Gaybutton

After announcing that the Thaksin interview will be aired in Thailand, now the satellite TV company, UBC, has given in to pressure and will not broadcast the interview after all. I do not know whether the interview will be available in Thailand via other sources. The following appears in the BANGKOK POST: _____ UBC Bows to Military Pressure, Agrees to Censorship Bangkok Post reporters The Thaksin Shinawatra interview with CNN on its weekly Saturday Talk Asia show will not be seen in Thailand. Thailand's main pay-TV provider said yesterday it would block an interview with deposed prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra that CNN plans to run this evening. UBC spokeswoman Kantima Kunjara told the AFP news agency that they will not air it because of a request by the Council for National Security (CNS). "Since the CNS has asked for cooperation from the broadcasting media not to broadcast statements from former prime minister Thaksin, UBC will cooperate and will not broadcast his interview," she said. The Foreign Correspondents Club of Thailand (FCCT) plans to replay the interview at the clubhouse on Monday. In a letter sent to members yesterday, the FCCT expressed "deep disappointment" with UBC's decision to block excerpts of the interview, made in Singapore on Jan 15. The FCCT decided to send a letter of concern to Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont on Jan 16 because it considered UBC's action "regardless of on whose direction it was taken," to be "unnecessary and improper interference". In the letter to Gen Surayud, FCCT president Ian Williams noted that the prime minister "made much of the importance of an open and responsible press" during an address to the FCCT on Nov 7. "We hope that you will take steps to uphold this position, and also do everything in your power to promote a balanced debate in all the media about Thailand and its present situation," he added. The FCCT president said the "attempt at censorship casts the Thai authorities in a poor light, and is in many ways pointless" as the interview had been reproduced in a number of publications and on several websites, and was available on YouTube. Media watchdog Reporters Without Borders said: "Censoring or blocking news or information carried by any media does not prevent the information's existence, and those who want to have access to it usually succeed."

The following appears in THE NATION: _____ NEW YEAR'S EVE BOMBS Military men arrested Close aide to CNS heavyweight claims detentions are a sham Police and the military yesterday rounded up 13 people suspected of being involved in the New Year's Eve bombings in Bangkok. The suspects are both military and civilian. The raids took place at nearly 20 locations in Bangkok, Nonthaburi and Lop Buri. Pol Lt Gen Panupong Singha Na Ayuthaya said police are examining arms and other evidence confiscated from these places. Three of the suspects were identified as Lt-Colonel Suchart Kudseung-nern and sergeants Sommai Tarabhumi and Jessadaporn Fongjamon of the Army's special warfare unit based in Lop Buri. Police and military officers investigating the bombings also arrested Pipop Jungreung-on of Bangkok and Songdej Saengprateep of Lop Buri. Other suspects were not identified but police and Army sources said another three suspects were also "men in uniform" arrested at an Army camp in Bang Khaen district of in Bangkok. The New Year's Eve bombings killed three and wounded 40 more. Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont declined to comment on yesterday's arrests. "I don't want to go into details because investigations are under way and all are suspects only," he said. Earlier, the prime minister had said the attacks were not related to violence in the South. Police sources said Pipop, a Bang-kok mini-van operator, had been implicated in last year's plot to assassinate then prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra. However, a close aide to key Council for National Security member General Saprang Kalayanamitr dismissed the arrests as "pre-arranged" events to save national police chief General Kowit Wattana from the sack. "General Saprang was informed two days ago that police would do this. The work appears to be lacking credibility. It is intended just to help the national police chief," said the aide, who requested anonymity. Surayud had earlier urged Kowit to speed up investigation into the attacks.

Yes, they will have it. There is a tour called the "Temple Tour." That sounds like the one you want.

Construction has indeed begun for the bypass. It will run parallel to the railroad tracks. The work crews are out there creating and leveling the road bed. As for where access and exits will be, for the time being your guess is as good as mine.

I think the best thing to do, for those who do wish to be of assistance, would be to contact him directly.

The following appears in the PATTAYA CITY NEWS: _____ Traffic Concerns Discussed at Pattaya City Hall Meeting A meeting now from Pattaya City Hall chaired by Khun Sonti, a member of the Pattaya Council who summoned representatives from the Traffic Police Division to discuss traffic problems around Pattaya. The first location causing concern is Walking Street where Khun Sonti informed the meeting that the one way system in place on the street is being disregarded and is causing danger for tourists and others who use the street. The second problem brought up in the meeting was the blocked intersection with Soi Neun Pleub Wan and the Sukumvit Road. Although this intersection is now blocked, some motorbike drivers are still using the old intersection to cross the Sukumvit Road. The Traffic Police responded to these and other more minor traffic problems brought up in the meeting and promised to look into each issue as a matter of urgency. __________ What interests me most about this article is the blocked intersection with Soi Neun Pleub Wan and the Sukumvit Road. That seems to be something so typical of Pattaya. Soi Neun Pleub Wan is a major thoroughfare leading east from Sukhumvit Highway. The reason I find it interesting is because less than a year ago the city spent quite a bit of money to build that intersection and install traffic lights there. It all seemed to be working just fine. Then, about a month and a half ago that intersection was suddenly blocked. The only traffic that can now legally use it are vehicles making a U-turn from the southbound lane of Sukhumvit highway. That, of course, means nothing to motorcyclists who couldn't care less whether the intersection is blocked or not, but that's another story. Meanwhile, my question is: If the city spent the money to install the intersection, and since the traffic signals were actually working perfectly, then why is it now blocked? Welcome to Pattaya . . .

