigrant Visa, Tourist Visa won't do)

   - Work Permit (Or a Certificate about your resident address in Thailand from your embassy)

   - Original Medical Certificate (not older than 1 month)

  You will need photocopies of Passport and Work Permit, but don't worry, but you can get them directly at the registration.

3) Bring a Thai friend, who can help you to fill out the forms and is great to shorten the waiting time.

4) Proceed to one of the following Departments of Land Transport

Head office
1032 Phaholyothin Road
Lardyao, Chatuchak district.
tel: 02-272-5322, 02-272-5493.

Covers the districts: Pomprarb Satruphai, Samphanthawong, Patumwan, Bangrak, Dusit, Phayathai, Bangsue, Huay kwang, Bangkhen, Bangkapi, Don muang, Chatuchak, Din daeng, Lardprao, Saimhai and Rachathevee.

For other areas, please follow that link:

http://driving.information.in.th/thai-dmv.html

http://driving.information.in.th/driving-licence.html , a good site to get infos about Thai Driving license)

I decided to go to the Head Office of the Department of Land Transport, which is a huge area near Chatuchak Market. Ask for Building Number 4 and proceed to the second floor.

Friendly Ladies at the reception will hand you the application form and check your documents. This is what you have to fill out. Have your Thai friend ready!

Don't think you can save time by printing out those forms. Even your printout might look identical, it is required that you fill out their original forms. Photocopies can be obtained just a few meters away. Just hand over your passport and work permit, the ladies know exactly what they need to have copied.

Usually it is recommended that you arrive in the early morning. Of course, I was too late. I had the bad luck that my international driving license (which I found out that moment would anyhow be only valid for 3 months in Thailand) had been stolen. Even I had a copy of it and a police report, I was informed that by Thai Law I had to go through the full process of obtaining a Thai Driving License, including theoretical and practical exam.

That was quite a setback and a surprise. But it opened a little door to a shortcut, which might or might not work for you. I asked politely if it would be possible to speak somebode like a supervisor, still hoping to find a way to work out things and was shown into cubicle 17 of a big office just beside the registration. The was a very friendly man, who listened to my story of motorbike & license theft, took my documents, fed the data in the computer and told me that he can only help me by giving me permission to go directly to the 4th floor but first he needs to see my Medical Certificate.

Of course I was badly prepared, but willing to obtain one. I left building 4 again and found a motorbike taxi, who immediately understood where to go and what I needed. A few minutes later I arrived at a doctors practice and was shoved inside. I was asked for my passport and was waived through to see the doctor.

I entered building 4 (again), ran up to the second floor (again), met the friendly man at cubicle 17 (again) and presented him with a big smile my brand new Medical Certificate.

He informed me that I can go directly to the 4th floor to start the exam. At the 4th floor I found a huge empty room where an energetic lady pushed me down on a stool, pointed at some dots at the wall and asked me what color it was. I answered correctly in English.

Time needed: 10 seconds

She dragged me across the room in front of a strange looking machine, monitored me to rest my chin in front of it and look inside. Then she pressed a button and I had to signal if I saw the small light appearing in the periphery of my vision.

Time needed: 10 seconds

I was told to go to watch "The Video" which was also on the 4th floor. I handed over my work permit (they didn't need my passport) at the reception and was given a small booklet in English with Driving Instructions. I was shown into a tiny classroom where a TV was playing "The Video". I was told that it will last 1 hour. It must have been playing already for quite a while as it finished after a mere 20 minutes. Don't get discouraged when the reception lady pops in during the video, shakes her head and informs you that for Farang:"Exam yaak maaaaak!" - It's not so difficult!

When the video ended, I left the classroom. I strongly recommend you to watch the whole video and study the folder as they contain very important information you will need for the theoretical exam. Even if the video finishes, you can ask to watch it again. If you fail the exam and have to come back to take it again, you will not be permitted to watch the video again!

