Trump, a case of Malignant Normalcy (besides the "normal" Malignant Narcissim)

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ENTERTAINMENT
Asean films on the lagoon
Donsaron Kovitvanitcha
Special to The Nation
Venice


'The Young Man Who Came From The Chee River' by Thailand's Wichanon Somumjarn

In Venice, a trio of entries from Southeast Asia make a splash outside the main competition

VENICE: -- ONE OF THE most important film festivals as well as one of the oldest, the Venice Film Festival wrapped on Saturday and awarded its treasured top prize, the Golden Lion, to "From Afar" ("Desde Alla").

The directorial debut of Lorenzo Vigas from Venezuela, and the first Venezuelan film ever selected for competition in Venice, it beat the expected winners Alexander Sokurov and Tom Hooper.

Asian titles did not fare so well this year, at least in terms of awards, but festival-goers were treated to several promising titles from the region.

In competition, a Turkish film, "Frenzy", won its second-time director Emin Alperrom the Special Jury Prize while Zhao Liangs breathtakingly beautiful documentary "Behemoth" and Israeli master Amos Gitais latest film "Rabin, the Last Day" were well-received by the audience.

Three Southeast Asian films were screened in the festival this year. In the sidebar competition Orizzonti, Joko Anwar's fifth film "A Copy of My Mind" enjoyed a warm welcome from the audience. A veteran filmmaker whose films have travelled to many festivals, Anwar's "A Copy of My Mind" marked his debut at Venice.

"The story was conceived three years ago and we went to the Asian Project Market with it last year. Its the first film we have produced under our new company Lo-Fi Flicks," says Anwar who co-produced the movie with South Korea's largest entertainment company, CJ Entertainment.

"A Copy of My Mind" was awarded a cash price from CJ Entertainment at the Busan International Film Festival's Asian Project Market, and the company liked it so much it worked with Anwar in distributing the film on international market.

"'Kala' was my reaction to the anti-pornography law in 2002 and 'The Forbidden Door' was my reaction to child abuse but I coated them as genre films," says Anwar of two of his earlier films.

"This time I chose to make my film more realistic."

"A Copy of My Mind" is a portrayal of two small lives damaged by politics and corruption in the country. Sari works in a beauty salon by day and at night indulges her thirst for films with latest pirated releases. Fed up with poor subtitling, she tries to return a title and meets Alex, who wiles away his nights creating subtitles using Google Translate for illegal releases. They fall in love but their lives become complicated after Sari steals a DVD from the cell of an imprisoned client to whom she is giving a beauty treatment and discovers evidence of political corruption.

Another Southeast Asian film at the festival was "The Return", the directorial debut of Green Zeng, an artist from Singapore. It as selected for the Venice International Film Critics Week.

"My works examine historiography, the history-making process and Singaporean identity. I have worked on history, exile, political prisoners and the history of the leftists and this film is the combination of all of that," says Zeng, who is one of the few Singaporeans ever invited to Venice.

"The Return" tells the story of Wen, a political prisoner in Singapore who refused to sign a document renouncing his political ideas. Released after several years in jail, he finds it difficult to reunite with his family, especially with his son who accuses him of abandonment.

"The main protagonist is a combination of many people I have studied over the last few years", says Zeng, adding that he was inspired by the lives of left-wing activists in the 1960s arrested under Singapore's Internal Security Act, which gives power to the government to arrest and detain any person without trial.

"Its a self-funded film because we wanted to retain our vision," he says though he acknowledges that it would have been very hard in any case to find funding for a political film. It took Zeng two years to complete the project.

"We didnt have money to hire everyone. Many of the crew came to help us for free, but we had to wait until they had free time."

The only Thai title in the Venice Film Festival this year was Wichanon Somumjarn's latest short "The Young Man Who Came from the Chee River" ("Jer Gun Muer Rao Jer Gun"). Previously with Electric Eel Films, Wichanon created his own Isan New Wave Production to produce new films from Thailand's Northeast, which he describes as different from other movies produced in the region.

"The film is supported by Urban Youth and Family Centre of Khon Kaen Municipality and the Ministry of Culture," he explains.

