Review: ‘Spider-Man’ Swings Again With a Successful Sequel

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4 July 2019, 11:18

This image released by Sony Pictures shows, from left, Numan Acar, Tom Holland and Jacky Gyllenhaal in a scene from "Spider-Man: Far From Home." Photo: Jay Maidment/Columbia Pictures/Sony via AP

Peter Parker might be forgiven for craving a vacation as “Spider-Man: Far From Home” begins. After an emotional and strenuous last few movies with the Avengers, a break sounds nice. “I didn’t think I had to save the world this summer,” he complains.

But, you know the drill: With great power comes great responsibility. So it’s just a matter of time before Parker’s European school trip is interrupted by mayhem that requires a webslinger. We’re just glad the filmmakers didn’t also take a vacation as well.

In this ambitious and ultimately successful sequel to “Spider-Man: Homecoming,” Parker trades New York’s Coney Island and the Staten Island ferry for such iconic cities as Venice, Berlin, London and Prague. Seeing him swing from ancient bell towers instead of Manhattan skyscrapers is weirdly thrilling.

The first half of “Spider-Man: Far From Home” could stand alone — Parker juggles trying to romance the tough-but-vulnerable MJ (the always welcome Zendaya) while also fighting giant monsters beside a ragtag group of superheroes. Perhaps it’s a little underwhelming, but it’s solid. Just stick around: Things get positively bizarre in the second half as the film shifts up a few gears, turning into a kind of commentary on filmmaking illusion itself. It goes from sunny pop to acid jazz, from “Saved By the Bell” to “The Matrix.”

Speaking of school, viewers who haven’t yet seen “Avengers: Endgame” have some homework to do before watching Tom Holland pull on the red-and-blue suit this time. “Far From Home” takes place immediately after the meta-conclusion of all 22 films in the Marvel Cinematic Universe and assumes you know what happened. Plus, it might be a school night, but don’t even think about leaving the theater before catching the two post-film codas.

Director Jon Watts returns, adding to the great work he did in the first film, and screenwriters Chris McKenna and Erik Sommers, who helped write “Homecoming,” make their own homecoming. So does Jon Favreau playing Happy Hogan, Marisa Tomei as Aunt May and Jacob Batalon as Parker’s best pal, who this time ditches the nerdiness to show off a man-of-the-world Ned.

Borrowed from elsewhere in the Marvel Universe are Cobie Smulders as S.H.I.E.L.D. agent Maria Hill and a snarling Samuel L. Jackson as Nick Fury. Spider-Man gets to play this time with a pair of high-tech eyeglasses that are an advanced tactical intelligence system, much like he interacted last time with his suit’s computer, Karen. (Alas, no cameo this time from Stan Lee, the Marvel icon who died in 2018).

Jake Gyllenhaal, who has proven to be an actor of tremendous range, is a newcomer to the superhero genre but proves a comfortable fit despite being asked to wear one of Marvel’s oddest costumes. As Mysterio, he dons a huge cape, Roman Empire breastplate, giant gauntlets and a big glass bubble over his face like an upside-down goldfish bowl. But as Will Smith might say, Gyllenhaal makes this look good.

Credit to him and costume designer Anna B. Sheppard, who has concocted four Spider-Man suits, including a “stealth” one that gets him the nickname Night Monkey in Europe. And the trippy visual effects that stun in the second half connect not to the first film but to “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse” — a huge complement since that one was animated.

But let’s be honest: The thing keeping this together is Holland. He is utterly endearing as a goofy, insecure now-16-year-old hero with a cracked cellphone and who often makes things worse, apologizing along the way. Holland’s aw-shucks naiveté is a 1950-ish throwback even though he is firmly in 2019 — taking selfies while in the air and having to be reminded to not text and swing at the same time. He is indeed a Spidey for Generation Z and its fitting that he hits the reset button for Marvel.

“Spider-Man: Far From Home,” a Sony Pictures release, is rated PG-13 for “sci-fi action violence, some language and brief suggestive comments.” Running time: 127 minutes. Three stars out of four.

Story: Mark Kennedy.

