Gaybutton

I'm sorry, but I disagree. While Kregger does seem bent on continuing this issue, I don't see him as a troll. He has a position and he wishes to discuss it. Others wish to respond. A large number of people have obviously become interested in this particular debate. As long as discussions continue intelligently, I see no reason to cut it off in mid stream. It will eventually fizzle out on its own. In the meantime, those who have become bored with this thread are under no obligation to continue reading it. 2000 legitimate hits on this thread tells me that a large number of people are still interested in what is being said . . . on both sides.

The following appears in THE NATION: _____ MAJOR TRAIN ACCIDENT 3 Killed, Over 100 Injured in Train Crash Prachuap Khiri Khan - Two trains crashed at the Nong Kae station in Hua Hin district early Sunday, killing three people and injuring more than 100 other passengers. As of press time, eight victims including a seven-year-old girl and a monk remained hospitalised. Screams rang across the accident scene immediately after a Thon Buri-bound train crashed head-on to a Yala-bound train on a diversion track at 2.42 am. Five train compartments were derailed, as passengers woke up to the nightmare scene in the middle of the night. "I was sleeping when I heard an extremely loud bang. When I opened my eyes, things were scattered all around and people were screaming. I tried to look out of the train window but it's so dark outside," Anas Yodkham, a 59-year-old passenger, said. He later managed to get out of his compartment with minor injuries. "It's my luck that I have survived," Anas said, after seeing the battered compartments from outside. Paijit Chuyod, driver of the Yalabound train, was found dead inside his locomotive compartment. Train hostess Wanida Phokhan, an employee of JM Food Industry Co Ltd, died shortly after she was retrieved from the debris. Train technician Theerapon Boonchai was conscious throughout nearly four hours when rescue workers tried to help him out of the battered compartment. However, he too later succumbed to serious injuries. Paijit and Theerapon were employees of the State Railway of Thailand (SRT). Medical professionals and rescue workers from various units rushed to help the victims at the accident scene. Siva Saengmanee, the chairman of SRT board, said the accident caused between Bt150million and Bt200million in damage. According to him, primary investigation suggested that the Thon Buri-bound diesel railcar ran against the light and thus hit the Yala-bound train that was on the diversion route. A fact-finding committee was now established to carefully look into the case and determine the cause of the accident. By 7.10 am Sunday, SRT removed all debris from the affected railway and train services were now available as usual. Public Health Ministry's spokesman Dr Suphan Srithamma said the train crash injured more than 100 people but most of them received only minor injuries such as bruises. "The hospitalised victims are also out of danger now," he said. Prachuap Khiri Khan Governor Prasong Pitoonkijja said he never saw two trains colliding before. The Nation

Neither can I. Maybe my post wasn't clear. A "clean up" of Sunee Plaza has nothing to do with the restaurant/hotel. If it comes, it is because a number of businesses have jointly requested the authorities to do something about it and, again based only on what I've heard, the authorities have agreed and intend to post officers in the area to do it.

I wish it was, but that's not what happens when I click the link. The link is sending me to a registration and log-in page along with a display of a number of links to related web sites.

Gentlemen, let's keep the personal attacks out of this. Everyone has his own opinion and can express it, defend it, or attack the opinion itself, but if we're going to get into personal attacks, which is one of the things the new moderation policy is trying to prevent, then the result will be closure of the thread and moderated mode for those who persist in attacks. This thread has evolved into a debate over whether the pricing policy at Sansuk sauna is a racist policy or not. Please stick to the issue itself and end personal attacks here and now.

