Congress distances from Centres proposed shift on climate change Oct 20, 2009
At Bangkok, negotiators were confronted by US and EU representatives, who held that what the Indian officials were saying did not echo with what the Indian minister for environment had told them (US/EU) personally. BJP suspects an underhand deal between the Manmohan Singh government and the US. The party has questioned if the views expressed in the letter were Mr Rameshs personal views or was the environment minister a stalking horse on behalf of a larger lobby. (India Times)
Thaksin Shinawatra: In his own words Oct 19, 2009
There is speculation in Bangkok that you are having negotiations with this elite that would allow you to come back and play a different role in society. I probably cannot say anything. (The Economist)
Thailand 14-day adventure from $1,199 Oct 17, 2009
Explore Bangkok, Chiang Mai and more ... Traditional and modern, this visual tour shows off the many sides of Bangkok ... Begin your tour in bustling Bangkok, home to remarkable sites like Wat Po Temple, housing the renowned 150-foot-long reclining Buddha. (MSNBC -- Travel)
SRI LANKA: Fighting over fish Oct 16, 2009
Activists from the Fisherfolks Federation in Sri Lanka, Philippines and Thailand demonstrate in front of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) in Bangkok September. . (AlertNet)
Bali escapes tide of recession Oct 16, 2009
Pioneer budget airline Air Asia flies direct to Bali from ASEAN hubs Kuala Lumpur, Singapore and Bangkok, with one way fares starting as low as US$60. As reported by website BaliDiscovery. (Asia Times Online)
Opinion: A golfing season that never ends Oct 14, 2009
Woods played seven times in eight weeks, a schedule that began in Virginia with the Presidents Cup, took him south for Disney and the Tour Championship, then to Spain for the final PGA Tour event and over to Bangkok for the Johnnie Walker Championship. After a week off, Woods hosted his own tournament in Arizona before going to Argentina for the World Cup. (MSNBC -- Sports)
Thai man confesses to decapitating 5-year-old boy Oct 14, 2009
BANGKOK A part-time Bangkok taxi driver confessed to the gruesome murder of a 5-year-old boy, saying he shot, decapitated and dismembered him after a lover's quarrel with his mother, whom he also murdered, police said Wednesday ... The man said he committed the murders over the weekend while he was driving the woman and her two children in a borrowed taxi, said Bangkok Deputy Police Commissioner Maj ... "There are many holes and inconsistencies, so we are not going to base the case solely on... (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- World)
Indian Ocean nations test tsunami warning system Oct 14, 2009
(AP) BANGKOK - Countries bordering the Indian Ocean were conducting a test Wednesday of a warning system set up after the 2004 tsunami, which killed some 230,000 people across the region. The exercise in 18 countries was intended as a simulation of a tsunami similar to the one sparked by the 9. (OregonLive, OR -- News)
Holland America Line's Volendam Returns to Asia and Down Under in 2011 With a Widespread Array of Itineraries - Including the Great Barrier Reef Oct 13, 2009
Three overnight stays ensure that guests are able to explore Bangkok with it's abundance of palaces and Buddhist wats; the cosmopolitan city of Hong Kong with its tea shops and street markets, and Shanghai with its soaring skyscrapers and unforgettable Yuyuan Gardens. 17-Day Japan and Alaska. (Yahoo! Wire -- Entertainment News)
Rich world undercut climate talks: China Oct 11, 2009
Su Wei, who led Beijing's delegation to climate treaty talks in Bangkok that ended on Friday, said splits over the framework for a new pact to fight global warming remained "quite large", just two months before negotiations culminate in Copenhagen ... His warnings came after a chorus of similar rancour in Bangkok, where senior delegates from developing countries walked out of a session this week saying they would not discuss a future without the Kyoto Protocol climate pact. (India Times)
* World News Quick Take Oct 11, 2009
