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Extracted from The Diplomat Before Trump, South Korean Conservatives Also Claimed a ‘Stolen’ Election For Korea watchers, U.S. President Donald Trump’s narrative that Democrats, backed by foreign powers, have “stolen” the election through massive voter fraud uncannily resembles a widespread conspiracy theory that emerged in South Korea following its legislative election on April 15. Both narratives suggest that the liberal/progressive parties colluded with “China” to tamper with ballots, in elections that were expected to – and indeed did – benefit the progressives. The convergence of the narratives on electoral fraud in South Korea and the United States is not a coincidence. Different forms of the American far-right’s discourses and practices have been adopted by its Korean counterparts, from the emergence of fringe media outlets that stand in opposition to the “mainstream media,” to the widespread use of Pepe the Frog memes on fringe sites. Furthermore, an increasingly assertive Beijing has made it easier for South Korean conservatives to rally around their existing anti-communist identity and accuse progressives of colluding with outside enemies, a stance that fits neatly with the narratives from the U.S. But this is not merely a tale of two similar narratives or a frivolous double-take on fringe conspiracy theories. It brings attention to the domestic contexts that have allowed these conspiracy theories to emerge out of the fringe, as well as the potential of greater challenges. The American struggle with right-wing populism has been well-documented already, and this article instead focuses on the South Korean context, which has received relatively less attention. The movement questioning the results of the April 15 election in South Korea highlights factors in its political landscape that may further disrupt the foundations of its democratic system in the same way that the election of Trump has done in the U.S., and it underscores the transnational element of today’s right-wing politics, which act both at the domestic and international levels. Preparing for the election amid a COVID-19-struck economy and unfavorable polling numbers, Trump had been suggesting for months that the election might get “stolen” by Democrats and foreign actors like China. In particular, the Trump campaign problematized the increased use of mail-in ballots. In August, Trump said, “The mailmen are going to get them, and people are just going to grab batches of them … [China and Russia], they’ll be grabbing plenty of them. It’s a disaster, it’s a rigged election waiting to happen.” s expected, once it became apparent that the election would not be going his way, Trump started to call the mail-in ballots “illegal,” and launched numerous legal battles. Foreign Policy’s James Palmer warned that Trump is likely to take up the conspiracy theories circulating in the right-wing Chinese media that link Biden to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). As Trump started to make claims of “illegal ballots,” Min Kyung-wook, an ex-member of the South Korean National Assembly, wrote on November 5 that the “dark shadows” of the April 15th election that unseated him had “extended” to the U.S. presidential election, referring to Joe Biden’s expected victory. Drawing a parallel between the two elections, Min pointed to the CCP and “leftist factions” allegedly collaborating with Beijing as the forces behind the acts of electoral fraud in both the U.S. and South Korea. To be clear, the “mainstream” in both the U.S. and South Korea has responded to these claims of electoral fraud with swift dismissal. However, in the era of “alternative facts,” the space that the “mainstream” occupies is under constant challenge, and these “fringe theories” have come out of the fringes, with prominent political figures in “mainstream” parties, like Trump or Min, behind them. The context in the U.S. that has led to the resurgence of the far-right has been well-documented and analyzed, and it might be necessary to continue watching this space in South Korea, which seems to be mirroring the U.S.

From Bangkok Post Foreign funds pile into Thailand as vaccine progress boosts tourism hopes Progress towards a coronavirus vaccine is fuelling optimism Thailand will soon reopen for mass tourism. Overseas investors are already piling into the country’s financial markets. Inflows into Thai sovereign debt have climbed to the highest in 17 months in November, even though the month is less than half over. The baht has strengthened almost 3% since the end of October, making it the best-performing currency in Asia after the Indonesian rupiah. The new Bank of Thailand governor, Sethaput Suthiwart-Narueput, will host his first Monetary Policy Committee meeting next week, though he is unlikely to do much to deter foreign funds. “Foreigners have been mainly buying the front-end of the Thai debt curve for exposure to baht gains,” said Poon Panichpibool, a strategist at Krung Thai Bank. They were betting on Thai currency gains, and it looks like the baht would strengthen further over the next 12 months as a vaccine would be a major trigger for tourism arrivals, he said. The recent political protests that have weighed on demand for Thai assets are also starting to look less of a deterrent -- at least based on one metric. The implied yield of the offshore baht has dropped below that of the onshore currency this month, after being more than 100 basis points above it in early September. The spread is seen as a proxy for political risks. At the same time, there’s no sign the protests are going to end in the near future. The political noise may persist for some time as the 2013-2014 demonstrations took more than six months to settle, said Tim Leelahaphan, an economist at Standard Chartered. While there are always some negatives around, the overall outlook for Thai bonds due to the vaccine progress and resumption of tourism is looking better than it has for some time. The surge of inflows seen so far this month could well prove to be the rule rather than the exception as 2021 rolls around.