I'm sure most of you who read the gay Thailand web sites also read, and probably have come to rely upon, Gaypattayan's "Weekly Report" on http://www.pattayagay.com . Today Gaypattayan sent out an E-mail to those closest to him informing us that due to health problems, the "Weekly Report" cannot be produced until further notice. Unfortunately, his health problems are serious enough that he may be unable to continue the "Weekly Report" again at all. He is presently trying to find someone capable and willing to take it over for him, if need be, but that will not be easy. It's an enormous task and, until these recent health problems developed, Gaypattayan never missed getting his "Weekly Report" published on time in all these years. Probably the best alternative to the "Weekly Report" can be found on the http://www.suneeplaza.com web site . Gaypattayan has done more to help the gay community in Pattaya than most of us could ever hope to achieve. John F. Kennedy once said, when addressing a group of Nobel Prize winners who had been invited to a White House dinner, "This is the most extraordinary collection of talent, of human knowledge, that has ever been gathered together at the White House with the possible exception of when Thomas Jefferson dined alone." With regard to his service for the gay community in Thailand, his kindness, and his talents I believe a similar statement would be quite appropriate for Gaypattayan. I hope all of you join with me in wishing him a speedy and complete recovery. _____ **A duplicate of this message is posted on the Baht-Stop forum**

I think it's appropriate right where it is. No problem.

Travelerjim, can you tell us where this information is coming from? According to what I see on their own web site ( see http://www.thaiairwaysusa.com/EN/News/News...tion.aspx?Id=15 ) it appears that precisely the opposite is true.

This is interesting, considering that during his CNN interview only a few days ago Thaksin stated that he is all through with politics. If that is the case, then why hire a lobbying firm? If he is not trying to remain in politics, then what is his purpose? Is he perhaps looking for a job? I doubt that. Why is he doing so much world traveling and why, if he is out of politics, would he seek to meet with government officials of the countries he visits? It seems that he is up to something, but what? Whatever it is, I hope it will be benign. The following appears in THE NATION: _____ Ousted PM Hires US Lobbyist Firm Hong Kong - Ousted Thai prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra has signed up a firm of American political lobbyists to seek support in Washington, a report said Friday. Thaksin, who was unseated in a military coup in September, met with lobbyists from Barbour, Griffith and Rogers (BGR) in Hong Kong last week, the South China Morning Post reported. BGR describes itself on its website as America's "leading Republican government affairs and consulting firm" and has close ties with the Bush administration. Among the BGR team that met Thaksin was Stephen Rademaker, the former US assistant secretary of state for international security, said the newspaper, quoting unnamed sources. Also present was Ed Rogers, the firm's co-founder and previously a staffer in the White House of former presidents Ronald Reagan and George Bush senior. He has denied having any further political ambitions but the junta has been infuriated by his travels to capitals across Europe and Asia since he was deposed. The Thai government has withdrawn Thaksin's diplomatic passport, and this week it issued a strong rebuke to Singapore for allowing him meet a top cabinet member there. Alan VanderMolen, Asia-Pacific president of Edelman, which Thaksin has recently hired as his public relations consultants, confirmed he had been in Hong Kong but gave no details on the purpose of the trip. "He was here last week. As far as I know, he was here as part of his travels around the world since he left office," VanderMolen told AFP. Thaksin Shinawatra, was in Tokyo on Friday, but Japanese officials said they had no plans to meet him out of concerns over relations with the current Bangkok government, according to Associated Press. Thaksin arrived in Tokyo late Thursday on his first visit to Japan since being toppled from office in a Sept. 19 bloodless military coup. "Now is time for me to relax, get together with my family, see my old friends,'' Thaksin said Thursday after arriving at Narita international airport outside Tokyo. Meanwhile Japanese officials said they were aware of Thaksin's visit but had no plans to meet the former leader. "There are no meetings scheduled between Mr. Thaksin and Japanese government officials,'' said Foreign Ministry official Masahiro Yoshida. "We have our relations with the current Thai government to consider. ... We are aware that the government is very sensitive about this issue,'' he said. AP quoted Chika Takada, an official at the Thai embassy in Tokyo, as saying Bangkok was aware of Thaksin's visit but had not plans to interfere. "His visit is purely private and does not concern us,'' Takada said. Thai media reported Friday that the former leader was scheduled to give a speech at the prestigious Tokyo University and receive an honorary degree there. University spokeswoman Kayoko Hayashi, however, said none of the school's main departments had plans to receive Thaksin. She said the university was checking with its professors about the reported visit. The former leader's private visit to Singapore earlier this week sparked a diplomatic row between Thailand and Singapore. Thailand's Foreign Ministry on Tuesday withdrew an invitation to Singapore's Foreign Minister George Yeo to visit the country and suspended an exchange program of civil servants following Thaksin's meeting with a top Singaporean official. Thaksin planned to stay in Japan for about a week, according to public broadcaster NHK.

