2008 August

Chatuchak – World’s Biggest Market?

With friends in town, a trip to Chatuchak Weekend Market (or Jatujak, or simply 'JJ Market') is usually on the menu. While a visit to this sprawling covered flea market from hell (apparently the world's biggest) is usually done as a last resort for expats living here (or unless you want some particularly unique things), tourists love it. Everything from used Van sneakers to antique doorknobs to a menagerie of strange animals are available (although the last few times I was there, I couldn't find that section any more), and it certainly makes for an interesting - and hot - day out, usually resulting in a taxi full of bags on the way home.

Thailand’s Computer Cops

Something strange has happened recently, and it's got to do with computers and the internet in Thailand. Generally, the internet here is pretty open and free - if you're not into distributing or watching hardcore porn, selling illegal items or services or insulting the Monarchy, there's very little you can't do (most of the websites that are blocked are pornographic or political in nature - ironic considering the ubiquitous prostitution and political protests in Bangkok, but I digress). However, things are starting to change. It all kicked off in April 2007, when some twit uploaded a video to youtube that was offensive to the much-loved Thai King, which resulted in a blanket ban in Thailand for the site. A few months later, a brand new cyber crime law was passed, which gave the authorities some pretty sweeping powers, allowing them to "control, obstruct and prevent information that might affect national security, including the banning of websites deemed as such." Recently, a friend of mine who has some pretty serious IT credentials said that he's heard that the Thai government is installing some heavy-duting 'sniffing' machines to monitor what goes on online... it all sounds pretty Bush-ian to me.