Mosquito-borne menace raises its head again in Southeast Asia hefty fines and even jail for property owners failing to get rid of mosquito larvae.
​By MAXMILIAN WECHSLER

On June 14 last year Dr Sukhum Kanchanapimai, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Public Health (MOPH), announced strong measures aimed at stopping the spread of dengue fever in Thailand: Owners of properties who fail to get rid of mosquito larvae are subject to jail terms of up to three years and/or a fine of up to 25,000 baht.

Thailand is not alone in taking aggressive action to fight a public health menace that takes a lethal toll in this part of the world during monsoon season. The Singaporean National Environmental Agency announced on June 22 for households who repeatedly fail to eradicate mosquito breeding areas will face harsher punishments. Three-time offenders are subject to a fine of up to S$5,000 (about 112,000 baht), or imprisonment for a term of three months, or both, for the first court conviction.

Even heavier penalties are levied on construction sites where mosquitoes are allowed to breed. The fine for first offence has been raised from $2,000 to $3,000; the fine for second offence has also been raised from $4,000, to $5,000. Three-time offenders must appear in court instead S$5,000 fine, where they face a fine not exceeding $20,000, or imprisonment up to three months, or both, for the first conviction. The new penalties went into effect on July 15.

The new Indian Coastal Restaurant JHOL is now reopening in the 10th of July for both lunch and dinner after the long lock down period.

With an updated menu and limited seating, JHOL is effectively adhering to the highest standards of health and hygiene. They have also designed a new delivery menu with an Indian coastal touch, as well as the quintessential Indian comfort food and twists to Indian classics such as the Thai influenced Kaffir Lime Butter Chicken. 

JHOL provides a stylish, family friendly, brasserie-style dining experience with a menu that features fresh interpretations of coastal Indian cuisine being the first restaurant of its kind to open in the vibrant Bangkok food scene. Its focus on Indian coastal cuisine is something Bangkok diners have yet to experience. Due to the effects of the global pandemic, JHOL had to close its doors but now with the reopening of the restaurant, World-class Chef Hari Nayak brings his passion for coastal Indian cuisine to delight the palettes of discerning diners seeking something new and unforgettable. ​

Police Lieutenant Colonel Chatchai Settheepanlarn requested a transfer to head the K9 unit of the Royal Thai Police because he feels it has great significance to the security of the country.

The old saying that dogs are man’s best friend couldn’t be more true than when applied to the Thai Police Dog (K9) unit. 

“Since it was established in 1954, the unit has played a major part in solving and preventing many important crimes throughout the country,” explains Police Lieutenant Colonel Chatchai Settheepanlarn, who is currently in charge of training. But despite its distinguished history, the unit has not received much recognition. 

“Not too many people know about us. I would like to make the K9 unit more known to the general public. Everyone should know how the dogs are beneficial to the country,” said Pol Lt Col Chatchai, who requested a transfer to the post in 2006. This was somewhat unusual, as not too many policemen actually want to work with dogs. 

“I’ve always loved animals, especially dogs. I wanted to improve and develop the police K9 unit because it has great significance to the security of the country. I like this job and enjoy the challenges,” added the officer, whose dream from childhood was to become a police officer. 

“I think that the police uniform is very sacred when worn. I feel that I am the guardian of the public peace, taking away anxieties and helping provide happiness for the people. I am very proud.” ​

After I observed a regular morning training session at the K9 unit headquarters on Viphawadee-Rangsit Road in Bangkok and was given a tour of the main building, Chatchai began the interview with the basics: 

“Many people don’t know what the internationally recognised term K9 actually means. It is a play on the word ‘canine’, meaning dog. 
“Our unit is under the 191 Special Operations Division of the Royal Thai Police (RTP) Metropolitan Bureau.”

The immense affection between the K9 officers and their four-legged “best friends” is apparent during the training exercises. One can’t help but feel sympathy for these men whose reputations are tarnished almost daily by stories of a minority of rogue policemen reported in the press. 

Chatchai loves every one of his dogs, but the most favoured is a two-year-old German shepherd named Nuclear. Maybe the surname Bomb should be added as well, judging from the behaviour of this large and quite beautiful animal. 

