The week that was in Thailand news: A surreal week as Zombie Apocalypse, Village People, Ali G and the Three Stooges all play their part

[rooster59 17,827]

The week that was in Thailand news: A surreal week as Zombie Apocalypse, Village People, Ali G and the Three Stooges all play their part

 

 

Last week Rooster had attempted to instill some humor into a rapidly deteriorating pandemic situation in Thailand with a spoof set of predictions. It was not to everyone’s taste. But little did I know that this week those spurious predictions would prove to be well wide of the mark.

Not for the first time, fact was much stranger than fiction.

I had also planned to regale the readership with memories after today completing 250 consecutive Sunday columns stretching back almost five years.

Damn that man for stealing my thunder and stopping me blowing my own TRUMPet!

I often write most of the column on a Thursday but like billions around the world this week we woke on that day to extraordinary scenes from the US Capitol. I suppose we shouldn’t be surprised that it came to this, but the images were still shocking especially for someone like Rooster who has a deep affinity and respect for the US.

Jim Lo Scalzo – a photographer on the scene who took images that went viral – described it as something akin to Zombie Apocalypse. I thought the Village People were making a comeback and we might hear a rendition of YMCA to go with the suggestions that Joe Biden is a Satan worshipping lover of young boys.

Surreal was not the word and the machinations that followed laid layer upon layer of incredulity. The deaths of rioters and law enforcement personnel. Promises to somehow use Amendment 25 or impeachment. The acceptance – finally – of top republicans and resignation of members of White House staff. The incumbent’s initial half-hearted comments then – recognizing he was in doo-doo deeper than he could have imagined - a woefully inadequate and far too late attempt at conciliation. 

Democrats and the Washington Post called for his immediate removal. Twitter banned him permanently cutting off his main link. Chuck Schumer called it a “day of infamy” – four years of infamy more like. George W. mentioned a banana republic.

I’m still largely baffled as to how more than 70 million people could have voted for this person. And questions are naturally being asked as to how such a rabble could breach security at what should be one of the most protected locations on earth. Security personnel are resigning as I write but one must ask what lessons were really learned by 9-11?

Mr Biden certainly has his work cut out come January 20th. How can he heal when so many seem to have been brainwashed? Fake news seems to have become the "new normal". And what will he do about the incumbent for surely the specter of Trump is going to hang heavy for a very long time. The press are hardly likely to ignore him – the copy is too good for that. 

But at least Mr Biden is presidential. His speech at the height of the madness reduced this crusty columnist to tears, I don’t mind telling you. Yes, he slurs his words a bit but they come from the heart. Rather than driving a dagger through one.

On the plus side it now seems obvious that the GOP would not touch a Trump nomination for 2024 with a bargepole. And what with the stunning victories of two Democrats in the Georgia Senate polls it means that Biden’s legislative hand will be even stronger.

And Donald Trump can be remembered not as a POTUS, not even as a LOTUS but as a T LOTUS – Total Loser of the United States.

I sincerely hope they can recover and enjoy greater respect around the world.

Here in Thailand the pandemic’s “Second Wave” continued to dominate almost every story on Thaivisa, though there were a few indications later in the week that the tough measures put in place might be ‘flattening the curve’.

For all intents and purposes it feels as though we are in lockdown. Along with many others, I found myself confined to barracks again with my young children off school until the end of January. I told the wife to hunker down and prepare for this continuing into at least March. My nippers – four and nearly 8 – smiled through the madness of the week sticking their tongues out when certain individuals came on the TV and laughing when dad hurled soft toys at the screen.

A frequent occurrence this week with news from the UK and Thailand also drawing my ire.

The Three Stooges in Thailand played their part – PM Prayut, DPM Prawit and RTP chief Suwat otherwise known as Bigs Too, Pom and Pat respectively (if not respectfully).  

Prayut did what all army men do – resorted to yet more draconian ways to try and keep hold of the situation that has now spiraled almost complete out of his control. Announcements in the Government Gazette gave a stark warning of what he plans to do to control the proles though at least they gave him wiggle room to jail bent officials who have connived to allow the entry of illegal migrants and plod who for years have turned a blind eye to gambling dens and lined their own pockets.

