Source: AP
By GRANT PECK Apr 26, 2010
BANGKOK – Thailand's ailing king spoke publicly Monday for the first time since his country descended into political chaos, but the man seen by many as the best hope for securing a peaceful resolution failed to address the deadly crisis that has shut down parts of the capital.
Speaking at the hospital where he has been for more than seven months, King Bhumibol Adulyadej told newly appointed judges that they should faithfully carry out their duties and help keep the country stable.
"In the country, there might be people who neglect their duties, but you can set an example that there are those who perform their duties strictly and honestly," the 82-year-old king said.
At least 26 people have been killed and nearly 1,000 wounded since anti-government protesters known as the Red Shirts began occupying parts of Bangkok in mid-March, closing down five-star hotels and shopping malls and devastating the country's vital tourism industry.
"The king's words will be interpreted by some as a statement of support for those who have been arguing that the police and military have been failing in their duties to maintain peace, law and order," said Prof. Kevin Hewison, a Thai studies specialist at the University of North Carolina. "But as is often the case in recent times, his words can be interpreted in multiple ways."
The king's lack of a clear statement signaled he was not prepared to take a public role in resolving the crisis, as he did in 1973 when he stopped bloodshed during a student uprising and again in 1992 during antimilitary street protests. As a constitutional monarch, he has no formal political power, but the respect he commands makes him one of the country's few credible mediators.
The U.S.-born Bhumibol, the world's longest-reigning monarch, has been hospitalized since Sept. 19, when he was admitted with fatigue and loss of appetite. The palace has said he is recovering from a lung inflammation, but not explained why he has been hospitalized for so long.
"For many, what may be more significant is yet another display of a king in declining health and the specter of succession adding to the politically chaotic times that seem set to drag on for some time," said Hewison, referring to unease about whether the king's heir-apparent, Crown Prince Vajiralongkorn, can keep the monarchy in its same exalted position.
The government said Monday it hopes to resolve the problem peacefully, despite a breakdown in negotiations, but added it could not allow the protests to go on indefinitely.
"We're required to keep peace and return the area to normalcy," government spokesman Panitan Wattanayagorn said.
The Red Shirts consist largely of poor, rural supporters of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra and pro-democracy activists who opposed the military coup that ousted him in 2006 on corruption allegations. The group — formally called the United Front for Democracy Against Dictatorship — believes that Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva's government — backed by the urban elite — is illegitimate, having been helped into power by the country's powerful military.
The conflict has been characterized by some as class warfare, and a pro-establishment group known as the Yellow Shirts has demanded that authorities crack down on the demonstrators — even implying they might take matters into their own hands.
"The government has the responsibility to protect the people, but instead shows its weakness and inability to enforce the law," Suriyasai Katasila, a leader of the Yellow Shirts, said Monday.
The Yellow Shirts, formally known as the People's Alliance for Democracy, in 2008 took over the prime minister's office for three months and Bangkok's two airports for a week to try to force two pro-Thaksin prime ministers from office. Their self-appointed mission is to keep Thaksin from returning to power.
Many Red Shirt supporters around and outside the capital tried Monday to prevent police reinforcements from moving into Bangkok.
In at least six places around the country, Red Shirt supporters scattered nails along roads, set up checkpoints and searched vans and buses for police officers headed to the capital.
Some police heading to Bangkok were forced to return to their bases, while police in the central province of Phitsanulok, impatient after a five-hour standoff with the Red Shirts, broke through a cordon of protesters who hurled rocks and wooden sticks at them, Thai media reported.
While there was no violence in the central Bangkok shopping area where protesters remained camped for a 24th day, an explosion injured eight people late Sunday near the home of former Prime Minister Banharn Silapa-archa, who is allied with the ruling coalition.
Thaksin, who fled Thailand ahead of a conviction on corruption charges, said Monday that he is in contact with the protesters and defended their cause.
"We just fight for democracy. Let them fight for democracy and justice," he said in Montenegro, one of several countries that have offered him passports, generally in return for investments by the telecommunications billionaire. His appearance belied rumors in Bangkok that he was dead or critically ill.
The government appears to have left itself few immediate ways out of the crisis.
Over the weekend, Prime Minister Abhisit rejected a softened deadline for Parliament's dissolution by the Red Shirts, dashing hopes for a peaceful end to the standoff. He said the priority is stopping "terrorists" whom the government hold responsible for violence associated with the protesters.
There remains the possibility that the courts could force a resolution. The Election Commission has ruled that Abhisit's Democrat Party violated the electoral law in two 2005 cases, and it could be dissolved if the Constitutional Court concurs it is guilty. One of the two cases was submitted to the court on Monday.
Pothos: Travel news, travel industry updates, corporate and business travel
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
US Custom & Border Patrol levies hefty fines for undeclared medication at Mexico pedestrian crossing
from dhs.gov
US Customs and Border Protection officers working pedestrian operations at the Andrade port of entry had a busy weekend intercepting undeclared medication and levying fines in excess of US$14,000 for violations in three separate incidents.
