The ";"
click a letter to go
to the page with entries beginning with that letter.
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X-Y-Z
|
The ";"
click a letter to go A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X-Y-Z |
Click
here for Search for: Please visit
|
"The Rounds" December 22, 2001
Mekhong Kurt On this penultimate morning of the first year year of the new millennium, may you all have a Happy and Prosperous New Year! * * * * * * * * * * You may have noticed I've added a rotating poll on the opening page of the site (to see that page, please visit this hyperlink: BangkokAtoZ.com). Each poll has just one question, and starting with the current poll (the second one so far), has several check-box answers PLUS a custom answer where you can type in your tailored thoughts. This second poll deals with people's opinions about the Thai governments intentions to herd night-entertainment venues into small areas. I personally feel that it's a silly notion, in every way. But I'm just one guy. Why don't you go vote now, while your thinking about it? -- you can even view the results in a pop-up window! I hope you'll watch for new polls as I put them online. Right now I have no set schedule; I put the first poll up just a few days ago, and the second one a few minutes ago (it now being about 7 o'clock in the morning of December 30th). * * * * * * * * * * I mentioned last time that my friend and helper Cowboy Jon has been taking photographs along Soi Thonglor (Sukhumvit Soi 55) in preparation for our launching a section of the site akin to the popular Sukhumvit Online feature. It's true he has done so, but his wife has been rather ill and in hospital for over 2 weeks now, so that project is slightly delayed. We will be getting it operational as soon as possible -- meaning when MRS. Cowboy Jon is well and Cowboy Jon recovers from the bad case of nerves he's been suffering! * * * * * * * * * * As readers who follow the news know, the Interior Minister's crackdown on night-entertainment venues continues apace. But there's s twist. In Nana Plaza, for example, not only are the a-go-go bars' dancers required to cover themselves, but "to cover" no longer means a string bikini, nor, apparently, *any* mere bikini, the authorities requiring them to wear skirts. *Short* skirts, to be sure, but skirts even so. Further, in some other venues, it's business-as-usual. No one seems to know if this means the authorities have a list of specific targets scattered about or just haven't made their way to all the places yet. A lot of folks feel the inconsistency makes the authorities look even more foolish than the announced campaign itself has. I, for one, wonder how long this campaign will go on before affected people react. There are thousands upon thousands of night-entertainment establishments all over the Kingdom affected by it. One would suppose that eventually the owners would protest; after all, they're getting hit -- hard -- in their wallets. One story says a particular a-go-go owner estimates the earlier closing times are costing him a minimum of 10,000 baht per night, or about US$225 a whack. And that's every day of the month. Calculate it out and it comes to over US$80,000 a year! And that's just ONE place, albeit a successful one! Then there are the employees. There are fewer jobs in fewer hours. Fewer commissions for drinks, and fewer tips. And what of the street vendors and others dependent on those employees -- the beauticians, food stalls, etc.? While I have no idea what the numbers are, they must reach into at least 6 digits, maybe into the millions. Whatever the numbers, over time the effects equal no telling HOW many millions upon millions of baht. It's said wars are fought, ultimately, over economic conflict. While no one wants to see a literal civil war, I just wonder just how long the affected people can stand it and still survive. My guess -- and I stress "guess," since I have no inside information -- is that sooner or later there will be a strong collective reaction. * * * * * * * * * * On the plus, if not directly related, side of developments, the government has just over the last 3 days seized hundreds of millions of baht in money and other assets from a notorious alleged drug kingpin in the north of the country and his family and friends. Reports after the first day's raids said the drug lord was outraged and wanted revenge -- only to be promptly raided again. I, for one, applaud the moves, and hope the police and other involved authorities hold their ground. Further, in the notorious Duangchalerm case, in which the youngest son of a powerful New Aspiration Party politician stands accused of murdering an on-duty police officer, the accused's brother (middle son of the politician) and a cohort appeared in court the other day. True, an initial hearing is a far cry from final justice -- but it's s step, a necessary one if the rule of law is ever to come to prevail. A few years ago, on one would have expected that such a well-connected person as Wanchalerm (the middle son) or any of his buddies would ever see the inside of a courtroom, at least as any sort of defendant. Of course, that Duangchalerm himself remains on the run and unapprehended fuels suspicions that either he's under powerful domestic protection or received some *serious* help fleeing the country. Still, the court hearing is progress, for which the authorities must be credited. Further, the public prosecutors are calling for a court-imposed ban on any of the Chalerm sons going into nightclubs, etc., as according to the public records, they have been involved in at least half a dozen bar brawls in just the past few years. Maybe they don't *instigate* the brawls -- but they sure have a talent for being *around* when the brawls break out, and a finer talent for becoming *involved* in them. * * * * * * * * * * Hear a rumor that the new Doll House owners in Soi Cowboy are having some sort of legal problems -- but I stress this is a