ChiangMaiMail

Nopniwat Krailerg

Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra is scheduled to attend the Chiang Mai Songkran Festival and visit her hometown in San Kamphaeng district to pay homage to her deceased parents and her ancestors.

Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra will return to Chiang Mai for Songkran.

The Prime Minister is scheduled to travel to Chiang Mai in the evening of April 12 and go to Green Valley village in Mae Rim district for a ceremony in Northern Thai. On April 13 she will join in the merit making and alms giving to Buddhist monks at Tha Pae Gate. She will then travel to her hometown to pay homage to her ancestors.

The Prime Minister will join in the bathing of the Buddha image at the parade grounds at Chiang Mai Railway station at 1 p.m. and then join in the procession to Tha Pae Gate. She plans to join Chiang Mai people in splashing water after that before returning to Bangkok on the 14th.

http://chiangmai-mai...news.shtml#hd15

[chiangmaimail][/chiangmaimail]

Police will set up alcohol checkpoints around the moat from 10 am tomorrow

And we received an updated schedule yesterday; http://chiangmai-mail.com/current/news.shtml#hd16

Chiang Mai Governor M.L. Panadda Diskul rings the gong to start the education campaign for road safety during Songkran.

Nopniwat Krailerg

Provincial police joined forces with the Provincial Administration Organization and the Provincial government to launch a campaign to reduce the number of traffic accidents over the 7 dangerous days of Songkran which begin tomorrow, April 11 and end Tuesday, April 17.

On Tuesday, April 10, 2012 M.L. Panadda Diskul Chiang Mai Governor and Deputy Commissioner of Police Region 5 Pol. Maj. Gen. Chamnan Ruadreaw, and President of the Chiang Mai Provincial Administration Organization (PAO) Boonlert Buranupakorn joined police and volunteers at the campaign to prevent and reduce road accidents during the Songkran Festival 2012 at Tha Pae Gate.

Chiang Mai is a major tourist destination for the Songkran holidays and sees a high number of road accidents and fatalities during the holiday; it is one of the top 10 provinces to report road deaths, according to the police.

Provincial police joined in the event in a bid to reduce the accident rate over the 7 dangerous days of Songkran.

The campaign to prevent and reduce road accidents during Songkran Festival 2012 will be held from April 11-17 in a bid to raise public awareness for driving safely and sober for both motorbikes and cars.

From April 11-17 last year, Chiang Mai saw 92 accidents, a 30% decrease from the previous year which pushed Chiang Mai down to the number 5 position in the country. In 2011 there were 11 deaths during Songkran in Chiang Mai; 9 men and 2 women. Most of the accidents involved motorcycles and the top cause for accidents was drunk driving followed by speeding and not wearing a helmet.

http://chiangmai-mai...news.shtml#hd12

[chiangmaimail][/chiangmaimail]

Flames escaped from the windows of M Hotel at Tha Pae Gate on Tuesday, April 10, 2012 as part of a fire and rescue drill organized by the Municipality.

The Chiang Mai Municipality held a fire and rescue drill at Tha Pae Gate and Hotel M on Tuesday, April 10, 2012 from 10 a.m. to ready rescue personnel for the upcoming Songkran holidays.

Fire and rescue vehicles were sent from the Chiang Mai International Airport, Wing 41, the 33^rd Military Circle Kawila and the Chiang Mai Provincial Administration Organization (PAO) to participate in the drill.

A fire drill was held at Hotel M with fire crews fighting a fire in one of the top floors while a rescue drill removed a “victim” from the moat. The preparedness drill was very realistic, with flames shooting out upper windows of M Hotel, drawing crowds. Police shut off the area for the drill as traffic handling and control was also an important part of the drill that was held to prepare crews to help ensure efficient care and safety for visitors to Chiang Mai during Songkran.

Crews rescued victims who had fallen into the moat to prepare for the upcoming Songkran holiday.

http://chiangmai-mai...news.shtml#hd11

[chiangmaimail][/chiangmaimail]

Nopniwat Krailerg

Chang Puak police and rescue were called to View Doi Mansion on Morakot Road in Santitham at 5:50 p.m. on April 10, 2012 after receiving reports that a foreigner had jumped from a 6^th floor window.

Officers found the body of Douglas Theron Smith, an American citizen aged 43 years old, in the parking lot lying in a pool of blood.

