Anything & Everything About Thailand

[KatoeyLover69]

Report from The Nation dated Friday 6 October 2006 :-

Bangkok world's 3rd favourite city

Bangkok has emerged as the world's third favourite destination among tourists while retaining its title of Asia's Best City for the fifth consecutive year.

Bangkok Governor Apirak Kosayodhin was scheduled to receive "Asia's Best City" award from Travel and Leisure magazine today.

The magazine surveyed reader's opinions on the world's best cities through its web site and questionnaires. People, culture, arts and value for money were among the criteria to decide which cities ranked among the best in the world.

In the latest survey, Italy's Florence and Rome won first and second places respectively. Two cities from Thailand made the top-five list, with Bangkok in third place and Chiang Mai coming fifth.

In Asia, Bangkok was voted the best city while Chiang Mai came second.

"This proves that Bangkok is ready to become the tourism hub of Asia," Isara Sunthorwat, spokesman for the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA), said yesterday.

He said Bangkok boasted beautiful scenery, outstanding culture and great food.
--- KatoeyNewsNetwork

[KatoeyLover69]

Report from Bangkok Post dated Saturday 7 October 2006 :-

AoT chief not too happy with airport security

The Crime Suppression Division has been requested to step up security at the new airport to protect Suvarnabhumi from possible terrorist attacks.

The three spots seen most vulnerable to attacks are the airport's control tower, the world's tallest, the seven-floor passenger terminal, and the Airports of Thailand (AoT)'s office, according to AoT president Chotisak Asapaviriya, who briefed CSD chief Pol Maj Gen Worasak Nopsitiporn on the airport's security situation yesterday when he visited the place for an inspection.

Although these places are being guarded round-the-clock by tambon Rachathewa police from Samut Prakan, tourist police as well as the airport's own security guards, nothing could be taken for granted, he said.

An attack on any of these installations and structures, identified as the "heart" of the Suvarnabhumi, would break down the airport's operations command, paralyse air traffic, and cause chaos among passengers and airport staff, he warned. Mr Chotisak said the AoT planned to increase the number of surveillance cameras from 550 to around 1,000 to ensure the safety of passengers.

The additional security measures, especially in the terminal and car-park building, would help security officials keep a closer eye on the goings-on at the airport, which is six times the size of the decommissioned Don Muang airport.

Mr Chotisak said some airport officials should also be sent to attend counter-terrorism training courses that are held every six months so that they can be of some help to police and military officers when the time comes.
--- KatoeyNewsNetwork

[KatoeyLover69]

Report from The Nation dated Saturday 7 October 2006 :-

Giant Swing bows out after 224 years : Historic Bangkok landmark removed with ritual ceremony

After being scarred by weather for 224 years, the rotting Giant Swing underwent a ritual ceremony for its removal yesterday, paving the way for the installation of a new swing in December.

The red wooden landmark of the city, known in Thai as Sao Ching Cha, is a national historic site.

Bangkok Governor Apirak Kosayodhin led the Brahmin and Buddhist ceremony at the auspicious time of 13.29 to worship and remove wooden pegs from the top of the swing on Bamrungmuang Road, in front of the Bangkok Metropolitan office. The swing will be completely removed on Monday.

"After the ritual, officers need some time to put up a blind to hide the actual removal from the sight of passers-by. We are concerned that city people may be startled by the disappearance of a structure sacred to them," Apirak said.

After its removal, the old 21-metre-high structure will be kept at the Devasathan Brahmin temple as an archaeological relic, and it may be moved to the city museum when construction finishes.

The swing's front arch, which is designed in classic Thai style, will be sent to Ayudhya as a model for its replacement.

The new swing will be made from six teak trees over 100 years old felled in Phrae and is currently under construction in Ayudhya. Two will form the swing's pillars and the rest as its four props.

Construction of the new swing will be completed in November, and it will be installed at the site in December, when the BMA will petition His Majesty the King to preside over the ceremony.

The original swing was built two centuries ago during the reign of King Rama I, the monarch who moved the capital to Bangkok, while the present one was completed in 1920. The front arch is from the original.