From the Thai Enquirer A look back at the Trump presidency and Thailand Many Thais would have been asleep when the election results in Pennsylvania were finally called at nearly midnight, Bangkok time. Some of those who were awake greeted the news that former vice president Joe Biden had won the state, and with it the American presidency, with relief. President Donald Trump will not receive a second term. That is unsurprising, perhaps. After four years of Trumpian turmoil, exacerbated by the coronavirus pandemic, the Pew Center found that those around the world with favorable views of the United States are at record lows, and there is little confidence in the president himself. Many Thais were amused at times by slips such as when Trump referred to the nonexistent country “Thighland,” but on the whole more would have simply felt repelled by presidential behavior that was unpresidential far too often. Indeed, many had feared for the worst when Trump was elected. I still remember election day in 2016, friends gathered around a projector screen showing a map of the United States, watching as state after state turned red. Lunch was eaten with a sense of disbelief: what, exactly, were Americans thinking? And what would it mean for the world? It was easy to predict all sorts of mayhem. What else could one have thought when such a loose cannon was to be handed the nuclear codes? In the end, the simple truth was that no one had much inkling of how a Trump administration might actually govern. So now that Joe Biden is president-elect and the Trump presidency will wrap up, barring any unexpected success in the challenges being mounted by a president unwilling to admit defeat, it would be fruitful to look back and cut through all the sound and chaos. What did Trump mean for Thailand? The image that emerges was that it was quite a mixed bag. It could have been worse, but it still wasn’t great. Continues with photos https://www.thaienquirer.com/20685/a-look-back-at-the-trump-presidency-and-thailand/

By all accounts that we're privy to, the guest in this case reacted unreasonably when charged the corkage fee. But the hotel staff and management failed to diffuse the situation. Once it entered the legal system, it should have been obvious to the management of the bad press it was on the verge of bringing down upon itself. This seemingly minor incident made news worldwide. I believe that Trip Adviser had an obligation to its users to inform them of the outcome that led to the jailing of the individual. If any of us were considering this hotel, or any hotel anywhere else, would we not want know how the dispute like this was handled. It's one thing to go to be charged in a civil action for libel. It's another thing altogether to be put in jail for something you said about a hotel, unreasonable or otherwise.

From Coconuts Bangkok Art and performances to headline just-announced Saturday rally ‘Mob Fest’ Pro-democracy organizers announced at noon today that their next mass rally will begin at 2pm Saturday at Bangkok’s Democracy Monument. Aiming for a festival vibe, about 20 protest groups banding together in yet another coalition as “Mob Fest,” plan to campaign on “all the issues” with an event featuring performances, art and speeches. Four days after the last rally saw thousands of protesters march to the Grand Palace bearing letters for the king, the newly minted “Mob Fest” Facebook page made the announcement. “Mob Fest will open a space for protest from 2pm on Nov. 14 to campaign on all issues related to the constitution, from the fringes to the capital, from the sidewalk to the monarchy,” read its announcement. Despite announcing that the rally would start at the Democracy Monument, the group did not state where it will end up. The ongoing series of protests have seen details withheld until the last minute to avoid tipping off the authorities. Mob Fest includes more than 20 groups including Bad Student, Free Arts and Women Freedom Thailand.

