webfact

BT76-BILLION ASSETS TRIAL

Media swaying judges' decision: Thaksin

By The Nation

Published on January 27, 2010

BANGKOK: -- Ex-premier Thaksin Shinawatra yesterday accused some media groups of launching negative campaigns to convince judges to confiscate his family's Bt76-billion assets.

During a phone-in last night, Thaksin named The Nation, the Manager and Thai Post as the outlets that have stepped up their analyses against him to sway the Supreme Court's Criminal Division for Political Office Holder judges' belief that he was unusually rich and his assets must be seized.

Thaksin claims that he and his family had earned the Bt76 billion before he entered politics.

He also accused the government of having double standards by allowing Pol Lt-General Somkid Bunthanom, Police Region 5 Commissioner, to continue working even though he was indicted on charges of murdering Saudi businessman Mohammad al-Ruwaili two decades ago.

He compared Somkid's case with that of three high-ranking police officers who were sacked after the National Anti-Corruption Commission dismissed them over the October crackdown on protesters.

-- The Nation 2010-01-27

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Kingdom urged to invest more on healthcare

BANGKOK: -- At a time when the world is suffering from an economic crisis, it is important for nations like Thailand to continue investing in the healthcare system and ensuring that all citizens have access to state welfare, the 2009 Prince Mahidol Award winner, Professor Anne Mills, said.

She added that it was also important for the government to make sure the budget marked for healthcare, no matter how limited, was spent efficiently. Mills is a professor of health economics and policy at the University of London's School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine.

"It is very important to scrutinise where the money is going to make sure it is spent in the most effective manner," she said.

Mills is well known in the field of developing and applying economic tools to improve policy-making and healthcare systems.

With Thailand's recently implemented universal health coverage, Mills suggested that it was also important that the health sector pay more attention to prevention. She advised that Thailand's main priority over the next ten years should be to bring the three main schemes - social security, state welfare and the Bt30-health scheme - closer together to reduce the inequality between different levels of the population.

As for the complicated issue of drug pricing, she said the government should seek ways to lower the prices though it should also remember that research and innovation were also important.

"On the one hand, it is important that people have access to medicine they can afford, but on the other we need to continue research on new curative measures," she said.

Mills was speaking at the annual Prince Mahidol Awards Foundation's press conference to address key issues on improving public healthcare services and policies.

This year the award has been presented to three individuals: Professor Mills in the field of medicine; Dr Wiwat Rojanapithayakorn, World Health Organisation representative for Mongolia; as well as former senator and health activist Mechai Viravaidya in the field of public health.

HRH Princess Chulabhorn Valayalaksana will represent His Majesty the King in presenting the awards today at the Borommaratchasathit Maholan Throne Hall. The recipients, who will each be receiving Bt1.5 million, will later be granted a royal audience at the Ananda Samakhom Throne Hall.

The three individuals were carefully screened over two years and chosen from the 66 nominations put forward by 35 countries. Over the past 17 years, 51 individuals, groups and institutions have received the Prince Mahidol Award.

Wiwat is known for initiating the 100-per-cent Condom Use Programme while serving as director of the Office of Communicable Disease Control in Ratchaburi in 1989. The scheme was recognised worldwide as one of the most successful HIV/Aids prevention tools.

Mechai founded the community-based Family Planning Services in 1974 to educate rural women about family planning. In addition, his tireless promotion of the use of condoms through unique campaigns demystified the prophylactic, and made the previously taboo subject an everyday topic.

The former senator, who is affectionately known as "Mr Condom", said that since new HIV/Aids infections were increasing over the past few years, especially among gay men and housewives, the government should pay more attention to educating people on protecting themselves.

"You have to make your own choice: whether you want your children to use a condom and avoid getting infected or let them get infected because you are too embarrassed about discussing the use of condoms," Mechai said.

Dr Wiwat agreed, saying that since the group most at risk had changed from sex workers to men who have sex with men and women, promoting the use of condoms was very important for everyone.

-- The Nation 2010-01-27

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SPECIAL REPORT

Indictment creates bad image for Thai tourism

By Suchat Sritama

The Nation

Published on January 27, 2010

THAILAND: -- As word of US prosecutors' charges against former Tourism Authority of Thailand governor Juthamas Siriwan rapidly spread worldwide, Thai tourism associations and hotel operators cried foul over the negative implications for the local industry.

They blamed the Thai government's inefficient law enforcement, saying such corruption could have been prevented long before it made headlines around the globe.