The country is to host the 15th ASEAN summit from Oct. 23 to Oct. 25 in Prachuab Khiri Khan Province, 130km southwest of Bangkok ... The tight security measures follow an embarrassing incident in April, when protesters stormed the venue of a summit ASEAN planned to hold with China, Japan and South Korea in Pattaya, 100km southeast of Bangkok, forcing Abhisit to cancel the event. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World)
AirAsia, named Best Asian Low-Cost Carrier Oct 9, 2009
The awards were held at the 20th Annual TTG Travel Awards 2009 Ceremony and Gala Dinner in Bangkok yesterday. About 700 travel industry professionals attended the event. (The Star Online, Malaysia -- Business)
Thai gov't take security measures for ASEAN Summit Oct 9, 2009
BANGKOK, Oct. 9 (Xinhua) -- The Internal Security Operations Command (ISOC) held a meeting on Friday morning to discuss security measures to ensure security at the forthcoming ASEAN Summit's venues ... The government will also monitor anti-government rallies in Bangkok, while they can organize a peaceful protest and abide by the law ... Both the red-shirted and yellow-shirted groups have planned to host several mass rallies in capital Bangkok in this month. (Xinhuanet, China)
Jetstar Considering Southeast Asia Base to Support Flights to Europe Oct 9, 2009
Bangkok has the advantage of being closer to Europe, while costs in Malaysia are lower, he added. Jetstar is doubling the size of its Airbus SAS A330 fleet to 12 planes to support the push into long-haul services. (Bloomberg -- Australia & New Zealand)
'Climate talks still stuck on key issues' Oct 8, 2009
BANGKOK: Talks to finalise a climate treaty in time for December's Copenhagen summit are still stuck over key issues of the extent to which industrialised countries will reduce their greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and how much they will pay developing countries to deal with global warming, India's top climate negotiator said on Wednesday. As the Sep 28-Oct 9 preparatory talks here neared their final phase, Prime Minister's Special Envoy on Climate Change Shyam Saran said: "There is no agreement... (India Times)
Asian markets gain Oct 6, 2009
BANGKOK: Asian stock markets mostly rose Tuesday after the U.S. services industry, a mainstay of the world's No. 1 economy, showed its first growth in a year and Australia's central bank raised interest rates. Gains in Japan were tempered as the dollar weakened against the yen, 00004000 weighing on exporter stocks. (India Times)
Review: Tokyo Days, Bangkok Nights Oct 4, 2009
Tokyo Days, Bangkok Nights originally appeared as two separate comics in Vertigo Pop ... Bangkok, and are only loosely related by the theme of Americans abroad ... Jonathan Vankin s stories are engaging enough, but it s the visually stunning style of the artists that make Tokyo Days, Bangkok Nights worth perusing. (Suite101.com)
EU backs US bid to corner India Oct 3, 2009
NEW DELHI: Differences between the rich and the developing countries have turned into entrenched battle lines at the ongoing climate negotiations in Bangkok, with the EU backing the contentious proposal of the US to do away with the Kyoto Protocol -- the compact that binds industrialized nations to emission reduction targets under the UN convention ... India is leading the charge along with other key developing countries against the move at the ongoing negotiations at Bangkok ... While India and... (India Times)
India, other developing nations resist binding emission norms Oct 3, 2009
At ongoing meeting of the Ad-hoc Working Group on Long-term Cooperative Action in Bangkok, the United States suggested that some common mitigation actions could be placed in national schedules of all countries and these would be subject to international review ... At Bangkok, the Indian negotiators sought to drive home the point that Indias offer was one of showing flexibility in order to ensure a positive outcome at Copenhagen ... The US proposal in Bangkok sought to bring mitigation actions... (India Times)
Beware of the push pocket scam Oct 3, 2009
In July this year, the Bangkok Post reported that Thai Transport Minister Sophon Zarun had ordered Airports of Thailand to step up measures at Suvarnabhumi and other airports to prevent extortion scams. Reports said passengers were being detained every month in the duty-free area on suspicion of shoplifting. (The Star Online, Malaysia)
China warily watches US-Myanmar detente Oct 2, 2009