I would like to ask that you post a specific URL for that thread. I had a look at that board and nearly everything is written in Thai. Also, there seems to be several forums. Rather than us having to wade through all that to find the thread you are referring to, a specific link would be of great help

I think these people know what they're doing. First, the Clubber restaurant is just excellent and the prices are quite inexpensive. As people, including locals, discover the restaurant their business will probably be booming even in the lowest part of low season. The hotel, I think, is an excellent idea. Based on what I am hearing, they are spending a great deal of money to gut the entire building and put in quite a nice place to stay. There are moves afoot, from what I have been hearing lately, to clean up Sunee Plaza. It is my understanding that several legitimate business owners in Sunee Plaza have approached the authorities, and are getting cooperation, to take steps to keep boys under age 16 out of Sunee Plaza entirely. I questioned why under 16 instead of under 18. I was told that, legally, there is no basis to keep anyone who is 16 years old, or older, from entering Sunee Plaza during business hours. In any case, if the hotel or guesthouse or whatever it is, turns out to be as good as the restaurant, then it will be a wonderful place to stay, right in the heart of the Sunee Plaza action, and most likely at very reasonable prices. Especially if there really will be a serious move to clean up Sunee Plaza as much as possible, then I think both the restaurant and hotel are likely to be great successes and will also serve to bring a much better reputation to Sunee Plaza, and that will benefit all the businesses in that area.

You keep writing "race" instead of "nationality." I'm beginning to wonder who is the real racist when race has absolutely nothing to do with the pricing policy, but you keep insisting that it does. There are many Thai citizens, including Caucasians, who are not members of this so-called Thai race, but they are Thai citizens nevertheless. According to the pricing policy, they too will be admitted at the discounted rate. You can keep insisting that this is a racist policy from now until Kingdom Come, but the fact is that the policy is based on nationality and not on race. Anyone holding a Thai national ID card is entitled to the discount, rich or poor, Thai "race" or any other race. As an aside, I can't help but note that this thread has received as many hits in a few days as someone else who posts on the various Thai message boards claims he normally gets within a half hour, or so, of his postings.

I might drop by if I knew what the TG Messageboard was. What is the TG messageboard and what is the URL for it?

The thing is that in your view it's a racist policy. In the view of most other people it is not a racist policy. The current results of your own poll so far indicate that very few agree with your position. Although Punya is welcome to post here if he so desires, I see no reason why he should feel any need to justify his policies to anyone. Your insistence that his policy is a racist policy does not make it a fact. It is your opinion and your opinion differs with nearly everyone else's. He is a Thai, running a Thai business within Thailand and is not in violation of any Thai laws, Thai morality, or Thai policies. If it was me I wouldn't see a need to try to justify something that not only needs no justification, but is a one-man issue with which hardly anyone agrees. Your syllogism is that Thai business that provide discounts to Thai citizens, and no one else, is a racist business. Sansuk sauna provides discounts only to Thai citizens. Therefore Sansuk sauna is a racist business. That simply does not stand up. Also, it is obvious that even if he does post a response here, you'll very likely try to tear apart anything he says, no matter what it is, because you are so adamant about your own position.

Did I say two wrongs make a right? Did I say anything to indicate that the policy at that bar is right? I don't mind participating in your argument, but I see no reason for you to put words in my mouth or decide what I'm thinking.

Sheeeeesh! What do we need to do, take a Polaroid picture of a non-Thai under age 25 entering free? If it makes you feel any better, only a couple days ago the Thai boyfriend of a very well known "farang" here decided to try a fairly new go-go bar, just off of Sunee Plaza. He was denied entrance. Do you know why? Because he is Thai. He was told they want only "farang" customers.

It's valid if you agree with it. I do not. You wrote, "why not have the policy for all guys under 25 . . ." Once again, my response to that is we do not yet know whether Sansuk has that policy or not. So far, nobody who has actually inquired has responded, so where is this assumption coming from? Wouldn't it make more sense to argue the point once we know the actual policy? You are arguing to put in place a policy that may very well already exist. Incidentally, welcome to the board. I see you have just joined us.

I disagree with that statement. I don't think it's fair to assume anything when all you would need to do to find out is call them and ask.