Time needed: 1 to 2 hours

Next stop: Third Floor, where the exam takes place. Being a government's office, everybody takes lunch break from 12 to 13.00 h. On this floor you will find a few computers for e-learning, in Thai and English, where you can train the test questions. While Thai language selection seem to have a lot of questions, the English version is rather slim. After 10 minutes you should know all the answers by heart. It is not difficult. The other options you can choose at the video terminal are rather useless, skip them.

Get mentally prepared for some of the most insane questions you have ever heard. Some won't have rational answers, while others will make you laugh out loud. Here are some examples:

I felt like being in need of an amphetamine pill...but not time for it! Just beside the terminals is the registration for the theory test. Hand over an ID card (passport, work permit etc), put down your name on the list and wait for your term. At around 13.30 h my name was called ("Farang!") and I received an electronic card and was shown inside. I found myself in a huge room with hundreds of computer terminals. I sat down in front of one and inserted the card. One staff was so friendly to press the button for English language and told me that I had 1 hour time to answer 30 questions. I needed 23 correct answers to pass.

I worked through the first questions. A few were very simply to answer, showing traffic signs very similar to the ones in the west. Some where Thai, but usually the correct answer was simple to guess. Questions showing an animated crossing with tiny cars moving across it and the choice of 4 answers, of which none seem to fit. Then a few questions which I had learned on the e-learning terminal. Probably if I would have watched the video, I would have known more. In the worst case...just guess. I had questions in which I was asked if it is legal to drive a tank on the street in case of war. I was asked if I was allowed to drive with a broken taillight. Then almost the same question. Driving without a windshield? The more the questions dragged on, the more I got confused. Best choice...the lucky guess. After a bit more than 10 minutes I have reached question number 30, the last one. I pressed the fi

nished button and waited for the result.

Damn. Failed. 22 points, one less than necessary.

I went outside looking utterly confused, overwhelmed by questions for which I could not prepare. The woman at the reception must have guessed my state of mind. She grabbed the slip of paper from my hand,  gave me a slim English Driving Manual and told me to study it, then try again.

I read through it in 10 minutes, not much information was provided. I glanced over to my neighbor, who had suffered the same fate and worked through a rather thick Thai manual. I decided that it must have some reason why the English manual was so slim and leafed through it again. I memorized the pictures with parking positions over which YES or NO was written.

Don't try to understand all of the booklet, some things were beyond my comprehension. I decided it is time to give it another try. If I fail, I was allowed to come back the next day and try again...and again...and again. Knowing from some Thai friends it is not unusual for some to come back 5 or 6 times to pass the test.

Again I found myself in front of the computer. This time the questions were completely different but the same mixture of weird, easy, not understandable or just strange questions. I worked through them quickly and was quite relaxed, knowing that if I fail, the worst thing which will happen is that I have to come again. No extra fee was required to pay.

I pressed the "Finish" button. Tataaaa! 25 out of 30! Yes! With a big smile which was reciprocated by the staff the "Farang" had passed the written exam. Even I would fail the practical test, I would not have to do the theoretical test again, provided I took it again within 90 days.

As I wanted to leave the room, I was held back by the staff. I didn't understand and waived the slip with PASS on it in front of her eyes. She only said: PASS motorbike OK. Then she handed me another pink electronic card and told me: CAR EXAM, go! I must have looked like the last fool standing. No, it can't be! I was gently pushed back to the computer terminal and had to endure another 30 insane questions. I looked around a bit in order to calm down and noticed that some of my Thai colleagues, were still trying to answer their first round of questions. Oh come on! I took a deep breath and prepared myself mentally for the challenge.

Computer said: PASS (24/30)

I was relieved. So was the staff.

With two pieces of paper in my hand I proceeded to the ground floor and asked my way through to the Driving Test, which was an area just beside building 4. We entered a small house and were greeted by the staff. Again, they were all very friendly and ready to help. I handed over my ID card and showed the slip proving having passed the theoretical test. I received a pink card with a number on it (#179) and was informed that this was an "odd" number, which I found utterly strange but did not question. I passed beside the reception desk to a small room and was shown into class room 1, where another instruction video was playing. I received a piece of paper with the exact instructions of how to pass the practical test on it. Now I was confused.

