Thailand Live Today - Live Monday

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BMA to provide free health check-ups for Bon Kai residents

BANGKOK (NNT) -- Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) spokesperson Thanom Onketpon will lead the BMA officials to provide free health check-ups for Bon Kai residents who are physically and mentally suffered from the recent riots.

Mr Thanom said that he and the BMA officials would travel to Bon Kai community this afternoon where the BMA will deploy its mobile units to provide health check-up service to the residents for free. Interested people are also invited to receive the medical service.

Speaking of the “Big Cleaning Day” at Ratchaprasong junction yesterday, he said throngs of Thai people of all ages were seen flocking to Ratchaprasong intersection to take part in the campaign to clean the mess left by the month-long mass protests and riots. He said it would be a good start for the Thai people in bringing national reconciliation back and collaboratively working in order to drive the country through crisis.

Regarding the alms giving ceremony at Ratchaprasong on 26 May 2010 at 6.00 hrs, Mr Thanom urged the general public to take part in the ceremony to make merit for people killed during the protest and to give moral support to each other. People affected from fire incidents can report themselves to the district offices of Pathumwan, Ratchathewi, Bangrak, Sathon, Klongtoey, Watthana and Din Daeng for assistance.

-- NNT 2010-05-24

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Suthep: Cabinet to consider whether to lift curfew

BANGKOK (NNT) -- The cabinet will consider whether the curfew in 24 provinces should be revoked or not during its meeting on 25 May 2010, according to Deputy Prime Minister for Security Affairs Suthep Thaugsuban.

Mr Suthep said he would raise the issue to the discussion of the ministerial council at Government House tomorrow. If the evaluation indicated a necessity, the curfew would be maintained to ensure peopl’s safety.

Nevertheless, the deputy prime minister overseeing security affairs admitted that some ill-intentioned people were stil trying to incite unrest within the society and seeking a chance to further destroy properties of the government and the general public.

Mr Suthep said the government was collecting evidences to take legal action against some groups trying to make underground movements and incite chaos. He added that the recently arrested black-clad terrorist suspects were being interrogated by officers of the Department of Special Investigation.

-- NNT 2010-05-24

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BMA to organize merit making ceremony

BANGKOK (NNT) -- The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) is preparing to organize a merit making ceremony in the heart of the capital city at Ratchaprasong Intersection after the end of the prolonged political demonstration and riots.

According to Bangkok Governor, MR Sukhumbhand Paribatra, the BMA will file a letter to the Center for the Resolution of Emergency Situation (CRES) on 26 May to seek permission to organize the merit making ceremony.

The merit making ceremony will comprise of rituals from all five main religions in Thailand, including Buddhism, Islam, Christianity, Hinduism, and Sikhism.

As for the ceremonial part for Buddhism, 1,000 Buddhist monks will be invited to take part in the event.

-- NNT 2010-05-24

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Central department stores open as usual

BANGKOK (NNT) -- Central Pattana (CPN) Plc has announced all branches of the Central department store has been open normally on Monday after the end of the political unrest in the country.

All branches of the Central department store in Bangkok and vicinities will open normally from 10.00 to 20.00 hrs due to the curfew imposition prohibiting people to leave their residences from 23.00 to 04.00 hrs.

Central branches located in other provinces, including that in Kad Suan Kaew (Chiang Mai), Phuket, Hatyai and Pattaya Beach will open and close as usual following their original schedules. The Central department store at Pattaya Beach will be the only one branch to close at 23.00 hrs.

Nevertheless, Central World Shopping Complex at Ratchaprasong Intersection remains closed after it was severely damaged by arson during the riots last week. The reconstruction of the luxurious department store is expected to be completed within six months.

-- NNT 2010-05-24

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OPINION

"A Shared Future"

By Anand Panyarachun

I have always believed that the true test of character is one's ability to handle and overcome adversity. In the aftermath of the tragic incidents of the past week, Thailand has the opportunity to prove to itself and the world, the strength of its national character and its commitment to pursuing justice, promoting national reconciliation, and building a socially inclusive society.

As a nation, we have been embroiled in the vortex of chaos and confusion. It is time for us to collectively take a deep breadth and regain our sense of balance and proportion. The traditional Thai values of tolerance, moderation and compassion, which are intrinsic elements of our national culture, need to be stressed and promoted.

