CrazyExpat

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) has often been sidelined by bilateral dealings between China and Asean member-states. But on January 1, the organization scored a major victory when the free trade agreement (FTA) between China and Asean came into effect. The FTA was a logical follow-up to the facts on the ground: Trade between the two sides more than quadrupled between 2001 and 2009, from $41.6 billion to $213 billion. With the FTA in place, trade between China and Asean is expected to surpass that between the United States and Asean by the end of 2012. Also on the positive side, in late 2009, China and Asean decided to set up the $10 billion China-Asean Investment Cooperation Fund to underwrite infrastructure, energy, and information and communications technology projects across the region. Some Asean members have substantial reserves of resources such as oil, natural gas, coal and other commodities that China needs, and new infrastructure development will be required to access them. In return, Asean member-states and their flagship companies get access to the vast and growing Chinese market, highlighted in July by the pledge of Thailand’s CP Group to expand its retail business in China to 1,000 outlets over the coming decade. The full story of China-Asean relations, however, is a mix of good and bad. Both Thailand and Vietnam recently complained to China about the impact of a series of dams, both existing and proposed, to be built on the Mekong River (known as the Lancang River in China). A Chinese public relations exercise bringing lawmakers from neighboring countries to view dam projects in Yunnan failed to dampen anger. Thai officials said that the existing four dams have compounded the effects of drought for millions of Southeast Asians who depend on the river for their livelihood. China’s bilateral trade with Burma reached $2.9 billion in 2009, second only to trade with Thailand among Asean countries, and China is the third-largest investor in Burma after Thailand and Singapore. With China set to pay the Burmese regime an estimated $970 million a year for gas from the Shwe field, economic links between the two neighbors will continue to grow. There were a few turbulent months after bilateral relations were damaged by Burma’s attack on the ethnic Chinese Kokang militia in Shan State last August, but China’s Premier Wen Jiabao received the red-carpet treatment in Naypyidaw in June, and some observers see Burma gradually slipping into a vassal-state relationship with China—although this probably underestimates the wiles of a Burmese regime adept at playing big powers against each other. Vietnam is one Asean member-state that bristles at the notion of being a Chinese vassal. But Chinese investment in Vietnam comprises a third of all ongoing construction projects such as railways, ports and power plants, and the Vietnamese doi moi system—economic liberalization coupled with a one-party state—is modeled on Chinese reforms under Deng Xiaoping. One investment now causing friction, however, is the multi-billion dollar Chinalco-run bauxite mine in Vietnam’s central highlands. The Vietnamese are angry that 20,000 Chinese workers are filling jobs that locals could perform, perhaps contributing to Hanoi’s recently announced visa restrictions that are aimed at stemming the flow of illegal Chinese labor into the country. The ongoing dispute over who owns what in the South China Sea puts China at odds with five Asean member-states, Vietnam included. At the turn of the year, China angered Hanoi by setting up local authorities on the disputed Paracel Islands, occupied by China since 1974 but regarded by Vietnam as part of its territory. In addition, the Philippines currently administers several islands claimed by China. For the full story: http://www.worldpress.org/Asia/3608.cfm

I have several members of my immediate family who are gay and lesbian. One of them resides in California. I expect and hope that this judges ruling will stand. I also expect to see this the law of the land before my teenage children enter college. They were brought up to love and respect everyone and they love their gay uncle. To me and to them, laws like this have no place in modern society and it will be up to the judges to give these rights to gays and lesbians. Unfortunately, the American people do not yet see how unjust or arcane these laws are.

Perhaps color coordination is important to those that judge?

BANGKOK — An American tourist was killed on the Thai island of Phuket after a British man allegedly picked a fight with him at a bar, followed him back to his hotel and stabbed him to death, police said Sunday. The body of Dashawn Longfellow, 23, was found before dawn Saturday at the Yanui Paradise Resort with several stab wounds in his chest, said police Lt. Col. Anukul Nuket. According to witnesses, Longfellow was at a bar near his hotel with a Thai girlfriend when a British man identified as a regular picked a fight with him, Anukul said. The Briton, who trained in Thai kickboxing, or Muay Thai, was known for "getting drunk and picking fights and bragging that he's invincible," Anukul told The Associated Press in a telephone interview. Longfellow fended off the attacker until bar staff separated them and the American left with his girlfriend. The Briton is believed to have followed the couple back to their hotel, where Longfellow dropped off his girlfriend and went out to a convenience store, Anukul said. When the American returned, the Briton was allegedly waiting for him outside his room where a fight ensued and Longfellow was stabbed, according to Anukul. A man who identified himself as a manager at the Yanui Paradise Resort declined to disclose details, saying he was only speaking to the U.S. Embassy. The embassy could not immediately be reached for comment. Longfellow's passport said he came from Littleton, Colorado, police said. Police said they have issued an arrest warrant for the suspect. http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5hKEhdQ3B-TT74yQ5PEMrDsnUWgeAD9HJUCKO0

