Audacity

So its more or less confirmed the general elections will take place on the 23rd of December.

However, the European Union(EU) has decided to interfere by asking Thailand's own Election Commision(EC) to sign a memorandum of understanding(MoU) to allow their delegation to monitor the elections. Thailand then rebuffs them by rejecting the MoU, saying it shall conduct matters by their own laws and not wanting outsiders to exercise powers over local officials.

I particularly like what National Legislative Assembly(NLA) president Meechai Ruchupan had to say.

"If the EU holds an election, can we ask them to sign a memorandum of understanding and allow us to examine their election? Who is the EU? Is it the UN? Of course it is not. If it wants to observe the election, it should do like others do."

I think its an awful move from the EU, a slap in the face you could say. Its an internal matter and should be handled by no one else but thais.

Makes me wonder how on earth did they come up with this absurd idea of tying down the only country never to be colonized and also known as the 'Land of the free' with this memorandum.

Sad

A while ago I joined my mate D, his gf and a friend, A for dinner. Arriving late, I apologized and offered to pick up the tab but was rebuffed by the three of them.

It was a good meal with flowed conversations and lots of laughter. A was certainly a looker. Young and beautiful, she was part of the successful sales team of a pubic listed company of imported luxury cars and I got to know her bf owns the largest pork slaughterhouse in central Thailand, which doesn't take a genius to conclude he's from a well to do background.

Fast forward to the present and I asked D how A was and he informed me her bf has terminal leukemia. There was nothing the doctors could do and he was seeking traditional treatment all the way in China. He added A was completely devastated, and I, shocked.

I've never met him before or why I'm actually blogging about this, but its a real cruel fate seeing what a cheery person A is and having to be dealt with this deplorable situation. Guess all the money in the world can't buy you everything.

I wish A and her bf spend their best times and have great memories etched during the final bend before he's taken into God's hands.

Serenaded

I attended the Royal Thai Navy Symphony Orchestra in conjunction with the Red Cross Concert charity event held at the Thailand Cultural Center last night, accompanied by a beautiful date.

Mum, elegantly dressed and I had excellent seats - second row - courtesy of her childhood friend, the First Lady.

Upon being dropped off at the entrance, we were greeted by naval officers who politely ushered us to register our attendance and post our donations to the Red Cross.

I've always had a soft spot for the Thai Navy and have deep roots within.

My maternal grandfather was the Vice Admiral of the Royal Thai Navy and have heard nothing but praises left, right and center from figures or veterans in the navy or armed forces.

It certainly is admirable, making me simultaneously proud and honored be to his grandson. He was a well respected gentleman, husband, father, grandfather, civil servant and comrade.

A hero with dignified integrity, he was given a royally sponsored funeral, the highest honour provided by His Majesty the King, when he passed on with many of the military's elite in attendance, even the current Prime Minister who was then a general in the armed forces paid his respects.

I remembered each visit our family paid when he was still around. Grandpa would be in high spirits and delighted whenever we stopped by Bangkok. Yes, those were much cherished times without question and the fondest of memories I have of that gentleman.

I turned to mum, whispering how I missed him and she nodded and smiled with approval.

Back to the conert...

We were left mesmerized by the breathtaking performances of The Royal Thai Navy Orchestra conducted by the impressive Captain Narong Sangboot, the excellent saxophonist Captain Pasakorn Suwanaphan, and the three amazing guest vocalists, Bird Thongchai Mcintyre - Thailand's own King of Pop, who was brilliant with a capital B - , Pat Suthasinee Buddhinan and last but not least Teeranai Na Nongkai.

As the concert came to an end, the crowd were left extremely gushed and provided non-stop applauses for the outstanding performance. We all stood up and bowed as Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, the guest of honor, made her exit with the Premier and other VIP guests in tow.

Despite the downpour, it was absolutely a pleasant evening being serenaded by the commended Royal Thai Navy Orchestra and in the company of a beautiful woman.