Association of Thai Travel Agents president Apichart Sankary said the case was attracting negative attention from foreign countries. It is also expected to damage the Kingdom's future credibility when attempting to make agreements.

He said foreign tourism authorities and operators might think twice about sealing any further deals with Thailand.

"This has already damaged our reputation. We cannot be sure foreigners still trust in Thailand or that we can conduct business with them as easily as in the past," Apichart said, adding that the TAT in particular dealt with many foreign entities.

Juthamas Siriwan was TAT governor from 2002 to 2006. Following Gerald and Patricia Green's conviction in California for bribing Thai officials to allow them to run the Bangkok International Film Festival, which violated the US Foreign Business Practices Act, Juthamas and her daughter were indicted in that state. They were charged with accepting Bt60 million worth of bribes from the two Americans.

Apichart said there should be a mechanism to educate Thai government officers as to what could be illegal when dealing with foreign partners.

Federation of Thai Tourism Association spokesman Charoen Wangananont called on the government to pay greater attention to budget disbursement, in order to prevent corruption.

"I don't think this problem can destroy the overall tourism industry, because it is a personal issue involving Juthamas alone. However, it hurts the government's credibility and image, because the case has been raised and prosecuted by foreign officials, not ours," Charoen said.

Dusit International CEO Chanin Donavanik said the case involving Juthamas was considered crucial, because no Thai official had ever been prosecuted or jailed in the US before.

He questioned why the government had not been aware of the allegation and said if anyone did know, no action had been taken, nor had anyone been arrested.

Chanin said Thailand's problems stemmed completely from its politicians, who always sought benefits and were prepared to remove anyone opposing them. Therefore, officials who do get promoted are often corrupt and have poor attitudes.

"This highlights the inefficiency of the administration, as well as the country's weak law enforcement," he said.

Chanin suggested the government carefully monitor each agency's budget disbursal, but admitted such a task was more difficult than it appeared at first glance.

-- The Nation 2010-01-27

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Blood needed for Finnish accident victim in Phuket

Bangkok Hospital Phuket in Phuket Town's Samkong area. File photo.

PHUKET: The Phuket Regional Blood Center is calling for urgent donations of the rare blood type A- for a Finnish national currently in ICU at Bangkok Hospital Phuket.

The Finn, 31, is breathing with the help of a respirator and requires an emergency leg operation after having an accident on January 22.

He is also suffering from an abdominal blood clot.

Negative blood types, extremely rare among Thais, are more common among people of Caucasian descent.

Anyone with type A- blood is encouraged to call the blood center (081-413 4004 or 076-251178) from 8:30am Wednesday to arrange a donation.

-- Phuket Gazette 2010-01-26

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Five finalists in Phuket Bt300m park design battle

All contestants' designs must include a statue based on this one, which is on display at Phuket Provincial Hall.

Members representing the five finalist firms pose for a group photo at Thalang National Musueum.

PHUKET: Five architects have emerged victorious in the opening skirmishes of a battle for the right to design a new 300-million-baht historical park commemorating the Battle of Thalang.

The new park is expected to become a major tourist attraction showcasing Phuket’s colorful history.

For our previous report, click here.

A committee comprising architecture experts, historians and local politicians has whittled a field of 12 full proposals down to just five.

The winning firms will now have until February 20 to produce scale models of their designs.

On March 1 the winner will be announced. The winning firm will receive 100,000 baht and the right to sign a construction contract for the project.

Phuket Governor Wichai Phraisa-ngop, who chairs the judging panel, said the winning model would be put on display at the annual Thalang Victory Memorial Festival that starts on March 13.

The Battle of Thalang made legends of Phuket’s ‘Two Heroines’, Thao Thepkrasattri and Thao Srisoonthorn, statues of whom grace the Heroines Monument close to where the new park will be built.

The pair, known as ‘Jan’ and ‘Muk’ before they were ennobled, led Siamese fighters in successfully repelling a Burmese invasion force in the battle in 1785.

The five grand designs, which put the heroines at center stage, all feature plenty of space for re-enactments of the victory.

At least one of the designs will see a large statue of the Two Heroines overlooking the park.

All five proposals will feature a museum, education zone, performance area, shops, restaurants and a mock sea gypsy fishing village.

Managing director of local firm Able Architects, Pakhin Aunggulsant, is a member of the judging committee.

“We can’t name the finalists as it might affect the judging, but they are all quite famous,” he said.

“We’ve had five fantastic designs and it’s going to be really hard to decide who is going to win,” he added.