“He is an attack dog,” Chatchai said. “The bottom line is that someone with bad intentions wouldn’t like to have any business with him.” It is quite amazing that such a dangerous looking animal would be so obedient to its master. 

Pol Lt Col Chatchai talked of his goals for the K9 unit. “I have a plan to bring the police dog unit up to a higher standard and make it more effective within the RTP, but I am still missing a number of necessary ingredients, like new training equipment to replace what is old and broken. 
“We need new pick-up trucks and containers to transport the dogs,” he continued. “The vehicles we have, due to their long service, allow water to enter when it rains.”

In addition, special protective clothing that covers the whole body, manufactured abroad, is needed to train the dogs properly. 

Time, patience and devotion 

“Since being assigned to the K9 unit, I've initiated two projects: Friends of Police K9s, and Stray Dogs Against Criminals,” said Pol Lt Col Chatchai. “The first project allows members of the public to bring their dogs here for training similar to that which our dogs receive. This is free of charge. After training, some of the dogs and their also well-trained owners may become K9 volunteers - “Silver Canines” – to help local police in searching for drugs and other jobs as requested. 

By Maxmilian Wechsler

With his insider’s knowledge of the international drugs trade, Police Major General Amaresrit Wattanavibool has the kind of experience that could provide background material for books and movies about the criminal underworld.

After investing 30 years of his life in the suppression of illicit drugs, resulting in several hundred major cases and over 1,000 arrests, Police Major General Amaresrit Wattanavibool is clearly one of the world’s most experienced policemen in the field.

In Thailand, penalties for drug trafficking are severe. Those who slip up face the loss not only of high profits, but possibly even their lives. Therefore, bribe offers are not uncommon. By all accounts, Amaresrit has survived all the challenges to his honour, and is widely respected for his honesty and dedication.

Ever since he first became an anti-narcotics cop back in 1976, the word on the streets has been: “Once Amaresrit gets you, there's no negotiation, no mercy and no deal. It is all over and you go to jail!”

Proof of his excellence is in the numerous commendations presented to him by various foreign law enforcement agencies like the US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), many of which are displayed in his office at the Narcotic Suppression Bureau (NSB) headquarters in Bangkok.
His comprehensive insider’s view of the drug trade in Thailand and abroad, if published, would make fascinating reading, a likely bestseller ahead of some famous authors of fiction. In fact, Amaresrit indicated during a three-hour interview that he is considering writing a book after his retirement in four years’ time. From what he said, he shouldn’t write a book but an encyclopedia.

His reputation as a serious and rarely smiling police officer is due in large part to the harsh realities of his chosen profession. He has seen it all - from policemen killed or injured while on duty to addicts on the verge of death. But according to long-time friends and family members, Amaresrit is actually a very caring, sensitive and gentle person.

He described how his career began: “After the Vietnam War many former American GIs came to Thailand to live. Some of them began to build heroin distribution networks from the Golden Triangle to the US. They were in contact with members of Khun Sa’s syndicate in the North, and were sending large heroin shipments to the US. At that time we were handling many cases with a direct American connection.

“Back then, there was no police unit in Thailand directly responsible for handling international drug trafficking investigations. We sat down and discussed the problem with US embassy officials. They offered to sponsor a special police unit that would deal with the problem. That’s when the Metropolitan Narcotic Unit (MNU) was created. I transferred there from the Bang Sue police station in 1976.”

The Symphony of Thai Cuisine - Welcome to The Wisdom of Thai Herbs Samrub features a medley of Thai herbs like kariyat, black galingale, turmeric, Indian gooseberry, shallot, pepper, garlic and chili. Lunch Samrub menu is now also available from 11.30AM to 3PM daily.

The exquisite dinner Samrub begins with an amuse-bouche of Kratong Thong: Crispy "Kee Mao" Thai Herbs and Rice Fish in Crispy Pastry Shell and Ma Hor: Fresh “Hom Suwan” Pineapple Morsel topped with Minced Pork and Royal Project Macadamia Nut. A Spicy Wang Nam Khiao Paco Fern Salad with Bang Pakong River Prawns is the salad of choice. 