In spite of "some negatives" and political conflict, Thailand remains an attractive place for foreign-owned service providers to set up headquarters to do business in other Asean countries and China. This, say the executives of a French trading company, Thalis Asia Pacific, is due to Thailand's sustainable economic growth and good infrastructure development. The company has recently been licensed to qualify for Board of Investment investment incentives. Its director of operations Eric Vavasseur said Thailand's high potential to serve as a headquarters location for foreign investors would be realised if the country liberalised its laws to promote investment. As a trading company specialising in machinery parts and supplying many industries such as food processing, aerospace, packaging, pharmaceuticals and manufacture of PET bottles, Thalis Asia Pacific moved its office from Malaysia to Bangkok in 2002 with an initial capital investment of Bt4.1 million. It generated revenue of about Bt136 million last year. Vavasseur said Thailand was considered the most attractive destination for foreign firms to do business, particularly for service providers. Despite the political turmoil, Thailand's lower logistics costs, good basic infrastructure development and competitive labour costs continued to draw investors. For the entire article: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/home/2010/08/13/business/Thailand-still-attractive-base-for-foreigners-30135726.html

In response to media inquiries about news reports that the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Cambodia had sent a letter to the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Viet Nam, as the current Chair of ASEAN, seeking ASEAN’s assistance regarding the current border dispute between Thailand and Cambodia, Ms. Vimon Kidchob, Director-General of the Department of Information and the Foreign Ministry Spokesperson, gave the following comments: 1. Thailand believes that the current differences between Thailand and Cambodia – both being close neighbours and fellow ASEAN member countries – should best be resolved peacefully through existing bilateral mechanisms. Thailand has kept the other members of the ASEAN family informed of developments and thus appreciates their understanding and support in this regard. 2. Resolution of boundary and border-related issues between neighbouring countries requires patience and good faith in order to move towards a mutually acceptable outcome. It has always been Thailand’s intention to move forward with bilateral negotiations with Cambodia in accordance with the 2000 Memorandum of Understanding between the Government of the Kingdom of Thailand and the Government of the Kingdom of Cambodia on the Survey and Demarcation of Land Boundary (MOU). Already, the two countries have agreed to convene the next round of the Thai-Cambodian Joint Commission on Demarcation for Land Boundary (JBC) as early as possible on a date to be mutually agreed upon. 3. At the same time, defence and military officials of both sides remain in close contact with each other through existing channels of communication, including through the General Border Committee (GBC), the Regional Border Committees (RBCs) as well as on the ground at the local level. 4. Thailand is convinced that by working together on the basis of friendship and good neighbourliness, Thailand and Cambodia will be able to overcome this challenge for the benefit of their two countries and peoples, consequently contributing towards the ASEAN community building process. http://www.mfa.go.th/web/35.php?id=25085

As we discussed last week, the first official step in buying a gun is form Por.1. For Bangkok, this has to be filed at the Department of Provincial Administration. In the provinces, it has to be filed with a nai amphur. As we've also mentioned earlier, our discussions with officials at the Department of Provincial Administration and nai amphurs indicate that gun licences will not be issued to foreigners in the absence of highly unusual circumstances. Thus if you are a foreigner and feel a gun is needed for protection in your household you might consider having a close family member or associate who is Thai apply for the licence and learn to use the gun. As we've stated in earlier columns, of course, you can't just then use the gun, because you would not be licensed to do so. But the licensed member of your household or associate could, and could protect you with it. For civilian recreational, self-defence and hunting purposes, here are the documents that must be filed with the form Por.1: Original and signed copy of ID card. Original and signed copy of house registration (blue book). Evidence of the applicant's occupation, such as a) for the proprietor of a business, registration certificate of a company or certificate of commercial registration, for an employee, a document from the employer certifying the position, duties and salary and c) for the self-employed, such as a farmer or merchant, photos of the business. For the entire article: http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/crimes/191149/criminal-law-in-thailand-part-xxiv-obtaining-a-gun-licence

It's been a tough few years for Thailand tourism. After seeing out the combined impact of the international financial crisis and threat of swine flu - factors which brought tourism to a virtual standstill - social unrest in the nation's capital of Bangkok at the beginning of 2010 meant that city at least was a virtual no-go zone. For a nation used to welcoming more than 14 million visitors each year - and supporting a tourism industry that accounts for six to seven percent of its GDP - the effect has been crippling, especially in the small islands and regional communities that rely almost totally on tourists for their livelihoods. But the Thai government is now supporting moves to slash hotel prices and holiday packages to destinations across the country - and it's embarking on a charm drive designed to remind the world why Thailand has long been such a popular spot for travelers. The Tourism Authority of Thailand's has this week announced a two-month "Smile@Siam" campaign that they say will "help restore the liveliness of the Thai capital and the provincial areas, rebuild confidence among foreign tourists and promote domestic tourism.'' The "Smile''campaign, playing on the traditional imaged of the country as "The Land of Smiles," has targeted Bangkok's most popular tourist spots - such as the sprawling Siam Square shopping district and the Khao San Road area favored by backpackers - and will offer shopping and dining discounts and performances of traditional Thai entertainment. And it will hold similar events in popular destinations such as Udon Thani province and Surat Thani. The positive spin has already had a positive impact in Bangkok, according to the Thai Chamber of Commerce, which recently reported that hotel occupancy in the capital has reached 40 to 50 percent - still a ways off from what is considered ideal but a lot more positive than the 10 to 20 percent lows experienced during the civil unrest experienced during March and May. Full details of the "Smile'' program can be found at http://www.tourismthailand.org http://www.independent.co.uk/travel/news-and-advice/thailandrsquos-tourism-industry-hopes-to-bring-the-smile-back-2053148.html

Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore and Vietnam should not be overlooked by investors looking to cash in on the recovery in the Far East. There's a real buzz in Asia right now as economies in the region here power ahead and look to break out of the shadows of China. On my doorstep in Singapore the economy is on course for record-breaking growth of up to 15pc for the year. And there are a host of rivals hot on its heels to be the shining star of Asia. Across the border in Malaysia economic growth of close to 7pc is predicted this year followed by Indonesia at 6.6pc. South Korea and the Philippine's are both on course to hit 6pc growth in 2010. Local newspapers are quick to flash these headline-grabbing growth rates across their front pages, highlighting just how attractive the region is to investors with so many countries doing well. Most observers outside the region look to China and to a lesser extent India as the driving force behind Asia's strong economic rebound. But many of their neighbours are trying to make names for themselves as more than just tiger economies. This is creating excitement within Asia right now as the up-and-coming Vietnams and Thailands jostle with more established players such as Singapore and Hong Kong. And sovereign wealth funds, hedge funds and private investors all want in on the act. Fidelity's South East Asia fund is up 25pc over the past year and run out of Hong Kong. China accounts for 38pc of the fund, followed by South Korea (21pc), Taiwan (13pc) and Hong Kong (8pc). Catherine Yeung, associate director at Fidelity's Asian headquarters in the former British colony, said: ''China is a huge influence, but a lot of Asian countries are going through similar changes themselves such as urbanisation, building new infrastructure and rising middle classes who are consuming more. ''They also have well-run, prudent banks and focus more on domestic demand so we are very positive about Asia as a region, not just China.'' Indonesia is a good example of this. It hopes to beat this year's impressive growth with 8pc next year and is on course to be the next big emerging economy behind the BRICs (Brazil, Russia, India and China). It is south-east Asia's biggest economy and has some very promising statistics, including that more than 55pc of the population is under 30 years of age. While it relies on India and China to buy lots of natural resources, Indonesia is also attracting a lot of foreign investment, which will help it diversify. South Korea's LG Electronics and Caterpillar from the United States both recently picked Indonesia as their main south-east Asia manufacturing hubs. Another attraction to investing in Asia is diversity. From the tiger economies of Indonesia and the Philippines to the more defensive economies like Malaysia, and more developed markets such Australia and Singapore. For the Full Story: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/personalfinance/investing/7941568/Asian-economies-step-out-of-Chinas-shadow.html

Bangkok, Thailand (CNN) -- U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon called for a "free and fair" vote in Myanmar as the country's state media announced a date for the first election in 20 years. State media reported Friday that general elections will be held on November 7. A statement from Ban noted the announcement and asked that Myanmar's government uphold previous promises to hold "inclusive" elections. "As essential steps for any national reconciliation and democratic transition process, the secretary-general strongly urges the authorities to ensure that fundamental freedoms are upheld for all citizens of Myanmar," the statement said. He also asked that the government "release all remaining political prisoners without delay so that they can freely participate in the political life of their country." Nobel Peace Prize winner Aung San Suu Kyi has spent more than 14 of the past 20 years under house arrest. She was first placed under house arrest in 1989. A year later, in 1990, her party won a landslide victory that the military junta refused to recognize. Elections have not been held in the country since then. In August 2009, her house arrest was extended after American John Yettaw swam uninvited to her house in Yangon and briefly stayed there. A Myanmar court convicted Suu Kyi of breaching the terms of her house arrest and extended her detention through November 2010. It is set to expire just a few days after the general election. The junta recently announced an election law that bars Suu Kyi from taking part in the upcoming race. The Political Parties Registration Law, announced in state newspapers, excludes electoral participation by any member of a political party who has been convicted in court. Her supporters have said the conviction was a way to remove her from the election campaign. The new law forced Suu Kyi's party, the National League for Democracy, to choose between honoring her as its leader and risking the party being declared illegal, or removing Suu Kyi from the party and contesting the election. The party's central committee decided to boycott the race. "Everything is just so convenient for the regime since the NLD is out, Suu Kyi is not running," Aung Zaw said. "Plus USDP [The Union Solidarity and Development Party, which is government-backed] is the largest, strongest party in this country. There is no way any other political parties could compete with them." Some National League for Democracy members opted to form a new party called the National Democratic Force. "We think the time for campaigning is not enough, but somehow we have to overcome this challenge," said Khin Muang Swe, a party leader based in Yangon. "So far we are not facing any intimidation yet, as we have legally registered our party, and the government allows us to travel to meet with our party members all over the country. But we are not allowed to campaign yet, only to meet with our party members." For the Full Story: U.N. calls for fair vote as Myanmar announces election date - CNN.com