The swing had been restored several times. It was once struck by lightning, and it was set on fire decades ago when a worshipper accidentally dropped a burning joss stick into a crack in a teak pole. The latest temporary restoration took place last year.

The Sao Ching Cha served an important function in the ancient Brahmin ritual of Triyampawai, one of 12 royal ceremonies held each month since the Sukhothai period. Triyampawai drew on an ancient Hindu epic describing the re-creation of the world. The ritual was held to thank the god Shiva for the rice harvest and ask for his blessing. The two pillars of the Giant Swing represent mountains while its circular base symbolises the land and ocean.

The swing ceremony was discontinued in 1935 during the reign of King Rama VII because accidents and deaths were commonplace during it.
--- KatoeyNewsNetwork

[KatoeyLover69]

Report from The Nation dated Saturday 7 October 2006 :-

Suvarnabhumi could stand its ground against top dog Changi

Suvarnabhumi Airport could become a "formidable competitor" to the award-winning Changi Airport, according to the Singapore airport's managing director Foo Sek Min.

He said Bangkok's new international airport was a "100-per-cent improvement" on Don Muang, despite the many hitches since it opened on September 28.

Foo warned, however, that Suvarnabhumi should be aware of its costs spiralling, put up better signs and improve its baggage-handling system.

He said Changi - regarded as the world's best airport - had confidence in its strategy of having three main terminals plus one low-cost terminal, instead of having one mega-terminal like Suvarnabhumi.

"We believe we need to be on a human scale. Passengers won't get lost, so we have three terminals," Foo said.

Foo, who has visited Suvarnabhumi, said the new airport's 444-metre departure hall was "quite a walk", especially for the elderly, and passengers could be confused by the various gates looking almost identical.

Changi aims at not only satisfying customers but also exceeding their needs, said Foo. Since 1988, it has received 250 best-airport awards. "We are able to provide a high level of service," he said of an airport famous for its efficiency and garden-like environment.

Its Terminal 2 upgrade, costing Bt9 billion, was completed several weeks ago. The terminal now provides specialised services such as a limousine send-off directly to the plane and more. "If you pay a lot, you can be driven to the plane," Foo told The Nation.

The terminal feels more cosy. Its choice of a warm teak colour for its pillars and carpets allows for a more comfortable walk, unlike the hard surface at Suvarnabhumi.

Changi's aircraft landing fees remain the second-lowest in Asia and it is essential to keep them comparable to new competitors, Foo said.

An extensive range of airport shops is also a priority. "People want variety, people want choice," he added.

Changi's new Terminal 3, still under construction, will offer a unique building bathed in natural light and embracing nature through a hi-tech system of mobile ceiling blinds.
--- KatoeyNewsN
etwork

[nanog69]

Originally Posted by old katoey

What do you mean by "butting into OUR CONVERSATION without being invited ?

Hey, this is a OPEN FORUM and ANYBODY can join in ANYTIME ! . Look at all the other postings in any other thread ......... someone posted a comment and 10 other Samsters jump in and make other comments - so far, nobody had taken offence and accused the other 10 Samsters of "butting into their conversation without being invited".

Since this is an OPEN FORUM, I shall engage you here.

If you want a PRIVATE CONVERSATION with Bro KLKool or with any other Bro, please use the PM - then it become your ' PRIVATE CON VERSATION '

You got reading disability? Did I say "private"? Beside your tooth, you lost your eyesight as well?

BTW, I don't have any issue with you and I did not say that what you posted about Uncle TV is 'justified' or 'unjustified' - I leave that for others to judge on a 'case-by-case basis'.

Others have oredi make their views, again you have reading disability issit?

And please withdraw your statement about me being a double-headed snake unless you can 'justify' that

I leave it for others to judge on a 'case-by-case basis' whether you are a double-headed snake or not.

BTW, are you 'male' or 'female' - sorry to ask this question because I had read so many postings by Uncle TV addressing you as 'she' - please clarify your sexuality

And why are you so interested to know? Thought you are a lover of katoeys? It seems like you lapped up every word from TV's mouth? Is he your Tua Pek Kong? I remember someone called you spineless and a person with no integrity, now do we need your clarification?