At least Prayut seemed less idiotic that Prawit – friend to watch manufacturers and cake  purveyors the world over. This absurdity personified – as out of date as the pies he so obviously consumes – had claimed there were no gambling dens. This of course needed a mother of all U-Turns after they popped up everywhere and Suwat was forced to go after very senior colleagues.

But should Suwat not fall on his sword? He is the chief and though only in the job since September has presided over disaster after disaster already. Rather like his immigration division’s BMWs the bespectacled bumbler was billed as smart and hard.

Now he has run out of gas.  

The BMWs were back in business this week rounding up Vietnamese illegals who had been transported north by Thai drivers in vans. The ringleader was a Viet called “Mai Van” – it wasn’t reported if the vehicles were his…..

Five provinces including Chonburi were placed in the Reddest of Red Zones. This prompted huge queues at district offices for permission to travel. Pattaya mayor Sontaya opened a special place for residents to report if they wanted to move.

The head of the hoteliers’ association called for Pattaya hotels to be ordered shut so hotel staff could get social security payments. The chief of taxis and song thaews in the resort spoke of devastation with 500 vehicles gathering dust. Koh Chang and Koh Larn were closed to outsiders. 

Prayut – whose only sensible pronouncement this week was the simple “just stay home” - continued to look foolish with mixed messages about the Mor Chana tracing app. First people could be prosecuted for not having it then they relented. Then the gazette announcement showed his deviousness (though it was easy to spot). Stooge number four even reared his ugly head: This is Digital Economy and Society supremo Buddhipongse who claimed that the app would not compromise personal data.

I’d believe you minister were it not for your office being involved in shenanigans that would make Orwell’s “Ministry of Truth” wince in embarrassment.

At least one politician had a welcome idea – it was “Samart’s smart idea”. This character in a fetching lilac jacket, suggested to the elite that us long suffering parents, now obliged to be teachers as well as childminders 24/7, should get 40% of our fees back. I’m not holding my breath but I do expect the schools to make up the lost time by staying open well past Songkran.

Education minister Nataphol Teepsuwan bigged up "online learning" as though it was some kind of panacea. I suggest he takes a look at what is being offered. It’s complete rubbish – my kids get more benefit from randomly watching YouTube. Their allowed quota has not surprisingly been increased!

In other international news the UK’s daily virus death toll went past 1,300 with 68,000 infections reported in a day. When all of us could see the writing on the wall by allowing Christmas celebrations, why couldn’t the politicians? Now they are left with a virus policy that the BBC said was “Act Like You’ve Got” it. That seemed like ‘ALY G’ to me……where is Sacha with one of those mickey taking interviews with politicians when you need him? 

(Try this for a little light relief if this week has all been too much).

 

 

When the unpalatable Priti Patel came on TV sidestepping outright condemnation of the incumbent Mrs Rooster learned some new English swear words. Hiding behind the so-called “special relationship” the British government’s sickening fawning to the US administration for years is an utter disgrace.

Then it was announced that the “clap for heroes” was back. Yes, NHS workers have undoubtedly behaved valiantly, but this 'heroes' nonsense is totally overused and has to stop.

Are we not ALL heroes in our own little way for what we have had to endure? Not least of all enduring the appalling errors of politicians who – throughout the world – have shown their utter incompetence despite the scientists.

In China 11 million people in one city were placed in lockdown after 120 cases of Covid were discovered. They planned to test everyone at 5,000 centers in Shijiazhuang in the north. Three officials were punished for negligence. Way to go!

In sports news my beloved English Premier league is teetering on the brink of shutdown after more and more footballers tested positive and more matches were called off. Frankly, like Basil Fawlty once said, I expect this last remaining “avenue of pleasure” to soon be cut off.

Back in Thailand airlines announced suspensions of service and land based travel by bus was further limited. Checkpoints sprang up on main roads between provinces and even secondary roads.

Alarmingly, two boys walking back from a sweet shop in Pathum Thani said they were abducted by three men in a van and held at a house. Luckily their dad found them safe.

In Pattaya, a 20 year old lady found herself the victim of theft after meeting a man on a dating site. Foolishly, perhaps, she had allowed him to put her possessions under a bike seat while she went to the loo.
 