I don't think the policy is racist at all. It's based on nationality, not race. As far as I know, if someone from any other Asian country goes to the sauna, they'll pay the same admission price as "farang." I see no significant difference between that and something done in Florida: During the summer months, when few people go to Florida for a holiday, Disney World offers excellent discounts for those who hold a Florida driver's license. To my mind, what Sansuk sauna is doing is much closer to that than to a racist policy. You wrote, "Younger non-Thais deserve to be treated exactly the same way as younger Thais." I don't know whether the younger non-Thais get in under the 25-or-under-free admission policy or not. Do you? Will complaining to TAT accomplish anything? I have no idea. I've never tried it. Well, apparently from among the five choices I listed above, you like number 2 the best. I have to admit I think that's a little strange since it has the least chance of accomplishing anything. Personally, I think you're wasting time and energy now. You've already stated your reasons why you think it's a racist policy. I don't see how finding new ways to phrase the same premise is going to enhance your case, but go right ahead and complain to your heart's content if that's what floats your boat.

The following appears in THE NATION: _____ DON MUANG AIRPORT THAI Going Back to the Ffuture National Carrier to Move All but Three of its Domestic Routes from Suvarnabhumi to Old Airport to Save on Operating Costs Thai Airways International is moving all of its domestic routes, except those involving Phuket, Chiang Mai and Khon Kaen, to Don Muang airport once the Cabinet approves its reopening. The move aims to save on operating costs, which are higher at the new Suvarnabhumi Airport. The flag carrier recently said the move to Suvarnabhumi had added Bt3.7 billion to its annual operating costs. THAI president Apinan Sumanaseni said yesterday that only flights on three routes would be operated at Suvarnabhumi as they carry a large number of foreign passengers who are taking connecting flights to overseas destinations. On Thursday, Airports of Thailand's (AOT) board approved in principle the reopening of the old airport following an outcry from low-cost airlines over the higher operating fees. Budget airlines have complained about the higher costs of using the new international airport, which took over domestic and international flights when it opened on September 28. Yesterday, AOT informed the Stock Exchange of Thailand that its board had approved reopening the capital's old airport for domestic flights, a move that would reduce operating costs for budget airlines. Deputy Transport Minister Sansern Wongcha-um said the reopening of Don Muang would relieve AOT from the future investment of Bt1.4 billion for the construction of a low-cost airline terminal. However, he is unsure whether the move will be permanent. The issue will be forwarded to the Cabinet for approval, possibly next week. "This should help AOT delay the new investment for four or five years," Sansern said yesterday, adding that the authorities are also addressing the reported cracks on Suvarnabhumi's taxi ways. AOT said in the statement that if the Cabinet approved the plan, airlines flying non-transit domestic routes would have the option of moving back to Don Muang. Low-cost carriers including Nok Air and One Two Go have shown interest in moving their operations to Don Muang airport. However, AirAsia wants to move both domestic and international routes back to the old airport. Apinan said few passengers would be troubled by THAI's intended move. The airline will provide a shuttle-bus service serving the two airports. He added that THAI would finalise a domestic flight timetable and a comparison of operating costs between the two airports within two weeks. "Operating costs at the former airport would be cheaper than Suvarnnabhumi Airport. Moreover, Don Muang will be less of a problem for matters such as landing fees, parking fees and ground services, as well as leading to shorter delays. Meanwhile, passengers will also save on travel time and transportation expenditure," said Apinan. The airline chief also said THAI was proceeding with a plan to set up a new airline, details of which are expected to be completed in six months. The new carrier will operate only