fgmr

In August 2013, John Sparks, Asia Correspondent for UK Channel 4 News, produced a report "Nightmare island where traffickers imprison Burma's Rohingya". He was referring to the island of Turutao.

Was this report acted on by Thai authorities in Bangkok, as the local police, forest rangers and other officials were either in collusion with these traffickers or preferring to turn a blind eye to events on parts of the island.

I feel that some of the recently discovered deceased may have been saved from being transported to the mainland had there been an immediate response to this report by responsible incorruptible individuals.

maybe they could use their submarines

TOP SECRET

"Due to the farsighted officials of this government we have been busy creating an underground tunnel system that would enable our :High Speed Trains to deliver this aid direct to Base Camp 1. From there our Army of volunteers who have been training to become Sherpas will Take over from the Gurkhas & carry the vast amount of aid we are providing down to Kathmandu. Please do not be concerned about the safe arrival of this Aid. It will never arrive" - Anonymous spokesperson - (Gender Equality).

In a more serious note. I believe that this aid if sent overland via Bangladesh and India will be pilfered en route. Decades ago I came across M&S shirts, Moss Bros., suits etc on sale in Calcutta. Imported clothing unavailable in India then. This was shortly after aid carrying trains were despatched from Bombay to Dacca,(East Pakistan in those days).

"Pol. Gen. Somyot said he was transferring the head of Satun Provincial Police, Police Major General Soontorn Chalermkiat, because of the latter's close ties to the masterminds of the Rohingya trafficking ring, who were residing in Satun."

Transfer, not suspend? What kind of close ties? Who was holding the noose while the others played? Now the US government is showing concerns I hope we do not see another face saving 'Thaiwash'?

I recall a CH 4 documentary broadcast sometime during 2012/13. The reporter visiting an island on the south coast, reputed to be a Thai Nature Reserve whose local were alleged to be in league with trafficking gangs. He discovered that certain parts of the island were "No Go" areas for the local police. Does anybody know if there was any kind of follow up by local media or Central Government?

Asdecas,

Suggest you study your history. Khmer speakers because of the Khmer Rouge??? Please. Khmer Kingdom ruled tha area centuries ago.

You'd do well to study yours, old boy: the language of Cambodia is Khmer. One of the reasons there are so many Khmer speakers around that part of Isaan is because the fear of the Khmer Rouge drove them and their families to seek refuge from Kampuchia (as it was then named) in Thailand, in particular refugee camps close to the border.

From there many were assimilated into surrounding areas and never went back.

Asdecas,

Stop squirming.

If you are so well informed regarding Thai history you should know that many Cambodians were enslaved and transported to Korat and neighboring areas because of the shortage of labour. This happened often and over a long period. Long before the Khmer Rouge were even thought of; these slaves worked the soil, lived in secure hamlets, owned nothing were isolated from the rest of the population and as a result maintained the language of their forbears. When slavery was abolished many of these hamlets became Bans. Emancipated families stayed, still working the land but gradually becoming tenants and some even buying the land.

I happen to live a few miles south of Surin in a village that has a Primary School. Many children start school with little understanding of Thai, as all the adults address them in Khmer. Many families have been here since the 1930's.

You are correct regarding the exodus and refugee camps. But this only augmented the use of Khmer, it was not the root cause.

Perhaps we can all now get back to the original post regarding what to do etc.,

How much alleviation from hunger and thirst would $427 million bought on earth instead of being spent on this research? How has this circumnavigation of Mercury helped mankind? Or is it just another case of research for the sake of employing presumably intelligent people who are fixated on one particular issue?

That 427 million wasn't from your pocket, now was it? I bet that research has produced a crapload of technology that you will employ in your household during the years to come as well. A few things that produce constant industry leaps for mankind = wars and space technology research - go figure.

PS. How much has the hunger and thirst problem been resolved thru billions and billions of $ and € and £, that's been thrown into Africa so far?

Pure conjecture, Give me one example where this project has provided derivative application technology for domestic consumption. Perhaps this time around we will get a gold plated technology that replaces Teflon and only 15% of the worlds population can afford to purchase.

You are right on the button when you state that the monies wasn't from my pocket, not all of it anyway. And I am still paying my tax, so am entitled to voice my opinion as to where this is wasted.

I presume you are aware of the billions of aid money actually spent by the donating countries on admin rather than at the sharp end where it is really needed.

How much alleviation from hunger and thirst would $427 million bought on earth instead of being spent on this research? How has this circumnavigation of Mercury helped mankind? Or is it just another case of research for the sake of employing presumably intelligent people who are fixated on one particular issue?

"there side"? or Off Side! Good game!

Shouldn't the Supreme Court give it's verdict before any impeachment proceedings. Let JUSTICE be seen to be done before any political haranguing begins in an assembly where presumably political clout comes before justice. Rightly or wrongly everyone seems to be making judgement out of evidence that has been garnered by the prosecution without an equivalent response from the accused.

INNOCENT UNTIL PROVEN GUILTY.

