Thaksin is in Brunei

After former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra has quitted from his position and left Thailand due to a coup on 19 September 2006, now Thailand still has many problems concerning a politic like competing between Puea Thai party and Prachatipat party including red-shirt's protest and the bombing in front of King Power shop on Rangnam Road a few days ago which might involve the election that will take place soon in Bangkok. So, when I heard the news, I am very concerned about this.

Although, Mr. Thaksin Shinawatra has left Thailand for 4 years, however, the Thai government still kept an eye on him continually like "where he is, "what he is doing?". According to a Foreign Ministry source, now Mr. Thaksin is in Brunei. He has visited 2 countries which are Cambodia and Brunei. He also has been treated very well when he visited these countries, nevertheless, Phithak Phrombubpha wanted to maintain a relation between Thailand and Brunei. On the other hand, Panich Vikitsreth, a Democrat MP for Bangkok and Chavanont Intarakomalsut, secretary to the foreign minister, confirmed Thaksin was staying near Thailand. They knew this information from messages posted on Twitter accounts. Therefore, Thaksin did not play much Twitter recently to keep him as secret.

In my opinion, I consider that everything which involves a politic is so boring and I really hope that someone can help making the situation better. According to the news, I agree with the government that they still keep an eye on Thaksin, not only where he is but also what he isdoing as I think he is the main cause of all the problems. Therefore, this is a good solution to watch out for the stability of Thailand and make a peace occured in Thailand again.

Credit : http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/politics/193309/thaksin-has-gone-to-brunei

The Emergency Decree will be abolished in Bangkok as the last province

Since red shirt''s protest occurred in April, 2010 which affected the happening of unrest in Thailand. I felt extremely worry about it as Thailand is my beloved country and hometown. I don't want the situation like this happened again due to it causes many damages to our life and property of Thai people. Moreover, it also influences to Thailand's image and economy. I think it's a good solution that Thailand's Prime Minister, Abhisit Vejjajiva declared to use the Emergency Decree and I am hopint the situation will be ended and get back to normal as soon as possible.

After Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva proclaimed to use the Emergency Decree in several provinces of Thailand for 4 months where the unrest situation occurred. It could make the situation of disquiet better continuously; therefore, the Emergency Decree forbids to form a group more than 5 people. However, it still happened many agitations like bombing in front of King Power shop on Rangnam Road few days ago. For the reason, Mr. Abhisit believed that Bangkok will be the last province where the Emergency Decree wouldl be abolished because the security agencies insisted that the situation in the northeastern had gotten back to normal already, but the decree is still used in Nonthaburi, Pathum Thani, Samut Prakan, Udon Thani, Khon Kaen, Nakhon Ratchasima. Moreover, the bombing also makes the security be increased.

According to the news, I agree with this because now Bangkok still has the situation of unrest like bombing, many agitations,etc. Besides that, I realized that Bangkok is the capital of Thailand, so it is the target of agitators. It should be acquired the highest security. As the more Bangkok is damaged, the more has an effect on Thailand's image. Therefore, I think that the government should proceed to use the Emergency Decree to maintain a peace in Thailand until all the situation will bounce back.

Credit : http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/politics/193246/bangkok-to-be-last-province-where-rule-to-be-kept

Samui and Green strategy

Nowadays, our environment is facing an enormous problem that's decrease of a large number of trees rapidly. I think the main cause of the problem involves an human action that is called "The deforestation". It's time we should stop to do this and turn to save our environment because I realize that everywhere that has many trees ,it is a pleasant place, and most of humans would like to live among a nature.

Who will know that just little trees can help a hotel business to continue?, but they know: Samui hoteliers. They realize that having many trees can aid small hotels to proceed their tourism's business. For this reason, they created their own project named " Green Strategy". They consider that planting a tree could make foreign tourists see that they are aware of nature conservation which attract many tourists, because most of tourists prefer to stay among a nature. Moreover, Green Strategy could be a good selling point of the hotels and it also could save their expenses. Since they started this project, they have saved the money about one million baht and they have got an Asean Green Hotel Award and three Green Leaves Awards as well.

In my opinion, I agree with the project as I think not only it can be a point of sale for small businesses in order to move on, but it also can solve many environmental problems. Without maintaining the trees, the world will be much warmer and became a major problem like "Global Warming" which is the most serious problem currently. Therefore, I think that it's time we should end to do many actions and activities that cause of occurring the global warming and focus on saving our environment and our world together.