From The Thaiger Getting Back to Thailand, the latest information about ASQs and STVs | VIDEO Whilst some restrictions have been eased, there has been a doubling down on other restrictions for travel back to Thailand at this stage. Here’s all the latest information about the Social Tourist Visa (STV), ASQ (Alternative State Quarantine), golf courses. And then there’s the Thai baht which is causing problems as well. The situation is very fluid but we do our best to keep you up to date with ALL the latest information that will help you get back to Thailand. Continues with video https://thethaiger.com/hot-news/visa/getting-back-to-thailand-the-latest-information-about-asqs-and-stvs-video

From South China Morning Post / MSN Thailand’s erotic Boys Love TV dramas are a hit with Indonesians, gay and straight Six years ago, Jakarta resident Reza Pahlevi, 36, had sunk into a depression, believing he had no prospects of finding love as a gay man in conservative Muslim-majority Indonesia. But watching a subgenre of Thai romance dramas depicting erotic relationships between male characters, known as Boys Love (BL), helped the urban professional find acceptance. "My first ever Thai series was Coz You're My Tee, which was a corny teenage drama but it somehow made me feel better," said Pahlevi. "For the first time, I felt it was OK not to have anyone in my life. The rest is history. I started watching What the Duck 1 and 2. These TV series provided comfort food for my mental well-being." Get the latest insights and analysis from our Global Impact newsletter on the big stories originating in China. The BL subgenre is inspired by yaoi, a Japanese form of homoerotic fiction featuring a romance between a masculine and feminine boy, which are often created and enjoyed by heterosexual women. Between 2014 and 2020, around 57 series were produced and released in Thailand under the BL genre. LINE TV, the free streaming platform which has been broadcasting BL dramas since 2016, has more than 30 series stockpiled for future release. The platform's figures show its BL audience share has risen from 5 per cent to 34 per cent since 2019. These shows are screened on mainstream TV stations during prime-time evening slots in Thailand and later streamed on YouTube, reflecting the Southeast Asian nation's relative tolerance towards the LGBT community. Earlier this year, Thailand approved a draft bill which, if passed by parliament, will recognise same-sex "civil partnerships". While the bill avoids the term "marriage", it will ensure many of the benefits enjoyed by heterosexual married couples. Across Asia, attitudes towards LGBT issues range from liberal to harsh. Same-sex marriage is legal in Taiwan, while Singapore has a colonial-era law criminalising homosexuality (although it is not enforced) and Malaysia's LGBT community has faced persecution by religious authorities. In Indonesia, gay sex is punishable by caning in the conservative province of Aceh. Although the country's criminal code - written during the Dutch colonial period─- makes no mention of homosexuality, a new draft bill is currently being debated in parliament which would impose draconian clauses outlawing same-sex relations and premarital sex, among other things. Against this backdrop, the country's LGBT community - and even some straight women - have sought escapism and comfort in BL dramas. The Twitter account @thaiifess has over 44,000 followers. The Facebook group BL Fans Indo has more than 3,700 members. On Instagram, thaioverdose boasts more than 4,700 followers. BL fans are a diverse group. Sultan, from Jambi, is new to Thai BL dramas but is smitten. "I started watching four months ago but now I'm a hardcore fan. Initially, I kept seeing photos of Brightwin (Thai actor Vachirawit Chiva-aree) on my friends' social media and got curious about him. I think he is hot. That's how I got started." Benny Prawira, a psychologist who works in suicide prevention, said works of art such as films and TV shows can evoke positive reinforcement for people undergoing emotional stress. "Members of sexual minorities can find comfort in seeing their kind portrayed as normal people who have beautiful relationships and are loved by their families and friends. I believe this is how Thai BL dramas impact their gay fans in Indonesia," he said. I feel like I have idols who understand me and who don't judge me for who I am.

