Nationwide Security Alert For Songkran

[bscm1977]

I wanted travel to thailand next week , I cancel it ?

I went to Thailand just after the bombings on 31st Dec 2006 and was really worried myself. You will be even safer because they are deploying double the amount of police. Don't worry about it... you'll be fine!

[louissmith]

Been here for 15 Songkrans....nothing more fun than a good water fight on a hot day.....everyone enjoy !!

[george]

Update:

Bomb 'may have been a warning'

BANGKOK: -- The small bomb near the Major Ratchayothin shopping and entertainment centre late on Monday night could be a warning, Special Branch Police acting commander Maj-General Rapeepat Palawong said yesterday.

"We have some information, but it remains incomplete. We are talking with the Metropolitan Police," he said.

A source said after the bomb, security measures were stepped up ahead of the Songkran festival.

Officials are worried about a repeat of the New Year's Eve attacks in the capital and Lunar New Year bombings in the deep South that also killed several. Major Ratchayothin was one of the targets of the December 31 bombs.

Songkran runs officially from April 13 to 17. Hundreds of thousands of revellers are expected on streets across the country.

"Surveillance will focus more on Bangkok than in three South provinces this time," an intelligence source revealed.

Chana Songkhram police superintendent Colonel Utasin Ritruangdej - whose jurisdiction includes Khao San Road - said extra patrols would be deployed in the area over Songkran.

"We have asked the Army Region 1 to deploy soldiers, too," he said. Sniffer dogs would be used around the clock during the festival.

The moves follow orders from Metropolitan Police Commissioner Lt-General Adisorn Nonsee that all capital commanders tighten security, especially at spots where large gatherings were expected.

Adisorn said it was clear the explosion was designed to create a disturbance. "At this point, we have yet to gather enough evidence to determine who is behind the attack."

He believed the bomb was unrelated to the New Year's Eve blasts.

"The bombs used at New Year's were much more powerful," he said.

Metropolitan Police deputy commissioner Maj-General Krissada Phankongchuen said yesterday Monday's device was detonated by a clock and was armed with gunpowder. "It was harmful in a five- to 10-metre radius," he said.

Krissada said the bomb was similar to those detonated outside the residence of Privy Council President Prem Tinsulanonda, Lumpini Park, the Manager Daily building and the Tokyo shopping centre.

National Security Council secretary-general Prakit Prachon-pachanuk and Interior Minister Aree Wongsearaya insisted a state of emergency was unnecessary. Both urged the public to help prevent more attacks.

Police questioned a fruit seller, a traffic-police officer, a traffic-signal technician and a Major Ratcha-yothin security guard after the blast. A Major Ratchayothin executive said the bomb did not stem from a business dispute.

--The Nation 2007-04-11

[girlx]

if you really don't want to get wet you can indicate that to the Thais and they will leave you alone

you have got to be kidding.

[nasa]

Wishes a happy Songkran to all and may all be protected by God during this festival. Amen.

[CHROME]

Again bombings? Though I don't like Khao San Rd, but still Songkran is once a year and everybody should have fun! PEACE to all!

[john b good]

"Nobody was hurt in Monday night's explosion in front of Major Cineplex Ratchayothin, but three phone booths were damaged. Police detained, but later released a taxi driver suspected of planting the home-made device."

Was this explosion yesterday? First I have heard of it.... I didn't see/hear anything about this..... Was it reported in the press?

Yes!

[dezeure]

I wanted travel to thailand next week , I cancel it ?

haha you shouldn't!!! i was there during the NY bombings and it took about 3 explosions and 3 hours later before I even knew something had happened. I traveled all around but didn't see any bombs going off. Then on the Thai TV they showed how a police box had been "blown up". Seriously, I can do more damage with a hammer. The windows weren't even broken. 3 tiles came off, but yes unfortunately 3 people died.

I would not cancel my trip to Thailand for those little fire crackers they set off.

Cheers

Sam

[distortedlink]

Australia is having another crack at ruining Thailand’s tourist industry, by putting the frighteners on traveling in the Kingdom. The second time in only a couple of months.

australia has one of the worst human abuses records in history; they have always been Asia’s natural enemy, the yellow peril and keep australia white policies. It is only in the last few years that they have come to realise the importance of good relations with it’s Asian neighbours, especially after being dumped by Britain & Europe who no longer require importing in bulk australia`s lamb produce.