Appetizers will take you on short hops across Thailand with Northern Thai Spicy Kurobuta Sausage Smoked with Thai Herbs served with Northern Thai Green Chili Dip, Steamed Gotu Kola Rice Dumplings with Chicken and Cashew Nuts, Savory Pickled Sea Fish Salad with Aromatic Rice and Spicy Caviar Sauce and Deep Fried Andaman Crab Curry. Before the main symphony, indulge in the sublime flavor of Chon Buri Organic Lime Sorbet with Royal Project Arabica Coffee Flower Honey.

What Is Endometriosis?
Endometrium is the tissue that makes up the uterine lining. Endometriosis is a condition in which this tissue is present on other organs inside your body. It is usually found on the ovaries, fallopian tubes, the surface of the uterus, and bladder wall. Displaced tissue continues to act as it normally would – thickens, breaks down, and bleeds with each menstrual cycle. As this tissue has no way to exit your body, it becomes trapped and the surrounding tissues can become irritated developing scar tissues and adhesions.

Causes
Retrograde menstruation is one of the causes of endometriosis. Menstrual blood containing endometrial cells flows back through fallopian tubes and into the pelvic cavity. These displaced endometrial cells are deposited in unusual locations. These lesions are commonly found in the ovaries, fallopian tubes, lining of pelvic cavity, and cervix. The displaced tissue can also be found on lining of the bladder and the bowel wall.

How long in Thailand? 53 years.

What brought you here? Some people come overland to Thailand. I came overship. Asia was the place to be, all my USAF buddies were here.
Before that? I was on active duty with the USAF 1962-1966, with a further seven years as a reserve in Asia. I was working in Hong Kong 1968-69 as a 29-year-old USAF reserve captain during Mao’s Cultural Revolution.
​
First job in Thailand? Within one week of arriving here, I had set up Letter-Ads, a direct mail marketing company.

Today? I’m retired, having closed Letter-Ads 12 years ago.

Where do you live? Sukhumvit 49 in a small condo.

What’s keeping you here? The US is considered the greatest country on earth; Thailand is the most wonderful - great people, excellent food and girls, of course. It’s the lighthouse of Asia.

What have been the high points in your life in Thailand? It’s been one big great time. I’ve never really had to work hard – my all-female staff took care of everything.

Low points? When I was 115kgs. Then I spent time in a temple and got down to 83kgs, my weight today. Also about that time, I also took a hiatus from drinking beer. Something else more recent – my girlfriend left me for ‘a younger guy.’ I asked her how old is he. She said 75.

Has Bangkok changed much over the decades? Every city has its problems, the pollution, traffic, the number of high-rises and Bangkok is no different. The women don’t change, though.

What do you miss? The ‘old days’ have gone. Forget about them. The new old days start today. I don’t care to talk about the ‘good old days.’ All my old mates from the Vietnam era have gone and so have Patpong and the wonderful Napoleon bar.

"I joined the MFA because I have always been very interested in travelling and knowing other cultures. As a diplomat you manage to know other countries in a way no normal tourist can. You are not just traveling; you are getting involved in the cultures of the countries where you live.
“During previous assignments at the Spanish embassy in Bangkok I’ve done consular, political and cultural work. I came to Thailand for the first time in 1996 and left in 1999. The second assignment here was from 2005 to 2008. I took my ambassador post in September 2017. This is my first ambassadorial assignment. I am concurrently also ambassador to Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar. I haven’t been able to travel to these countries, or anywhere else, in recent months because of Covid-19 restrictions, but normally I am traveling a lot.

“The current period of staying in place has its advantages. I am not unhappy staying put. My life had become too stressful so it’s good to have the opportunity to stop for a while,” the ambassador admitted. 

He said that in April and May the main task of the embassy was to repatriate non-resident Spanish nationals back home. Now the pressure to get tourists home safe and sound has decreased enormously and the embassy can focus less on consular duties. “I’ve restarted diplomatic meetings. The economic and commercial aspects of the job are also regaining importance, which I like.

“I am quite optimistic about the future. I think the world will rebound and here in Thailand they have managed Covid-19 very well. In this respect, I feel very safe. I am convinced that Thailand will be completely reopened by the end of the year. I am one of those who believe that maybe Covid-19 will just fade out, like what happened with SARS. You hear so many different things about how Covid-19 affects people. Some people with preconditions have died, and people who were healthy have died, but many others have been exposed and didn’t even realize it. There have been reports that blood type has an influence on how severely someone will be affected by the virus. Personally, I have the impression the virus is getting weaker.”

