Don't drink the local Krating Daeng. Try the Europe's Red Bull version. That one also goes well if you mix with Vodka.
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A Singaporean's guide to living in Thailand
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Don't drink the local Krating Daeng. Try the Europe's Red Bull version. That one also goes well if you mix with Vodka.
Cabinet okays 9-month visas for foreigners
National
Sep 15. 2020
By The Nation
The Cabinet has approved a proposal of issuing long-stay visas for foreigners visiting Thailand.
Deputy government spokesperson Traisuree Taisaranakul said on Tuesday (September 15) that the Cabinet has agreed to allow foreigners to live in Thailand for up to nine months per trip, provided they can prove they have spent 14 days in quarantine.
The first visit will allow 90 days of stay, which can then be extended twice totalling nine months.
This measure will start from next month, and up to 1,200 tourists per month will be granted this extended visa.
Related Story: Cabinet to consider special tourist visa next week: TAT
https://www.nationthailand.com/news/30394581?utm_source=category&utm_medium=internal_referral
National
Sep 15. 2020
By The Nation
The Cabinet has approved a proposal of issuing long-stay visas for foreigners visiting Thailand.
Deputy government spokesperson Traisuree Taisaranakul said on Tuesday (September 15) that the Cabinet has agreed to allow foreigners to live in Thailand for up to nine months per trip, provided they can prove they have spent 14 days in quarantine.
The first visit will allow 90 days of stay, which can then be extended twice totalling nine months.
This measure will start from next month, and up to 1,200 tourists per month will be granted this extended visa.
Related Story: Cabinet to consider special tourist visa next week: TAT
https://www.nationthailand.com/news/30394581?utm_source=category&utm_medium=internal_referral
AUNTIE YAO’S SOM TUM DELIGHTS EVERYONE, FROM WIN MOTOSAI TO HISO
By
Asaree Thaitrakulpanich, Staff Reporter
-
September 15, 2020 3:00 pm
Napuschada “Auntie Yao” Chanchua.
BANGKOK — “Want any grilled chicken and som tum today?” Auntie Yao calls out to familiar faces walking down the street as motorcycle taxi drivers fuel up on grilled drumsticks and plates of pungent fermented papaya salad at her stall.
Napuschada “Auntie Yao” Chanchua is the cheerful, garrulous proprietor of “Yao Som Tum” street food cart, a staple on Nang Linchi Road for decades.
“Motorcycle taxi drivers, office workers, maids, construction workers, and even millionaires are my customers,” Auntie Yao said. “They call me with their orders, and a Benz picks it up.”
Auntie Yao says she’s been selling chicken and somtum on Nang Linchi for 20 years, but only acquired her spot in front of the Krungthai Branch seven years ago after negotiating with a tessakit officer, or a municipal security officer.
Auntie Yao’s simple cart has remained unadorned for most of her years selling chicken and somtum on the street. But a few weeks ago a group of university students made a sign, a bilingual menu, and a logo for her as part of their homework on marketing.
Her quiet foil of a husband, the much more soft-spoken and shy Ananya Chanchua, 55, is in charge of manning the grill. On days when their daughter Visal Chanchua, 21, doesn’t have class, she helps her parents out at their stall.
Customers wait in front or behind the cart, chatting with Auntie Yao while Ananya warms up any orders of chicken or fish so they can be handed, nice and warm, to the waiting customer.
The basic som tum Thai sells for just 35 baht, and the more pungent tum poo pla ra, which includes salted crab and fermented fish, cost 30 baht.
Ananya Chanchua grills chicken and fish.
Although stories of stomach problems from eating at street carts abound, Auntie Yao’s food preparation is quite hygienic, and she swears that her pla ra, or fermented fish, has been properly boiled beforehand.
We suggest the most adventurous try tum sua, or papaya salad with fermented vermicelli and salted crab for 40 baht, a huge portion of punchy and sour noodles. Tum taeng, or cucumber som tam (30 baht), is also a refreshing option not found at all som tum stalls.
For the som tum dishes, pick from four levels of spicy: mild, medium, spicy, and fiery, or else Auntie Yao will just pick for you depending on where you look like you’re from (Bangkokians will get medium by default).
A large piece of grilled chicken is 40 baht, a drumstick 20 baht, while a grilled naem, or fermented Isaan pork sausage, is 15 baht. Don’t forget a couple servings of plain or sticky rice, 5 baht each.
Tum sua (40 baht), grilled chicken (40 baht), and sticky rice (5 baht).
The grilled catfish is only 25 baht each, and the fish is stuffed with Auntie Yao’s secret mixture of herbs and spices. Mhoo puang, or strings of grilled pork threaded with a string of wire, are 10 baht each and are a quick on-the-go protein snack.
Grab as much free vegetables and as you want from the bucket of water next to the stand. Millionaires and maids pay the same price, so will farangs. Bring your own tupperware to if you don’t want to have all your food packed in separate plastic bags.
Yao Som Tum is open every day from 6am to 2 to 3pm, depending on availability. The stall is located on Nang Linchi Road at the entrance to Soi 3, in front of the Krungthai Bank.
Napuschada, Visal, and Ananya Chanchua.
Tum sua (40 baht).
By
Asaree Thaitrakulpanich, Staff Reporter
-
September 15, 2020 3:00 pm
Napuschada “Auntie Yao” Chanchua.
BANGKOK — “Want any grilled chicken and som tum today?” Auntie Yao calls out to familiar faces walking down the street as motorcycle taxi drivers fuel up on grilled drumsticks and plates of pungent fermented papaya salad at her stall.