In these troubled times, it is no longer absolutely safe to travel anywhere in the world, including all major cities. It appears that australia still regards many Asian countries as backward, dangerous and of inferior infrastructure.

Sadly australia is a leopard that cannot change its spots.

[dyertribe]

Australia is having another crack at ruining Thailand’s tourist industry, by putting the frighteners on traveling in the Kingdom. The second time in only a couple of months.

australia has one of the worst human abuses records in history; they have always been Asia’s natural enemy, the yellow peril and keep australia white policies. It is only in the last few years that they have come to realise the importance of good relations with it’s Asian neighbours, especially after being dumped by Britain & Europe who no longer require importing in bulk australia`s lamb produce.

In these troubled times, it is no longer absolutely safe to travel anywhere in the world, including all major cities. It appears that australia still regards many Asian countries as backward, dangerous and of inferior infrastructure.

Sadly australia is a leopard that cannot change its spots.

What a load of drivel. Where are your facts (let's not let facts get in the way of a good rant)

Human abuses - you don't see Australians cutting the heads off other Australians (women - children - teachers) based on peoples faith ...

Asian immigration ... I think as I walk around any Australian city that I can see a higher percentage of Asian people than the number of farang people I see when I visit Thailand (which I do regularly)

As for the inferior infrastructure ... thats a fact you cant ignore ... even the footpaths in Thailand aren't safe (not to mention the motor bikes)

I really don't understand the xenophobic attitude you have to Australia.

[endure]

Australia is having another crack at ruining Thailand’s tourist industry, by putting the frighteners on traveling in the Kingdom. The second time in only a couple of months.

australia has one of the worst human abuses records in history; they have always been Asia’s natural enemy, the yellow peril and keep australia white policies.

The 'Keep Australia White' policy ended with the Racial Discrimination Act which was passed into law in 1975. That's 32 years ago...

[Jimjim]

Cross your fingers and hope to die.

Hope the next week comes off peacefully.

[drenoi]

Australia is having another crack at ruining Thailand's tourist industry, by putting the frighteners on traveling in the Kingdom. The second time in only a couple of months.

australia has one of the worst human abuses records in history; they have always been Asia's natural enemy, the yellow peril and keep australia white policies. It is only in the last few years that they have come to realise the importance of good relations with it's Asian neighbours, especially after being dumped by Britain & Europe who no longer require importing in bulk australia`s lamb produce.

In these troubled times, it is no longer absolutely safe to travel anywhere in the world, including all major cities. It appears that australia still regards many Asian countries as backward, dangerous and of inferior infrastructure.

Sadly australia is a leopard that cannot change its spots.

What a load of drivel. Where are your facts (let's not let facts get in the way of a good rant)

Human abuses - you don't see Australians cutting the heads off other Australians (women - children - teachers) based on peoples faith ...

Asian immigration ... I think as I walk around any Australian city that I can see a higher percentage of Asian people than the number of farang people I see when I visit Thailand (which I do regularly)

As for the inferior infrastructure ... thats a fact you cant ignore ... even the footpaths in Thailand aren't safe (not to mention the motor bikes)

I really don't understand the xenophobic attitude you have to Australia.

I second that.

[Tammi]

Been here for 15 Songkrans....nothing more fun than a good water fight on a hot day.....everyone enjoy !!

It is not supposed to be a "water fight". It is supposed to be the Thais sprinkling a little water on the hands of their elders as a sign of respect. The Thai youths extended it to fun by splashing each other with water on a very hot day.

Not everyone enjoys it. Not the person going out for dinner in the evening and getting a bucket full of water thrown at him/her; not the motorcyclist having a water hose turned on him, losing control and breaking his head on the road; not the families cremating loved ones after accidents; not the hospitals; not the police; not the resident farangs who flee the country or stay indoors for the duration.

IMHO Songkran changed to water fights because farangs got in on the act with their crazy behaviour.

IMHO the authorities should ban farangs under 60 years of age from the streets of Pattaya (where I am) for the duration of Songkran.

