BANGKOK — “The eye is the lamp of the body; If your eyes are generous, your whole body will be full of light.” Thai police are now about to take that biblical passage seriously.
Bangkok police on duty are now advised to take off their shades and show their eyes whenever they converse with members of the public, a deputy metro police commander said Tuesday, citing the need for police to look more “friendly.”
“For Thai people, whenever someone wears sunglasses, they look suspicious,” Gen. Panurat Lakboon said in an interview. “Taking off sunglasses reduces your aggressive look. It shows sincerity in your eyes when you talk to the people. They will feel safe when they look at your face.”
The order for cops to show the windows to their souls was first issued Sunday by the Metropolitan Police Bureau, effective immediately. It bans officers from “wearing shades while on duty,” and instructs them to wear their uniform properly and maintain the new buzz cut.
The notice soon caused confusion and mockery on social media, where people said they were worried for traffic police who had to stand in the sunlight for most of their day.
But Panurat elaborated on the instruction in today’s interview, saying that traffic police are exempted. Police are also allowed to wear shades while riding motorcycles, he said, but they must take them off when they “stop, walk and talk” to civilians.
The deputy commander added that the order is the latest effort to improve the image of the police force.
“The way we dress, the way we talk and our appearance can impress people,” Panurat said. “These might be small issue, but they can create or cause loss of trust.”
BANGKOK — A creative venue home to exhibitions, workshops, screenings and more bidded farewell to Soi Sukhumvit 22 last week.
The RMA Institute announced on Friday that it would close and reopen at a new location, after its founder Piyatat Hemmatat said the current space would be transformed into his studio where he could develop photography and sculptures.
“I closed RMA because I ran out of working space and need more space to develop my personal work,” artist-photographer Piyatat said.
While the institute won’t be gone for good, he did not disclose the location of its new site.
“RMA will evolve into other projects [at] another location in the future,” Piyatat wrote via a message. “As for what and where [it] is a secret for now.”
Piyatat’s upcoming exhibition Eden will take place at two other venues later this month. The work explores the Garden of Eden through microscopic images of cannabis plants. He combines the photography with bronze sculptures.
The first part of Eden will open at 6pm on March 8 at Serindia Gallery while the second part will take place March 24 at Galerie Oasis, above Cinema Oasison Soi Sukhumvit 43.
A part of Eden exhibition. Photo: Piyatat Hemmatat
Ranee Saengyoktrakarn and Rattanachat Saengyoktrakarn meet with police Monday to hear charges related to their Feb. 19 assault on a pickup truck.
BANGKOK — City Hall on Monday said it’s investigating six current and former officials suspected of colluding with operators of illegal markets in eastern Bangkok.
The move came as Bangkok authorities are seeking a court warrant to permanently shutter and demolish five marketplaces after they catapulted to public attention following an enraged family’s attack on one shoppers’ illegally parked car.
Niran Praditkul, the head of the investigation, said officials – five retired and one current – are suspected of conspiring with the market owners to allow the facilities to operate without permission for over two decades. They include Prawet district director Thanasit Metpunmuang and former heads of the environment and health departments.
One of the officials identified in the investigation, Thanasit, said he has not seen the formal document naming him but would contest any such accusation.
“I will insist on the facts,” Thanasit said. “Since I have not seen the document myself, I’d like to make no further comment.”
Niran told reporters punishment could range from expulsion to a “verbal reprimand” if they are found guilty.
Gov. Aswin Kwanmuang said he wants the investigation to wrap up in seven days to establish whether the six were to blame for the markets protracted illegal operation.
Vendors at the five markets left the buildings one week ago Tuesday as ordered by city officials, and the markets remain shuttered today, though their owners said they will attempt to re-apply for the relevant permits.
But Aswin said officials are applying for a court order that would shut down the markets for good. Thanasit said the authority will demolish the markets once a court order has been obtained. There will be no financial compensation for the vendors, he added.
After operating in full view of officials for years, the five markets only made headlines because one shopper illegally parked her pickup truck in front of a mansion owned by the Saengyoktrakarn family.