Napuschada “Auntie Yao” Chanchua is the cheerful, garrulous proprietor of “Yao Som Tum” street food cart, a staple on Nang Linchi Road for decades.
“Motorcycle taxi drivers, office workers, maids, construction workers, and even millionaires are my customers,” Auntie Yao said. “They call me with their orders, and a Benz picks it up.”
Auntie Yao says she’s been selling chicken and somtum on Nang Linchi for 20 years, but only acquired her spot in front of the Krungthai Branch seven years ago after negotiating with a tessakit officer, or a municipal security officer.
Auntie Yao’s simple cart has remained unadorned for most of her years selling chicken and somtum on the street. But a few weeks ago a group of university students made a sign, a bilingual menu, and a logo for her as part of their homework on marketing.
Her quiet foil of a husband, the much more soft-spoken and shy Ananya Chanchua, 55, is in charge of manning the grill. On days when their daughter Visal Chanchua, 21, doesn’t have class, she helps her parents out at their stall.
Customers wait in front or behind the cart, chatting with Auntie Yao while Ananya warms up any orders of chicken or fish so they can be handed, nice and warm, to the waiting customer.
The basic som tum Thai sells for just 35 baht, and the more pungent tum poo pla ra, which includes salted crab and fermented fish, cost 30 baht.
Ananya Chanchua grills chicken and fish.
Although stories of stomach problems from eating at street carts abound, Auntie Yao’s food preparation is quite hygienic, and she swears that her pla ra, or fermented fish, has been properly boiled beforehand.
We suggest the most adventurous try tum sua, or papaya salad with fermented vermicelli and salted crab for 40 baht, a huge portion of punchy and sour noodles. Tum taeng, or cucumber som tam (30 baht), is also a refreshing option not found at all som tum stalls.
For the som tum dishes, pick from four levels of spicy: mild, medium, spicy, and fiery, or else Auntie Yao will just pick for you depending on where you look like you’re from (Bangkokians will get medium by default).
A large piece of grilled chicken is 40 baht, a drumstick 20 baht, while a grilled naem, or fermented Isaan pork sausage, is 15 baht. Don’t forget a couple servings of plain or sticky rice, 5 baht each.
Tum sua (40 baht), grilled chicken (40 baht), and sticky rice (5 baht).
The grilled catfish is only 25 baht each, and the fish is stuffed with Auntie Yao’s secret mixture of herbs and spices. Mhoo puang, or strings of grilled pork threaded with a string of wire, are 10 baht each and are a quick on-the-go protein snack.
Grab as much free vegetables and as you want from the bucket of water next to the stand. Millionaires and maids pay the same price, so will farangs. Bring your own tupperware to if you don’t want to have all your food packed in separate plastic bags.
Yao Som Tum is open every day from 6am to 2 to 3pm, depending on availability. The stall is located on Nang Linchi Road at the entrance to Soi 3, in front of the Krungthai Bank.
.
The student daring to challenge Thailand’s monarchy
BBC NEWS THAIImage captionPanusaya Sithijirawattanakul delivers a 10-point manifesto on stage in August
"There was fear lurking inside me, deep fear of the consequences," says Panusaya Sithijirawattanakul.
In August, the 21-year-old nervously stepped onto a stage in Thailand and delivered an open challenge to the monarchy.
To the cheering of thousands of students of one of Thailand's top universities, she read out a now-famous 10-point manifesto, calling for reform of the monarchy.
It was a shocking move. Thais are taught from birth to revere and love the monarchy, but also to fear the consequences of speaking about it.
'Life would never be the same'
Thailand is one of the few countries with a lese majeste law. Anyone criticising the king, the queen, the heir-apparent or the regent could be jailed for up to 15 years.
But in the past few months, pro-democracy protests have swept the country, and students like Panusaya are at the heart of it.
"I knew my life would never be the same," she later told BBC News Thai.
REUTERSImage captionThailand has been rocked by months of pro-democracy protests, and the three-fingered salute has become a symbol of the movement
Panusaya had been shown the manifesto just hours before she read it out at a rare large protest in the capital, Bangkok. It called for a monarchy accountable to the elected institutions, a proposal to trim the royal budget and for the monarchy to refrain from interfering in politics - shocking statements to most Thais.
"They passed it to me, asked me if I wished to use it. At that point, everyone felt the content was extraordinarily strong and I too thought it was very strong. I decided to be that person who says it.
"I held hands with my fellow students, asking aloud whether we were doing the right thing here," Panusaya says.
"The answer was yes - it's the right thing to do. I then sat down again, smoked a cigarette before I went on stage and let everything in my head out."
From the stage, she told the crowd: "All humans have red blood. We are no different.
"No-one in this world is born with blue blood. Some people may be born more fortunate than others, but no one is born more noble than anyone else."
Panusaya's speech caused an uproar - a combination of applause from liberal academics, and condemnation from royalist media outlets, mixed with disbelief from many Thais.
'Hating your own country is a disease'
In the days after the rally, the Facebook pages of top royalist activists were abuzz with attacks on Panusaya, some accusing her of being manipulated by republican politicians, which she denied.
Apirat Kongsompong, a powerful general in a country still essentially controlled by the military, said the protesters were afflicted by "chung chart" - a Thai term meaning "hatred of the nation" - and added that that was "even worse than the raging pandemic".
"Hating your own country is a disease that is not curable," he said.
REUTERSImage captionThe protests have been rebuked by royalists
Yet Panusaya says even as a young child she remembers questioning the position of the royal family in Thai life.