I translated this story in good faith knowing full well what was to follow. On Thaivisa’s Facebook arm a thoroughly sickening victim blaming and Schadenfreudian thread ensued. Comparing this unfortunate woman to a prostitute and delighting in her misfortune was contemptible.

This columnist would be the first to admit meeting the odd lady of the night over the years. I found the very great majority of them to be at least as decent as everyone else and possibly more so as some were battling to survive having often been dealt a rough hand.

On the forum, my translation was criticized in one quarter for saying in the headline that the lady had “lost everything”.

This poster clearly has never looked in a woman’s handbag.

In Chiang Mai some patrons of the Warm-Up Café went ballistic. The pub had promised in early December that they would pay 100,000 baht for anyone who caught the virus on their premises. Now at least five people who went there have tested positive and netizens wanted to know if the bar intends to keep its promise. 

Warm-Up played down the overcrowded scenes at their New Year countdown with a touch of political casuistry, sidestepping any mention of their promise that included a million baht payment should anyone cark it from Covid.

King Seafood in Pattaya’s Walking Street closed down with the owner taking a swipe at Thai officialdom for corruption and mismanagement. After providing 30,000 packaged meals for the needy during the first wave last year, he also took a swing at people who had promised to support him but didn't. 

In Trang, plod messed up again by shooting and injuring a female passenger in a Nissan Almera when they should have been following a Nissan Juke after a domestic disturbance. The local chief trotted out the usual nonsense about justice for all. Though at least he admitted his men had erred. The lady was hit in the leg but luckily survived.

Apropos last week’s column, that was not greeted with universal acclaim, one poster suggested that it was written after Rooster had imbibed Hong Thong. Libel! – it was Sang Som. Spare a thought for your hard working columnist. At Rooster Central in Ratchayothin it was a tough week; I battled with Covid like symptoms in isolation still putting out 60+ translations while three close family members and two friends in England caught the virus. Another associate in Thailand was positive. It really felt as though the virus was finally closing in.

Finally, the antics of plod at least provided some light relief as they are wont to do. A Saturday morning gambling bust of some Chinese turned into a top brass photo op.

Another chance to get in front of the cameras could not be resisted by the nitterati in Rayong who proudly posed with 55 confiscated gambling machines.

I resisted the temptation to propose this headline to my editor:

 Two arm bandits with one arm ones.

 

Rooster
 

 

-- © Copyright Thai Visa News 2021-01-08

 

- Whatever you're going through, the Samaritans are here for you

- Follow Thaivisa on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates

 

[Samui Bodoh 26,909]

1 hour ago, rooster59 said:

And questions are naturally being asked as to how such a rabble could breach security at what should be one of the most protected locations on earth. Security personnel are resigning as I write but one must ask what lessons were really learned by 9-11?

The very sad truth is that the (woefully inadequate) security measures were deemed adequate because the demonstrators were white.

 

When Black people/BLM held a demonstration in the same location, heavily armed soldiers were posted on the steps, literally.

 

I have many friends and family in the US, and I am deeply embarrassed for them. That said, each and every American needs to take a deep breath and figure out what has gone wrong with their country.

 

I sincerely hope that they can figure it out, and soon; the world is a better place with a good US to lead it.

 

 

[Samui Bodoh 26,909]

1 hour ago, rooster59 said:

At least Prayut seemed less idiotic that Prawit – friend to watch manufacturers and cake  purveyors the world over. This absurdity personified – as out of date as the pies he so obviously consumes – had claimed there were no gambling dens.

Rooster- this is an outrageous slur on the very fine General Prawit!

 

The claim was not his; he borrowed it from a dead friend.

 

 

 

 

 

[GarryP 5,107]

I would go with COTUS, and then let everyone use their imagination to decide what C means, but to help the cerebrally challenged, give them the hint that it is a four letter word ending with "t". 

 

I can't watch stuff like Ali G, because of the exceedingly high cringe factor. How can his guests be so stupid and play along?  

