Stories submitted by Watt
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24th Universiade Bangkok 2007 Opening Today
The grand opening of the 24th International University Sports is set to take place this afternoon in Bangkok, Thailand. The International University Sports (Universiade) is considered a significant sports event among university students, the university-level equivalent to the Olympic Games. The 24th Universiade Bangkok 2007 will be held from 8-18 August with more than 200 countries participating in the games.
The Nation has a sports section dedicated to updates and information from the event.
Posted by: Watt on 08 Aug 2007, 10:42 -
Asian Cup 2007: Games Started
The Asian Cup 2007 kicked off on Saturday with the opening match between co-host Thailand and Irag at Rajamangala National Stadium in Bangkok. Thailand earned an essential point in a hard-fought 1-1 draw with Iraq in the Asian Cup's Group A whereas Australia grabbed a first point from their Asian Cup debut against Oman in injuries time.
In today's fixtures, Japan are schedule to play Qatar for their first match in Hanoi. There's much more to come, find out match fixtures and follow the results here.
Posted by: Watt on 09 Jul 2007, 14:31 -
Cambodia: 10th Anniversary of Leadership Tussle
It's 10 years since three days of fighting between supporters of the country's two main political figureheads led to bloodshed. With Prince Norodom Ranariddh in self-imposed exile in France, prime minister Hun Sen's victory seems more secure than ever before. The anniversary is not being officially marked in Cambodia. BBC NEWS has the story.
Posted by: Watt on 06 Jul 2007, 16:42 -
Baht May Rise to 30/US$
A currency expert believes the Thai Baht would rise to 30 to the US dollar if the Bank of Thailand (BOT) ceased intervening in the level of the currency. Exporters are urging the central bank to slow the Baht's appreciation. The Nation carries the story.
Here are the historical rates of the Baht since January 2007.
Posted by: Watt on 05 Jul 2007, 10:01 -
Asean: Smoking Kills 1 Million a Year in the Region
Records show that 1 million people die from smoking-related diseases every year in the Asean countries. Anti-tobacco lobbyists are urging the governments of Southeast Asia to ban smoking in all indoor workplaces, and they have been gaining traction at the WHO conference in Bangkok. The proposal is expected to be officially approved by the full conference before it concludes Friday. Bangkok Post has more details.
Posted by: Watt on 04 Jul 2007, 16:48 -
Thailand: New Cyber Law Due
The Information and Communications Technology Ministry of Thailand has bto date blocked more than 10,000 websites accused of carrying inappropriate materials. In near future, web site will not be blocked like this. A new law will come into effect under which any banning of websites will be done by court order only. The Nation has more detail.
Posted by: Watt on 03 Jul 2007, 14:21 -
Thailand: Limit Cigarette Ads on Internet
According to an article in The Nation Thailand has proposed an international effort to control cigarette ads and sales on the Internet at an international WHO meeting in Bangkok.
Posted by: Watt on 03 Jul 2007, 10:21 -
THAI: Not So Smooth As Silk
Thai Airways may be struggling to live up to its famed "Smooth as Silk" slogan if the latest list of passenger complaints is anything to judge by. Despite the global popularity fo Thai cuisine, food quality tops the list of complaints in April, with inflight entertainment and cabin-crew service following close on the list. Meals on flights ex-Bangkok came in for particular criticism according to the story carried by the Bangkok Post.
While THAI offer many interesting and attractive promotions they should look to improve their services to grow sales in the long term.
Posted by: Watt on 26 Jun 2007, 14:05 -
Man City Takeover: Money Matters
Manchester City football club's board of director is backing the £81.6m takeover bid from former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra despite the freezing of his assets in Thailand. Thaksin has gone on record as saying that the events in Thailand won't affect Man City deal. However Thailand authorities are set to investigate the source of the funds behind Thaksin's offer.
The BBC is reporting that Sven-Goran Eriksson will be the new Man City manager. Meanwhile The Nation are questioning where the money comes from and whether the Manchester City deal can help Thaksin's flagging fortunes?.
Posted by: Watt on 25 Jun 2007, 14:24 -
US Army Patches Made in Thailand
The American company which won a contact to manufacture shoulder patches for US military uniforms may actually have produced them in Thailand but attached a "Made in USA" label. Criminal charges have been laid against the company. The Bangkok Post has details.
Posted by: Watt on 21 Jun 2007, 09:52 -
Man City Bid or Mind Game
The future of Manchester city football club is still in doubt--it's not clear if they'll accept a take over deal by ousted Thai PM Thaksin Shinnawatra or have to find the other investors for the troubled club. The take-over story started a few months ago, though whether it's based on a passion for football or shrewd political wranglings is a matter of debate. And the situation is muddied further by ongoing legal moves against Thaksin.
