Bangkok Prep raises THB 432,000 for libraries

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May 112013
 

Bangkok International Preparatory and Secondary School (Bangkok Prep) raised 432,000 Baht to support the the Always Reading Caravan (ARC) and the Neilson Hays Library during the school’s annual read-a-thon event. ARC provides reading opportunities – including mobile library services – for children in U-Thong district in Suphanburi and Phrao district in Chiang Mai. The Neilson Hays Library is a private English-language library in Bangkok.

You can read more about the money-raising event on the school’s website.

Bangkok to be World Book Capital

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Apr 222013
 

Bangkok is to be named by UNESCO as World Book Capital 2013.

Bangkok Book Capital

Activities and exhibitions are planned at the following locations:

  • Bangkok Art and Culture Center from April 21 to November 19
  • Siam Paragon Shopping Mall during April 21-25
  • Central World Shopping Mall during April 20-22

More details here:

Thailand’s international trade representative accused of secret offshore company

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Apr 042013
 

Thailand’s international trade representative Nalinee “Joy” Taveesin (นลินี ทวีสิน) has been accused of holding a secret offshore company in the British Virgin Islands.

Nalinee Taveesin - Thailand international trade representative

Nalinee Taveesin – Thailand international trade representative

According to the Guardian newspaper, Taveesin’s secretary said:

She [Taveesin] strongly affirmed that she had neither known nor heard about this so-called Hall Kingston. The information about her being [a company] shareholder is incorrect.

Source: http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2013/apr/04/offshore-secrets

Nalinee Taveesin is no stranger to controversy, having previously been blacklisted by the US government for her involvement with Grace Mugabe in Zimbabwe. According to the US Treasury website:

[...] Nalinee Joy Taveesin, a Thai businesswoman who has facilitated a number of financial, real-estate, and gem-related transactions on behalf of Grace Mugabe, Gideon Gono, and a number of other Zimbabwean Specially Designated Nationals (SDNs).   Ironically, Nalinee Taveesin has participated in a number of initiatives on corruption and growth challenges in Africa and Southeast Asia while secretly supporting the kleptocratic practices of one of Africa’s most corrupt regimes.

Source: http://www.treasury.gov/press-center/press-releases/Pages/hp1295.aspx

Floating library (MV Logos Hope) now in Bangkok

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Feb 252013
 

The world’s biggest floating library – the MV Logos Hope – is docked at Khlong Toey Port (ท่าเรือคลองเตย) and open to visitors from now until March 11. Opening times are 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Tuesday – Saturday, and 2 p.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday – Monday.

The ship is manned by volunteers working for a German Christian foundation, and many books are oriented to Christian themes. Its predecessor, the MV Dolous, proved popular with Thai visitors, especially those wanting to experience being on board a large ship. Along with its books, the ship provided some great photo opportunities.

Bangkok City Hall (BMA) to become library and museum

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Sep 112012
 

Bangkok City Hall is to become a new public library and museum after the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) relocates to a new facility in Din Daeng district.

The old city hall should provide spacious accommodation for a substantial library and museum facility. Bangkok governor MR Sukhumbhand Paribatra has already approved the change of use and the BMA will be seeking a firm to design the museum and library as soon as next month.

Research from this article:

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/national/Old-city-hall-to-become-museum-30186933.html

 

Are Thai people the world’s most unfaithful lovers?

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Aug 312012
 

The Bangkok Post has presented some confusing, most probably inaccurate, but nonetheless believable statistics identifying Thai men and women as some of the world’s most unfaithful lovers.

The article refers to an apparently unpublished report (we can’t find it anywhere) by the condom maker Durex in which it is claimed that Thai men (54%) and Thai women (59%) admitted to infidelity. Although by no means tarring all Thai people with the same brush (~40% are still faithful) it should come as no surprise that many Thai men and women are cheating on their husbands, wives, boyfriends and girlfriends.

Brothels and massage parlours are just about everywhere. Having a “kik” or bit-on-the-side seems to be the norm and appears to be nothing to be ashamed of. Minor wives or “mea noi” are also good if you can afford one.

http://www.bangkokpost.com/breakingnews/309732/thai-women-ranks-no-2-in-infidelity

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/national/Thai-infidelity-claim-brings-strong-denials-30189315.html

Apartment electricity costs under scrutiny

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Jul 242012
 

Apartment rents in central Bangkok start at about 2,500 to 6,000 baht per month, depending on location and apartment type. Small apartments (25 – 30 sq.m.) in popular areas of Sukhumvit, Silom and Ratchada generally cost 7,000 baht up, but some bargains can be found.

Unfortunately, many apartment owners boost their profits by charging inflated costs for electricity. Water, on the other hand, is cheap just about everywhere.

It’s not unusual to find apartments charging 7 or 8 baht per unit of electricity even though the actual cost is much lower. The Thai Consumer Protection Board (CPB) is now apparently investigating this problem.

According to the Bangkok Post (24/07/2012 p.4),  ”The CPB invited the MEA [Metropolitan Electricity Authority], a committee supervising electricity affairs, and an association of apartment operators to discuss the problem.”

Taiwanese man arrested with six roasted human foetuses [graphic]

 News, Uncategorized  1 Response »
Jul 122012
 

A man has been arrested in Bangkok after Thai police found six roasted human foetuses packed in his luggage. The Independent newspaper describes the man as of British nationality and Taiwanese origin, but the Independent News Network (a Thai language website) describes the man as Taiwanese.

Source: INN

The baby human foetuses were found wrapped in gold leaf and appear to have been prepared for black magic. Many Taiwanese people believe that human foetuses can be used to bring good luck in business.

Source: INN

 

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Serious fire at Fico Building, Asoke

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Mar 032012
 

A serious fire has broken out earlier today (Saturday 3 March 2012) at the Fico Building (Thai: ตึกฟิโก้) in Soi Asoke, Sukhumvit Soi 21. Initial reports in the Thai Daily News would suggest the fire started on the 7th floor at around 2.40 pm and then spread up to the 12th floor. Officials were unable to confirm the extent of the damage or whether there were any casualties in the office building.

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