BANGKOK - The border dispute between two close allies, China and Myanmar, has now been compounded by concerns over the junta's future relations with the United States, which this week announced a policy shift towards engagement with the military junta. The past few weeks have seen a flurry of diplomatic activity between the two states, with Beijing even issuing some unusually forthright criticism of its Southeast Asian neighbor. (Asia Times Online)
Burma Rejects Suu Kyi's Appeal of House Arrest Oct 2, 2009
Aug. 11: Activists holds a banner calling for the release of detained pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi outside the Burmese Embassy in Bangkok. Aug. 11: Activists holds a banner calling for the release of detained pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi outside the Burmese Embassy in Bangkok. (Fox News)
Thailand, air/11 nights, from $1,199 Oct 2, 2009
The Real Deal: Round-trip airfare on Korean Air to Bangkok; a flight from Chiang Mai to Bangkok on Thai Airways; three nights at the in Bangkok; one night each at the in Phitsanulok and the in Lampang; two nights at the in Chiang Rai; four nights at the ; breakfast daily and a welcome dinner; visits to the giant statue of Wat Mongkol Borpith, the pagodas at Wat Phra Sri Sanphet in Ayutthaya, and a textile museum in Sukhothai; a boat trip on the Mekong River; all local transportation and... (MSNBC -- Travel)
A perfect ending to 'Tastes of Thailand' trip Oct 1, 2009
The next morning it was a change of venue and change of focus as we flew to Bangkok which is a street food haven ... A Bangkok hotspot is the Khao san road where dozens of carts serve up all manner of short eats. (India Times)
US bids to erase its Lao past Sep 30, 2009
BANGKOK - A United States Justice Department decision this month to drop charges against former Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) collaborator Vang Pao clears the 79-year-old ethnic Hmong leader from a possible terrorism trial in an alleged plot to overthrow the Lao government ... Brian McCartan is a Bangkok-based freelance journalist. (Asia Times Online)
US takes a radical turn on Myanmar Sep 30, 2009
BANGKOK - The Barack Obama administration has broken ranks with its recent predecessors in announcing its intention to engage Myanmar's ruling generals while also maintaining economic and financial sanctions against the military regime ... Brian McCartan is a Bangkok-based freelance journalist. (Asia Times Online)
Feds award grant to South San Francisco ferry Sep 30, 2009
Whether you're touring Bangkok or Boston, thrifty rides can extend the borders of your travel budget. Here are a few of our favorite ways to travel with convenience and affordability. (Fresno Bee -- State)
PAUL KRUGMAN: Ignoring climate change Sep 30, 2009
U.N. climate talks kicked off Monday in Bangkok with leaders calling for delegates to break the deadlock over a global warming deal and warning failure to act would leave future generations fighting for survival. Negotiations on a new U.N. climate pact have been bogged down by a broad unwillingness to commit to firm emissions targets, and a refusal by developing countries to sign a deal until the West guarantees tens of billions of dollars in financial assistance - something rich countries have... (Fresno Bee -- Opinion)
Airplanes, oxygen and the media Sep 26, 2009
From Bangkok to Timbuktu, a visit to the world's most impressive, historic or otherwise curious terminals. Part 3: Airlines. (Salon)
Thrifty rides can extend your travel budget Sep 25, 2009
Whether you're touring Bangkok or Boston, thrifty rides can extend the borders of your travel budget ... In Bangkok, river buses provide access to numerous points of interest without the stress of street traffic. (Honolulu Advertiser)
Leading the way Sep 23, 2009
Jon , Bangkok, Thailand. This is the kind of political leadership that will be necessary to break the current deadlock. (BBC News -- Americas)
Mystery, Magic, Malaysia Sep 23, 2009
A small local industry has been built around the final mysterious moments of Jim Thompson, a Bangkok based American silk trader some say spy who vanished on Easter Sunday in 1967 while on a hike in the jungle here. To this day, nobody knows what happened did the alang, aboriginal people living in the jungle, shoot him with a poisoned blow dart. (Concierge.com)
Got the pink-slip? Take a trip Sep 22, 2009
