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From The Thaiger PM congratulates US President-elect Joe Biden After the tight race for United States president, Thailand’s prime minister sent a message congratulating President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris on their victory against incumbents President Donald Trump and Vice President Mike Pence. Reports say that Biden’s win could benefit Thailand. The Bangkok Post says trade tension between the US and China could ease up. The Thai Chamber of Commerce chairperson Kalin Sarasin says the US is likely to rejoin the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership and Thailand should be prepared for possible negotiations involving free trade agreements. PM Prayut Chan-o-cha sent a message to Biden, congratulating both Biden and Harris on their win and adding that he is ready to enhance Thai-US relations. I wish to extend to you and Senator Kamala Harris my warm congratulations on your election victory and the trust that you have earned from American voters. “With the long-standing ties of friendship between our countries, dating back more than 200 years, Thailand, as the first treaty partner of the United States in Asia, takes pride in our strategic partnership, which contributes to our mutual benefit and the region’s peace, stability and prosperity. “On behalf of the government and the people of the Kingdom of Thailand, I wish you every success and look forward to working closely with you and your administration to enhance further our cooperation at all levels.”

From MSN PHNOM PENH, Nov. 9 (Xinhua) -- Cambodia on Sunday decided to close all cultural and entertainment venues again across the kingdom in a bid to prevent the second wave of the COVID-19 infections, Health Minister Mam Bunheng said in a signed letter. "With the approval of Prime Minister Samdech Techo Hun Sen, we decide to shut down all KTV parlors, entertainment clubs, cinemas, and museums across the country from the day of this signature onwards until further notice," Bunheng said in the letter sent to relevant ministers and all municipal and provincial governors. Meanwhile, Minister of Education, Youth and Sport Hang Chuon Naron also ordered the closure of all schools in capital Phnom Penh and southern Kandal province for two weeks. "The academic institutions must continue teaching their students online," he said. The minister also ordered the temporary closure of the Olympic Stadium in Phnom Penh after a Cambodian coach tested positive for the COVID-19 on Saturday. Meanwhile on Sunday, Ministry of Health (MoH) spokeswoman said in a press statement that a Cambodian bodyguard, who escorted and protected infected Hungarian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Peter Szijjarto during his Cambodia visit, tested positive for the COVID-19. The 31-year-old bodyguard had the symptoms of itchy throat and cough, and his samples were taken for the second test by the Pasteur Institute of Cambodia on Saturday, said MoH Secretary of State and Spokeswoman Or Vandine.

From Thai Enquirer Coup rumors were rife in Thailand on Monday after a chaotic night of protests that saw five demonstrators get injured by security forces during a pro-democracy rally. Protesters gathered at Democracy Monument on Sunday and marched to the Grand Palace to deliver their petitions for reforming the royal institution. They also demanded the ouster of the Prayut Chan-ocha government and a redrafting of the military-backed charter. The protesters were met by security officials who had parked busses and placed barbed wire to stop demonstrators from entering the royal plaza. The officials also deployed water canons against the protesters which caused several injuries. Protesters were eventually able to hand several ‘mailboxes’ full of letters written by the people to security officials. The letters were written by the demonstrators asking HM King Vajiralongkorn to reform the royal institution and place it under the constitution. Many ultra-royalist groups commented on Monday morning that they found the images of protest unacceptable and that the pro-democracy protesters were creating an untenable situation. One group let by Dr Warong Dechgitvigrom made statements early on Monday about the protests noting that they were ‘unacceptable’ and that the royalist group will be rallying their supporters to confront the pro-democracy crowd and get them prosecuted by the law. Another group led by ultra-royalist Krit Yiammethakorn has called on the army to take power and declare martial law to end the political impasse. Senior coalition partners told Thai Enquirer on Monday that they worry that the possibility of violent confrontations between the two groups would spark a takeover of power or a judicial coup. One Palang Pracharath MP told Thai Enquirer on condition of anonymity that a December 2 court decision, which will rule whether Prayut broke the law by staying in army housing after he retired from the armed forces, will likely go against them to “placate the masses.” “I think the court rules against the prime minister to make all sides happy and calm the seas,” he said. “But this is the wrong decision, we have already taken steps to deescalate the situation and we are working on charter amendments as we speak.”