RUMOR, and can say that when I made it a point to notice last night, workers were continuing the complete renovation of the premises, which certainly doesn't suggest the venue won't open. * * * * * * * * * * Re Suzy Wong's on Soi Cowboy -- still no clue what's going on there . . . * * * * * * * * * * Have made it a point to be out and about later in the evening than is usual for me over most the nights beginning Christmas Eve, and have been happy to see various oases picking up on business. And the increase is clearly coming from tourists who have come despite 9/11 -- and despite the ongoing crackdown. * * * * * * * * * * Although Christmas itself has past, decorations remain in place. I especially like the modernistic presentation the Emporium on Sumkhumvit Road (on the corner of Sukhumvit Soi 24) is really nice. It was especially nice last night, the night of the last full moon of the year. I passed by about 10:30 P.M., and the lights were still blazing as the full moon shone down through remarkably clear skies. With the small but beautiful Queen Sirikit Park right next door, this won't be a bad place to drop by New Year's Eve. * * * * * * * * * * There are some developments here at BangkokAtoZ, with more to come in the New Year; see the Website News feature for details. * * * * * * * * * * Queen's Park Plaza -- the sign is now corrected -- is just about up to steam; most of the venues are open. It *appears* the final tally will be about 20. With so many open beer bars and with it now being the cool season, QPP is an excellent choice -- and if you don't like the temperature outside, there are enclosed places, too. Drop on by. * * * * * * * * * * Before I forget, as this year draws to a close I want to express Special Thanks to a number of people for helping with BangkokAtoZ throughout the year -- the order meaning nothing, as I'm infinitely grateful to all: * CHARLIE BROWN. Unlike the song's contention, he most definitely is NOT a clown and proved to be a truly tremendous help. He came aboard almost completely in the ark and worked HARD to get up to steam. When the opportunity arose for him to move on, I was, as a long-time friend, excited and happy for him -- even while sorry to losing such a dedicated assistant for whom NO task was too odious or boring (of which there were plenty!). Charlie will be moving upcountry not far outside Bangkok in the first days of the New Year, and I wish him godspeed. Thanks for everything, Charlie. * JON DODD. Also known as "Cowboy Jon," Jon is a genuine Old Thai Hand with a good dozen years under his belt in Thailand. Married to truly wonderful Thai lady (who is ill in hospital at this writing, but recovering nicely), Jon was a logical choice to take Charlie Brown's place. He utterly affable, extremely popular, and a gentleman I'm honored to call "Friend." Jon -- by his own account -- came to BangkokAtoZ hardly knowing much more than how to turn on a computer to check e-mail, but has worked diligently at getting up to snuff in that regard, and has fallen right into the niche Charlie so well filled in taking care of myriads of tasks. But I first knew Jon as a friend, he being one of the very first Squaronians -- habitués of Bangkok's Washington Square -- I met once I discovered the Square. Jon represents some of what's best about many of the fine foreigners who call Thailand "home," especially regarding his complete honesty and his eternal pleasant nature. Jon, thank you EVER so much for stepping into the breach; I'm delighted to be associated with you professionally -- and, as I said, pleased as punch to be able to count on your fast friendship. * DEAN BARRETT. Dean has allied himself with both BangkokAtoZ and the sister site named after him, which you can see here. Dean and "The Doc" spent innumerable hours recording a variety of shows for the Dean Barrett site, and I hope you'll listen to them. Dean has always been completely cooperative even when helping out meant interfering with his own writing schedule. Look for a new photo gallery soon of a young lady whose cooperation I got through Dean's good offices. Dean, it's been a pleasure, and I'm looking forward to new joint efforts. Thanks. * JAMES PATE. James is far more than just an attorney, and far more than just *my* attorney: I count him among one of my closest friends anywhere. James has answered my questions without hesitation -- unless he needed to do research, which he did unflinchingly and generously. The BEST news is that James will be wedding his Thai fiancée in a few weeks, and I wish them all the best with many happy years together. James -- thanks for being there, both personally and professionally. * "TAFFY." As he prefers the simple moniker, I'll humor him. Taffy and his lovely wife Ray are my landlords at my office above their pub. Taffy has promoted and promoted BangkokAtoZ in just about every way imaginable, going far beyond the call of friendship to spread the word. He even hawks BangkokAtoZ CD's. Taffy has become one of my closest friends (despite our wildly differing backgrounds dictating we OUGHT to be enemies -- but that's another story!). Taff -- thanks for everything, Buddy. * CHRISTOPHER G. MOORE. Chris, the well-known author, has helped BangkokAtoZ AND the Dean Barrett site by letting us use his excellent work Heart Talk -- the link's to the page in Chris's site for the book, in which he explains the best part of a thousand Thai phrases involving "jai," or "heart." He promotes BangkokAtoZ in particular on his own excellent site. I don't get to see Chris nearly as much as I would like, but because he, unlike me, is self-disciplined and doesn't gad about nearly so much as I do! Despite that, he has become a most excellent friend. Chris, thank you for your generosity and becoming involved with BangkokAtoZ -- and for becoming my friend. I hope your new Calvino book makes you so much money and brings you so much fame I'll have to get through a dozen layers of assistants-to-assistants, assistants, an