Nostalgic

Thay say time is of the essence and awaits no man. Which means we have to make every minute count and not let it go to waste.

Many times, I wish I could turn back time and go back to right the wrongs. Undo the hurt I caused mum with sharp-tongued comments. Not to lock all of dad's keys in his car and learned a painful lesson. Hurt my childhood friend and making him despise me forever by stealing his girlfriend.

Yes I wish I could do all those mentioned, but I wish so much to be able to go back in time to my childhood days. I look back at those days and realize they were the carefree times where nothing mattered. The main priority was to be a lad and have all the fun one could without a care or worry in the world.

I still conjure up memories of the yesteryears where I spent so much time at home, with the dogs, out bicycling with neighbourhood friends, getting into mischief ALL day without having to worry about school, grades, life, love, hurt and everything else.

However, during those years I was so desperate to grow up quickly. I wanted to be an adult and conduct adult business. There were times I wished and prayed for a speedy leap from adolescent to adulthood. Funny how as adults we want to go back to our childhood and vice versa.

I can only tell younger teens to enjoy their present moment of not having to shoulder responsibilities they are inevitable to face in future, to the fullest. For when they look back at their childhood, a rather unfortunate thing would be not experiencing the thrills and excitement one could muster for those blink-of-an-eye years.

Sagittarius

Do be : Optimistic, friend, contructive, knowledgeable, honest, outspoken, loyal and generous

Don't be : Hasty, hyprocritical, lustful, intolerant, clumsy

Dear Sagittarius,

You're loaded with work, so much so that you feel like a factory machine. Learn to let go and recognize your limitations.

Oh boy....

Enterprising

Today's generation have leapfrogged the glory days of past heroes and become even more enterprising. With the internet virtually, no pun intended, a must for everyone in our everyday lives, blogs have become a crazed phenomenon.

Through its popularity, sponsors have tapped on to bloggers with high traffic by offering money in turn for written advertisements. Sort of like Google AdSense.

Step aside though, as Asia's up and coming blog advertising community, nuffnang is taking Malaysia and Singapore by storm. Soon the fever will be spreading to neighbouring countries but they are already racking up local memberships in high numbers.

So when I say enterprising, I mean nuffnang's co-founder, Timothy Tiah. I got to know him thru a very dear friend. I think he's found and done something overlooked by so many in the world and to think of his young age? So if you're an avid blogger, check out his site for more information. I personally like it because its a business venture with a lot of fun.

Nope, I'm not getting paid to write about it. But you've got to admit, its a brilliant and enterprising move. No?

Happy Mother's Day

Wishing mumsy a very happy, Mother's Day..

Here's her tribute :

"Nothing compares to a mother's love. She looks with her heart and feels with her eyes. A mum is the bank where her children deposit all their worries and hurt. A mum is the cement that keeps her family together and her love lasts a lifetime."

I am so thankful for a woman who has given me the very best in life. The teachings, the advice, the lessons, the discipline. Had they not been laid upon me, I will not be where I am today. Thanks mumsy, you're one in a million!

TLC

My sweetie Olivea getting a peck from her grandad

Ocean's Eleven

Missing my buddies....

Escape

It was Monday 6:55am.
Having worked nearly a hundred hours the past seven days, I decided to sleep in another hour before taking a near 4 hour drive to the seaside province of Prachuab Khiri Khan, making a few calls on the way notifying the relevent people of my absence.

Armed with just a camera and my free spirit, I slept on the beach front deck chair under the shade of pine trees accompanied by the sound of the clear blue sea. It was bliss at its best.

No phones ringing, mind at complete ease, feeling every inch of wind breezing thru the body and nothing, I mean nothing at all...but for the mild roar of the ocean.

de ja vu

After the storm had stopped, I took a walk around the factory compound and along the side spotted a long puddle.

I stood there gazing at the artificial stream and there was a smile upon my face. I looked around for flat stones and after a handful, I skipped them along the puddle with a 5 year old's enthusiasm.