The 5 minutes instruction video of what to do at the practical test already went into it's third round and even my Thai friend tried her best to translate me as accurate as possible the instructions, we both were not clear on all the points. An instructor entered and we asked him if he would have an English version. Sure he had and soon we enjoyed a very clear and actually simple instructional video of what to do.

After this video, the same for the motorbike test. We proceeded to the registration counter to rent a car (100 baht) and a motorbike (forgot how much).

Outside the video class rooms we sat in line. Mostly young women were waiting to take their driving test. I knew it could take forever. When an instructor entered and asked something in Thai, my friend jumped up and shoved me with the pink paper (#179) in my hand to the exit onto the "test course". Only later I found out that the instructor had asked if anybody wants to drive with a non-automatic car, using the traditional gear system. Non of the Thai wanted. I was happy with the choice. I found the car waiting right in front and jumped in. A young man checked my pink paper and said: Number, you 1-7-9. Now you go "A" course.

The riddle of the "odd" and "even" numbers was solved! All "odd" numbers will have to take course "A", while "even" number B. Fasten your seatbelt! I drove into the right lane (A) with three cars waiting in front of me. Being the only Farang there, I received a lot of friendly smiles from the testers and other fellow applicants for a Thai Driving License. I observed the first two of the three step test program. It didn't look too difficult. Even I was used to sit on the left driver's side of the car, I didn't find it very difficult to stir a car sitting on the right.

First test was simply to drive into a very short dead end street and stop without touching any of the red cones placed at the end of it. Easy. Then drive out of in the reverse gear. Wait for the signal of the instructor so that you don't crash into another car. Make sure you go back in a straight line and don't kill your engine.

Second test was to parallel parking. I feared this step a bit as I was not used to cars with the stirring wheel on the "wrong" side. I ventured backwards into the parking space, carefully avoiding to touch any cones around it. I look at the instructor who shook his head. "No? Not good". He shook his head again. I remembered from the instruction video that I could go back and forth 7 times. I tried again and this time I received "Thumbs up!" and a big smile! The instructor gave me back my card and showed me the way to the last part of the test.

I had to take a right turn and already saw the traffic light in front of me. I stopped and grinned to the female instructor holding the light control button. She smiled back and gave me the go! Green. I cautiously proceeded forward trying to spot the yellow/orange line which I remembered from the instruction video. This line was on the left side beside the curb. I had to drive very close to the curb, not further away than 25 centimeters and stop not more than 1 meter before a stop line without going over it. When my car stopped, I looked at the instructor. She had a firm look at her face and said: "Me dai!". My mouth stood open! "What!?" Not possible! Then she broke out in laughter and told me: "PASS!", handed me a slip of paper and told me to drive back to the start.

I had no time to recover from the shock when I was told to grab a crash helmet and do the motorbike test. "Reo, quick" they told me as the testing stops at 15.30 h. One instructor followed me to a small parking area with a long raised small plattform on it. I knew I had to drive over it and not too fast. It was not allowed to put down a foot on the ground or stop the engine. It was more difficult than I had imagined. I forgot to drive slow over it, but the instructor nodded and pointed me in the direction of the motorbike course. I knew I had to bring my bike to a halt at the "STOP" signs, look left and right, not crash into anything...oh come on, I am driving a motorbike for years in Bangkok! I followed the motorbike course, took a left turn in front of some parked cars ....

and found myself on the busy main street in front of the Department of Land Transport. "That can't be right", shot through my mind, then another evil thought "...could just drive off with the bike....". But as it was a very cheap and rather old motorbike I decided to turn around and drove back where I saw my instructor already running towards me. He told me to go back to the start and try again. So I did. I drove on and soon found myself again in front of three parked cars. The only option was to the left where I would end up again at the main street. I stopped and turned around, searching for help. The instructor monitored me to drive straight on. I understood. I slowly made my way through the parked cars, carefully avoiding touching any of them. Later I found out that the cars were parked there as the testing area had already closed.