And once they set off on their two-and-a-half-week journey through Bangkok, Phuket, and more, feeding and bathing baby elephants at a rescue camp in Chiang Mai proved to be a particularly potent distraction ... Traditional and modern, this visual tour shows off the many sides of Bangkok. (MSNBC -- Travel)
Oil below $70 in Asia after big tumble Sep 22, 2009
BANGKOK: Oil prices wallowed near $70 a barrel Tuesday in Asia after falling steeply overnight amid news that China's crude consumption fell in August ... 97 a barrel by early afternoon Bangkok time in electronic trading on the New York Mercantile Exchange. (India Times)
Oil falls below $72 in Asia Sep 21, 2009
BANGKOK: Oil prices fell below $72 a barrel Monday in Asia as high crude stockpiles and weak demand tempered enthusiasm about recent signs 00004000 of improvement in the world's largest economy ... 64 a barrel by midday Bangkok time in electronic trading on the New York Mercantile Exchange. (India Times)
Best from Sunday Sep 21, 2009
BANGKOK - As thousands of demonstrators marked the anniversary of a 2006 coup in the Thai capital Saturday, a rival group of protesters clashed with police and villagers near the Cambodian border, showing the country's long-running political crisis is far from settled. KABUL - The Taliban's reclusive leader said in a Muslim holiday message Saturday that the U.S. and NATO should study Afghanistan's long history of war, in a pointed reminder that foreign forces have had limited military success in... (Athens Banner-Herald)
Ceaseless deaths of the famous mark summer `09 Sep 21, 2009
On June 4, the "Kung Fu" actor David Carradine, 72, was found dead in a Bangkok hotel room. On June 23, Ed McMahon, the loyal "Tonight" show sidekick to Johnny Carson, died at the age of 86. (Chippewa Falls Chippewa Herald, WI)
Storm have different focus: Smith Sep 16, 2009
September 16, 2009 - 4:04PM. Melbourne captain Cameron Smith says winning a fourth straight NRL minor premiership was never a target for the Storm in 2009. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Sport)
Aboriginal elder's death sparks protest Sep 16, 2009
ALEISHA PREEDY AND WARWICK STANLEY. September 16, 2009 - 6:34PM. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Australia)
Living hand-to-trunk in Thailand Sep 14, 2009
I had traveled on an overnight train from Bangkok to see and experience the curious creatures in the wild - instead of at the zoo or the circus - and was peacefully gazing at several clusters of elephants when the ground started to shake ... After the government banned logging in the 1990s - the main source of employment for elephants - many were out of work, and their handlers (or mahouts), who often stay with one elephant for life, lacked options: sell their elephants to a trekking company or... (San Francisco Chronicle -- Travel)
A holiday in Pakistan? Sep 14, 2009
"We were really expecting, on the basis of what happened through '04, '05, '06, that they might get over the million mark very soon," he told AFP from Bangkok, where PATA is based. Instead, Pakistan has become sucked into fighting Islamist radicals. (iAfrica.com)
How to be a better traveler Sep 13, 2009
I once had a stopover in Bangkok for two days and hadn t bothered to learn any Thai before I arrived because it was such a brief stay. Not being able to communicate at all was awful, though, and after I learned how to say a simple Sawat dii ka (the feminine form of Hello ), I got a whole lot more smiles than I did with my blank stares. (Boston Globe)
Thailand want Robson to replace Reid as their new coach Sep 12, 2009
BANGKOK: Thailands FA said yesterday they expected former England captain Bryan Robson to take up an offer to replace Peter Reid as coach of the national team. FA chairman Worawi Makudi said on the bodys official website that he had contacted the former Manchester United skipper and is waiting for a reply. (The Star Online, Malaysia -- Sports)
China, Myanmar border on a conflict Sep 10, 2009
BANGKOK - An ominous lull has fallen over northern Myanmar since the military government's defeat last week of Kokang ethnic insurgents ... Bangkok previously supported ethnic groups along its border as a buffer against Myanmar but now commercially engages with the regime, including the import of crucial natural gas supplies ... Brian McCartan is a Bangkok-based freelance journalist. (Asia Times Online)
