Wednesday, December 24, 2008

iPhone 3G launches in Thailand: Officially!

TrueMove today announced that it will launch iPhone 3G in Thailand on January 16, 2009. That's a very good move by True Move!

TrueMove launches iPhone 3G officially in Thailand

The iPhone 3G combines all the revolutionary features of iPhone plus 3G, Wi-Fi and built-in GPS, and iPhone 2.2 software which includes support for Microsoft Exchange ActiveSync and runs thousands of third party applications available through the Apple App Store.

Pre-registration for Thailand's first official iPhone 3G is now available at www.truemove.com. Only customers who successfully complete the pre-registration process will be able to collect their iPhone 3G at the launch event from January 16-18, 2009 at the Royal Paragon Hall, Siam Paragon shopping complex.

TrueMove, part of True, Thailand’s only fully-integrated communications company, is able to deliver an unrivaled iPhone 3G experience via its multi-platform network comprising 3G, Wi-Fi, and EDGE/GPRS.

Additionally, TrueMove is the country’s leader in wireless Internet services with over 16,000 hotspots nationwide, covering Bangkok and over 50 provinces. As a special feature for iPhone 3G customers, TrueMove will enable auto-login to the Wi-Fi network, so customers only need to login with their username and password once and can then automatically access the TrueMove Wi-Fi network whenever they enter a hotspot.

Pricing Plans and Tariff

TrueMove is offering very attractive 24 month price plans specially tailored for iPhone 3G. Interested customers can subscribe to a TrueMove iPhone 3G package with zero Baht upfront payment and monthly bundled package fees inclusive of TrueMove services, starting from as low as 1,399 Baht for iPhone 8GB (for payments made by credit card only), and 1,599 Baht for iPhone 16GB (for payments made by credit card only). The price plans contain several options to meet customers' needs while including voice, data as well as Wi-Fi access.

Below is a list of packages and their prices (excluding VAT)

iPhone 3G official launch in Thailand

* Bronze package is not eligible for pre-registration. Registration possible on launch day and pick up at True and TrueMove shops at a designated date and time.

Friday, December 19, 2008

PM Abhisit sweeps up his office after busy SMS day

Today is Abhisit's first Friday as Prime Minister of Thailand. It's also his first day at the Government House which was left in a huge mess by the PAD protesters following a 4 month-long occupation.

Abhisit Broom sweep
(Photo credit: Manager Online)

Abhisit starts his first day in office not by sipping Starbucks coffee, not by biting off a chicken wing from KFC, but by picking up a large broom and sweeping up the Government House along with other BMA workers! Yes you heard it, he helped cleaners clean up the Government House compound.

Abhisit's nickname is Mark, and the media have started calling him "Obamark", a reference to US President-elect Barack Obama - both are from Democratic Party.

He is also named "Lord of the Ring", after he mentioned about his bond with Isaan people through "the ring", given to him by 84-year-old Grandma Niam Phanmanee, the Isaan villager, as a memento for his engagement and commitment to the Northeast Isaan people. He met her on the campaign trail in the lead-up to the December 23 election. Grandma Nium is in hospital now due to high fever and high blood pressure. Could this be a result of overnight fame brought to her by the "Master of the Ring" aka Abhisit?

Abhisit Ring
(Photo credit: Dailyxpress)

Yesterday was a very busy day for Abhisit, as he had to send SMS text messages to the entire Thai population.

Abhisit SMS message
(Photo credit: Dailyxpress)

Some Thais got the first SMS that read "I am Abhisit Vejjajiva. Please accept my thanks. I will be in touch with you shortly."

Some lucky mobile phone users got another one that read "I am your new PM. I would like to invite you to help pull our country pull of the crisis. If you are interested in receiving my messages, please send your five-digit postal code to 9191. (3 Baht service charge)"

It wasn't just text messages! The luckier people got a message in their voicemail saying: "I am Abhisit Vejjajiva, the prime minister. I am aware that people are suffering from many problems and stress. I am determined to serve the country to the best of my abilities. I would like to ask you to help, because without unity, my mission can never be successful."