The family responded by attacking the Nissan with an axe and pipe, telling the media they suffered for years from the five illegal markets’ illegal parking, noise and smell. They blamed errant parking for the death of their neighbor’s father who could not be taken to a hospital in time because their driveway was blocked.
The two women who attacked the truck, Ranee Saengyoktrakarn and Rattanachat Saengyoktrakarn, were also charged with property damages and bringing weapons to a residential area. The pair met with police today to hear the charges, which they deny, according to their lawyer Ananchai Chaiyadech.
BANGKOK — Employees who lost their job in a pay dispute with General Motors Thailand will be rehired, the company said Sunday, with one caveat: they have to sign new contracts on a military base.
The notice informed all rehired employees to report to an army base in Chonburi province Tuesday. The order caused some alarm among workers who fear being coerced by soldiers to sign unfair contracts. A company spokeswoman said the venue was picked only for convenience.
“If we used our own space, like in front of the factory, it wouldn’t be appropriate, because more than 60 people will be there. Schools and other private firms also have team-building activities at the base.” Pucharapan Holim said in an interview. “There is no hidden agenda.”
General Motors said Sunday it will rehire all 66 workers whose contracts were terminated in November following a pay dispute that arose when the company added a sixth day to their work week. The decision was brokered after months of negotiation between the firm and labor officials.
But the requirement that all workers who wish to be rehired must bring their ID cards and sign the new contracts at the 21st Artillery Battalion base worried some, according to Prachatai news site.
One of several workers told Prachatai it was the first time in his 20-year career that he knew of any company forcing new hires to sign contracts at military installations.
Under military rule, soldiers are often deployed to act as law enforcement officers. They are also permitted to detain any individuals at military bases for questioning without charge.
Base commander Maj. Gen. Yutthachai Thianthong could not be reached for comment as of publication time. An aide said Yutthachai was attending a class in Bangkok.
A boy and a girl among lotus blossoms in ‘The Forest.’ Photo: The Forest / Courtesy
BANGKOK — Think all Thai movies are big studio teen ghost comedies? Step into a new building near BTS Phrom Phong later this month and get engrossed in gripping true stories and out-there alternative cinema that can’t be found in any “major” cinemas.
After many months of preparation, Cinema Oasis will soon open to the public with six remarkable and unconventional domestic films. On opening weekend, see true stories of a family forced from their land to make way for a dam, and a teacher kidnapped and beaten to death.
The opening series is being calledBeyond Pad Thai. Like the world famous stir-fried noodle dish, the theater wants people to dig deeper.
“We want to show more than typical Thai films, that’s why we chose the name,” said co-founder Ing Kanjanavanit.
March 17 will see three films. The 1977 black-and-white docudrama “Tongpan” focuses on construction of the Pa Mong Dam on the Mekong River. It screens at 11am.
It will be followed at 1pm by “Citizen Juling,” a 2008 documentary about the unsolved murder of Juling Pongkanmul, a Buddhist teacher kidnapped and killed in 2006. Set in tense communities on edge between separatist insurgents and state security forces, the film follows former senator Kraisak Choonhavan as he travels and talks to people about what happened to Juling. It was directed by Kraisak along with theater owners Ing and Manit Sriwanichpoom.
That night at 7pm see “The Forest,” a film which blends drama, fantasy and horror to tell the story of a bullied, mute schoolgirl who finds peace after meeting a mysterious jungle boy. The film is by filmmaker and Bangkok resident Paul Spurrier, who runs the Friese-Greene Club.
March 18 will see three more. “The Convert” (“Muallaf”) will screen at noon. This docudrama confronts the challenges faced by a Thai Buddhist woman who converts to Islam to marry her Muslim boyfriend.
‘The Forest.’ Photo: The Forest / Courtesy
“Agrarian Utopia” beautifully captures two families of northern rice farmers struggling with economic, political and social change. The documentary shows at 3pm. The day closes at 7pm showing of “Wandering”(“Thudongkawat”). The movie follows a man who, after his son dies and his wife leaves him, becomes a hermit monk in the deep forest.