I drove along the motorbike course, stopping at the "STOP" signs, looking carefully left and right and of course took the wrong turns. My instructor tried to waive me directions, but I could not understand what he wanted, so I zig-zagged around the motorbike exam course for quite a while. After a few minutes I was waived over by my instructor. A small group of 5, 6 female staff had formed who all laughed and smiled.

The instructor asked: "What girl you like?" This questions came entirely unexpected. I answered: "I just want to PASS!" They all laughed and said: PASS OK.

I was relieved! It can't be! Tossing off the motorbike helmet and back to building number 4, second floor where we still found the friendly man in cubicle 17. I waived triumphantly my PASS slips and asked me if it had been difficult. I really could not answer that question!

Within 5 minutes, two pictures were taken by a digital camera mounted on the desk and I held 2 Driving Licenses, one for motorbike and one for car in my hands. Cost for Car License: 305 baht, Motorbike 255 baht, a bargain! Those were so called "Temporary Licences", valid for one year. After one year I had to renew them for a 5 years license. Do not forget that, or you have to take the whole driving test again!

And you surely don't want to do that!

It was a very interesting experience. You need a bit of luck and the ability not to take everything to serious. If you fail, then you fail, come back again another time and try it again. Looking back it was a beautiful experience, I received a lot of smiles and everyone was willing to help the "Farang"

If you have questions, just send me a

comment, I will try to answer them!

17 November 2010

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Cos Play Gathering @Centralworld

14 November 2010

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Child Porn - A Nation in Shame - Chronology of a Collective Refusal to Face Reality

3/10/2010 Bangkok Post publishes an article, exposing a huge child porn scandal in Thailand

http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/local/199391/child-porn-on-streets-stirs-outrage

Child pornography is being openly sold on the footpaths of the city's busiest road, outraging both tourists and residents who said it would not be tolerated in any other country.

Last Thursday, the Bangkok Post Sunday team counted 17 stalls between Soi 3 and 21 selling pirated movies, with nine displaying pornography. There were 18 other stalls selling sex aids and erectile dysfunction drugs, eight of which were also offering a variety of sex toys.

Bangkok Post gives their article the headline: "Child Porn on Streets stirs outrage". Unfortunately this headline does not reflect the reaction of Thai media to the scandalous fact that child porn is sold openly in Bangkok's Tourist streets. Until today, 10 days after the news broke TheNation, Thailand's second English Newspaper refuses to report anything about it.

6/10/2010 Bangkok Post publishes a follow up article with a statement of Chief of Metropolitan Police Bureau Division 5

http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/local/199883/police-move-in-to-clean-up-porno-stalls-in-tourist-areas

Bangkok police have begun a series of sting operations to catch stall owners selling VCDs and DVDs containing child pornography.

The crackdown is aimed at catching and prosecuting pornographic VCD and DVD vendors and the gangs behind the production of child porn, Pol Maj Gen Anuchai Lekbamrung said.

This was just the usual "empty" announcement of Thai Police. Of course no sting operation, as they called it was started, no special investigation group was set up, no action was taken, as it is common knowledge that Police and "influential persons" behind the porn sales have no interest to

stop a business which brings them a lot of money.

A very reputable blogger @RichardBarrow went on his own to fact check as doubts about the Bangkok Post articles have arisen. Unfortunately he found child porn being sold in the open. He tweeted:

  “I'm shocked, they really are selling kiddie porn openly on [the] sidewalk of Sukhumwit. Jacket cover says '10 years & up'.”