[Virgil]

i am gonna stay home this songkran - its ridiculous and completely out of hand. it should be to sprinkle a little water onto loved ones faces, but unfortuately it resorts to drunken idiots lobbing buckets of ice and water with powder regardless of driving or not. good luck, you will need it if you venture out.

I agree with pattaya_girl. The whole weekend is just too dangerous to enjoy. Keep out of tourist areas and attend private functions rather than street parties. That is the safest way to spend SongKran!

Virgil, Out!

[yankeechief]

I would love to make a professional related comment about the current security state in Thailand. But the last time I commented I was warned that it was taking a shot a Thailand and the culture and blah, blah blah. So as a Southeast Asia Security specialist with over 21 years exp in the region, everyone enjoy and I hope I don't get another warning from the guys that run this site fo saying something that may ruffle anyones feathers. Thailand is safe, it is great!

[Suszzy]

Bomb!!

What bomb?

You all will be safe .

Just enjoy songkran.

Thailand is very safe place to be...trust me!

Happy new year everyone.

[Virgil]

Australia is having another crack at ruining Thailand’s tourist industry, by putting the frighteners on traveling in the Kingdom. The second time in only a couple of months.

australia has one of the worst human abuses records in history; they have always been Asia’s natural enemy, the yellow peril and keep australia white policies. It is only in the last few years that they have come to realise the importance of good relations with it’s Asian neighbours, especially after being dumped by Britain & Europe who no longer require importing in bulk australia`s lamb produce.

In these troubled times, it is no longer absolutely safe to travel anywhere in the world, including all major cities. It appears that australia still regards many Asian countries as backward, dangerous and of inferior infrastructure.

Sadly australia is a leopard that cannot change its spots.

Who is this idiot? What is he smoking? Where is he from? Why is he in Thailand? I'm proud of Australia's diverse population. I am married to a Thai and am doing my part to help. I am also proud that our country donated over $1 billion to the Asian tsunami disaster relief. I'm proud that 53% of all foreign students in Australia are Asian. I'm proud that our surgeons operate free clinics throughout S. E. Asia performing corrective eye surgery, facial reconstructions, heart surgery and other life saving procedures.

AUSTRALIA'S DIVERSE POPULATION

At 30 June 2006 almost one quarter (24%) of the Australian population was born overseas.

People born in the United Kingdom accounted for 23% of all overseas-born persons in Australia's population, followed by New Zealand (10%) and Italy, China and Viet Nam (4% each).

The proportion of people in Australia's population born in the United Kingdom and Italy declined between 1996 and 2006, while the proportion born in China and New Zealand increased. The Viet Nam-born proportion remained steady.

The number of Australians born overseas increased by 1.5% per year on average between 1996 and 2006. This was higher than that of the Australia-born population (1.1%) and total population (1.2%).

Between 1996 and 2006, of the 50 most common countries of birth, persons born in Sudan recorded the largest average increase (27% per year), followed by persons born in Afghanistan (13%) and Iraq (10%). The largest declines in this group were persons born in Poland, Hungary and Italy (down 2% per year each).

Persons born in Southern and Central Asia as well as Sub-Saharan Africa recorded average increases of 6% per year, the largest growth of all major regions between 1996 and 2006.

The two regions of North-West Europe and Southern and Eastern Europe together accounted for nearly half of overseas-born residents in Australia at 30 June 2006 (30% and 17% respectively).

At 30 June 2001 Western Australia had the highest proportion of overseas-born residents (29%) of all states and territories, while Tasmania had the lowest proportion (11%).

This page last updated 29 March 2007

Source: 3412.0 - Migration, Australia, 2005-06

Latest ISSUE Released at 11:30 AM (CANBERRA TIME) 29/03/2007

So, shove it where it fits, pal!!!

Virgil, Out!

[dyertribe]

Guys,

I've just checked the Australian Government Travel advisory site http://www.smarttraveller.gov.au/ and I can find no reference to Thailand in either the "We advise against travel to ..." or "Reconsider your need to travel to ..." sections on the front page.

If you search by destination and choose Thailand then you get this (I consider sound) advice to allow people to plan their travel.

This advice has been reviewed and reissued. It contains new information in the Summary and on Safety and Security: Terrorism (possible bombings in April 2007 including on significant dates). The overall level of the advice has not changed.