Thai Airways International Pcl’s board approved a plan for the national carrier to borrow about $550 million to pay for new airplanes as tourists return to Thailand, President Piyasvasti Amranand said. The airline will borrow 17.5 billion baht ($548 million) from four Thai banks, with 12 billion baht of that coming from Bangkok Bank Pcl, the nation’s largest lender. The move will help Thai Airways add capacity to handle more passengers as demand picks up following recent unrest, Piyasvasti said. “Tourists came back quickly after the political situation stabilized,” he told reporters in Bangkok Friday. “So we’re now revisiting our old problem of aircraft shortages. " Thai Air, which competes with Singapore Airlines Ltd. and regional carriers to carry travelers to beach resorts like Phuket, has sought to modernize its fleet and expand routes as it copes with political unrest that has cut into its profit in recent years. The airline agreed in June to acquire 15 aircraft from Boeing Co. and Airbus SAS to replace aging planes. Thai Air filled 76.5 percent of its seats in July, up 17 percent from June and 7.3 percent from the same period a year earlier, Piyasvasti said. The number of seats Thai filled in May fell 8.9 percent from a year earlier amid political unrest that killed at least 89 people and a volcanic ash cloud that stranded passengers in Europe. Thai Air shares have doubled this year, making it the second-best performer in the 64-member Bloomberg Asia Pacific Travel Index, which has increased 15 percent in that time. The company’s shares fell 1.3 percent as of 3:06 p.m. local time, compared with a 0.5 percent decline in the benchmark SET Index. For the Full Story: Thai Airways borrows $550 million to upgrade fleet | Manila Bulletin

Two married Hollywood movie executives have been jailed for six months in Los Angeles for bribing Thai officials so they could run the Bangkok International Film Festival. Gerald Green, 78, and Patricia Green 55, were sentenced to prison despite a supportive letter to the court from the veteran film star Kirk Douglas. Mr Douglas said the couple “were extremely honest and fair in all of their dealings with me.” The Greens were convicted of conspiracy and money laundering after a jury found they had paid a former Thai tourism official $1.8 million (£1.1 million) to secure the film festival rights, and other tourism-related deals, between 2002 and 2007. The deals were said to have earned them more than $13 million (£8 million.) Prosecutors said they created shell companies to pay off Juthamas Siriwan, former governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand. They then transferred money into bank accounts of Juthamas’ daughter and a friend so they would be awarded business contracts. Juthamas has denied any wrongdoing and has not been charged in Thailand. She and her daughter have been charged with conspiracy in Los Angeles. The Greens helped transform the Bangkok Film Festival, attracting stars including Jeremy Irons and director Oliver Stone to Thailand for the event. Gerald Green’s career in Hollywood spans more than 30 years. He worked with Stone on the Oscar-nominated “Salvador” and was executive producer on the 2006 film “Rescue Dawn” which starred Christian Bale. For the Full Story: Hollywood executives jailed for Thai film festival bribery - Telegraph

YALA, Thailand: Suspected Islamic insurgents have shot and killed three people including a Muslim policeman in southern Thailand Saturday in the first fatal attacks since the start of Ramazan, police said. The police officer was the victim of an early morning drive-by shooting as he rode his motorcycle in the Yaring district of Pattani province. In a separate attack, a Buddhist couple aged 42 and 41, were gunned down on their way to work at a rubber plantation in Yala. The bloodshed comes as authorities have warned of the potential for a large scale attack during the Muslim holy month, which began on Thursday in Thailand. Yala governor Krissada Boonrach has asked all provincial security agencies to prepare for an escalation in violence. Read more: Three shot dead in Thai south: Police - Rest of World - World - The Times of India Three shot dead in Thai south: Police - Rest of World - World - The Times of India

BANGKOK, Aug 14 -- Foreign capital inflows continued entering Thailand in early August on the back of improved foreign investor confidence in the Thai economy coupled with declining worries over domestic politics and higher yields on high expectations that local interest rates would rise, said Bank of Thailand (BoT) deputy governor Bandid Nijathaworn. Mr Bandid said about US$187 million in foreign capital inflows entered the Thai stock market between August 2-6 and over US$400 million entered the bond market between August 3-9. Foreign investment in the bond market was higher than the equity market, probably due to the existing volatility in the foreign currency market and the sensitivity of the fundamentals of stocks, he said. The bond market has lesser volatility while there are trends of rising interest rates making long-term investors become more enthusiastic in investing in the bond market, Mr Bandid said. For the Full Story: Foreign capital influx continues into Thailand

Skype 2.0 for iPhone has finally arrived, bringing with it the 3G calling that's been promised for months and months. But get your calls in quick—there will be a "small monthly fee" for Skype-to-Skype calls after August. That's an unpleasant surprise, definitely, but at least for the summer you'll get the 3G Skype-to-Skype action you might've forgotten you were waiting for. Here's the full rundown of what's new: Upgrades / improvements include: - Call using your 3G connection. Skype-to-Skype calls on 3G are free until at least end of August 2010, after which there will be a small monthly fee (operator charges for data will still apply). - Near CD-quality sound for Skype-to-Skype calls using wideband audio (SILK codec) on iPhone 3GS and 2nd generation iPod touch. - Enhanced call quality indicator. - Improved start-up time. - Fast access to the dial pad from iPhone home screen. Skype 2.0 With 3G Calling Lands on iPhone