And if all else fails, I have a pair of scissors you can borrow . . .

Thank you. I'd love to. Just send me a PM with the date and time, or give me a call.

According to an article in Today's PATTAYA MAIL ( http://www.pattayamail.com/current/news.shtml#hd4 ), Pattaya's water problems should be resolved by March. Let's hope them mean March of 2007. Most people who are in Pattaya for a holiday would never notice a water problem. The tourist and hotel areas usually seem to be well supplied. However, water is being rationed in several residential areas, among them my own. When the drought finally ended, over a year ago, my area never experienced water shortages again . . . that is until recently. About two weeks ago my water tank had run dry and we were back to having to call water delivery trucks to fill our storage tanks. Apparently, in my area, they turn on the water once or twice a week now. When they do, my storage tank is filled. But twice now I've had to call a water delivery truck. I also understand even Center Condo ran out of water a couple days ago, although I don't know whether that had to do with water rationing or a problem that occurred at Center Condo itself. For a long time it was unusual to see any water delivery trucks. Now they're back, all over the place. That means there are many areas experiencing water shortages. I'm not sure why, considering that during summer and fall we had plenty of rain and also considering that Pattaya was boasting that there will be no more shortages for the next fifty years. Ok . . . . . .

Four million cameras? I wonder who's monitoring them all. If they need anyone to monitor cameras in gay go-go bars, I volunteer.

Perhaps, but the neighborhood "Welcome Wagon" is ever present.

If you have not yet recovered enough to be able to do much walking, just give me a call and I'll be happy to drive you over there myself. If it turns out they don't have one, we'll shop around until we find what you're looking for.

Well, why not? That way, whenever the USA is involved in a war, which seems like all the time, the prez could simply go and win it for us singlehandedly. The following appears on CNN: http://edition.cnn.com/2007/POLITICS/01/15...gger/index.html _____ President Schwarzenegger -- A Potential Blockbuster POSTED: 2227 GMT (0627 HKT), January 18, 2007 By Bill Schneider CNN Senior Political Analyst WASHINGTON (CNN) -- President Schwarzenegger -- how does that sound? Some people think it sounds pretty good. But don't we have enough people running for president next year? According to CNN's tabulation, four Democrats are already running. One is exploring. Seven others are thinking about it. The Republican list is even longer. Eight Republicans are exploring. Six are thinking. That makes 26 potential candidates. The editors of The Los Angeles Times think there's room for one more. "Why should Californians have their governor sidelined from the race?'' the Los Angeles Times asked in a January 14 editorial. "And why can't voters across the country be entrusted to decide for themselves whether the governor of California is sufficiently 'American' to earn their vote? It's insulting really.'' The reason is Article II of the United States Constitution which reads, "No person except a natural-born citizen . . . shall be eligible to the Office of President.'' It's in there because John Jay, the presiding officer of the Constitutional Convention, wrote a letter to George Washington in 1787 arguing that the commander-in-chief of the United States Army should not be anyone but a natural-born American. The Founders were worried about ambitious foreigners taking over the country; as in Poland, which -- at the time -- had just been partitioned between Austria, Prussia and Russia. That's not exactly a problem for the United States today. Yet the provision remains in the Constitution, barring naturalized citizens like Henry Kissinger and Madeleine Albright from ever becoming President. And Austrian-born Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger. Amending the Constitution to drop the provision has been proposed before. In the 1993 movie, "Demolition Man,'' about a police officer who was cryogenically frozen and thawed out in 2032, it was a joke. "Stop! He was president?" asked the incredulous officer, played by Sylvester Stallone, was when his lieutenant, played by Sandra Bullock, told him to go to the Schwarezenegger Library to gather evidence. "Yes," the lieutenant replied. "Even though he was not born in this country, his popularity at the time caused the 61st amendment, which states that even . . . '' "I don't want to know,'' the officer interrupted. "President?'' But the Times canvassed California's congressional delegation to find out how many would support a Constitutional amendment allowing naturalized citizens to become President. Six out of eight Republicans who responded said "yes." Democrats were more closely split -- 9 yes, 7 no. Though politics is always partisan, this year, Gov. Schwarzenegger is reaching across party lines. In his January 9 State of the State address, Schwarzenegger promised to work with the Democratic speaker of the assembly, Fabian Nu

The following appears in the BANGKOK POST: _____ Bangkok Starts Big Brother CCTV Project At least 1,628 spy cameras are to be installed across Bangkok, as part of a security plan cobbled together after the New Year's Eve twin bombing waves that killed three people. The city administration's plan to install security cameras at 1,628 locations across Bangkok is taking form. The move is part of measures to boost security following the New Year's Eve bombings in Bangkok and Nonthaburi. Bangkok Governor Apirak Kosayodhin had invited suppliers of security camera systems, including Genius Co and True Corp, to give details of their devices before bidding opens, a source said. Deputy Bangkok Governor Panich Vikitsreth said the first installation phase would cover 504 locations within 4-6 months. Priority would be given to risk spots such as pedestrian bridges, areas around Sanam Luang and BTS skytrain's Mor Chit station. The cost for the first phase is put at 66 million baht. Ratthapol Meethanathavorn, deputy city clerk, said the BMA would propose that state and private agencies coordinate to avoid redundancy. It would soon raise the matter with the cabinet. A source said the city wanted an advanced system which could link with other surveillance networks.