7/10/2010 The Lost Boy (@Vanalli) publishes a deeper analysis about the Child Porn issue on his blog:

http://whatismatt.com/child-porn-goes-beyond-bangkoks-sleazy-street-vendors/

8/10/2010 @KristoferA and @freakingcat decided to see if 2 days after the announced "sting operation" by Thai Police child porn is still readily available on Sukhumvit and try to gather evidence if they would find any.

It was no surprise to learn that the Police announcement was a blatant lie. Nothing had been done by Thai Police to stop the sale of child porn. On every second stall they could find sellers who had big collections of child porn and bestiality DVD. They managed to get for the first time evidence how easy child porn could be bought on video

http://freakingcat.posterous.com/child-porn-sold-on-sukhumvit-the-evidence

Instead of supporting the fight against Child Porn The Nation decided to post an article praising the good work and animal love of Thai Police. Timing for such a bad written article couldn't be worst.

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/home/2010/10/08/opinion/Dogged-by-criticism-our-police-deserve-to-be-cut-s-30139652.html

9/10/2010 Child Porn became the trending topic on twitter in Thailand and caused a huge outrage and call for action from many tweeple.

All Nation reporters who are usually very active on twitter fell silent about that matter. Until now not one tweet speaking about child porn was retweeted. A ban of silence was from TheNation. Only @ThanongK, managing editor of TheNation responded to one tweet from @freakingcat

@ThanongKThanong

@freakingcat Many thanks, Cat. Shall alert my media friends about child porn issue.

8 Oct via TweetDeck  Favorite  Undo Retweet  Reply

The Lost Boy (@Vanalli) post the following blog entry:

http://whatismatt.com/follow-up/

10/10/2010 The debate about child porn on twitter continues all day. Still no retweet, no article, no mention in TheNation. Also other Thai Newspaper and media choose to completely ignore that topic. Tweeple agree that international media help and support from NGO's is needed. An international TV station is briefed about the background and promised to investigate.

11/10/2010 The Bangkok Post publishes an Editorial demanding to get rid of the porn displays!

http://www.bangkokpost.com/opinion/opinion/200707/get-rid-of-the-porn-displays

The debate on twitter about child porn and what can be effectively be done against it continues. More and more concerned people get engaged and try to help to the best of their abilities. TheNation still continues to refuse to engage in this debate. 3 days have passed since @thanongK had promised to alert his media friends about the child porn issue. 3 days in which nothing had happened. @freakingcat sends @thanongK another question what he, as managing editor of TheNation, is going to do about the child porn scandal.

@freakingcat reveives the following DM from @thanongK

ThanongK

give me ur phone number. I have talked to our police beat reporter. He is willing to cover a tv story.

11 Oct at 14:54   Delete

ThanongK

Our Nation Channel reporters, plus a police officer, will be accompanying you to the vendors of child porn movie. R u free to do it?

11 Oct at 14:45

Please note the timing of this seemingly change of heart from TheNation. A short time later one reason behind it became public.

Finally all appeals that something has to be done and child porn is an issue too serious to ignore fell showed some response.

UNICEF sent out a press release:

http://whatismatt.com/unicef-press-release-on-child-porn-in-thailand/

Bangkok, 11 October 2010 – The UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) is urging Thai authorities to bring to bear “the full force of the law” on those found to be producing, distributing or selling videos or any other material related to the sexual exploitation of children.

Tomoo Hozumi, the UNICEF Representative in Thailand, called upon authorities to “act quickly” on recent newspaper reports about the open display and sale of graphic sexual videos involving children.