Resorting to using the N word does not strengthen your argument; it diminishes it. It's offensive in the extreme.

From Khaosod English Facebook Page Live video is currently being broadcast from scene of protest in Bangkok. Water cannons are being used in attempt to drive back demonstrators.

Video from Pride rally on Silom Rd. Saturday evening. https://www.facebook.com/536126593072944/videos/2792883704334807/

I received sad news from friend in Ha Tinh. Six persons from his province died when the vehicle they were riding in went off road and overturned into a canal. Five others were injured. They apparently intended to try to make it into Thailand. Police believe that the driver fell asleep. Among the dead are said to be three from the same family.

From The Nation The pro-democracy group Free Gender TH announced this week that the pro-LGBTQ+ rally called “Pride Parade” would be held at Bangkok’s Sam Yan intersection at 4pm on Saturday. The group also informed via its Facebook that the rally would move on 5pm from the Sam Yan to the Silom intersection, a distance of about a kilometre. The Free Gender TH implied on its social media that the “pride” in the parade does not only mean pride of LGBTQ+ people. The word resonates with the Thai word “pride" which means "people”. =============================================== Khaosod English's Facebook page is covering this event live.

From The Nation Prayut challenges his successor Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha has issued a challenge, saying the person who succeeds him should be greater, better and more honest. According to Matichon, the premier made this declaration in a keynote address at the Thailand National Defence College on Thursday. Though media were not allowed to attend the event, a video recording of the speech was released. In the speech, Prayut said the country’s educational system was not bad, but it focused far too much on academics, when people should be educated about patriotism, history and loyalty. “I hope the person who comes after me will be greater, better and more honest or as honest as me,” he said, adding that he was tired and bored of using his authority and power. He said he had used his power to “nurture good people and punish bad people”, which was a really tough job.

From The Thaiger No-quarantine travel bubble with China? With no new Special Tourist Visa applications for November, the Thai government is considering a no-quarantine travel bubble plan with China. Officials hope that if approved, the scheme could be put into operation in time for Chinese New Year in February. China currently has 22 low-risk provinces, as they have not recorded a Covid-19 case in over 150 days. The Bangkok Post reports that the Tourism and Sports Minister, Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, will hold talks at the Chinese embassy, where the countries’ foreign ministries will discuss next steps. A joint travel bubble plan would then require final approval from PM Prayut Chan-o-cha and his Chinese counterpart, President Xi Jinping. Thai officials are also turning their attention to Switzerland, hoping to attract long-stay Swiss tourists on non-immigrant O-A retirement visas. Also being discussed is the possibility of using golfing resorts as alternative local state quarantine facilities, thereby providing guests with a golfing holiday while in quarantine. It’s hoped such a move might attract golfers from places like Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, and China, who would normally spend a few of their winter months training in Thailand.

Trump could well lose the election but (sigh) I don't think he's going away anytime soon. There's already talk of a cable program ("Trump TV) if he's unsuccessful. Given his strong following, he's the most likely successor to terminally-ill Rush Limbaugh, who rules the ultra right media with his syndicated radio show. Supporters are already suggesting that Trump could run again for the presidency in 2024. Although continuous lies and hate has streamed from him over the past 5-6 years, it was the media (right and left) that helped in no small way in creating the monster. They hung on his every utterance, pundits capitalized on it to boost ratings and the country was put though a period of political angst previously unknown in modern US history. The toll has been profound: friendships shattered, families divided and the fabric of society shredded. How could this have happened? For Trump, it wasn't difficult. He knew how to divide and conquer. The practice is not unique to America. It's always the fall back option to those who wish to turn one or more groups against others. A few minutes ago I read in one of the major Thai news sites that a member of the elite is blaming a "Jewish American" for supporting the pro-democracy demonstrators. Hate has no geographical boundaries. It's probably worth reflecting on the fact that the US is not comprised of a homogeneous population, making it easier for hate mongers to try to spew their filth. Here's a list of the top 21 ethnicities: Rank Ethnicity Percentage of Population 1 German 14.70% 2 Black or African American (non-Hispanic) 12.30% 3 Mexican (of any race) 10.90% 4 Irish 10.60% 5 English 7.80% 6 American 7.20% 7 Italian 5.50% 8 Polish 3.00% 9 French 2.60% 10 Scottish 1.70% 11 Native American and Alaska Native 1.60% 12 Puerto Rican 1.60% 13 Norwegian 1.40% 14 Dutch 1.40% 15 Swedish 1.20% 16 Chinese 1.20% 17 Asian Indian 1.00% 18 Scotch-Irish 1.00% 19 Russian 0.90% 20 West Indian (non-Hispanic) 0.90% 21 Filipino 0.90%