On one sweltering day, an official showed up at the door and asked her family to leave their house and sit down on the pavement in anticipation of a royal motorcade.
"Why do we have to come out in the sun for half an hour to see a passing motorcade? I didn't have a clue what's going on. I didn't go out to join the waiting crowds."
The youngest of three sisters, she showed an interest in politics early on. In high school, discussing politics with her close friends was one of her favourite pastimes. When a coup took place in 2014, her father - the only one in the family who followed politics back then - encouraged her to find out more.
copyrightEPAImage captionPrime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha has refused to fulfil the demands of protesters
But Panusaya was shy growing up and was bullied at school. It was five months spent in a student exchange programme to America that changed her completely.
"I returned home a different person who was not afraid to speak out and act."
She became increasingly politically active after entering the prestigious Thammasat University. Two years ago, she joined the "Dome Revolution", a student union political party.
In February, she helped organise the first pro-democracy flash mob protests after the dissolution of the Future Forward Party, a reformist party popular with younger voters that was disbanded after a controversial court ruling that it had accepted illegal loans from its own leader.
The party did well in the 2019 elections and its dissolution was viewed by its supporters as an attempt to remove its growing political influence.
But these were not the only events to inspire young people to join Thailand's growing student-led pro-democracy movement in recent years.
King Maha Vajiralongkorn, who inherited the throne in 2016, is rarely seen in public, and spends most of his time abroad - especially after the country was hit by the coronavirus pandemic, a decision criticised by some Thais on social media.
Thailand has also seen a string of corruption scandals. The most controversial was the decision to drop criminal charges against the heir of the Red Bull energy drink company in relation to a fatal traffic accident in 2012.
The Thai government says it respects freedom of expression and tolerates criticism, but that students must exercise their rights within the law and must not threaten national security.
Panusaya questions the role of the monarchy in her country
But the students do fear for their safety. At least nine activists who fled overseas since the 2014 coup against the military-led government have disappeared after criticising Thailand's most revered institution. The bodies of two of them were later found on the banks of a river.
The Thai government has vehemently denied it has anything to do with these disappearances.
Panusaya says that since the night she delivered the manifesto, her movements have been monitored by the authorities day and night both on campus and at her dormitory.
"Although they are in plain clothes, I can tell they are police as they have the same crew cut hair style and are always taking photos of me in public places."
BBC NEWS THAIImage captionPanusaya says there's no going back for her after she read the manifesto
She has not been arrested yet, and says she will never surrender herself to the authorities.
She has also not been charged with lese majeste - the laws have been used less in recent years, at the request of the palace - but the police have issued an arrest warrant on charges of sedition, disseminating false information into a computer network and violating disease control laws, as the protests flouted coronavirus restrictions.
The sedition charge alone carries a maximum jail term of seven years.
And just like other students who have been accused of "crossing the line", Panusaya also faces tension at home.
Her mother is among those horrified by her decision and pleaded with her to not go to the rally.
For five days afterwards, they didn't speak to each other.
"Obviously, my mother is concerned, but she does not show it and acts normally when I am around. But when she is with my older sister, she sometimes cries," she says.
Her mother later gave in, saying she could do whatever she saw fit - but warned her to steer clear of mentioning the monarchy.
But now - as she prepares for a rally on 19 September - Panusaya is mentally preparing herself for prison. The rally will call for various reforms - to the monarchy, the military, the constitution and education.
"I think my mum must understand that we are not doing this for fun. This is serious and we have to do it. We see it as our duty so she must understand. I want her to be proud."
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia...news/world&link_location=live-reporting-story
BBC NEWS THAIImage captionPanusaya Sithijirawattanakul delivers a 10-point manifesto on stage in August
"There was fear lurking inside me, deep fear of the consequences," says Panusaya Sithijirawattanakul.
In August, the 21-year-old nervously stepped onto a stage in Thailand and delivered an open challenge to the monarchy.
To the cheering of thousands of students of one of Thailand's top universities, she read out a now-famous 10-point manifesto, calling for reform of the monarchy.
It was a shocking move. Thais are taught from birth to revere and love the monarchy, but also to fear the consequences of speaking about it.
'Life would never be the same'
Thailand is one of the few countries with a lese majeste law. Anyone criticising the king, the queen, the heir-apparent or the regent could be jailed for up to 15 years.
But in the past few months, pro-democracy protests have swept the country, and students like Panusaya are at the heart of it.
"I knew my life would never be the same," she later told BBC News Thai.
REUTERSImage captionThailand has been rocked by months of pro-democracy protests, and the three-fingered salute has become a symbol of the movement
Panusaya had been shown the manifesto just hours before she read it out at a rare large protest in the capital, Bangkok. It called for a monarchy accountable to the elected institutions, a proposal to trim the royal budget and for the monarchy to refrain from interfering in politics - shocking statements to most Thais.
"They passed it to me, asked me if I wished to use it. At that point, everyone felt the content was extraordinarily strong and I too thought it was very strong. I decided to be that person who says it.
"I held hands with my fellow students, asking aloud whether we were doing the right thing here," Panusaya says.
"The answer was yes - it's the right thing to do. I then sat down again, smoked a cigarette before I went on stage and let everything in my head out."
From the stage, she told the crowd: "All humans have red blood. We are no different.
"No-one in this world is born with blue blood. Some people may be born more fortunate than others, but no one is born more noble than anyone else."
Panusaya's speech caused an uproar - a combination of applause from liberal academics, and condemnation from royalist media outlets, mixed with disbelief from many Thais.