Some people weren't so happy to get his SMS, one of them was Consumer Advocate Saree Ongsomwang who quickly reminded about the possible offence that Abhisit's SMS might violate people's privacy. She probably wanted Abhisit to stick to age old means via television and radio.

Why isn't she reminding so many other companies who send spammy SMS messages each day to millions of people. Lots of people I know get SMS spam that goes like "download free crappy ring tones", "free mp3", "free calling melody", "free concert tickets to Golf and Mike", "check your horoscope", etc.

I haven't got any SMS from Abhisit yet, I got a Thai friend to register my SIM card, so if Thais are the only target then I should get one. Most of my Thai friends are still waiting for the SMS from Abhisit. But many friends from Pathumthani and Thonburi have got it already. Maybe the other provinces are getting it first?

Monday, December 15, 2008

George Bush gets shoes thrown at in Iraq

An Iraqi journalist threw 2 shoes at President George Bush during a press conference in Iraq.

George Bush shoe incident

George Bush shoe incident

In the middle of the news conference with Mr Maliki, Iraqi television journalist Muntadar al-Zaidi stood up and shouted "this is a goodbye kiss from the Iraqi people, dog," before hurling a shoe at Mr Bush which narrowly missed him.

Showing the soles of shoes to someone is a sign of contempt in Arab culture.

With his second shoe, which the president also managed to dodge, Mr Zaidi said: "This is for the widows and orphans and all those killed in Iraq."

Mr Zaidi, a correspondent for Cairo-based al-Baghdadiya TV, was then wrestled to the ground by security personnel and hauled away.

"If you want the facts, it's a size 10 shoe that he threw," Mr Bush joked afterwards.

Here's the YouTube video:



That was a pretty quick duck for an old guy like Bush. The throw was even better!

The US president is now going to Afghanistan to inspect troops there. He'll have to tighten his abs a bit more to duck from any more surprises thrown at him.

Abhisit Vejjajiva: Final countdown as PM

In a few hours from now, the Parliament is scheduled to vote for a new prime minister. Is Abhisit's wait for PM post over?

Abhisit Vejjajiva
(Photo credit: AP)

The Democrat party is all set to nominate its leader Abhisit Vejjajiva while the pro-Thaksin parties plan to nominate Pracha Promnok, leader of Pheu Pandin party.

Abhisit Vejjajiva, 44 was born in England, and graduated from Oxford University with a Bachelor's degree in Philosophy, Politics and Economics. He is one of a very few Thai politicians who looks handsome.

It is going be a neck-to-neck race for the premiership as the vote of every single MP counts.

The Democrats are quite worried after news that the Pheu Thai Party is offering 50 million Baht to each MP who report sick and don't show up for the vote. Millions are being offered for MPs who change their minds.

Whether Abhisit becomes the 27th prime minister of Thailand or not remains to be seen in the hours to come. The session starts at 9am today.

Thailand might just get a handsome young prime minister today.

Sunday, December 14, 2008

Sayan Doksadao, Thai comedian dies at 48

Sayan Doksadao Muangcharoen (Thai: สายัณห์ ดอกสะเดา ม่วงเจริญ), a popular comedian with Down's syndrome died at Chulalongkorn Hospital on December 14, 2008 at around 6:08pm.

Sayan Doksadao, Thai comedian dies

He was in a critical condition and suffered from severe brain haemorrhage that made it difficult to breathe, and was placed on life support earlier.

Sayan, 48, whose real name was Sayan Muangcharoen was admitted to hospital on 18th October, 2008, and has been receiving treatment ever since.

Sayan Doksadao, Thai comedian dies

A popular TV and film comedian in Thailand, Sayan is one of the world's few working actors with Down's Syndrome. Sayan was adopted by Deux Doksadao, one of Thailand's most famous comedian. Sayan was a patient under The Royal Patronage.

