isaan bog blog

The Pullet Surprise Entries this Month in Thailand 25.10.12

2012-10-25T16:40:00.000+07:00

If you are in anyway familiiar with the state of journalism in Thailand it will come as no surprise that I have created an award for thainess in journalism which I call the Pullet Surprise a far distant cousin to the Pulitzer Prize awarded to real journalists.
Never at a loss for entries listed here are some I have found and some that have been sent to me. They not only demonstrate a certain level of journalism, but a level of thainess as well.
First the Thailand's Nearly English Language Daily the Nation tells us that kids progress is slow. It is hard to believe that it is not totally atrophied. give the social skills of adult Thais, not to exclude teachers. And while still on the education front PARENTS TOLD TO MONITOR KIDS FOR SIGNS OF LD. What should be considered learning disabled in a country where the average secondary school student scores 41% literacy in the Thai language. And still in the State of Thai Education category we come across Key maths, Science test results due out soon, a word to the unwise should be sufficient. A reasonable person might think a country would have taken action some time ago to improve the education system.
On to the wonderful world of Thai tourism where 2 articles should be in the running. First of all we learn that Thai tourist police soon to speak fluent English. I hope you were not drinking anything when you read that. In thailand people who have University Degrees in English cannot speak English, my only conclusion is that they will be disbanding the Tourist Police sooner rather than later. And nearly finally another idiotic idea that will never fly, but I am sure millions will be spent. More help on way for tourists.

But this months true look at Thainess can be found in a bottle It's official: Thais love Johnnie Walker. If Thais love this whiskey why do they drown it in ice and coke? This is the perfect example of , "it is all about face" THAINESS

Thailand's Nearly English Language Dailies going after a Pullet Surprise

2012-10-13T05:14:00.001+07:00

I am not sure I remember ever hearing about Singer Phatchara (Ae) before. And I am sure here death will be a blow to her family. But what is of interest is just how did she die. It is not a matter of small distinctions between the 2 papers The Nation has her succumbing to injuries in an accident while the Bangkok post has her hung in here garage. This is just another example of the fine news reporting provided by Thailand's Nearly English Language Dailies.

More Shit for the Bog From around Thailand 25.09.12

2012-09-25T13:51:00.000+07:00

Sometimes it is hard to believe that the fine reporters at Thailand's Nearly English Language Dailies actually get paid for what they do, but first and thanks to Larry at Khon Kaen Reirement for sending this warning from Deputy Minister of Public Health Dr. Surawit Khonsomboon and posted by the National News Bureau of Thailand The NNT Drinkers warned of drowning in floodwater or as Larry said Don't Drink and Drown. Why looking at the website for Sakon Nakhon Rajabhat University Larry also caught one I missed and I am proud to report that the University flowerr is The Golden Shower Tree, so look forward to more Golden Shower info.
Next not to be oudone Personal benefit will always defeat moral integrity, more about our Interior Minister. And one of my favorie quotes of the week,
"How a donated piece of land, intended by its original owner to serve her religious purpose, ended up as a luxury golf club had nothing to do with economic pragmatism. The land was transformed due to corruption, conspiracy and the mindset that, with political power, you can do what you like."
And just incase you have been missing a the shit being shoveled in Bangkok "Expert warns capital facing deluge threat"...City's drainage system deemed 'inadequate', go figure.
And for all you white Vaginaed, Pretty poopered, clear cocked folks Doctors warn, meth not beauty drug more for you.
And finaaly, last but not least just another Government Officer Mayor 'owned artifacts in past life', listed under breaking news #LMAO

Thailand's Nearly English Language Dailies,From Behind the Khao Ngiow Curtain 17.09.12

