US Fast Food Chain in Malaysia Told to Change Hot Dog Name

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19 October 2016, 11:03

An outlet of US fast food chain Auntie Anne's is pictured last July in Miami, Florida. Photo: Phillip Pessar / Flickr

KUALA LUMPUR — Hot dogs, or at least the name, will soon be off the menu for a U.S. fast food chain selling the popular snack in Malaysia.

The chain, Auntie Anne’s, has been told by Islamic authorities that its popular Pretzel Dog, which contains no dog meat, has to be renamed as it is confusing for Muslim consumers.

The Malaysian Islamic Development Department has told the U.S. company to banish the word “dog” from its menu and suggested that the frankfurter wrapped in a pretzel be called Pretzel Sausage as part of conditions to obtain halal certification based on Islamic dietary laws. Dogs are deemed unclean in Islam.

“It is more appropriate to use the name Pretzel Sausage,” the department’s halal director Sirajuddin Suhaimee told local media.

The move is not surprising in mainly Muslim Malaysia, where conservative attitudes have been on the rise. A wide range of products have been certified halal, from mineral water to a newly launched Internet browser and household products to appeal to Muslims, who make up about 60 percent of the country’s 30 million people.

Auntie Anne’s said it will comply with the request. Its halal executive, Farhatul Kamilah, said on her Facebook page that the chain has proposed several new names and was waiting for the Islamic department’s approval.

Other food outlets selling hot dogs face similar rules. U.S. fast food chain A&W earlier obtained its halal certification in Malaysia. In return, its famous root beer is simply called RB on its menu and hot dogs are coneys and franks, short for frankfurters.

Blogger Calls For Harassment of BBC Correspondent

By

Teeranai Charuvastra, News Chief

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18 October 2016, 17:22

Photo of BBC correspondent Jonathan Head posted to Facebook by Anthony Cartalucci

BANGKOK — A blogger known for promulgating anti-Western conspiracy theories urged people Friday to protest at the BBC’s bureau in Bangkok and personally harass its correspondent for allegedly defaming His Majesty the Late King.

In a Facebook post, a blogger writing under the name Anthony Cartalucci directed his anger at BBC correspondent Jonathan Head and encouraged people to assemble and harass him in person.

Read: Govt Deplores Foreign Media Coverage, BBC Coverage Blocked

“Groups able to organize and peacefully control a crowd could also follow him around and make his life as difficult as a liar’s life should be,” Cartalucci wrote. “Heckle him, make him uncomfortable, make him look bad, but don’t be “’red shirts’” and resort to violence.”

Head has been covering the King’s funerary rites, and some criticized the British broadcaster’s coverage as insensitive or inaccurate. It’s broadcasts have been interrupted by censors at the channel’s Thai broadcaster.

The call for action by Cartalucci coincides with recent cases of mob violence around the country in the aftermath of King Bhumibol’s death Thursday. A number of people have been harassed online and assaulted by crowds of vigilantes for allegedly insulting the late King, who’s widely revered in Thailand.

“In case you are interested in protesting or lodging a complaint with Mr. Head or the BBC in Thailand, you can find them right off the BTS at Chitlom Station. There, you will find all the other paid liars of the Western media too – their offices are there as well,” he added.

Head said he’s been targeted by Cartalucci before, but it’s the first time the blogger encouraged other people to harass him physically.

“In the current emotional climate that is worrying,” Head wrote in reply to inquiries. “Some of the people commenting on his FB page are making threats of violence, and some talking about my children. Normally I don’t worry about these kinds of online attacks – I’ve had plenty over the years. But these are not normal times, and it is dangerous for anyone to use social media to encourage mob action against journalists.”

He added that the BBC is aware of the issue and would take action if needed.

Cartalucci stressed in a comment on the thread that violence is to be avoided.

“Hey folks, if you decide to meet Jonathan Head – be peaceful. You can yell at him, follow him around, make him uncomfortable – but as ironic and deserving as he is of such treatment – DON’T BE RED SHIRTS,” it read.

Yet among comments written by others in reply to his message were questions about where Head resided.

Read: King Bhumibol 1927 – 2016

For years Cartalucci has maintained a blog called Land Destroyer, where he regularly vilifies former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, his political clan and his Redshirt supporters. His writing began as reports claiming Thai political unrest was engineered by the United States and has grown to include all manner of anti-Western conspiracy theories.