From Bangkok Post Union demands end to use of city buses to block protesters The city bus workers union is demanding an end to the use of BMTA buses to block the path of protest marchers, saying the agency is being wrongfully dragged into the political conflict. The State Enterprise Workers Union branch at the Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (BMTA) on Thursday said no more city buses should be used by police as blockades to halt the progress of protest marchers. The union also staunchly opposed a move by the Metropolitan Police Bureau and BMTA to bring claims against the protesters for damage to buses used as barriers. ============================================ From Bangkok Post Monks barred from rallies The National Office of Buddhism (NOB) has issued an order barring monks and novices from joining mass protests, its director Narong Songarom said. Monks who flout the ban could be defrocked. The NOB and the Sangha Supreme Council of Thailand have previously notified the heads of the monks' governing branches across the country to make sure that monks and novices do not engage in politics or political activities, Mr Narong said. His comments were in response to media reports and photos taken of individuals in saffron robes who participated in anti-government rallies. They joined the protests despite repeated warnings from the NOB. A group of them were pictured holding placards demanding the right to vote, as monks are barred from voting. ====================================== From Khaosod English Royalists Attacked a Car They Thought Thanathorn Was In (He Wasn’t) NAKHON SI THAMMARAT — Police on Thursday declined to say whether a crowd of hardline monarchy supporters who mobbed and attacked a car thought to be carrying progressive politician Thanathorn Jungrungruangkit would be prosecuted. Thanathorn was touring Nakhon Si Thammarat to help a Move Forward Party candidate campaign for a local election, though the politician said he was not inside the vehicle surrounded by the ultraroyalists. When asked by reporters if the incident warrants a criminal investigation, a deputy national police chief declined to comment. “We cannot give any details at this time,” Gen. Damrongsak Kittiprapat said. “We have to collect evidence first. I will let you know later if those actions broke any laws.” Thanathorn, 41, was attending a meeting with Move Forward Party officials inside Ravadee Hotel when pro-monarchy hardliners gathered in front of the hotel’s entrance and exits.

From Bangkok Post Hotel gets new Tripadvisor label The resort hotel in Thailand got its public apology. The unhappy American guest who spent two nights in jail for criticising the hotel online got his criminal charges dropped. But it was Tripadvisor, the giant online travel review platform, that got the last word. Wesley Barnes, the American traveller who was arrested after being charged with criminal defamation for posting critical reviews of the Sea View resort on the island of Koh Chang, quietly left Thailand this week. With Mr Barnes safely out of the country, Tripadvisor took punitive action Wednesday against the resort, posting a one-of-a-kind notice on the Sea View’s page warning travellers that the hotel was behind the jailing of a guest for his harsh reviews. “This hotel or individuals associated with this hotel filed criminal charges against a Tripadvisor user in relation to the traveler writing and posting online reviews,” the warning reads. “The reviewer spent time in jail as a result.” The dispute between the resort and its guest began over a $15 corkage fee, but turned into a clash between American principles of free speech and Thailand’s far-reaching laws that limit expression and are used to stifle criticism of businesses, the government and the monarchy. Tripadvisor’s business model is based on the idea that everyone has “the right to write,” said Bradford Young, vice-president and associate general counsel. “This is the first case we are aware of where a Tripadvisor member spent time in jail as a result of a review they posted to our website.”

From Bangkok Post The Finance Ministry has discussed managing the baht's movements with the Bank of Thailand in a bid to help exporters and recoup the economy amid a tourism slump. The export sector plays an important role in helping stimulate the economic recovery as the tourism industry remains battered by adverse effects stemming from the pandemic, said Finance Minister Arkhom Termpittayapaisith. Although the baht’s value is moving in line with that of regional currencies, the ministry has asked the central bank to “take care” of the local currency’s movement, said Mr Arkhom. The baht rose as much as 0.8% to 30.195 to the US dollar on Wednesday, its highest intra-day level since Jan 14, according to data compiled by Bloomberg. The baht has surged 4.7% this quarter as foreign inflows into Thai stocks and bonds resumed and emerging market currencies rallied on optimism over the global economic outlook, Bloomberg reported. Overall, the local currency has rebounded almost 9% from this year’s low in April and is close to wiping out its entire losses for the year. The baht's value looks set to strengthen further following the dollar depreciation as Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden is poised to become the next US president, subsequently lowering downside risks to the global economic growth outlook and prompting funds to seek higher risk assets, said Kasikorn Research Center.