2012-09-17T11:58:00.001+07:00

pullet surprise for journalism

Just when I think it might only be a moderately entertaining day one of Thailand's Nearly English Language Dailies, not only prove me wrong, send coffee spewing out my nose and bring back happy memories all at the same time. This article was posted on the 14th, but I didn't get a chance to read it till today." Large drop in traffic tickets in capital", okay it was morning so a huge spray of coffee needed to be cleaned from the computer screen.
The pleasant memory took me back to secondary school and my 4th year. The school was a Roman Catholic, private school run by Holy Cross Brothers who rotated from Notre Dame University and other schools sharing that name. All of us who felt we had a bit of wit, if not half that got jobs contributing to the school paper, and looking back our would be journalists had a much better work ethic and scent for the story than those at the Nation one of Thailand's Nearly English Language Dailies, as I will demonstrate.
We had a Head Disciplinarian by the name of Brother Zell, who had once been a Golden Gloves (boxing champion) in the Navy. Brother Zell was, excuse the pun, zeallous when enforcing school laws relative to dress, decorum, conduct and whatever he chose to enforce, one might say in the same way Bangkok police enforce the law. Brother Zell on the other hand had no financial interest he has just "zellous". As it happened every now and then the good Brother fell off the wagon and found himself spending time in the company of Mr. John Jameson. Now when this happened it was our signal to do what young men of an age should do, we ran amuck.
Now if our newspaper were of the Thailand's Nearly English Language Dailies type we probably would have reported the sudden reduction in infractions in the school, but being budding journalists the paper ran a story thanking Mister Moran for his paying his bet to Brother Zell for Notre Dames defeat of Purdue in football.
I wonder how many 100 Baht notes are not being reported going into the pockets of Bangkok's boys in brown. The Nation and the other Thailand's Nearly English Language Dailies will never be able to suss it out either

all Thais are Treated Equally under the Rule of Law

2012-09-13T06:48:00.002+07:00

To bring about a Thai society that is reconciled, based on the rule of law which meets international standards, whereby all Thais are treated equally. Thank you very much to Lucky Ying Shinawatra the Prime Minister of Thailand and sister of our National hero a convicted fugitive felon Toxin.
The quote was taken from the press kit for the "Experience Thailand" blurb for the also dodgy Tourism Authority of Thailand.
Now we move on to a fine example of how Lucky and the rest of Thai Rak Thai v3.1 mean business. "Guilty until proved innocent" proves that the common man is treated just like lets say) Vorayuth Yoovidhya or even Orachon "Praewa" Thephasadin na Ayudhya.
I used to say everything in Thailand was about face. I was only half right "You have no face in Thailand unless you are at least two faced".
And this just in Girly Berry star on DUI charge after night out .I wonder how long she spent in lockup.
Oops this just in. In Khon Kaen it is 12 to 18,000 BAht and a night in jail for a Thai.
Oh well there is real equal justice under the law and then there is equal justice Thai style

Are we Inundated in Flooding or Flooded in Bullshit Thaiflood 2012

2012-09-11T08:29:00.000+07:00

of course there are no answers but plenty of questions whenAtiya Achakulwisut a Deputy Editor with The Bangkok Post informs us that we are "Drowning in excuses as the floods advance", But, where the hell have the Thai journalist been during the past year when they should have been following the work being done. In real joiunalism there is such a thing as investigative journalism.
Let's take Sukhothai as an example. Improving and repairing the floodwalls must have been accomplished over the past year. Now we already know that foreign contractors cannot enter the process as they have to identify commissions (read bribes) they must pay. Only Thai firms bid on the job. A government worker wrote the specifications of the work to be done.
Standard engineering practice is to ensure that the foundation on which these walls are to be built are sufficient...Duh, did the local Thai journalists ever read the proposal, look at the specifications, while the wall was being built who inspected the foundations. Just think if a reporter had discovered malfeasance he could have gone after in Chiang Mai journalistic style.
The foundation for Buddhist practice is found in mindfulness. As we can see on a daily basis the only strong foundation in Thailand is "greed,hatred and delusion"

In Thailand they call this Journalism

2012-09-10T12:25:00.001+07:00

"Reporters accused of extortion", is the Thai way. Instead of investigating to find out how it is this operator manages to be open at 0300h. When you realise that these lads worked for one of Thailand's Nearly English Language Dailies you might see where they learned their journalistic ethics. They probably also knew there was no future in reporting graft or corruption in Thailand. And of course the Thailand's Nearly English Language Daily is a firm supporter of the accused being innocent until proven guilty so "Both the Bangkok Post and Post Today terminated their ties with Mr Theerawat immediately after he was implicated in the incident.
Journalism and Buddhism are equally admired in Thailand, where the national hero is a fugitive convicted felon.

And this weeks winner of the Pullet Surprise for Comedy in Thailand

2012-09-07T11:52:00.003+07:00

"Bangkok flood drainage tests satisfying" now I am not sure what the Thai government meant by satisfying but the punchline sez it all "Water agency cancels Friday water flow testing on east side of Bangkok.". So for keeping the country in stitches The Thai Government earns this weeks Pullet Surprise for Comedy and accepting the award Lucky Ying Shinawatra.