"Khon Kaen Municipality offers support to filmmakers and artists, but their work and the working process must be related to the community," says Wichanon, whose short is about a young debt collector who has always dreamed of the Chee River behind his childhood home. He wanders around Khon Kaen collecting debt and meets many people.

"Films from the Isaan region are growing. There are many filmmaker groups like that of Professor Preecha Sakorn from Maha Sarakham University, or Uten Sririwi, who made Phu Bao Tai Ban," Wichanon says. "Isaan films are mostly comedies and inherit their style from local performance like mor lam," says Wichanon, who is confident that independent filmmakers from Thailand's Northeast, will become an increasingly important voice in Thai cinema.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/life/Asean-films-on-the-lagoon-30268778.html


-- The Nation 2015-09-15

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Turkish Suspect Denies Involvement in Erawan Bomb Attack


Soldiers escort Adem Karadag, aka Mohammed Bilaturk, to Bangkok Metropolitan Police headquarters on 4 Sept.

BANGKOK — The first man arrested on suspicion of involvement in last month’s bombing of the Erawan Shrine insists he had nothing to do with the attack and only arrived in Thailand days before he was taken into custody in a raid.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/855874-turkish-suspect-denies-involvement-in-erawan-bomb-attack/

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NCPO urges media to be cautious in news reporting to avoid causing confusion



BANGKOK, 15 September 2015 (NNT) – The National Council for Peace and Order has urged members of the media to be cautious with their news reporting in order to avoid causing public confusion.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/855924-ncpo-urges-media-to-be-cautious-in-news-reporting-to-avoid-causing-confusion/

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Police: More probes needed to charge bomb suspects with terrorism

BANGKOK, 15 September 2015 (NNT) – Police are deepening their investigation into last month’s bombings in Bangkok, with a view to concluding whether terrorism charges can be given to those responsible.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/855925-police-more-probes-needed-to-charge-bangkok-bomb-suspects-with-terrorism/

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UPDATE:

ERAWAN SHRINE BLAST
Bomb mastermind 'in Turkey'
THE NATION


BOMB SUSPECTS MOVED The two suspects arrested in connection with the August 17 and 18 blasts in Bangkok are transferred to a cell inside the 11th Military Circle amid tight security yesterday.

Top suspect changed travel itinerary on his way to Istanbul, Prawut says; uncertainty over trio arrested in Malaysia

BANGKOK: -- POLICE will seek cooperation from their Turkish counterparts over reports the alleged mastermind, who fled to Bangladesh a day before the bomb blast in Bangkok on August 17, had sneaked into Turkey.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/855852-thai-police-say-key-suspect-in-deadly-bangkok-bombing-has-fled-to-turkey/#entry9854615

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PRESS FREEDOM
Groups call for release of senior 'Nation' reporter
THE NATION


Pravit

BANGKOK: -- MEDIA GROUPS called yesterday for the immediate release of senior Nation reporter Pravit Rojanaphruk, who is being held by the National Council for Peace and Order.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/855926-groups-call-for-release-of-senior-nation-reporter/

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POLITICS
Stop lobbying for seats on new reform body: PM
ANAPAT DEECHUEY,
WATTANA KAMCHU
THE NATION

BANGKOK: -- PRIME Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha said yesterday there have been attempts to lobby him to include certain people on the new National Reform Council but he vowed to block them from joining the body.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/855927-stop-lobbying-for-seats-on-new-reform-body-pm-prayut/

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SKY TRAIN
Bridge demolition causes snarl-up
The Nation


SLOW TRAIN COMING The overpass at Kasetsart University intersection in Bangkok remains closed to traffic to make way for construction of the Green Line electric train project, while motorists below move at a snail speed.

