Thailand

This month’s Book Zone 2.0 delivers tasty morsels from the 41st Bangkok International Book Fair (held 29 March – 8 April 2013) fresh to NM readers. 420 publishers were represented at 950 booths at this regular event. From the myria...
This month’s Book Zone 2.0 delivers tasty morsels from the 41st Bangkok International Book Fair (held 29 March – 8 April 2013) fresh to NM readers. 420 publishers were represented at 950 booths at this regular event. From the myriad tomes on offer we bring you details of 8 specially selected for their cutting edge social research and topical content. ???????????????? ????????????? ????????? ??????????? / ???????????????? ???????????? (Anuman Rajadhon, the Commoner-scholar who created Thainess). Contemporary Thai national identity is a cultural creation of the twentieth century, shaped especially by the contributions of key individuals in public life. This book by the well known historian Prof. Saichon is a critique of Anuman Rajadhon ‘s written work (from 1932 to 1967), in relation to the ideas and ideals of Thainess and Thai identity. The professor cleverly shows us how the quest for Thainess served the interests of the elite in building the nation. ????? ?????????????? / ??????? ??????? (Male Court Attendants in the rule of Rama VI). The book is derived from the author’s PhD thesis at Thammasat University. It explores the transformation of court society as Rama VI remodeled gender roles and relationship according to an adaptation of Victorian values. In particular we see the replacement of traditionally feminine roles with males and how these young men lived. ???????????????????????????: ????????????????????????? /????? ??????????????????? (History through amulets: moral belief and Buddhist commerce). In today’s Thailand religious amulets are big business, and any visitor will notice the shop windows, street stalls and magazine advertisements for these curious and often expensive little items. The Silapakorn academic give us a history of amulets in Siam/Thailand up to the present day, with particular emphasis on the ways that the military, the establishment and the middle class have variously manipulated and marketed amulets and the beliefs connected with them. ?????????? ????????????????? ??????????? / ?????????????????????????????? (A century of Thai cartoons: from Siamese classics to contemporary Thai). Another study of cartoons/comic books by Naiphaet Prasoet, this one charting the evolution of the art form over 100 years to the present. In Prasoet ‘s critical perspective, Thai cartoonists have failed to realise the full potential of their art in informing and developing society. Soldiers never die: ??????????????? / ????? ?????? (Soldiers never die: under the jackboots). Watsana exposes the extent to which serving and retired officers are embedded in the civil service, and the political establishment. The author is a famous military affairs journalist known for her Lap Luang Phrang series.  ??-????? ????????????? ???????????????????? / ??????? ???????? (Chaloem: the fans must read this, the foes even more so). A biography focusing on Chaloem’s political life. The text is based on transcripts of exclusive interviews and background research, touching upon many sensitive issues concerning past events and his private life. ??????????? / ????? ????? (Quarreling with the obstinate). Well established independent radio/TV commentator/author crusading against Phua Thai and the Red Shirt movement; in this book Chitakon tackles dozens of individuals, chapter by chapter, attacking their support for the government, their advocacy of policy, and their intentions. The style is very much “Shock Jock” as he moves quickly from one target to another.  ????????????????????????? / ??. ?????????? ??????? (Extracting the venom of Thaksinist corruption). Another conservative radio/TV commentator /author makes his case that the Yingluck government is trying to bring back Thaksin, and that this presents an unacceptable threat to society. [This post is provided by the National Library of Australia as part of our BookZone 2.0 feature. For further information please contact Saowapha
score: 1 about 5 hours ago
I mentioned a few weeks back that Anasuya’s new Channel NewsAsia TV show, “The New Myanmar,” would soon air. Well, the first two episodes have been broadcast, and they’re now available online. Embedded above on...
I mentioned a few weeks back that Anasuya’s new Channel NewsAsia TV show, “The New Myanmar,” would soon air. Well, the first two episodes have been broadcast, and they’re now available online. Embedded above on online here is episode one, “Artistic Freedom,” about music and the arts in the country. And embedded above on and online here is episode two, “Saving Yangon,” about the city’s architectural heritage. There are several more episodes to come. You can see them live on Channel NewsAsia on Mondays from 8:30 to 9 p.m. Singapore time.
score: 1 about 8 hours ago
Filmmaker Banjong Pisanthanakun talks about his runaway success 'Pee Mak' and his hopes for the Thai film industry
Filmmaker Banjong Pisanthanakun talks about his runaway success 'Pee Mak' and his hopes for the Thai film industry
score: 1 about 13 hours ago
The sacking of the Government Pharmaceutical Organisation (GPO)'s managing director was due to political interference, health advocates and the Rural Doctors Society said yesterday.
The sacking of the Government Pharmaceutical Organisation (GPO)'s managing director was due to political interference, health advocates and the Rural Doctors Society said yesterday.
score: 1 about 13 hours ago
Former finance minister Korn Chatikavanij yesterday disputed ex-premier Thaksin Shinawatra's claim that an independent central bank was Thailand's problem in the face of a strengthening baht.
Former finance minister Korn Chatikavanij yesterday disputed ex-premier Thaksin Shinawatra's claim that an independent central bank was Thailand's problem in the face of a strengthening baht.
score: 1 about 13 hours ago
Apiwan will also be appointed next month, party source says
Apiwan will also be appointed next month, party source says
score: 1 about 13 hours ago
Some of the last photographs taken by photo-journalist Fabio Polenghi, who was shot and killed on 19 May 2010 in Bangkok during the government crackdown on red-shirt protests, have been put on exhibition by his sister. The court will de...