“As life returns little by little to normal I am increasingly focused on promoting bilateral relations between Spain and Thailand. I am scheduled for meetings at Thailand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and I’ve already begun meetings with Spanish businessmen,” said Mr de Miguel Calabia.

Meetings have been conducted through video conferencing and for a while people-to-people contacts will be kept small. Cultural events are also in the works, but until the end of the year these should be approached through a virtual format, said the ambassador.

“Spain opened its embassy in Bangkok in 1961. We employ 25 people, both Spanish officials and local staff. Spain and Thailand established diplomatic relations exactly 150 years ago. We had a program scheduled to celebrate the anniversary, but we will have to move it to a digital format. We originally planned to bring speakers to Thailand from Spain and conduct some activities jointly with the Siam Society, but whether we like it or not digital contacts will take precedence for the foreseeable future.

“Understandably, the relations between our two countries are now at a low pitch because of Covid. But we retain the same high level of mutual sympathy and regard. There are no major troubles between our countries, but as always we are looking for ways to increase bilateral ties. I’ve noticed that many people in Thailand do not have a proper knowledge of Spain. We would like to convey to our Thai friends that Spain is a very modern country with a high level of technology. We have a very rich and diverse culture. This is the image we wish to convey to Thailand.

“We share some national characteristics which tend to bolster our relations. For example, both cultures are very family-oriented and our peoples are very sociable. However, there’s a lot of ground for improvement, and that makes me sorry that all my plans for this year have had to be put somewhat on standby.”

Mr de Miguel Calabia said that trade between Thailand and Spain has held up fairly well, but  noted that international trade has fallen pretty much everywhere over the last three months.

“In 2019 Spain exported to Thailand products valued at almost US$1 billion, and imported from Thailand products worth about $1.2 billion. We have a deficit with most countries in ASEAN. We import mainly seafood, vehicles and auto parts, machinery, tools and rubber. We export mainly machinery and tools, chemicals and cars.  

“There are about 40 Spanish companies operating in Thailand. The Spanish-Thai Chamber of Commerce was established just this year. Some major Spanish companies in Thailand are Amadeus, in the tourism sector; Indra, a global technology company; and Roca, a toiletries manufacturer.
“Our societies are getting closer and closer. About 1,200 Spanish nationals now reside in Thailand; twenty years ago it was less than 200.  Twenty years ago we would have one marriage of a Spanish-Thai couple every three or four months. Now there may be several in a single month. Last year 200,000 Spanish tourists visited Thailand. I can’t tell you how many Thai citizens visited Spain because of the Schengen visas.”

​“I truly enjoy my career. As for hobbies, I especially like reading and writing, and also going to the gym. Before the Covid-19 I used to travel around Thailand on weekends, but since mid-March I’ve left Bangkok only twice for short periods.

“I sometimes eat at Spanish restaurants along Sukhumvit. I have a Spanish chef at my residence. He is excellent. Here in Thailand people like the Spanish dish paella, which is like khao pad. They also like to eat Spanish cold cuts like ham. The Spanish breakfast dish known as churros is well known to many Thais. You should try it with chocolate.    

“Like most Thais, Spanish people love football and I’m no different. Many Spaniards are missing football. The Spanish League has many fans in Thailand; in fact it is second only to the English Premier League.”

Mr de Miguel Calabia feels very much at home in Thailand, and this is partly because he can speak and read Thai. “I can’t write in Thai because the orthography is very difficult. Besides Spanish I can speak English and French well, and long ago I studied Russian. I think if I studied again for one or two months I would recover it quite quickly.

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Thai authorities. Since my arrival in 2017 they have been very supportive. We have had very good relations with the MFA and other Thai agencies. There are at least two diplomats at the MFA who speak Spanish well.

One of these is the desk officer for Spain at the ministry.

This makes things easier for us. Whenever I need something from the MFA, she is always the one I call.
​
“Since I first came here many years ago I have always genuinely liked the Thai people. I find them very friendly, generous and compassionate, and they are respectful of others,” Mr de Miguel Calabia concluded the interview.