BANGKOK — Thailand's Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva said Sunday the country appeared to be back to "normal" after the lifting of a curfew imposed in the wake of deadly anti-government protests. The premier cancelled the curfew Saturday but said emergency rule was still necessary after two months of mass rallies by "Red Shirt" demonstrators that paralysed the capital and left almost 90 people dead. "The situation last night was normal. Authorities will keep an eye though, then we'll consider lifting the state of emergency," Abhisit said in his weekly television address. The Reds' street rallies, broken up on May 19 in an army crackdown on their encampment in Bangkok's Ratchaprasong commercial district, sparked outbreaks of violence that left 88 people dead, mostly civilians, and nearly 1,900 injured. In a separate address Saturday to foreign diplomats, Abhisit said Thailand needed to "rebuild the social and economic compact between people and the government," but justified the crackdown. "I can say that when we took that Ratchaprasong intersection, we took Bangkok back for the people," Abhisit said in his address to the diplomats, which was televised Sunday. The premier also said there was a commitment to addressing the situation through the democratic process in the country, which has seen 18 actual or attempted coups since 1932. "I think if something like this had happened in the past, people would probably think a coup d'etat was around the corner," Abhisit said. "Clearly this time around I think everybody is determined that the situation should and could be resolved through normal parliamentary and democratic processes," he added. After the May 19 army crackdown, unrest spread to several cities in the Red Shirts' stronghold in Thailand's impoverished northeast, and a curfew was imposed in Bangkok and 23 provinces, out of a total of 76. Authorities on Tuesday extended a midnight-to-4:00 am curfew for four more nights as the government sought to restore order. Anyone violating the curfew had faced up to two years in jail. The measures made life hard for people who usually work during the night and put a damper on the capital's normally lively nightlife. The Red Shirts, many of whose leaders have been arrested and are in police custody, were campaigning for elections because they consider Abhisit's government elitist and undemocratic. They are mostly supporters of ex-premier Thaksin Shinawatra, who was ousted in a 2006 coup. Celebrated for populist policies that benefited the poor, Thaksin was also accused of gross human rights abuses and corruption. Thailand declared a state of emergency in Bangkok on April 7 after protesters stormed parliament in an escalation of their street rallies. A Thai court last Tuesday approved an arrest warrant for fugitive Thaksin on terrorism charges, which carry a maximum penalty of death, in connection with the violent protests. AFP: Thailand appears back to 'normal': PM

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The top prize at this year's Cannes Film festival in France - the Palme d'Or - was awarded to Thai director Apichatpong Weerasethakul for his film, "Uncle Boonmee Who Can Recall His Past Lives." The film, which took three years to make, tells the story of a dying man who engages in a conversation with an apparition of his late wife and his son who has reappeared in the form of a red-eyed monkey. The runner up prize - or Grand Prix - went to French filmmaker Xavier Beauvois' "Of Gods and Men," a drama about a group of French monks confronted by terrorists in Northern Africa. In an unforeseen twist to the evening, Tim Burton's jury named both Javier Bardem and Elio Germano best male performer for their roles in "Biutiful" and "Our Life," respectively. French star Juliette Binoche was crowned best actress for her performance in Iranian Abbas Kiarostami's "Certified Copy," and appealed for the release of Iran's Jafar Panahi by holding up a sign with the director's name. Korean Lee Chang-Dong, director of "Poetry," was awarded the prize for best screenplay for his story of an elderly woman challenged to write a poem for the first time in her life. The prize for best director went to France's Mathieu Amalric for "Tournee," about a former TV producer who tours France with an eccentric group of New Burlesque performers. Thai film grabs top prize at Cannes – This Just In - CNN.com Blogs

BANGKOK — Two months of tension and violence ended with a whimper on Thursday as the last exhausted group of protesters filed out of a Buddhist temple where they had taken refuge, bewildered and frightened, some in tears. As they shuffled past a smear of blood on the ground that told of the recent fighting, a line of female police officers in black berets comforted them, touching their shoulders and murmuring: “Don’t be afraid. You’re safe now. Have a safe journey home.” But it felt, on this morning after a political convulsion unlike anything anyone here has seen, that Thailand’s future was anything but safe. “It was tragic,” said Anusart Suwanmongkol, a senator who supports the government. “Yesterday was the most tragic day in my memory, in Thai history. Nobody gained anything. Nobody won. The country lost.” After weeks of stalemate, the military on Wednesday forcibly dispersed the protesters, known as red shirts, who had occupied the city’s commercial center since early March, setting off an eruption of violence and arson that took at least 15 lives. The clashes on Wednesday, along with four years of acrimonious political combat, have exposed rifts and resentments in Thailand that have smoldered under a surface of smiles and a virtue the Thais call “cool heart.” The country’s divisions and enmities have only deepened. Nothing has been resolved. The battle for power between social classes and between the politicians who manipulate them continues. An early election promised by Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva is off the table after protest leaders rejected it last week and vowed to fight on. The leaders were arrested Wednesday as the final battle for the protest site began, and there seemed to be no one left with whom the government could negotiate. As the last of the protesters boarded buses to their homes in the countryside, leaving behind the ruins of their rally site and the smoking shell of a burned-out mall beside it, an antigovernment Web site urged them to fight on, saying, “You are your own leaders now.” Hopes for a peaceful election, whenever it comes, seem faint, and in an increasingly polarized and violent political arena, it seems unlikely that the loser will accept the results. Antigovernment sentiment has hardened in the northeast and north of the country, to where many of the protesters were returning Thursday. Political opportunists have harnessed their yearnings into a powerful political movement, indoctrinating government opponents on community radio and in the amplified speeches of the protest stage, with a new vocabulary of exploitation about “serfs” and “aristocracy.” The frightened protesters, who had cowered in the temple amid gunfire and explosions, were heading home with new grievances and hatreds. “We have been poor for hundreds of years, even thousands of years, and they are living in fancy resorts and mansions,” said Srirasa Reungrat, a middle-aged woman from Chiang Rai in the north, as she stood at the back of the temple Thursday morning. “They have been doing this to us for a long time.” The bodies of six people killed the day before were laid out on mats beside her, with small offerings of noodles, cups of water and incense sticks at their feet, as a coroner with rubber gloves poked and prodded at their wounds. In fact, the social conflict in Thailand is more complex than a simple uprising of the poor. This is a society built on harmony, and until politicians hardened the divisions, the pressure for change was less confrontational. Thailand’s rural people are not serfs. They have been called some of the most comfortable poor people in the world. The economic boom of the 1980s brought them paved roads, electricity, brick houses, television sets, motorbikes, cellphones and factory jobs. Political analysts now call them “post-peasants” and “middle-income peasants.” But as their standard of living rose, the wealth of the well-to-do in Bangkok rose faster, and the aspirations and resentments of the lower classes grew. They underwent a process known here as ta sawang, or a “brightening of the eyes” — an awakening, a realization of a truth they had not recognized. When their eyes brightened, they focused in many cases on Thaksin Shinawatra, the former prime minister, whose genius was to recognize this untapped electoral bloc, to answer some of its needs with low-cost health care and financial assistance, and to secure its support. Mr. Thaksin was ousted in a coup in 2006 and lives abroad, evading a conviction for corruption. But he stays in touch with supporters through audio and video messages and a flow of fatherly messages on Twitter. He remains the single most influential political personality in Thailand; many see him as the master manipulator of the protests. “Don’t forget that the two most important weapons in modern-day politics are money and the media, and unfortunately the other side are the masters of both,” said Mr. Anusart, the senator. The confrontations and overt animosities, the open divisions and the sustained current of violence that reached its peak on Wednesday have produced a new Thailand that is unrecognizable to many who love the nation. This has become an angry nation, ready to fight. “This is the worst crisis Thailand has had, ever, probably — maybe World War II — and where we go from here I don’t think anybody knows,” said Charles Keyes, an anthropologist at the University of Washington, Seattle, who has devoted much of his life to the study of Thailand. “My understanding of what I have learned over the years here has really come into question,” he said. “I question all the things I’ve learned about this country.” Protesters Leave Bangkok, With Anger Still in the Air - NYTimes.com