The following appears in THE NATION: _____ Row with S'pore Escalates CNS switches from AIS on suspicions of wire-tapping; threatens to revoke licenses The military junta yesterday threatened to exercise its power to revoke the licenses of Singaporean-owned telecom and satellite operators if they were found to be wiretapping communications channels and sending sensitive information back to the city-state. For security reasons, the eight members of the Council for National Security changed their cellular provider from Singaporean-controlled Advanced Info Service to other firms, said junta spokesman Colonel Sansern Kaewkamnerd. Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Minister Sitthichai Pookaiyaudom said Singaporean-owned mobile-phone and satellite operators would lose their licences if they were caught eavesdropping on customers. Junta chief Sonthi Boonyaratglin on Wednesday said all mobile-phone conversations were being picked up and relayed to Singapore, so that the country could spy on Thai security. Yesterday, he said the junta was "concerned about the operation of mobile phones and satellites whose concessions were transferred to a foreign country". Singapore's investment arm, Temasek Holdings, bought Shin Corp - which owns the biggest players in the local mobile-phone and satellite businesses - from the family of deposed Premier Thaksin Shinawatra. Sonthi raised his concerns amid a diplomatic stand-off with Singapore for allowing Thaksin to meet its deputy prime minister, S Jayakumar, and use the city-state as a launching pad for interviews with international media to cast aspersions against the junta and military-installed government. The ICT Ministry called all telecom and satellite operators, including Shin Satellite, to a meeting and reiterated to them that the junta would cite its 21st Announcement in putting them out of business if they conducted electronic surveillance of signal transmissions, said ministry spokesman Wissanu Meeyu. All the operators insisted to the ministry that they had never condoned such practices, he said. As a group of students staged a protest in front of the Singaporean Embassy, and residents in the northeastern province of Udon Thani urged the Thai military to return second-hand jet fighters, a key junta member rushed to soothe passions before the anti-Singapore sentiment spiralled out of control. General Saprang Kalayanamitr, assistant to the Army chief, refuted a local media report that the military might review an agreement for Singapore's military to use a Thai airbase as its exercise ground. He told reporters the ongoing diplomatic spat would not set back military cooperation between the two countries. Chareon Mookachornphan, a coordinator of the Udon Thani-based People's Assembly, said the retaliation taken by the government against Singapore - suspending a few bilateral meetings - was not enough for the mistake the city-state made in letting its deputy premier speak with Thaksin. In 2005, Singapore donated seven F-19A/B jet fighters - three Alphas and four Bravos - to Thailand during the Thaksin administration in exchange for the right to use the Wing 23 airbase in Udon Thani for 15 years to train its military. More than 100 police were stationed at the Singaporean Embassy for fear the students staging a noisy protest there planned to burn the mission down. One student dismissed the rumour, saying they just wanted to air their anger at Singapore. A group of six Ramkhamhaeng University students gathered in front of the embassy to demand an explanation within three days of why the republic allowed Thaksin to do what he did. They waved signs reading, "This is Thailand. Don't look down on your neighbour," and, "Singapore, get out." Another said, "We know what you think." They said they represented the Thai Students' Network for Democracy and were not being paid to demonstrate. Former Foreign Minister Surin Pitsuwan called on the government to control nationalistic reactions in dealing with the matter. Otherwise, the situation could turn ugly, like what happened between Singapore and the Philippines when the city-state hanged a Filipina maid. __________ And this, also from THE NATION: _____ Thai public Supports Actions Against Singapore: Survey The Thai public supported the Surayud government's reaction against Singapore for permitting ousted Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra to meet a top senior official and they demand an apology from the island country, an opinion survey has found. Thailand on Tuesday decided to suspend indefinitely all high-level meetings with Singapore, including a ministerial dialogue next month, to protest the island's insensitivity to Thailand's political situation. More than 64 per cent of respondents said they agreed with the Thai government's reaction, while 18 per cent disagreed. The rest had no comment. Almost 56 per cent of those surveyed said Singapore should apologise Thai people for allowing Thaksin to meet Singapore Deputy Prime Minister S Jayakumar and allowing him to use the island state as a launching pad to attack the Thai government.

You're always welcome to post here, if you wish.