Opinion: Thailand’s Slippery Road of Political Hatred

By

Pravit Rojanaphruk, Senior Staff Writer

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4 July 2019, 11:02

Student activist Parit Chiwarak, left, visits his friend Sirawith Seritiwat in hospital on July 2, 2019. Image: Sa-nguan Khumrungroj / Facebook

Just as worrying as the recent and second attack on anti-junta activist Sirawith “Ja New” Seritiwat is the gratification that has been expressed by some junta supporters.

Despite the junta’s claims that it restored peace and order after the May 2014 coup, political hatred continues to fester on both sides of the political divide. Political hatred is eating up the hearts of many Thais, reducing them to beings that derive gratification from the suffering of those with whom they disagree politically.

The dilemma facing Thais on both sides of the political divide is: will you choose to fight for your vision of an ideal society with love or hatred?

Read: ‘I Don’t Condone Violence’: Prawit Denies Role in Activist Attack

Some have chosen hatred and are very vocal about their choice.

“Good news,” wrote Facebook user Sirirat Panumas on Friday, along with a photo of Sirawith lying unconscious after four men attacked him with wooden clubs near his home in Bangkok last Friday, leaving him unconscious with a broken nose, fractured right eye socket, and blood flowing from his white shirt.

“May I advise that his mother muzzle his mouth so he won’t have to be attacked again,” wrote Facebook user Sirirat Panumas.

“When will it be these two’s turn?” asked Facebook user Akkarawat Pon Jirawatthanakul, along with photos of two well-known anti-junta student activists, Netiwit Chotiphatphaisal and Parit Chiwarak, and seven laughing emojis.

Top: Junta supporters on a Facebook thread saying they hope two other activists will be assaulted like Sirawith.

When I tweeted about the attack, Twitter user @guantanamo___ asked in response when my turn will come too, followed by 50 in-tears-laughing emojis.

So far, no one has been arrested for Ja New’s beating. In any case, it’s clear that the problem is larger than the attacks on three anti-junta activists in recent weeks. The public and shameless expressions of schadenfreude that have followed are very alarming.

Rather than hatred for those who disagree politically, there is another path that Thais can take, which is to fight for their vision of an ideal society with love – be it for justice, freedom, democracy, equality or whatever else.

parinajanew — Phalang Pracharath MP Parina Kraikup warns that her critics may end up punched in the face like Sirawith.

Political hatred corrodes one’s humanity. It also corrodes the humanity of others. Once you start hating your political opponents, you start to see them as less than human.

Although I have been detained without charge and made to undergo “attitude adjustment”, and continue to face sedition charges for criticizing the junta, I have never harbored political hatred in my heart.

I write out of love for freedom, truth, justice, democracy and equality, not out of hatred for junta leader Gen Prayuth Chan-ocha or the uniformed men who detained me.

This is a personal choice, however. Some think Thais are not angry enough, and cite this as the reason the junta has remained in power, introduced a less-than-democratic constitution and got away with a sham election.

On Monday, Prayuth still had the audacity to make a thinly-veiled threat to stage another coup if all doesn’t go well with the formation of his cabinet.

But won’t political anger lead to political hatred? The question reminds me of a European diplomat who last week compared Bangkok’s traffic woes to that of Cairo’s, observing that Egyptians have a very low tolerance for waiting while Bangkokians simply watch the traffic light calmly and passively.

Some think that political anger doesn’t need to lead to political hatred, if the principle of non-violence is upheld. While I think that’s theoretically possible, I cannot help but fear that political anger is a slippery road.

Halle Bailey Tapped to Play Ariel in ‘the Little Mermaid’

By

Associated Press

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4 July 2019, 10:46

FILE - This Nov. 13, 2017 file photo shows singer-actress Halle Bailey at the 2017 Glamour Women of the Year Awards in New York. Bailey, half of the sister duo Chloe x Halle, will next be going under the sea, starring as Ariel in the upcoming adaptation of “The Little Mermaid.” The live-action version will include original songs from the 1989 animated hit as well as new tunes from original composer Alan Menken and “Hamilton” creator Lin-Manuel Miranda. Photo: Evan Agostini/Invision / AP File

NEW YORK — Halle Bailey, half of the sister duo Chloe x Halle, will next be going under the sea, starring as Ariel in the upcoming adaptation of “The Little Mermaid.”