From Coconuts Bangkok Thailand cuts quarantine time for only 6 nationalities Arrivals from countries deemed low risk – China, Vietnam, Taiwan, South Korea, Australia and New Zealand – will only have to quarantine 10 days after the plan wins approval, Kiattiphum Wongrajit of the Public Health Ministry said. The original plan was to reduce quarantine for all arrivals, but it went over poorly with the public. For now, everyone else will still have to do the full 14 days. Kiattiphum added that visitors who have completed quarantine will be required to use a tracking device and check in by phone. The permanent secretary said tourists would only be allowed to travel to approved provinces based on how effective they are in disease control – and how willing their residents. Ten provinces are loosely planned for now, including Chonburi and Buriram. All will be proposed for later approval by the COVID-19 task force.

From The Thaiger Anyone want to buy an airplane? In the midst of tackling bankruptcy, Thai Airways is auctioning off 34 old passenger aircrafts. The aircrafts are around 12 to nearly 30 years old and are sold on an “as-is, where is” condition. The airline has been strapped for cash. As part of a debt rehabilitation plan, nearly 5,000 employees – a fourth of Thai Airways staff – applied voluntary resignation. (Basically, they’ve been politely asked to quit.) With a slowdown in travel due to the coronavirus pandemic, the company has been getting creative to make ends meet. At their Bangkok headquarters, Thai Airways started selling their in-flight meals on the ground with “flight attendants” serving customers seated in repurposed airplane seats. The airline also started offering flight simulator packages to the public, which was typically only used for pilot training. The airline recently announced a special “heavenly” flight to take off on November 30. The plane will fly over 99 sacred sites in Thailand and passengers will chant Buddhist mantras while in the air. Now, Thai Airways is selling their old aircrafts. Here’s what they’ve got: 2 Boeing B737-400 aircrafts, built in 1992 and 1993 1 Airbus A300-600 aircraft, built in 1993 3 Airbus A340-500 aircrafts, built around 2005 to 2007 6 Airbus A340-600 aircrafts, built around 2005 to 2008 10 Boeing 747-400 aircrafts, built around 1993 to 2003 6 Boeing B777-200 aircrafts, built around 1996 to 1998 6 Boeing B777-300 aircrafts, built around 1998 to 2000

From Bangkok Post Inequality will be a prime concern for Thailand once the economy recovers from the pandemic, although a return to full health is not expected for another two years, according to Bank of Thailand (BoT) governor Sethaput Suthiwart-Narueput. Mr Sethaput said the assumptions around the impact of Covid-19 have changed, leading to the need for new measures and policy implementations to curb the country's economic doldrums. "It is expected to take at least two years before the Thai economy returns to its pre-pandemic levels in term of GDP," Mr Sethaput said in a meeting with some local media editors. As a result, measures to handle the situation have been changed and a more selective approach adopted, with a focus on debt restructuring, he said. The central bank governor also warned that recovery may come at a cost. "Even when the economy is fully recovered, things are unlikely to be the same. There is a risk that more inequality in the country will be seen," he noted. The Covid-19 pandemic has caused an immense strain on domestic businesses, particularly the tourism sector, and resulted in high unemployment which means household debts could skyrocket. Small and medium-sized enterprises have also suffered. Mr Sethaput said the number of foreign visitors projected for 2021 is only 8-9 million, a drastic drop from last year's 40 million. The government has made an effort to boost local tourism, but the central bank governor said revenues from foreign tourists accounted for about 11 to 12% of Thailand's GDP. In 2019, each foreign visitor spent nine days and 50,000 baht on average per trip. If the country wants local tourism to fully compensate for the lost revenue from foreign visitors, each local tourist would need to spend 20 days and 200,000 baht per trip.

A few days ago I saw, under Today's Birthdays, that Jinks was 112. So probably a few other inactive members no longer lurking out there.