Cartalucci lists no contact information. Someone responding to inquiries sent to his Facebook page declined to respond.

The BBC has offices in the Maneeya Building in downtown Bangkok. It’s on the same floor as the Foreign Correspondent’s Club of Thailand, or FCCT, and other foreign media bureaus such as Australian Broadcasting Corp. and Al Jazeera.

FCCT president Dominic Faulder described Cartalucci as a troll who only wants to make trouble and draw attention to himself. He also said the overwhelming majority of foreign media coverage about His Majesty the Late King has been respectful.

Head, a longtime resident of Thailand, covers a wide range of topics in Southeast Asia for the BBC including Thai politics, the monarchy and lese majeste.

His news coverage has offended hardline conservatives in the past. In December 2008, several conservative activists filed lese majeste complaints against Head for his reports about the monarchy, though the cases appear to have been quietly dropped later on.

Clarification: A description of Head’s coverage in the region has been expanded to reflect the range of topics he has reported on.

Correction: An earlier version of this story incorrectly stated that the message was posted on Tuesday. In fact, it was posted Friday.

Prayuth: Crown Prince Will Soon Take Throne

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Sasiwan Mokkhasen, Staff Reporter

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18 October 2016, 16:50

Crown Prince Vajiralongkorn leads the funerary rites for His Majesty the late King Bhumibol Monday at the Grand Palace in Bangkok.

BANGKOK — Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha said Tuesday that Crown Prince Vajiralongkorn could ascend to the throne as soon as Friday.

Speaking to reporters after his weekly cabinet meeting, Prayuth urged the public not to be concerned about a power vacuum as his government would follow Article 23 of the constitution to soon invite Vajiralongkorn, the designated heir, to take the throne.

“No one should be worried or suspicious about this,” Prayuth said, giving a timeframe of seven to 15 days after the funeral of His Majesty the Late King began.

Read : Crown Prince Vajiralongkorn Meets With Regent, Will Take Throne

Prayuth also assured the new constitution would be signed by the new King in the required time frame. Under the constitution, 96-year-old Privy Councilor Prem Tinsulanonda became regent and head of state when the Crown Prince said he needed time to mourn his father before sitting the throne.

Prayuth said the election expected for 2017 would be unaffected.

In his televised broadcast Saturday, Prayuth said the Crown Prince would be coronated after funerary rites for King Bhumibol end in a year’s time.

He repeated that the Crown Prince was not yet ready to take the throne because he wanted time to mourn his late father along with Thais.

Prem Assumes Regency Over Thailand’s Empty Throne

Crown Prince Not Ready to Take Throne Yet, Prayuth Says

Crown Prince Vajiralongkorn Proclaimed King Rama X

Flesh is Canvas For Mourners’ Permanent Oaths of Loyalty

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Chayanit Itthipongmaetee, Staff Reporter

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18 October 2016, 16:18

BANGKOK — A trend has emerged in which people are expressing their love and sorrow for His Majesty the Late King with tributes that could last a lifetime.

From iconic photographs of King Bhumibol and the No. “9” to the recent slogan “I was born in the reign of King Rama IX of Thailand,” people nationwide have been sharing photos of fresh tattoos to commemorate his memory.

Bangkok photographer Natthawut Ananthasukhon said he has added three fresh tattoos to his right arm, back neck and left collarbone.

“I get tattoos to record stories in my life,” Natthawut said Tuesday. “[The recent ones] are to commemorate [His Majesty the late King] and remind myself to always do good things.”

A number of celebs including singer Pitt Karchai, performer Jetrin “J” Wattanasin and model Pharunyoo Rojanawuttitum have shown off new ink dedicated to King Bhumibol.

Saturday through Monday, a tattoo parlor at the Central Pattaya shopping mall inked free King-related designs.

Some shops decided to charge their customers 9 or 99 baht.

Nopparat Naplod, a 34-year-old artist at Skin Art Tattoo, said his shop doing it as a free service but won’t ink depictions of His Majesty the King’s portrait or royal emblems as he believes recreating them is inappropriate.

Those seeking tattoos honoring the King should be mindful about where they are applied – the higher on the body the better, Natthawut added.

“You shouldn’t get the King’s portrait tattooed on your hands because we always use them to touch things,” Natthawut said.