The live-action version will include original songs from the 1989 animated hit as well as new tunes from original composer Alan Menken and “Hamilton” creator Lin-Manuel Miranda. Some of the tunes include “Under the Sea,” ”Part of Your World” and “Kiss the Girl.”

Bailey will join Jacob Tremblay and Awkwafina in the film, which will be directed by Rob Marshall, who helmed “Mary Poppins Returns.”

Marshall says that Bailey “possesses that rare combination of spirit, heart, youth, innocence, and substance — plus a glorious singing voice — all intrinsic qualities necessary to play this iconic role.”

Boeing to Pay $100 Million to Crash Families, Communities

By

Associated Press

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4 July 2019, 10:41

FILE - In this Feb. 5, 2018, file photo a Boeing 737 MAX 7, the newest version of Boeing's fastest-selling airplane, is displayed during a debut for employees and media of the new jet in Renton, Wash. Boeing says it's providing $100 million over several years to help families and communities affected by two crashes of its 737 Max plane that killed 346 people. The company said Wednesday, July 3, 2019, that some of the money will go toward living expenses and to cover hardship suffered by the families of dead passengers. Photo: Elaine Thompson / AP File

Boeing said Wednesday that it will provide an “initial investment” of $100 million over several years to help families and communities affected by two crashes of its 737 Max plane that killed 346 people.

The Chicago-based company said some of the money will go toward living expenses and to cover hardship suffered by the families of passengers killed in the crashes.

Boeing faces dozens of lawsuits over the accidents. Relatives of passengers on a Lion Air Max that crashed off the coast of Indonesia agreed to try to settle through mediation, but families of passengers killed in an Ethiopian Airlines crash are waiting until more is known about the accidents.

Preliminary investigations point to the role played by new software that pushed the planes’ noses down. Boeing is updating the software to make it easier for pilots to control, but the company doesn’t expect to submit its work for final regulatory approval until September.

Lawyers who are suing Boeing on behalf of passengers’ families said the new $100 million promise won’t stop them from demanding that Boeing provide details about how the plane and the new flight-control software were developed. Some of them discounted the amount of aid.

“For the totality of these losses, that is a very small number,” said Robert Clifford, who represents relatives of those killed in the March crash of an Ethiopian Airlines Max. “I wouldn’t even say it’s a good start.”

Boeing didn’t give many details about the financial help. It did not say how much will go to families and how they will apply for aid. The company said it will work with local governments and nonprofits on programs and economic development to help affected communities.

“We at Boeing are sorry for the tragic loss of lives in both of these accidents … and we hope this initial outreach can help bring them comfort,” Boeing chairman and CEO Dennis Muilenburg said in a statement.

The CEO added that the company is focused on winning the trust of airlines and the flying public in the months ahead. Nearly 400 Max jets at airlines around the world have been grounded since mid-March.

In April, Boeing reported a $1 billion charge against earnings because of higher production costs for the Max. Analysts expect more charges will follow, including compensation for families and for airlines that have lost the use of the planes until regulators clear them to fly again.

Thomas Demetrio, a lawyer with cases in both crashes, called Boeing’s announcement Wednesday “a PR move” that won’t affect compensation for families.

“I would like it to go to making the plane safer,” he said.

The lawyers said Boeing didn’t provide enough details about how the money will be distributed and spent. They added that Boeing did not tell them in advance about the announcement.

Story: David Koenig.

Trump Vows July 4 ‘Show of a Lifetime’ as Protesters Gather

By

Associated Press

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4 July 2019, 10:32

Army soldiers with the 3rd Infantry Division, 1st Battalion, 64th Armored Regiment, move a Bradley Fighting Vehicle into place by the Lincoln Memorial, Wednesday, July 3, 2019, in Washington, ahead of planned Fourth of July festivities with President Donald Trump. Photo: Jacquelyn Martin / AP

WASHINGTON — A reality TV host at heart, President Donald Trump is promising the “show of a lifetime” for the hundreds of thousands of revelers who flock to the National Mall every year on the Fourth of July. The tanks are in place for the display of military muscle and protesters are ready to make their voices heard.