[nanog69]

Bro KTL69,
When you are prepared to show some integrity and backbone I will be most happy to meet you.

Can anybody clarify on the above?

Regards
Nanog69

[KatoeyLover69]

Originally Posted by Sis Nanog69

Since this is an OPEN FORUM, I shall engage you here.

Sis Nanog69,

It's okay to let off your steam- otherwise sperms will come out of your ears !

[nanog69]

Originally Posted by Old Katoey

It's okay to let off your steam- otherwise sperms will come out of your ears

Old Katoey,

Well, I doubt you have any at all ....

Regards
Nanog69

[KatoeyLover69]

Originally Posted by nanog69

Old Katoey,

Well, I doubt you have any at all ....

Regards
Nanog69

Sis Nanog69,

Sorry, forgot that you are a girl ! You definitely don't have any sperms ........... the best you can do is to lick & swallow others' sperms........

Enjoy !

[KatoeyLover69]

Report from Bangkok Post dated Saturday 7 October 2006 :-

6,700 baggages stranded at Suvarnabhumi Airport

Thai Airways International executives expressed grave concerns about the failure to clear over 6,700 pieces of baggage from 20 flights today.

As a solution, the airport authorities have decided to use manual system to replace computers in the frenetic effort to clear the backlog.

A total of 6,722 baggages could not be cleared due to problems with the computer system that controls the carousel flow. The problems started since six o’clock this morning for about half an hour, only to recur between 9-10 a.m.

Mr Somchai Sawasdeepon, general manager of Suvarnabhumi Airport said the carousel failure affected over 20 domestic and international flights. Thai Airways International saw 760 pieces loaded in from 16 flights jammed.

Mr Somchai said the problems are now being resolved by the contractor called Kawasaki Company that operates the system. As temporary solution, a manual baggage clearance system will be used until Monday at noon.

Mr Somchai explained that this type of problem is common and should not result in any flight delay.

Mr Chokechai Panyayong, Manager for Ground Service of Thai Airways expressed grave concerns at the problem, which he hopes would only happen during this initial period.

He said airlines representatives, the contractor and the Airports of Thailand would meet to find a solution. Meanwhile, Thai Airways had to mobilise another 30 soldiers to help labelling baggage.

Mr Chokechai said Thai Airways has a benchmark of 0.6 per cent error but baggage clearance delay culminating in what happened today makes the index spike to 10 per cent. The carrier has paid several million baht in ensuring baggage delivery since the commercial opening of the airport on September 28, he added.
--- KatoeyNewsNetwork

[KatoeyLover69]

Report from Bangkok Post dated Sunday 8 October 2006 :-

Thais marry into 'slavery' in Japan : Marriage 'a tool for human traffickers'

The number of Thai women lured into marrying Japanese men, only to end up as domestic slaves or forced into prostitution, is increasing, a women's shelter has warned. Social workers at the +++yo-based Help Asian Women's Shelter said marriage has become a convenient tool for human traffickers to lure Thai women, particularly uneducated women from poverty-stricken Isan who want a better life.

Some face the prospect of becoming domestic slaves for men who simply want to find someone to take care of their elderly, often disabled mothers. There are cases of domestic violence, and of women being dumped or forced into prostitution after their mothers-in-law die.

The shelter, which has helped dozens of Thai women over the past three years, is sounding the alarm about this form of human trafficking, which it says is increasing.

One social worker said the Thai women enter Japan legally after signing marriage certificates with Japanese men which entitle them to a one-year visa.

She said many marriages are arranged by brokers, who often work out of travel agencies.

Some Japanese men contact the brokers, asking them to help find wives. Brokers send women's photos to the men over the Internet.

Once they decide on a woman, they make a first deposit, from 80,000 to 100,000 baht, into a broker's bank account as a guarantee. Part of the money, the social worker said, goes to the prospective wife for preparations and travel arrangements.