‘Do good things for our father,’ Photo: Natthawut Ananthasukhon / Facebook

Photo: Natthawut Ananthasukhon / Facebook

A tattoo artist inks tattoos for free in Pattaya

Go Modest, Natural, Minimal During Mourning, Fashion Blogger Says

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Asaree Thaitrakulpanich, Staff Reporter

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18 October 2016, 16:15

Luk thung singer Suteewan ‘Baitoey’ Taveesin, center, and friends pose Monday in mourning clothes.

BANGKOK — There was one problem with a discussion on a popular beauty website Sunday about appropriate lipstick colors during the mourning period – the page was in black and white.

Click the ‘Toggle Color Mode’ button to view the lipstick shades at “Soft Lipstick Tones and 10 Recommended Lipsticks” at Jeban.com — Jeban.com puzzled over displaying lipstick shades in monochrome.

Jeban.com, one of the most popular beauty blogs, included a button to toggle color mode for its discussion of respectful ways to wear makeup during the coming month.

Examples from "How to Dress in Black Politely and Respectfully," an article on the popular beauty website Jeban.com on how to appropriately dress during this mourning period — Examples from **“How to Dress in Black Politely and Respectfully,”** an article on the popular beauty website Jeban.com on how to appropriately dress during this mourning period

In an interview with fashion blogger Wannita Kumnui, she discussed her recommendations that women steer clear of tank tops, tube tops and spaghetti straps in favor of more modest choices such as blouses with opaque fabrics that aren’t too form-fitting.

Wannita, 23, advised wearing a blazer or cardigan over sleeveless tops. Dresses should reach an appropriate length and have modest necklines. Opt for shorts and trousers rather than short shorts, and jeans that are not too faded or torn, she wrote.

“It would be nice if tourists wore black, but it’s not necessary. Just stay away from loud colors and patterns and wear closed-toe shoes when visiting the Grand Palace for condolence rites,” she said.

Expat residents should wear similar mourning clothes as Thais, she said.

Several examples of appropriate black outfits and jewelry choices from “How to Dress in Black Politely and Respectfully, Jeban.com — Several examples of appropriate black outfits and jewelry choices from **“How to Dress in Black Politely and Respectfully,”** Jeban.com

Women best stay away from overt party clothing such as sequined skirts, even if they are in black, Wannita said. Sleek black outfits can be accented with simple accessories such as minimal studs or small hoop earrings and necklaces – not multicolored parrot feather earrings or Lolita doll chokers. When in doubt, go minimal.

Those lacking enough black clothing for the next month can consider equally modest white or grey clothing, Wannita wrote. Otherwise wear a black ribbon or add layers with black scarves or shawls light enough for the heat. Take the opportunity to get crafty and dye some articles black with fabric dye available from craft or stationery stores.

If you lack black clothes, whites and greys will also do – as well as dyeing your clothes black. Credit: “What To Do If You Don’t Have Enough Black Clothes, Jeban.com — If you lack black clothes, whites and greys will also do – as well as dyeing your clothes black. Credit: **“What To Do If You Don’t Have Enough Black Clothes,”** Jeban.com

As for makeup, Wannita recommends women keep their makeup to soft, muted tones.

Lipstick shades should be kept to nudes and soft, neutral pinks. Stay away from bold statement colors such as bright reds, oranges, neons, metallics or blacks – especially if you are going to be attending condolence rites at the Grand Palace, Wannita said.

She said gotten some complaints her tips were too severe.

“There has been some drama online since we posted these tips, saying they’re too much. I’d like to clarify that you can relax on these tips more in everyday life, but they are appropriate if you’re going to be visiting the Grand Palace for condolence rites,” the blogger said.

“If you ladies are feeling down during this time, try applying some lipstick,” Wannita wrote. “Give your face a bit of color and smile at yourself in the mirror – you might feel just a little bit better afterward.”

Wearing a black ribbon in your hair can also be another option for expressing condolences, says spicee.net, another popular fashion blog. — Wearing a black ribbon in your hair can also be another option for expressing condolences, says **spicee.net**, another popular fashion blog.