-- Phuket Gazette 2010-01-26

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Appeals Court upholds jail term for ex-banker

BANGKOK, Jan 26 (TNA) - Thailand's Court of Appeals on Tuesday upheld the Criminal Court verdict on former Bangkok Bank of Commerce (BBC) president Krirkkiat Jalichandra to 10 years imprisonment and fines amounting to more than Bt2.2 billion in the embezzlement case involving the collapsed Bangkok Bank of Commerce (BBC).

Mr Krirkkiat was sentenced in 2005 to 10 years in jail and fined Bt2.2 million over the case.

The Court of Appeals upheld the verdict, affirming the 10-year jail term and a fine of Bt2.264 billion. The ex-banker was also ordered to pay compensation to the BBC for Bt1.132 billion.

For another five defendants, the court upheld the verdict of some defendents, some getting lighter sentences and some facing heavier sentence.

Mr Krirkkiat, who said he is suffering from lung cancer, had petitioned the Appeals Court in November 2009 to postpone the verdict to late January because he had to undergo radiation therapy.

The defendant appeared at the Court with a weary appearance and wears a mask on his face as he was being treated for lung cancer.

The Office of the Attoney General and the BBC filed a lawsuit against six defendants. Including Mr Krirkkiat, bank former assistant president Ekkachai Athikhomnantha, former BBC appraisal officer Piset Panitsombat, City Trading Corp and two City Trading Corp directors, Sunantha Harnworakiat and Terry Easter.

They are accused of embezzling Bt1.657 billion from BBC through the City Trading Corp.

The lawsuit states that from Feb 10 to July 20, 1995, Mr Krirkkiat approved a Bt1.657 billion in loans to City Trading Corp. The loan amount well exceeded the Bt30 million lending ceiling set by the Bank of Thailand. Collateral for the loan was also appraised above the market price.

Mr Piset and Mr Easter did not appear in court and the court had already issue arrest warants since they also miss the verdict reading in Criminal Court last year.

After the ruling, Mr Krirkkiat submitted cash and title deeds totally worth Bt25 million as security to release him pending for submitting the case to the Supreme Court. The Court later allowed to temporarily free the former banker but has barred him from going abroad.

-- TNA 2010-01-26

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Google invites Thai schoolkids to doodle their vision for Thailand

By The Nation

Google Southeast Asia today announced the first-ever 'Doodle 4 Google' initiative for Thailand's schools, supported by the Education Ministry and sponsored in part by Thailand Knowledge Park.

Students from 5 to 18 years old across the country are challenged to design a Google 'doodle' inspired by the theme "My Thailand", sharing an inspiring image that represents what they love about their nation using the Google logo. Full details of the competition can be found at www.google.co.th/doodle4google .

The winning student will have their doodle appear on Google's Thailand homepage (www.google.co.th) on the first day of this year's Songkran festival to be viewed by millions of people. This national winner will also receive an all-expenses paid trip to Google's headquarters in Mountain View, California, USA , a new laptop, scholarship money and technology funding for his or her school. The top 40 finalists will be flown to an award ceremony in Bangkok in April.

Pornthip Kongchun, Google's head of marketing for Thailand, said: "Our logo lets us reflect the ever-changing world around us, and celebrate special people, events and dates. We can't wait to see the creative visions of Thailand created by young Thais all over the country."

Dr. Chaipreuk Sereerak, Deputy Secretary-General of the Basic Education Commission, MOE said, "Google is a great tool that helps us search for information or learn more innovations and it is very popular among Thai users. The Google Doodle 4 Google contest inspired by the theme "My Thailand" opens windows for Thai children to demonstrate their artistic talents, creativity and imagination that portray Thai culture and identity. All of which connect Thai values to global platforms through the doodle displayed on the Google webpage. I believe that this program stimulates more searches and creativity that we are showcasing many wonderful aspects of Thailand to the world."

-- The Nation 2010-01-26

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members who post racist comments will have their posting rights suspended

Photo contest in Phuket

Contestants must submit entries at Wichit Municipality office by January 31. File photo.

WICHIT, PHUKET: Wichit Municipality is holding a photo contest under the theme ‘Travel the Thai Way in Wichit’ to promote local tourist attractions.

The contest, open to Thais and foreigners, offers cash prizes of 10,000 baht, 6,000 baht and 4,000 baht respectively for the top three photos. There will also be five consolation prizes of 1,000 baht each.