From The Thaiger Hotels reluctant to apply for ASQ status due to cap on tourist arrivals With the number of foreign arrivals who can enter Thailand on the special tourist visa limited to just 1,200 a month, hotel owners say they’re reluctant to go to the trouble of applying for alternative state quarantine status. Hoteliers say a lack of tourists in sufficient numbers, coupled with the number of quarantine facilities already in existence, means the investment required to gain ASQ approval isn’t worth it. Bangkok currently has 103 hotels approved as ASQ properties. A further 30 hotels in Pattaya, Phuket, Prachin Buri, Surat Thani and Buri Ram are ready to operate as alternative local state quarantine facilities.

From Khaosod English Firecracker Attack on Anti-Gov’t Protest BANGKOK — Police said Tuesday they have yet to identify the perpetrator who threw a firecracker at yesterday’s anti-government rally close to the MRT Tha Phra station. Chaos briefly broke out at Monday’s protest when a loud bang was heard close to where demonstrators were gathering at about 6pm, though no one was injured. Some protesters tried to enter the MRT station and chase after the attacker, but protest volunteer guards stopped them doing so lest the confrontation turns violent. Deputy metro police commander Jirapat Phumjit said investigators are sifting through security camera footage around the scene, but they have yet to find anyone suspicious, despite dozens of cameras installed at the train station. “Local police are on the hunt for the suspect,” Maj. Gen. Jirapat said. “A used firecracker was found at the scene below the MRT Thra Phra station and it is widely available in the market.” Hundreds of people occupied the Tha Phra intersection on Monday afternoon and insisted on the three demands for resignation of PM Prayut Chan-o-cha, charter amendments, and reform of the monarchy institution. Apart from the firecracker, the rally proceeded without any violence until they dispersed at 8.30pm. ========================================= From Bangkok Post Former PMs support reconciliation panel Three former prime ministers have supported the parliament's initiative to set up a reconciliation panel in a bid to end the political rift, Parliament President Chuan Leekpai said on Tuesday. Mr Chuan said he had approached former prime ministers Anand Panyarachun, Chavalit Yongchaiyudh and Abhisit Vejjajiva by phone and they supported the idea. Gen Chavalit said he had been contacted and had agreed to join the panel and did not dismiss the possibility he could be panel chairman, when asked by reporters. The reconciliation panel was proposed by a special joint meeting of parliament, called so MPs and senators could give their opinions on how to end the political crisis.

From Bangkok Post Digital Economy and Society Minister Buddhipongse Punnakanta has become a target of criticism after his ministry blocked access to Pornhub, a well-known adult website based outside the country. The ministry on Monday ordered all internet providers and mobile phone operators to ban all access to the website after the Criminal Court gave the ministry the green light to take action, because porn websites are illegal in Thailand. As of Tuesday afternoon, more than 190 URL addresses of the website, which claims to be the world's leading free porn site, had been blocked under the DES order. But instead of receiving praise, Mr Buddhipongse has been attacked for violating the right of the people to free access to the media. "The Anonymous Party insists on the right to hold gatherings and the right to have access to all types of media," the group posted on its Facebook account on Tuesday. That freedom included media containing sexual content, as long as viewers were not forced to watch it, the group said. ================================================================= From The Thaiger Expat says he was almost deported over Facebook posts With the ongoing pro-democracy protests, some have raised question: What could happen to foreigners who get involved or speak out against Thai politics? Or post their thoughts on social media? Well, they could possibly get deported. Expat Yan Marchal says he almost got kicked out of the country for posts he made on Facebook. Many of Yan’s recent Facebook posts are commentary relating to Thailand’s recent protests, although he has priors. Yan says he was on a visa under his Board of Investment, or BOI, company, valid until next March. He went by immigration to transfer his stamp into a new passport, but was told that his visa had been revoked and was now on overstay, Yan wrote on Facebook. “He told me that I would be deported. The reason given was my Facebook activity. I could see that he has a file with a detailed report on my posts, although he did not let me read the details.” Yan says he contacted Khaosod English. The news outlet got him in contact with the Thai Lawyers for Human Rights. With the help of journalists and a lawyer, Yan met with another immigration inspector who told him that his visa was not cancelled, he will not be deported and the process for getting a new stamp in his passport would take a few days.