Black Ribbons Emerge as Alternative Way to Mourn King Bhumibol

Free Dyeing Stations Set Up For Mourners Nationwide

Annual Khon Event Canceled in Respect for Late King

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Kaewta Ketbungkan, Staff Reporter

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18 October 2016, 15:12

BANGKOK — A much-anticipated annual khon performance celebrating His Majesty the Late King Bhumibol’s birthday next month has been canceled in light of his death.

Along with many entertainment activities and cultural performances canceled during the period of mourning, “The Allegiance of Phiphek,” a royally sponsored play scheduled for 41 performances Nov. 5 through Dec. 5, won’t be staged this year.

The performance tells the Ramakien’s story of Phiphek, a keen astrologer who sides with Phra Ram to subdue his brother, the Demon King Thotsakan.

The performance has been staged since 2007 with the support of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit to celebrate the 80th birthday of King Bhumibol and 75th birthday of Queen Sirikit.

Tickets can be refunded at the 14 main branches of Thai Ticket Major before Dec. 5.

Military Chopper With 3 On Board Goes Missing in Vietnam

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Associated Press

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18 October 2016, 14:33

An image from last May shows a Eurocopter EC 130 helicopter, similar to the one that crashed missing Tuesday in Vietnam, overflying Sussex, England. Photo: MercerMJ / Flickr

HANOI, Vietnam — A Vietnamese official and state media say a military helicopter with three people on board went missing during a training flight Tuesday, in the latest such incident involving military aircraft.

Online newspaper Dan Tri said the Eurocopter EC 130, a light training helicopter produced by Airbus Helicopters, lost contact 15 minutes into a flight and was believed to have crashed into a mountain 80 kilometers (50 miles) east of the southern commercial hub of Ho Chi Minh City.

It says a pilot and two trainees were on the helicopter.

A provincial border guard says smoke was spotted at the suspected crash site, but rescuers have not been able to reach the spot.

Three crashes involving military planes that killed 11 people have been reported over past two months.

Chonburi Man Beaten by Mob Over Royal Defamation

By

Teeranai Charuvastra, News Chief

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18 October 2016, 14:30

Jirawat Pathumthong is kicked to the ground before a portrait of His Majesty the Late King on Tuesday in Chonburi province.

CHONBURI — A man was hauled out of his bedroom by a mob Tuesday, beaten and forced to apologize to a portrait of His Majesty the Late King for allegedly posting content defaming the monarchy on social media.

It was a scene that has played out in the past week in several provinces, where vigilantes have assaulted or harassed individuals accused of insulting King Bhumibol, the widely revered monarch who died at 88 on Thursday. Many of the incidents were filmed and spread on social media, drawing further condemnation of the victims.

Read: Calls For Calm Over ‘Witch Hunt’ Concerns After HM King’s Death

The latest of such incidents was livestreamed over Facebook. In the footage, a man with a bloodied face is seen bleeding from a wound to his head as he is beaten and chastised before being forced to kneel in apology to King Bhumibol’s portrait. One man kicks his head as he is bowing to the ground.

“You remember, that wound on your face is from a Phetchabun native! You insulted my royal father,” someone in the crowd shouted.

Others threatened his life.

“Do you want to die here? Apologize to him now!” another man is heard calling.

Comments left on the video indicated the man worked for Thai Steel Cable PCL in Chonburi province.

Chotipat Hancharoen-asawasuk, the company’s human resources manager, said the man in the video was 19-year-old Jirawat Pathumthong and admitted giving out his home address to an angry mob.

Jirawat, who works a night-shift, posted an offensive message about the monarchy Monday night, Chotipat said, despite the company’s guidelines forbidding social media posts that could be interpreted as insulting to the monarchy.

Read: King Bhumibol 1927 – 2016

Company management learned about the post Tuesday morning and immediately fired him, Chotipat said.

“We summoned his relatives to the company even before the beatings,” Chotipat said by telephone. “We told them to order him to remove our company’s name from his Facebook bio section, and we fired him.”

About 10 minutes later a large crowd gathered in front of the company and demanded to see Jirawat, according to Chotipat. He told the mob Jirawat no longer worked there and gave them his home address. He said that he didn’t expect the vigilantes to take matters into their own hands.

“I gave away the information to show we weren’t hiding anything, but they should have let the police handle it,” Chotipat said. “They shouldn’t assault him like that. I mean, you and me, we would want to beat the crap out of him, too, right? But it’s not a right thing to do.”