The senseless finger pointing and "blame game", a popular pastime now, should cease. Harbouring negative emotions, anger and hatred is destructive. We must rise above it and pursue the truth, and nothing less. Independent and credible investigations of the recent events along with due process must be the order of the day.

An accelerated course of action is needed to ensure national reconciliation and the fostering of sustainable peace. We need to engage in a process of dialogue, which recognizes and respects the differences, interests and values of all concerned parties. True acknowledgement and contrition by all sides will pave the way to forgiveness, which is the key to healing the hearts and minds of all Thais.

We must urgently close the deep and widening social divide through addressing structural poverty, social exclusion and inequality. Whatever view one may hold about the recent events, the grievances expressed by many of the demonstrators are valid. We need to have in place a comprehensive range of measures to tackle the following key challenges: (1) disparities in distribution; (2) deprivation of capabilities; and (3) inequalities in access and opportunities.

Unless we acknowledge and address these grievances, the deep wounds from this violent episode in our history will continue to fester, creating a widening chasm of estrangement, which will likely lead to further upheavals and violence.

Our country has witnessed, albeit at a great cost, the political awakening of the people at a critical juncture in Thailand's development. In hindsight, we may see the empowerment of the rural and impoverished sectors of our electorate as a critical and necessary step for the development of Thailand's democratic system. It is imperative that we recognize the legitimate concerns and voices of these social groups in our electoral and other decision-making processes.

As a nation, we have reached the "point of no return." Change is inevitable. We all have a stake in the future of our nation and need to contribute meaningfully to the process. Let us transform this crisis into an opportunity to build a political consensus for a people's agenda that will ensure a more inclusive and equitable society as well as a shared future for all Thais.

-- The Nation 2010-05-24

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MCOT: Italian photographer Fabio Polenghi shot dead while covering military operation 2 closedown #Redshirts, 2 b cremated at #Bangkok today

36 arrested in Bangkok for violating curfew Sunday night: http://bit.ly/b2776P /via @Nationnews

Paying wounded Nation Photographer Chaiwat a visit: http://tweetphoto.com/23748941 /via @noppatjak @suthichai @veen_NT

36 arrested in #Bangkok for violating #curfew Sunday night: http://bit.ly/9Ralky

#Police have yet to locate 53 more #redshirts under arrest warrants: http://bit.ly/aoVUJv

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36 arrested in Bangkok for violating curfew Sunday night

Thirty-six people were arrested in Bangkok for violating the 11pm-4 am curfew Sunday night, raising to 511 the number of arrests since May 20, the Metropolitan Police Bureau announced Monday.

Pol Maj Gen Piya Uthayo, spokesman of the Metropolitan Police, said 511 people have been arrested for violating curfew intentionally or without justified causes since May 20.

They were sentenced to two months in jail and a fine of Bt2,000 each. But the jail term was suspended and they were put on probation for two years, Piya said.

-- The Nation 2010-05-24

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Police have yet to locate 53 more red shirts under arrest warrants

Police have yet to arrest 53 more red-shirt key members who are sought under arrest warrants, Metropolitan Police spokesman Pol Maj Gen Piya Uthayo said.

He said the Criminal Court has so far approved attest warrants against 75 red shirts and 22 of them have been arrested.

Their alleged crimes ranged from inciting people to unlawful demonstrations at Rajprasong, using community radio stations to incite people to violence, being involved to the use of war weapons and rioting at Kokwua Intersection and on Rajdamnone Road.

-- The Nation 2010-05-24

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Cabinet may extend curfew in some areas : Suthep

By The Nation

Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban on Monday said the cabinet may consider extending the curfew in some areas when it meets Tuesday.

Suthep said the anti-government "underground movement" is still active and plans to cause chaos despite Ratchaprasong protest has ended and reds leaders surrendered.

Suthep entered Government House for the first day since red shirts hold rallies at Phan Fa Bridge and then Rajprasong. He and Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva had used the 11th Infantry Regiment as working venue because of the rallies.

Suthep, as director of Center for the Resolution of Emergency Situation, said said he has instructed the authorities to closely monitor the moves of the underground groups.

CRES on Sunday extended the curfew through Sunday and Monday nights, but it was relaxed banning people in Bangkok and 23 other provinces from leaving their homes only from 11pm to 4am.

A curfew was imposed in Bangkok and other provinces on May 19 between 8pm to 6am to allow security agencies to handle the situation and distinguish innocent people from the red shirts.