Summary

We advise you to exercise a high degree of caution because of the high threat of terrorist attack. We continue to receive reports that terrorists may be planning attacks against a range of targets, including tourist areas and other places frequented by foreigners.

On 30 January 2007, two small explosions occurred at the Rama Gardens Hotel and the Daily News, both in Bangkok. A series of bombs exploded in various locations in Bangkok on 31 December 2006, killing three and injuring over 30 others, including six foreigners. Further attacks cannot be ruled out.

There is uncertainty over the political situation following a military takeover of the Government on 19 September 2006. Martial law remains in place in parts of the country.

Demonstrations have been taking place in Bangkok regularly in recent weeks. You should avoid demonstrations, political rallies, and concentrations of military personnel. You should monitor the media, and follow any instructions issued by local authorities.

We strongly advise you to reconsider your need to travel at this time to the southern provinces of Yala, Pattani, Narathiwat and Songkhla or overland to and from the Malaysian border through these provinces, due to high levels of ongoing violence in these regions, including terrorist attacks.

On 14 March 2007, in Yala province gunman attacked a passenger van killing eight and injuring two. On 18 and 19 February 2007 a series of 38 bomb attacks and around 26 arson attacks took place in Yala, Pattani, Narathiwat and Songkhla provinces resulting in approximately 72 casualties including seven deaths. Targets included entertainment venues, power grids, petrol stations, telephone lines and other commercial sites, including a department store. The targets of the arson attacks included two government schools and Narathiwat central mosque.

Thai authorities have previously warned of the possibility of further coordinated bombings in Thailand to coincide with symbolic dates, including in Bangkok and the Southern provinces. They have mentioned the Buddhist festive season of Songhkran (around the period 11-17 April 2007) as a particular time of concern. We assess these warnings are credible.

Over 2000 people have reportedly been killed and many more injured, including a number of foreigners, since the level of violence began to increase in Thailand in the southern provinces in January 2004. Terrorists have warned foreign tourists not to travel to these areas. Further terrorist attacks could occur at any time, anywhere in Thailand.

Be a smart traveller. Before heading overseas:

organise comprehensive travel insurance and check what circumstances and activities are not covered by your policy

register your travel and contact details, so we can contact you in an emergency

subscribe to this travel advice to receive free email updates each time it's reissued.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[sriracha john]

Thai bomb threat increases Australian travel warnings

Australia today updated its travel advice for Thailand to warn of the potential for bombings over the next week.

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade said predictions of attacks during Buddhist holidays, which begin today, are credible.

"Thai authorities have previously warned of the possibility of further coordinated bombings in Thailand to coincide with symbolic dates, including in Bangkok and the southern provinces," DFAT's advisory said.

"They have mentioned the Buddhist festive season of Songhkran (around the period 11-17 April 2007) as a particular time of concern.

"We assess these warnings are credible."

The department did not change its overall advice for travellers to exercise a high degree of caution in Thailand and reconsider the need for travel in its restive south.

The fresh warning follows a bomb exploding on Monday outside a Bangkok shopping centre that was also hit in a wave of deadly New Year's Eve attacks.

No one was injured in the latest bombing, which prompted Thai authorities to issued a nationwide security alert.

- AAP

[Samuiclaudia]

Hi Pumi

I've lived on Samui for 7 years

Songkran only lasts for 1 day here which will be all day Friday but will probably start late Thurs pm.

A lot of people will be very drunk by late Friday afternoon and then it all seems to die down

Agree with earlier advise though. Keep away from Chaweng and you should have no problems whatsoever.

The farangs here are definitely worse than the local Thai people.

[guns482]

Nationwide security alert for Songkran

BANGKOK: -- Authorities have issued a full security alert in the wake of an explosion in front of a Bangkok mall. Australia warned that more bombings were feared at Songkran this weekend.

Bangkok areas of particular concern were the Khao San Road, a celebrated meeting point for foreign tourists and backpackers, and Sanuam Luang, a large park in the centre of the old part of the city which attracts thousands of Songkran revellers.

The government has ordered extra police in Bangkok for Thai New Year celebrations this weekend to try to prevent a repeat of the New Year's Eve serial blasts that killed three people.

Pol Lt-Gen Adisorn Nonsee said more than 3,000 police officers would patrol the capital, up from the current 1,500, during the five-day Songkran festival which kicks off on Thursday afternoon.