domestic routes, using Don Muang airport. However, investment costs and a formal name have not yet been decided. "THAI will take a 100-per-cent share in the new airline," Apinan added. The carrier is will be a full-service airline positioned between low-cost operators and THAI. THAI will transfer aircraft and facilities to the new airline. Suchat Sritama The Nation __________ And this, from the BANGKOK POST: _____ IATA Blasts AoT Decision to Shift Flights Don Muang Looks Set to Make a Comeback BOONSONG KOSITCHOTETHANA & CHATRUDEE THEPARAT The International Air Transport Association (IATA) said yesterday that a decision by Airports of Thailand Plc (AoT) to shift some commercial flights back to Don Muang would dampen Bangkok's potential for becoming an aviation hub. Making flight connections between two airports would be a huge inconvenience for passengers, and might further damage the attractiveness of Thailand as a tourist destination, the world's largest airline trade group said. Responding to a query from the Bangkok Post, Albert Tjoeng, the IATA spokesman for Asia-Pacific, said: ''Imagine a passenger arriving in Suvarnabhumi and having to catch a connecting domestic flight or no-frills flight from Don Muang. How long will that connection take including baggage collection, travel from Suvarnabhumi to Don Muang and then check-in for the next flight? If an airport wants to be a hub, it is important to keep the connection time low.'' IATA has always supported the Thai governments' policy of having a single airport for Bangkok, largely because it would provide easy connections for passengers and facilitate airline operations. Mr Tjoeng said that if AoT insisted on going ahead with the reopening of Don Muang for commercial flights, then it had to ensure a level playing field for all airlines. While the landing and parking fees at both Suvarnabhumi and Don Muang airports are the same, the cost of renting space at Don Muang would be cheaper. Several Bangkok-based airline managers yesterday expressed support for AoT's decision to shift point-to-point domestic flights back to Don Muang in a move to relieve congestion at four-month-old Suvarnabhumi. They said it was the best immediate solution to unresolved problems, including insufficient toilet facilities, cracking taxiways and heavy traffic at the new airport, which is already nearing its designed annual capacity of 45 million passengers. This scenario could benefit passengers travelling domestic point-to-point routes, as well as the airlines, in that they would be processed through a more accessible, roomy and complete airport. Airline executives estimated that Suvarnabhumi could be relieved of as much as 30% of its traffic load by transferring selected flights to Don Muang. This would prolong the service lifespan of Bangkok's troubled new airport, particularly at a time when the government remains indecisive about the airport's expansion. Thai Airways International president Apinan Sumanaseni yesterday expressed support for AoT's decision. He said THAI was prepared to move point-to-point domestic flights to Don Muang while keeping those requiring connecting international flights, such as those from Chiang Mai, Phuket and Krabi, at Suvarnabhumi. THAI operates about 300 domestic flights a week. At least three airlines that offer domestic services including One-Two-Go, Nok Air and Thai AirAsia, have shown no objection to the move. IATA said there was urgent need to build a new mid-field terminal to create additional capacity for Suvarnabhumi. However, Apichart Sankary, president of the Association of Thai Travel Agents (ATTA), said using dual airports may not suit tour operators as they would need to provide facilities at both, entailing more cost and time. He said that AoT should be open about the problems at Suvarnabhumi airport in order to allow private sectors to prepare operations accordingly. He said if the government wanted to use two airports, the airport-link project should link to Don Muang as well. He said some big cities had two airports but they had efficient transport links. Maiyarat Pheerayakoses, managing director of Lee Ben Travel Service Co, said that if the government wanted to use Don Muang, a transport link between the two airports was vital because passengers would choose to fly to the airport destination with the most convenient facilities.

