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.


(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?


(Photo credit: Dailyxpress)

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


(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?

George Bush gets shoes thrown at in Iraq

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





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.

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.



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'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

Stranded tourists at Bangkok Airport: Photo Essay

Here a some pictures of foreign tourists stranded at Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok.

They are going to remember Thailand for a very long time, as the rest of their lives couldn't be any more boring than this. I wonder if there are any Thai masseurs out there in the airport, as the tourists are going to need a lot of Thai massage.

All Flight Cancelled? Bullshit!



Papa, I want some more coffee



Its your turn dude



Guitar solo playing "One Night in Bangkok and the world's your oyster". Next up.. "Two nights in airport and your ass grows number".



I checked-in first



Sleeping in a trolley with my favorite jeans on



We should have taken that flight to Chiang Mai last night



Check out my new bed



Now, how do we get back to Patpong?



Mommy, that Thai kid is looking at us



I am so frickin' pissed



I checked-in first class



Somewhere, over the rainbow...



(Photo credits: AP)

Tourists have fun at airport despite closure

Despite the closure of Suvarnabhumi Airport, some farang tourists are enjoying themselves with the PAD.



Many stranded passengers, having missed out on their in-flight entertainment, are seen holding hand clappers and smiling as the PAD protesters distribute food and snacks to them.



Wait a minute! They're even wearing the yellow Ku-chart head bands. Looks like PAD's popularity at the airport is soaring.

The PAD are now responsible for providing in-flight food & entertainment to the stranded tourists? What are the airport officials up to?

The PAD has completely taken control of Suvarnabhumi Airport so any airline that wants to take off or land must seek permission from them directly.



They have shown mercy by allowing only one flight for the Muslim Hajj pilgrimage to take off.

The picture below once again reminds me that "with great power comes great responsibility"



Tres BIZARRE!

One Two Go Airlines is ready to go

After being grounded for so many months One 2 Go Airlines has finally announced that it is going to start operations from December 5, 2008.



One Two Go's website is ready for online bookings now. They also have a newsletter out, click on the image below for a larger version.



Their new promotion sounds pretty attractive as they mention the word 'free' a lot:

Free Food and Drink
Free Fuel Surcharges
Free First Hold Baggage
Free Second Hold Baggage
Free Choice of seat upon check-in
Free Telephone Reservation
Free On-line reservation

They're also giving away Free Mama Cup Noodles on All Flights!!!



FREE!!! Noodles, All Flights!!!

Oh wait, there's a catch... (written in tiny fonts below): May not be available on all flights?

Salad Bar Architecture at Pizza Hut

Here is a creative way to maximize your return on investment (ROI) at the Pizza Hut's salad bar. Remember, you only get one trip to the salad bar, so make it count!

Go ahead and try it at your own risk! And don't blame me if you get booted from the restaurant or get into a salad bar brawl over a bowl.

Caution: Please don't try this too often or else the manager dude at 1150 Pizza Hut is going to get really annoyed.

















Hey fellas! Check out my salad bowl!



Thanks to some Taiwanese students who constructed this creative salad bar architecture. There is also a YouTube video of how it's done.

If you dislike the idea that Pizza Hut is expensive and you are not allowed to pick your salad more than once, you can always go to Sizzler where you can sit near the salad bar and make as many trips as you like.

Funny Thainglish at a major Thai website

Found this funny message written in Thainglish at a major Thai website that sells concert tickets. If you've stayed in Thailand long enough, you can easily guess the name of the website.

For those of you who have no idea, the website I'm talking about is called Thai Ticket Major.



I came across the message while checking out the details for Kylie Minogue 2008 World Tour Live in Bangkok concert.


The message reads "Please, present tickets to staff anytimes, limit for tickets, we so sorry for who lose of tickets".

This message is displayed on the details page of the 3rd Acoustic Winter Music Festival at Bonanza Khao Yai, which they call the "3th Acoustic Winter Fest".



They have a warning for everybody that reads "You could to join with fan or friend via to this event together."!

That's not all, they have some more:
Disallow for drink made of glass or tin can at concert zone area
Disallow for weapon at concert zone area
Disallow for video record
Don't smoke at concert zone area (Allow prepare zone area only!!)

Most interesting Tinglish words/phrases I learned today:

1. anytimes
2. we so sorry
3. prepare zone area
4. Disallow for drink made of glass

Looks like I have a lot of learning to do...

YouTube video: Leena Jang's canal plunge

Here is a YouTube video of Leena Jang's soaky wet plunge into one of Bangkok's dirtiest and smelliest canals, the Khlong Saen Saeb.



After looking at the video, it appears as if she plunged into the canal on purpose - could this whole thing be a setup? While she was being rescued, she managed to scream "it stinks so bad" a couple of times. Then she goes on saying how dirty these canals are and if she gets elected Bangkok's governor she would provide free boat rides for everybody.

Free boat rides for all? Sounds dangerous, as there will be more people drowning from boat capsizes - don't you think?