Some of the last photographs taken by photo-journalist Fabio Polenghi, who was shot and killed on 19 May 2010 in Bangkok during the government crackdown on red-shirt protests, have been put on exhibition by his sister. The court will deliver its verdict on the inquest into his death on 29 May. On 18 May, Elisabetta Polenghi opened an exhibition of her brother’s photographs at the Foreign Correspondents Club of Thailand. Elisabetta Polenghi at the exhibition This is to commemorate the last moments of Fabio’s life and his goodwill towards his fellow humans and justice through the photographs he had taken telling stories amidst conflicts, she said. In addition to those of the violent incidents in Thailand in 2010, photographs about communities in Brazil and refugees in Myanmar were also shown. Elisabetta said that it had taken her about a year to collect over 500 of Fabio’s photos and about another 4 months to select 30 to be shown on the exhibition. Fabio’s last photo from his computer, taken on 18 May 2010. She said that choosing the photos for exhibition was very difficult because it was like living his life and understanding his last moments before he was shot, as she had not been with him at that moment. The South Bangkok Criminal Court has been conducting an inquest into Fabio’s death for over a year, and is expected to deliver its verdict at the end of this month. From the trial and evidence, it can be said that the bullets that killed her brother came from the direction of military troops, she said. She believed that the court would make the right decision. She said that the Thai justice system was quicker than she had thought. Initially, she believed that her brother’s case might never reach the courts at all. Although it was hard for her to take each step on the way, she did not expect or wish the killers to be executed or punished. She just wanted the truth to come out, she said. The exhibition will be on display at the FCCT in Ploenchit, Bangkok, until 30 May. Fabio’s camera was stolen by an unidentified man right after he was shot. See Who is this man? Source: http://www.prachatai.com/journal/2013/05/46786
score: 1 about 23 hours ago
Harrison George Right, I’ve had enough. I’m sick up to here with this mindless ‘if you don’t like it here, then go and live somewhere else’ garbage. So what about you? If you don’t like reading this stuff, why don’t...
Harrison George Right, I’ve had enough. I’m sick up to here with this mindless ‘if you don’t like it here, then go and live somewhere else’ garbage. So what about you? If you don’t like reading this stuff, why don’t you go and live somewhere else where they don’t write like this? Never thought of that, did you, eh? Of course, this is on the internet, so I suppose it’s everywhere. But nobody’s forcing you to read it. You had the sense to know how to turn on your computer and navigate to this page, right? So how come you don’t have the wit to turn your computer off? Huh? Or maybe you are one of these people who get their jollies from being outraged. Righteous indignation gives you such a bigger thrill than anything you might agree with, is that your problem? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. When fans of the original shock jock Howard Stern were asked why they stayed tuned, they reported they wanted to know what he’d say next. The same poll found that people who hated him stayed tuned even longer, because they too wanted to know what he’d say next. And what’s this gratuitously insulting reference to ‘your Thai sweetie’? Are you referring to my eminently respectable, highly educated and universally well-regarded wife of 37 years? Pardon, dear? 38? Are you sure? Yes of course I remember when we got married, darling, I buy roses every anniversary, don’t I? No, don’t take it like that, it’s just that I thought we got married in, er, 19, er … No don’t lock the door, dear. I was misled by your youthful good looks, my sweetheart. It was just a slip of the memory, of course it’s 38 years, I remember now. 38 absolutely wonderful years, in fact, and why are you packing a suitcase? Bugger. See what you’ve done now with your stupid ‘sweetie’ comment? And who are you calling ‘Mr Farang’? Look, I’m not so stupid that I assume that just because someone calls himself ‘Somchai’, he must be Thai. Or even a he. Oh no, I could see that coming a mile away. So why do you assume that Harrison George has to be farang? Eh? You fall off a Christmas tree or something? Yes, I know you’re not the only saying ‘love it or leave it’. It’s a common refrain of mindless patriots around the world. There’s the Commander-in-Chief of the bleeding army for one, and anyone choosing to sing off his hymn sheet must a few satang short of a baht. I mean, he keeps telling people who complain about something, Thais and foreigners alike, to go and live somewhere else. But doesn’t he realize that by saying this, he’s complaining himself? So if he doesn’t like people complaining, why doesn’t the good General find somewhere else to live where they don’t complain? Like North Korea, maybe. And leave the rest of us to get on with our complaining in peace without his constant threats. I mean, it’s not like he owns this country, is it? Isn’t it? And what’s this about me not liking to live in an ‘absurd’ country? This is satire, or hadn’t you noticed? If there’s nothing absurd going on, how am I going to earn an honest crust? Mind you, you don’t want it to get so absurd it starts making fun of itself. Like a Deputy Prime Minister prancing about in some bizarre bare-breasted ancient costume and calling fellow citizens garbage. Stuff like that is bloody hard to satirize, let me tell you. Now if you’re looking for someone who should go away and live in his own world, there’s your man. Or maybe he already has.
score: 1 1 day ago
Football Association of Thailand president Worawi Makudi yesterday gave strongest hint yet that the association was about to part ways with beleaguered coach Winfried Schaefer, by saying former national captain Kiatisak "Zico" Senamuang ...
Football Association of Thailand president Worawi Makudi yesterday gave strongest hint yet that the association was about to part ways with beleaguered coach Winfried Schaefer, by saying former national captain Kiatisak "Zico" Senamuang would take charge of the team for next month's friendly with China.
score: 1 1 day ago
Irregularities over procurements, delays in plant construction cited
Irregularities over procurements, delays in plant construction cited
score: 1 1 day ago