Credit : http://www.bangkokpost.com/business/tourism/191257/samui-hotelier-thrives-on-green-strategy

Prices of bottled water

Water is one of living's basic factors for human and it seems to be the most important factor as well because all humans must use water for living, they use water everyday such as drinking, taking a shower, washing dishes, watering plants, and many more. As for me too, I mostly use the water for drinking because my mother told me that drinking much water would make me have a good health. However, she also teach me that the more I consume it, the more I have to save it in order to have the water to use in the future.

Currently, water is sold in several different forms like in a glass or in a bottle, but most is in a bottle form. For selling a bottled water, it has many different prices depending on places; for example, the roadside shops would sell the bottled water cheaper than many luxurious restaurants, pubs, or hotels. It affected to be a problem concerning selling too expensive bottled water which many consumers faced the problem and came out to petition about this. Therefore, Department of Internal Trade (DIT) offered a standard price of selling a 500 -600cc bottle at 7 baht and 14 baht for a 1.5-liter bottle, but the price control excepts some places such as movie theaters, roadside areas, hotels. However, DIT has postponed the approval to September 1st due to many traders claimed that It's hard to respond for consumer's need.

As for me, I have also ever met this problem in many restaurants that prices of bottled water are extremely high. For example, one bottled water cost to 40 or 50 baht, when I saw the prices, I wondered why it's such expensive for a small bottled water as over all the shops sell it only about 7-10 baht, though it has the same quantity and quality. I think it's unfair for consumers like us and I agree that the department focused to protect for consumers' rights.

Credit : http://www.bangkokpost.com/business/economics/192188/bottled-up-consumer-frustrations-spill-over

Star beach campaign

When the long holidays are coming, the first thing that will become a major issue of most people is "Where will they go?" that means go to a mountain or a sea. However, it seems that tourism- location which most people prefer to go is "the sea". I agree with this because I believe that the sea is a place where we can do many activities and enjoy together with our family which is better than the mountain. I think everybody likes everything that involves the sea such as a beautiful scenery, sunshine, beach, island, etc. I always go to the sea with my family on the holidays, too.

Thailand has many seas which are so popular with many foreign tourists : Phuket Island, Samed Island, Samui Island, Chang Island, etc. For maintaining the wonderful seas, the Pollution Control Department started the "Star beach" campaign. Each beach will receive a star rating which shows a quality of the beach. The survey results of 233 beaches found that only six beaches that got five-stars rating. It makes the Pollution Control Department really worries about it. They considered that the main cause which affects the unclean beaches is waste water emission. However, they mentioned that waste water treatment also could solve the problem and lead us having a good quality of water. In addition, they really hope that the star rating will encourage people in those local area turn to realize in environment protection.

As for me, I am part of the people who want to see a beautiful beach once again and for that reason I strongly agree with the campaign above. To award beaches star rating gives the opportunities and encouragement for the local people to upgrade their beaches for higher stars. Many stars shows that the beach is clean and safe. Moreover, it attracts tourists to come and spend their precious time on the beautiful beach in Thailand. It makes Thai economy raise up and increase of tourism.

Credit : http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/local/188989/sea-of-sewage-strips-thai-beaches-of-five-star-rating

The coral bleaching in Andaman Sea

A coral reef seems to be the most wonderful scenery in a sea which many tourists and divers have an interest in it. When they go to the sea, the first thing that they desire to do is diving to see the scenery of the sea. Not only a coral reef but also many kind of fish that are very interesting. When I was young, my parents always brought me and my younger brother to the sea on the holidays. Every time I arrived there, I was also one of many people who wanted to wear a snorkel and dived to watch the sight of the sea first.

Andaman Sea is one of the most famous sea in my country, Thailand. Andaman Sea is well-known by many divers all over the world that has more than 80 square kilometers of coral reefs for watching. Although, the coral reefs could make the sea has a wonderful sight but there is a natural phenomenon which is called "Bleaching Phenomenon" is destroying them. The main cause of occurred phenomenon is the increasing temperature of the sea. It causes death of many coral reefs. Moreover, the sunlight can destroy the coral as well. Unfortunately, the bleached coral reefs takes a long time to save. The more coral reefs are deep, the more time we spend to recover them. Furthermore, the phenomenon won't happen only in Andaman sea but it also expand occurring to Satun province.