-- The Nation 2010-05-24

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Soldiers leaving Bkk after political unrest started to cool down: http://twitpic.com/1qkkkk /via @rungthip_tvthai

#AirAsia suspends #Phuket - Ho Chi Minh, Phuket - #Medan routes: http://bit.ly/b0BuIe

Opposition submits impeachment motion against #Abhisit, 3 other ministers: http://bit.ly/cSRLRZ

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Opposition submits impeachment motion against Abhisit, 3 other ministers

Opposition MPs submitted a motion to Senate Speaker Prasopsuk Boondej, seeking to impeach Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva and three other Cabinet members.

Chief opposition whip Witthaya Buranasiri submitted the motion, which is backed by 159 opposition MPs, to Prasopsuk at 11:55 am.

The three other ministers are Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban, Interior Minister Chavarat Chanweerakul and Transport Minister Sopon Sarum.

Witthaya said the impeachment motion will be followed by a censure motion.

-- The Nation 2010-05-24

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Protesters breach security at Manchester Airport: gain access to terminal and reportedly chain themselves to aircraft /via @SkyNewsBreak

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UPDATE

Opposition files censure motion against PM, 5 ministers

The Opposition Monday afternoon filed a motion, seeking to hold a no-confidence debate against Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva and five other Cabinet members.

The motion was submitted after the opposition filed an impeachment motion against Abhisit and three ministers to Senate Speaker Prasopsuk Boondej.

The five other minister facing the censure debate are Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban, Interior Minister Chavarat Chanweerakul, Transport Minister Sopon Sarum, Finance Minister Korn Chatikavanij and Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya.

Suthep, Chavarat and Sopon are also facing the impeachment motion.

-- The Nation 2010-05-23

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Related topic

Thai Govt Needs A PR Campaign Urgently, Experts Say

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/Thai-Govt-PR...-E-t368668.html

[Thaivisa News]

Govt needs a PR campaign urgently, experts say: http://bit.ly/9Uikzp

Phra-na-korn noodle at victory monument. T building was destroyed, May 19: http://twitpic.com/1qkw9w

Pathum Wanaram children suffer from shock: http://bit.ly/aGfWBY

Special Report: #Political row leaves emotional scars: http://bit.ly/aA3sEb

#UDD #riots may set #GDP on downtrend: http://bit.ly/c953Rd

Centara Grand #Hotel to re-open June the 1st: http://bit.ly/cHzbKE

BMA insists Center One, CentralWorld and Siam Theatre must be demolished

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Pathum Wanaram children suffer from shock

BANGKOK (NNT) -- Public Health Minister Jurin Laksanawisit and his deputy Pansiri Kulanatsiri led the medical team to provide mental check-up for Pathum Wanaram residents as the situation returned to normalcy.

Accompanying the medical team on Monday, Director of Rajanukul Institute, Department of Mental Health, MD Panpimol Wipulakorn stated that three children at the site were found suffering with anxiety, restlessness, peevishness and insomnia, with their parents under stress.

Traumatized parents are warned they could pass the stress to their children. MD Panpimol suggested them to closely look after their mental health. Fifty children recieved mental health check-up as of today.

Rajanukul Institute Director furthered disclosed that children who suffered shock from the blasts needed an urgent help from psychiatrist, as it could cause mental problems in the long run.

-- NNT 2010-05-24

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Special Report: Political row leaves emotional scars

BANGKOK: -- The recent political clashes which stemmed from the major differences in ideas and beliefs have not only lead to the major destruction of buildings, public properties and losses, but has left emotional wounds that will take time to heal and if not, scars that will plague the citizens for a lifetime.

The Department of Mental Health under the Ministry of Public Health recently visited patients affected by the political row from 12 April- 4 May 2010, including patients who have directly experienced the clashes. According to Mental Health Department Deputy Director-General MD Wachira Pengjan, those with injured relatives or relatives who died from the violence are prone to violent levels of stress.

According to preliminary evaluation, out of 103 injured people from the violence, 6.79% are prone to having psychological problems and 2.91% are prone to having Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder or PTSD. Almost 1% of the victims evaluated are prone to developing medium levels of psychological problems leading to suicide.

More patients or approximately 29% of patients who lost their relatives are prone to medium levels of psychological problems, while 14.29% are prone to having PTSD, a higher risk than patients who have directly experienced the clashes. Twenty-one percent are prone to developing psychological problems, while 7% are prone to suicide or have trouble resuming their livelihoods. These patients however have no records of alcohol or drug problems.