She said the women are required to study Japanese language and culture, normally for about one year, as part of the preparation process.

The men then travel to Thailand to see the women in person, arrange the wedding and make traditional payments to the woman's family.

''The situation becomes worse because these women are forced to sign contracts in the Japanese language, which state they cannot leave the new families no matter what. If they breach the contract, they are required to return the money they received to the brokers,'' she said.

Those who managed to escape have found that their families in Thailand were harmed by the brokers until they got their money. She said the shelter has been closely working with Japanese authorities and the Thai embassy in Japan to rescue the women if asked for help.
--- KatoeyNewsNetwork

[KatoeyLover69]

Report from Bangkok Post dated Sunday 8 October 2006 :-

Old Thai men suffer erectile dysfunction

Approximately 40 per cent of Thai men aged 40 up suffer erectile dysfunction, a condition in which a man is unable to achieve or maintain an erection, said a Thai expert on sexual impotence.

Sexual health specialist Dr. Wanchai Nairakseri said that according to the recent study, some 40 per cent of Thai men aged between 40-70 years experience some degree of erectile dysfunction (ED).

The major causes are a decline in the male hormone, testosterone, as well as cardiovascular disease, and diabetes. Other factors that contribute to ED include alcohol consumption, smoking, a lack of exercise, as well as stress and anxiety, the doctor said.

The study found that two-fifths of Thai men with ED do not seek medical treatment from doctors for the condition, due to their feelings of embarrassment, according to Dr. Wanchai.

The doctor encouraged those experiencing sexual impotence to consult physicians in order to receive a correct diagnosis and treatment. Patients should not neglect their own health or take medicines on their own without a physician's prescription because improper medications might cause serious harm and even death.

Erectile dysfunction can be a major threat to personal and family well-being.

To prevent such a consequence, patients should seek proper treatment as the condition is treatable if it is diagnosed early and the right drug is prescribed, Dr. Wanchai said.
--- KatoeyNewsNetwork

[KatoeyLover69]

Report from The Nation dated Monday 9 October 2006 :-

One Two Go to do 60 daily flights

The aftermath of the coup has paved the way for One Two Go Airlines Co Ltd, a Thai-owned budget airline, to increase its flights from 24 a day to 60 a day next year.

The company will spend Bt500 million to Bt600 million to lease additional MD-82 aircraft to achieve the plan as well as to solve delayed-flight problems. The company now has only five aircraft to handle all flights and will lease three more this year. The number will increase to 15 next year.

"Before the coup the company asked aviation authorities for an increase in flight numbers, but it took a long time compared with our competitor Air Asia," the company's chairman Udom Tantiprasongchai said last week.

Udom said that the company was ready to compete fairly with rivals.

Late last week the company introduced domestic flights from Bangkok to Krabi to serve rising demand from tourists. The province is part of the Tourism Authority of Thailand's Unseen Thailand promotion campaign.

To facilitate the expansion, the company plans to mobilise foreign investment funds and is also considering becoming a listed company on the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) within the next two years.

"If we enjoy good operating results with a high turnover we will enter the SET," he said, adding that the company was thinking of appointing a financial adviser. The company has registered capital of Bt200 million.

The company appointed Kajit Habanananda as its new chief executive officer late last week. Kajit was previously managing director and vice president of the company. The new appointment will encourage the company's business plan to separate administration between Orient Thai Airlines Co Ltd, the previous operator of One Two Go, and the One Two Go operation.

Under the company's new operating plan, One Two Go will focus on domestic flights and international routes within less than three hours flight time. Orient Thai will handle longer-distance international flights.

By the end of this year One Two Go will operate an international route from Bangkok to Macau. It plans to open three more international routes, to Singapore, Malaysia and Guangzhou, next year.

Udom said the company had been waiting for an aviation licence for flights to Krabi, Nakhon Si Thammarat and Trang for the last two years. He now expects licences for another two provinces will be approved by this year.