Ok, so the owner now knows about this thread. Good. When he reads it, he'll see the following statement from me, a moderator here: I don't give a damn about what motivates his pricing policy, whether it's racist or anything else. I don't see anything at all about what he's doing as racist and I wouldn't care if it is. The "what ifs" about blacks, Indians, Japanese, etc. are not a factor because there is no admission policy regarding any of that. I've been to Sansuk sauna and I will be there again, probably a great many times. Punya is doing absolutely nothing wrong and if anyone out there thinks he is, then there are five things you can do about it: 1. Take it up with Punya personally. 2. Continue griping about it and trying to prove your point on this message board. 3. State your case on the "Contact Us" section of the Sansuk web site. 4. Don't go to the sauna. 5. File a complaint with the TAT. If Kregger and others see it as racism, so be it. As far as I can tell, all Punya is trying to do is provide a means for people who otherwise could not afford it to be able to come to the sauna and still be able to regain his investment and make a profit, and racism most likely never entered his mind. I think this whole issue about the pricing policy at Sansuk as racism is just nonsense and is nothing more than a non-issue that few, if there is anyone else besides Kregger, even agrees with or cares about. Somehow I doubt that anyone is going to reconsider patronizing the Sansuk sauna because one person has decided that the admission policy is based on racism.

How reassuring!

It seems to me that a mountain is being made out of a molehill that may, in part, not even exist. I'm sorry I ever wrote that Thais under 25 get in free. I didn't realize that I was starting the latest brouhaha. For all we know, anybody under age 25 might get in free. What we do know is Thais over age 25 get in for 90 baht. Double standard pricing has been a fixture in Thailand for as long as any of us can remember. Good or bad, that's the way it is in Thailand, and I don't remember any Thai officials asking whether "farang" like it or not. Just like the imposed Christmas and New Year's Eve buffets at many hotels, if you object to it you don't have to stay there. The price difference amounts to a whopping US $2.50. Unless you're planning to go quite often, I fail to see the big deal, but if you object to it, you don't have to go. Personally, I think it's a good idea and I'm in favor of it, racist or not. I doubt that it has anything to do with race. It might end up that way to some degree, but I don't think that is the intent. I think the intent is to attract boys who otherwise can't afford to go and, in turn, attracting "farang" customers. If he lets everyone in free, there goes the business. If he doesn't, then there won't be many boys there. If that's racism, then I'll take some racism as a much lesser evil than going to a gay sauna patronized solely by gay "farang," most of whom are in their fifties or older. If paying more than Thais are paying is something that truly upsets you, then complaining about it here isn't going to do you much good. The Sansuk sauna web site ( http://www.sansuksauna.com ) has a "Contact Us" area on which Punya asks people for their comments and suggestions. It seems to me that's the place to make your case, where you can be certain Punya will read your comments.

Two stories of interest appear in the PATTAYA CITY NEWS: _____ Chonburi Gymnasium Evacuated as Suspicious Package is Neutralized by Bomb Squad A story now from our broadcast colleagues in Chonburi District, some 60kms from Pattaya, which demonstrates the high state of alert relating to the threat of terrorist activity around the Province and around Thailand. On Friday Morning, Police Colonel Chockchai from Chonburi Police Headquarters received information from staff at a Gymnasium in Chonburi District which suggested that an incendiary device had been placed outside the building. Bomb hoaxes are frequent, however every one is dealt with caution and the assumption is that any one of these hoaxes could be the real thing. In this case, a box containing a mobile phone without its battery and a message were inside. The message read "Children

