Phuket Weekend

Hopped down to Phuket for the Second Annual V&M Glut-fest. This time, we stayed at Evason Six Senses Spa, near Rawai Beach on the southeastern corner of the island. The resort overlooks the Andaman Sea and many small islands with coral reefs. Very good for beach hopping, swimming, and snorkeling, although sneaky little fish attempt to nibble on your (well, my) pasty skin. Ate too much, roasted like rotisserie chickens, and got ear candling. Cramming as much relaxation as possible in three days, we declare Glut-fest '07 a success.

Censorship

The government is confusing me. They have banned tens of thousands of sites, including a previous pro-Thaksin site (www.hi-thaksin.net), but are allowing this new fan site because "it's everyone's right to have a personal webpage."

The self-centered ramblings of a megalomaniac don't seem that "essential" ("not essential" is an explanation as to why You Tube has yet to be unblocked). This new Thaksin site will be launched tomorrow. "The truth shall set you free?" Isn't that a Jesus quote?

I don't know which is more annoying - Thakin's super-sized ego and subsequently, his refusal to quit, or the ever-watchful MICT eye (left) and the censorship rules. It's all becoming very boring. Let's just get to an election already.

Evil Eye 101

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August vote

From the word on the street, things are still fragile, with sporadic protests, hire-a-mob, increasing Southern violence, and now, the strengthening baht. Don't want to think about what the ex-PM and his supposedly defunct party are up to now, but there should be ample corruption charges and legal measures to keep him at bay. Oh, and probably a physical threat or two to keep him in exile. At the moment.

There is going to be a vote in August to approve the next constitution. It's either a yes or a no vote; there is no choice for abstaining. Although we are making progress in getting to a post-coup national election, the situation feels highly controlled.

The process is shown on this chart by The Nation. The CDA have already approved the charter, the most liberal to date (e.g., equal rights for those of non-traditional gender identities, including transsexuals). Yet, this is the same government that is imposing prudish censorship rules governing prime time television (e.g., kissing and hugging = improper sexual content). It is also the same authority that has blocked a record number of websites, apparently numbering in the tens of thousands.

The coup-stagers may want to project some semblance of democracy, but it's a weak attempt. If voters disapprove their charter, they will directly call the shots, and an election on November 25 may not happen, despite the plan. If voters approve, the CNS will indirectly manipulate the political infrastructure to come. Nevertheless, I harbor (albeit dwindling) hope that the military intends to eventually shift authority to those installed by more genuine democratic processes. I feel we are slightly better off than before the coup, but this sentiment hangs by a thread.

The Creature

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Today's deal

Do they carry Geezer, Wench, or Curmudgeon sizes?

Cupcake Films

For our three die-hard, regular readers, get back to work! Just kidding na. Our other blog, Cupcake Films review..., has also undergone a recent face lift. Sorry for leaving it dormant for a few months. It has now been revived, as we watched a lot of different stuff lately, and feel the need to blab. Maybe a bit too much.

It's separate from this site (aka "The Mother Blog") but have included a link on this page, or just click here.

Scaly

In the spirit of Live Earth (no, not really), here is a bit o' nature from my cousin's yard in the outskirts of Bangkok.

I hate reptiles but I think these specimens are kind of cute. From a distance.

Khomapastr

Another store that produces nice prints is Khomapastr, a company that has been around for ages. Their factory is still in Hua Hin, where I ordered Jen's TY cards. They continue to stock some of their traditional prints but have also updated designs, usually on cotton, silk, and paper. I have a chicken print too, but I'll omit the pic for Sun's benefit. ;)

Kome Tong, Chiang Mai

We sent some Kome Tong cards from Chiang Mai as wedding thank yous, and re-stocked on a recent trip up North. Kome Tong is a tiny store on Charoenraj Road by the Ping River, and it also operates a stall in Central Chiang Mai's Northern Village. Their designs are based mostly on temple murals, religious images (the ganesha on our blog is also from one of their cards), and other folk art.

Hand-produced on hand-made mulberry pulp paper, these kinds of cards are usually sold in small stores or through royal/non-profit projects.

Anyway, just felt like posting a design-oriented entry this rainy, mellow afternoon.

Thai Crafts

There was a Fair Trade craft fair at Ambassador Hotel (Soi 11) last weekend. They have many nice things. The next one is in August, also at Ambassador. Great for home items like soap, place mats, flatware, ceramics, rugs, all from various provinces. My favorite items are these baskets from the South. Useful for containing animals.