From You Tube / South China Morning Post

From Bangkok Post Last four detained protesters to be released The Criminal Court has thrown out detention requests for four activists who remained in jail after they were behind bars for almost 20 days. They will be released at midnight on Monday and their lawyer assured they would not be detained in other cases. The four were Anon Nampha, Ekkachai Hongkangwan, Somyout Prueksakaemsuk and Suranart Panprasert, according to Thai Lawyers for Human Rights. It remained unclear whether police would try to detain any of them further in other cases. Earlier on Monday, the Pathumwan court also dismissed a police request to detain Panusaya "Rung" Sithijirawattanakul and Parit Parit "Penguin" Chiwarak for their roles during rallies at the skywalk on June 5 and June 22. The protests aimed to demand justice for the disappearance of former activist Wanchalaerm Satsaksit in Cambodia. In the afternoon, the Rayong Court also threw out a police request to detain Panupong “Mike” Jadnok, who on July 15 raised a poster criticising Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha during the prime minister’s visit. The poster slammed the government’s handling of the Covid-19 situation in the province after some Covid-19-infected Egyptian soldiers had been found to have left the quarantine facility and roamed the town. Both courts cited as reasons the facts that the three were still at hospital and were not flight risks. Meanwhile, police continued to charge other protesters despite recent decisions of courts. Patsaravalee "Mind" Tanakitvibulpon, another activist, on Monday received a summon issued by Thong Mahamek police, accusing her of sedition for her involvement at a rally at the German embassy on Oct 26. All, except Mr Suranart, are detained at Bangkok Remand Prison. Mr Suranart is at Bang Kwang Prison.

From Thai Enquirer HM the King signals ‘compromise’ in surprise interview with foreign press His Majesty King Vajiralongkorn said that Thailand was a land of compromise in a surprise ad-hoc interview granted to CNN on Sunday night. The King was asked by CNN’s Johnathan Miller what he thought of student-led protests which have at times called for a reform of the royal institution to which he replied, “We love them all the same.” When pressed by Miller on a possible compromise between the palace and the protesters, his majesty responded, “Thailand is a land of compromise.” The interview was unexpected as the palace does not normally grant interviews. Student-led pro-democracy protests have gripped the country for the past four months with demonstrators calling on the Prayut Chan-ocha government to resign, for the government to re-draft the military-backed charter and for the government to stop harassing dissidents.

I'm no techie by a long shot but monitoring blood pressure on a watch band type device challenges the imagination. Key operative words: "Details, as usual, are sketchy..." Nary a day passes that we don't see some new idea that will do little or nothing to attract foreign tourists. Chalk up one more.