This very clear statement of UNICEF is followed up by another statement from ECPAT.

http://whatismatt.com/ecpat-issues-a-statement/

Finally international media starts to take note, despite child porn issue is still being ignored by most Thai media and newspapers. TheNation only takes over a summary of DPA with the UNICEF statement, while many other international newspapers start to report about that issue.

http://www.thaismeplus.com/news-en/hot-news/2115.html

http://www.straitstimes.com/BreakingNews/SEAsia/Story/STIStory_589382.html

http://www.monstersandcritics.com/news/asiapacific/news/article_1590486.php/United-Nations-urges-crackdown-on-child-pornography-in-Thailand

http://www.earthtimes.org/articles/news/348078,crackdown-child-pornography-thailand.html

http://channel6newsonline.com/2010/10/unicef-urges-thailand-for-government-action-against-child-pornography/

http://news.ph.msn.com/regional/article.aspx?cp-documentid=4389946

Heated discussions on even on Thaivisa:

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/405695-unicef-urges-thailand-to-crack-down-on-porn/

12/10/2010 Finally the movement to force Thai Police to start a real and not just a face saving crack down on child pornography is getting momentum. More and more concerned people continue to discuss this topic on twitter. More and more reports surface that child porn sale is not only limited to Sukhumvit, but also happens on Beach Road in Pattaya, in back yards off Silom. Underage child sex is easily available in gogo bars in Pattaya. Still, Thai media despite UNICEF's demand that urgent action is needed, doesn't think it is worth to cover that topic. Instead talks tweets about new celebrity scandals and football keep Nation's twitter reporters busy.

Another DM to @freakingcat from @thanongK. Useless to mention that the call never ever happened.

ThanongK

Will call you today.

12 Oct at 09:08   Delete

13/10/2010 Finally Thai Police starts moving. The first "sacrificial" arrests probably to save what is left of Thai Police's reputation, are made. Bangkok Post reports about it

http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/local/201060/one-thai-2-burmese-arrested-on-sukhumvit-for-selling-child-porn

And now slowly Thai media start to cover that topic. Matchion online releases this article

http://www.matichon.co.th/news_detail.php?newsid=1286942655&grpid=03&catid=03&utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter

I don't have to mention that until now, no phone call, no articles, despite several promises from their managing editor, Khun ThanongK, have been done. TheNation continues their ban to retweet anything related to child porn. Why is a question which demands an answer. The fight against child prostitution and child porn is far from over, it is just the beginning. Let's not get fooled by the arrest of 3 vendors selling child porn. Everone, who is a bit familiar with Thailand is aware of the immense corruption within Thai Police. Those 3 arrests can be just considered a face-saving operation and will have no effect on the child porn business. The "influential" persons behind the trade, the producers, the police will still earn their fair share. Thai media will continue to ignore it. Let's not get disheartened, let's not give up and join together to make a change. Even one child's life saved is worth fighting for!

14/10/2010

Bangkok Post releases an article which indicates that things are finally moving in the right direction!

http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/local/201252/lumpini-police-in-hot-water-in-wake-of-raid

After concerned citizens were able to expose that despite the announced "crack down" on child porn, absolutely nothing had changed and Police were turning a blind eye on the open sale of child and bestiality porn on Sukhumvit,

Lumpini police are being investigated for alleged dereliction of duty following a crackdown by outside officers on the illegal sale of child pornography in their district.

Metropolitan police have now ordered an investigation to find out if the Lumpini police were turning a blind eye to child pornography after the problem was first raised in a report in the Oct 3 edition of the Sunday Bangkok Post.

"The local police are failing to perform their duty," said Pol Maj Gen Anuchai Lekbamrung, Division5 commander.

"And despite a previous order [to suppress child pornography], they've simply failed to take action."

This was a very clear statement and for the first time an acknowledgment of a fact which almost everyone in Thailand knows. Police extorts money for illegal activities and offers "protection" of those kind of businesses. In the West, these are called "Mafia-Methods", here in Thailand, it is simply a fact how police always used to worked.

With the announcement of Pol Maj Gen Anuchai Lekbamrung that an investigation has been ordered into the fact that Lumphini Police did not follow up his orders, a first step is set to gain back the trust in police by Thai citizens, a demand which was put out by the National Thai Police chief yesterday, on "Police Day"

Let's do hope and it is still a hope at this stage, that this is not yet another attempt just to correct the image of Thai Police but that indeed actions are following bold statements.