The owner of the building said Mr. Smith had moved into the building on March 1, 2011 and had a companion with him at the time of his death. Police spoke with the companion, a ladyboy named Nui, who reported that Mr. Smith had been acting strange lately and had been using Valium to sleep.

Nui said that Mr. Smith had seen a doctor at the Sirpat Medical Center at Maharaj Nakorn Chiang Mai hospital that morning but didn’t know why. He said that he had gone to the toilet and when he came out, Mr. Smith had leapt to his death. Police continue investigating the case.

http://chiangmai-mai...news.shtml#hd10

[chiangmaimail][/chiangmaimail]

Yes, it was a drill, we received a Press Release from the Municipality regarding the entire thing, not just for fire but for rescue as well.

I guess they want to make it as real as possible.

Nopniwat Krailerg

The Chiang Mai Municipal Council elections were held on Sunday, April 8, 2012 with 24 seats up for grabs. The last election was held in 2008 and the previous City Council members’ terms expired in March. The Mayor was not up for reelection this time as the term expires October 3, 2013. Elections were held in Nakorn Ping, Kawila, Meng Rai and Srivichai Districts.

There were two parties competing for Council seats, the Khonmuang Pattana party formerly known as Chang Ngan party (numbers 1-6 on the ballot) and the Chiang Mai Khunadham party (numbers 7-12 on the ballot) led by Mayor Tussanai Buranupakorn.

It was reported that several people were arrested at Baan Toh School for illegal activities during the election by the Election Commission of Chiang Mai although there had been reports of tussles between the two groups previously; there were no reports of violence on Election Day.

As the ballot box closed at 3 p.m. supporters from both sides cheered when the boxes were taken to the Municipal building for counting. The Chiang Mai Khunadham group won 18 seats in 3 districts while the Khonmuang Pattana group won 6 seats in Srivichai District.

There were105,067 registered voters of which 54,054 people voted or 51.45 percent. 1,982 ballots were voided and 7,171people voted no vote.

Chiang Mai Mayor Tussanai Buranupakorn said that this will allow the Municipal government to complete their projects and approve the budget. In the past, the Council would delay approval of the budget and other projects by 7-8 months due to opposition by Council members. The Mayor said that the vote shows that the people want things to move forward in the city and approve of the work done so far.

http://chiangmai-mai...ril2.shtml#hd18

[chiangmaimail][/chiangmaimail]

It was just a practice drill put on by the City in conjunction with rescue, hospitals and the fire department. They also had a practice rescue drill with rescuing people in the moat.

Bomb disposal police opened the bag to find it was simply some clothes and shoes forgotten by a tourist.

Nopniwat Krailerg

The Chiang Mai police called in the Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit (EOD) of the Border Patrol police and K-9 units after a suspicious bag was reported left in the women’s restroom at the Chiang Mai Railway station.

At 10 am on April 5, 2012 Pol. Col. Somsak Ginapak Chief of Maeping police station Muang Chiang Mai called in the EOD after the bag was reported left in the restroom.

EOD border patrol police and K-9 teams found one black bag and after there was no indication of explosives inside opened it to find shoes and clothes as well as a Chinese book, it is believed the bag must have belonged to a Chinese woman tourist who forgot the bag.

The CCTV cameras have not been functioning due to repairs at the station. The police expressed concern over the malfunctioning cameras as the train station is a major transit point and landmark in Chiang Mai.

The police and army are on a heightened state of security after bombings in Hat Yai targeted tourists.

http://www.chiangmai.../news.shtml#hd6

[sunbelt][/sunbelt]

Chiang Mai Governor ML Panadda Diskul and TAT Deputy Governor for Marketing Mrs. Juthaporn Rerngronasa were joined by TAT Chiang Mai’s head Chalermsak Suranont, the Indian Consul and his wife and General Managers and chefs from the hotels offering food and drinks at the Fest for the grand opening of the 2nd Annual Chiang Mai Fest.

The 2^nd annual Chiang Mai Fest opened on Friday, April 6, 2012 at 6 p.m. with Chiang Mai Governor ML Panadda Diskul welcoming all visitors and residents of Chiang Mai to enjoy the second annual music festival. TAT Deputy Governor for Marketing Mrs. Juthaporn Rerngronasa joined the Governor and representatives from the hotels at the event and Indian Consul Dhirendra Singh Garbyal and his wife at the opening ceremony to ring the gong to start the evening.

