Khao San fire kills 3 in Bangkok 'boutique' hotel

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THAILAND TOURIST HOTEL
Fire kills 3 at Khao San boutique hotel
A Sunday night fire killed three foreigners and put seven others in a hospital's burn ward.
Firemen took almost an hour to put out the flames in the fully occupied Ember Hotel at Khao San Road, the now-infamous gathering point of North American and European travelers. The hotel advertises as a boutique, charging around US$50 a night per guest -- extremely expensive for that neighbourhood.
Chadchart Sittipunt, Bangkok's elected governor said about 40 people were in the 6-storey hotel when the fire broke out on the fifth floor.

The hotel estimates it will be ready to reopen by January 15.

A foreign woman was found dead in Room 502, possibly from smoke inhalation. Two foreign men in serious condition were taken to hospital but died with hours. Others injured included two Thai men, a Japanese man, a foreign woman, a German man, a German woman and a Chinese man -- a typically diverse group for a Sunday night.
All other guests and staff got out safely -- some by fleeing to the roof where firemen's hook-and-ladders got them to the street.

NEW YEAR'S EVE
If you are anywhere near Bangkok
Here are a few prime ideas to say Hello 2568/2025

In Thailand we call it Countdown -- and it's half a day before New York!

Free FISHWRAP Tip
If you go to the Icon Siam Countdown and fireworks show there's a good chance you'll run into Lisa-Lalisa, idol of all tweens.

THAILAND POLITICS THAKSIN
The Big Story: There Weren't Any
While the entire world bated breath over the threat to renew the whole Yellow Shirt business in Bangkok on Sunday, nothing happened. Repeat that 'Nothing'.
Fading fast, former press magnate Sondhi Limthongkul and his old (2005-2008) People's Alliance for Democracy couldn't convince a single person to hit the Bangkok street with even an anti-Thaksin anti-Yingluck anti-Thaksin's daughter sign.
A main reason for the total, possibly final funereal collapse of the Yellow Shirt fanatics was getting out of town.

All major highways to the North, Northeast, East and South were packed as the country prepared for its biggest holiday.
And the most deadly -- On Friday, Saturday and Sunday the world-notorious Thai highways, byways and streets saw 179 deaths, mostly by drunk, speeding drivers.

OPINION EDITORIAL
It's going to be Ung-Ing's Year to win or flop
PM must step out boldly

Leadership is defined by more than eloquence -- it is about projecting confidence, decisiveness and a vision that resonates.
Thaksin's enduring influence is both a strength and a challenge. His experience and insights undoubtedly provide valuable guidance to the 37-year-old prime minister who ascended to power so abruptly.
Now, Paethongtarn must show that she is a woman of her own mind by stepping out of her father's shadow, showing she has her own voice, authority, identity and, above all, the capability to lead the nation.

LIMEY BRITISH ROYALTY
Sad story of British Royals
The latest chapter sees King Chucky III (right, below) with cancer -- and he is not responding well to treatment.

Thus, people in charge of actual 'changing of the guard' have increased the royal development of the next King William of Wales, already under way since he was a kid, anyhow -- and of the next English Queen Kate who (get this) also was diagnosed with cancer, although doctors have revealed to special royal reporters that her treatment is going very well, and she could be in total remission within the year.
A coronation through death or abdication will bring entirely new ideas and examples of British royalty. But clearly the next Queen Katherine will be the most beautiful Her Majesty since Queen (now Queen Mother) Sirikit.

USA POLITICS DEATH
Poor peanut farmer Jimmy Carter, who became president of the United States and by remarkable but probably not-connected coincidence extremely wealthy, has died, aged 100. If he fails to RIP (unlikely but anything's possible) that would be okay.
Jimm-eh served his entire elected term in office -- 1977-1981, and is frequently listed among the worst presidents that America has suffered.

ABOVE: 'Georgia' the U.S. state, not Georgia the sovereign state.
Also died
Former prime minister (2004-2014) of India and Canada-hater Manmohan Singh, aged 92.

USA MEDIA CORRUPTION

Hit job, worthy of the best work of Walter Duranty.
For its kowtow on behalf of the Communist Party of China... why is The New York Times an enemy of Falun Gong?