Suitable events allowed in October – couple gets a free house
Events not forbidden in October
DEPUTY Prime Minister Wissanu Krea-ngam said on Wednesday that the government would allow people and private firms to host events during the month of October which will see the Royal cremation ceremonies for HM the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej.
“But organizers must consider whether their events are appropriate,” he said.
While October 26, the actual cremation day is announced a national holiday, the Royal cremation ceremonies will cover October 25 – 29 which will be a grand farewell to Thai people’s much-beloved paternal figure.
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Top: The Royal crematorium which is being constructed in Sanam Luang for HM the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej. Photo: th.wikipedia.org
Security ties key to chopper sale
Regardless of the US aloof stance since Thailand’s 2014 coup, it has continued to sell hardware and weapons to the Thai military, latest being the sale of UH60M Black Hawk helicopters.
According to the US Embassy response on Thursday, the US approval of the request to buy the 4 Black Hawks is an integral part of security ties between the two countries. The military government made the request to complete existing Black Hawk squadron under the US Foreign Military Sale program.
Since the 2014 coup, the amount of US Foreign Military Sales to Thailand is around THB 12,920.07 million and the two countries have reached an agreement on the procurement of more than THB 4,522.02 million worth of military equipment, including Black Hawk helicopters and Harpoon Block II missiles, the Embassy said.
“We will continue to build on our strong defense relationship with Thailand, a relationship based on our mutual security needs and shared commitment to regional security,” said Melissa Sweeney, a spokesperson at the US Embassy.
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Above: An American Black Hawk helicopter flying smoothly in the sky. Photo: www.army.mil
House for free for lucky couple
Miss Nanthana Patchakhiew has found a way to solve her long-time problem of having bad tenants renting her one-story house in Si Kao district in Trang province – she picked a couple to live in it for free.
About 10 years ago, she bought the house but has been living in another house in Muang district because her mother didn’t like it. For the last five years the house has been left vacant so she decided to write the following message on her Facebook page: “Any family looking for a house to stay? This one is free for you on condition you keep it clean.”
As social media spread the news, a rubber farmer, Wanna Rodcharoen, was among over 100 people who contacted Ms Nanthana within hours of the message being posted. She and her husband later talked with the owner and she then was selected as a housekeeper to live there for free.
Ms Nanthana confirmed that the couple need not pay anything and she felt that it was like making merit and reminded her of the bitter old days when she used to struggle through hardships.
Mrs Wanna added after being selected, “I will fix some rundown spots in the house and grow flowers around the area. I will stay until she wants me to leave.”
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Above: This is the house where Mrs Wanna will be living for free. Photo: Khaosod.co.th
By Piboon Awasdaruharote
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