The following appears in THE NATION: _____ FLARE-UP RAISES QUESTIONS OVER MILITARY COOPERATION Spat with Singapore Sends a Warning to All Countries on Dealings with Thaksin It was all hugs and kisses last week at the Asean summit in Cebu, in the Philippines, when the 10 Southeast Asian leaders came together to launch the first-ever blueprint for the grouping's charter - deemed crucial for shoring up the bloc's credibility and legal identity. But as they were trying to turn this regional grouping into a rules-based organisation, they were also banking on the notion that their long-standing tradition of non-interference would hold. But that very spirit quickly fell apart just days after the summit. On Tuesday Bangkok accused Singapore of being insensitive to its political situation when the island-state permitted ousted premier Thaksin Shinawatra to meet with its deputy prime minister Shunmugam Jayakumar. Thaksin took advantage of his presence in Singapore to give interviews to CNN and The Wall Street Journal. The content of the interviews was critical and quite damaging to the current government and Council for National Security (CNS). Anger flared in Bangkok as critics lashed out at both the island-state and the Foreign Ministry, with the ministry's old guard accused of not giving their all to the CNS. While Asean members have engaged in some bitter disputes in recent years, it was somewhat surprising to see Thailand and Singapore at loggerheads. Though not treaty allies like Thailand and the United States, Thailand and Singapore are deemed long-term strategic partners in terms of investment and regional security. Singaporean ground forces train annually with their Thai counterparts in Kanchanaburi, where they can stretch out as they engage in conventional warfare training - something they cannot do on the island-state, without blowing up a shopping mall. Singapore has become a key component of Cobra Gold, one of the largest multinational military exercises in Asia. Its armed and civil forces was one of the largest in Thailand after the tsunami struck, delivering food and medicine as well as carrying out search-and-rescue operations. In the intelligence sphere, information from Singapore was crucial in tracking down international terrorists such as Hambali and Arifin bin Ali, members of Jemaah Islamiyah, the al-Qaeda-linked terrorist organisation. "Singapore is concerned that Thailand could be used as a staging ground for terrorist attacks against them," said Chulalongkorn University's Associate Professor Panitan Wattanayagon. The island-state also utilises Thai airspace to conduct flight training for its airforce. Its 20-year lease for an airbase in Udon Thani was deemed quite generous. But given the current sentiment, it should not come as a surprise if the terms for the lease - as well as other military-related cooperation - now become bargaining chips. Factoring trade, investment and military cooperation into consideration, one can safely argue that Singapore and Thailand are the closest allies in the region. "It's a relationship with different dimensions," Panitan said. "Singapore is at an advantage when it comes to trade and investment, while Thailand is at advantage in military and security [spheres]," he said. Unfortunately, this cooperation does not translate into the realm of public diplomacy. Many in the country continue to perceive Singapore as coming out ahead. Besides traditional security, Singapore is quite concerned about its vulnerability and its place in the region - and the world for that matter. Singapore is stuck between two big and not very friendly neighbours - Malaysia and Indonesia. Strategically, Thailand serves as a counter-balance for Singapore's relations with the two Muslim countries. It's too early to say how much damage the current stand-off will inflict on the two countries' bilateral ties. The strong retaliation from Bangkok shows how seriously the CNS views the Thaksin factor. The move was also a stern warning to China, Britain, Australia, the US, Indonesia and others over Thailand's sensitivities about any future dealings they may have with the ousted premier, who is accused of massive corruption and heading a highly divisive administration. While Singapore stands to lose greatly on military and security matters, if ties with Thailand continue to deteriorate, one should not forget that a great number of Thai civil servants from various ministries have received training in Singapore, a country known for its accountability and efficiency, but not necessarily for its political freedom. Panitan said he was not sure why Thailand had not used its military links to hit out at Singapore. Perhaps it's an indication of things to come, if the situation does not improve. But once the dust has settled, dealings between the two sides will have to be conducted with greater sensitivity. Singapore does not need to be told that it needs friends like Thailand. Luckily, Thailand is not like Malaysia, where constant bickering is expected over every minor issue. But then again, a mature relationship sometimes needs things to be spelt out in blunt terms - as in the current predicament between Thailand and Singapore. Recent history has shown that the island-state can be unkind and insensitive to its neighbours. This time around, unfortunately, it came just days after the Asean summit. And if these two countries cannot get their act together and are prepared to let a man like Thaksin come between them, then what hope is there for the Cebu declaration? Don Pathan __________ And this, from the BANGKOK POST: _____ Analysis: Singapore's Insensitive Miscalculation Opinion by Thitinan Pongsudhirak The Singaporean government cannot feign ignorance and provide implicit recognition of Thaksin Shinawatra without serious