BANGKOK: -- WITH the overpass at Kasetsart University (KU) intersection being demolished, motorists who need to travel via that area suffered painfully slow traffic during yesterday's morning rush hour.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/855928-kasetsart-uni-intersection-bridge-demolition-causes-snarl-up/

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UPDATE:

APPEALS COURT
Man gets death for child's rape, murder on train
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- The Appeals Court yesterday upheld the lower court's death sentence for child killer Wanchai Saengkhao.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/855789-thai-court-upholds-death-sentence-of-man-who-raped-and-murdered-young-girl-on-train/page-2#entry9854628

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US rate cut not until December: bank

ERICH PARPART,

SUCHEERA PINIJPARAKARN

THE NATION

BANGKOK: -- KASIKORN Asset Management (Kasset) expects the US Federal Reserve to delay its interest-rate normalisation to December after the high and increased fluctuation in the world's financial markets, an economic slowdown in China and further drops in global oil prices.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/855929-us-rate-cut-not-until-december-kasikorn-asset-management/

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Plan to make Phuket and Chiang Mai 'smart cities'
Asina Pornwasin
The Nation


Information and Communication Technology Minister Uttama Savanayana, left

Focus on tech start-ups amid Kingdom's bid to become digital hub of Asean

BANGKOK: -- THE INFORMATION and Communication Technology Ministry is eyeing Phuket and Chiang Mai as 'smart cities' that focus on tech start-ups as part of a move to turn Thailand into the digital hub of Asean.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/855930-plan-to-make-phuket-and-chiang-mai-smart-cities/

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ONCB warns women against foreign men
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- THE Office of the Narcotics Control Board (ONCB) yesterday warned Thai women who have foreign boyfriends or husbands to beware of being tricked or forced into drug trafficking.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/855931-oncb-warns-thai-women-against-foreign-men/

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NHSO budgets for Bt5,000 annual subsidy for each senior citizen
The Nation



BANGKOK: -- THE NATIONAL Health Security Office (NHSO) has budgeted Bt600 million to provide senior citizens with an annual subsidy of Bt5,000 each for their assisted care.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/855932-nhso-budgets-for-bt5000-annual-subsidy-for-each-senior-citizen/

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Urinating Brits visit Pattaya Police station following viral Facebook video



PATTAYA: -- Two British Nationals, one from Scotland and the other from the North of England, presented themselves at Pattaya Police Station on Monday afternoon to explain why a viral Facebook video showed them urinating on the street in broad daylight.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/855936-urinating-brits-visit-pattaya-police-station-following-viral-facebook-video/

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UPDATE:

Iranian Drug Dealing suspect caught by Pattaya Police



PATTAYA: -- Undercover Pattaya Police Officers conducted a covert operation in Jomtien in the early hours of Monday which resulted in the arrest of a suspected drug dealer from Iran and the seizure of class 1 drugs.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/855566-iranian-man-arrested-for-allegedly-selling-ice-in-pattaya/#entry9854656

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Woman stuck in Central Pattaya Condo Elevator



PATTAYA: -- A 26 year old Thai Woman was subjected to a 1 ½ hour ordeal at a condominium in Central Pattaya early on Monday Morning which saw her stuck in an Elevator.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/855938-woman-stuck-in-central-pattaya-condo-elevator/

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Old charters can be used, advises Prayut
THE NATION

BUT RULES OUT POLITICIANS PARTICIPATING IN WRITING OF NEW DRAFT

BANGKOK: -- PRIME Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha has said it is possible to bring old charters - including the most recent draft shot down - to the table if the next charter draft failed in a referendum.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/855940-old-charters-can-be-used-advises-prayut/

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UPDATE:

Prayut will have to explain two issues at UN, Surapong says
PRAPAN JINDALERTUDOMDEE
THE NATION


Surapong

BANGKOK: -- THE international community may want to listen to Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha explaining the country's situation, especially progress in the reinstatement of democracy and holding an election, former foreign minister Surapong Tovichakchaikul said yesterday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/855810-prayut-will-need-to-explain-two-issues-at-un-surapong-says/#entry9854676

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CNAC readies third list of corrupt officials
NATTAPAT PHROMKAEW
THE NATION

BANGKOK: -- DEPUTY Prime Minister Wissanu Krea-ngam said the Centre for National Anti-Corruption (CNAC) would submit a third list of allegedly corrupt civil servants to the government.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/855941-cnac-readies-third-list-of-corrupt-thai-officials/

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EDITORIAL
Prayut risks derision at the United Nations
The Nation

The prime minister's case for democratic reform is being undermined by the practice of gagging and detaining government critics

BANGKOK: -- The contradiction at the heart of Thai government is deepening to the point of absurdity. The National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) claims the country is undergoing a reform process aimed at yielding "perfect democracy" and national reconciliation, yet citizens are being arrested merely for speaking their mind about the junta.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/855942-prayut-risks-derision-at-the-united-nations/

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STREETWISE
Sustainability still not on investors' radar
Achara Deboonme

The now-familiar queues snaked from shops last week as the iPhone 6S was made available for pre-order.

