News Updates

Well, my life in the Land of Smiles has quieted down quite a bit. I'm knee deep in projects for work, so I come home and veg out of the sofa at night, just trying to recover! So, I haven't had any more of the adventures that I've blogged about in the past few months (Julio being in the states probably doesn't help that, either!).

Today, for your reading pleasure, I thought I would give you a glimpse into the Thai culture, thanks to the Daily Express- a daily free newspaper. Two of my favorite stories follow:

DIRTY MAN FOUND CLUTCHING COBRA
"The body of a 40-year-old man ws found on a roadside in Ayutthaya yesterday. Wiroj Banlen was wearing trousers and a condom. No semen was found. He had suffered several snake bites to the leg and face and had apparently bitten the cobra several times."


Hmmm....a condom? I can only wonder. Wait, I'm not sure I want to go there.

This next story offers a solution to the shortage of police officers in high drug-traffic areas. Why didn't we think of this first?!

I SPY WITH MY LITTLE EYE
"Police worried about the rise in teen crime and drug abuse are encouraging youths to become "spies"- they even get an ID card.

They hope being involved in real crime-fighting will stop teenagers getting on the wrong side of the law themselves.

About 160 Mathayom Wat Thatthong School students attended spy school this weekend. There they learned the dangers of drug use.

They were told how they could help by letting the police or teachers know about lawbreakers they see.

"The more I know about the bad effects of drugs, the more I avoid them. Besides, I'm a little spy now, and if I see anyone committing a crime, I'll call the police right away," says P, 14.

Klong Tan superintendent Colonel S. says the training camp scares children away from drugs and encourages them to "help the nation" by telling officers about drug use they have witnessed.

"Police officers can't look after each and everyone all the time. About 100 officers take turns working around the clock in this area. It's not enough," S. says.

The students discuss things they don't want to see at their school and how they can help prevent crime. They were taught the virtues of punctuality and responsibility, too.

One of the students will be appointed as a liaison between the junior spies and school administrators.

The spy camp was arranged by the school and police from Klong Tao adn Kannayao.

S. says another camp will be held at Kasem Polytecnic College soon."


Do I really need to comment?

Until next time...