Wichit Municipality public relations officer Thitinan Janwanpen said applicants have only until January 31 to submit photos.

“The main purpose is to promote tourist attractions in Wichit, such as Khao Kad viewpoint with its 360 degree views and the nature trails in the Klong Mudong area. However, contestants don’t necessarily have to submit photos taken at tourist destinations. They can also be images which capture the local way of life, places of natural significance or local traditions,” she said.

Photos must be submitted both as 8” x 10” printouts and on a compact discs.

They must be taken by a digital camera and be in .jpg format with no fewer than 6 million pixels and a resolution of 300 dpi or higher. They may be modified slightly to improve the color, but edited images must appear natural and should resemble original versions.

All photos submitted must be original entries that have never been entered in, or won, prizes in other photo competitions.

Each contestant can submit only one entry and people employed by Wichit Municipality are ineligible to compete.

For more information call: 076-525100 (ext 102).

-- Phuket Gazette 2010-01-26

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AFAIK some elephant ivory can be sold legally. Its from dead animal.

I doubt most of the ivory sold at some markets in Thailand is elephant ivory.

Can well be hippo ivory which can be sold IMO.

Why all get scared and think that coup is in progress.

They have it nearly every 6 years so here in Thailand That the same like buying a news paper and you read the same story's again.

They have it nearly every 6 years so here in Thailand

That is not true. Last coups: 1992, 2006.

New body scanner tested at airport

By Jednipat Chansopeekul

The Nation

Published on January 26, 2010

BANGKOK: - The Airports of Thailand (AOT) began a one-month test yesterday of a new body scanner at Suvarnabhumi.

please read the full topic here: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/Body-Scanner...po-t333103.html

//CLOSED//

BoI to extend "Thailand Investment Year"

BANGKOK, 25 January 2010 (NNT) - The Board of Investment (BoI) is extending the “Thailand Investment Year” for another year to stimulate investment after an increase in investment support from the board last year.

The extension of the Thailand Year of Investment will focus on sustainable investments, especially those in the alternative energy sector as well as science and technology with the hope to upgrade the Thai industrial sector. The Thailand Year of Investment was effective from 2008-2009 and succeeded in stimulating investors to request support for 720 billion THB, which exceeded expectations.

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva said he would ask the board to consider giving support to nine new investment projects, worth 21 billion THB. These projects will manufacture automobile spare parts, coal, treated distillated aromatic extract, electricity generators and steam and water energies for industries.

BoI Secretary-General, Atchaka Sribunruang, said last year most of the BoI investment support had been provided for alternative energy industrial projects. However as more investors show interest, it will slow the BoI’s process down due to some of the investors’ limited financial ability.

-- NNT 2010-01-26

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New body scanner tested at airport

By Jednipat Chansopeekul

The Nation

Published on January 26, 2010

BANGKOK: - The Airports of Thailand (AOT) began a one-month test yesterday of a new body scanner at Suvarnabhumi.

The GEN2 is said to offer a secure and discreet method for detecting hidden items, such as explosives, weapons, contraband, stolen electronic items or restricted good like bottles of liquid or gels.

It is made by Brijot Imaging Systems Inc and imported by Law Enforcement Technology Solutions Co Ltd.

The manufacturer says it does not reveal passengers' physical details or cause them any radioactive harm, because it uses a 'passive radiometric scanning' technique.

The GEN2 relies on a millimetre-long wave imaging system and can do full motion and real-time passive scans. Each unit costs Bt3.5 million.

For screening, passengers have to stand without their wristwatch and coat or outer garments in front of the GEN2, before turning around for 5-10 seconds for a full scan, without security guards touching people's bodies.

The new scanner will be used to screen passengers departing on international flights at Suvarnabhumi Airport for the next month.

"Firstly we will set the new GEN2 as a choice for passengers. After passing walk-through metal detectors, they can choose to be screened by hand-held metal detectors or the GEN2 if they want to be comfortable," AOT deputy director Narongchai Thanantchangsaeng said.

AOT will evaluate the new scanner's accuracy, ease of use and its impact size.

General manager of Law Enforcement Technology Solutions, Tachit Tivaruan-grong, said: "Its accuracy is about 80 per cent. Other countries testing the GEN2 body scanner are England and Indonesia. In a month, the GEN2 will show its ability to detect suspicious hidden items and I hope in the future we will have the GEN2 to mainly use at Suvarnabhumi Airport."

Normally, passengers have to walk through metal detectors and are then screened for suspicious hidden items by hand-held metal detectors, or frisked by security guards - a task that takes 45-60 seconds.