A beautiful Lanna performance entertained the crowd, followed by star bartender of Dusit d2 Hotel Chiang Mai showing off the skills that have earned him bartending awards. He presented the finished drink to Mrs. Juthaporn at the end of the show. Then German singer Thomas Kiessling took the stage to wow the audience with his beautiful voice. A bit of rain didn’t deter the crowd as Il Quinto, a South African male vocal group took the stage to entertain followed by Mango Republic comprised of leading Chiang Mai musicians, Garth Taylor playing folk and country music, the Blues Brothers tribute show and Nueng Jakkawal closed out the evening.

If you missed last night, turn out for the show tonight, it is sure to entertain. Show starts from 6 p.m. at the 3 Kings Monument and finishes at 10 p.m.

German singer Thomas Kiessling was the first singer to take the stage, setting the tone for a great show

http://www.chiangmai.../news.shtml#hd9

[chiangmaimail][/chiangmaimail]

No alcohol signs have gone up informing people of the ban on alcohol sales around the moat.

Nopniwat Krailerg

The Stop Drinking Network joined forces with the Chiang Mai Culture Office and the Municipality on March 21, 2012 at the Holiday Garden Hotel Chiang Mai to discuss measures to restrict the sale of alcohol in the moat area during the Songkran holiday.

Prakru Wichiankunathon President of the Stop Drink Network Chiang Mai, Paitoon Ratlertlop, Chief of Chiang Mai Culture Office, Chiang Mai Mayor Tussanai Buranupakorn were joined by community leaders and members of the general public at the meeting that saw more than 400 people attend.

The attendees of the meeting expressed concern that the traditional culture of the Thai New Year was being lost and that most people attending are oblivious of the original traditions and meaning associated with Songkran.

Songkran has one of the highest number of deaths due to road accidents after the New Year in January. Additionally, the loss of traditional culture, drunkenness among youth and inappropriate behavior by children and youth were discussed.

The Municipality has enacted regulations restricting the sale of alcohol around the moat and prohibiting people from swimming in the moat and has instructed police to strictly enforce these regulations. 92 civic and government leaders signed the petition calling for the return of the traditional values of Songkran and pledged to work towards that in their own communities.

http://chiangmai-mai...news.shtml#hd38

[chiangmaimail][/chiangmaimail]

Earth Wind & Fire and the Tourism Authority of Thailand are joining hands to reintroduce Chiang Mai Fest to the cultural surroundings of Three Kings Monument from March 23 to April 7, 2012.

Yut Wanichanond, Consultant of Earth Wind & Fire, said following a much-hyped inaugural year in 2011 as a three-day event, the Chiang Mai Fest would return this year with 16 days of packed programs.

“The Chiang Mai Fest 2012 will be even bigger, starting with the First International Street Painting Festival in Thailand,” he said.

The inaugural Street Painting Festival will bring in world-famous chalk painters such as Melanie Van Latum and Lysa Ashley from the USA and Tony Cuboliquido from Italy to turn streets, pavements and temporary walls at the Three Kings Monument into an outdoor art exhibition and workshop from March 23 to April 7. The “Art on Street” exhibition will start with a curtain raiser at the Old District Court on Friday, March 23 from 17.00 to 18.00 hrs.

The Chiang Mai Fest 2012 will also reintroduce the city’s first and only International Music Festival from April 6 to 7. In its second year, the two-day event will feature world-class performances by international artists such as German contemporary singer Thomas Kiessling, South African opera - classic pop crossover male vocal group Il Quinto, American Blues and Soul revivalist band Blues Brothers and Thai musical maestro Neung Jakkawal.

Yut said last year, the three-day Chiang Mai Fest attracted nearly 10,000 visitors and generated 150,000,000 baht revenue to Chiang Mai, as well as boosted tourist’s length of stay in the city from 2 to 15 day during the Songkran Festival.

“This year, we expect the 16-day Chiang Mai Fest to attract over 35,000 local and international visitors and help to generate some 200-300 million baht in tourism-related revenue,” he added.

Mr. Wiwatchai Boonyapak, Events Department Director of the Tourism Authority of Thailand, said the Chiang Mai Fest 2012 would attract tourists more to Chiang Mai between late-March and early-April in addition to the expected high turnouts during the Songkran Festival.