consequences for bilateral relations between Thailand and the island state. [The writer is Director of the Institute of Security and International Studies, Faculty of Political Science, Chulalongkorn University] Singapore's recent misstep in unwittingly allowing deposed prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra to use the island republic as a staging ground for media interviews on CNN and in the Asian Wall Street Journal that chastised the performance of the caretaker government of General Surayud Chulanont indicates a mind-boggling miscalculation. Having become entangled in Thailand's political drama following the Shinawatra family's scandalous sale of Shin Corp to Singapore's government-linked Temasek Holdings early last year, Singapore's elite should have stayed on the sidelines and waited out the resolution of Thailand's deep-seated and ongoing confrontation and conflict. But Singapore's leaders did not, and have not. They keep shooting themselves in the foot. They never got Thailand right. In view of their latest diplomatic blunder, perhaps they never will. That Singapore's elite has persistently coddled Mr Thaksin prior to, and in the aftermath of, the military coup on Sept 19, 2006, is understandable. Mr Thaksin's ties with Singapore's ruling Lee family run deep. The former premier was one of the first Lee Kuan Yew fellows back in 1994. The Singaporeans annually pick out up-and-coming young politicians from the region and treat them to red-carpet packages on the island in an effort to win over future regional leaders. In Mr Thaksin, the Singapore government picked a winner. In addition, Mr Thaksin's and the Lees' common Hakka Chinese background further deepened their relationship. Like the Lees' one-party dominance of Singapore's democratic system, Mr Thaksin's authoritarian, decisive leadership style, and virtual monopoly in Thai politics during his nearly six-year rule also helped to solidify ties. It was thus somewhat unsurprising that when it bought Shin Corp and allowed Mr Thaksin to cash out for 73.3 billion baht, Temasek was headed by none other than Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong's wife, Madam Ho Ching. During Thailand's prolonged political crisis and street protests against Mr Thaksin, the Singaporean government never flinched in the face of adverse Thai criticism of its role and connection to Temasek, as its embassy in Bangkok laid low in a vain attempt to ride out the storm. Even after the Sept 19 coup, Prime Minister Lee stated unequivocally in an October speech to the Asian-European Editors Forum that the Thai putsch was a setback for the country's democracy. PM Lee justified his view of Mr Thaksin's electoral prowess, and completely missed the essence of the Thai crisis revolving around Mr Thaksin's erosion of legitimacy due to a long trail of constitutional violations, corruption, and abuses of power. Unlike Singapore, winning elections in Thailand without accountability and effective checks-and-balances provided by institutions mandated under the constitution and by individuals from the media and NGOs, is not sufficient to retain a democratic mandate. Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew followed up on his son's remark with the insistence that the Temasek-Shin Corp transaction was completely above board. Both father and son did what Mr Thaksin would have done by insisting on technical legality with a blind eye to legitimacy considerations and ethical and moral implications. To be sure, the Thaksin visit would likely have transpired smoothly without the CNN and Asian Wall Street Journal interviews, despite Deputy Prime Minister S Jayakumar's odd unofficial reception of someone who had no official status. Kishore Mahbubani, an erudite diplomat who now heads the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy, consequently criticised Mr Thaksin for putting Singapore in a tight spot with his media comments. It was the first public rebuke of Mr Thaksin from a member of the Singapore elite. The Surayud government's measured response by withdrawing an invitation to Singapore's foreign minister to speak at a bilateral civil service exchange programme, and its cancellation of an informal summit meeting between the two countries, are moves in the right direction. With these concrete diplomatic signals, the Singaporean government can no longer feign ignorance and provide implicit recognition of Mr Thaksin without serious consequences for the bilateral relationship. To be fair, the primary responsibility for this debacle lies with the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs and, ultimately, with the Council for National Security and the Surayud government. With Thaksin loyalists still in command, the Foreign Ministry has dragged its feet throughout the post-coup period in going after Mr Thaksin's passport status. Despite vocal calls from the anti-Thaksin coalition, the ministry took more than three months to revoke Mr Thaksin's diplomatic privileges. Rumours and anecdotal evidence of Thai embassy resources being used to facilitate Mr Thaksin's movements in London, China, Hong Kong, and Singapore have been rife. Both the CNS and the Surayud government should clarify Mr Thaksin's status once and for all. This would enable foreign governments around the world to treat Mr Thaksin properly. To its credit, the Chinese government walked a balanced line by letting Mr Thaksin stay in China for weeks but not giving him any high-level recognition. However, other foreign governments should not have to make this calculation on their own. They have the right to know how they should receive Mr Thaksin. The onus is thus on the CNS and the Surayud government. Mr Thaksin's murky status is yet another indication of the weak and indecisive post-coup management.