Skipping stones were one of our(P & I)favourite pastimes at the beach for a picnic.

It was a contented moment after an entire month of weariness.

Coup

It seemed like any normal day, there were no warnings or any suspicion peace would be disrupted. Night fell, and I was gyming at the fitness center. A little before 11pm, an employee of the center made a speech on the P.A. :" Dear valued members, there seems to be a military coup against the government happening right this moment. Please gather your belongings and exit the facility calmly."


I then got a call from Nan, asking frantically of my whereabouts.

N: "Where are you?? Are you still at the gym??"

Me: "Just about leaving, dear."

N: "Go straight back to your condo, tanks and military humvees have made their way into the capital. A coup d' etat seem on the cards."

Me: "Will call you when I get home. Thanks luv."

The moment our conversation ends, calls and sms' came in to warn me about the situation. Some friends with inside info warned to stay indoors as no one knows just yet what was actually going on. I rushed back immediately, not knowing what to expect. It was both exciting and scary, thinking how I'm going to be part of Thai history and also the last coup staged was a bloody one.

I arrived safely at my condo and flipped on the tely as I got in but all channels were blocked and only a message in Thai, which I couldn't read, was on and from time to time an unidentified person would be making a speech of a coup and pleaded for Bangkokians to stay calm and be indoors until further notice.
Due to the condo's illegal scrambling of the satelite, I was able to view BBC news, and they too were not sure if the military were those of Thaksin's as he declared a state of emergency or that of the military top brass loyal to His Majesty the King.

I watched with concern as they were having a live feed on major streets and the government house being surrounded by tanks and soldiers, with a yellow ribbon, symbolizing the King's color, tied around their weapons. Managed to warn mumsy about the situation and thankfully she was at home the entire day and hadn't the slightest clue of what was happening.
Calls out were then jammed as the military scrambled signals and networks during this time but I managed to get a call from dad, inquiring about mum and my safety. At one point, he asked if we could get to the airport in case things get out of hand.

After staying glued to the tv, it became evident it was a military coup staged by the armed forces chief of Thailand, loyal to King Bhumipol, had seized power from Thaksin, who stands being accused of corruption and nepotism. It was done while he was away at the UN general assembly in New York.

The next day, a live telecast of the armed forces chief, navy admiral, air force head, national police chief and the supreme commander appeared and stated due to Thaksin's increasingly corrupt practice in the government, it was decided in the best interest of the country the military stage a coup with a promise to return to democracy and civilian rule by two weeks.

Next day after the coup, the city seemed desserted as many weren't sure what to expect but by evening everything had gone back to normal. Bangkokians knew this coup was consulted with King Bhumipol and it was the right decision.
I came back to Bangkok from Ratchaburi province and joined mates out for a drink, it was that normal.

Personally I thought the coup to be a positive move. Secondly, the armed forces chief, Gen Sonthi Boonyaratglin- the first Muslim army chief- now Chairman of the Council for Democratic Reform(CDR), to be an extremely capable and honest military man. He has been placed as a temporary premier while King Bhumipol and his Privy Councillors plus Gen Sonthi himself discuss a list of potential candidates to be interim prime minister.

Amazing Thailand

Been quite an exciting past couple of weeks I must say. The crew from back home and their respective missus' paid Bangkok (and I) a visit. It was a fun filled time in the city shopping, taking tours to various renowned temples, Vimmanmaek - a mansion once occupied by King Rama the 5th, Suan Lum Night Bazaar, Chatuchak weekend market, and the much hyped Bed Supperclub.

We spent the next day at the beach of Cha Am province. Some of us sat and enjoyed the scenery while the rest including yours truly had an awesome time riding the banana boat - it was definitely an adventure. After a short rest we set out to experienced a relaxing and sometimes painful, traditional foot massage which was nevertheless a pleasant encounter. So what do you have for dinner when in a seaside province? Seafood of course! We tucked into a hearty feast that night and retired straight after dinner from an exhausting but fabulous day.