Who cares about a Kids Brain when they have Six Senses in Thailand

2012-09-07T07:28:00.002+07:00

The National News Bureau of Thailand has provided us with another deep insight into Thainess, "Expert: Tablet PCs slow brain development in children". I knew all along it
was a Thai Rak Thai v3.1 plot to ensure
future voters. But when this expert goes on to say "The expert stated that children under 12 have to be exposed to as many different environments as possible so they can use all of their six senses."
I knew exactly what to do with the Bog Blog. What better place for all the shit the Thai Government puts defecates on a daily, if not hourly basis.
And in my humble opinion they have misspelled expert, it should be spelled exspurt. An ex is a has been and a srurt is a drip under pressure.

a quick isaan moment at 1500h 31.03.12 #Amazingthailand #thailand

2012-03-31T17:58:00.001+07:00

I had just got back from a road trip was was bout to try out TRUE 3G when this parade passed

Is it Racism or just Ignorance in Thailand

2012-02-04T09:10:00.000+07:00

I spotted this on twitter yesterday and read it with interest as I know quiet few westerners in the area that follow and enjoy watching sports, many follow the Provincial Football Club and other sports. Now here is one of the signs I have seen around town

I am sure it comes as no surprise that there is nothing in English. I looked at the aircon bus and train station, nope. And their won't be. How much work or money would it take to make signs at arrival points, hotels and other places non-thais might see them. Now I guess someone is going to tell me that of course this isn't racist and might not even be ignorant, but "O contrer mon frere" and bullshit. Notice I said non thai at the end there. There are a lot of not only westerners, but japanese, chinese, lao that might be interested in the event and live and work in the region. Will there be a schedule of events in English? will there be anything in English? I doubt it. The National religion of Thailand is Narcissism. Just ignore everyone else.
Thus ends my bithching and moaning for the week, enjoy your weekend

Tukcom Center Khon Kaen, Thailand

2012-01-06T14:19:00.001+07:00

Tukcom center near the 3 major hotels in town, to me is still the best place to shop for phone and computer equipment. Perhaps not the stock or the lash of the new mall I find the staff here more helpful and knowledgeable than the folk at the mall.

Luangta Maha Boowa Thailand and Gold

2011-12-24T15:39:00.001+07:00

There was an article in one of Thailand's Nearly English Language Newspapers today about the gold Luangta had collected for the Thai Government following the 1997 crash. As he well knew the buggers would be trying to get their grubby hands on it.
Well a real newspaper with real journalists might have given you abit more information about that 13 tonnes of gold.
Not too worry some of us old expats do a bit more than sit around and drink all day. My friend "Khon Kaen Retirement Larry" did a bit of math for us.

13 metric tons = 458561 oz (rounded down from 458561.507)
Gold in December 1997 was $290/oz.
Gold in December 2011 is $1600/oz.

1997 = $132,982,690 or 3,989,480,700 Baht
2011 = $733,697,600 or 22,010,928,000 Baht

There are also long tons and short tons but I just used on.
Nice little profit sitting there.
Keep the money where it belongs.
Luang Ta Mahabua, who demanded the country's reserves be permanently safeguarded from potential manipulation or use by the authorities.
And he is not dead quite a year yet and they are already after it.

An Isaan Persprctive 21.12.11

2011-12-21T06:49:00.000+07:00

I guess the "Bog Blog" is as good a place as any when talking about the Tourism Authority of Thailand. This story appeared online yesterday from the "Phuket News" and there were a few things that struck me.
The first thing hotel management did was accuse them.
Is it just me or does this the first line of defense regularly in Thailand when dealing with a problem,
Jet skis, motorbike and car rental, robberies, the customer is always at fault.
I am surprised they weren't charged for damage to the safe.
Next, as always, nobody knows anything.
CCTV security camera installed for the floor was “misaligned”.
This along with, dummy cctv cameras, locked fire escapes seems to be the norm at the higher end tourist destinations.
And finally "Ms Wong asked for the CCTV camera to be repositioned for better security." WTF, why does she have to ask that the hotel align the camera and just how many cameras are misaligned.
But to me the real grabber is the comments.
It seems like this is a regular occurrence. Getting mugged by tuk-tuk and\or taxi drivers and hotel and jet ski rip-offs.
Where are the tourist police and all the other authorities. The other part is that everyone is always too embarrassed to open their mouths.
Recently, here in Khon Kaen I listened to a Thai gentleman talking about getting ripped off by a taxi driver, with the "meters not working" scam. When asked if he argued with the driver or reported it to anyone he repleied "Oh no, I couldn't do something like that"
Do tourists expect to get ripped off where ever they go?
I am just an old man in Isaan, but from my perspective I sure as hell would not be back "Mr Nagi told the hotel owner that although he was dispirited by the incident, he would be back to stay at the hotel next year."
And to me none of them are operating with a full deck

kathin at Wat Po Non Than, khonkaen, isaan 06.11.11

2011-11-06T08:15:00.001+07:00

The temple is an old one in town and is home to both city and forest monks. The kathin is held on standard time as opposed to forest wats where the meal us offered for 0800. If you are ever in khonkaen, it is worth a visit for the weird scenes around the temple