The following appears on PATTAYA DAILY NEWSs: http://www.pattayadailynews.com/shownews.p...NEWS=0000002275 _____ ALLEGED BRITISH PAEDOPHILE SLIPS THROUGH EDUCATIONAL VETTING NET Alleged British child rapist, Sean McMahon, 45, of Torquay, Devon, was working as an English teacher in a Bangkok international school when he was arrested at his home in an apartment on the northern outskirts of Bangkok on Monday evening, at the request of the British Embassy. He had apparently been under surveillance by the Thai police for some time. After a similar case involving an American teacher who had been jailed for abusing teenage boys in 2006, the new case reveals that Thai educational vetting procedures of foreign teachers are not sufficiently stringent. McMahon had apparently skipped bail in the UK where he had been accused of raping an eight-year-old girl between 1997 and September 1998. He failed to show in court in 1999 after he was charged for the alleged offence. A Foreign Office spokeswoman said today, Tuesday, that McMahon had been detained in Thailand and was remanded to appear in court. "The suspect will be repatriated to England to face the charges in accordance with the extradition treaty," Thai Police Lieutenant-General Kamronwit Thoopkrajang confirmed.

The most active I've seen is http://www.gay.com

As a matter of fact, there are several differences, all of which greatly pleased me. I have attached their map of how to get there, but let me try to make it a bit easier for you. Happy Bar is what I would call an "Off-Sunee Plaza" bar. It's actually quite easy to find. If you exit Sunee Plaza on the Po Pot restaurant side, that's Soi Yensabai (Not to be confused with the Yensabai Condo). Turn left and just follow the soi. Just before you reach the Family Mart, about a three minute walk from Sunee Plaza, you'll spot Happy Bar on the left side of the soi. It is very well worth a bit of a detour to get there. From among all the bars in Pattaya, many will likely agree with me that this is the most beautiful. It's small, but uniquely elegant with a beautiful Art Decco color scheme. The decor is intimate and the lighting is perfect. I also enjoy the fact that the music is kept at a much lower volume than most bars. One of the things I have always appreciated about Gentlemen Club is the low music volume and now Happy Bar gives your ears a similar break. You can easily have a conversation at a normal level and your ears won't be throbbing when you leave. The owners are two European young gentlemen, George and Roman. They make sure you feel welcome and are having a good time. Another great thing about the bar. No pushy mama-sans. Actually, no pushy anything. As a matter of fact, I'm not sure they even have mama-sans there. If there are any mama-sans, they are indistinguishable from the waiters. The drink prices are also a welcome break. I had a gin and tonic - a good one, not watered down - and it was only 95 baht. Most bars charge 120 baht and up for a drink, and many of them are watered down. Not at Happy Bar. You get a legitimate drink at what I believe are the lowest prices of any go-go bar in town. The boys themselves are definitely cute and there are all types, something for just about everyone. They all wear tiny loin cloths that just barely cover the goodies. They dance. They really dance. None of the "one-knee-shufflers" at Happy Bar. They dance two at a time on tables right in front of you, and yet it doesn't come across as an in-your-face type of setup at all. There are actually three floors at Happy Bar. The ground floor is the go-go bar area. The next floor up has sets of sofas and a very large lounge seat. If you wish, you can take the boy of your choice to the second floor, where there is much more privacy. The boys tend to lose their inhibitions on the second floor and touchy-feely is permissible as long as you do not carry it too far. Of course a tip is expected. I recommend 100 to 200 baht for the boy, depending on how well things go for you. If you are interested in carrying things to the next degree, well, that's what the third floor is for. That's where the short-time rooms are. Of course, you also have the option of taking the boy "off" and going back to your hotel room. All of the boys are age 18 and up. You will not find under-age boys at Happy Bar. The "off" fee is 250 baht. I was definitely happy at Happy Bar. Give it a try. I have a feeling a great many of you will quickly become regulars there.