It’s been nearly seven decades since a president spoke there on Independence Day. The U.S. was at war in Korea when Harry Truman addressed a large gathering on the Washington Monument grounds, marking the 175th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

There’s no such historical marker Thursday for Trump, who for the past two years has sought a moment to orchestrate a display of America’s military prowess.

He’s calling his event a “Salute to America,” honoring the armed forces, and he’ll speak at the Lincoln Memorial in front of a ticket-only, VIP crowd of Republican donors, administration and campaign officials, family members and those who flock to see him or protest what they see as a divisive intrusion on a traditionally unifying national holiday.

Trump sounded a defensive note Wednesday, tweeting that cost “will be very little compared to what it is worth.”

“We own the planes, we have the pilots, the airport is right next door (Andrews), all we need is the fuel,” he said, referring to Maryland’s Joint Base Andrews, home for some of the planes that are to fly over the Mall on Thursday. “We own the tanks and all. Fireworks are donated by two of the greats.”

Trump glossed over the expense of shipping tanks and fighting vehicles to Washington by rail and guarding them for several days, and other costs.

Some of the president’s supporters welcomed Trump’s stamp on the holiday.

Rachel McKenna, a Trump supporter from McKinney, Texas, said her relatives have served in the military and she thought it was important to say “‘We love you guys, we appreciate everything you do, and I love the fact I can see that,” as she pointed to the Bradley fighting vehicle positioned near the Lincoln Memorial.

“I’ve never ever seen one,” she said. “I just think it’s so cool.”

Trump’s upcoming spectacle even caught the attention of the Rolling Stones, performing at nearby FedEx Field on Wednesday night. Mick Jagger took note that this year’s Fourth wouldn’t be “just fireworks.”

“Now we’ve got tanks on the lawn as well … and some inspirational speeches,” he said wryly.

Keith Richards chimed to wish people “a happy fourth, tanks and all.”

Under White House direction, the Pentagon was arranging for an Air Force B-2 stealth bomber and other warplanes to conduct flyovers. There will be Navy F-35 and F-18 fighter jets, the Navy Blue Angels aerobatics team, Army and Coast Guard helicopters and Marine V-22 Ospreys.

The White House referred questions about the cost of the military participation to the Pentagon, which said it did not have the answer.

The Air Force said it costs $122,311 an hour to fly a B-2 bomber, which is making the round trip from its home at Whiteman Air Force Base in Missouri. Officials said the flight will be considered a training event, with the cost already budgeted. The per-hour flying cost of the F-22 fighter is $65,128.

Two Bradley fighting vehicles were in place Wednesday at the Lincoln Memorial, where Trump will speak. In addition, two 60-ton Army Abrams battle tanks were sent to Washington by rail to be positioned on or near the National Mall, to the dismay of District of Columbia officials.

The presidential Air Force One and Marine One aircraft are also slated to make aerial appearances.

Kevin Donahue, District of Columbia deputy mayor for public safety, told The Associated Press the city expects the federal government to pay for any damage to streets or bridges from moving the tanks. Civil engineers will assess roads and bridges after July 4 to determine if there’s been damage.

Donahue said the city doesn’t have the jurisdiction to reject the use of tanks and other heavy equipment.

In a separate tweet Wednesday, Trump promised the Lincoln Memorial program “will be the show of a lifetime!” White House officials have stressed that Trump’s remarks will be patriotic, but the president often finds it difficult to stay on any kind of script.

But Tracie Lenihan of Spokane, Washington, an independent, said she didn’t understand why military equipment is part of the festivities. “I think it cost a lot of money and I’m not sure what it really has to do with the Fourth of July,” she said. “I don’t hate it. I’m just confused.”

Medea Benjamin, co-founder of the Codepink anti-war group, said use of the Bradley fighting vehicles reflected the “politicization of July Fourth and the militarization of July Fourth and we resent this.”

“We want it to be a holiday where people are having their picnics and they’re watching their fireworks and it’s all peaceful and united,” she said.

Instead, her group will be fielding a balloon depicting Trump as an angry, diaper-clad baby. But because of flight restrictions, officials would not let the group pump it with helium to make it fly higher and be more visible.