'Hating your own country is a disease'
In the days after the rally, the Facebook pages of top royalist activists were abuzz with attacks on Panusaya, some accusing her of being manipulated by republican politicians, which she denied.
Apirat Kongsompong, a powerful general in a country still essentially controlled by the military, said the protesters were afflicted by "chung chart" - a Thai term meaning "hatred of the nation" - and added that that was "even worse than the raging pandemic".
"Hating your own country is a disease that is not curable," he said.
REUTERSImage captionThe protests have been rebuked by royalists
Yet Panusaya says even as a young child she remembers questioning the position of the royal family in Thai life.
On one sweltering day, an official showed up at the door and asked her family to leave their house and sit down on the pavement in anticipation of a royal motorcade.
"Why do we have to come out in the sun for half an hour to see a passing motorcade? I didn't have a clue what's going on. I didn't go out to join the waiting crowds."
The youngest of three sisters, she showed an interest in politics early on. In high school, discussing politics with her close friends was one of her favourite pastimes. When a coup took place in 2014, her father - the only one in the family who followed politics back then - encouraged her to find out more.
copyrightEPAImage captionPrime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha has refused to fulfil the demands of protesters
But Panusaya was shy growing up and was bullied at school. It was five months spent in a student exchange programme to America that changed her completely.
"I returned home a different person who was not afraid to speak out and act."
She became increasingly politically active after entering the prestigious Thammasat University. Two years ago, she joined the "Dome Revolution", a student union political party.
In February, she helped organise the first pro-democracy flash mob protests after the dissolution of the Future Forward Party, a reformist party popular with younger voters that was disbanded after a controversial court ruling that it had accepted illegal loans from its own leader.
The party did well in the 2019 elections and its dissolution was viewed by its supporters as an attempt to remove its growing political influence.
But these were not the only events to inspire young people to join Thailand's growing student-led pro-democracy movement in recent years.
King Maha Vajiralongkorn, who inherited the throne in 2016, is rarely seen in public, and spends most of his time abroad - especially after the country was hit by the coronavirus pandemic, a decision criticised by some Thais on social media.
Thailand has also seen a string of corruption scandals. The most controversial was the decision to drop criminal charges against the heir of the Red Bull energy drink company in relation to a fatal traffic accident in 2012.
The Thai government says it respects freedom of expression and tolerates criticism, but that students must exercise their rights within the law and must not threaten national security.
Panusaya questions the role of the monarchy in her country
But the students do fear for their safety. At least nine activists who fled overseas since the 2014 coup against the military-led government have disappeared after criticising Thailand's most revered institution. The bodies of two of them were later found on the banks of a river.
The Thai government has vehemently denied it has anything to do with these disappearances.
Panusaya says that since the night she delivered the manifesto, her movements have been monitored by the authorities day and night both on campus and at her dormitory.
"Although they are in plain clothes, I can tell they are police as they have the same crew cut hair style and are always taking photos of me in public places."
BBC NEWS THAIImage captionPanusaya says there's no going back for her after she read the manifesto
She has not been arrested yet, and says she will never surrender herself to the authorities.
She has also not been charged with lese majeste - the laws have been used less in recent years, at the request of the palace - but the police have issued an arrest warrant on charges of sedition, disseminating false information into a computer network and violating disease control laws, as the protests flouted coronavirus restrictions.
The sedition charge alone carries a maximum jail term of seven years.
And just like other students who have been accused of "crossing the line", Panusaya also faces tension at home.
Her mother is among those horrified by her decision and pleaded with her to not go to the rally.
For five days afterwards, they didn't speak to each other.
"Obviously, my mother is concerned, but she does not show it and acts normally when I am around. But when she is with my older sister, she sometimes cries," she says.
Her mother later gave in, saying she could do whatever she saw fit - but warned her to steer clear of mentioning the monarchy.
But now - as she prepares for a rally on 19 September - Panusaya is mentally preparing herself for prison. The rally will call for various reforms - to the monarchy, the military, the constitution and education.
"I think my mum must understand that we are not doing this for fun. This is serious and we have to do it. We see it as our duty so she must understand. I want her to be proud."
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia...news/world&link_location=live-reporting-story
NAKED POWER: GOV’T MP CAUGHT LOOKING AT PORN IN PARLIAMENT
By
Khaosod English
September 17, 2020 12:08pm
https://vk.com/share.php?url=https:...er-govt-mp-caught-looking-porn-in-parliament/
Ronnathep Anuwat looks at a photo of a naked woman on his phone in Parliament on Sept. 16, 2020.
BANGKOK — A government coalition lawmaker caught looking at nudes on his phone during a parliament session on Wednesday night said that the explicit photos were sent to him, and he totally wasn’t searching for them.
Reporters at the Parliament caught Ronnathep Anuwat, a Phalang Pracharath MP for Chonburi, looking at photos of a topless woman and her genitals in a messaging app. The House was debating issues on the annual spending at the time.
“At first, messages came in asking for help, so I asked what they wanted,” the lawmaker told reporters afterward. “They said they had some problems, and then these pictures just suddenly popped up.”
“Then I asked what was their intention and they said they needed money, so I erased all of the photos,” Ronnathep added.
According to reporters at the scene, Ronnathep traded messages with the woman for about 10 minutes starting from 8pm. He was the only one seated in his row.
This isn’t the first time an MP decided to peek at frisky images during Parliament. In 2012, Democrat MP Nat Bantadtan was spotted scrolling through NSFW pics on his phone during a debate.