Although the BBC reports that the Man City deal is still on track, most Man City supporters appear more concerned about who will be their new manager rather than who will own the club. (Man City supportors share their opinions on BBC's 606). As far as that's concerned, the rumour mill is already rolling.
Posted by: Watt on 20 Jun 2007, 14:08 -
No Birthday Songs for Suu Kyi in Burma
Today is Aung San Suu Kyi's 62nd birthday, and also "Women of Burma day" in her honour. Though there are no public celebrations in Burma, there have been some events in Bangkok. Unfortunately Suu Kyi must celebrate the day alone, under her ongoing house arrest.
The Nation carries some reactions of Burmese women to the day and The Burma Campaign UK is encouraging continued actions to help Suu Kyi find freedom.
Posted by: Watt on 19 Jun 2007, 10:10 -
Explore Thailand and ASEAN with Cheaper Flights
Thai airways is offering chances to discover Thailand and explore ASEAN with special fare promotions. The offers entitle you to fly to three domestic cities for only 169 US$ and travel on 3 domestic or international flights within ASEAN for just 399 US$. Visit Thai airways for more information.
Posted by: Watt on 18 Jun 2007, 14:36 -
World Champion Female Boxer Released from Jail
After almost 7 years in jail, world boxing champion Samson Sor Siriporn has been released from prison on parole as a reward for her sporting success. Siriporn won the World Boxing Council (WBC) female light-flyweight belt in April while she was a prisoner on drug charges. The Bangkok Post carried the story.
Posted by: Watt on 14 Jun 2007, 10:15 -
Experience French Culture in Bangkok
France is coming closer to Bangkok with the 4th staging of famous French cultural festival La Fête throughout the city. Various events are being held up until the 28th June. The official website has a full schedule.
The Bangkok Post has more details of what you can expect.
Posted by: Watt on 13 Jun 2007, 09:37 -
'Unusual Wealth' behind Freezing of Bt52 Billion Assets
The big story in Thailand right now is the freezing of bank accounts belonging to the ousted premier, Thaksin Shinawatra, and his wife Pojaman. The accounts were frozen on the order of the Assets Examination Committee (AEC). The local press has in depth coverage of the judgment of the AEC - the Bangkok Post has its report here, while The Nation has details on the unusual cash flow during the past year of Thaksin and his wife.
With the former premier currently putting together a deal to buy Manchaester City Football Club there is clearly a lot more to come in this story. According to the latest BBC report, the current Thai PM has indicated that Thaksin is free to return to account for his assets within the next 60 days.
Posted by: Watt on 12 Jun 2007, 11:38 -
Thai PM Speaks on Importance of Rule of Law to Democracy
Thai Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont addressed the nation Sunday afternoon, urging all Thais to accept the recent Tribunal rulings and stand against corrupt politicians. Throughout his speech he stressed the importance, for democracy to operate properly, of the equal application of the rule of law across society. The Bangkok Post has the full text of the speech in translation.
Posted by: Watt on 11 Jun 2007, 11:27 -
Thailand Reacts to Recent Earthquakes
The Nation reports that the National Committee on Earthquakes is proposing that quake-resistant design be added to the curriculum of civil engineering schools nationwide. They are also suggesting that laws be implemented in more provinces in the central region enforcing earthquake-resistance requirements on buildings over 15m high. similar regulations are already in place in some northern provinces.
Posted by: Watt on 08 Jun 2007, 15:11 -
Flying Dutch Men Outclass Thailand
Thailand could learn some football lessons from a 3-1 loss to the Netherlands in a friendly match at Rajamangala stadium yesterday. Around 20,000 fans were entertained at the stadium in Bangkok in a high spirited atmosphere. The Bangkok Post has a match report and you can find a post-match review from Thai and Dutch head coach here.
The Dutch team played their second friendly match with Thailand in their Asia tour during a break from the Euro 2008 qualifying round while Thailand are preparing for the Asian cup 2007 next month.
Posted by: Watt on 07 Jun 2007, 11:38 -
Here Comes Judgement Day
Today, 30 May 2007 could be one of the most important days in the recent political history of Thailand. The tribunal verdict on the electoral fraud cases related to the national poll last year will be announced this afternoon. Thai people hold their breath in anticipation of the verdicts and harbour fears over possible violence later on, but Thai authorities have prepared a high security operation. The Nation has coverage and live updates on the situation. Announcement of the verdict is due at 13:30 local time.
Posted by: Watt on 30 May 2007, 10:47