Nakarat Massage (corner of Silom Rd. Soi 4) is one of my old haunts. Used to have a nice mix of Thai, Lao and Vietnam masseurs but I understand you can still find someone to meet your taste. Always found the guys there easy to talk with and the price of one-hour oil was Bht 450 last time I was there. https://www.facebook.com/Naga0818898221/ Ganymede Spa (Paya Thai on BTS) always had more than its share of hot guys (1 hour oil I think is about Bht 700 now). https://www.facebook.com/pg/Ganymede-Spa-1415229761956817/posts/ Conditions have changed a lot over the past 7-8 months. If I returned I'd be inclined to explore all those small shops around Silom and Surawong for a bevy of new faces. There are also some shops on Suan Phlu worth checking out.

Tourists from the UK, the USA and Europe can now apply? NOTE -- There are multiple reports of special visas now being offered for 60-90 days to foreigners. Some reports say that the UK, US and EU are included. Others don't go that far. A short time ago I checked the Royal Thai consulate website in Washington and an updated note said that US residents were not currently among those eligible. Some Scandinavian countries have been identified as eligible in other news accounts. Only an article from the Thai Examiner indicated that UK, US and EU residents could apply. The only way to find out for sure is to contact the Thai consulate in your country (you'll probably have to do it my email because it's difficult to reach anyone by phone unless you know a specific extension number). However, I would not get your hopes up due to the sketchy news accounts. Extracted from the Thai Examiner Thailand’s Tourism Authority has announced a more relaxed regime from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs as reports emerge that Royal Thai Embassies in western countries have begun to allow tourists from the United States, the UK and Europe to apply for tourist visas with stiff entry requirements including showing funds of ฿500,000 for the previous six months. The news comes as the tourism industry, on its last legs, is contemplating the real prospect of a complete wipeout for the critical high season and at the same time as it is reported that the Thai PM has rejected a shorter quarantine period being proposed. Despite the positive news, in the last 72 hours, of a successful vaccine from international pharmaceutical giant Pfizer, Thailand’s tourism industry remains effectively shut to the mass levels of tourism urgently required to stave off collapse of its tottering tourism industry. On Tuesday, in response to persistent demands from regular visitors to Thailand from western countries, in past years, during high season, the Tourism Authority of Thailand announced what it termed relaxed conditions for visitors seeking tourist visas through Thai Embassies and consulates worldwide and ultimately, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Ms Thapanee Kiatphaibool, the Executive Director for Tourism Products told the media that Thailand’s tourism sector is beginning to recover as the government aims to safely open up the kingdom. It is understood that the top tourism official, Ms Thapanee, may be referring to the news, in recent days from the United Kingdom and the United States where tourist visas are now being made available to potential travellers from what are still highly infected countries. Notices on embassy websites suggest that the entry criteria, for those applying, are demanding including confirmation of a bank balance of at least ฿500,000 supported by copy bank statements for six months. The most popular visa option is a 60-day visa which can be extended for up to 90 days when in Thailand. A 30 day visa option is reported as currently suspended. Previous estimates for the much-heralded Special Tourist Visa were for 1,200 visitors per month while government sources, this week, indicated that for the first five days in November, a total 1,465 foreigners had entered the country including those with strong links to Thailand who are effectively returning home. The Special Tourist Visa is still limited to visitors from safe listed countries that are published by Thailand’s Ministry of Public Health every 15 days.

I have never been able to work out why you can't. Thanks for the invitation but I think I'll respectfully decline your thoughtful offer .