[rumak 7,284]

1 hour ago, Samui Bodoh said:

I have many friends and family in the US, and I am deeply embarrassed for them. That said, each and every American needs to take a deep breath and figure out what has gone wrong with their country.

 

Oh, monsieur,  I have compiled a three volume edition on just that very subject : 

"Once upon a time there was a dream.   A land where all men are created equal  ( laughter erupts) ,

where neither position nor financial status would play a part in the equal opportunity to be first in

line at the Big Mac counter.   Where all men would receive their fair share of french fries.  

Where hard work and saving would somehow manage to secure a retirement where the cost of living

would not rise to heights only surpassed by the mountains of  debt   fiat money flowing down like

confetti .  ( why so much ?   because we can !   hahahaha )  ."

 

I would continue but unfortunately i have a short attention span and besides I do not want to be 

dragged off to some prison for  giving away any "secrets" .   According to The New York Times, the richest 1 percent in the United States now own more wealth than the bottom 90 percent.

I am honored to finally be in the majority of something !    

 

What has gone wrong ?    Now THAT  question might beget a thread to challenge the length of

the infamous "do you believe in god"   one.

 

 

[4737 Carlin 879]

3 hours ago, rooster59 said:

Mr Biden certainly has his work cut out come January 20th. How can he heal when so many seem to have been brainwashed?

Yes,  the far-left universities and political movements like BLM have those naive, idealistic kids brainwashed beyond hope. 

[JUAinBKK 48]

1 hour ago, 4737 Carlin said:

Yes,  the far-left universities and political movements like BLM have those naive, idealistic kids brainwashed beyond hope. 

I have worked for Mr. Biden.  If you think Trump was a bad man, I can personally tell you, Biden is far worse.  

[overt2016 298]

An altogether interesting read today Rooster.

Happy to see that you and "The Nation" are giving the government the stick it deserves.

My gripe with prayut and Co is that they have ordered schools to close and provide "On line" lessons,

which are basically worthless, but the schools charge normal fees.

 

[rumak 7,284]

56 minutes ago, JUAinBKK said:

I have worked for Mr. Biden.  If you think Trump was a bad man, I can personally tell you, Biden is far worse.  

 

what were some of your observations ?        I do think it funny how naive the majority of people actually think there are 2 political parties.    As George Carlin might say "  its all one big party.....

and YOU ain't invited"        

[off road pat 2,120]

I didn't see last week's "The week that was" how can I see it ?   I really would like to read it !

[GarryP 5,107]

8 minutes ago, off road pat said:

I didn't see last week's "The week that was" how can I see it ?   I really would like to read it !

Click the blazing blue tag with THE WEEK THAT WAS under the title at the top of the page.  It should drop down a list of three previous threads.

 

Edited January 10 by GarryP

[off road pat 2,120]

6 minutes ago, GarryP said:

Click the blazing blue tag with THE WEEK THAT WAS under the title at the top of the page.  It should drop down a list of three previous threads.

 

Thank you very much !    I enjoyed that last one !!!

[GreasyFingers 1,490]

4 hours ago, rumak said:

What has gone wrong ?    Now THAT  question might beget a thread to challenge the length of

the infamous "do you believe in god"   one.

But that is if they would let you talk about such things on here.

[GreasyFingers 1,490]

2 hours ago, JUAinBKK said:

I have worked for Mr. Biden.  If you think Trump was a bad man, I can personally tell you, Biden is far worse.  

So we are in for interesting times.

[snooky 153]

"The very sad truth is that the (woefully inadequate) security measures were deemed adequate because the demonstrators were white.

 

When Black people/BLM held a demonstration in the same location, heavily armed soldiers were posted on the steps, literally."

 

The fact is the Capitol Police are thoroughly trained in public relations apart from usual police duties since primarily their work brings them in contact with tourists and visitors to the Capitol.  Their first instinct is to try and calm people down with courteousness which usually works but unfortunately this time they were dealing with typical Trump supporters who cannot be reasoned with. 

 

I also think there is a plus side to their actions as had they been typical city policemen without that special training, there might have been a massacre in the Capitol with hundreds of deaths and many, many injuries.  It had nothing to do with the color of anyone's skin as some of the media who are only concerned about their TV ratings would have you believe.