Not to be outdone, Pheu Thai MP Pongpan Sunthornpan was caught doing the same on his iPad a year later.
Ronnathep Anuwat looks at a photo of a naked woman on his phone in Parliament on Sept. 16, 2020.
By
Khaosod English
September 17, 2020 12:08pm
https://vk.com/share.php?url=https:...er-govt-mp-caught-looking-porn-in-parliament/
Ronnathep Anuwat looks at a photo of a naked woman on his phone in Parliament on Sept. 16, 2020.
BANGKOK — A government coalition lawmaker caught looking at nudes on his phone during a parliament session on Wednesday night said that the explicit photos were sent to him, and he totally wasn’t searching for them.
Reporters at the Parliament caught Ronnathep Anuwat, a Phalang Pracharath MP for Chonburi, looking at photos of a topless woman and her genitals in a messaging app. The House was debating issues on the annual spending at the time.
“At first, messages came in asking for help, so I asked what they wanted,” the lawmaker told reporters afterward. “They said they had some problems, and then these pictures just suddenly popped up.”
“Then I asked what was their intention and they said they needed money, so I erased all of the photos,” Ronnathep added.
According to reporters at the scene, Ronnathep traded messages with the woman for about 10 minutes starting from 8pm. He was the only one seated in his row.
This isn’t the first time an MP decided to peek at frisky images during Parliament. In 2012, Democrat MP Nat Bantadtan was spotted scrolling through NSFW pics on his phone during a debate.
Not to be outdone, Pheu Thai MP Pongpan Sunthornpan was caught doing the same on his iPad a year later.
Ronnathep Anuwat looks at a photo of a naked woman on his phone in Parliament on Sept. 16, 2020.
I’ve been to GM only once in my life for chinese tzechar. No idea thai food there. There’s no point for me to go there for Thai food since I live in Thailand
https://asia.nikkei.com/Politics/Tu...10&pub_date=20200918123000&seq_num=8&si=44594
Thai prime minister discourages protests in name of COVID
Activists find selves in tight spot: Do they cancel events and risk looking weak?
Thai Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha addresses the nation in a televised speech on Thursday. (Photo by Masayuki Yuda)
MASAYUKI YUDA, Nikkei staff writerSeptember 17, 2020 22:06 JST
BANGKOK -- Thai Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha is citing the global resurgence of the coronavirus to discourage protesters from attending pro-democracy rallies scheduled for the days ahead, though his argument does not take into account Thailand's own success at keeping COVID-19 at bay.
"With the resurgence of the virus around the world," the prime minister said in a televised address on Thursday. "I would now like to ask everyone to double up their alertness and not to relax and let down their guard."
"Let me also take this opportunity to speak directly to those who wish to gather for various reasons -- when you gather in crowds you are creating an enormous risk of new transmissions, and with that, you also create enormous risks to the livelihoods of tens of millions of fellow Thais."
Thailand has a population of about 69 million.
"Any major flare-up of infections will lead to terrible consequences and even worse economic destruction the likes of which we have never seen," Prayuth said. "Please think about this."
People wear face masks in Bangkok. Thai Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha warned that mass gatherings create "an enormous risk of new transmissions." © Reuters
The prime minister's address came two days before a major overnight rally planned by student activist group United Front of Thammasat and Demonstration at Thammasat University. The gathering is to take place near the Grand Palace in central Bangkok.
Although the former junta chief's address did not directly state that authorities will forbid protests, it strongly urged people to rethink attending them.
This puts activist leaders and prospective participants in a tight spot. The responsibility of maintaining public safety and fostering an economic recovery is suddenly pinned on them. And calling off rallies might make activists appear weak and disappoint the young people who have been active in the movement so far.
If the protests lead to the virus staging an actual resurgence in the kingdom, participants would come under scrutiny; the kingdom has had only a few local transmissions in the past four months.
Prayuth emphasized the potential economic damage protests could cause and fixed blame on demonstrators in advance. "Your protests delay economic recovery because you affect business confidence," he said, "and you affect the confidence of tourists to return to our country when we are ready to receive them.
"We should not create a situation that puts our country at risk of returning to lockdowns as we had in March and April this year."
The lockdowns dealt a heavy blow to Southeast Asia's second-largest economy. Gross domestic product shrank 12.2% in the second quarter compared to the same period last year. It was the biggest contraction since 1998, when Thailand was struggling amid the Asian financial crisis. The slump is partly due to the Prayuth administration's failure to address the economy's heavy dependence on external sectors, including exports and tourism.
"Let me tell all protesters now," he said, beginning to sound conciliatory. "Loudly and clearly I hear you have political grievances, and that you have issues with the constitution," he said. "Let's try and get through this global crisis, and defeat COVID-19 first, together. And then we can come back to politics, again."
Thai prime minister discourages protests in name of COVID
Activists find selves in tight spot: Do they cancel events and risk looking weak?
Thai Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha addresses the nation in a televised speech on Thursday. (Photo by Masayuki Yuda)
MASAYUKI YUDA, Nikkei staff writerSeptember 17, 2020 22:06 JST
BANGKOK -- Thai Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha is citing the global resurgence of the coronavirus to discourage protesters from attending pro-democracy rallies scheduled for the days ahead, though his argument does not take into account Thailand's own success at keeping COVID-19 at bay.
"With the resurgence of the virus around the world," the prime minister said in a televised address on Thursday. "I would now like to ask everyone to double up their alertness and not to relax and let down their guard."