According to Assistant Professor Panom Ketumarn from the Department of Psychiatry at Siriraj Hospital, PTSD is a severe psychological problem, and the fourth most popular of all psychological problems.

While PTSD is most common for military officers and soldiers who have been through war or experienced death of a fellow soldier, PTSD may be found in patients who have experienced all violent incidents such as natural disasters, accidents, group accidents and sexual abuse and harassment or abuse, apparent in children with records of domestic violence, Assistant Professor Panom said.

Assistant Professor Panom also explained that patients with PTSD will gradually experience physical changes triggering stress, branching out to symptoms such as shock, remaining quiet, confusion, delayed thinking and reaction, and hyperarousal for the first few days. They may get startled easily, think in circles, have uncontrollable behavior, or re-experience original trauma, have flashbacks and nightmares.

Grief and regression is also most common in children leading to depression and suicide or major depressive disorder. If left uncured in young adults or children, it will affect their studies and personalities in the long term, said Assistant Professor Panom.

In the past, the Department of Mental Health have helped 643 households or 4,963 patients who were affected in the Victory Monument, Kok Wua intersection and six communities in the Pan Fah Bridge area.

According to reports, 54 patients are found to have stressful experiences after being affected, while 30% revealed that they have trouble leading their lives normally, 50% have mild psychological problems, 9% have mild stress, 6% are easily startled, 6% are aggravated easily and 10 patients require regular doctor visits.

MD Wachira Pengjan, said that to heal one’s deterred emotional state would take the same prescription process as patients who have undergone the violence in the three southern restive provinces but to a less severe degree.

In a recent bid to help heal the emotional health of victims from the political turmoil, on 23 May 2010, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) is dispatching medical staff and psychologists in three communities traumatized by the chaos, including Bon Kai, Din Daeng and Ratchaprasong. Residents who wish to receive mental health consultation can contact Hotline 1323. Those in need of business and career assistance can sign up at Wichutit School in Din Daeng district.

Healing the wounds and scars from the clashes may take time as the Kingdom gradually gets back on its feet. Even though this is done by taking small steps towards recuperation, as citizens of Thailand, it is important to heal the hatred, disagreements and disunity. We need to forgive, in order to move the nation forward.

-- NNT 2010-05-24

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UDD riots may set GDP on downtrend

BANGKOK (NNT) -- The recent unrest instigation in Bangkok might set the Thai economy in the 4th quarter on the downtrend and pull the GDP down by 1-1.5%, said Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs Trairong Suwannakhiri.

Mr Trairong said the recent riots and arson attacks by the anti-government United Front of Democracy Against Dictatorship (UDD) throughout the capital city last week could have great impact on the GDP in the 4th quarter of this year. With at least 100-150 billion THB worth of damage, he forecasted a cut in consumption by 3%, investment by 3%, and tourism by 10%.

The Deputy Prime Minister explained that the government would focus on solving domestic problems rather than boosting the tourism image, which had been tarnished. He said the Thai tourism was now in its low season; thus there was no immediate need to restore its image. He stressed that the persisting internal problems were a more urgent issue to deal with at present.

The government will also consider providing aid for insurance companies and business operators suffering from post-rally effects.

-- NNT 2010-05-24

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Centara Grand Hotel to reopen June 1

Ronachit Mahathanaprit, vice president of Centara Grand Hotel, informed the Stock Market Monday that the hotel has not been affected by the fire that destroyed CentralWorld shopping mall.

He said workers will check all the systems and clean up dust and smoke smell from the hotel before the hotel will reopen on June 1.

-- The Nation 2010-05-24

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BMA insists Center One, CentralWorld and Siam Theatre must be demolished

Thanom On-ketpol, spokesman of the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, Monday insisted that Center One shopping mall, CentralWorld shopping mall and Siam Theatre must be demolished.

The BMA spokesman said the three buildings were damaged by fires beyond repairing so they needed to be demolished.

-- The Nation 2010-05-24

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[Thaivisa News]

Incentives for regional headoffices start on June the 1st: http://bit.ly/9TfV1y

Govt aid sought for small firms: http://bit.ly/9yvbUe

BTS: Effective from May 25th onwards, the SkyTrain will operate normally from 06.00-24.00 hrs. Except Rajdamri Stn will temporarily close.

TAN: DSI chief says Jatuporn to turn himself in again after he invoked Parliamentary immunity.

