Thailand Live Today - Live Tuesday

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Governors of Khon Kaen, Ubon, Udon Thani, Mukdahan provinces transferred to inactive post in Bkk for failing to protect provincial halls from Reds arsonists /Nation

MCOT: Commerce Ministry, BMA to organise 'Silom Walking Street' during May 29-30 to help riots-hit traders; 80% discount offer

NATION: Paragon, Siam Center, Siam Discovery re-opened Tuesday. Walking street Silom this Sat./Sun

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Thai Hotels Association seeks Bt5 bn loans

Thai Hotels Association (THA) plan to submit a letter to Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva seeking state's assistance for the forty-two hotels which lost considerable revenues during the anti-government rallies, THA's chairman Prakij Chinamornpong said on Tuesday.

The association will also ask the government to implement measures to assist the affected hotels and help them negotiate with banks to extend loan repayment deadlines by another three years, with six months grace period.

-- The Nation 2010-05-25

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Govt plans grants

By The Nation

Each small vendor to get Bt50,000 aid; Losses put at Bt100 billion to Bt150 billion

BANGKOK: -- A number of remedial measures have been drawn up for Cabinet consideration today, ranging from grants and liquidity injection to the extension of property tax incentives.

Individual vendors affected by the protest will each receive a Bt50,000 grant from the government, excluding extra assistance from the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva said yesterday.

State-owned banks like the Government Savings Bank and the Small and Medium Enterprise Development Bank of Thailand will provide loans to small operators. Shopping space will be provided to those having businesses in fire-damaged areas.

The government will also open up for public donations to help those who have lost their jobs, and promises incentives to employers managing to maintain their workforce despite financial troubles.

Abhisit said while there were as yet no final figures on affected businesses, the government would focus first on those suffering a complete loss.

The National Economic and Social Development Board said the political unrest had cost the economy between Bt100 billion and Bt150 billion. However, it still maintains its growth forecast of 3.5-4.5 per cent for this year.

Comptroller-general Pongpanu Svetarundra said the government could dip into its fiscal reserves worth Bt150 billion to finance the remedial measures.

The reserves are expected to rise to Bt350 billion by the end of the fiscal year on September 30, which will be sufficient to accommodate short-term problems, he said.

Finance Minister Korn Chatikavanij yesterday said his ministry would ask for Cabinet approval for another one-month extension for property tax incentives that will expire next Monday.

Commercial banks were closed during the rioting and its aftermath, making it impossible to proceed with loan applications.

The Commerce Ministry has ordered the Business Development Department to extend the balance-sheet submission deadline by a month, until June 30. This will cover companies in the greater Bangkok area.

The Federation of Thai Industries board has endorsed a plan to ask for government assistance in setting up a Bt10-billion fund to help affected workers and entrepreneurs.

FTI chairman Payungsak Chartsutipol yesterday said the fund would be a channel by which the government could help those affected efficiently and effectively.

The FTI will also propose that the government set up a committee to help alleviate mental anguish regarding the economy, for the long-term benefit of society. Committee members may come from the Joint Public-Private Committee.

"We understand the government is doing its best. The FTI would like to propose these measures to the government to help revive the economy. And if the government has any plans with the same object in mind, the FTI is willing to join with it to return our country to peace," Payungsak said.

Deputy Finance Minister Pruttichai Damrongrat said the ministry was ready to seek both on- and off-balance budgets to aid the measures. Vendors can also sell goods at the new Government Centre on Chaeng Wattana Road.

A meeting yesterday between the Commerce Ministry and 150 representatives from 35 associations covering 11 businesses saw proposals for loans with at least six months' zero interest, as well as tax measures.

Those in the movie industry said they had lost more than Bt1 billion, while logistics companies said their revenue had dropped 14 per cent.

Deputy Commerce Minister Alongkorn Ponlaboot said these operators wanted extensions in the tax-payment deadline and permission to deduct taxable income at twice the cost of the expense of reconstruction. They also proposed higher deduction rates on business, household, property and local taxes.