The next day was started early to catch the Sampran Elephant and Crocodile show in Nakhon Pathom province. Having lived for a decade in Bangkok, I hadn't even experienced such a popular tourist destination's must-sees as a Thai citizen. Can't really blame Bangkokians, even the date I brought never visited this famed elephant sanctuary.

Overall its been a trip full of fun and laughter. I'm glad they finally made the visit they promised the last ten years! Might be another ten come the next visit.

'Better late than never'

In our King we trust

I am in awe of my adopted nation's monarchy in His Majesty King Bhumipol Adulyadej. Recently the entire nation celebrated the revered monarchs 60th anniversary on the accession to the throne - the longest serving monarch in the world. The projects His Majesty initiated from his foundation have proved a paramount of difference to the lives of the rural people. His tireless efforts, ingenious ideas, profound care of his subjects for sixty years since becoming King has catapult his status to that of a demi-god.

We as your loyal and humble subjects wish "Long Live His Majesty The Great King Bhumipol Adulyadej"

Supposed stress-free Sunday

As Thailand experiences a political turmoil, the streets in Bangkok have witness mass protest from the democratic-seeking citizens and opposition. The peaceful protests have gathered much pace and last week's numbers stood close to 100,000 demonstrators. Many wore yellow, as a symbol against the interim government, respect for His Majesty the King, and democracy.

So on Sunday, I took the Metro to see mumsy for a spot of lunch and catch up. As I got down to head into The Emporium, a whole bunch of people were shouting "Thaksin Get Out!" at the entrance leading to the complex. Security were standing guard to prevent them from entering its premises and as I made my way thru the crowd, said personnel stopped me thinking I was a protester myself. I then realized I was wearing a YELLOW Polo shirt!

They turned me away even when I flashed them a privileged card as a member of the complex rather than a protester, but was still denied entry. I was absolutely furious. It wasn't really directed towards the security team, but to the protesters for making shoppers and patrons lives difficult. I am for democracy, but go stage your protests elsewhere, people are trying to have a leisurely weekend without any tension or drama.

Not wanting to be lynched by the mob, I kept quiet but told the complex's staff to take care of its patrons from the demonstrators. The main entrance was heavily guarded by police personnels, denying entry to protesters. Finally I was able to enter its premises after some reasoning with the authorities. What a Sunday! At least catching up with mum over lunch and tea was very satisfying indeedy. Been a long time since we both had time for each other.

However, on Wednesday around the same number of them will protest around my office and thank god I'm off to Malaysia early in the morning. I pity the upmarket shopping mall Siam Paragon, they are going to have huge throngs of protesters walking in and out of their establishment. Not exactly a comfort for shoppers locally and foreign.

Life is Beautiful

I've been laid low recently by a stomach bug. I suspect the culprit to be the seafood dinner together with close friends.

So lately I've been travelling a bit especially outside Bangkok to the new facility. Its been good getting out of the city and getting in touch with nature. I made sure I stayed awaked - yes I fall asleep everytime being a passenger - to witness the cows grazing by the side of the road, and the never-ending stretch of both salt and shrimp farms. Ratchaburi is a small town a little more than an hour from Bangkok, renowned for its floating market in the mornings crowded with tourists and locals.

The new facility is actually 45 minutes away from the town center. So you can imagine traffic is quite bare around the factory. Behind the plant is a river, that connects to the floating market and it is just serene. Picture just spending the day sat on a wooden hut built by the river, feet dangling above the water waiting for a bite on the self-made fishing rod, while listening to nature with a beer-filled icebox sitting beside you.

I spent a good ten minutes just letting my imagination run havoc.

I can only describe it with my vision, but you should really see it in person. The camera ran out of battery before I could take any of the river behind. If you can't find me at the factory, check by the hut. You may just see me sleeves folded, pants rolled up, tie loosely done and a face wide with a smile.

our raw material

shining through

coconut farm

Looking out