The arrest of 3 child porn sellers, who very likely by now, after probably having paid the standard fine of 6000 baht, are again back behind their stalls and continue their work, maybe a bit more careful than before.

We have to ask important questions:

Did the police investigate where the child porn came from?

Will the distributors be found and punished as UNICEF demands with "the full force of the law?"

Will this lead to a real crackdown on child porn movies being produced even here in Thailand?

Who are those "influential persons" behind the porn business, who seem to have a huge influence on Police and Thai Press?

Will police an independent police dare to put an end to the underage sex which is easily available in gogo bars in Pattaya?

This list could be continued almost indefinitely....

ONE QUESTION STILL STANDS OUT and needs to be answered:

WHY is Thai Media (apart from the daring Bangkok Post) still continuing to ignore this important topic?

Also Thaivisa mirrored Bangkok Post's article

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/406746-bangkoks-lumpini-police-in-hot-water-in-wake-of-porn-raid/

15/10/2010

Today to everyone's big surprise, the news editor of TheNation @tulsathit decided to publish on twitter a private email which @freakingcat had sent him months ago asking if he could support a permanent resident application. No explanation was given why he chose to attack @freakingcat. Immediately afterwards, he decided to unfollow and block @freakingcat on twitter.

16/10/2010

Finally, after 10 days of silence The Nation printed a long editorial. It was not signed, but at least the wall of deafening silence was broken and they took a clear stand against Child Porn and against Police Corruption. Another step forward in the fight against Child Porn

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/home/2010/10/16/opinion/Our-complacency-has-allowed-child-porn-to-flourish-30140214.html

How much courageous reporting like the Bangkok Post did can raise the awareness of a topic like child porn shows how within 10 days their articles were mirrored in many online and print media worldwide. Here is a small link selection

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/topic/article/0c16edt7CNeVt?q=Thailand+Open

http://www.asiafinest.com/forum/lofiversion/index.php/%2522http:/t242538.html

http://www.adventureinthailand.net/2010/10/child-porn-on-bangkok-streets-stirs-outrage/

http://www.brudirect.com/index.php/Bangkok-Post/child-porn-on-streets-stirs-outrage.html

http://www.brudirect.com/index.php/Bangkok-Post/child-porn-on-sale-despite-crackdown.html

http://www.officialwire.com/main.php?action=posted_news&rid=230044&catid=81

http://dailyme.com/story/2010101600002716/editorial-complacency-allowed-child-porn-flourish.html

http://www.polyjam.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=29918:open-child-porn-trade-outrages-bangkok&catid=54:world&Itemid=53

http://www.rightsandwrongs.co.uk/asia/thailand/5066-asia-thailand-child-porn-on-the-bangkok-streets-raises-complaints

http://www.silobreaker.com/open-child-porn-trade-outrages-bangkok-5_2263770472728494107

http://www.ecpat.net/ei/Resource_newsclippings.asp

http://www.thefreelibrary.com/Open+Child+Porn+Trade+Outrages+Bangkok.-a0238606527

http://ligiheaven.com/?tag=bangkok

http://www.ttrweekly.com/site/2010/10/unicef-pitches-in-on-porn-scandal/

Even Reuters finds it worth mentioning

http://uk.reuters.com/article/idUKSGE69500U20101006

http://forums.edmw.sg/viewtopic.php?f=15&t=66725

http://www.ajarnforum.net/vb/thailand-news-clippings/53334-child-porn-on-streets-stirs-outrage.html

http://www.adventureinthailand.net/2010/10/bangkoks-lumpini-police-in-hot-water-in-wake-of-porn-raid/

http://www.bangkoklive.co.cc/forums/showthread.php?4303-Child-porn-on-Bangkok-streets-stirs-outrage/page2

http://ukbkk.co.uk/forum/index.php?showtopic=9024

http://wireupdate.com/wires/11132/unicef-urges-thailand-for-government-action-against-child-pornography/