From Thai Enquirer Ultra-royalists say they will escalate the situation if authorities don’t act against students Ultra-royalists, pro-military politicians, and some senators are agitating for conflict and said this week that they will escalate the situation themselves unless the authorities take a harsher stance against the pro-democracy demonstrators. Student-led pro-democracy protests have gripped the nation the past four months. Protesters are asking for Prime Minister Prayut Chan-ocha to step down, rewrite a military-drafted constitution, and reform the monarchy. On Monday, Krit Yeammaethakorn, secretary general of the People’s Networks to Protect the Monarch, went to the Government House and the Army Headquarters to submit a petition to ask for the government to enact a “special law” to “shutdown” the country in order to suppress pro-democracy protests. He said asking for a special law to get rid of the pro-democracy protests is not the same as a coup. Krit, the ultra-royalist, is the same person who filed a lese-majeste law against a single mother of two for posting comments online. She was subsequently sentenced to jail for a totally 28 years in 2015. Apart from Krit’s People’s Networks to Protect the Monarch, another pro-monarchy group, the Center for People Who Protect the Institution said on Monday that they will escalate their protests against the pro-democracy protesters. They said they will shut down streets, if necessary, to get the government to crackdown and arrest more pro-democracy protesters. Senator Pornthip Rojanasunand posted on her social media on Monday that young pro-democracy protesters do not believe in Dharma and karmic principles and do not have faith in the country. “They are showing how low they are,” she said. “The police commanders are not doing enough to protect the law and suppress [pro-democracy protesters],” she added. Paiboon Nititawan, deputy leader of the Palang Pracharath Party, said on Tuesday that royalists should file complaints of sedition against the students. Almost 40 pro-democracy protesters and leaders have been charged with sedition to date, which carries a sentence of up to seven years in jail. ================================== From Thai Enquirer Prayut calls for calm; says royalist groups should not confront student protesters Prime Minister Prayut Chan-ocha said on Tuesday that royalist groups should not confront pro-democracy protestors at their rallies as violent confrontation is not the solution to the current social and political conflicts. A pro-monarchy group, the Center for People Who Protect the Institution, said on Monday that they will escalate their demonstration to include more counter-rallies against pro-democracy protestors and shutting down streets to protect the monarchy from being insulted. The group was involved in an incident where a female university student was injured during a scuffle between the royalist group and students who participated at a pro-democracy rally at Ramkhamhaeng University on October 21. “I believe that this is not the way to fix the problem,” Prayut said at Government “Each person should be able to express their opinions that are beneficial and are not against the law”. ======================================= From The Thaiger Police checking contents of protest letter boxes to decide if charges will be filed Police in Bangkok say they will be reading the contents of 4 red letter boxes used at a rally in the capital on Sunday in order to decide whether or not to press charges. Pro-democracy protesters used the letter boxes to drop hand-written petitions and letters calling for reform of the Monarchy. The letters were addressed to HM The King. The red boxes, fashioned out of large red garbage bins decorated to look like Thailand Post mailboxes, were put to use after police blocked activists from marching to the Palace’s Household Bureau to deliver the letters to the Royal Household Bureau.

For those with interest in the logistics discussed above: From CBS' 60 Minutes (8 November) Inside Operation Warp Speed effort to get 300 million Americans a COVID-19 vaccine https://www.cbsnews.com/news/covid-19-vaccine-distribution-60-minutes-2020-11-08/

US colleges charge less for in-state (province) students that obviously includes foreign students. It's worth noting that the Smithsonian museums in Washington are free to all comers. I have no problem paying higher admission to enter a museum or park. I have often taken locals to museums in BKK and Hanoi who had never been there before, Their reaction is more than enough reward. But in the case of the hi-so clubs I see it very differently. They are consciously trying to exclude foreigners and (in the case above) use the ploy of Covid 19. At least in the xenophobic Japanese bars, they don't hide their intent. I agree with all those who advise "vote with your feet." I have no desire to associate with the hi-so elites or wannabees.

Longevity doesn't legitimize it. This particular brand of it falls somewhere between extortion and xenophobia.