But some passengers fear machines that reveal too much.

"I won't agree to be scanned by a scanner that shows my physical details obviously. If the new body scanner does not work that way, I will use it," Thunyarun Jantapao, a woman at Suvarnabhumi, said.

-- The Nation 2010-01-26

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ANALYSIS

Questions linger about 'grenade attack' on Army HQ

By POLITICAL DESK

THE NATION

Published on January 26, 2010

Armchair analysts have taken a range of different positions to try to explain the mysterious explosion at Army headquarters last Thursday morning (Jan 14).

BANGKOK: - Some commentators may have obtained first-hand "leaked" information on Wednesday evening, but getting such a head start had made no difference in the quality of their analysis.

All the theories and scenarios they proffered to account for the incident were illogical and irrational.

The source of the story itself is very questionable. Reporters on the Army beat tried to write their reports as professionally as possible but are there are still doubts.

They reported seeing an unusual beef-up of security for Army commander Anupong Paochinda and got a tip from his military police escorts that a grenade had landed near his office in the wee hours of January 15, nearly a week earlier.

Some well-connected journalists who reached Anupong by phone Wednesday night said he denied the incident, claiming nothing had happened. But since many sources confirmed the apparent attack, they decided to release the news for Thursday's paper. No journalist saw the bomb scene.

Since Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva corroborated the story, Anupong had to assign Army spokesman Colonel Sansern Kaewkamnerd to call a press conference on Thursday afternoon to give an official explanation.

The spokesman did not make the story clear but instead offered some more confusing information. He said security guards at Army HQ noticed nothing strange that night. Even bomb-disposal experts could only say there might have been an explosion, but they could identify if it was caused by a grenade. No need to ask from where and by whom.

It is ridiculous that professional soldiers at Army HQ did not hear the sound of an M79 going off. What kind of bomb explodes with no noise?

What Sansern could say was there was indeed an explosion at night at an exercise room near Anupong's office but he could not answer why the Army did not set up an inquiry to probe the incident and why they had kept quiet about it for days.

The Army did not allow the media to see the site of the blast. Some said it was possible that chiefs wanted to cover their embarrassment. But people have been left wondering how the Army can protect the country if its headquarters is vulnerable.

Most analysts pointed the finger at Army specialist Maj-General Khattiya Sawasdipol, who is at loggerheads with Anupong, as the Army chief had recommended the Defence Ministry suspend him from duty.

Maverick Khattiya was punished on grounds that he had sided politically with former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra and insulted Anupong. He said he would stomp on Anupong if the commander ventured out of the Army office.

Other analysts argued that Khattiya might be crazy but he was not fool enough to challenge the Army chief with an M79 since that would end up being a walk straight to jail.

Acting police chief Prathep Tanprasert said raids on homes owned by Seh Daeng or his aides found no links to the earlier attack so far.

The second camp of analysts suggested the attack was a set-up to bring down Khattiya and keep him away from Thaksin. But their reading has loopholes, too. If Anupong wanted to subdue Khattiya this way, why did he have to sit on the story for days? Why he did not rush to take him in immediately after the explosion? Why did he allow the media to break the news and let Khattiya run away? Why did Anupong have to humiliate himself by bombing his own office just because he wants to pin Khattiya down?

A third camp of analysts said the explosion was the tip of an iceberg, reflecting a rift in the Army beyond a personal feud between old schoolmates Anupong and Khattiya. Anupong's "enemies" allegedly want to create a chaotic situation to discredit and eventually topple him. They want to use personal conflicts along with political polarisation to ignite violence, paving the way to military intervention, one said.

"Look, everything started when the red-shirted group and Thaksin went all out to fight Abhisit's government, as the courts are about to rule on the Thaksin assets case," the analyst said.

However, this line of reasoning does not hold water either, since a military coup in Thailand usually needs no pretext. Any military coterie can stage one if they have the troops in hand and strong support from the elite in society.

A successful coup does not need an overture, otherwise it could fail if opponents trace back to the source of the noise.

-- The Nation 2010-01-26

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CONTROVERSIAL BOMB DETECTOR

Dogs could sniff bomb out better than GT200

Published on January 26, 2010

BANGKOK: - The Army yesterday defended the effectiveness of the GT200 bomb detector despite the fact the UK has banned the export and use of the equipment, due to its ineffectiveness.

In response to reporters' angry questions about the British-made scanner, Army chief Anupong Paochinda shot back: "Is the company using you to ask these questions?"