BANGKOK, Jan 12 (TNA) Transport Minister Admiral Thira Haocharoen on Friday stated that a proposed scheme to move domestic flights with no forward connections to other routes from Suvarnabhumi to Don Muang Airport had not yet been concluded, saying that another workshop to brainstorm a conclusion on the matter would be held late month or early next month. In a bid to save costs from expanding Suvarnabhumi Airport, the board of Airports of Thailand Plc on Thursday approved the use of Don Muang for domestic flights and set March 15 as the possible date for the relaunch of services at the former international airport. Adm. Thira said the resolution by the AoT board was not deemed final before being submitted for Cabinet approval. Decision-makers needed to heed the opinions of all parties concerned in the private and public sectors again. The workshop would lead to resolution of the issue. "The move of domestic flights to the Don Muang Airport will have wide-ranging repercussions. So, it needs to be studied in detail with caution. "The news that the matter will go before a Cabinet meeting in one or two weeks and that domestic flight services will be re-launched within one to two months cannot yet be affirmed. We need first to consider to the opinions of all parties concerned," he said. Don Muang airport accommodated almost 39 million passengers a year before ending more than 90 years service to regular flights September 27. It currently services only chartered and special flights. Thai Airways International president Apinan Sumanaseni said the AoT board's decision regarding domestic flights should be considered an impractical idea since it could affect schedules of domestic flights linking provinces. For instance, he said, the Mae Hong Son-Pitsanulok-Bangkok flight could not be scheduled under the scheme. So, he believed the matter would not yet be wrapped up. It needs renewed discussions with all parties concerned, particularly between aviation firms, the Transport Ministry and AoT. Tassapol Bijleveld, chief executive of Thai AirAsia, shared the view of the THAI president, saying the opening of domestic flights with no connections with other routes was not practicable. Should the scheme be implemented, the company would experience difficulties in managing its fleet of aircraft since there would need to be shuttles between planes for domestic and international flights. However, in any case he believed the AoT board's resolution would need endorsement by the Transport Ministry. But if the resolution won approval for implementation, he insisted, his company would not relocate its domestic flight services to Don Muang. (TNA)-E005

bump . . . topic unpinned.

Remember when people were actually out there buying pet rocks? Now you can buy a can of air. The following appears in the BANGKOK POST: _____ Cans of Pure Mountain Air a Hit in Nan Nan - Fresh air from atop Doi Phu Kha mountain in Pua district is now being sold in cans as a souvenir for tourists. The product, known as Air Can, is part of a project to promote local tourism, develop new attractions in the province and manage natural resources in a sustainable manner. Surapol Thirasutra, deputy chief of the Nan provincial administration organisation, said the PAO is duty-bound to protect and preserve the environment and natural resources. It has cooperated with Doi Phu Kha national park to promote eco-tourism and local wisdom. Mr. Surapol said a small cannery had been taken to the top of Doi Phu Kha and the tins were filled at times when the air on the peak was at its cleanest. Explanatory graphics and information about tourist attractions and native plants in the province of Nan are printed on the cans, which sell at 30 baht each. They are on sale only at Doi Phu Kha national park. Mr. Surapol said the canned air is very popular with tourists. About 6,000 cans have been sold so far. Proceeds were being used to help villagers who had encroached on land in Doi Phu Kha National Park find new livelihoods, he said. They have been relocated and Doi Phu Kha National Park has launched projects to assist them in learning new ways, such as organic pig raising and rice farming on terraced fields. Rising to about 1,980 metres, Doi Phu Kha is home to the rare, endangered Chomphu Phu Kha tree (Bretschneidera sinensis hemsl), which many visitors to Nan go to see and admire.