The directors of each film will be on hand to discuss the films after each screening. All films will show with English subtitles. Make a callto reserve a seat. Tickets are 160 baht.
‘Agrarian Utopia’
The alternative film venue sits 48 including space for two wheelchairs, features a 2K digital projector and a 5-meter screen with Dolby 5.1 surround sound. It is located on Soi Sukhumvit 43, a 10-minute walk from BTS Phrom Phong.
Cinema Oasis was founded by Ing and Manit, the couple behind 2012’sbanned film“Shakespeare Must Die.”
A protester performs a crossed-armed salute from the movie ‘Black Panther’ at a protest by the T’Challa group Sunday at the Bangkok Arts and Culture Center.
BANGKOK — Environment activists protested the killing of a black panther by a construction mogul Sunday in front of the Bangkok Arts and Culture Center.
Activists donned black panther masks to display art and engage in guerilla theater to demand police prosecute the powerful head of Italian-Thai Development who stands accused of killing a rare black panther in a wildlife sanctuary last month.
“[Black panthers] are living things, not decorations or performance-enhancing drugs,” organizer Thatchapong Kaedum said, referring to reports that Premchai Karnasutra cooked and ate parts of the big cat. “They can’t speak, so we are speaking for them.”
Taking inspiration from the recent Hollywood blockbuster “Black Panther,” the group calling itself “T’Challa” for its protagonist complained that prosecution against Premchai was lagging.
After ignoring several police summons, Premchai met briefly with police Friday to answer questions. Deputy police chief Srivara Ransibrahmanakul said the investigation was nearly complete.
“If investigators find something suspicious we will summon him for more testimonies. If not, we can close the case,” Srivara said. “The case is 90 percent done. There’s nothing wacky about the case and we’re not working slowly. No authorities are helping him out. I won’t let the Royal Thai Police look bad on this.”
At Sunday’s protest, Thatchapong and more than 100 protesters expressed their doubts.
“We’re following up on the evil that a group of humans did last month and killed one of our friends. We plead that the justice process continues but does not favor the rich and powerful. We will be watching.”
Ticha na Nakorn, an activist and former member of a junta-appointed reform body, said she joined the protest because she feared Premchai would escape prosecution.
“I can’t talk in parliament so we have to go into the streets. Today we’re sending a signal because, if we don’t, then the powerful will walk all over the law and wildlife officials. The black panther who can’t speak must be protected. We’re doing our citizen’s duty in the parameters of power under the [junta],” Ticha said.
Protesters performed the crossed-armed salute featured in the film while wearing panther masks. Since the film opened last month to record box office sales, Thais have been tying together the scandal of the Italian-Thai CEO’s killing of a black panther with the film.
Premchai had been caught poaching a black panther among other animals in the Thungyai Naresuan Wildlife Sanctuary in February. He was later charged on various accounts of poaching, gun possession and trespassing, posted bail and disappeared from the public radar until Friday, when Premchai met with deputy police commissioner Srivara Ransibrahmanakul.
Srivara said Friday that Premchai and his hunting party cooperated and gave their testimonies.
The group of demonstrators was led by Thatchapong Kaedum, whose group gave out 100 black panther masks to fellow protesters and passersby. The group held up a sign that said “The black panther will not die in vain” and “Justice for wildlife.”
Thatchapong led participants through the mock killing of a black panther.
Participants also sang a Carabao song,“Chewit Sumpan,” or Symbiotic Life, about love for the environment.
A graffiti claimed by artist Headache Stencilof a black panther with a mute icon next to it was erased Saturday, a day after it appeared in Soi Sukhumvit 58. He wrote that men in a car drove by to the graffiti spot and erased it.
“Is it wrong for me to want to protect forest animals? This wall isn’t even public space. I even painted over other graffiti. What’s going on?” wrote Headache Stencil Saturday.
Protesters wearing masks of a black panther and Premchai Karnasuta perform a mock killing of a black panther.