“The Chiang Mai Fest 2012 will boost tourism revenue and raise the image of Chiang Mai as the centre of international, music, art and culture,” Mr. Wiwatchai said. For more information, Please contact 053 292 224, E-mail: [email protected].www.chiangmaifest.com (PR)

http://chiangmai-mai...tours.shtml#hd3

[chiangmaimail][/chiangmaimail]

Nopniwat Krailerg

The Department of Special Investigation (DSI) and the Office of the Public Sector Anti-Corruption Commission (PACC) Region 5 are investigating allegations of corruption in Mae Pang Municipality in Phrao District of Chiang Mai province, Chiang Mai Governor ML Panadda Diskul reported at a press conference on March 13, 2012.

The DSI and PACC received a complaint from the Provincial Administration Organization (PAO) that alleged fraud had taken place for the more than 3 million Baht budget allocated to dealing with both the cold weather earlier and the haze crisis. Nirat Kochamoom of the Chiang Mai PAO said that the alleged irregularities occurred during local elections and that funds may have been used to pay for campaigning instead.

The Governor noted that transparency at all levels of government was required and that all officials and administrators should adhere to the guidelines. He added that anyone found breaking the law will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law.

http://chiangmai-mai...news.shtml#hd20

[chiangmaimail][/chiangmaimail]

Nopniwat Krailerg

Strong winds and rain on the final day of the Royal Flora 2011 cut the ceremonies short. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism and Sport Chumphon Silpa-archa presided over the closing ceremony of the Royal Flora 2011 on Wednesday, March 14, 2012.

Honored guests included Dr. Doeke Faber, President of the International Association of Horticultural Producers (AIPH), Dr. Chao Duangduen Na Chiang Mai, President of the Culture Council, Chiang Mai Governor M.L Panadda Diskul and Consuls and Honorary Consuls from many countries as well as officials and visitors totaling more than 1,000 people attended the closing ceremony.

More than 2.2 million people visited the Royal Flora 2011 since its opening on December 14, 2011 bringing more than 10 billion Baht in revenues to the area. The opening was delayed from November due to the flooding that devastated large portions of Thailand at the time.

South Africa took the prize for the International Garden small group from the Horticultural Association of Thailand while a special award from the AIPH was awarded the popular vote Charoen Popkhand (CP) Group took the prize for corporate gardens.

Jirakorn Kosaisaewee, Director General of the Department of Agriculture said that after the end of the Royal Flora 2011 the park will be closed to visitors from March 15 to April 5 to allow exhibitors to remove their gardens. The Royal Flora Ratchaphruek Park will be open to guests again on April 6 at the usual time of 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. every day and will plan special activities throughout the year.[/indent]

http://chiangmai-mai...news.shtml#hd23

[chiangmaimail][/chiangmaimail]

Chiang Mai Fest 2012

Earth Wind & Fire and the Tourism Authority of Thailand are hosting a unique festival that is a fusion of art and music; the “Chiang Mai Fest 2012” will be held from March 23 to April 7 at the Three Kings Monument, Chiang Mai. The event is open to the public free of charge and features a food and drinks fair from leading hotels.

Starting on March 23 through to April 5, it will be for the first time in the Thai art history for people of Chiang Mai and even Thailand to see the amazing “3D Street Painting”. Recognized talented chalk artists from Europe and the USA will magically turn the surfaces of the roads at the Three Kings Monument into boulevards of art and will turn pavements into canvas and transform downtownorary outdoor gallery of original art and masterpiece reproductions.

Want to try your hands and imagination on a street painting? Come join free workshops on 3 D street paintings with the world class street painting artists. The street painters will show you how to work wonders by using colourful chalks and imagination on pavements. For more information please call 053-292224 or [email protected]

Then from April 6-7, it is the time for music festival. Enjoy the international concerts performed by various musicians such as Thomas Kiessling, Garth Taylor, Il Quinto, Blues Brothers, Nueng Jakkawal, Mango Republic, BaDeeBiDoo and many more. Stage performance begins from 1800 to 2230 hours at the Three Kings Monument, Chiang Mai. For more information, please visit www.chiangmaifest.com.

Musicians will perform at 3 Kings Monument on April 6 and 7. Artists such as Garth Taylor, Il Quinto, the Blues Brothers, Mango Republic and many more.

http://chiangmai-mail.com/current/artmusic.shtml#hd3

[chiangmaimail]2012/03/08[/chiangmaimail]

Northern Governors meet with the Deputy Minister of Public Health to discuss measures to fight the smog and smoke blanketing the North.