Inner Circle, then bodyguards just to get to see you! * ROGER BEAUMONT. I first came to know Roger as a friend -- he's a fellow habitué in Washington Square. Later, Roger shared completely freely of his works he does in his real job with The Nation newspaper; check out his features "Humanity Wrap" and "Slightly Out of Focus." Roger, thanks for your selflessness -- and your friendship. * DON ROSS. Don is a far more extraordinary character than he himself realizes. Retired from a long, distinguished career as a very senior executive in medical-equipment sales -- hey, when almost the entire world is your theater of operations, *I* call that pretty doggone senior! -- around here Don is better known for his prowess as a fighter pilot during service during and after the Korean War as a naval aviator; during the war he chalked up 76 combat missions, and acquitted himself excellently as an Officer and a Gentleman. I got to know Don through pure happenstance, and his advice on the business end of BangkokAtoZ has proven invaluable time after time after time. On the personal level, Don is one of my best friends anywhere, and I count it my good fortune to get to spend some time visiting with him virtually every day. [Good time to pick his brains to draw on his extraordinary business acumen, too!] Don, thanks, Pal, for always being there, first as a consultant, but far more importantly as a genuine friend. * RICHARD K. DIRAN. One of our featured columnists who has a wonderful writing style, Richard is one of the most fascinating men I've ever met. Superficially a gem dealer, he in fact is far more, a sort of "Tiffany's In The Jungle" kind of guy, a genuine adventurer, as well proven by his forays into the wilds -- and I do mean the "wilds" -- of Burma and southern China. As is the case with the affable Roger Beaumont, I first came to know Richard socially, and like everyone named here, he stands as one of my closest friends. Richard is open-handed with his writing and photographic skills -- it will be he who does the actual shoot I mentioned earlier of Dean Barrett's friend -- as well with his considerable business insights. May the whiskey barrel ne'er run dry, Amigo! And thanks. Plain thanks. For everything. * DARRELL WOOLSEY. One of my "newer" friends, in that I've really gotten to *know* Darrell over the past year-and-a-half or so despite our being aware of each for a long time previously, Darrell has also proven invaluable with his accounting skills at educating me about opportunities -- and dangers -- on the finance side of things. He has given freely of his professional skills in an effort to help BangkokAtoZ a success. And he has also proven to be a fast a true friend, which is why in a relatively short time I have come to count him as among my closest friends. Some of you may know Darrell from Bourbon Street Restaurant in Bangkok's Washington Square, in which he was a partner a number of years. About a year ago he moved on and now is proprietor of Tequila Reef Mexican Restaurant in Pattaya which I hope you visit (especially if you like California-style Mexican food) when you visit the beach there. Darrell, I don't know if I can express just how grateful I am for your professional aid -- and friendship. Thanks, Amigo. * DENNIS A. HOUSE. Dennis, as everyone knows -- if better by his moniker "The Doc" -- is my partner and very close friend of years' standing; the nursery from which this website was born, The Washington Square Tattler, was entirely his idea in its inception. Almost all the graphical stuff you see on both BangkokAtoZ.com and Dean-Barrett-Thailand.com is of his making. Dennis has striven hard to master skills to bring technical expertise to bear, with outstanding results. (Okay so I'm prejudiced -- but so what? ;-) ) Dennis is branching out in new directions, in large measure a negative necessity arising from the aftermath of 9/11, exploring setting up websites (for which is is very well qualified) for businesses of just about all types. This means I won't have the benefit of his skills available to me -- but I will always have his friendship. Dennis, what can I say to my oldest friend in Thailand? Thanks for it all. Always. * THE SQUARONIANS. Many of you have no idea of whom I speak. My life in Bangkok is centered on Washington Square, where I lived for several years and where I still work (and play!). Regulars of the Square together with the various staffs collectively have come to be known as "The Squaronians." The foreign Squaronians tend to be the Salt-of-the-Earth sort of folks. In a very real sense, the very existence of BangkokAtoZ is the direct result of the unflagging support of Squaronians. * SITE VISITORS. You folks are the life-blood of BangkokAtoZ, so it is impossible to thank you enough. Literally impossible. I hope you fell you have gotten value for the time you spent perusing the pages of the site. Naturally, I hope you visit often. If it's not my pleasure to know you, I hope you'll introduce yourself when our paths cross. Though most of you *are* unknown to me, I *do* thank you -- ever so much -- from the bottom of my heart. * There always is a host of others deserving thanks, so let me try to miss no one by also extending my heartfelt thanks to ANYONE who has had anything to do with building BangkokAtoZ -- materials contributors, general all-around supporters, customers, and everyone else. To you one and all, ¡¡¡MUCHAS GRACIÁS!!! * * * * * * * * * * Until next time -- Mekhong Kurt
Return to the Table of Contents.
|
|
Copyright © 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, and 2007 by Kurt T. Francis, except as noted otherwise. Materials by Christopher G. Moore, Dean Barrett, Richard K. Diran, Sonia Pressman Fuentes, and Hardy Stockmann are copyrighted © by those respective authors. All rights reserved. Please see the Copyright Notice for further information. Click here for our Privacy Statement Please direct all inquiries to mekhongkurt at bangkokatoz.com |