It's hardly moaning when people get shot, there were fatal shootings in Pattaya in recent years. Also there it goes on 24/7 for a week, compared to a few days stopping after nightfall. Totally stupid.

And thrusting entire buckets in the face of passing motorcyclists.

It isn't just farang though.

I have witnessed a young Thai man being chased along a water canal with nose to tail traffic on both sides of the waterway. He was pushed in by four others and when he tried to lift himself out of the water he was clubbed unconscious. Floating face down and obviously unconscious his attackers continued to beat him around the head with some wooden poles. This occurred at 13:30 hours on the 2nd day of Song Kran, three years ago. I did not see any farangs about these pr**s were Thai. This occurred deep in the countryside with hundreds of Thais watching and nobody went to the young man's assistance

?THAINESS?

I have seen farangs enjoying themselves in a boisterous and jokey way; have never seen malice,vindictiveness or violence..

Don't blame farangs just because they stand out from the crowd of locals.

arminbkk,

Check out iamKohChang.com. The owner of this site was already ensconsed on the island when I first went there in 2005. He is a Brit and is still on the island. check him out. He is a good source of up to date info and no bullshit.

<script type='text/javascript'>window.mod_pagespeed_start = Number(new Date());</script>

Interesting, but I do wonder just how much noise is generated?

<script type='text/javascript'>window.mod_pagespeed_start = Number(new Date());</script>

The island is 70% natural rain forest, best preserved in Thailand. Not like Pattaya, laid back and relaxed but it rains a lot this time of year.

And don't forget the mosquitoes and sand flies. How many motorcyclists were killed or critically injured last year? How many people drowned in the race that occurs just off shore?

I lived on the island for 21 months, 2006/07, last revisited in 2010. Promised myself never to go there again. Too much concrete, inadequate infrastructure for the burgeoning development taking place.

A once beautiful island spoilt by avarice.

How do I know what type of board I am buying? Wall boards I have seen do not have any labels. Is a viva board manufactured in Thailand?

<script type='text/javascript'>window.mod_pagespeed_start = Number(new Date());</script>

Ok did the math 300 chartered flights times average load of 250 per flight comes out to 75,000 or about 425,000 short of there projection. So to reach goal of 14,500,000,000 Those passengers got to spend 1,933,333,333.00 baht each.

Perhaps the chartered flights originating overseas are using bigger a/c & special seating, being on average shorter persons, then 2 tier seating could be a possibility that TAT are arranging along with filling the cargo bays.

SORRY, now you have to do maths with a few more variables.

<script type='text/javascript'>window.mod_pagespeed_start = Number(new Date());</script>

One recalls the days when, telegraphing ahead and arriving by elephant, one could arrange a chotapeg or two followed by dinner with HM Honorary Consul.

Now, one is lucky if the ruffian is wearing a shirt.

You were lucky; arriving by elephant, bullock carts more like it. But I did prefer the burrapeg.

The concrete pool cracked and dried up, dehydrated animals die. Why are they starving?
Isn't this sodden typical. Wait for an incident to become a disaster before reacting.
Presumably these monks hit the trail every morning with their bowls. Did none of them spread the word when the pool firtst started to leak or were they presumably waiting for divine guidance?

These macaques would not have reached the population size reported without the encouragement of the monks in the first place as the temple is not on the tourist trail.

I wonder how many monks died of dehydration or starvation!

"The NACC panel is considering if it should forward names of officials linked to illegal land title deeds and forest encroachment to the NACC."

What is there to "consider"?

<script type='text/javascript'>window.mod_pagespeed_start = Number(new Date());</script>

It is possible she simply panicked big time and it escalated out of control. In Africa you might be wise not to stop in case of a road accident, even when it is against the law, you drive directly to your embassy and then report.

Nah,there is more to this story than meets the eye, I will leave TV's finest to decipher what really went on.

Typically a mob of angry Thais would assault and kick a persons head in after an accident so maybe she did the smart thing?

The really smart thing is not to drive alone when you are a foreigner.

It must be Thailand...because whenever I see a foreigner here he is drinking Leo,Chang or Singha...

I cannot just click the "Like This" tab and sign off, It would be an understatement.

Cheers, Crazy Chef, I toast you with my Chang Classic, At just below room temperature, great taste.

Oh, what a shame! There goes my excuse for getting out and about on Friday evenings.

<script type='text/javascript'>window.mod_pagespeed_start = Number(new Date());</script>

Do you think that they might misspell the names of prominent Thais so westerners can't goggle who they are? Just put both names in for the replacement judge, nothing came up?

But quick off the mark with a replacement? Hope they are good'ole boys.

The replacement judge will be another judge, so already working as judge. That automatically makes him a qualified person. One may wonder about the decision to select based on seniority, but that does seem the norm in the Thailand as we still have it. drastic changes one would not expect from a body which by function needs to be a bit conservative, as laws need to be somewhat stable

Selection based on seniority? Not ability,integrity etc. But isn't this true of all institutions in Thailand.