Sayan Doksadao, Thai comedian dies

Sayan's Films include:
Woak Wak (โว๊กว๊าก)
Variety phii chalui aka Ghost Variety
Rohng tiam
Phii hua khaat 2 aka Headless Hero 2
Luang phii theng

Sayan Doksadao, Thai comedian dies

RIP Sayan.

Tuesday, December 09, 2008

January 2: extra Thai holiday

The Nation reports that January 2, 2009 has been declared as an extra New Year holiday, as approved by the caretaker government.

New Year Beach Holiday

The Cabinet is trying to boost Thailand's tourism with the long New Year holidays starting from December 31 to January 2. Since Jan 2 is a Friday, we get to enjoy another 2 days over the weekend.

YEE HAA!

Thursday, December 04, 2008

Mum Jokmok in Ong-Bak 2

Mum Jokmok (Thai: หม่ำ จ๊กมก), one of Thailand's most famous comedian, will be appearing on Ong Bak 2 as a crazy guy.

Mum Jok Mok Ong Bak 2

Mom Jok Mok, who's real name is Petchtai Wongkamlao (Thai: เพ็ชรทาย วงศ์คำเหลา), plays the role of a harmless mentally ill, yet good-tempered man called "I-Men" (Thai: ไอ้เหม็น) which means "stinking person" in Thai.

Mum dresses up as a homeless, dirty looking man who tries to mimic anybody he comes across.

Mum Jok Mok

Mum's past appearances in Tom-Yum-Goong and Ong-Bak: Muay Thai Warrior sure did add more fun and laughter to those Tony Jaa movies. Sounds like Ong-Bak 2 is going to be more fun!

Ong-Bak 2 is releasing tomorrow, and I just can't wait to watch that trailer scene where Tony Jaa runs barefoot towards a stampede of tusked elephants, climbs onto one of them, and then jumps from one elephant to another. Tony Jaa said in an interview on Channel 3 talk show called Night at 10, that he did a lot of practicing using slings but on the final take, he did not use a sling! He could have died if he fell off an elephant!

The pictures below are a screen capture of Tony Jaa jumping on elephants from the Ong-Bak 2 trailer on YouTube

Ong Bak 2 elephant jump by Tony Jaa

Ong Bak 2 elephant jump by Tony Jaa

Ong Bak 2 elephant jump by Tony Jaa

Ong Bak 2 elephant jump by Tony Jaa

Wednesday, December 03, 2008

Sam Yuranan Pamornmontri to run for Bangkok Governor

Popular actor "Sam" Yuranan Pamornmontri (Thai: แซม ยุรนันท์ ภมรมนตรี) today announced that he is ready to contest in the Bangkok gubernatorial race under the Puea Thai Party banner.

Sam Yuranan Pamornmontri

Now 45 years old, "Uncle" Sam Yuranan was a former MP belonging to the now-defunct Thai Rak Thai party.

Puea Thai Party is finalizing its endorsement today and Uncle Sam will register his candidacy in a day or two.

Sam Yuranan Pamornmontri

The heart-throb actor-singer-turned-politician Sam Yuranand Pamornmontri was once considered to be one of the most handsome men in Thailand.

Sam Yuranan Pamornmontri

Uncle Sam says that if elected, his team for city administration will include Prapat Jongsanguan who ran in the October gubernatorial race, stock market regulator Kittirat na Ranong and retired city clerk Khunying Natthanan Thavisin.

Tuesday, December 02, 2008

Thai demonstrators to stop airport protest

The People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) announced today that it will end all of its demonstrations at 10 am on Wednesday, December 3.

PAD protesters
(Photo credit: Reuters)

PAD announced an end to all its protests including the Government House and Don Mueang and Suvarnabhumi International airports in Bangkok.

Cargo planes resumed their services from Suvarnabhumi Airport since 9am today.

PAD's co-leaders said the decision to terminate the protests was made because they gained victory after the Constitution Court dissolved People Power Party, Matchima Tipatayai and Chart Thai parties.

The leaders took turns to declare victories on a stage at Suvarnabhumi Airport.