"Let me also take this opportunity to speak directly to those who wish to gather for various reasons -- when you gather in crowds you are creating an enormous risk of new transmissions, and with that, you also create enormous risks to the livelihoods of tens of millions of fellow Thais."
Thailand has a population of about 69 million.
"Any major flare-up of infections will lead to terrible consequences and even worse economic destruction the likes of which we have never seen," Prayuth said. "Please think about this."
People wear face masks in Bangkok. Thai Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha warned that mass gatherings create "an enormous risk of new transmissions." © Reuters
The prime minister's address came two days before a major overnight rally planned by student activist group United Front of Thammasat and Demonstration at Thammasat University. The gathering is to take place near the Grand Palace in central Bangkok.
Although the former junta chief's address did not directly state that authorities will forbid protests, it strongly urged people to rethink attending them.
This puts activist leaders and prospective participants in a tight spot. The responsibility of maintaining public safety and fostering an economic recovery is suddenly pinned on them. And calling off rallies might make activists appear weak and disappoint the young people who have been active in the movement so far.
If the protests lead to the virus staging an actual resurgence in the kingdom, participants would come under scrutiny; the kingdom has had only a few local transmissions in the past four months.
Prayuth emphasized the potential economic damage protests could cause and fixed blame on demonstrators in advance. "Your protests delay economic recovery because you affect business confidence," he said, "and you affect the confidence of tourists to return to our country when we are ready to receive them.
"We should not create a situation that puts our country at risk of returning to lockdowns as we had in March and April this year."
The lockdowns dealt a heavy blow to Southeast Asia's second-largest economy. Gross domestic product shrank 12.2% in the second quarter compared to the same period last year. It was the biggest contraction since 1998, when Thailand was struggling amid the Asian financial crisis. The slump is partly due to the Prayuth administration's failure to address the economy's heavy dependence on external sectors, including exports and tourism.
"Let me tell all protesters now," he said, beginning to sound conciliatory. "Loudly and clearly I hear you have political grievances, and that you have issues with the constitution," he said. "Let's try and get through this global crisis, and defeat COVID-19 first, together. And then we can come back to politics, again."
WHY THIS UNCLE PLANS TO KEEP RUNNING HIS 114-YEAR-OLD CAFE
By
Asaree Thaitrakulpanich, Staff Reporter
-
September 18, 2020 8:00 am
PATHUM THANI — A coffee shop to the northwest of Bangkok has been serving cups of joe since the time Thailand was still a country called Siam, bustling merchants hawked their wares from canals, and much of the capital did not have running water.
The “Tia Yong Lii” cafe turns 114 this year under the weathered, experienced hands of uncle Ananchai Teeralapsuwon, who took on the cafe 30 years ago. The job was passed down from his father, and his grandfather before that.
“It’s my duty at this point,” Ananchai, 60, said. “I have to care for my father’s work, until my body breaks down.”
The founded in 1906, Tia Yong Lii coffee shop is located in the 12th Canal Market (Talad Khlong Sip Song) in Pathum Thani province. Save for a small som tum stand across from the shop, Tia Yong Lii is the only sign of life in the market that used to be a trading hotspot in the early 20th century.
“If not sure if the cafe will continue after I’m gone, since there are no prospects here. But if any of my kids, nephews, or nieces want to do it, they’re welcome to,” Ananchai said.
Some online coffeeshop reviews as well as biking enthusiasts recently started to bring attention to the relatively unknown cafe; Ananchai says the place has remained largely unchanged since his father’s time – vintage Ovaltine cans, dirt-cheap drinks, and an entire wall filled with family photos and graduation certificates.
There’s even a side-by-side photo of Ananchai’s father making coffee, next to a photo of a younger Ananchai brewing a cup in the same exact spot.
“This side is weddings, and this other side is education,” Ananchai said, pointing to either side of a small chalkboard with the latest winning lottery numbers. “Before, few people owned a radio. My father decided to put up this board and write the latest lottery numbers, and it’s become a tradition.”
“Tia” is the family surname, while “Yong Lii” roughly translates to “a house with only good stories” in Teochew.
Ananchai is the eleventh of 12 children, and finished school at Matthayom 3, the equivalent of Grade 9 and has worked at the shop since. Even as a child, he helped his parents by washing dishes before his father taught him how to roast coffee beans.
In the dark of every early morning, Ananchai hand-roasts coffee beans over a charcoal fire, laboring over the hot coals for 30 to 50 minutes. He uses the same robusta beans sourced from the south of Thailand as his dad did.
Ananchai brews a “Nhor Kao.”
“Nhor Kao,” which means “two mouths” in Teochew, is a mixture of coffee and tea and condensed milk for the hot version, sugar for the cold. The double serving of caffeine goes straight to one’s brain and tugs open the eyelids, and is a surprisingly fitting mixture, similar to oliang coffee with a tea flavor.
“Jum Ba” (10 baht).
“Jum Ba” is a mixture of red syrup and coffee, where the red syrup floats on top. The name comes from a word used to call dancers, since the colorful drink resembles some dancer costumes – a bright red top with black shorts.
All drinks cost only 10 baht, 15 baht for takeaway.
“I’m not going to increase the price. I can live off of it, and the customers can comfortably purchase it,” Ananchai said. “I still get enough profit to live off of. There’s no reason for me to try to make more, especially at my age when my kids are all grown up.”
“I don’t want customers to worry about how much things will cost here.”
Days Gone By
In its heyday, the 12th Canal Market “was comparable to Venice.” The floating market has several rice mills, many food vendors, and even an independent movie theater, according to a small exhibit made by the local district in the small children’s library next to the cafe.