Can you teach an old dog new tricks? If affirmative then there are surely plenty of vacancies just waiting to be filled.

Transport Min sets up 2 panels to fix aviation glitches in 6-8 months

BANGKOK, 31 March 2015 (NNT) – The Ministry of Transport has decided to establish two committees to solve problems in the Department of Civil Aviation and to handle impacts from the international aviation regulator’s concerns over Thailand’s safety standards.

Following the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO)’s voicing of concerns over the safety standards of the Thai aviation industry based on its previous examinations, Transport Minister ACM Prajin Juntong stated that Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha has designated the matter as a national issue. He pointed out that appropriate actions need to be taken in a timely manner otherwise the nation’s economy and tourism could be damaged.

Therefore, the Transport Ministry has resolved to set up two working committees, one of which is to oversee the tackling of the problem at its root cause, particularly the restructuring of the Department of Civil Aviation, employment of more qualified specialists, increasing of budgets and amendment of laws. Chaired by Minister Prajin, the committee will convene on a weekly basis to follow up on the progress made and will submit a report to the ICAO every two weeks.

The other committee will be responsible for mitigating the effects of the ICAO’s downgrade of Thailand’s safety rating. It will coordinate with all sectors in creating an understanding with the international community concerning Thailand’s commitment to improving its air safety standards.

The setting up of the two committees is due to be proposed to the Prime Minister for approval within 45-60 days. The Ministry of Transport has expressed confidence that the issue surrounding aviation safety will be resolved within 6-8 months.

The ICAO’s safety concerns have prompted Japan as well as China and South Korea to issue a ban on all charter flights from Thailand. Last week, the Transport Ministry already dispatched officials to clarify the situation to the Japan Civil Aviation Bureau. More clarifications are to be made to other countries, including China, South Korea, Australia and Germany.

-- NNT 2015-03-31

45 to 60 days just to seek approval from the PM. Presumably no corrective actions begin before this. Resolution within another 4 to 6 months. Does anyone really believe this crap? Meanwhile choose your airline wisely, but who is turning these aircraft around at Thai airports?

Does the satellite tracking system require a transponder on each vessel?

Kenny, if you don't know what a fishbowl is, you may not be old enough to go out to the bars at night...

Kenny, do not worry, I am 74 and do not know what or care about a fishbowl, I keep my carp in a pool. Hungry and waiting.

<script type='text/javascript'>window.mod_pagespeed_start = Number(new Date());</script>

You can have all the above in buckets, but you first have to overcome one very important problem: the sense of self-entitlement. As witnessed during the Yingluck govt's rebate frenzy (sorry, not being political, just topical), a million cars were added to the roads and tens of thousands of new drivers suddenly appeared. As witnessed with a neighbor, the attitude was, "I can afford a car, therefore I am a driver. You can't stop me."

And then there is arrogance ... oh dear, oh dear, oh dear. That wretched bloody arrogance. Once again, none of the above matters a jot just as long as Thai drivers (who have a refined sense of arrogance when behind the wheel) refuse point blank to accept responsibility for their actions. It's not just their refusal to accept the rules of the road, but their refusal to believe that they need to LEARN the rules of the road, or indeed that there should be any rules of the road that apply to them, or accept that there is a generally accepted culture of driving that starts and ends with SAFETY (by that I mean generally accepted on a community-wide basis, a community mindset).

I do not think it is arrogance but sheer ignorance and duplicity on the part of authorities responsible for road safety, highway and vehicle maintenance, education pre and post driving licence award.

I have held a Thai licence for the last 7 years, first issue being valid for one year, then 5 yrs and last year, my current licence for another 5 years. Before being issued with the new licence I was required to sit and listen to a lecture on the "Highway Code" and presumably good driving practices.Even though I do not understand more than a dozen words of Thai I still had to listen and watch the presentation. At the end of a rather theatrical presentation I waited expecting to hear a few questions from the audience. Silence reigned so I stepped into the breach and stepped toward a whiteboard and marker. As there did not appear to be any mention of roundabouts and rights of way I drew a roundabout with 4 approach roads, marking vehicle approach and on the roundabout. With hand signals and much gesturing I wanted the examiner/lecturer to tell the audience who had right of way. Fortunately a young man from the audience understood my intentions and taking the marker from me redrawing vehicle positions and marking them 1, 2, 3. Basically it was first come first served, ignoring traffic on the roundabout to the right. The lecturer agreed with a smile and thumbs up. Fortunately I still had the little pocket handbook issued to me back in 2007 and pointed out the error. The lecturers response was later translated for me. It want something like this, "I am glad I do not have to take the driving test these days."

Most of the audience were young males about to take a motorcycle test, such as it may be termed. There was no mention of the use of rear view mirrors, but I did notice that on exit from the building and sitting on their bikes that the mirrors and combs were widely used prior to their practical test.

Well perhaps it is both arrogance and ignorance that afflicts the nations drivers.

To expat drivers I say " If in doubt hang about, smile in return and forgive them for they know not what they have done, are doing or are about to do."