In my opinion, I feel so depressed to hear this news because I love watching the coral reef same as many people who don't want to see the most beautiful scenery of the sea like coral reefs are destroyed. According to this news, the warmth of the sea causes the bleaching phenomenon. I realize that the phenomenon might be related to global warming which is the problem that consist from human activities. Therefore, I think everyone should participate in solving the problem by resisting some activities that affect the global warming. I consider that if we can reduce the problem of global warming, the opportunity that coral reefs will be damaged by bleaching will be decreased too.

Credit : http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/local/36984/andaman-sea-coral-reefs-hit-by-bleaching

Ihub Media marketed Facebook in Thailand

Internet is one of several ways of people's communication which has the highest users all over the world because the internet seems to be the fastest channel of communication. Moreover, the internet also has many options which are known worldwide such as Window Live Messenger (MSN), Hi5, Twitter, Blogger, Skype, etc. However, the option which is the most popular currently is "Facebook".

There are approximately 4.5 million Facebook users in
Thailand. They use Facebook to communicate with other people through the computers or mobile phones (Iphone, Blackberry,). Facebook provides many applications such as Facebook Page, Facebook Chat, and Facebook Game. For these reasons, Ihub Media which is partner of Facebook in Asia decided to increase the seventh branches in Thailand. Ihub Media chief operating officer, George Foo said that Facebook has come to be the most popular social network and Thailand is a country which has Facebook's growth rapidly. Facebook services both Facebook users and advertisers. The advertising services that is Homepage Ads and Ads space unit which both of them have different charges. Ihub Media had signed contracts with ten advertisers about two months after having established the office in Thailand. However, George Foo also expects to have many Facebook customers in the future.

As for me, I am one of many people who are Facebook users as well. I usually use Facebook to communicate with my friends and other people. It also makes me have more friends and societies. Besides that, I can enjoy Facebook applications which there are many games and quizzes are provided. According to the news, I think that not only Facebook's growth will not stop but it also have a large number of users more and more in few years.

Credit : http://www.bangkokpost.com/tech/technews/189367/ihub-media-taps-into-facebook-growth

New smart car tag

Currently, there are approximately 22 million car owners in Thailand. All cars must have a car tags which are provided by the Thai Department of Land Transportation to show that those cars have been paid for the taxes. A car robbery is one of many problems which happened frequently in Thailand, therefore, Thai government and Thailand Transport Portal find the way to solve this problem.

The Department of Land Transport (DLT) offers Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology as a new system of annual tax payment badge for the car owners. The RFID system comprises two parts, smart tag and smart pass which are provided together with RFID chip with the memory of 64 kilobytes. Moreover, it also can indicate details of the car, color, car model, registration numbers. Smart pass is an RFID tag which will connect with a new government RFID network, DLT, and The Royal Thai Police directly in order to receive information in real time. Furthermore, whenever cars have any problems, the location of those cars will be sent immediately to DLT. Smart RFID registration costs 120 bath and will be released to the public on 11^th of August, 2010.

In my opinion, I think that is a good idea to bring technology to apply for the benefit. The price is not too expensive comparing to benefit that car's owners will get. It makes the car owners not to concern about their safety and also help the police convenient in working. I hope that when we start using this smart car tags, it can decrease the car robbery in Thailand.

Credit: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/home/2010/07/27/technology/New-car-tags-available-next-month-30134625.html

Goodbye to Mark

Thailand's social currently giving opinion is a thing that all people are able to do such as giving opinion about news, value, person action any situation etc. Certainly, Not only in Thailand but all people in another country also can do this. Although, we can show what we think, However, giving opinion to public should be in the polite and appropriate words otherwise the situation like this news might be occurred.

Academy Fantasia(AF) contest continues to the seventh season already. AF is one of singing contest in Thailand which picks and chooses twelve participants called "Dreamers" from four parts of Thailand every year. This year, the contest has a problem concerning one of the dreamers named "Mark" or Withawat Thaokhamlue appeared with his parents to announce his decision to withdraw from Academy Fantasia season 7 due to the criticizing to Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva on his Facebook page with inappropriate words. He confessed that he has posted those messages and apologized to public including the prime minister. He said that he wrote those messages without awareness and he would like society to give him another chance.

I think this news could be a good example for any Thai teenagers which giving their own opinion on the internet, what they should write or shouldn't as the internet is a worldwide media. Moreover, it could make Thai teenagers aware and use language carefully more and more. Finally, giving opinion is a capable thing but should be written in appropriate words.