The following appears in the BANGKOK POST: http://www.bangkokpost.com/News/12Jan2007_news01.php _____ AoT Backs Rebirth of Don Muang Old Airport to Service Some Domestic Routes AMORNRAT MAHITTHIROOK The board of Airports of Thailand Plc yesterday approved the use of Don Muang for domestic flights with no international connections and set March 15 as the possible date for the relaunch of services at the old airport. In an attempt to save costs from expanding Suvarnabhumi airport and to fully use its existing infrastructure, the board led by chairman Gen Saprang Kalayanamitr decided to move to Don Muang domestic flights with no connections to international routes operated by Thai Airways International (THAI) and no-frills carriers. Domestic flights with passengers connecting with international routes will remain at Suvarnabhumi. It targeted March 15 for the resumption of regular services for Don Muang, which was closed on Sept 28, when the country's main airport moved to Suvarnabhumi. The March 15 date was set to allow sufficient time to prepare for an expected surge in air travel to the provinces during the Songkran holiday. Sources in the Airports of Thailand (AoT) board said its president Chotisak Asapaviriya told the meeting that the March 15 move was possible. However, he told reporters afterwards that he could not guarantee complete success. The decision was based on a study by AoT to compare the advantages and disadvantages of expanding Suvarnabhumi against relocating domestic services to Don Muang. The use of Don Muang to ease air traffic at Suvarnabhumi would give officials more flexibility to fix a number of problems at the new airport, sources said. Mr Chotisak said the board has directed AoT to work on the details of the use of Don Muang and forward them to the Transport Ministry _ which oversees the airport agency _ within two weeks. After that the ministry, which has already made clear its preference for Don Muang, needs cabinet approval for the plan. Based on the current volume of passengers, Suvarnabhumi will serve 42 million passengers a year, just three million shy of its full capacity. Don Muang accommodated almost 39 million passengers a year before it was closed to regular flights. It currently services only chartered and special flights. Moving domestic flights with no connections to Don Muang will defer plans to expand the new airport, including the need to build a new terminal to service only local flights in the future. The move will boost revenues at Don Muang, which currently earns only 500,000 baht a month from the chartered and special flights. Don Muang director Pinit Saraithong said the airport was ready for the return to services because none of the facilities, including ground and safety equipment, had been moved to Suvarnabhumi. However, he said the airport needed about 45 days to prepare for the return of regular passengers and to hire more security staff. With existing facilities, Don Muang could serve up to 15 million passengers a year for a decade, he added. Airlines with domestic services _THAI, Nok Air, Thai AirAsia and One-Two-Go _ supported yesterday's decision. Bangkok Airways could not be reached for comment. THAI president Apinan Sumanaseni said the national flag carrier needed one month to move some equipment and hire more staff to be stationed at Don Muang but he said it was not a serious problem for the airline. Mr Apinan said flights serving popular destinations among international passengers such as Phuket, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai and Hat Yai could remain at Suvarnabhumi. Nok Air CEO Patee Sarasin praised the decision, which could save AoT at least 1.4 billion baht from constructing a new domestic building at Suvarnabhumi. One-Two-Go chief executive and founder Udom Tantiprasongchai also hailed the decision, saying it was a ''good decision'' to shift domestic routes to Don Muang. But Thai AirAsia CEO Tassapon Bijleveld said the move to Don Muang should be on a voluntary basis. He admitted that the move would affect Thai AirAsia, which needed to rotate its fleets between international and domestic flights.

Just in case you're in the middle of planning your dream holiday in Bangladesh, you might be interested in the following from the BANGKOK POST: http://www.bangkokpost.com/breaking_news/b...s.php?id=115949 _____ Bangladesh Declares State of Emergency Dhaka (dpa) - Bangladesh's President Iajuddin Ahmad declared a state of emergency Thursday after more than two months of political turmoil across the country that shattered the economy and threatened the fledgling democracy. In a televised address to the nation late Thursday night, Iajuddin also announced his resignation from the position of the chief of the caretaker government, promising to appoint an acceptable person to the office. Earlier Iajuddin called out the army to quell the escalating political violence sparked by a standoff between the two biggest political alliances led by former prime minister Sheikh Hasina and outgoing premier Khaleda Zia. Night curfew has been imposed from 11 pm (1700 GMT) to 5 am (2300 GMT) in Dhaka and other cities and major towns. State radio said the state of emergency would last until further notice. It come amid bitter wrangling over organising general elections planned for January 22. The previous day had seen tens of thousands of soldiers with sweeping powers to arrest persons without warrants launch a crackdown on anti-government protests as opposition parties vowed to resist the election. The deployment of the army was in addition to riot police and paramilitary border guards called out to quell protests over the virtually one-sided election. A united opposition led by Hasina's Awami League were abstaining from the upcoming polls, accusing the caretaker government of Ahmed of favouring outgoing Prime Minister Zia whose Nationalist-Islamist alliance is seeking a second term of five years. Hasina adopted a tough stance against the interim administration, declaring further nationwide protests across the country from a rally in Dhaka.