Joint Military Police Civilian Taskforce commander Lt-General Kasikorn Kirisri said the GT200 scanner was very useful in detecting and preventing explosions in the deep South, where violent incidents on an almost daily basis have killed more than 3,900 people to date.

"Not using the bomb detector may affect efforts to restore peace in the deep South," he warned, adding that there might have been some problems with the detector, but they mostly involved human error.

Fourth Army Region Commander Lt-General Pichet Wisaichorn said the military would continue using the equipment in the South until it had something else.

However, the police believe the bomb detector is not effective enough, with only a 30-40-per-cent reliability factor, which means the chance of it failing is higher than succeeding.

"It is not accurate. If the operator is too close to the target - less than 3 metres - it will not work," said Pol Senior Sgt-Major Chan Warongpaisit, who regularly operates the equipment in the South.

Meanwhile, the BBC reported the UK had banned the export of ADE651 and other similar bomb detectors to Iraq and Afghanistan because they did not work.

Just like the ADE651, no tests have proved the GT200 to be totally effective. Yet manufacturer Global Technical claims it can detect all kinds of explosive substances and narcotics within a 700-metre radius on land and 800 metres under water.

The GT200, powered by the movements of the operator, becomes active when the operator is moving and starts receiving signals from the magnetic signature of the targeted substance, the company says on its website.

Yet, the GT200 failed to detect many bombs in the deep South, which led to several tragic incidents. Last October, two bombs killed two people and injured dozens of others in Yala and Narathiwat provinces after the so-called bomb detector failed to detect any explosive devices in the area. However, military officials say the operators were in an excited state, which prevented the equipment from working properly.

In reality though, bomb detectors like the GT200 have never succeeded in double-blind tests. A test of the equipment conducted for Thai authorities by a sales agent resulted in a "random chance" finding, which meant a sniffer dog would be better at detecting explosives.

A 1999 guideline from the US Justice Department regarding commercial explosive-detection systems said so far, there were no devices that could successfully detect specific materials like explosives as part of controlled double-blind tests.

The GT200 was previously known as the Mole substance detector, but the manufacturer changed its name because the Mole detector failed to pass scientific testing in the US, one expert said.

An Chulalongkorn University engineer said the bomb detector was being used in the deep South as if it were a magic dowsing rod.

Meanwhile, residents in the South wonder if officials believe the device is a lie detector, because they always use it when trying to prove if any suspects - held over suspicions of having made or planted bombs - had contact with explosive substances.

Human-rights defender Pornpen Khongkajornkiart said many fellow activists questioned the GT200's effectiveness and advised the government to review the equipment and conduct tests to prove its quality.

Meanwhile, Dr Pornthip Rojanasunand, director of the Forensic Science Institute and who always uses the GT200, said the UK had only banned the ADE651.

She said the detector was effective when searching for bombs and even nails under water.

-- The Nation 2010-01-26

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4 tanks sent for maintenance lead to coup scare

BANGKOK: - Four tanks were spotted on the Vibhavadi Rangsit near the Samien Nari Temple Monday evening, leading to coup scare.

But officials explained that the tanks were decommissioned from an operation in the southern border provinces and were sent for maintenance in Pathum Thani, and thus having to run through Bangkok.

The officials said the tanks would later be deployed to a UN operation in Sudan after the maintenance.

-- The Nation 2010-01-26

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Be brave, King tells judges

By The Nation

Published on January 26, 2010

His Majesty the King told judges yesterday to be brave and clever until their last days performing their role maintaining justice. They should conduct their duties with strict neutrality and adhere to principles of justice and reality.

The King said judges should adhere to promises made before him while officially performing their duties, so the country could progress without problems.

"Justice means when you judge something, you know what is just and what is not. Actually, it is not easy because everybody has their own ideas and desires. But you have to stay in the middle," the King said.

"Sometimes your judgement may lead to criticism. The judgement may not satisfy all sides. But the significance of your job is being neutral and just. If you can do it, that means you are doing your duty; but if you can't, it's tantamount to betraying justice. You may be viewed in a bad light and that is ugly," he said.

"If you can perform your duties by correctly realising what is fair and just, you will win in reality. So you should maintain justice and perform your duty bravely. If you lack bravery, for whatever the cause, that shows a lack of justice and points to ignorance."

His Majesty was speaking to a group of newly-appointed judges from the Central and Supreme Administrative Courts who had an audience with him at Siriraj Hospital. The group was led by Supreme Administrative Court President Ackaratorn Chularat.