At least eight people have been killed as Thai security forces declared a "live firing zone" in downtown Bangkok on Saturday following days of deadly clashes with anti-government protesters. Saturday's fatality takes the total number of deaths to 25 since a government-backed clampdown on protesters exploded into violence on Thursday. More than 150 people have been wounded, according to emergency officials. In a televised address, Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva said a small group of protesters among the opposition "Red Shirts" was trying to foment civil war. The prime minister urged the citizenry to understand and embrace the government's stance. The country couldn't allow the rule of law to fail, he said, warning that the longer the protests continued, the higher the risk for the public. Thousands of Red Shirts, who support ousted former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, have been occupying a central area of the city for weeks in a show of opposition to Abhisit. The escalating unrest prompted the U.S. Embassy to issue a travel warning Saturday advising Americans to defer travel to Bangkok, spokeswoman Cynthia Brown told CNN. Several other western embassies, including the UK, Japan, Canada, New Zealand and the Netherlands have also advised against travel to Bangkok. But a military spokesman said security forces planned to put the protesters under more pressure Saturday as they cordoned off an area of several square kilometers, CNN's Sara Sidner reported. "In the next few days, they will be stepping up their security measures," said Panitan Wattanayagorn, the acting Thai government spokesman. Security forces rolled out razor wire and erected warning signs as they surrounded the area where the protesters have been clustered, CNN's Dan Rivers reported. He said Thai troops had also come under fire although it was unclear who was shooting at them. "There's been quite a fierce gunfight where we are in the northwest corner of this zone that they have tried to surround a Ratchaprarop Road which has been declared a live fire zone by the army," said Rivers. "There are signs up all along it warning residents to stay indoors, that there is live ammunition being used. We've been effectively pinned down while the army tries to deal with incoming fire. We're not sure who's firing on them but it's certainly been a very volatile situation with lots of explosions and gunfire going on." Sidner, a few kilometers away inside the security force's cordon reported witnessing two people shot. Both appeared to be unarmed she said. Those present at the scene claimed rooftop snipers were responsible for the shootings, she said. "The protesters clearly blame the army for the deadly force," said Sidner. "There is no way to know for sure who exactly is doing the shooting but neither of the people we saw injured were armed." On the scene: Bangkok at boiling point The Thai capital has been in chaos since Thursday, beset by gunfire, tear gas and stone-throwing that boiled over after Thai authorities set a new deadline to seal off the Bangkok intersection where protesters have gathered by the thousands for the past month. What are protests about? A government official said Thai forces were slowly getting control of the downtown area, with video footage showing soldiers shooting rounds toward the area with protesters. Among those wounded on Friday was a journalist from a French television station who was shot in the leg. The government said it was forced to take action after demonstrators disregarded an ultimatum by Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva to vacate the intersection by Wednesday. Wattanayagorn said Friday that security forces who have been the objects of attacks have no choice but to respond. He told reporters that forces have been dutifully following the rules of engagement, which allow them to use live ammunition to protect themselves and their comrades. He assured Bangkok residents and foreigners that the forces have no intention of harming anyone. The government, he said, is "very confident" it will be able to "stabilize the situation" and get it "under control very soon." Also, he said the prime minister is looking forward to working with others in hammering out reforms. The United Front for Democracy, the formal name of the Red Shirt opposition, has been demanding that Abhisit dissolve the lower house of Parliament and call new elections. The Red Shirts support former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, who was ousted in a bloodless military coup. Tensions ramped up when Maj. Gen. Khattiya Sawasdipol -- a renegade general better known as Seh Daeng, which means Red Commander -- was shot and wounded by a sniper's bullet Thursday, leaving him in critical condition. Brown, of the U.S. Embassy in Bangkok, said that family members of embassy personnel had been offered voluntary departure. She said the embassy would remain closed on Monday and that staff were assessing the situation "day to day." Death toll climbs in Bangkok as Thai PM warns of civil war - CNN.com

