This Week in Thailand: 20th-26th August 2010

This is a review of what happened in Thailand during the last week based on topics that I tweeted. You can follow me live for latest news about Thailand @RichardBarrow.

Friday 20th August 2010:

US Presses Thailand on Extradition Case for Merchant of Death (VOA) http://is.gd/epjSa #
Red Shirt v Yellow Shirt: Thailand’s political struggle (The Independent) http://is.gd/epkiv #
WikiLeaks still available in Thailand & now at dedicated website http://www.thaileaks.info (Straits Times) http://is.gd/epk8l #
Ayutthaya, Chon Buri & Petchburi are shortlisted as host city for World Expo 2020 (The Nation) http://is.gd/epkOG #
Interior Minister Chavarat suffers food poisoning after going to Banharn’s birthday bash /BkkPost #
Obituary for Allen Quicke, Editor-in-Chief of Asia Times Online, who died in Hua Hin on Tuesday night http://bit.ly/dAcZ2s #
Appeals Court rules to extradite alleged arms dealer Viktor Bout to US to face terrorism charges /BkkPost #
Thailand: 2.3 million pay tax. 60,000 earn more than 4 million/year & 2,400 earn more than 10 million/year (BkkPost) #
Newsweek: Thailand rated 58th for World’s Best Countries. Rated for quality of life, political environment, education… #
AirAsia now flies Kuala Lumpur to Hat Yai (already flies to Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Krabi & Phuket) http://bit.ly/c88SWY #
Puea Thai get permission from their fortune tellers to move Party HQ. New place has better feng shui http://bit.ly/9aBpOX #
Aussie Conor David Purcell, held over Thai protests can now go home http://bit.ly/bAckOj #
Red Shirt Conor Purcell was sentenced to 45 days but is released as he has already spent 89 days waiting in a Thai jail! #
Remote-control aircraft crashes into Phuket temple – http://is.gd/eqUzo #

Saturday 21st August 2010:

How the U.S. Got ‘Merchant of Death’ Extradited – CBS News – http://is.gd/erWLs #
Obama Administration Wins One in Thailand – Newsweek – http://is.gd/esMzi #
Cyberactivists unblock Wikileaks for Thai Netizens (AP) http://is.gd/esMPV #
ICT: “Wikileaks is not blocked by us, but may not be accessible because of a technical server glitch.” http://j.mp/anxLb2 #
The new Thai wikileaks site http://www.thaileaks.info has “no official ties” to Wikileaks (AP) http://j.mp/anxLb2 #
The Joe Louis Puppet Theatre at Suan Lum Night Bazaar will close down next week. #
I’m with @thaicam & the TAT heading to Ratchaburi Province to do some product testing – http://www.RichardBarrow.com #
I’m at Suan Silp Ban Din in Ratchaburi which is a home to performing arts. http://twitpic.com/2gopza #
At Suan Silp Ban Din they perform for the public. There’s homestay. http://twitpic.com/2gp4dt http://twitpic.com/2gorkp #
We’re now at Tao Hong Tai Ceramics Factory in Ratchaburi. This province is famous for ceramics http://twitpic.com/2gpbcm #
There are 59 ceramic factories in Ratchaburi. This one is 60 years old & one of the oldest. http://twitpic.com/2gpch1 #
We’re having lunch at Cowboy Cafe on Highway in Ratchaburi. http://twitpic.com/2gpro1 http://twitpic.com/2gprg4 #
Cowboy Cafe is a good place to stop when heading south to Hua Hin. http://twitpic.com/2gps5l http://twitpic.com/2gps7c #
RT @Kru_note: @RichardBarrow Hi, I’m one of ur follower. Just wanna tell u that the lamb chops @ Cowboy is good ? #
RT @Soniccondo: Where is this Cowboy cafe exactly? => See map http://twitpic.com/2gqot1 http://twitpic.com/2gqoqs #
RT @gilestalbot: Heading to BKK in 3 weeks, what’s the weather like? => Good chance of monsoon rain but not so hot. Won’t rain all day. #
Staying at the Hyatt Regency in Hua Hin. Pic of my room & view. http://twitpic.com/2grggv http://twitpic.com/2grgir #
We’re doing the inspection of Hyatt Regency + spa in Hua Hin now. http://twitpic.com/2grpb9 http://twitpic.com/2grpex #
In Hua Hin they apparently have a problem with jelly fish during the rainy season. http://twitpic.com/2grr2r #
The sea in Hua Hin is looking very green today! http://twitpic.com/2grw64 http://twitpic.com/2grw61 #
The green sea in Hua Hin apparently started today and expected to last only a few days. http://twitpic.com/2gs1sc #
At least the sea in Hua Hin is green & not red or yellow! http://twitpic.com/2gs6qe #
We’re eating at Supatra-by-the-Sea in Hua Hin. Delicious food & excellent sea views. http://twitpic.com/2gsaf3 #
Best thing about TAT trips is the food but I haven’t lost the 2 kilos I gained on the last trip yet! Food too tempting. #
We’re at Vic Hua Hin for a theatrical performance. Meeting with Khunying Patravadi first. http://twitpic.com/2gsx8a #