BANGKOK: -- Apple has become the envy of companies around the globe for its spectacular success in winning the hearts of consumers, in the process becoming the world's most valuable brand.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/855943-thai-opinion-sustainability-still-not-on-investors-radar/

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Politico Accuses Soldier of Punching Him
By Khaosod English


Former MP Wattana Mueangsuk shows police today where he alleged a soldier assaulted him Saturday as he was leaving a football field.

BANGKOK — A former Pheu Thai MP is accusing the military junta of trying to silence his criticism by dispatching an army thug to assault him at a football field – a charge denied by the military.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/855944-former-pheu-thai-mp-accuses-soldier-of-punching-him/

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September 7 fireball the biggest ever seen this year



BANGKOK: -- The meteorite which struck the Thai sky over Kanchanaburi province on September 7 was the biggest ever entered the Earth’s atmosphere this year, said Mr Sarun Posayachinda, deputy director of National Astronomical Research Institute, on Monday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/855946-september-7-fireball-over-thailand-meteorite-measured-35m-weighed-66-tonnes/

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Disaster officials warn of Phuket flood, landslide dangers
Tanyaluk Sakoot


Council workers clear a landslide near Cape Panwa last month. Photo: Eakkapop Thontub

PHUKET: -- The national Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Office (DDPM) has called on all residents and officials in risk areas in Phuket and elsewhere throughout Southern Thailand to beware disasters brought on by heavy downpours from typhoon Vamco.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/855947-disaster-officials-warn-of-phuket-flood-landslide-dangers/

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Thai Authorities Intensify Laws on Child Pornography

Those who possess pornography showing under aged individuals for personal entertainment purposes are liable for a jail term of up to five years and/or a maximum fine of 100,000 baht

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/855948-thai-authorities-intensify-laws-on-child-pornography/

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The Nation's letter to NCPO chief
JINTANA PANYAARVUDH
Managing Editor

BANGKOK: -- PERTAINING to the detention of our senior reporter Pravit Rojanaphruk, who was "invited" by the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) to report himself on Sunday and detained without proper charges, The Nation calls for him to be released immediately.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/855772-the-nation-demands-immediate-release-of-reporter/page-3?p=9854729#entry9854729

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Thailand's fishing compliance over 80% completed
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Thailand has taken actions on more than 80 per cent of the items required to ensure compliance to the European Union (EU) regulations on illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing (IUU), according to the Fisheries Department.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/855951-thailands-fishing-compliance-over-80-completed/

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Thailand's Future Doesn't Lie in the Past
By William Pesek

BANGKOK: -- After taking power nearly 16 months ago, Thai coup leaders sought to banish all traces of former leader Thaksin Shinawatra from public life. It's more than a little ironic that they're now embracing his economic policies.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/855952-thailands-future-doesnt-lie-in-the-past/

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Malaysia, Thailand Agree to Build Border Wall Amid Trafficking Woes
By Prashanth Parameswaran

The two countries will jointly construct a barrier against cross-border crime.

BANGKOK: -- Malaysia and Thailand have agreed to build a wall along their common border next year amid growing concerns about human trafficking.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/855953-malaysia-thailand-agree-to-build-border-wall-amid-trafficking-woes/

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Party ousts Australian PM Abbott for more moderate rival
ROD McGUIRK, Associated Press

CANBERRA, Australia (AP) — Australia's ruling conservatives ousted beleaguered Prime Minister Tony Abbott as party leader Monday evening in a change that could signal a different Australian response to climate change and allow for a more moderate agenda that could include recognition of gay marriage.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/855954-australian-pm-tony-abbott-ousted-by-malcolm-turnbull/