Thailand remains tense as troops act to remove anti-government protesters in Bangkok. As the violence mounts in the heart of the capital, many regret the failure of a plan that offered a way for the government and protesters to peacefully resolve their differences. The gunfire and explosions that reverberated in central Bangkok Friday put to death the hopes created last week. That was when Prime Minister Abhisit Vejajjiva offered a reconciliation plan, which, combined with behind-the-scenes negotiations, seemed to end the threat of new violence between government forces and the red-shirt protesters. The anti-government rallies at the Rajaprasong commercial area in Bangkok since early April have paralyzed business with massive revenue losses. The government has been under increasing pressure to end them. But the protesters, known as red shirts, refused to leave until Mr. Abhisit called immediate elections. However, the red-shirt leaders unexpectedly welcomed the prime minister's reconciliation plan, which included elections in November. The city seemed to breathe a sigh of relief. Kraisak Choonhavan, a key member of the governing Democrat Party, said the plan's hopes rested on it being accepted by red shirt leaders, and Mr. Abhisit's willingness to compromise. "He's willing to compromise to a great extent and that's what he's done," he said. "The shortcomings of the result of the negotiations was quite startling to all of us because they [red-shirt] leaders had set a date for the dismantling of the barricades and move out, the cessation of all violence." But the red shirts set down additional demands, particularly over the investigation of clashes with security forces on April 10. Their demands eroded faith in reconciliation plan. No amnesty for Thaksin And some political analysts here say the two sides failed to agree on an amnesty for Thaksin Shinawatra. The former prime minister, a major supporter of the red shirts, was ousted in a military coup in 2006, and now lives overseas to avoid a prison term for corruption. On Thursday, the government began to isolate the protest camp, throwing up a tight security cordon around the camp, cutting off telecommunications, and blocking supplies of food and water. That sparked a series of clashes on the streets through the night, and that were continuing Friday night. Scores have been wounded. Sunai Pasuk, a representative in Thailand for Human Rights Watch, fears the military's strategy could make matters worse. "To me, in a situation like this and with protesters who are very defiant and agitated, this is an ingredient for disaster," he said. "This is a very dangerous situation that the government needs to operate with extreme care about the rules of [military] engagement. So I am very concerned." But Sunai says the situation is complicated because moderate red-shirt leaders are reported to have left the movement. Those remaining have advocated more violence to force the government out. Thitinan Pongsudhirak, a political science professor at Chulalongkorn University, says many red shirts remain angry over court decisions that tossed out two elected pro-Thaksin governments in 2008. Their removal opened the way for parliament to make Mr. Abhisit prime minister. "When you deny, when a substantial number of voters are denied and disenfranchised they will become disillusioned and take action upon themselves," he said. As a result, Thailand faces its most political violence in almost 20 years, as the military seeks to retake key locations while the red shirts remain defiant - and willing to fight to the end. Thailand Remains Tense | Asia | English

Leaders of an anti-government protest in Thailand are asking for a ceasefire to end violence that has killed 10 people and wounded more than 100 others. Explosions and gunfire rang throughout the Thai capital Friday as clashes continued between anti-government protesters and soldiers. Soldiers used rubber bullets, tear gas, and live ammunition to disperse demonstrators who set fire to a bus and rubber tires. Most of those killed in the fighting were protest guards who have been responsible for the demonstrators' security. At least three journalists were among the wounded, including a Canadian cameraman who was severely injured. Sean Boonpracong is a spokesman for the United Front of Democracy against Dictatorship, the main organizer of the protest. He blamed soldiers for the violence and said it needed to end. "With so much uncertainty, UDD has proposal to make to the government…that peace is our aim. And, we would like to see a ceasefire," Boonpracong said. Boonpracong says the government should also end the emergency decree that has allowed the deployment of soldiers. An Army spokesman said they had no plan to clear the demonstrators but would try to keep them contained. Thai authorities say the protesters have used weapons against soldiers and intend to attack the public as well." Government spokesman Panitan Wattanayagorn spoke on national television late Friday. "The Royal Thai government is very confident that we are able and willing and committed to stabilize the situation. And, the situation will be very much under control very soon," said Panitan. The government Thursday ordered soldiers to seal off the area to pressure the protest to end. The protesters, mainly from the countryside, say the government is illegitimate and are demanding it step down and allow new elections. For two months they have occupied a central Bangkok commercial district, forcing hotels and businesses to shut down. More than 35 people have been killed since the protest began in March. The latest clashes erupted after a General supporting the demonstrators was shot Thursday night, apparently by a sniper. Protest leaders accuse the government of ordering the attack. Thai authorities have denied they were responsible and say all cases of violence will be investigated. Thai Protest Leaders Press for Ceasefire as Deadly Clashes Continue | News | English

