A craze for amulets that promise to make their owners rich is sweeping across Thailand, much to the dismay of traditionalists in the Buddhist nation. Some monks have come out swinging against the Jatukam Ramathep frenzy, saying it has turned the Buddhist priesthood into an "amulet-blessing industry" despite the religion's shunning of earthly possessions and materialism. Rather than wearing their talisman discreetly under their shirts, as Thais have done in the past, Jatukam owners display it proudly on the outside, suspended on a thick gold chain. More than 20 billion baht has been spent on the amulets in Thailand this year, according to Thai media reports. Reuters
The BBC has provided a pictorial about Areerat Jantao, a street vendor who sells fried insects in Bangkok. Areerat said most of her customers were go-go and bar girls working in Bangkok's entertainment districts, although the snacks are also becoming popular among Asian and Middle Eastern tourists. As for her favorite selection, Areerat opted for the roaches. “I prefer a type of cockroach with lots of sticky eggs inside, which makes them very tasty,” Areerat said. BBC
The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration is planning to build more bicycle trails to promote riding bikes and other environmentally friendly vehicles as part of a campaign to help fight global warming. Bangkok governor Apirak Kosayodhin said Saturday that City Hall would build and map more bicycle routes to promote energy conservation, exercise and visits to tourist sites along the bike trails. The BMA also plans to boost the number of bicycle parking lots at skytrain and subway stations to encourage the public to use the mass transit system.
Bangkok Post
Bangkok Post