Credit: http://www.bangkokpost.com/breakingnews/186177/mark-v11-withdraws-from-show

Uncle Boonmee: Palme d'Or winner in cinema today

There are many Thai films which are on showtime today such as Tukky, 8E88, Pop star, Sorry Saranghaeyo, etc. However, the movie that's being observed mostly is "Uncle Boonmee" which just won Palme d'Or at the Cannes film festival. I think this award is the honor of Thai Cinema Association and it could be an inspiration in working hard of many Thai directors.

"Uncle Boonmee Who Can Recall His Past Lives" was directed by Apichatpong Weerasethakul, concerning a man who is dying from kidney failure as the ghost of his dead wife returned to tend him and his long-lost son came home in the form of a furry jungle spirit. This movie takes place in the Northeast and characters speak in their own language which is Isan. Moreover, it also describes about local culture, belief, value and living of people in that area. "Uncle Boonme" got the highest honor in the world, the Palme d'Or at the Cannes film festival 2010. It makes Thai Cinema Association is kept an eye on by many viewers all over the world and makes people who are fans of Apichatpong or who don't, interest and want to see this movie. Uncle Boonmee got the innocuous 15-plus label and will be publicized on one screen at SFX Emporium for Thai people could have chance to watch this Thai honorary movie.

In my opinion, I feel very proud with this news as one of Thai people. I think this award is a pride of Thai Cinema Association absolutely and it is an honour award of Thai director as Apichatpong Weerasethakul as well. Besides that, It also makes Thai movies to be famous and attracted by many viewers all over the world to follow up on Thai movies. Not only that I tell you but I think it could an inspiration and encourage Thai teenagers who want to be the directors to work hard for success like Apichatpong.


Credit: http://www.bangkokpost.com/entertainment/movie/182494/uncle-boonmee-in-cinema-today

Bangkok voted to be the world's best city

Bangkok is the capital city of Thailand which is my hometown. I think Thailand is one of the countries which has a beautiful scenery such as Samui Island, Phukradung, Phuket Island, Doi Tung and etc. From this reason, I chose this news in order to congratulate to my beloved hometown.

Bangkok gained the result of voting as the world's best city awards from readers' survey, followed by Chiang Mai in the magazine Travel+Leisure's 2010. The survey was proceeded before the red shirt rallies in May. The others cities that ranked in the top five consisted of Florence in Italy, San Miguel de Allende in Mexico and Rome in Italy. Bangkok Governor Mr. Sukhumbhand Paribatra is glad to get this award and he will go to New York to receive the award by next week. He thinks it shows that Bangkok is still popular in sight of foreign tourists.

From this news, I am very pleased with this enormous award same as Bangkok Governor and all Thai people. I think this award shows that Bangkok is a wonderful place which foreign tourists shouldn't miss to visit. Consequently, not only it benefits to Thai's economy but it's also a pride of Thai citizen.

Credit :http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/transport/186183/bangkok-voted-world-best-city

Fines for vehicles which use BRT lanes

Nowadays, Thailand has an enormous problem of traffic congestion. Therefore, the government provided the buses which have their own lanes to solve this problem. These buses are called "BRT"(Bus Rapid Transit). Thus, whenever there are new transportation channels, the traffic law is also added undoubtedly. I chose this news because I desire that all commuters to understand and realize about the traffic law.

Since the government launched BRT, there are more than 50 motorists have been fined for using the BRT lanes which would cost about 400 to 1,000 bath without any exception. The police announced to public through various medias that personal vehicles are not allowed to use the BRT lanes because it's infraction to the traffic law. Moreover, those motorists are taking an advantage of other commuters from snatching BRT lanes as well. The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration(BMA) launched a three-month free trial run of first line from Chong Nonsi to the intersection of Ratchadapisek and Ratchaphruek roads. The BMA hopes BRT servicing can encourage people to stop using their own vehicles and bring the success in solving problem of traffic congestion.

I agreed with this news as the announcement would make people know what they should and should not do as violating the traffic law is the wrong thing and people who do it must be penalized, so I chose this news and I hope it can make people who use the vehicles realize and respect the traffic law along with knowing and comprehending to it.

Credit : http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/transport/181440/police-to-fine-brt-exploiters

Comics can be a good English teacher

Most of students currently prefer to read comic books more and more, especially Manga from Japan. From this behavior of those students, it makes teachers interest to use comic books for teaching seriously. I chose this news because I think this is a good way to encourage and stimulate those students turn to interest in studying English.