Next year One Two Go targets 150-per-cent growth from its revenue of Bt2 billion this year. Orient Thai will have revenue of Bt3.5 billion this year.
--- KatoeyNewsNetwork

[KatoeyLover69]

Report from Bangkok Post dated Tuesday 10 October 2006 :-

Airport luggage system gets revamp : Upgrade will end lost bag problem, says AoT

The automatic baggage handling system at Suvarnabhumi airport has been upgraded with more data-processing capacity in a move authorities believe will solve the problem of stranded luggage.

Airports of Thailand (AoT) finished the system upgrade at noon yesterday, allowing passenger luggage to again be sorted automatically by the conveyor belt system.

The data-processing capacity was increased 2.5 times, said AoT president Chotisak Asapaviriya.

On Saturday, the system failed to read about 6,700 pieces of outbound luggage, resulting in luggage being stranded in the conveyor system.

Mr Chotisak said the problem was the system could not sort luggage quickly enough because bags from other countries were tagged with excessive information that overloaded Suvarnabhumi's system.

That delayed the handling time for each bag by a few minutes and resulted in thousands of pieces piling up unsorted in one area and missing flights.

Mr Chotisak said the luggage problem at Suvarnabhumi was trivial compared with problems experienced during the initial operation of Hong Kong's Chek Lap Kok airport, where up to 100,000 pieces of luggage were not processed, forcing services to be suspended.

The airport's other problem is loud noise which is annoying local residents.

The Department of Pollution Control yesterday suggested AoT and airlines boost measures to reduce noise pollution at the airport, including limiting the number of flights arriving and departing at night.

Department deputy chief Supat Wangwongwatana said the department has tested 11 locations near Suvarnabhumi and found high levels of noise pollution.

The tests, conducted between Oct 4-10, found the noise before the airport opened averaged 47-75 decibels north of the airport and 46-65 decibels to the south. After operations began, noise averaged about 65-70 decibels, but during peak airport hours it increased to over 75 decibels around the homes of about 200 families living close to the airport.

"We would like related organisations such as airlines and Airports of Thailand to find a suitable flying technique that can reduce the level of noise. It should change landings and take-offs to the eastern runway [from the western runway] to reduce the noise in residential areas. It should also reduce the number of night flights," Mr Supat said.

Aviation Department chief Chaisak Angkhasuwan said noise pollution was a priority and officials were trying to limit the damage.

"Of course, passenger security is still our main concern, not noise pollution, so all techniques we might use to reduce noise must be in accordance with international airline safety standards," he said.

Relevant agencies will meet again this week to consider immediate actions to tackle noise pollution, said Mr Chaisak.

"We still need more information on the impact of noise before we launch another assistance programme in the community,"the AoT president said.
--- KatoeyNewsNetwork

[KatoeyLover69]

Report from The Nation dated Tuesday 10 October 2006 :-

Facelift for City Pillar Shrine

The City Pillar Shrine has been closed for its first facelift in 20 years at a cost of Bt6 million.

The Fine Arts Department hoped the makeover would bring about good luck and stability for the country.

Department director-general Arak Sanghitkul said work had started on the two pillars, five goddess sculptures, the mural and landscaping. The work is being subsidised by the Veterans General Foundation.

In 1782, King Rama I had the first City Pillar erected in front of the Grand Palace during the construction of Bangkok as the new capital of Siam. The City Pillar Shrine was reconstructed by King Rama IV.

Arak said the centuries-old pillars had become dilapidated.

Gilding on the eldest pillar had become dirty and the second, last restored 20 years ago, had been rotted by humidity.

"The pillars might suffer more severe damage if they are not urgently repaired," said Arak, adding they would be dried and re-lacquered before new gilding was applied.

The work will be finished by February and is another project marking the 60th anniversary of His Majesty the King's accession to the throne.

The City Pillar Shrine is a sacred Bangkok landmark. People believe the pillars have made the nation safe and the goddesses residing there guard people and guarantee a pleasant life.

"The renovation of the City Pillar Shrine is believed to create good luck and bring an end to unpleasant situations," said Arak.

People will be allowed to pay homage from outside the shrine.
--- KatoeyNewsNetwork