TIM PORTER: STILL LIVES / Photographs Portraits from The Collection of The Congdon Anatomical Museum, Bangkok Sep 7, 2009
In 1988, Tokyo-based photographer Tim Porter gained access through special permission to a very privileged space: the Sirirai Hospital in Bangkok, Thailand. For one week only, he had the opportunity to photograph surreal specimens of humanity conjoined twins. (AbsoluteArts.com)
Read Indepth Article Sep 7, 2009
TIM PORTER: STILL LIVES / Photographs Portraits from The Collection of The Congdon Anatomical Museum, Bangkok - La Petite Mort Gallery - absolutearts ... "TIM PORTER: STILL LIVES / Photographs Portraits from The Collection of The Congdon Anatomical Museum, Bangkok" 2009-09-05 until 2009-09-17 Ottawa, ON, CA Canada ... La Petite Mort Gallery presents Tim Porter: Still Lives / Photographs Portraits from The Collection of The Congdon Anatomical Museum, Bangkok - in Collaboration with the Ottawa... (AbsoluteArts.com)
ACC Women's Basketball Players Shine on World Stage Sep 6, 2009
The 2009 FIBA U19 World Championship featured 16 national teams from around the world and was held in Bangkok, Thailand. It was the first time Johnson had ever been outside of the U.S., where she was exposed to a different culture and different way of life. (Theacc.com)
KL ranks top 3 city for business in Asia Sep 5, 2009
BANGKOK: Kuala Lumpur has been ranked among the top three cities for business in Asia in the SmartTravelAsia ... The Malaysian capital, ranked fourth last year, finished behind Hong Kong which remained the top city for business, followed by Singapore, while Bangkok, the City of Angels, dropped one rung to fourth ... Kuala Lumpur came in fourth in the Best City for Shopping category, which was topped by Hong Kong, Singapore and Bangkok. (The Star Online, Malaysia)
Origami Whiz's Passport Saga Rivets Thais Sep 5, 2009
BANGKOK, Sept. 4, 2009 ... Mong Thongdee, 12, poses with Thailand's Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva and paper airplanes during their meeting in Bangkok, Thailand. (CBS News -- World)
Online travel agency eyes RM60mil sales Sep 3, 2009
Call centres have been set up in Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok, Singapore, Hong Kong, Taipei, Sydney, Tokyo, Shanghai and Manila. Chin said with the latest portal and a wider array of products combined with good partnerships, the company was targeting to grow its customer membership from the current 35,000 to 100,000 by March next year. (The Star Online, Malaysia -- Business)
Asia poorest to be hit Sep 3, 2009
The ADB's research was carried out by the International Food Policy Research Institute and will be published in full at the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change meeting in Bangkok later this month. Read business stories in. (India Times)
Internet Savvy Get Free Trips To Thailand Sep 2, 2009
BANGKOK -- Attention Internet-savvy travelers: Thailand is giving away free trips to five lucky couples who don't mind sitting in front of a computer while on vacation ... Each of the five couples will be sent early next year on a six-day trip to different destinations: the capital Bangkok, beach resorts Phuket, Samui and Pattaya, and the northern city of Chiang Mai. (Click2Houston, TX)
Outstanding Asia tours from $799 Sep 2, 2009
Traditional and modern, this visual tour shows off the many sides of Bangkok. more photos. (MSNBC -- Travel)
Pakistan reality TV contestant drowns in challenge Aug 31, 2009
Horrified co-contestants and crew rushed to try to save him but could not find him in the murky waters of the lake in the Thai capital of Bangkok, where the show was being filmed, according to Aslam, who was recounting reports of those on the scene ... Thai police were investigating to determine whether the death was an accident or caused by negligence, Bangkok's Kom Chad Luek newspaper reported earlier this month. (Chippewa Falls Chippewa Herald, WI)
Virgin's blues on the Pacific route Aug 27, 2009
Qantas has closed its cabin crew base in Bangkok because of a big slump. Today in Business. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Business)
LA trial in Thai film festival bribery case begins Aug 27, 2009
