It's the Sunday News

Thai protesters block poll stations in Bangkok

Thai anti-government protest leader killed in Bangkok violence

Government offers to postpone polls if protests end

Chinese tourists cancel trips to Surat Thani

Japan calls off all tours to Thailand

Advance poling NO ALCOHOL sales day

The No Alcohol sales law went into effect last night at 6pm and remains in force until midnight tonight.

January 26 is the advance poling day for elections to be held (or not), on February 2.

A decission to go ahead with the election, or postpone it will be made at a meeting January 28

I can feel the difference

Overnight lows are noticably getting warmer

Replay / Encore

 link>Sakon Nakhon Province 

Shanahan Castle Phu Phek 

February 28 - March 2
  Cultural performances, ethnic food and craft competition, conference and lightshow.

Today's Engrish Lesson

Engrish   slang term for the misuse of the English language by native speakers of some East Asian languages

Post by Weird Asia News.

5:30 am

Somewhat lower than the 11 to 15 C forecast

Thailand's general elections, due early next month,  can be postponed the court said

"...society at large demands clean (‘yellow’) and responsive (‘red’) governance"

Thai government seeks administrative court go-ahead  to raise $4 billion to pay rice farmers

Recently read that only 30% of rice collected by the government has been paid for. 
If that number has not changed it means 70% of the farmers have not been paid. 
No money in the government till apparently. 
Banks have offered loans at 7% interest based on pending government payments, (expected when what freezes over). 

With a worldwide overstock of rice on hand, harvest income in the years ahead is going to be reduced. 

Not helping the situation is the present climate. Cold weather results in immature rice, empty husks. 

Even during better times, ricefarmers supplement their income mostly by working at construction projects. Construction in this area has been booming for a few years. 
Now many available houses and 'Shop Units' sit empty. Many overpriced (for this region).

Brains of elderly slow because they know so much

Filipinos in Thailand told to prepare for possible evacuation

Thai court set to rule on whether Feb. election goes ahead

National Anti-Corruption Commission set to charge PM Yingluck Shinawatraover rice scheme after election

They're Ready for the Fair

Yesterday I stopped by and watched final preparations for the Fair opening.

I't not so exciting to me as in past years.

Used to be able and sit down with a cool drink and watch the world go by.

These days Alcohol ห้าม (prohibited) at most public events.

They used to have bumper car rides.  They have been gone for a number of years.
At the Red Cross 'fish tank' I did get greeted: "Hello Mister Hans"