Piyabutr Jiwaramonaikun, chairman of the Association of Khao San Traders, said more than 100 soldiers, policemen and civil volunteers would be on duty in the backpackers' festival area while bomb detectors would also be used as part of the security measures.

Mr Piyabutr expected that more than 10 million baht would be circulated during the four-day event on Khao San Road which should see a daily turnout of 40,000-50,000 Thai and foreign celebrants.

He said revellers would be banned from applying talcum powder on others and each day's festival would end at 7 pm. Water gun is one of the favourite equipments to splash water on others during the festival.

Nobody was hurt in Monday night's explosion in front of Major Cineplex Ratchayothin, but three phone booths were damaged. Police detained, but later released a taxi driver suspected of planting the home-made device.

The Australian embassy in Bangkok issued an advisory to its citizens in late February, saying it had received reports of possible bombs in crowded places such as department stores or public transport in the capital.

The advice, renewed today in an announcement, urged "a high degree of caution because of the high threat of terrorist attack".

"Thai authorities have previously warned of the possibility of further co-ordinated bombings in Thailand to coincide with symbolic dates, including in Bangkok and the southern provinces," the travel advice said.

"They have mentioned the Buddhist festive season of Songkran (around the period April 11-17, 2007) as a particular time of concern. We assess these warnings are credible," it said.

"Further terrorist attacks could occur at any time, anywhere in Thailand," it added.

-- Bangkok Post, Agencies 2007-04-10

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if the police do not arrest drunken drivers because they may fight, what do they do about terrorists.....run ????

[flyfrog]

i am gonna stay home this songkran - its ridiculous and completely out of hand. it should be to sprinkle a little water onto loved ones faces, but unfortuately it resorts to drunken idiots lobbing buckets of ice and water with powder regardless of driving or not. good luck, you will need it if you venture out.

That's what we all do, all the expats or business people are leaving Pattaya, me personaly, I am leaving for a couple days to the Philippines, after 17 years of Songkran, I get really tired of that Thai holiday!

Frog

[Maigo6]

Is that patrick?

[BigSnake]

Old "WISE TALE" Best Safe than SORRY!! right on powers that be. Happy Songkran holiday, y'all get nice and wet you hear. Stay safe watch the drinking and driving

[Greenman]

Don't worry! BKK is not Bagdad. You have most chance to die in NYC or London!

Maybe but what's the point if you can't have fun in the evenings. What exactly do they mean by?

He said revellers would be banned from applying talcum powder on others and each day's festival would end at 7 pm. Water gun is one of the favourite equipments to splash water on others during the festival.

Will pubs and restaurants still be open? How will they stop people squirting water at places such as Khao San Road without closing the whole place down?

I remember walking on Sukhumvit Road on New Years Eve. The place was completely dead.

It's a pity that a few people can destroy so much for so many.

I was in Sukhumvit Soi 7 on New Years Eve and there were hundreds of people in the beer garden when the news filtered through. There was only one policeman at the front door who assured us there was no chance of any bombs going off on Sukhumvit.

How the heck he knew that I have no idea

We went into soi 7/1 to a friends bar and some Thai guy let of some small fireworks off in rapid succession. That was followed by a huge bang. With the bombing on our minds more than a few of us jumped up thinking world war 3 had started.

Within 30 minutes more than half the customers had left.......point is these bombings no matter how small have everyone concerned.

Mind you I personally feel safer here than I would walking the streets of London or Glasgow late at night

[flyx]

Someone say Songkran is safe ! someone say not safe ! confused !!

However i think it is better we dont go to these parties because we are not relax like as thais

and may be one crazy shoter makes us mad !!

[likewise]

Nationwide security alert for Songkran

BANGKOK: -- Authorities have issued a full security alert in the wake of an explosion in front of a Bangkok mall. Australia warned that more bombings were feared at Songkran this weekend.

Bangkok areas of particular concern were the Khao San Road, a celebrated meeting point for foreign tourists and backpackers, and Sanuam Luang, a large park in the centre of the old part of the city which attracts thousands of Songkran revellers.

The government has ordered extra police in Bangkok for Thai New Year celebrations this weekend to try to prevent a repeat of the New Year's Eve serial blasts that killed three people.