By GREG RISLING Wednesday, August 26, 2009 10:45 PM CDT A filmmaking couple devised an intricate system of bribes to Thai officials in order to land lucrative projects such as the Bangkok International Film Festival, a federal prosecutor said Wednesday during opening statements of their trial ... 8 million to help secure the Bangkok film festival and tourism-related deals between 2002 and 2007. (Chippewa Falls Chippewa Herald, WI)
How To Fly 'All You Can' Aug 27, 2009
Along with 24 basic cities, including Bangkok, Seoul, Singapore and Tokyo, the pass also covers 25 add-on cities, including many destinations in China. After selecting your two basic cities, you can add up to two more basics and however many add-ons for $300 apiece. (Fox News)
Qantas axes 123 cabin crew jobs Aug 27, 2009
Qantas has closed its cabin crew base in Bangkok one of three overseas leading to a loss of about 123 jobs because of a big slump in demand for international travel ... "I wish to reiterate that this announcement of the closure of Bangkok, further demonstrates the serious job security situation for long-haul crew," the unions secretary of the international division, Michael Mijatov, wrote in a letter to members. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Business)
Bangkok's surprising touch of India Aug 26, 2009
BANGKOK, Thailand Outdoor markets tout sari sales, five-star hotels feature Indian chefs and Thais drop by a temple in the financial district to beseech Hindu gods to send profits their way. In this photo taken on Feb. 6, 2008, men gather for a shrine dedication ceremony in Bangkok, Thailand ... An estimated 140,000 of Bangkok's 10 plus million people have roots in modern India making their presence felt in tailor shops, the gem trade and hotels. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Travel)
On the march to do business in Myanmar Aug 26, 2009
BANGKOK - The debate over United States and European Union-led sanctions against doing business in Myanmar is set to intensify in the wake of US Senator Jim Webb's recent high-profile meeting with Senior General Than Shwe and detained pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi ... Brian McCartan is a Bangkok-based freelance journalist. (Asia Times Online)
Man 'tries to open door' on Qantas descent into Sydney Aug 26, 2009
Staff managed to reseat him, but he stood up and moved towards a middle door in the economy section aboard flight QF2 from London via Bangkok today ... "The incident wasn't in any way threatening, but some children did become scared and upset, and started yelling,'' the passenger said. Passengers were asked to remain in their seats for another 20 minutes before being allowed to disembark at Sydney Airport. Australian Federal Police met the man at the arrival gate and took him into custody for... (Sydney Morning Herald -- Opinion)
Thailand emerges from recession Aug 24, 2009
BANGKOK: Thailand's economy emerged from recession in the second quarter as increased government spending offset a slump in manufacturing and agriculture. The state planning agency says Monday that gross domestic product expanded 2. (India Times)
Hotel occupancy hit by downturn, A(H1N1) Aug 24, 2009
The higher tourist arrivals could partly be attributed to the temporary shut down of the Bangkok airport due to protests in April, which diverted the traffic to Malaysia, making the country a stopover point before travellers proceeded to their final destination. Meanwhile, arrivals from certain countries have shown a significant decline (see chart). (The Star Online, Malaysia -- Business)
Cathay offers attractive fares Aug 23, 2009
The Delhi-Bangkok-Hong Kong flight enjoyed an almost 100 per cent load factor during the summer holidays, Raicar said, but did not reveal the yields on these flights for reasons of business secrecy. To questions on the bilateral air traffic rights signed less about 18 months ago, he said a daily flight from Delhi to Hong Kong via Bangkok was launched from March 30, taking the total number of flights each day two ... The Hong Kong-based carrier, operating in India for the past 55 years, also... (India Times)
Asian markets fall on recovery doubts Aug 21, 2009
BANGKOK: Asian stock markets sank on Friday as mixed economic data from the world's largest economy reinforced fears that investors have overestimated the recovery's strength. Japan's Nikkei 225 stock average was down 196 points, or 1. (India Times)