A photo later circulated on social media showed Jirawat in the back of a police vehicle, but the officer in charge of the case would not discuss the case other than to say police are investigating it.

“We don’t know details for sure yet. The matter is still under investigation,” Capt. Somsak Jailae of Phan Thong Police Station said. He referred the reporter to his supervisor, station chief Preecha Somsathan. Preecha said he was in a meeting and could not comment on the case.

Screencaps posted in discussions of Jirawat’s offense showed he made comments in a Facebook group used by antique sellers. When someone chided him for making an apparent joke during national mourning period, Jirawat quipped back with a negative reference to the monarchy.

Due to strict lese majeste laws, which have become broadly applied to include most discussion of the Royal Family, Khaosod English is withholding the message’s contents.

Tuesday’s mob justice in Chonburi came one day after a woman was forced from a bus and slapped in Bangkok for allegedly insulting the monarchy, and two days after a large crowd on Koh Samui forced a woman accused of royal defamation to kneel in penance before King Bhumibol’s portrait. Police later charged the woman with lese majeste, partly to placate the mob.

None of the vigilantes involved in these incidents is known to be under criminal investigation for any crimes.

Mob Demands Woman Accused of Royal Defamation Kneel Before Portrait

Another Man Arrested for Lese Majeste in Phuket

Phang Nga Mob Enraged by Alleged Royal Defamation Post

Govt Warns About Misinformation on Sponsoring Royal Funeral

By

Sasiwan Mokkhasen, Staff Reporter

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18 October 2016, 14:01

People line up Monday to pay tribute to His Majesty the Late King at the Grand Palace in Bangkok.

BANGKOK — Warnings were made Thursday about online messages soliciting donations to sponsor the funeral of His Majesty the Late King in a program not yet announced by the palace.

Government spokesman Sansern Kaewkamnerd warned the public to ignore the messages being spread online since Monday, which asked people to contribute 20,000 baht to support a night of the funeral. Sansern said the palace had yet to establish any means by which the public could underwrite the funeral.

“I urge people not to believe the forwarded messages claiming it costs 20,000 baht per night,” Sansern said Tuesday.

Whether it was genuinely a scam or just misinformation was unclear however. The appeal for donations did not instruct people to send money but included a genuine phone number for the Royal Household Bureau. Someone answering the phone there explained how people could submit their names to participate in such a program and said people should be careful about transferring any funds.

According to the information given by the Royal Household Bureau, those who want to take active part in the funeral can submit their document including their contact information. The office will supposedly contact back after the regulation is officially made public.

Morning of Mourning (Photos)

Black Friday: Crowds Throng Palace For Final Glimpse of King (Photos)

Free Dyeing Stations Set Up For Mourners Nationwide

By

Asaree Thaitrakulpanich, Staff Reporter

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18 October 2016, 13:50

Clothes are dyed Tuesday morning at vocational education offices in Bangkok.

BANGKOK — Boiling vats of black dye are being set up nationwide to meet the demand for black clothes during the period of mourning for His Majesty the Late King.

In the northern province of Loei, education officials set up a dyeing station Monday for citizens to remedy the problem of high demand for black clothes. The office also taught citizens how to make their own mourning ribbons, an acceptable alternative to wearing black.

Clothes are dyed Tuesday morning at vocational education offices in Loei.“As a low-ranking civil servant, I will wear my dyed clothes today until the official mourning period is over, no matter how many years it is,” said Srireun Eamjumrud, a teacher at Loei Technical College. “It is my duty as a good civil servant.”

On Wednesday, vocational education offices across the kingdom will offer free dyeing services.Clothes are dyed Monday at vocational education offices in Bangkok.

In Bangkok, Thammasat University’s science department will provide the service at its Rangsit campus from 8:30am to 9:30am and noon to 1:30pm. People can take their clothes to the Mirror Room on the first floor of the faculty’s Lecture Center 4. They will be ready for pickup the next day.

The official mourning period for citizens is 30 days, while civil servants are obligated to observe it for one year.

Thammasat University is offering to dye clothes black for free 18 October. Call 02-5644440-59, extension 2002, 2045, 2065, and 2070 for more details.

Clothes are dyed Monday at vocational education offices in Bangkok.

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Black Ribbons Emerge as Alternative Way to Mourn King Bhumibol

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