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In the 1980s, an Asian investment boom brought multinational corporations flooding into Bangkok, creating the bustling hyper-modern city that pulsates with tourists and businessmen alike today. With a population larger than New York City, Bangkok is now far and away the most densely populated city in Thailand -- nearly a third of the country's 65 million citizens live in the metro region. But it wasn’t always like this: The city started out as a somewhat sleepy trading post, along the Chao Prya river. It remained an outpost until the 18th century, when what is now known as Bangkok became the country’s capital city. Here’s a look back at the metropolis 100 years ago, when it was experiencing its first population explosion and serving as neutral ... Continue reading →
Born this way? Lady Gaga meets Thai 'lady boys' By JOCELYN GECKER, Associated Press – 6 minutes ago BANGKOK (AP) — Lady Gaga has met Thailand's premier "lady boys" at a Bangkok drag show featuring busty dancers who were not born that way.Diving in to the city's nightlife, the pop diva and an entourage from her "Born This Way Ball" took in a show at the well-known Calypso Cabaret, where she cheered on a transvestite review of Broadway show tunes."A million people have to pay to see a Gaga concert, but Gaga paid to see our show!" cabaret manager Nipon Boonmasuwan told Friday's Thairath newspaper. When the performance ended, she took the stage to shake hands with the dancers and handed out six tickets to ... Continue reading →
Thailand is one of the largest exporters of seafood to the United States. On today’s Underreported segment, Global Post’s senior southeast Asian correspondent Patrick Winn investigates claims that forced labor is used on Thai fishing boats. Continue reading →
As a GOP governor of Florida, one might think that Rick Scott would know how to deal with elephants. That's apparently not the case. Scott met with King Juan Carlos of Spain this week during his economic development mission and immediately managed to bring up the uncomfortable topic of the monarch's disastrous elephant hunting trip to Botswana last month. Here's video of his royal greeting: "I still want to hear -- I've ridden elephants, I've never tried to shoot one," Scott says, with a grin and a handshake. If Scott thought he was simply embarking on a conversation between two powerful men about shooting large animals for fun, he was wrong. As the Crowley Political Report points out, it's unlikely that King Juan Carlos had ... Continue reading →
More Thais Now Openly Discussing Lese Majeste LawNirmal Ghosh - Straits Times | May 24, 2012 Thai protesters mourn near pictures of Ampon Tangnoppakul, a man jailed for insulting the Thai monarchy, in Bangkok, Thailand on May 9, 2012. (EPA Photo/Narong Sangnak) Share This Page Post a comment Please login to post commentComments Be the first to write your opinion! Bangkok. Worajet Pakeerat is one of a growing number of Thais who are questioning the country’s harsh Article 112.The law mandates up to 15 years in jail for defaming or insulting the king, queen, heir or regent.“Thirty years ago, by now I would have been a dead man,” says the slight, trim and earnest law professor from Thammasat University.Despite clear signs that no sitting government ... Continue reading →
By Te-Ping Chen Burger King A screenshot taken of Burger King’s site, which features an ad promoting the company’s latest addition to its Hong Kong menu. Gold flake-flecked tofu, foie gras pudding, caviar-topped dim sum: It’s no secret that Hong Kong likes to glam up its food. Now, American fast food giant Burger King is also getting into the act. The latest indulgent menu addition here in Hong Kong is a black truffle burger—part of its overall premium series of food items intended to present “a taste of royal delicacy,” as the company puts it. Burger King isn’t alone in launching such menu stunts. Last year in Japan, fast food rival Wendy’s added foie gras burgers ($16) and truffle and porcini grilled chicken sandwiches ($12) ... Continue reading →