The first seizure occurred on Friday, April 23, at approximately 3:00 pm when a 66-year-old female US citizen from Pinehurst, Idaho, applied for entry into the US. When asked by a CBP officer what she was bringing from Mexico, the subject declared medication and presented a white pharmacy bag. The CBP officer examined the medication and noticed one of the pill bottles had been opened. A closer inspection revealed there was more medication in the bottle (984 pills) than indicated so the subject was referred to the secondary inspection area. The medication was seized and the traveler was penalized US$11,780. She signed a promissory note and was released without further incident.
The second incident occurred on Saturday, April 24 at approximately 10:30 am when an 89-year-old female US citizen from Sun City, Arizona, applied for entry into the US, declaring medication and other miscellaneous items. When asked numerous times if she had anything else to declare, the subject responded she had nothing further to declare. Upon a subsequent search of her purse, CBP officers found two undeclared bottles of Carisoprodol (100 pills) and Valium (90 pills). The subject admitted she was told by the pharmacist in Mexico to hide the pills inside her purse. The medication was seized and the subject was penalized US$2,000. She paid the penalty and was released.
The final incident also occurred about 45 minutes later when a 51-year-old female US citizen from Idaho Falls, Idaho, applied for entry into the US, declaring medication and other items. After observing the subject appearing nervous, the CBP officer opened the medication bottles and noticed the seals had been tampered with. The CBP officer referred the traveler to the secondary inspection area where officers discovered the pill bottles marked as Tramadol actually contained Phentermine (100 pills). The medication was seized and a US$2,000 penalty was assessed. She paid the penalty and was released.
Andrade port director Ray Nagy said it is important for travelers to know the requirements before passing through ports of entry such as Andrade and there is a wealth of information available to educate the public on the CBP website: www.cbp.gov .
“We believe a well-informed traveler will have a safe, more enjoyable, relaxing experience,” he said. “Therefore, it is advised travelers familiarize themselves with the ‘Know Before You Go’ section of the CBP website before traveling out of the country.”
In addition, Nagy also said the “Know Before You Go” section of the website features the “Top 10 Travel Tips” and “Frequently Asked Questions” sections.
“The website provides useful information about necessary documentation to prove citizenship and information about allowed and prohibited items,” he said. “I strongly suggest travelers read it.”
Nagy also said it is imperative for travelers to understand there is a price to pay for not following the rules by failing to declare or attempting to smuggle medications, agriculture products, alcohol, and other items.
“In these cases, there was misconception and misinformation, which is unfortunate,” he said. “Bottom line, travelers face stiff civil penalties or possible criminal prosecution for failing to declare items at an US port or entry. Always declare everything acquired abroad. Lack of knowledge is not an acceptable excuse.”
US Customs and Border Protection officers working pedestrian operations at the Andrade port of entry had a busy weekend intercepting undeclared medication and levying fines in excess of US$14,000 for violations in three separate incidents.
The first seizure occurred on Friday, April 23, at approximately 3:00 pm when a 66-year-old female US citizen from Pinehurst, Idaho, applied for entry into the US. When asked by a CBP officer what she was bringing from Mexico, the subject declared medication and presented a white pharmacy bag. The CBP officer examined the medication and noticed one of the pill bottles had been opened. A closer inspection revealed there was more medication in the bottle (984 pills) than indicated so the subject was referred to the secondary inspection area. The medication was seized and the traveler was penalized US$11,780. She signed a promissory note and was released without further incident.
The second incident occurred on Saturday, April 24 at approximately 10:30 am when an 89-year-old female US citizen from Sun City, Arizona, applied for entry into the US, declaring medication and other miscellaneous items. When asked numerous times if she had anything else to declare, the subject responded she had nothing further to declare. Upon a subsequent search of her purse, CBP officers found two undeclared bottles of Carisoprodol (100 pills) and Valium (90 pills). The subject admitted she was told by the pharmacist in Mexico to hide the pills inside her purse. The medication was seized and the subject was penalized US$2,000. She paid the penalty and was released.
The final incident also occurred about 45 minutes later when a 51-year-old female US citizen from Idaho Falls, Idaho, applied for entry into the US, declaring medication and other items. After observing the subject appearing nervous, the CBP officer opened the medication bottles and noticed the seals had been tampered with. The CBP officer referred the traveler to the secondary inspection area where officers discovered the pill bottles marked as Tramadol actually contained Phentermine (100 pills). The medication was seized and a US$2,000 penalty was assessed. She paid the penalty and was released.
Andrade port director Ray Nagy said it is important for travelers to know the requirements before passing through ports of entry such as Andrade and there is a wealth of information available to educate the public on the CBP website: www.cbp.gov .
“We believe a well-informed traveler will have a safe, more enjoyable, relaxing experience,” he said. “Therefore, it is advised travelers familiarize themselves with the ‘Know Before You Go’ section of the CBP website before traveling out of the country.”