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Another Tourism Authority of Thailand Error in Isaan

2011-10-12T11:59:00.001+07:00

"Make merit in 'Tak Bat Devo Festival 2011' October 15-26 at Kalasin City Pillar Shrine, Kalsin. Call 043 – 871146 for more info."
That was the Khon Kaen TAT post on their "face is more important than fact" page on Facebook.
I contacted a long time contact for 2 reasons !
I have never heard of a Tak Bat Devo go on for that long and If TAT posts it I assume an error.
Here is the reply to my question
Dear Khun Tom, Tak Bat Devo you mention will be at Larn Tham, Phoo Sing Temple, Sa Hat Sa Khan. The event will last only 2 days-15 to 16 October. More info may be at Nonbuee Municipality's website . If you call that number u gave me please ask for KhunTukta.
Prasit Galasilk.

Khon Kaen Cinema Festival

2011-10-07T06:42:00.000+07:00

I am sure you all have been reading about the upcoming festival here in Khon Kaen. When I saw the sugn this morning I asked why it was in english? I was told ' because it is international" Give me a break TAT has not even posted anything about this in Thai let alone English.

I will be posting more on Khon Kaen and TAT efforts to have people partying and drinking before the end of Pansaa over the next few days

A Thai Invention (say what?)

2011-09-30T08:26:00.002+07:00

I saw this at the Street Food Exhibit at Mahasarakham University at the Streetfood Exihibit

When I saw the date I immediately thought that with this kind of deep thought some thai student might invent the wheel in a few years. The education quality of a country shows itself in many ways. How many hours are dedicated to world history or how to do research in Thai schools? To get an award for something that has been existence for, at least, decades, as far as I know is another example of the quality, or lack of education in Thailand.

When I was a kid these thing were used on the BBQ, usually for fish and sometimes chicken. To find out that something that was used 50 years ago was invented in Thailand 2 years ago is "Amazing in Thailand".

from Patipada, Luangta Maha Boowa, Samyojana

2011-09-17T14:13:00.000+07:00

"patipada" is Acariya Maha Boowa's Book on Acariya Mun's Path of Practice

Samyojana

The saṁyojana are a list of ten factors that bind people to the endless round

of birth and death. They are:

1.Sakkāya–diṭṭhi: the belief that there is an entity of self or individuality

in the five khandhas.

2.Vicikicchā: doubt of a sceptical nature based on delusion.

3.Sīlabbata–parāmāsa: usually translated as “attachment to rules and

rituals”. But many who practise the way of Buddhism are not satisfied

with this and feel that it concerns morality more than rules

and rituals.

4.Kāma–rāga: sensuous craving. Although this is a correct translation,

amongst those who practise, the main emphasis is on sexual craving

and all that proliferates from it.

5.Vyāpāda: Ill will, malevolence.

6.Rūpa–rāga: the desire for the exalted states of the rūpa realms.

7.Arūpa–rāga: the desire for the exalted states of the arūpa realms.

8.Māna: conceit.

9.Uddhacca: restlessness.

10.vijjā: blind unknowing.

These ten factors are overcome progressively by the attainment of the four

paths, thus: the Sotāpanna has overcome the first three. The Sakadāgāmī has

also reduced the fourth and fifth. The Anāgāmī has overcome the first five

factors. The Arahant has overcome all ten factors.

A food teaser for the OTOP Fair, Khon Kaen, Isaan Thailand

2011-09-01T15:31:00.001+07:00

Okay so by now your saw the stuff on offer at the OTOP fair and seen all the food that available here at the Fair in Khon Kaen and I am sure everyone is just wauting for the Isaan Live Podcast so here is a peek at some video

some mean looking clouds over khonkaen, isaan, thailand this afternoon

2011-08-31T13:55:00.001+07:00

Okay, so overtime I say puffy clouds or blue sky it rains within the hour. So let's see if reverse psychology works on mother nature