From The Nation Remembering the ‘father of Thai democracy’ as his spirit rises again Historian Wichitwong Na Pomphet has offered some timely historical background for escalating pro-democracy protests that have erupted in Thailand over the past six months. Last month the student-led protest movement began calling itself Khana Ratsadon (People’s Party) 2020, after the People’s Party that led the bloodless 1932 Siamese Revolution to end absolute monarchy and usher in constitutional monarchy. At the head of that revolution was Pridi Banomyong, the so-called “father of Thai democracy” and a hero to the young protesters out on the streets today. Pridi saw his dreams of a democratic Thailand shattered in 1947 when the military staged a coup in what became the template for Thai politics to this day. Now, student-led protesters are seeking to break that template by demanding the resignation of General Prayut Chan-o-cha, who took power in the 2014 coup, and the rewriting of his junta-scripted Constitution. The 73rd anniversary of the 1947 coup fell on Sunday (November 8), prompting author Wichitwong Na Pomphet to post an article about Pridi’s escape from Thailand at https://pridi.or.th, the website of the Pridi Banomyong Institute. On November 8, 1947, Army troops seized various government installations in Bangkok. The coup, led by Lieutenant General Phin Choonhavan and Colonel Kat Katsongkhram, ousted the government of Pridi’s proxy, Rear Admiral Thawan Thamrongnawasawat, who was replaced by Khuang Aphaiwong as prime minister. Khuang had earlier headed the government elected in January 1946, but when he resigned in March, Pridi took over in a bid to stabilise spiralling political tensions. The Pridi government marked the war crimes trial of former PM Field Marshal Plaek Phibunsongkhram, who managed to escape charges of colluding with Japan on a legal technicality. After a general election, Pridi resigned as prime minister and took up his role of senior statesman. A year later, the military staged a coup and armoured cars arrived in front of Pridi's Bangkok riverside residence. Pridi had already been tipped off, though, and spent the week hiding under the care of Admiral Sindhu Songkhramchai at Royal Thai Navy headquarters. On November 20, he was smuggled to Singapore by British and US agents, before making his way to North America via Shanghai. “The 1947 coup effectively ended Pridi’s role in Thai politics and was followed by several attempts by adversaries to strip him of his Senior Statesman title,” said Wichitwong. “Pridi spent 36 years in exile until his death in France in 1983 at the age of 84.”

From NY Times Pfizer’s Early Data Shows Vaccine Is More Than 90% Effective The drug maker Pfizer announced on Monday that an early analysis of its coronavirus vaccine trial suggested the vaccine was robustly effective in preventing Covid-19, a promising development as the world has waited anxiously for any positive news about a pandemic that has killed more than 1.2 million people. Pfizer, which developed the vaccine with the German drugmaker BioNTech, released only sparse details from its clinical trial, based on the first formal review of the data by an outside panel of experts. The company said that the analysis found that the vaccine was more than 90 percent effective in preventing the disease among trial volunteers who had no evidence of prior coronavirus infection. If the results hold up, that level of protection would put it on par with highly effective childhood vaccines for diseases such as measles. No serious safety concerns have been observed, the company said. Pfizer plans to ask the Food and Drug Administration for emergency authorization of the two-dose vaccine later this month, after it has collected the recommended two months of safety data. By the end of the year it will have manufactured enough doses to immunize 15 to 20 million people, company executives have said. Independent scientists have cautioned against hyping early results before long-term safety and efficacy data has been collected. And no one knows how long the vaccine’s protection might last. Still, the development makes Pfizer the first company to announce positive results from a late-stage vaccine trial, vaulting it to the front of a frenzied global race that began in January and has unfolded at record-breaking speed. Eleven vaccines are in late-stage trials, including four in the United States. Pfizer’s progress could bode well for Moderna’s vaccine, which uses similar technology. Moderna has said it could have early results later this month.

From The Thaiger A Bangkok nightclub has set up what resembles an immigration counter outside the venue to check foreigners’ IDs and make them pay up before entering. At BarBarBar in Thong Lor, Thais get in free, but foreigners are asked to step aside to the booth and either pay 500 baht or buy a bottle of alcohol before entering the venue. Bouncers outside BarBarBar check everyone’s IDs before they enter, making sure they’re at least 20 years old. But foreigners are pointed to the booth and are basically vetted before entering. An employee sits behind a clear barrier to check IDs and collect cash. A sign reads: “In this situation of epidemic Covid-19, ALL tourists must stay in Thailand 14 days without any symptoms before entering the club. Also, real passport are only granted entry to our club. We kindly request our guest to co-operate.” A Bangkok nightclub has set up what resembles an immigration counter outside the venue to check foreigners’ IDs and make them pay up before entering. At BarBarBar in Thong Lor, Thais get in free, but foreigners are asked to step aside to the booth and either pay 500 baht or buy a bottle of alcohol before entering the venue. Foreigners have 2 options at BarBarBar: Pay 500 baht or cut a deal for a group of foreigners by purchasing alcohol. Menus are at the counter listing some alcohol packages priced at 15,000 baht and 17,000 baht.

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.