The following appears in THE NATION: _____ TIES WITH S'PORE SUFFER SETBACK High-Level Meetings Canceled as Govt Retaliates over Thaksin Visit; City-State 'Saddened' by Reaction Thailand yesterday decided to suspend indefinitely all high-level meetings with Singapore, including a ministerial dialog next month, to protest the island's insensitivity to Thailand's political situation, Foreign Ministry spokesman Kitti Wasinond said yesterday. An informed government source said this diplomatic retaliation could also affect the planned summit later this year between the leaders of the two countries if the situation does not improve. Yesterday's move was a retaliation against Singapore for permitting ousted prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra to meet deputy premier S Jayakumar and to use the island-state as a launching pad to attack the government. "We informed the Singaporean [ambassador] that we are concerned by the political movements made by Thaksin," Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont told reporters after Thai Foreign Ministry officials met Ambassador Peter Chan. "Singapore should be more cautious about allowing such movements as we have already revoked Thaksin's diplomatic passport," Surayud said. In response to Thailand's move, the Singaporean Foreign Ministry issued a statement saying they were "saddened" by the Thai action and expressed hope that Bangkok will respect the island-state's position "as a sovereign country." "The Thai government did not notify us that Dr Thaksin has been charged for any offence. There is also no restriction on where he can travel to," the statement said. "He [Thaksin] had chosen to make a visit to Singapore on his own. Dr Thaksin had asked to meet Deputy Prime Minister Professor S Jayakumar, who is an old friend. It was purely a social and private meeting. No official calls or meetings were arranged." The statement went on to say: "There is no reason for Singapore to turn Dr Thaksin away. Prior to Singapore, Dr Thaksin had also visited several other countries without any protest by the Thai government." Krit Garnjanagoonchorn, permanent secretary at the Foreign Ministry, yesterday summoned Singapore ambassador Chan to lodge Thailand's protest. "The main reason behind our measures was because Singaporean President SR Nathan had told PM Surayud on November 9, 2006, that Singapore will not betray [Thailand] and will not do anything to damage the trust and understanding between the two countries," Kitti said. Informed sources told The Nation the decision to hit back at Singapore was reached after Surayud asked the Foreign Ministry to assess the damage caused by Thaksin's meeting with Deputy Prime Minister S Jayakumar, as well as his interviews with CNN and the Wall Street Journal (Asia) on Monday's night. Last week in Cebu, Chan informed Foreign Minister Nitya Phibulsonggram and Krit Garnjanagoonchorn that Thaksin would be visiting Singapore for four days on a private visit and that Jayakumar would host him a private lunch. No immediate action was taken after the message was relayed to the Thai side. But Thaksin appeared to have crossed the threshold when he went to the foreign media during his visit to attack the government and the junta. A Thai source said Thaksin's visit was at the invitation of Singapore. In his interview with Wall Street Journal, Thaksin discredited the Thai government's economic policies and also derided the power seizure that deposed him from power on September 19. Thaksin also took a political pot-shot during his five-minute stint on CNN and reminded the audience that he was democratically elected. Thaksin also denied the government's accusations that he had any link with a series of bomb blasts on 31 December 2006. Thai officials said they were shocked to learn that a senior Singapore official would be giving a private lunch to Thaksin following hot on the heels of the revoking of his diplomatic passport and the ill-feeling caused by the Shin Corp-Temasek deal. "It shows Singapore's insensitivity to Thailand," said one of the sources. The move is expected to set a precedent for other countries over how to handle Thaksin's visit and meeting in their respective country. China was said to be "more than understanding" when informed about the revoking of Thaksin's diplomatic passport. After his return from Cebu on Monday, Surayud hinted at yesterday's action, saying some diplomatic action might have to be taken in response to Thaksin's meeting with Jayakumar in Singapore. At the Asean summit meeting in Cebu, Nitya informed his counterpart George Yeo about the revoking of Thaksin's diplomatic passport. Nitya was told that it was a private visit. Asean has a visa-free voluntary scheme for its citizens. The indefinite suspension of the important summit retreat between the two leaders scheduled for later this year represents a low-point in Thai-Singapore relations. Both countries are key Asean members that have cooperated closely on issues related to economic integration and political deliberations. This informal retreat has been the main forum for leaders of both countries to engage in a tete-a-tete on pivotal bilateral and regional issues. The fourth summit retreat was scheduled later this year in Singapore. The first was held in Phuket in 2003, the second in Sentosa Island 2004, and the latest summit was held in Chiang Mai in 2005. Another important bilateral meeting, known as Thai-Singapore Civil Service Exchange Programme (CSEP) has also been suspended. Singapore Foreign Minister Yeo was scheduled to fly in for the CSEP meeting in early February. This programme started in 1998 and was aimed at strengthening cooperation between the civil service sectors as part of the "strategic partnership" banner. Thailand has provided airstrips for the Singaporean air force to train their combat jetfighters as well as other defence cooperation. The island also participates in the Cobra Gold military exercise, under the Thai-US military co-operation. Bilateral trade between the two countries in 2005 amounted to nearly US$13 billion (Bt466 billion). _________ And this, also from THE NATION: _____ Overall Economic Picture not Affected by Sour Ties with Singapore: Pridiyathorn Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Pridiyathorn Devakula insisted that Thailand's abolition of high-level diplomatic cooperation with Singapore would not hurt the overall economic picture. He noted that the government would ensure fair treatment to the Singaporean investors who are doing business in Thailand. "The diplomatic ties do not concern the overall economic picture. Our treatment to Singaporean investors would not be biased," he told reporters. He was also pleased with Thailand's better rankings in the Heritage Foundation's economic freedom index, saying that boosting the freedom is the government's obligation. In Asia, Thailand is ranked 9th, from 12th in the previous year. __________ And this, from the BANGKOK POST: _____ SINGAPORE 'REGRETS' THAI RETALIATION Singapore (dpa) Singapore's government on Wednesday said it regretted Thailand's decision to cancel its foreign minister's visit to Bangkok, which was made in response to ousted Thai premier Thaksin Shinawatra's visit to the city-state. "The Singapore government hopes that Thailand can appreciate Singapore's position," a statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) said, adding that there was no reason for the city-state to turn Thaksin away. "The Thai government did not notify us that Dr Thaksin has been charged with any offence," it said, adding that there is no restriction on where he can travel. Thailand on Tuesday informed Singaporean Ambassador Peter Chan that it was cancelling a visit to Bangkok by Foreign Minister George Yeo planned for later this month and was also cancelling civil aviation cooperation talks. The Thai government called the city-state's stance toward Thaksin "inappropriate" and expressed concern over a meeting between Singapore's Deputy Prime Minister S Jayakumar and Thaksin last week. An earlier statement issued by the Singapore foreign ministry described Jayakumar as an old friend of Thaksin and said their meeting was "purely social and private." Thaksin "had chosen to make a visit to Singapore on his own," the latest ministry statement said. "Thai nationals do not require visas to visit Singapore. There is no reason for Singapore to turn Dr Thanksin away." Singapore also noted that Thaksin had visited several other countries "without any protest by the Thai government," referring to trips to China, Hong Kong and Indonesia. "We are therefore saddened that the Thai government has chosen to take this course of action," the foreign ministry said. "We hope Thailand will respect Singapore's position as that of a sovereign country. We value the longstanding friendly relations with Thailand." Thaksin was ousted by the military in a bloodless coup on September 19, while he was attending an annual UN summit of leaders in New York, and has been living in exile since. The military appointed a new government to take his place. Thailand's new prime minister, Surayud Chulanont, said Singapore's ambassador was told the city-state should be more cautious about allowing such movements "since we have already revoked Thaksin's diplomatic passport." The meeting between Thaksin and Jayakumar, "even though it was a low-key affair, sends the wrong signal to the Thai public," said a Foreign Ministry spokesman. Relations between Thailand and Singapore have been strained since January last year when Temasek Holdings, the Singapore government's investment arm, bought Shinawatra's 49 per cent holding in Shin Corp, Thaksin's business empire, for 1.9 billion dollars in a tax free deal. Many Thais saw the purchase as selling off national assets to a foreign company. Thailand's military-appointed government last week revoked Thaksin's diplomatic passport, making it difficult for him to travel without visas. While in Singapore Thaksin gave an interview to CNN - censored in Thailand - in which he vowed to stay away from Thai politics in the future. He also denied any involvement in the New Year's Eve bombings in Bangkok that killed three people and injured 40.