Supoj Thaimyoj

The government has allocated 160 million Baht to 8 Northern provinces to help fight the choking haze that has been blanketing the region. On March 1, 2012, Deputy Minister of Public Health Surawit Konsomboon met with the Governors of the 8 Northern provinces to discuss measures to tackle the smog that has affected the health of many people, from children to the elderly to those with respiratory issues.

The Deputy Minister noted that the pollution haze this year is the worst it has been in many years, and that every province has tried to use measures to solve this difficult problem that affects the entire region. Funding will go towards fighting forest fires, providing farmers with wood chippers and to deal with compostable materials.

The Deputy Minister will put the budget forward to the Cabinet on March 6, 2012.

Chiang Mai and the Northern provinces have been enveloped in a choking haze for more than a week, generally considered to be caused by a combination of forest fires, crop burning by farmers and an inversion layer which occurs regularly this time of year and holds smoke and smog closer to the earth.

The highest levels of particulate matter or PM10 have been seen in Lampang, Chiang Rai, Mae Hong Son and Phayao while Chiang Mai, Lamphun, Nan and Phrae have seen slightly lower numbers. Visibility is quite low and many residents are visiting hospitals with respiratory ailments. The Chiang Mai Municipality has been distributing face masks s well as health information to people and spraying water in an attempt to bring particulate matter down within the city.

The Chiang Mai Municipality has been distributing face masks and health information to people visiting local hospitals. (Photo courtesy of Chiang Mai Municipality)[/indent]

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[chiangmaimail]2012/03/08[/chiangmaimail]

Protest at Chinese Consulate against pipelines in Burma

Protestors gathered in front of the Chinese Consulate General in Chiang Mai to rally against the Trans-Burma Pipelines through Burma citing human rights violations and environmental impacts.

Nopniwat Krailerg

Over 50 people from more than 20 countries protested in front of the Chinese Consulate General at 10:10 a.m. on Thursday, March 1, 2012 to submit letters calling on Burma’s President Thein Sein to postpone China’s Trans-Burma oil and gas pipelines project.

The protestors voiced concerns of human rights violations, and the social, economic and environmental impact such projects would have on the country. Wong Aung, the coordinator of the Shwe Gas Movement based in Thailand said, “The Shwe Gas and Trans-Burma Pipelines Project is under construction. The starting point is the western coast of Burma to Yunnan province in China, and will come online in 2013. The project will become the country’s largest source of foreign revenue generating US$ 29 billion over 30 years.

In our open letter to President U Thein Sein we strongly condemn the confiscation of the thousand acres in the region to be developed and the military offensives against ethnic armies in the pipeline corridor in northern Shan State. The letter references previous suspension of the Myitsone Dam and Dawei coal-fired plant and calls for a consistent policy of social and environmental accountability , and an immediate postponement of the project”

According to Wong Aung, the Shwe Gas will be exported to China at the same time that 75% of the population does not have access to electricity from the national grid. He noted, “Resentment to these pipelines is growing day by day. Thein Sein should listen to the will of the people.”

The Chinese Consulate General did not respond to the protestors nor give a statement to the media.

http://chiangmai-mail.com/current/news.shtml#hd2

[chiangmaimail]2012/03/08[/chiangmaimail]

Flower Festival kicks off Saturday

The 35th annual Chiang Mai Flower Festival will be held this weekend at Tha Pae Gate and Nong Buak Haad Park from February 4 6 from 9 a.m. to midnight. The grand opening will take place on Saturday, February 5 at the Nawarat Bridge with the parade of flower covered floats moving through the city to end at Nong Buak Haad Public Park.

The winner of the best floral float in the parade will receive the trophy of HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn with three categories, beauty, creativity and cultural preservation.

Plant and flower sales, competitions, community products, and a local market display will be featured at the park. Mayor Tussanai Buranupakorn has asked residents along the parade route to join in the festivities by beautifying their buildings with flowers and ornamental plants.

http://chiangmai-mail.com/current/news.shtml#hd2

[chiangmaimail]02/02/2011[/chiangmaimail]

Chiang Mai celebrates the Year of the Rabbit

Chiang Mai rings in the year of the Rabbit with the 9th annual celebration of Chinese New Year will this Friday and Saturday at Lao Jow Soi off Kuangmain Road and Witchayanond Road in Waroros Market from 9 a.m. to midnight.This year festival goers will be treated to an acrobatic troupe from Guangxi, China and a fire dragon more than 40 meters long. Chinese food and sweets will be on sale as well

Chiang Mai Mayor Tussanai Buranupakorn said the municipality, along with Chinese club, foundations, and organizations in Chiang Mai were hosting the festival aimed at promoting the culture and traditions of the Thai Chinese.