In 1890 the then-king of Siam, King Rama V, decreed that canals be dug in the area to provide transport. Soon, the uninhabited fields started to fill up with Thai residents.
Starting in 1897, Westerners, Chinese, and Vietnamese moved into the area. Local Catholics built what is now called the Holy Family Church nearby in 1889.
The 12th Canal Market in September 2020.
Ananchai’s agong (grandfather), a Teochew immigrant, began selling coffee from a boat in the khlong in 1906. He saved up money until he was able to build his cafe onland, frequented by market goers.
“Before, those who loved Thai films, farang films would come. Chinese who came to watch the Beijing opera would come as well, paddling by boat in endless streams of people,” the explainer text says. “Everyone was still going strong until midnight. But now all that is left are the memories of the elderly.”
Ananchai recalls that the market, which had several gold shops, shrunk significantly in 1988 when more buildings were built closer to the main road and away from the khlongs, with many shops closing in 1997.
“We only got by because of regulars propping us up in those years,” Ananchi said.
Revival Is Brewing
Today, the 12th Canal Market is home to just two shops and a quiet canal lined with bougainvillea trees. Light slants through the wooden beams of the market roof, necklaced with cobwebs. Shops shuttered long ago are filled with napping residents in the hot, still air. Occasionally, stray dogs jog by, or a motorcycle takes a shortcut through the empty path.
A savior arrived in 2005 – in the form of a fleet on two wheels.
“The bikers came around that time. Biking groups found my shop, and helped make a social media page for me; helped me post things online,” he said. Ananchai started offering free bananas on tables as snacks. They were originally used as spirit offerings, but the bikers came by hungry and he only had eggs to serve them (two soft-boiled eggs for 15 baht).
Then came showbiz.
“Camera crews started to film some scenes of soap operas here,” he said. Channel 3’s 2013 soap opera “Tong Nua Kao” filmed some of their scenes at the 12th Canal Market.
Nowadays, the occasional visitor is Ananchai’s favorite type:
“People who come here hoping for great food might be disappointed. But shutterbugs will definitely find great angles to take photos here,” he said. “I’m amazed at how creative the reviews and photos they post online are. They took photos of my shop in ways I never could have imagined.”
Keeping up with the times, Ananchai holds up a freshly-brewed cup of Thai tea coffee while flashing the “mini heart” sign.
“People who are into this kind of thing, an old place with an old shopkeeper and quality tasting coffee will like it,” Ananchai said. “People come because we hold on to who we are.”
Tia Yong Liiis open every day from 6am to 6pm, as Ananchai takes no days off.
A vintage Nescafe ad in Tia Yong Lii.
The paper menu at “Tia Yong Lii.”
A closed shop in the 12th Canal Market.
https://www.khaosodenglish.com/life...-plans-to-keep-running-his-114-year-old-cafe/
Last edited:
'Prayut get out': Thousands rally in Bangkok against Thai government
Pro-democracy activists are seen during a rally in Bangkok on Sept 19, 2020.PHOTO: AFP
PUBLISHED
4 HOURS AGO
UPDATED
2 MIN AGO
BANGKOK (AFP, REUTERS) - Thousands of protesters in Thailand’s capital demonstrated against the government of former coup leader and Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-o-cha on Saturday (Sept 19), with many also demanding reforms to the powerful monarchy.
"Down with feudalism, long live the people," was one of the chants.
Thailand has seen near-daily gatherings of youth-led groups since mid-July demanding the resignation of Mr Prayut, the former army chief behind the 2014 coup, and a complete overhaul of his administration.
Some are also demanding reforms to the kingdom's ultra-wealthy and powerful monarchy - a once-taboo topic in Thailand due to its tough royal defamation laws.
The burgeoning movement, partly inspired by Hong Kong's pro-democracy protests, remains largely leaderless.
But the weekend's demonstration is organised by students of Bangkok's Thammasat University - a group that has been among the most vocal about the royal family's role in Thailand.
A crowd of several hundred gathered before noon at the locked gates of the university, demanding to be let in.
Protesters chanted "Down with dictatorship, long live democracy!" and "Prayut get out!"
"If you don't open, we will break in," protesters yelled, before forcing the gates open - despite student leaders calling for calm - allowing hundreds to flow into the campus.
Protesters are seen at Sanam Luang, opposite the Grand Palace, during a pro-democracy rally in Bangkok on Sept 19, 2020. PHOTO: AFP
Under light rain, protesters spilled onto Sanam Luang, a public space opposite the Grand Palace where state ceremonies are traditionally held.
"Today the people will demand back their power," Mr Arnon Nampa, a human rights lawyer who has emerged as a leading figure in the protest movement, said on Twitter.
On Sunday, demonstrators are expected to march to the nearby Government House - a move authorities have warned against.
Related Story
Thai protesters critical of monarchy to stage largest event yet
Related Story
Thailand's straight-talking youth protesters gather momentum
The show of force is expected to be the largest since the 2014 coup - student activists are hoping for a turnout of more than 50,000 supporters.
Police said some 10,000 officers would be deployed around the area.
FORCE TO BE RECKONED WITH?
A cycle of violent protests and coups has long plagued Thailand, with the arch-royalist military stepping in to stage more than a dozen putsches since the end of royal absolutism in 1932.
The latest wave of student-led demonstrations has largely been peaceful.
But unprecedented calls from some protesters for frank discussions about the monarchy have sent shockwaves through the kingdom.
