Wind of Change

Since Tuesday (19-09-06) Thailand is controlled and reigned by military. They gained control Tuesday night and from a western point of view this sounds scary…

However, after months of tension and a 50/50 torn apart Thai nation - about their former Premier, it’s almost a release for most of the Thais (over 80% feel okay about the coup according to a survey in Bangkok Post). Thai hearts and feelings tick different to Westerners.

And I must say… even though a coup d’eta is definitely not a democratic way of solving conflicts, it might be to the good of the country, if the new guys manage to reduce corruption within the system.

Let’s watch and see whether a ‘new’ democraacy can be established and whether they are really able to take out some of the bad roots and restore peace and unity in the country. I wish the new men on top and the people succeding in finding a new and solid path - hopefully good enough to avoid any future interference by the military. Thailand - the land of the free - has a great chance! Take it!

Thailand tightens visa regulation

Bangkok (dpa) - Thailand on Friday announced visa regulations for tourists limiting visitors to a maximum stay of 90 days every six months, in an effort to put prevent foreigners from remaining in the kingdom on a long-term basis.

Immigration Police Chief Lieutenant General Suwat Thamrongsrisakul said the new enforcement was aimed at blocking foreigners who created social problems and posed internal security treats from living in the country indefinitely.

“Some people were using the loopholes in the old regulations to work in Thailand, while others were staying here to engage in criminal activities,” said Suwat.

Under the old system, foreigners from 41 countries that have good relations with Thailand, were granted 30-day tourist visas that could be extended twice within the country.

With a quick trip abroad, one could pick up another tourist visa and thereby live in Thailand on an annual basis.

There is a heavy flow of foreigners living in Thailand to neighbouring countries such as Cambodia, Laos and Malaysia on cheap “visa runs.”

Under the new system to go into effect on Oct 1, nationals from the same 41 countries will be allowed 30-day tourist visas which may be extended twice, after which the tourists will have to stay out of Thailand for at least 90 days before returning again.

The 41 favoured countries include most European nations, China, Japan, Canada, the United States and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations among others.

“Tourists (from the 41 countries) will not be allowed to stay in Thailand more than 90 days every six months,” said a statement issued by the Immigration Department.

Nationals from other countries are only allowed 30-day tourist visas, non-extendable in the country.

The new regulation will likely affect hundreds of English-language teachers who work semi-legally in Thailand, and other foreigners working in Thailand without the requisite working papers.

(pinched from Bangkok Post Sept.15th 2006)

Langsam wird’s Zeit!

Die Menschheit muss nun handeln und wirklich etwas tun, die Treibhausgasemissionen radikal zu senken.

Szenario 2300: Der Meeresspiegel ist um sieben Meter angestiegen, die Niederlande und grosse Teile Norddeutschlands stehen unter Wasser. Die Jahresdurchschnittstemperatur liegt acht Grad Celsius höher als heute, an den Polen sogar 20 Grad höher.

20 oder 30 Jahre werde es wohl noch dauern, bis das ganze Ausmasz der durch den Menschen verursachten Veränderungen sichtbar wird.

“Wir können das entweder jetzt angehen, bevor wir unser Klima schwerwiegend und irreversibel schädigen, oder wir können warten, bis irreversible Schäden sich deutlich zeigen.” (Ken Caldeira)

“Wir wissen definitiv, dass es in den nächsten 300 Jahren wärmer wird, aber in Wirklichkeit könnte es noch schlimmer werden, als wir jetzt vorhersagen.” (Bala Govindasamy)

Quelle: Spiegel 03/11/2005

kommunicazion

Wir traeumen und reden vom besseren Leben
und versuchen uns stets etwas Halt mitzugeben

Wir lieben und sind uns voellig im Klaren
dass wir immernoch weit vom Paradies weg waren

Wir rasen durch unsere Miniwelt
und denken wir haetten jetzt richtig Geld

Der Abgang, mit klaeglichem Wehklagen dann
verspielt - vergessen wie alles begann

Zurueck in die Wiege, zurueck in den Traum
nicht mehr nach vorn’ nicht nach hinten schaun

Vollgas, baby, ran an die Kuh
Don’t think twice - zieh ihn an, den Schuh

Lass es fetzen, lass’ krachen, lebe jetzt oder nie
Hol die Sterne vom Himmel - - oder f*** Dich ins Knie!