The King, who is recovering from an illness, looked bright and alert while giving his speech that lasted 10 minutes.

In concluding, the King asked the judges to maintain their standards of justice "every time and instant until you die" for the sake of their merit and peace in the country.

The country's top courts are hearing important cases involving major businesses and politicians. The Supreme Court's Criminal Division for Political Office Holders is scheduled

-- The Nation 2010-01-26

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Teen returns home from Thai jail

A Sydney teenager has arrived home after spending two nights in a Thai jail during a schoolies trip.

Taylor Laird was caught with sleeping pills in Phuket at the end of last year and the 17 year old was locked up in a windowless cell where he says he was too scared to sleep.

Taylor had to wait 6 weeks to face court before he could leave Thailand.

He says he didn't know the sleeping pills were illegal and bought them because he'd had too many energy drinks.

source: bigpondnews.com

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2010-01-25

Phuket nursery to hold Haiti fundraiser

An aerial view of the UN headquarters in Haiti shows the devastation caused by the earthquake, measuring 7 on the Richter scale, on January 12. UN Photo/Logan Abassi.

RAWAI, PHUKET: A local nursery is throwing open its doors to Phuket kids on Saturday afternoon to raise money for Haitian children suffering in the aftermath of the recent earthquake and aftershock.

From 2pm, ABC Nursery in Rawai will host an afternoon of fun for kids of all ages.

Activities at event, which ABC is dubbing ‘Kids Love Kids’, will include lots of water fun, arts and crafts, face painting, a raffle and a cake sale.

Children will also get access to the nursery’s play areas, which feature jungle gyms, sandboxes, swings and playhouses.

Entry donations to the event will be 250 baht per child.

All proceeds will be sent to the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), which will use the money to help children in Haiti get access to clean water, shelter and medical care.

Haiti is one of the world’s poorest countries, with more than half of its 9.6 million inhabitants under 21 years of age.

ABC is also inviting parents to bake cakes for the cake sale. Prizes are also being sought from local businesses for the raffle.

For more information contact Lesley (Tel: 089-9711813).

For directions, view a map by clicking here.

-- Phuket Gazette 2010-01-25

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Child abuse and sex assault reports keep rising: Pavena

BANGKOK: -- The number of child abuse and sexual assault complaints reported last year to the Pavena Foundation for Children and Women was the highest for the decade.

Foundation president Pavena Hongsakul said Monday her non-government group received 4,533 complaints last year.

This included 522 rape or sexual assault complaints, the highest for the decade, she said. The figure rose from 338 sexual assaults reported in 2008.

The youngest victim was only five months old while the oldest was 70 years old. Most victims of sexual assaults and rapes were between 12 and 15 years old and many of the crimes resulted from youngsters being lured for by people they "met" online, she said.

-- The Nation 2010-01-25

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Bangla Cup football tourney in Phuket

PA KHLOK, PHUKET: The 14th annual Bangla Cup football tournament will be held on February 28 at the Ban Bangla Football Field on the road from Pa Khlok to Muang Mai, near the Supalai Village housing estate in tambon Pa Khlok.

The seven-a-side football competition will be divided into an open division and a senior division for footballers 35 years of age and older.

Cash prizes of 40,000 baht, 20,000 baht, 10,000 baht and 5,000 baht as well as trophies will be awarded to the top four teams in the open division.

Prizes of 10,000 baht and 5,000 baht will go to the top two teams in the senior division.

Tournament organizer Samarn Bamrungna said that as many as 100 teams from all over Thailand have taken part in past competitions.

This year’s event enjoys support from about 50 sponsors, including both government and private sector organizations and the Pa Khlok Tambon Administration Organization.

Five or six matches will take place each day in the opening rounds, leading up to the final matches on February 28.

The application deadline is 7pm on February 21, when the draw will be held.

Fifty teams have already signed up to play in the open division, as well as fifteen more in the senior event.

The competition is open to all, regardless of nationality.

For more information call Tel: 087-4639656 or 089-4745374.

-- Phuket Gazette 2010-01-25

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Chiang Mai red shirts rally against northern police chief Somkid

Chiang Mai - Some 100 red-shirt protesters Monday demanded the transfer of Provincial Police Bureau 5 chief Pol Lt Gen Somkid Boonthanom.

The red-shirt protester gathered outside the Provincial Police Bureau 5 head office. Some 50 commando police put up a barbed-wire barrier to prevent the protesters from going inside.