Rep. Betty McCollum, D-Minn., who is among lawmakers overseeing the Interior Department, which has jurisdiction over the National Mall and federal parks, said it was “absolutely outrageous” that the administration will use park money to help defray Thursday’s event costs. The National Park Service plans to use nearly $2.5 million intended to help improve parks nationwide, The Washington Post reported late Tuesday, citing anonymous sources.

“These fees are not a slush fund for this administration to use at will,” McCollum said in a statement. She promised a congressional hearing.

Trump and the event’s organizers could be on the hook to reimburse the government millions of dollars if he goes into campaign mode, in violation of federal appropriations law and the Hatch Act, which bars politicking on government time, said Walter Shaub, who left the Office of Government Ethics in 2017 after clashing with the White House over ethics and disclosure issues.

“There’s not a history of disciplined speaking engagements where he sticks to a script,” Shaub said of Trump.

Trump originally wanted a parade with military tanks and other machinery rolling through downtown Washington ever since he was enthralled by a two-hour procession of French military tanks and fighter jets in Paris on Bastille Day in July 2017.

Later that year Trump said he’d have a similar parade in Washington on the Fourth of July, 2018, and would “top” the Paris show. The event ended up being pushed to Veterans Day, which conflicted with one of Trump’s trips abroad, before it was scuttled after cost estimates exceeding $90 million were made public.

In February, Trump tweeted for the public to “HOLD THE DATE!” for this Fourth of July.

Washington has held an Independence Day celebration for decades, featuring a parade along Constitution Avenue, a concert on the Capitol lawn with music by the National Symphony Orchestra and fireworks beginning at dusk near the Washington Monument.

Trump altered the lineup by adding his speech, moving the fireworks closer to the Lincoln Memorial and summoning the tanks and warplanes.

Story: Darlene Superville and Kevin Freking. Matthew Daly, Ellen Knickmeyer and Chris Rugaber contributed to this report.

Park Hyatt Bangkok Hosts Charity Gala for the Arts

By

Khaosod English

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4 July 2019, 06:01

BANGKOK – Park Hyatt Bangkok is excited to announce hosting its first Charity Gala on Saturday, 8 June 2019 at the Ballroom. This occasion exemplified the Park Hyatt brand pillars of dining and arts and to bringing to life this brand culture.

The hotel has chosen to support the Thai Youth Orchestra under the Patronage of HRH Princess Galyani Vadhana (TYO) with intent to establish a new philanthropic tradition in Bangkok.

Open to anyone who wishes to support Thailand’s future musicians, join in on a unique evening of masterpieces with the TYO providing musical scores following Executive Chef Franck Detrait and team’s 4-course wine dinner.

“The hotel continues to revel in dining and art providing our guests with experiences that have rarely been done before if not at all,” declared Mr. Michael Golden, General Manager, Park Hyatt Bangkok.

“Park Hyatt prioritises distinctive wining & dining and arts programmes that define its brand profile and promise,” continued Michael Golden. “This new annual charity event presents a perfect expression of the marriage between those pillars and showcases to the community that we stand behind and support great artistry in many forms.”

TYO was established with a clear vision: to create an international standard youth symphony orchestra, grooming aspiring professional musicians and other career leaders through music education, and represent Thailand’s rich cultural heritage through classical music.

“It is an absolute honour to be supporting some of Thailand’s most talented youths. Working closely with them, our team has crafted a gala menu reflecting the Four Seasons of Vivaldi where we aim to take guests on a journey through the beautiful times of the year,” expressed Franck Detrait, Executive Chef, Park Hyatt Bangkok.

The impactful platform befits the TYO’s brilliant young musicians and seizes the opportunity to raise funds that can be used to not only develop the children’s talent but provide them opportunities and experiences on international platforms.

The TYO conductor Dr. Paye – Akkrawat Srinarong, disclosed: “We are thrilled to be invited to perform at this gala occasion, not only to bring pleasure to the guests but to play our part in raising funds that can be used to assist and promote Thailand’s youth’s musical talents.”