The day’s activities will include a grand parade of those Chinese organizations and representatives, Cultural performance, Chinese music, martial arts performances and Miss Chiang Mai Chinatown 2011.For more information, please contact Chiang Mai Municipality Public Relation Office Tel 053-259-097, 253-109.

http://chiangmai-mail.com/current/news.shtml#hd1

[chiangmaimail]02/02/2011[/chiangmaimail]

Mae Moh villagers close the highway in Lampang

Rally for transparency in funds dispersal to affected villagers

Villagers from 5 Mae Moh tambons rallied against the fund management committee, burning a coffin with their names on it.

Thaweerat Pensalaphan

Mae Moh villagers closed the highway and burned a coffin protesting the management of the Mae Moh Lignite Power Plant’s development fund committee. On January 28 about 1,000 villagers from 5 Tambons; Sobpard, Bandong, Nasak, Changnua and Mae Moh, all in Mae Moh District, called for transparency surrounding the fund management.

The villagers set up tents blocking the highway and intersection in front of the Mae Moh Post Office and Municipal buildings, causing traffic to stall and making the road impassable. They also burned a coffin with the name of the Mae Mon Development Fund Committee. Then the President of each Tambon Administrative Organization took turns on stage to attack the working procedures of the Committee.

They also asked for Mae Moh District Officer to explain about the development funds management before they submitted a petition listing seven issues to Lampang Governor Athikhom Suwanpong and called for transparency on fund management and more fair dispersal of funds for the villagers affected by the Mae Moh Lignite Power Plant.

Over a thousand people blocked the highway in Lampang to rally for transparency in funds dispersal to affected villagers.

http://chiangmai-mail.com/current/news.shtml#hd2

[chiangmaimail]2011/01/31[/chiangmaimail]

Suspect in 5 year old murder case found guilty

Former partner of Warm Up Café given life in prison

Sumet Pongpiew, the father of the murder victim, is joined by Pornsak Sangsangwal, right, chairman of the Lawyers;’ Association of Chiang Mai, to give his opinion on the guilty verdict in the five year old murder of his daughter.

Saksit Meesubkwang and Nopniwat Krailerg

A former partner in the popular Warm Up Café on Nimmanhaemin Road was sentenced to life in prison in the 5 year old murder of his girlfriend by the Chiang Mai Provincial Court on January 18.

Wuthichai Jaisamak, also known as Pu, was found guilty in the brutal murder; in December of 2005 the body of Benjaporn Pongpiew, or Nong Anne, was found strangled, with her wrists tied, hanging from a tree on the Chiang Mai University campus. Police made no progress in the case until Nong Anne’s father, Sumet Pongpiew, filed a lawsuit against Wuthichai in 2008 after consulting with the National Police Bureau, Department of Special Investigations and the Lawyer’s Association of Chiang Mai.

After the judgment was announced, the chairman for the Association said that if the police had worked hard and carefully on the case it would have been closed early on and that only once the Lawyer’s Association started working with Nong Anne’s father and set up a committee to work with former police investigators did the case finally move forward.

Nong Anne’s father thanked the court for dispensing justice, the Lawyer’s Association and the former police investigators who helped provide the clear evidence to gain the guilty verdict.

http://chiangmai-mail.com/current/news.shtml#hd1

[chiangmaimail]2011/01/31[/chiangmaimail]

Red shirts file petition with Governor over rising prices

Nopniwat Krailerg

Members of the Red shirts in Chiang Mai submitted a petition Governor ML Panadda Diskul to pass on to Prime Minister Abhisit Vejajiva to help solve the problems faced by rising commodity prices.

About 60 Red shirt people led by former police Senior Sergeant Major Vichit Tamool moved from the city to the City Hall on January 19 in a motorcade to file the letter with the Governor through Deputy Governor Surachai Chongrak. Using loudspeakers at the rally, they complained of the high cost of living as well as the high prices of consumer goods and products, noting the high cost of eggs at 6 baht each as well as the high prices of petrol, agricultural products and more. They requested the government take action by January 31, 2011.

http://chiangmai-mail.com/update/news.shtml#hd8

[chiangmaimail]23/01/2011[/chiangmaimail]