Lovely Leena Jang falls into San Saeb canal

Bangkok Post reports that Leena Jangjanja, a candidate running for Bangkok Governor as candidate No. 7, fell into Khlong Saen Saeb (Thai: คลองแสนแสบ) canal while she was campaigning for Bangkok's top job this afternoon.


(Photo credit: Manager Online)

View more pictures at Manager

With only two weeks for the election, Leena, dressed in pink, was campaigning at the pier by the boat looking for supporters residing alongside the canal, when she accidentally fell into the canal's dirty waters. Luckily Leena's colorful team of shirtless men jumped into the canal to rescue her, and she was reportedly uninjured, but got drenched waist down.



Leena, a 49-year-old businesswoman, lawyer, and a mother of two, is known for making eye-catching, noisy entrances at her rivals' campaign venues. She also owns a business which produces, sells and franchises beauty products. Visit Leena Jang's beauty products website Hi-So (LEENA) to see for yourself.

Some of the beauty products you will find at her website are:
- Pink Nipple Nourishing Cream
- Big + Up Breast Cream for Growth and Firming
- Lift-Up Whitening Cream
- Whitening Milk Shower Spa Cream
- Whitening Armpit Cream
- Eye Primer Gel
- Stretch Mark Remover
- Acne & Blemish Whitening Cream

With this incident, Leena has accidentally discovered another problem Bangkok is facing - Bangkok canal boat rides aren't safe, and it is common for people falling into the canal. Is Chuwit listening???



I have been in Thailand for more than 25 years and I can manage to roughly count the number of times I have taken one of these canal boat rides. Since Apirak is going to win no doubt, it would be nice if Apirak could make these Saen Sab canal boat rides safer, as it is the quickest way to beat Bangkok's traffic blues on routes not covered by the existing sky-train / MRT.

No Samak, No Cry

This song is based on "No Woman, No Cry" by Bob Marley & The Wailers. It's called "No Samak, No Cry" and it goes out to Samak for losing his beloved seat.



No, Samak, no cry;
No, Samak, no cry;
No, Samak, no cry;
No, Samak, no cry.

Said - said - said: I remember when you used to sit
In the government house on your seat,
Oba - obaserving the journalists
As they would mingle with the good people you meet.
Good friends you have, oh, good friends youve lost
And now you're out of that house.
In this great future, you cant forget your past;
So dry your tears, I seh.

No, Samak, no cry;
No, Samak, no cry.
ere, grumpy old man, dont shed no tears:
No, Samak, no cry.

Said - said - said: I remember when-a you used to sit
In the government house on your seat.
Now the protesters took over that house,
And they all want you to get out.
Back then you cooked khaow kha moo with coca cola,
Of which youd boast with reporters;
Your seat was your only carriage,
You gave all the push you could yet you lost.
But while youre gone, I mean:
Everythings gonna be all right!
Everythings gonna be all right!
I said, everythings gonna be all right-a!
Everythings gonna be all right!
Everythings gonna be all right, now!

So, Samak, no cry;
No - no, stubborn - man, no cry.
Old fart, guilty, dont shed no tears;
No, Samak, no cry.

Large Hadron Collider Google Logo

Today Google displayed a logo of the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) on the Google Home Page.



The LHC is a large equipment which costs $3.8 billion and is part of the world's biggest physics experiment underway today. The experiment has succeeded in its first major test as a beam of protons was successfully fired all the way around a 17-mile tunnel beneath the Swiss-French border.

The Collider is what that scientists hope is the next great step to understanding the makeup of the universe, or the "Big Bang". Scientists hope to see what the components of atoms are made of by smashing them together.

Some Russian scientists say this experiment could create a tiny black hole, and some even joke that part of Europe might be sucked into the black hole, and the world could end.

You can read more about the Collider at Scientific American.

Hey wait a minute! The Bangkok sky is turning very dark right now, its just 4:20 pm here. Is this the outcome of the experiment? Is the world going to end?

Hey, Captain John Luke Picard! BEAM ME UP! HURRY!

Hey Triathlon-ers! Please wait for me!

Hey fellas, wait for me please!


(Photo credit: Xinhua)

Chi Wo Daniel Lee of Hong Kong has a slower reaction time than the rest of his competitors at the start of the men's Triathlon Olympics final. Lee, ranked 92 in the world, is seen in red swim wear on pontoon #12 ready to take his dive, while the rest of the pack are already in the air.

Lee managed to finish in 43rd position in a total time of 1:54:40.78.

Funniest Twitter teaser video - Mein Führer

I just watched one of the funniest videos, it's about Twitter's service downtime. It's from the German comedy film Mein Führer – Die wirklich wahrste Wahrheit über Adolf Hitler (My Leader - The Truly Truest Truth about Adolf Hitler). This video has been edited with English subtitles to make it humorous.

Führer is a noun meaning "leader" or "guide" in the German language, derived from the verb führen meaning 'to lead'.



You can watch the video and enjoy your laughter.