Headache Stencil’s graffiti of a black panther. Photo: Headache Stencil / FacebookHeadache Stencil’s erased graffiti of a black panther. Photo: Headache Stencil / Facebook
Guillermo del Toro, winner of the award for best director for "The Shape of Water" celebrates in the audience at the Oscars on Sunday, March 4, 2018, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. Photo: Chris Pizzello / Invision / AP
LOS ANGELES — The Cold War fantasy film “The Shape of Water” is the winner of the best picture Academy Award.
Director Guillermo del Toro’s film has been considered one of the front-runners for the evening’s top honor. It received a leading 13 nominations for this year’s Oscars, and won four Oscars on Sunday night including best production design, best score and best director.
The film stars Sally Hawkins as a mute janitor who falls in love with an aquatic creature kept captive in a government lab.
“The greatest thing that art does, and that our industry does, is erase the lines in the sand,” said del Toro, alluding to his international career.
List of winners for the 90th Academy Awards presented Sunday by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences:
Thierry Perenon in a still image taken from a live stream of the Feb. 25 at the Ibis Pattaya hotel.
BANGKOK — The Department of Special Investigation said Monday it was investigating a foreign man claiming to be one of its “special agents” and would prosecute him if he broke any laws.
The department said in a statement it was investigating the actions of French national Thierry Perenon, who over the weekend threatened reporters from a news agency. The DSI statement said it had confirmed with its office in east Thailand that he was not one of its agents.
“If any member of the public was affected by actions of the said individual, they are advised to file legal complaints at a local police station or alert the Department of Special Investigation at 1202,” said the statement signed by deputy chief Korrawat Panprapakorn.
In a series of emails to Khaosod English, the man identifying himself as Perenon told an editor and reporter to take down its recent story about Alex Lesley, a Russian self-styled sex guru who had been arrested alongside his other “instructors” in Pattaya on Feb. 25.
At the time of their arrest one week ago, the guru – whose real name is Aleksandr Kirillov – was working with Belorussian model Anastasiya Vashukievich.
Known on Instagram as Nastya Rybka, her affair with a married Russian oligarch and Putin ally mixed up in the investigation into alleged Russian meddling in US elections has inflamed the Kremlin. Currently held at an Immigration Detention Center, they say they will give US officials relevant evidence if they help shield them from deportation.
Perenon, was present at the Feb. 25 arrest as a volunteer translator. After a story about the messages was published Saturday, Perenon called to deny sending them. Yet he also sent complaints and legal threats using the same email account.
“I will just say you made this email address yourself to slander me and DSI and Santibaan for your fake news,” he wrote. “You don’t know who I am how I make money and you see my influential friends..”
In the emails, Perenon said he was a special DSI agent in Pattaya and named Korrawat as his supervisor. In his messages, he claimed to have carried a gun to the Feb. 25 arrest.
Jordan Peele accepts the award for best original screenplay for "Get Out" at the Oscars on Sunday, March 4, 2018, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. Photo: Chris Pizzello / Invision / AP
LOS ANGELES — Jordan Peele had to dig deep to get the horror-satire “Get Out” to the screen, and his reward was the first original screenplay Oscar for an African-American.
“This means so much to me,” Peele said as he accepted the trophy Sunday. “I stopped writing this movie about 20 times because I thought it was impossible. I thought it wasn’t going to work. I thought no one is ever going to make this movie.”
“But I kept coming back to it because I knew if someone let me make this movie, that people would hear it and people would see it,” he said.
The film’s lead character, played by best actor nominee Daniel Kaluuya, is a young black man plunged into a nightmare suburb where African-Americans’ bodies are stolen for use by whites.
“Get Out” is Peele’s big-screen directorial debut, but he’s been honing his skills as an actor, writer, director and producer for more than a dozen years.
He started getting awards notice in 2008, when he shared in an Emmy nomination for a sketch he wrote for MADtv. He was nominated seven more times for his contributions to “Key & Peele,” the hit Comedy Central sketch show he created with Keegan-Michael Key. Peele also co-wrote and co-starred (with Key) in the 2016 action-comedy “Keanu.”