Sunday 22nd August 2010:

Good morning from the beach in Hua Hin! http://twitpic.com/2gzq8b #
Early morning merit making at the Hyatt Regency in Hua Hin. http://twitpic.com/2gzqbb #
It is low tide in Hua Hin this morning and the sea is not so green today. No rain also means no jellyfish. http://twitpic.com/2gzsqa #
Wow! I’m walking along the beach in Hua Hin and I just saw three dolphins playing in the sea! #
Would love to relax here all day but we have to check out now & inspect another 5 star hotel! http://twitpic.com/2h07z2 #
Inspecting the Asara Villa & Suite in Hua Hin. They have a lot of greenery here by the beach. http://twitpic.com/2h1b1c #
This room at Asara Villa has it’s own private pool for 10,900B http://twitpic.com/2h1o4b http://twitpic.com/2h1o48 #
The presidential suite at Asara Villa is only 48K Baht this week! http://twitpic.com/2h1r1p http://twitpic.com/2h1qp7 #
Really beautiful & peaceful here at Asara Villa & Suite in Hua Hin http://twitpic.com/2h22oo http://twitpic.com/2h22of #
Food at Khan Nam Restaurant Hua Hin! http://twitpic.com/2h2m81 http://twitpic.com/2h2ldo http://twitpic.com/2h2l7x #
Picture of @thaicam looking confused about which toilet to use! http://twitpic.com/2h30dj http://twitpic.com/2h30cw #
The Royal waiting room at Hua Hin Railway Station. Very beautiful. http://twitpic.com/2h3iem http://twitpic.com/2h3ijw #
Steam train & old carriages turned into a library on Hua Hin. http://twitpic.com/2h3jdq http://twitpic.com/2h3j82 #
We’re inspecting Let’s Sea Hua Hin Al Fresco Resort http://www.letussea.com http://twitpic.com/2h3pb2 #
Poolside rooms at Let’s Sea Hua Hin are 9,000 baht. http://twitpic.com/2h4734 http://twitpic.com/2h482n #
The rooms on the 2nd floor at Let’s Sea Hua Hin are 11,000 baht http://twitpic.com/2h49ki http://twitpic.com/2h49ki #
Tonight we are staying at Aleenta Hua Hin and I can only say WOW! Best room with a view so far! http://www.aleenta.com #
My room at Aleenta Hua Hin looking East out to sea. Wonderful! http://twitpic.com/2h53xa http://twitpic.com/2h53y5 #
Excuse me while I jump into my private Jacuzzi with the spectacular sea view. Have I told you yet, I really love my job! #
My room doesn’t have a TV but who needs one when the bed is pointing towards the sea. Should be a great sunrise tomorrow! #
[moblog] Thai Ladyboy Toilets: Today we came across some toilets for people who are neither boy or girl. This sign… http://bit.ly/cwZJEd #

Monday 23rd August 2010:

