Western Observer

Thailand’s foreign homeowners remain fearful of eviction

Western Observer — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 17:11:46 +0000

The constant fear of eviction is a fact of life for foreigners who illegally buy houses in Thailand and senior government officials always enjoy playing on it. Last month, the Land Department Director-General unleashed a predictable panic when he threatened to confiscate land registered by foreigners in the names of their Thai wives (or their Thai [...]

Banksy’s brutal take on Western tourists

Western Observer — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 05:23:36 +0000

Fat, smug and callous. Banksy’s brutal depiction of insensitive Western tourists is currently on display in Bristol. His show, at the City Museum, runs until 31 August 2009 and entrance is free.

Bangkok Pundit: Sharp analysis of Thai politics

Western Observer — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 11:08:13 +0000

I cringe now when I recall how ignorant I was before discovering Bangkok Pundit – the anonymous blogger who untangles the messy business of Thai politics. Dissecting the major opinion pieces of the day, he gently unpicks weak arguments and fills in the missing pieces. Bangkok Pundit’s rigorous, common-sense approach drives a coach and horses through [...]

Bangkok airport extortion ring exposed

Western Observer — Sun, 28 Jun 2009 11:33:09 +0000

An extortion ring ensnaring travellers at Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport is today exposed by The Sunday Times. Bent King Power cashiers have long been suspected of slipping extra items into customers’ bags at the duty free checkout. Their victims are then falsely accused of shoplifting and detained by corrupt police. The Times now reports that British couple, [...]

Cambodia: Dangerous “health checks” imposed on tourists

Western Observer — Sat, 27 Jun 2009 11:12:16 +0000

Shocked tourists are being subjected to dangerous compulsory “health checks” when they enter Cambodia. As visitors wait in line, a border guard shoves a filthy temperature probe into their ears. It’s sharp, dirty, and the 60-year old border drone who stands about 5 feet tall with shaky hands and bad eyes isn’t the most accurate or [...]

California WOW: Auditor’s ‘going concern’ doubts

Western Observer — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 12:22:50 +0000

Fitness freaks might be interested to learn that California WOW’s auditor, PricewaterhouseCoopers, has expressed doubt that the company can continue as a going concern. The Company incurred a net loss of Baht 52.2 million for the three-month period ended 31 March 2009 and as of that date the Company’s cash current liabilities exceeded its current assets [...]