· April, 2009

Stories about Thailand from April, 2009

Malaysia: Humans as Commodities

  30 April 2009

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: Anti-censorship Site Got Blocked

  26 April 2009

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 has still been blocked. The first report came from Thai Netizen mailing list. Blogger Arthit Suriyawongkul wrote in his blog...

Global Recession: The world is talking. Are we listening?

  18 April 2009

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

  15 April 2009

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?

  15 April 2009

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

  13 April 2009

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.

Bangkok protests: Black Songkran

  13 April 2009

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

  12 April 2009

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

  11 April 2009

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

  10 April 2009

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 reactions of Twitter users to the ongoing protest.

Thailand: Statistics on southern violence

  7 April 2009

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 and injuries and the types of incidents. See part 1 and part 2.

Lao-Thai railway

  6 April 2009

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

  6 April 2009

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 are wondering if the unusual rains in Bangkok were caused by cloud seeding of the government to disperse rallyists.

Thailand: Another airport blockade?

  4 April 2009

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

  3 April 2009

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 Boundary was scheduled to meet.

Thailand: Chiang Mai air pollution

  1 April 2009

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.