PM asks public to help prevent repeating of violence: http://bit.ly/bbFu1I

PM to Propose Aid Measures to Help Business Owners to Cabinet: http://bit.ly/c1TqhN

DSI to seek more arrest warrants on terrorism charges: http://bit.ly/9cmske

Major lures back movie goers: http://bit.ly/9wJnlH

Cabinet tmrrw will consider to turn Silom in to a shopping street on Sat/Sun 2 help affected vendors /v @neaw_NBC @tulsathit @veen_NT

BTS' sky trains to run from 6 am to midnight from Tuesday: http://bit.ly/9Fc9BR

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Pheu Thai PM Jatuporn to Turn Himself in Tomorrow

DSI director-general Tarit Pengdit says red-shirt core leader Jatuporn Promphan will turn himself in tomorrow. Jatuporn surrendered, along side other red-shirt core leaders on May 19, when they called off the red-shirt rally and city-wide riots ensued. He was released when he used his MP status to invoke his Parliamentary immunity privilege.

-- Tan Network 2010-05-24

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PM asks public to help prevent repeating of violence

By The Nation

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva urged the public on Monday to cooperate with authorities in keeping violence from flaring up again.

He said pockets of unfulfilled ambition were still smouldering under the surface.

"It's the duty of all of us to help the country overcome the remaining obstacles. Ex-premier Thaksin Shinawatra or anyone may have his goals.

But we have to determine if the goals can hurt the country. If that's the case, we have to prevent those things from happening," Abhisit said.

Violent incidents would not benefit any particular side but only bring trouble and social division, he told reporters.

"The people who committed violence did not achieve their goals. It's because most of society does not accept the use of violence," he said.

The government had the responsibility to stop such violence from reoccurring, but the public also had a role in ensuring that peace prevails.

Abhisit was presiding over a gathering at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre of Revenue Department officials from all over the country. Then he returned to Government House, which was under heavy guard.

During the past two months of the red shirts' antigovernment rally, he worked inside the 11th Infantry Regiment.

-- The Nation 2010-05-24

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AFP: An Italian photographer killed in a crackdown on an anti-government protest was cremated Monday in a small, solemn ceremony at a Buddhist temple in Bangkok.

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PM to Propose Aid Measures to Help Business Owners to Cabinet

The prime minister is expected to put forward a list of aid measures to help business vendors affected by red-shirt riots. The proposal will be reviewed by the Cabinet during its weekly meeting tomorrow. Some of the measures include 50,000 baht assistance for each business owner, low cost loans and new temporary venues for vendors to set up shops.

-- Tan Network 2010-05-24

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DSI to seek more arrest warrants on terrorism charges

The Department of Special Investigations will seek more arrest warrants against suspects under terrorism charge, DSI director-general Tharit Pengdit said Monday.

Tharit said the DSI would seek the third bunch of arrest warrants on charge of terrorism but he declined to elaborate.

He said the DSI is confident that it has provided enough evidence to the Criminal Court to approve an arrest warrant against former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra on charge of terrorism.

-- The Nation 2010-05-24

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BMA: Parts of Central World to Be Knocked down

The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration has concluded that parts of Central World must be knocked down after the fire, on May 19, that continued to burn for more than 48 hours before firefighters could safely begin to put out the flames. Other department stores, also torched by the angry rioters, include Center One, Siam Theater and Dok Ya bookstore will need to be torn down completely.

-- Tan Network 2010-05-24

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Major lures back movie goers

By The Nation

Major Cineplex Group is launching "Movie Time Happy Time" campaign, offering movie goers a special movie ticket price starting from Bt80 to Bt120 during May 24-June 2.

During the period, a free bowling game is offered for every two movie ticket.

Major's theatres at Siam Paragon, which suspended service for over a month, will reopen today.

-- The Nation 2010-05-24

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BTS' sky trains to run from 6 am to midnight from Tuesday

The sky train services of Bangkok Mass Transit System (BTS) will run normally from 6 am to midnight starting from Tuesday, a BTS director said Monday.

Dr Anat Arbhabhirama, Director of BTS, said the services will be available at all stations, except the Rajdamri Station, which will remain closed.

Anat said the BTS is considering how to compensate passengers who have bought a 30-day passes, which still has number of passes left.

-- The Nation 2010-05-24

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Urgent: Curfew extended for another 7 days from May 25- May 31, from midnight to 4am

To clarify curfew extension plan, the Cabinet will still have to endorse the CRES proposal.