"All people can go home now. We are the victors now. However we will be ready to come back if the country wants us to," they told the cheering crowds.

Chavarat Charnvirakul: Caretaker PM

Deputy Prime Minister Chaovarat Chanweerakul will become Thailand's caretaker prime minister after a meeting of the caretaker Cabinet.

Chaovarat Chanweerakul - Thailand's caretaker PM

The caretaker Cabinet would make a formal decision as to who should be caretaker prime minister replacing disqualified Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat.

People Power Party dissolved

3 parties disbanded!

The Nation reports that The Constitution Court dissolves People Power Party (Thai: พรรคพลังประชาชน) and bans its executive board members for five years.

People Power Party (PPP) dissolved

The same applies to Matchima Thipataya Party as well as Chart Thai Party.

The high court held the three parties for accountability on electoral fraud involving party executives, Yongyuth Tiyapairat of People Power, Monthien Songpracha of Chart Thai and Sunthorn Wilawan of Matchima Thipataya.

In the fraud case linked to People Power Party, the high court cited the Yongyuth conviction by the Supreme Court as the ground to penalize the ruling party.

For cases linked to Chart Thai and Matchima Thipataya, it invoked the rulings by the Election Commission as the basis to punish the two parties.

The nine presiding judges reached unanimous decisions against People Power and Matchima Thipataya parties. And they formed the eight-to-one decision to punish Chart Thai.

The high court opined that the punishment by disbandment was mandatory as sanctioned by Article 237 of the Constitution and that it had no leeway to selectively punish the party executives on the individual basis.

Tata Xenon Super CNG launched

Tata Xenon Super CNG has been unveiled at the 25th Thailand International Motor Expo 2008 which is currently underway between November 29 to December 10, 2008, at Impact Challenger 1-3 Muang Thong Thani.
Tata Xenon Super CNG
The new Xenon Super CNG is Thailand's first pickup truck with a factory-installed 100% CNG system. It offers better energy saving options and more cost-effective alternatives for the Thai customer.
Tata Xenon Super CNG
Target customers for Xenon Super CNG are both individual customers who use pickup vehicles for transporting goods on fixed routes, and also big companies which have very high fuel expenses. It can help them cut their operating costs by up to 30 to 50 per cent.

Tata Xenon Super CNG launched

The Xenon Super CNG comes with a 2.1 litre, DOHC multi-point injection engine with a maximum output of 115 hp and a maximum torque of 175 nm at 3,750 rpm. Tata claims the CNG system and components are ‘state-of-the-art’. The gas line is from Sandvik (Germany) and Swagelok (USA), the cylinder valve is from OMB (Italy) and the ECU processes data through various Bosch (Germany) and Valeo (France) sensors.

The new Xenon Super CNG X-tend Cab CLE is being introduced at a special price of 519,000 Thai Baht ($US14,700) with 3 years / 100,000 km warranty.

Tata Motors (Thailand) have also announced that they have entered collaboration agreements with gas supplier PTT Thailand for the promotion of natural gas vehicles.

Monday, December 01, 2008

Nattakorn Devakula runs for Bangkok Governor

News anchorman and talk show host M.L. Nattakorn Devakula (Thai: ม.ล.ณัฐกรณ์ เทวกุล), who is also ex-finance minister Pridiyathorn Devakula's son, registered as an independent candidate to contest in the upcoming Bangkok governor election.

He gets candidacy No 8 and shows his fingers in the image below.

ML Nattakorn Devakula

Also known as Khun Pluem (Thai: ปลื้ม), ML Nattakorn traveled to the Bangkok City Hall to register himself on Monday morning.

Khun Pluem was a brand ambassador for Nissan Tiida last year and standing tall at 185 cm, he was able to fit in comfortably, with his knee cap intact.

Nattakorn Devakula  Nissan TIIDA Brand Amabssador

According to ML Nattakorn, it is time for people in Bangkok to have a new alternative because they are tired of things happening around them at the moment.

ML Nattakorn Devakula