The protesters carried a mock coffin of Somkid and left it on the barbed wires.

They said Somkid had to stop serving as the northern police chief because he has been charged with being involved in the murder and abduction of a Saudi businessman.

-- The Nation 2010-01-25

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BORDER CLASH

Clash was misunderstanding : PM

A brief fight between Thai and Cambodian soldiers on the disputed site near Preah Vihar Temple was caused by misunderstanding and has been resolved, Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva said Monday.

There is no report of casuality from both sides after they exchanged gunfire early Sunday about 20 kilometers from the temple.

The premier said both sides have met and agreed to settle. "There would be no escalation of the situation," he said.

Army spokesman Col Sansern Kaewkamnerd said Monday, "It was a misunderstanding. I cannot say who first opened fire but the misunderstanding has been settled."

Thai army has insisted that the fight happened on the disputed zone while Cambodia claimed Thai soldiers crossed about 200 metres into its soil.

It continued that when the Thai soldiers saw the Cambodian troops the Thais shot at them. and the Cambodians returned fire and the Thais withdrew.

Col Thanet Wongcha-um, chief of staff of the Suranaree Task Force met Maj Gen Srey Doek, commander of the Cambodian troops Sunday in Kantharalak district following the clash.

The meeting agreed the clash was caused by misunderstanding and that soldiers of both sides would initially withdraw from areas near the clash site and return to their bases.

Meanwhile, Si Sa Ket province ordered villages along the border to conduct an evacuation drill in preparation for a possible new clash.

-- The Nation 2010-01-25

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African ivory smuggling with a Thai face: illicit wildlife trade continues

Although the world's elephant population has dramatically declined during the past decade, ivory smuggling has continued relentlessly. Recently, Thai traders were caught red-handed with contraband ivory while packing the merchandise for delivery to customers around the world.

This was the first time Thai traders have been arrested in ivory smuggling trade.

Samart Chokchuayma and Kanokwan Wongsaroj admitted they delivered their ivory products to customers more than 80 times in the past four years and that the lucrative business of buying and selling ivories were made on the internet.

Their confessions led to the arrest of a buyer in the United States, Mon Ti Chao, as well as an arrest in a week ago of two Thai women from Nakhon Sawan's Phayuha Khiri district. The women, owners of a local jewelry shop, had six pieces of southern African ivory tusks in their possession.

The seizure of six elephant tusks, weighing around 32 kg, was set out by Thai forestry police and representatives from the Freeland Foundation, a non-profit organisation against the illegal wildlife trade, after both parties contacted ivory smugglers and expressed their interest in buying elephant tusks.

A DNA test received from the elephant flesh on the confiscated ivories indicated that the three ill-fated pachyderms were around 40 years old and of southern African breeds.

According to forestry police, the ivory smuggling network chose Thailand as a centre for processing ivory products due to Thai skillful craftsmanship which helps enhance the value of the merchandise. Craftsmen are mostly from Nakhon Sawan, Ayutthaya, Surin and Kanchanaburi.

National Resources and Environment Crime Division deputy commander Pol Gen Suebsak Chawanwiwat, said ivories had been imported to Thailand by air cargo either via diplomatic privilege, which is free from official inspections, or passed through the 'Goods to Declare' channel with false declarations that their merchandise was furniture or something else rather than ivory.

"The imported containers of ivory do not carry the names of senders or receivers. Once the containers arrive at the airport, those involved--or insiders who may cooperate with some officials-- simply come and pick up the merchandise," Gen Suebsak said.

A former special agent of the US Fish and Wildlife Service insisted that ivory smuggling in South Africa has become much worse.

"Park and security officials have engaged in exchanges of gunfire with poachers who killed the warden. The authorities killed two poachers and wounded two others. The international ivory trade is as bad as illegal drugs and narcotics smuggling," said Doug Goessman, the former special agent.

Although illicit traders prefer African over Thai elephant tusks, Thailand is branded as one of Asia's biggest hubs for ivory smuggling together with China, Cameroon, Nigeria, and Congo.

Since 2007, Thai officials have seized over 10 tons of ivories at Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi Airport, most of which were from southern African countries. The continent holds two-thirds of the world's elephant population.

Thai forestry police said the investigation are difficult for ivory smugglers are vigilant and are always able to escape. Unfortunately, the authorities indicated, the Thais arrested recently were not masterminds of the hitherto smuggling network. (TNA)

-- TNA 2010-01-25

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