Good morning from the beach in Hua Hin. Doors of my room are open & I can only hear the surf. http://twitpic.com/2hbbma #
Tourist arrivals to Myanmar up 37%: Thailand was the biggest source of visitors to Myanmar http://is.gd/exmQ8 #
The popular visa-on-arrival scheme in Myanmar, started in May, will stop on September 1 ahead of the November elections. #
Picture of the view I am enjoying while eating breakfast this lovely Monday morning! http://twitpic.com/2hc53y #
I’m having a lovely stroll along the beach in Pranburi, Thailand. Not a soul in sight! http://twitpic.com/2hcipw #
Picture of my room at Aleenta, Pranburi, from the beach & inside. http://twitpic.com/2hcqbc http://twitpic.com/2hcmfn #
This 2 floor room at Aleenta Pranburi is only 5,400 baht. Special price. Shared pool. http://twitpic.com/2hd4rb #
This spacious room at Aleenta Pranburi has a verandah with direct access to the pool. 5,300B http://twitpic.com/2hd71d #
We’re now inspecting Villa Maroc Pranburi http://www.villamarocresort.com http://twitpic.com/2hdadp #
This suite at Villa Maroc, with a 4 meter high door, is 30,000B. http://twitpic.com/2hdcst http://twitpic.com/2hdd02 #
This 2 storey villa at Villa Maroc Pranburi is 17,000B & comes with 1.2 meter deep pool. http://twitpic.com/2hdgwc #
Villa Maroc is like walking through a Moroccan village. Colorful! http://twitpic.com/2hdlp6 http://twitpic.com/2hdlp0 #
Heading back to Bangkok after the 3 day trip. Just started pouring with rain which is good timing. We were lucky with weather. #
Most people driving back from Hua Hin will stop at Phetchaburi to buy food souvenirs. http://twitpic.com/2hfea1 #
Souvenirs for Thai people means food! http://twitpic.com/2hff6o http://twitpic.com/2hfeza http://twitpic.com/2hffb7 #

Tuesday 24th August 2010:

Thailand to resume diplomatic ties with Cambodia after the resignation of Thaksin (BBC) http://is.gd/ezDpa #
Piranha 3D Sequel Announced, Might Be Set in Thailand at Full Moon http://is.gd/ezE1B #
King’s rainmakers take to skies to ease Thai drought – http://is.gd/ezEQv #
‘Merchant of Death’ in Thailand transferred to isolation cell http://bit.ly/bZIIEp #
Today is the Hungry Ghost Festival (Sart Chin Day) in Thailand for people with Chinese ancestors. http://bit.ly/1JoUDb #
Miss Thailand Fonthip Watcharatrakul wins Miss Photogenic & national costume awards at Miss Universe 2010 /MCOT #
Thailand’s Largest Buddhist Temple Goes Wireless http://bit.ly/9OtP1Y #
Canadian tourist dies in fall from train in Ratchaburi Province, Thailand http://bit.ly/9jP7tC #
Victor Bout to be extradited on Wednesday to US. Heavy security will escort him from Bang Kwang to the airport /Nation #
@Saksith Also, I think someone wants to get rid of a hot potato quickly. They had 3 months to deport Victor Bout in reply to Saksith #
This fad may kill you: Korean trends tagged with deadly warnings in Thailand by @bkkapologist http://bit.ly/bnUgqa #
Top 10 favourite iPhone apps for @ladykarla45 http://bit.ly/9Z1VKE #
@ladykarla45 I am new to iPhone (smartphones) too so any suggestions are good! In fact I haven’t been doing twitter long! in reply to ladykarla45 #
Video of NGV car on fire on Theparak Rd, Samut Prakan today (media there before fire trucks) http://bit.ly/c7Kznq #
Chelsea to play in Thailand for the first time in 14 years during its off-season tour ahead of the 2011-12 season (AP) #
What happens if you eat nothing but Thai street food for a month? Save money and put on weight or the other way round? #
Soon I will try an experiment to see if I will save money by eating out every day. Follow my quest at @EnjoyThaiFood #
RT @thethaireport: If you buy food from a local market & cook it yourself, it’s cheaper than eating out => I disagree! #
I usually cook most of my meals and I do a mixture of Western and Thai dishes. Ingredients can be expensive. So can electricity bill. #
I reckon if I eat out every day I will ultimately save money on my supermarket and electricity bills. #
My experiment will start on 1 Sep and last one month. You can follow the Thai food adventures incl. pics @EnjoyThaiFood #