Founded in 1986, the Thai Youth Orchestra is the oldest youth ensemble in Thailand. Its co-founder, Prof. Phukorn Srinarong, then concertmaster of Bangkok Symphony, became the orchestra’s first Music Director. In 2006 it became the first music ensemble to be granted Royal Patronage by the late HRH Princess Galyani Vadhana and remains so to this day.

Over the past 32 years, the orchestra has produced over 1,500 professional Thai musicians, several achieving major international success. In 2017, the orchestra was awarded First Prize at the International Summa Cum Laude Orchestra Competition in Vienna, Austria, followed by the historic tour to Spain in 2018. This year, the orchestra looks forward to returning to Spain in August 2019.

Showcasing and supporting the event will be one of the world’s most innovative piano crafters, STEINWAY & SONS. The STEINWAY & SONS name has stood for fine, grand and upright pianos since 1853. Made with the greatest care and premium materials with no compromises, their pianos are prestigious instruments par excellence. The role played by STEINWAY professionals are reflected by their dedication to absolute perfection and appreciate STEINWAY’s continuance for high standards in sound, feel, beauty and investment value.

Much about Park Hyatt Bangkok is unique, starting with its status as the first Park Hyatt hotel in Thailand. The combination of internationally inspired architecture and interior design, exceptional accommodation, exquisite culinary offerings, and sophisticated works of art, creates a home-away-from-home for discerning travellers and connoisseurs of sophisticated living.

Vendors Balk at Khaosan Road’s Call to Ban Plastic, Styrofoam

By

Tappanai Boonbandit, Staff Reporter

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3 July 2019, 18:03

Pineapples served in plastic cups and durian wrapped in styrofoam trays in Khaosan on July 2.

BANGKOK — Can Khaosan Road kick its single-use plastic habit?

In an effort to reduce waste, vendors along Khaosan Road are being encouraged to phase out plastic and foam packaging. Launched by the Khaosan Road Street Vendors Association at a Tuesday event, the initiative aims to make the tourist haven plastic- and styrofoam-free within two months.

The Vendors Association is asking vendors to switch to paper or bagasse – but there are no penalties if they don’t comply.

Sanga Ruangwattanakul, the president of the vendors association and the man spearheading the initiative, wants the initiative to be a model for other Bangkok tourist destinations.

“This has to come from changing mindsets, rather than coercing vendors,” an association representative said.

Waste is a big issue for the 400-meter stretch of road. More than 69 tonnes of garbage was collected during the three days of Songkran in April alone. Besides the issue of sustainability, plastic regularly blocks the area’s sewage system, exacerbating flooding.

A manufacturer of eco-friendly packaging, who attended the event as a sponsor, claims that switching to sustainable packaging will both raise the public appetite for street food and promote food hygiene.

“I believe the initiative can raise the standard of our street food,” said Wimol Chantian, brand director of paper plate brand Fest. “Tourists will see that our country is becoming more environmentally conscious.”

Read: Plastic Here to Stay, Vendors at ‘Model’ Market Say

The brand says that paper containers are able to withstand heat up to 100C, but pad thai vendor Ngaio Trakulsakda thinks otherwise.

“Paper trays can’t be handled when they’re holding something hot. I’ve tried,” Ngaio said, while serving pad thai in styrofoam to a customer. “Khaosan has a eating-and-walking culture. We have to wait until [the association] comes up with a solution for us.”

When told that styrofoam may not be suitable for hot foods since it can melt under grease, Ngaio said she has never encountered such a problem.

Amid the opening ceremony complete with a marching band, a fruit vendor stood firmly selling durias on styrofoam trays too – just a few feet away from the Vendors Association president who initiated the project. She echoed the concern that eco-friendly packaging is impractical.

“Paper trays can’t be wrapped in cling wrap,” Wantanee Kumsathorn said. “And if I put pineapple in opaque paper cups, people will doubt whether the fruit is fresh, as they can’t see what’s inside.”

Another fruit and juice vendor, Darunee Juangthong, agrees recyclable packaging will not suit all foods, but feels she has no choice but to go along with the initiative.

Currently the ban is voluntary, but Sanga says it will be compulsory if participation is not satisfactory.