This news mentioned to Western comic patterns which most of them would be formed in pocket-book size or A4 page size. Comics which are useful to improve reading and vocabulary that are Super Heroes comics. On the other hand, comics such as Dracula or Frankenstein are useful as the story lines, they can also help to improve and develop reading, writing and speaking of those students. Regarding the reading, long stories or short stories can be used in different purpose. The long stories can be useful for extensive reading and short stories can be useful in presenting vocabulary. For writing, students can use the pattern of the original ideas from some famous writers but add their own ideas or how the story going. For Speaking, when students read and understand a story, they can be requested to act out the dialogue as a radio play by adding life to it through their action.

I agree with this news as I think at present many teenagers prefer to read comics instead of reading academic books. This is a good idea to use comic books as one of medias to teach them English. This would makes students have fun in learning English and also attracts some students who do not like to learn English can improve their language skills.

Credit : http://www.bangkokpost.com/life/education/186050/taking-comics-seriously

The Intelligent Thai students won gold and silver medals at International Mathematical Olympiad

Currently, Education of Thailand has developed and sent more Thai kids to many stages of competitions. In my point of view, I see that it’s important to support talent teenagers to go beyond, not just only study and study. Thus, I chose this news because this opportunity has given a lot of chances for kids that has a great capability.

Thai students from six different secondary schools did very great job by winning one gold and five silver medals at 51st International Mathematical Olympiad competition in Kazakhstan. There are various participants in this competition and Thailand finished in the fifth place. The gold medal goes to Srinakharinwirot University Pathumwan Demonstration School which is known as the top ranked school in Thailand by Nipun Pitimana-aree. Furthermore, students from Triam-udom Suksa School and Mahidol Witthayanusorn School won the sliver medals as well.

From this news, I feel so proud on them that Thai students were able to do it too. And I think that all Thai people also have a same feeling as me. In my opinion, I think it's a right thing to support them to have a good opportunity like this in order to prove that Thai students also can win the competitions and bring successes to Thailand.

Credit : http://www.bangkokpost.com/life/education/186019/it-all-adds-up-to-success

Thongchai hard practices to play in PGA Championship

The most famous golfer in Thailand among all the other players. Thongchai Jaidee, who became the first Thai golf player to attend all the big tournaments in the same year after he had confirmed to play in PGA championship in August. He play a numerous role in the golfer profession which influenced many kids who have the dream to be a professional golfer like him to have more courage. This news article is very influential and it shows that he is trying hard to keep his rank in place.

Recently, he is one of the golfer whom remain in the top 100 of the World's golf rankings. He ranked in the 51st best golfer that's why he is able to play in the PGA championship this year. According to the news, he is trying hard to stabilize his place(50th) to get ready for the PGA champion ship in WGC-Bridgestone Invitational in Ohio.

In my opinion, I agree with his attempt for working hard in order to accomplish what he planed which is to be one the top ranking. What he did can be a model to young teenagers to follow. He is the idol of all young Thai golfers because my cousin wanted to be like him. Lastly, he is hard working man in my point of view.

Credit: http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/sports/184323/thongchai-to-play-in-pga-championship

Fans surprised Paradorn Srichaphan announced to retire from professional tennis

In Thailand, there is one expert tennis player who used to be a champion of ATP Tour for 5 times. His named is Paradorn Srichaphan. He announced to the public that he was going to retire from the professional tennis. His fans were so shocked to hear that news. That is the reason why I chose this news.

After wrist injury, Paradorn Srichaphan would not be able to play an ATP event anymore because of a persistent wrist injury and he also suffered accident from motorbike racing. From that accident affected on his leg cause it's was broken. Although he could not play tennis anymore but he still in tennis professions as a coach for Captain Davis team. He was not only be a good tennis player but he also had a lot of fans that followed him all over the world. In Thailand, people know him as Thai Cultural Ambassador. Moreover, he is an idol for many Thai tennis players as he was the most successful tennis player in Thailand.

In my opinion, I regret to hear this news because he is a very good at tennis and he actually made it through the world tournament which made him famous especially for Thai people. Thus, it's that Thailand had to loss another professional tennis player “Paradorn Srichaphan”.

credit : http://www.menstennisblog.info/2010/06/paradorn-srichaphan-announced-his.html