His upcoming projects include “The Last O.G.,” a TV comedy series starring Tracy Morgan and Tiffany Haddish.
More Oscar history was made with the original screenplay award, as 89-year-old James Ivory became the oldest winner in any category for “Call Me by Your Name,” a story about young love adapted from Andre Aciman’s 2007 novel.
It was the first award for Ivory, who was half of one of the most acclaimed independent filmmaking duos in movie history. He and Ismail Merchant, his partner and producer, made up Merchant Ivory Productions, which came to embody refined period dramas including “Remains of the Day,” ”Howard’s End,” ”Maurice,” ”A Room With a View.” Their regular screenwriter was Ruth Prawer Jhabvala.
Ivory acknowledged his late colleagues in his acceptance speech.
“Working with them for 50 years lead me to this award,” he said.
He lauded Aciman’s story, about the romance between two young men, as a story to familiar to most people, “whether gay or straight or somewhere in between.”
Sebastian Lelio, foreground center, and Nicolas Saavedra, from back left, Daniela Vega, Alejandro Goic, and Pablo Larrain accept the award for best foreign language film for "A Fantastic Woman" at the Oscars on Sunday at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. Photo: Chris Pizzello / Invision / AP
LOS ANGELES — Landmark Chilean drama “A Fantastic Woman,” a stirring story of love and loss that centers on a transgender woman, won the Oscar for best foreign language film on Sunday.
“I’m in Jupiter,” elated director Sebastian Lelio said backstage after accepting his golden statuette. “I can’t believe this happened.”
A favorite to win, the film has been hailed as a milestone in representing transgender characters and for taking on the timely subject of transgender identity with compassion and sensitivity.
Lelio said he hoped the film’s Academy Award recognition would help “contribute to a necessary and urgent conversation” about transgender rights in Chile and around the world.
“A Fantastic Woman” follows Marina, a transgender waitress and nightclub singer, whose long-term and loving older boyfriend suddenly dies. They had shared a protective bubble of bliss and tenderness that is suddenly shattered and Marina’s world falls apart.
Marina, played by transgender actress Daniela Vega, spends most of the film numbed by grief and battling for the right to mourn as her lover’s family shuns and humiliates her and tries to block her from his funeral.
When Lelio accepted the award on stage, he called Vega his inspiration for the film. Vega joined the director and producers on stage and later took to the stage alone to present one of the evening’s musical performances. “Thank you so much for this moment,” Vega said, wearing a strapless magenta gown.
Some had hoped Vega would become the first transgender actor nominated for an Oscar. Hollywood has come under increasing criticism for celebrating trans stories played by non-trans actors, while failing to cast transgender actors — Hilary Swank (“Boys Don’t Cry”), Jared Leto (“Dallas Buyers Club”), Eddie Redmayne (“The Danish Girl”) and Felicity Huffman (“Transamerica”) have all garnered Oscar nominations for trans roles, with Swank and Leto winning.
Lelio said it was important to him to cast the part of Marina with a transgender actress. He initially started working with Vega as a consultant for the film but in the process of honing the script together, Lelio realized his adviser was his star.
“I was not going to make this film without a transgender actress in the main role,” Lelio said backstage, adding that Vega brought a presence and truthfulness and complexity to the role that he didn’t think a non-transgender actor could have.
Vega transitioned 14 years ago in Chile and was “a pioneer,” Lelio said.
“She carries that history and the camera knows that,” he said.
The Chilean film beat out Lebanon’s “The Insult,” Russia’s “Loveless,” Hungary’s “On Body and Soul,” and Sweden’s “The Square.”
The category was presented by Puerto Rican actress-singer Rita Moreno, who donned the same gown she wore 56 years ago when she won best supporting actress for “West Side Story” in 1962
Moreno received a standing ovation when she took the stage.
The 86-year-old Moreno quoted Frank Capra as saying there were three universal languages: “Music, mathematics and the one we honor tonight, the universal language of film,” Moreno said.
“Regardless of its country of origin or the dialect of its words, a great film conveys a story that speaks to the one condition we all share,” Moreno said. “The human condition.”