Pol Lt-Gen Adisorn Nonsee said more than 3,000 police officers would patrol the capital, up from the current 1,500, during the five-day Songkran festival which kicks off on Thursday afternoon.

Piyabutr Jiwaramonaikun, chairman of the Association of Khao San Traders, said more than 100 soldiers, policemen and civil volunteers would be on duty in the backpackers' festival area while bomb detectors would also be used as part of the security measures.

Mr Piyabutr expected that more than 10 million baht would be circulated during the four-day event on Khao San Road which should see a daily turnout of 40,000-50,000 Thai and foreign celebrants.

He said revellers would be banned from applying talcum powder on others and each day's festival would end at 7 pm. Water gun is one of the favourite equipments to splash water on others during the festival.

Nobody was hurt in Monday night's explosion in front of Major Cineplex Ratchayothin, but three phone booths were damaged. Police detained, but later released a taxi driver suspected of planting the home-made device.

The Australian embassy in Bangkok issued an advisory to its citizens in late February, saying it had received reports of possible bombs in crowded places such as department stores or public transport in the capital.

The advice, renewed today in an announcement, urged "a high degree of caution because of the high threat of terrorist attack".

"Thai authorities have previously warned of the possibility of further co-ordinated bombings in Thailand to coincide with symbolic dates, including in Bangkok and the southern provinces," the travel advice said.

"They have mentioned the Buddhist festive season of Songkran (around the period April 11-17, 2007) as a particular time of concern. We assess these warnings are credible," it said.

"Further terrorist attacks could occur at any time, anywhere in Thailand," it added.

-- Bangkok Post, Agencies 2007-04-10

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Seems like the Thai coppers always detain somebody, but after release them. Thai cops "keng jing jing"

[WaiWai]

Australia warns of Thai bomb threat

Yuko Narushima

April 11, 2007 - 10:08AM

Terrorists may be planning attacks on tourist areas and other places frequented by foreigners to coincide with Buddhist holidays, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) said.

DFAT urged travellers to reconsider going to the southern provinces of Yala, Pattani, Narathiwat and Songkhla because of ongoing violence in the region.

Last month a gunman killed eight people on a passenger van in Yala, and in February, a series of 38 bomb attacks and around 26 arson attacks killed seven people and injured 72.

"Thai authorities have previously warned of the possibility of further coordinated bombings in Thailand to coincide with symbolic dates, including in Bangkok and the Southern provinces,'' DFAT said on its website.

"They have mentioned the Buddhist festive season of Songhkran (around the period 11-17 April 2007) as a particular time of concern. We assess these warnings are credible,'' DFAT said.

DFAT maintained its overall advice for travellers to "exercise a high degree of caution''.

The fresh travel warning follows a bomb exploding yesterday outside a Bangkok shopping centre that was also hit in a wave of deadly New Year's Eve attacks.

No one was injured in the latest bombing, which prompted Thai authorities to issue a nationwide security alert.

About 550,000 Australians visited Thailand last year, according to Ponsak Kanittanon, spokesman for the Tourism Authority of Thailand.

The numbers show a 28 per cent increase from the year earlier.

Kanittanon said the "deep south'' of Thailand is not a major tourist attraction and popular destinations such as Phuket are still safe.

"Insurgents in the southern provinces are trying to wipe out those areas and make them their own,'' he said. "The government has tried to suppress that.''

"In my own opinion, it it still very safe to go to Thailand. You don't have to go down to that part of the country.''

with AAP

[Wolfie]

It is not supposed to be a "water fight". It is supposed to be the Thais sprinkling a little water on the hands of their elders as a sign of respect. The Thai youths extended it to fun by splashing each other with water on a very hot day.

Not everyone enjoys it. Not the person going out for dinner in the evening and getting a bucket full of water thrown at him/her; not the motorcyclist having a water hose turned on him, losing control and breaking his head on the road; not the families cremating loved ones after accidents; not the hospitals; not the police; not the resident farangs who flee the country or stay indoors for the duration.

IMHO Songkran changed to water fights because farangs got in on the act with their crazy behaviour.

IMHO the authorities should ban farangs under 60 years of age from the streets of Pattaya (where I am) for the duration of Songkran.

Make you mind up matey, who started it then, thais or farangs?