Stories about Thailand from April, 2009
Malaysia: Humans as Commodities
In early 2009, Malaysia had the dubious privilege of being investigated by the US senate for the trafficking of humans. News reports stated that the migrants involved were mostly from Myanmar, but other foreigners were also allegedly taken by the government officials to the Malaysian-Thai border, where they were extorted or sold to human trafficking syndicates.
Thailand: Southern militants launch attacks
Eleven attacks by separatists in southern Thailand were launched last Sunday. A blogger criticizes the lack of in-depth coverage by the local media
Thailand: Anti-censorship Site Got Blocked
The website of anti-censorship movement in Thailand, Freedom Against Censorship Thailand (FACT), got blocked by several University connections and ISPs on 25 of April. At the time of writing, it...
DoGooderTV: Voting Open for the NonProfit Video Awards
The voting period to select the winners of the DogooderTV 2009 Non Profit Video Awards ends this Saturday, April 25, so now is the perfect time to head over to their site, view the different videos uploaded by organizations to promote a cause. Today we´ll show you some of the competing videos which focus on international issues.
Thailand: Red Shirt videos
Happi like a Hippo gives a list of protest videos uploaded by Thailand's Red Shirt protesters on YouTube.
Global Recession: The world is talking. Are we listening?
There is no lack of online articles about the various aspects of the global economic crisis. Many of them are written by economic experts and policymakers. What about the perspectives of ordinary bloggers? This global roundup of blogs gathers stories of people around the world who are struggling to survive the economic downturn.
Thailand: Extended holiday
The government of Thailand extended the country’s traditional New Year holiday festivities for public safety in case the Red Shirt protesters organize a new round of protests.
Thailand: Red Shirts paid to protest?
The Red Shirts have ended their protests. The leaders have been arrested and an arrest warrant was issued against former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra. There is a popular video on YouTube which critics believe is a proof that Thaksin paid his supporters to protest in Thailand.
Thailand: Fake Red Shirt application
Thai 101 translates a fake Red Shirt membership application which was probably made by critics of the red-shirted protesters. The Red Shirts are demanding the resignation of Thailand's Prime Minister.
Thailand protests: Shopping stores were closed
Shopping stores and other local businesses were forced to close in Bangkok as violence erupted between government troops and opposition Red Shirts yesterday.
Bangkok protests: Black Songkran
Songkran, the Thai New Year celebrated from April 13 – 15, is supposed to be a joyous event in Thailand. But this year’s Songkran has been described as the “Black Songkran” in reference to the chaotic and violent confrontation between soldiers and anti-government protesters. Two protesters were killed and more than one hundred were injured during the clash in the streets of Bangkok.
Thailand’s “colored” protesters
Red shirts. Yellow shirts. Blue Shirts. Pink Shirts. White Shirts. Orange Shirts. Purple Shirts. Black Shirts. Be careful what you wear in Thailand today. Your politics are determined by the color of your shirt. A blogger suggests that tourists should wear floral shirts in Thailand in order not to be identified with any of the political forces here.
Thailand: Protesters disrupt ASEAN Summit
Thousands of opposition Red Shirts in Thailand stormed inside the venue of a major Asian Summit which forced the government to announce the cancellation of the event. Most of the Red Shirts are loyal to former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra. They want incumbent Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva to resign. What are the reactions from Thailand’s blogosphere?
Thailand: Taxi drivers join Red Shirts
Last December protesters shut down Bangkok airports. Today the Red Shirt protesters are supported by taxi drivers who used their cars to block traffic in the city. See also the...
Thailand: Thousands join anti-government protest
Tens of thousands of protesters joined the opposition Red Shirts in Bangkok in a bid to topple the government. Many of the rallyists were supporters of ousted Prime Minister Thaksin...
Thailand: Statistics on southern violence
The ongoing conflict in the deep south of Thailand has claimed over 3,000 lives since it began in 2004. Bangkok Pundit has analysed some statistics of the number of deaths...
Lao-Thai railway
The grand opening ceremony for the first modern railway in Laos was held last month. The railway links Laos and Thailand across the Mekong River.
Thailand: Protesters gearing up for showdown
Anti-government protesters in Thailand are preparing for a large rally on April 8 to bring down the government. The opposition Red Shirts claim they are supported by most Thais. Some...
Thailand: Another airport blockade?
Twitter user jeremyfanclub heard on the radio that anti-government protesters in Thailand plan to block the Chiang Mai airport today where the Prime Minister is expected to land after noon.
Fighting erupts again on Preah Vihear border
A border clash took place between Thai and Cambodian soldiers on the disputed Preah Vihear territory. The fighting took place days before the Thai-Cambodia Joint Commission on Demarcation for Land...
Thailand: Chiang Mai air pollution
Thousands in Chiang Mai in north Thailand have suffered respiratory infections due to severe air pollution. Even government authorities are advising locals to wear surgical masks.