Wednesday 25th August 2010:

After Years of Upheaval, Not All Is Well With Thailand?s Youth – NYTimes.com – http://is.gd/eBDUt #
News crews have been staking out Bang Kwang Prison all night waiting for Victor Bout to be extradited /via @thaicam #
Chelsea promise top squad for friendly in Thailand in July 2011 (Bangkok Post) – http://is.gd/eBENT #
Some sources say there are still charges against Viktor Bout so legally he cannot leave until they’re dropped. #
Statement from Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs regarding Viktor Bout’s case http://bit.ly/dnWjVV #
Armed guards outside prison but no sign of convoy taking Victor Bout to military airbase /via @Coalporter #
Viktor Bout’s wife on edge, throws water bottle at cameraman in front of Bang Kwang Prison /via @Coalporter #
Map showing Bang Kwang Prison, where Viktor Bout is held, in relation to the airport http://bit.ly/cqfBO6 #
Viktor Bout won’t be extradited to the US this morning as not all cases have been cleared. No indication of when yet. #
Sirichoke Sopha, a Dem MP denies having asked Viktor Bout to implicate Thaksin in arms trade during his visit /BkkPost #
Gen Sonthi Boonyaratkalin has written a book “The Truth” about the Sept 19, 2006 coup. Published soon! /BkkPost #
Yellow Shirt protest along Cambodian border foiled by Thai troops (Phnom Penh Post) http://bit.ly/cKhDLc #

Thursday 26th August 2010:

Sondhi led 79 PADs to report themselves to [police] to acknowledge charges on two airport seizures in 2008 /TANN #
Viktor Bout’s lawyer stayed overnight at Bang Kwan prison, citing he doesn’t trust the Thai gov’t /via @Juarawee #
Live broadcast with multi-cameras on CH.3 showing a 300 kilo Thai woman being forklifted out of her apartment. #
They are trying to fit the 300 kilo woman into an ambulance now. Live broadcast continues on CH.3 #
Pics of “forklift” & the 300 kilo Thai woman http://twitpic.com/2i82kz http://twitpic.com/2i8ehg /via @bangkokgovernor #
Pic of @bangkokgovernor holding umbrella as 300 kilo Thai woman is extracted from her apartment http://twitpic.com/2i8e8o #
Leicester ‘takeover’ yet to be ratified by Football League as “fit & proper” check has not been done http://bit.ly/bwynV5 #
Another foreigner has been arrested for alleged involvement in the anti-government red shirt protests http://bit.ly/arqDaK #
Keith Bush was arrested when he flew into Suvarnabhumi Airport. An arrest warrant said he tried to burn down a town hall. #
A 130 meter long skywalk between Makkasan Station and MRT subway on Phetchaburi Rd will be complete next year /BkkPost #
300-kilogram Thai woman takes crane to hospital http://bit.ly/b38dFP #
BMA ready to cancel BRT in 4 months if BKK residence not satisfied, admits 60% of car owners not happy /via @Tulip_Oum #
Vegetarian Festival starts 7th October 2010. I will “gin jay” for 10 days. Follow my vegetarian adventure @EnjoyThaiFood #
This afternoon, HRH Princess Srirasmi, the Princess Consort to the Crown Prince, flew to Laos http://bit.ly/b01gRe
274-kilogramme Thai woman has a tumor in her right leg. Leaves home for first time in 3 years http://bit.ly/aKrLYg #
If they decide to cancel the BRT bus service, they should consider China’s straddling bus http://youtu.be/Hv8_W2PA0rQ #
“Bangkok blames the international media” by the BBC’s Alastair Leithead (@aleithead) http://bbc.in/cbvI3F #
Alastair Leithead: Social media, especially Twitter, saw a frenzy of anti-media sentiment which verged on a witch hunt #
RT @somtow: BACC turned off the air con during our concert!!! RT: @Trisdee: So much for Bangkok’s support for the arts #
This evening, Princess Chulabhorn flew to the Republic of Korea. She will return on 1 Sep. http://bit.ly/aiaGcl #