Related Story
Thai protesters tie white ribbons at prison for activists
Related Story
Thai PM says protesters 'went too far' by demanding monarchy reform
King Maha Vajiralongkorn sits at the apex of Thai power, buttressed by the kingdom's military and billionaire clans, and commands a fortune estimated to be worth up to US$60 billion (S$81.54 billion).
The student demands include greater accounting of the palace's finances, the abolition of royal defamation laws and a call for the king to remain outside of politics.
They also want a rewrite of the 2017 military-scripted constitution, which they say tilted last year's election in Mr Prayut's favour, and for the government to stop "harassing" political opponents.
Pro-democracy protesters attend a mass rally at Thammasat University in Bangkok on Sept 19, 2020. PHOTO: REUTERS
So far, authorities have arrested more than two dozen activists, charging them with sedition before releasing them on bail.
The weekend demonstrations will prove a test for the pro-democracy movement, analysts say, which has gained momentum online thanks to the students' savvy use of social media.
"A critical mass would send a clear message that the protesters are a force to be reckoned with," said Associate Professor Thitinan Pongsudhirak of Chulalongkorn University.
Related Story
6 things to know about Thailand's anti-government protests
Related Story
Thai King's personal life in spotlight again after royal consort's reinstatement
Mr Prayut has warned that Thailand could be "engulfed in flames" if the movement goes too far.
But he vowed that the authorities would use "soft measures" on the protesters "because they are children".
The top-trending hashtag on Thai Twitter late Friday was "Sept 19, we take back the power of the people".
Around the world, Thais are expected to gather in solidarity, with weekend protests planned in a dozen countries, including Germany, Australia and the United States.
Pro-democracy activists are seen during a rally in Bangkok on Sept 19, 2020.PHOTO: AFP
PUBLISHED
4 HOURS AGO
UPDATED
2 MIN AGO
BANGKOK (AFP, REUTERS) - Thousands of protesters in Thailand’s capital demonstrated against the government of former coup leader and Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-o-cha on Saturday (Sept 19), with many also demanding reforms to the powerful monarchy.
"Down with feudalism, long live the people," was one of the chants.
Thailand has seen near-daily gatherings of youth-led groups since mid-July demanding the resignation of Mr Prayut, the former army chief behind the 2014 coup, and a complete overhaul of his administration.
Some are also demanding reforms to the kingdom's ultra-wealthy and powerful monarchy - a once-taboo topic in Thailand due to its tough royal defamation laws.
The burgeoning movement, partly inspired by Hong Kong's pro-democracy protests, remains largely leaderless.
But the weekend's demonstration is organised by students of Bangkok's Thammasat University - a group that has been among the most vocal about the royal family's role in Thailand.
A crowd of several hundred gathered before noon at the locked gates of the university, demanding to be let in.
Protesters chanted "Down with dictatorship, long live democracy!" and "Prayut get out!"
"If you don't open, we will break in," protesters yelled, before forcing the gates open - despite student leaders calling for calm - allowing hundreds to flow into the campus.
Under light rain, protesters spilled onto Sanam Luang, a public space opposite the Grand Palace where state ceremonies are traditionally held.
"Today the people will demand back their power," Mr Arnon Nampa, a human rights lawyer who has emerged as a leading figure in the protest movement, said on Twitter.
On Sunday, demonstrators are expected to march to the nearby Government House - a move authorities have warned against.
Related Story
Thai protesters critical of monarchy to stage largest event yet
Related Story
Thailand's straight-talking youth protesters gather momentum
The show of force is expected to be the largest since the 2014 coup - student activists are hoping for a turnout of more than 50,000 supporters.
Police said some 10,000 officers would be deployed around the area.
FORCE TO BE RECKONED WITH?
A cycle of violent protests and coups has long plagued Thailand, with the arch-royalist military stepping in to stage more than a dozen putsches since the end of royal absolutism in 1932.
The latest wave of student-led demonstrations has largely been peaceful.
But unprecedented calls from some protesters for frank discussions about the monarchy have sent shockwaves through the kingdom.
Related Story
Thai protesters tie white ribbons at prison for activists
Related Story
Thai PM says protesters 'went too far' by demanding monarchy reform
King Maha Vajiralongkorn sits at the apex of Thai power, buttressed by the kingdom's military and billionaire clans, and commands a fortune estimated to be worth up to US$60 billion (S$81.54 billion).
The student demands include greater accounting of the palace's finances, the abolition of royal defamation laws and a call for the king to remain outside of politics.
They also want a rewrite of the 2017 military-scripted constitution, which they say tilted last year's election in Mr Prayut's favour, and for the government to stop "harassing" political opponents.
So far, authorities have arrested more than two dozen activists, charging them with sedition before releasing them on bail.
The weekend demonstrations will prove a test for the pro-democracy movement, analysts say, which has gained momentum online thanks to the students' savvy use of social media.
"A critical mass would send a clear message that the protesters are a force to be reckoned with," said Associate Professor Thitinan Pongsudhirak of Chulalongkorn University.
Related Story
6 things to know about Thailand's anti-government protests
Related Story
Thai King's personal life in spotlight again after royal consort's reinstatement
Mr Prayut has warned that Thailand could be "engulfed in flames" if the movement goes too far.
But he vowed that the authorities would use "soft measures" on the protesters "because they are children".
The top-trending hashtag on Thai Twitter late Friday was "Sept 19, we take back the power of the people".
Around the world, Thais are expected to gather in solidarity, with weekend protests planned in a dozen countries, including Germany, Australia and the United States.
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