"This has to be stopped now," a police officer pointed at styrofoam trays while Wantanee Kumsathorn received samples of paper tray on July 2. — “This has to be stopped now,” a police officer pointed at styrofoam trays while Wantanee Kumsathorn received samples of paper tray on July 2.

“Juices have to be in plastic bottles. What can replace that?” Darunee said. “They have to be covered with ice for freshness but paper cups will weaken if they’re soaked with water.”

Perhaps the biggest issue could be cost. A paper tray costs twice as much as a styrofoam tray, with vendors already burdened by the low-season and a stagnating economy.

Organizers of the initiative are hoping that promotions for eco-friendly packaging can help vendors change their habits. Fest has set up a temporary store in Khaosan to sell its products at a discounted price.

Sanga himself believes that the vendors can handle the cost.

“You sell pad thai for the price of 30 baht, while it only costs you five baht to make. An additional cost for the environment won’t hurt,” he said.

Merchandise vendor Sureeporn Meechoophan has broadly welcomed the bag-free initiative, while agreeing it may be a double-edged sword.

“Yes, it’s good for the environment. But without plastic bags, we can’t distinguish customers from shoplifters,” Sureeporn said.

Sureeporn notes that most farang already refrain from asking for plastic bags, while Asian tourists remain addicted.

As a long-time purveyor of sandals in Khaosan, she blames the lack of trash cans for the street’s flooding problem. Everyday, she has to set up a makeshift rubbish bag in front of her stall for tourists to throw their skewers and wrappers. Not a single bin can be found on Khaosan Road as officials fear terrorist attacks, according to Sanga.

The bag-free experiment in Khaosan comes hot on the heels of giant retailers like The Mall Group and Central Group announcing their own plastic-free schemes. While markets may claim to decrease plastic use during environmental awareness days throughout the year, initiatives are almost never enforced.

Wimol Chantian, brand director of Fest, fourth from the left, and Sanga Ruangwattanakul, the president of the vendors association, center, together with officials during the opening ceremony on July 2.

Styrofoam is still being used by many vendors on Khaosan Road on July 2.

Food containers made from paper and bagasse on display on July 2.

Garbage piling up as there is no trash can on Khaosan Road.

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How to Start Using Less Plastic in Bangkok Right Now

Not Welcome: National Parks Ban Plastic, Styrofoam

Plastic Here to Stay, Vendors at ‘Model’ Market Say

How to View Saturn in Thailand’s Skies Next Tuesday

By

Asaree Thaitrakulpanich, Staff Reporter

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3 July 2019, 15:15

Saturn, taken by the Cassini spacecraft on Jan. 2, 2010. Photo: NASA

BANGKOK — Saturn will move to the point in its orbit where it’s closest to Earth next Tuesday – here’s how to catch a clear view of the planet in Thai skies.

Suparerk Karuehanon of the National Astronomical Research Institute of Thailand said Tuesday that Saturn will be in opposition on July 9 – that is, the planet, Earth and the sun will be arranged in a straight line. This also means that time of the year when the “Bringer of Old Age” and Earth are closest.

Look east just above the horizon starting from 7pm – hopefully you’ve got nothing blocking your view and the skies are clear. Saturn should be viewable with the naked eye within the Sagittarius constellation.

But if you want to see the planet’s rings, grab a telescope with at least 15 times magnification. Saturn should be visible throughout the night, though Suppharuk says it should be clearest from 11:53pm until 6am July 10.

“Go to the darkest location possible. Give your eyes ten minutes to adjust to the darkness without turning on any lights,” Daryl Allan Holst, a high school science teacher in Bangkok said.

Budding astronomers should go armed with a pair of binoculars, a telescope, and a star chart app such as Stellarium or Sky Map, he recommended.

Or, go to viewings to be held by the National Astronomical Research Institute, where telescopes will be provided at 410 schools nationwide, such as at Suksanari School in Thonburi area. Even better, go to official events at Chiang Mai’s Sirindhorn Observatory, and regional observatories in Nakhon Ratchasima, Songkhla, and Chachoengsao, the latter about a two hours’ drive from Bangkok.

Saturn will remain bright enough to see in the night sky throughout the second half of July.