http://www.newkerala.com/news/world/fullnews-60597.html

http://stonesoup68.newsvine.com/_news/2010/10/03/5221397-bangkok-post-child-porn-on-streets-stirs-outrage-thailand

http://ligiheaven.com/?p=365

http://www.topix.com/th/bangkok/2010/10/unicef-urges-thailand-for-government-action-against-child-pornography

http://wn.com/Illegal_CD's_getting_sold_on_Bangkok's_Main_Tourist_Streets

17/10/2010

It's been 11 long days after Bangkok Post broke the story that child pornographic movies are sold openly in Sukhumwit. After an empty announcement of Thai Police, who boasted that they have launched their "sting-operations" and are cracking down the sale of child porn, nothing had happened. Days later, after Bangkok Post exposed this failure to act by Thai Police, a "face-saving" crackdown operation was undertaken: 2 "Burmese" and 1 Thai seller were arrested and the usual "success" photograph was taken and published. Another announcement was made that an investigation will be launched, why Lumphini Police did not follow orders to crack down on child porn. No investigation is really needed to know the real reasons behind it.

UNICEF had demanded that the sexual exploitation of children in Thailand has to be prosecuted with the full extent of law. Days have passed again with Thai Media and Police doing almost nothing, probably hoping that this topic would die down and everything would return to "normal" and money out of the sexual exploitation of children can be made easily again.

It took another brave article by the Bangkok Post, which was published today, to expose areas in Bangkok where Child Porn DVDs were distributed on wholesale base. Journalists of Bangkok Post had to do Police work as Thai Police still were too busy celebrating "Police Day". Some shocking excepts of this article:

http://bangkokpost.com/news/local/201770/baan-mor-porn-markets---where-the-streets-have-no-shame

http://www.bangkokpost.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=21&t=5752

The Bangkok Post Sunday team was tipped off about Porn Street by the same senior police officer who provided us with information on child porndhography and bestiality movies being sold on Sukhumvit Road.

To try to trace the larger distributors of the pornography and other pirated movies, he suggested we investigate Baan Mor and the nearby Klong Thom Centre, which ironically is located at the former headquarters of the Crime Suppression Division on Worachak Road.

The most obvious first stop was Pantip Plaza where we were taken to hidden backrooms and offered pornography, including what one vendor has boasted was a ''fresh shipment'' of child pornnography which one vendor boasted had just arrived.

The covers featured underage girls and the writing was in Thai, an indication that they were intended for locals and not foreigners. We observed both Thai and foreign men buying pornography.

We counted 52 stalls, shops and tables displaying pirated videos, with 39 dis playing pornography, and of those, 13 selling child pornography.

We noticed that the ''new shipment'' of child pornography on offer at Pantip matched those on display at Baan Mor. ''This indicates that Baan Mor market is not only a selling point but also a distribution centre,'' the police officer said.

''We have baby too,'' one said, referring to child porn. Uniformed officials, including police, were among the large crowd.

He said the volume of sales on Sukhumvit Road was only a small portion of the market in Bangkok and around the country.

22/10/2010 The Anti Child Porn Action group has been founded and had it's first meeting. A very strong action plan had been decided and will be put in practice the next days and weeks.

7/11/2010 Bankok Post publishes an article in which Thai Police claims to have cleared Sukhumvit of all porn DVD until January 2011 (!). Pantip plaza will remain untouched as it belongs to an influential person. No need to mention that there was never any investigation into finding the producers or wholesellers of child porn. Article focused mostly on porn in general.

http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/investigation/205178/cleaning-up-the-streets-of-bangkok

17/11/2010 Shocking Video Evidence of Child Porn sold openly in Pattaya and Police not only knowing about it, but taking interest in viewing the DVD Covers!

http://www.youtube.com/ThailandUndercover#p/a/u/0/9Qdf7aVs6bM

Tags » child porn thailand scandal police

12 October 2010

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