In addition, Nagy also said the “Know Before You Go” section of the website features the “Top 10 Travel Tips” and “Frequently Asked Questions” sections.
“The website provides useful information about necessary documentation to prove citizenship and information about allowed and prohibited items,” he said. “I strongly suggest travelers read it.”
Nagy also said it is imperative for travelers to understand there is a price to pay for not following the rules by failing to declare or attempting to smuggle medications, agriculture products, alcohol, and other items.
“In these cases, there was misconception and misinformation, which is unfortunate,” he said. “Bottom line, travelers face stiff civil penalties or possible criminal prosecution for failing to declare items at an US port or entry. Always declare everything acquired abroad. Lack of knowledge is not an acceptable excuse.”
Friday, April 23, 2010
Economic crisis? what crisis?
The volcanic cloud hovering over Wall Street, touched off by the SEC and the winds of regulatory change in D.C., is leaving wealthy bankers on edge.
But apparently not nervous enough to scale down summer vacation spending.
According to Hamptons.com, a palatial estate in Bridgehampton, N.Y., has been rented out for $500,000 for two weeks. That works out to more than $35,000 a night, making it the highest price ever paid for a Hamptons rental.
Of course, Corcoran Group, which rented the place, won't disclose the name of the renter. A post on Newsday.com said a person close to the deal said the renter is "no one famous nor a company looking to do a big event, just a family willing to fork over $500,000 for their two-week stay."
So what do you get for $35,000 a night? You get 11.5 acres with a 31,000 square-feet home featuring nine bedrooms, 11.5 baths, a movie theater, tennis and raquetball courts, heated pool, disco, bowling alley and rock-climbing wall.
In case the renter decides he wants to keep the place, it also is for sale -- for a discounted $49.5 million
But apparently not nervous enough to scale down summer vacation spending.
According to Hamptons.com, a palatial estate in Bridgehampton, N.Y., has been rented out for $500,000 for two weeks. That works out to more than $35,000 a night, making it the highest price ever paid for a Hamptons rental.
Of course, Corcoran Group, which rented the place, won't disclose the name of the renter. A post on Newsday.com said a person close to the deal said the renter is "no one famous nor a company looking to do a big event, just a family willing to fork over $500,000 for their two-week stay."
So what do you get for $35,000 a night? You get 11.5 acres with a 31,000 square-feet home featuring nine bedrooms, 11.5 baths, a movie theater, tennis and raquetball courts, heated pool, disco, bowling alley and rock-climbing wall.
In case the renter decides he wants to keep the place, it also is for sale -- for a discounted $49.5 million
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
carry on baggage fees
If you have not already heard, Spirit Airlines announced they will now start to charge for carry on baggage as well as checked baggage.
So... here are the details; you will be allowed 1 personal bag under the seat in front of you like a purse but will pay $25 - $45 if you put anything in the overhead bin. The will exclude diaper bags. If you are a premium member of their frequent flyer club or have purchased business class seats.... you will not pay to use the over head bins.
This move is bold to say the least!
Spirit is the first in the world to charge carry on bag fees. Other firsts include Ryanair charging for toilet use and Air Asia charging passengers by the pound/kilo for their ticket (yes, the weighed you at airport!).
A report just surfaced that overall air traffic has reduced 8% from carriers charging so many extra fees to those that do not (like Southwest). Generally speaking, airline revenues have declined even though they are making hundreds of millions on ancillary fees. So what is clear is the accountants don't see the customer in the equation of how they can squeeze more money out of their passengers as customer choice is driving down actual ticket sales. You cant make ancillary fees if you have no travelers.
I have always been a fan of frequent flyer programs and now more then ever, that loyalty is paying off...... to the tune of more then $100 or more per flight in baggage fees.
I am seriously waiting for the day you can chose standing or sitting or seat belts (free to lock and a charge to unlock). Hey, it's your choice to disembark.
So... here are the details; you will be allowed 1 personal bag under the seat in front of you like a purse but will pay $25 - $45 if you put anything in the overhead bin. The will exclude diaper bags. If you are a premium member of their frequent flyer club or have purchased business class seats.... you will not pay to use the over head bins.
This move is bold to say the least!
Spirit is the first in the world to charge carry on bag fees. Other firsts include Ryanair charging for toilet use and Air Asia charging passengers by the pound/kilo for their ticket (yes, the weighed you at airport!).
A report just surfaced that overall air traffic has reduced 8% from carriers charging so many extra fees to those that do not (like Southwest). Generally speaking, airline revenues have declined even though they are making hundreds of millions on ancillary fees. So what is clear is the accountants don't see the customer in the equation of how they can squeeze more money out of their passengers as customer choice is driving down actual ticket sales. You cant make ancillary fees if you have no travelers.
I have always been a fan of frequent flyer programs and now more then ever, that loyalty is paying off...... to the tune of more then $100 or more per flight in baggage fees.
I am seriously waiting for the day you can chose standing or sitting or seat belts (free to lock and a charge to unlock). Hey, it's your choice to disembark.
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