Tip: while stargazing, listen to Gustav Holst’s “Saturn, the Bringer of Old Age” (1915), part of his “The Planets” suite. Its ominous bells and plodding drums are an apt soundtrack for the arrival of the gas giant, named after the Roman titan and god of agriculture and time.

Prayuth Says New Govt By End of July

By

Teeranai Charuvastra, News Chief

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3 July 2019, 14:12

Junta chairman Prayuth Chan-ocha speaks to a group of Thai-American children at Government House on July 3, 2019.

BANGKOK — Hang in there Thailand – a new government will be formed before July ends, junta chairman Prayuth Chan-ocha said Wednesday.

Cabinet positions have yet to be settled, despite 101 days having passed since the general election in March. But in an address at Government House today, Prayuth promised an agreement is coming.

“As for a new government, let me confirm that it will be settled within July, in accordance with our roadmap,” Gen. Prayuth said.

Read: Prayuth Sorry for Cabinet Infighting

True to his habit of making political statements at unrelated events, the junta leader announced the pledge during a speech to a group of American children with Thai backgrounds who were touring Government House.

Gen. Prayuth went on to say that his second term in office will be spent continuing work he laid down in the past five years since coming to power in the 2014 coup.

“It is the mission of the government to perform our duty to the best of our ability for Thailand’s dignity, and for the Thai people … whether they are in the country or in the United States,” Prayuth told his American-born audience.

Prayuth was selected as the next prime minister in a controversial parliamentary vote in early June, which saw the junta-appointed senators cast their votes to help Prayuth defeat his rival candidate.

But his bid to form the new government was frustrated when a faction within the pro-junta Phalang Pracharath Party threatened to defect because key members did not get influential cabinet posts as previously promised by the party.

After Prayuth intervened and made a vague reference to the possibility of another coup, the Three Friends faction said it would no longer push the issue.

“We no longer have demands. We will respect whatever the Prime Minister decides,” Three Friends leader Suriya Juangrungruangkit told reporters yesterday. “We won’t act like crybabies whatever he decides.”

Tropical Depression ‘Mun’ a Welcome Shower After Drought: Expert, Farmers

By

Asaree Thaitrakulpanich, Staff Reporter

-

3 July 2019, 12:08

Thanom Phromsri, in black, points to her dried-up rice fields in Nakhon Ratchasima on July 3, 2019.

BANGKOK — The state weather department has officially warned that a tropical depression in China will affect Thailand – but there’s no cause for alarm, a weather expert says.

The Thai Meteorological Department released a notice today advising that Tropical Depression Mun will hit dozens of provinces with “heavy winds and rain” Wednesday through Thursday. But a weather expert insists ordinary people shouldn’t worry too much about the depression.

“There probably won’t be a large amount of rain. In fact, it’s a boon for us, since we have had a very dry May and June. So hopefully this rain can help refill our reservoirs,” Seree Supratid, director of the Climate Change and Disaster Center at Rangsit University, said by phone Wednesday.

Seree expects rain to be concentrated in Isaan and the North, such as in Nakhon Phanom and Nong Khai.

Tuesday through Wednesday in Bangkok, expect typical July rain to cover 60 percent of the city, with lows of 24C and highs of 33C. Northern and central provinces should see similar coverage, with an 80 percent chance of showers in Isaan.

Farmer Thanom Phromsri, 63, from Phimai district in Nakhon Ratchasima, was one of those happy to see rain Wednesday. She said her 11 rai (1.76 hectares) of rice fields had withered from the drought over the past months.

“This was one of the most heavy droughts I’ve ever seen. I used to collect water along the canals but they were all dried up,” she said.

The Thai Meteorological Department’s weather notice, reshared by Bangkok governor Aswin Kwanmuang, lists a long list of provinces expected to be affected by the tropical depression.

Mun formed in the South China Sea on Monday before making landfall in Hainan Tuesday. Its peak winds measure at 65km per hour, or an 8 out of 12 on the Beaufort wind scale. At that level, winds are strong enough to break twigs off trees. Mun is predicted directly hit southern China and Northern Vietnam.

Seree said that state weather services were outdated during Bangkok’s October 2017 flash flood and failed to prepare people for natural disaster, since they only posted meteorological data online without offering practical advice.

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