Former U.S. Ambassador to Thailand William Itoh says he is hopeful that some kind of compromise might be reached between Red Shirt protestors and the Thai government, despite Thursday's shooting of protest leader General Seh Daeng. “I’ve always been branded an optimist about Thailand being able to deal with these kinds of issues, but I would have to say personally, this is a very, very challenging time for all of us who wish Thailand well,” he said. In an inverview with VOA, Itoh said calling the confrontation between the protestors and the government a "class struggle" was one way of looking at it, explaining the economic divides in Thailand. Ex-Envoy to Thailand Still Hopeful of Compromise Despite Shooting of Protest Leader | Asia | English

May 14 (Bloomberg) -- Thai authorities ordered troops to clear hundreds of anti-government demonstrators outside the main protest site, risking clashes after a night of sporadic violence. The red-shirted protesters threw bottles toward a line of troops several hundred meters away on an eight-lane boulevard, images on Thai PBS television showed. Gunfire could be heard in the background and a burning tire on the road billowed black smoke. Security forces “will prevent protesters from gathering in other areas” outside the barricaded zone, army spokesman Sansern Kaewkamnerd told reporters today. About 5,000 demonstrators remained on site, he said. Gunfire and grenade attacks last night after the shooting of a renegade general at the camp killed one protester and injured 11 others, Bangkok’s medical emergency unit said. Authorities extended an emergency decree to northern parts of the country to cover 17 of 76 provinces. “The government is clearly worried that whatever happens in central Bangkok will trigger a much broader pattern of unrest through areas that are very loyal to the Red Shirts,” said Michael Montesano, a visiting research fellow at Singapore’s Institute of Southeast Asian Studies. “That is where things really get scary and where the grip of the Thai government gets very shaky.” Thailand’s SET Index fell 1.2 percent at the mid-day break after dropping as much as 1.4 percent on concern further bloodshed will deter tourism and curb economic growth. The benchmark has risen 3.1 percent this year, compared with a 0.5 percent decline for the MSCI Asia-Pacific Index. ‘Stand Down’ “We’ll be as patient as we can be,” Finance Minister Korn Chatikavanij said in an interview with Bloomberg Television today. “We very much would like a couple hours for protesters to stand down to avoid further violence.” Major-General Khattiya Sawisdipol, who sided with the anti- government protesters, “can die any second,” Chaiwan Charoenchokethavee, head of Vajira hospital in Bangkok, told reporters. The government is investigating who shot him, Korn said, adding that “it pretty much could be anybody.” The general “might have been shot by someone on his own side because he was standing in the way of a settlement with the government,” Jacob Ramsay, an analyst with Control Risks Group, said on Bloomberg Television. “If he was shot by the government, they’ve effectively removed the one symbol that was preventing some sort of closure to the protests.” The cost of protecting Thai government debt from default jumped. Credit-default swaps on Thailand climbed 25 basis points to 140 basis points as of 9:10 a.m. in Singapore, according to Royal Bank of Scotland Group Plc. Terrorism Charges Khattiya, who helped build barricades around the business district, was shot during an interview with the New York Times, the newspaper reported. He is one of nine protest leaders facing terrorism charges for their role in violence that has killed 30 people since round-the-clock rallies began on March 12. “Protesters were counting on him to provide combat experience to the guards” protecting demonstrators, Sean Boonpracong, a spokesman for the Red Shirt protest group, said by phone, referring to the general, who is also known as Seh Daeng. “It’s a psychological blow.” The Red Shirts, who mostly support ex-leader Thaksin Shinawatra, have defied a state of emergency since April 7. The demonstrators are coordinating with supporters in northern areas of the country to fight back in the event of a crackdown. Gunfire, Explosions Gunfire, at times heavy, and explosions could be heard around Lumpini Park, on the outskirts of the protest site. Most high-rise buildings in the area were completely dark overnight and most street lights were off last night. Behind a barricade of rubber tires and bamboo sticks on one street next to the park, one of about six scattered around the area, about three dozen protesters wore helmets and facemasks. Scores of small bottles filled with gas lay next to the barricades. “I’m not scared of dying,” said Sorn Omsakul, 34, from northeastern Thailand, dressed in black from head to toe. “We’ve been ready to fight for many days.” The U.S. Embassy in Bangkok, located on one of the streets the army is trying to clear, is closed today, according to a posting on the embassy’s website. Residents and businesses were asked to vacate the downtown Ratchaprasong shopping district. Cutting Utilities The army began cutting electricity, water and phone signals and blocking off roads and canals around the site to “block and squeeze” the area, army spokesman Sansern Kaewkamnerd told reporters. Anyone seeking access to the protest faces two years in jail, according to an announcement read on television. Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva withdrew an offer to cut short his term and hold a Nov. 14 election when protesters failed to disperse by a midnight deadline. The group backed away from supporting Abhisit’s election plan this week, attaching new conditions, including criminal charges against Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban. Pro-Thaksin parties have won the past four elections on a platform of improved health care and cheap loans. Abhisit took power in a December 2008 parliamentary vote after a court disbanded the ruling party for election fraud. His Democrat party hasn’t won the most seats in a nationwide vote since 1992. The Red Shirts will rally “indefinitely,” leader Jatuporn Prompan said yesterday. “We will continue to fight.” Thai Troops to Clear Protesters Outside Main Demonstration Site - BusinessWeek