From The Thaiger Travellers to Thailand to wear “Smartband” tracking watch Special Tourist Vias, 14 day quarantine, “plans”, “models” and endless red-tape. Now we’ve got the “smartband” to track foreigners when they visit Thailand. The so-called Smartband will have to be worn by any foreign travellers entering Thailand. The new wearable restriction for travellers to Thailand coincides with the Cabinet announcement this week to allow more foreign tourists and crew of yachts to enter Thailand under the Special Tourist Visa program. “The wristband can track their locations and measure the body’s temperature, blood pressure, and heart rate. It can also help the wearers with various problems, such as asking for directions when they get lost.” The Smartband is being introduced from today.It’s the brainchild of the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society, in cooperation with Thai startups, according to the announcement on PR Thai Government. Details, as usual, are sketchy and there is no clarification where the smartband is given to the tourists, if it’s compulsory to wear or who pays for it. Nothing explains how the Smartband can help when the wearer is “asking for directions”. Or is it waterproof? On the government’s own PR Facebook page the reception was less than enthusiastic…. Special Tourist Vias, 14 day quarantine, “plans”, “models” and endless red-tape. Now we’ve got the “smartband” to track foreigners when they visit Thailand. The so-called Smartband will have to be worn by any foreign travellers entering Thailand. The new wearable restriction for travellers to Thailand coincides with the Cabinet announcement this week to allow more foreign tourists and crew of yachts to enter Thailand under the Special Tourist Visa program. “The wristband can track their locations and measure the body’s temperature, blood pressure, and heart rate. It can also help the wearers with various problems, such as asking for directions when they get lost.” The Smartband is being introduced from today.It’s the brainchild of the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society, in cooperation with Thai startups, according to the announcement on PR Thai Government. Details, as usual, are sketchy and there is no clarification where the smartband is given to the tourists, if it’s compulsory to wear or who pays for it. Nothing explains how the Smartband can help when the wearer is “asking for directions”. Or is it waterproof? On the government’s own PR Facebook page the reception was less than enthusiastic…. “I never wear a watch, especially in Thai heat. I don’t mind a month in the daytime but forever is nonsense. I wonder how it does in the pool? The original plan was a tracking app on the phone. No problem, I am boring, you can follow me if you like but this looks like a shakedown for tech that I don’t want, in a form that I do not use. What happens when you take it off? I certainly do not sleep with a watch on.” “I think these measures will not be widely accepted by european users. Almost no one wants to go to Thailand with quarantine don’t understand why also add this measure.” ===================================================== From The Thaiger Foreigners who test positive for C19 in Thailand won’t be able to use the public health system The battle to reopen Thailand’s borders is shaping up as a 3-way PR fight between economic hawks who are eager to re-open to reboot the country’s tourism industry, a government and medical officials resting on their laurels after containing the virus, and a risk-averse population who, survey after survey, indicate they are keen to keep the borders closed. In another effort to assuage Thai fears, a doctor at the infectious disease department has stated that any foreigner found to be infected with Covid-19, while in alternative state quarantine, would be taken to a partner hospital in the private sector, not a Thai public hospital. Dr Opas Karnkawinpong has made it clear that foreigners would have to pay for their treatment and medication themselves. “They won’t be a burden on the Thai health system.” Dr Opas laid out the strict measures that foreigners would have to submit to before travelling to Thailand. Apart from the effort and cost of finding a flight at this time, gaining permission from their country’s Thai Embassy, they would have to get fit-to-fly and entry certificates, Covid-free documentation, health insurance and upfront payments for their 14 day Alternative State Quarantine. “If infected they would go to a special isolation unit at the hospital partnered with the quarantine hotel. Non serious cases would be there for 10 days, those with serious conditions like lung infections may have to stay for a month.”

From The Thaiger A language school in Koh Pha Ngan has ripped off more than 100 tourists claiming that they were able to issue them with a 1 year education visa. A group of the victims have made an official report with the local police over the scam. The tourists were from the US, UK, Germany, France and Russia. Manager Online report that more than 100 people had been allegedly conned by the school in the Sri Thanu area of the island. The report explained that the people had originally heard about the school being able to get them a 1 year education visa from teachers working there. The group have now made an official report, sending documentation to Koh Phangan district chief Poonsak Sophonpathumrak and the island’s chief of police Pol Col Phisit Wisetwong and Immigration police. They allege that they had been asked for 40,000 baht each for courses at the school on the understanding that the school would issue visas for them, changing their Non-B into an ED-Visa, as a way of extending their time in Thailand. They told police that they had put down a 50% down payment tot eh school. Their visas were promised five weeks ago. But when no paperwork turned up they headed to the mainland Surat Thani immigration office where they were told it wasn’t possible to change a Non-B into an education (ED) visa. When they confronted the school they were told there would be no refunds. This isn’t the only case of institutions and bogus visa agents taking advantage of the current confusion on visa amnesties and extensions. Immigration police are sorting through a range of similar cases.

From The Nation Eleven pro-democracy protests planned today in Thailand and abroad The Ratsadon (People) will organise 11 protest rallies on Sunday, which will take place in six provinces in Thailand as well as abroad, starting at 4pm local time. In Bangkok, a rally will be held at Future Park Rangsit where the pro-democracy protesters were planning to stay overnight, and the other at the Udomsuk intersection, which will have the theme of liberty for the LGBT group. The protest in Yasothon province will be organised at the Loeng Nok Tha District Office from 4pm to 8pm, while in Chonburi province, a protest will take place at Pattaya Beach Central shopping mall at 5pm. Saraburi province will have a protest at a public park near a bypass stop, in Si Sa Ket province at the shrine of the city pillar and in Surat Thani province on Naris Bridge. In New Zealand, the protesters will gather at midnight (local time) at Aotea Square in Auckland, while the protests in the US will take place at The Bean in Chicago, the International Fountain (Space Needle) in Seattle, and King Bhumibol Adulyadej Square in Boston.