However, Thai Bankers' Association secretary-general Twatchai Yongkittikul opposed the proposed tax deductions, saying they could reduce the Kingdom's tax revenue and damage financial discipline.

"This will ultimately hurt the country's economic growth," he said.

Thai Gems and Jewellery Traders Association president Vichai Assarasakorn urged financial support for exporters to participate in 20 trade fairs to woo back buyers.

Alongkorn said another proposal was for roadshows at international events like the Shanghai World Expo, the Asian Games in Guangzhou and the Fifa World Cup in South Africa.

They also urged government agencies to arrange shopping space.

This weekend, the Commerce Ministry and the Bangkok Metropolitan Association will turn Silom Road into a walking street, with small traders allowed to sell their goods.

Chulalongkorn University is turning some space in Siam Square to a similar purpose, because some traders cannot resume business as a result of the fires.

Abhisit said the government was also negotiating to lease space in the Suan Lum Night Bazaar from the Crown Property Bureau, to help small vendors.

-- The Nation 2010-05-25

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[Thaivisa News]

Grants, Small vendors to get Bt50,000 aid: http://bit.ly/92YLBU

Thai Hotels Association seeks 5 Billion Baht loans: http://bit.ly/c39yLy

BMA and Labour Dept launch 2 mobile units of electricians, plumbers and constructors to repair houses of people damaged by UDD riots /BPost

Facebook, Google and Twitter: custodians of our most intimate secrets: http://bit.ly/9mJ2D6

PM Abhisit reportedly wanted 2 see situation back 2 normal and will evaluate situation again if more curfew extension needed. /v @tukky_nt

Curfew has been approved: http://bit.ly/dwXxd2

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MILITARY TRAINING

Singapore soldier accidentally shot by Thai villager

SINGAPORE: -- A Singapore soldier has been accidentally shot by a local villager while taking part in a routine night training exercise in Thailand, a media report said Tuesday.

First-Sergeant Woo Teng Hai, 25, suffered head injuries from shotgun pellets when a villager out hunting opened fire on him and three other commandos on March 13 in a designated military training area in Thailand's Kanchanaburi province, the Straits Times newspaper reported.

Woo had been treated in a Singapore hospital and was discharged at the end of March, it added.

According to preliminary findings, the soldier was "accidentally injured," the newspaper quoted a spokesman from Singapore's Defence Ministry as saying.

Singapore would continue to work closely with Thailand to "brief and make the villagers more aware of the designated training areas," he said.

Due to limited space on its home soil, Singapore's armed forces have agreements with several countries to train on their turf.

-- The Nation 2010-05-25

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Jatuporn Turns Himself In to DSI

Red shirt leader Jatuporn Phrompan has turned himself in to authorities at the Department of Special Investigation. A large group of red shirt supporters arrived on the scene to cheer him on. It remains to be seen, however, if he will be able to use his Parliamentary immunity and be released during the trail.

-- Tan Network 2010-05-25

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Curfew of Midnight to 4 A.M. Extended til Friday

Cabinet has approved the implementation of a curfew stretching between midnight to 4 A.M. every night from Tuesday to Friday, May 28. CRES initially proposed that curfews be implemented until the end of the month. However, Cabinet agreed that a re-evaluation of the situation was needed before then.

-- Tan Network 2010-05-25

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Cabinet has extended the curfew, 4 more days with shortened hours: http://bit.ly/cFMGeF

TAN: Criminal Court approves arrest warrant 4 Thaksin under terrorist charges; seen as supporting redshirts in causing unrest /v @js100radio

Jatuporn, after reporting to DSI, won't be detained as he has parliamentary immunity, according to DSI chief Tarit /via @tukky_nt

Arrest warrant for terrorism charges for Thaksin Shinawatra approved by Criminal Court: http://bit.ly/aI0Mc6

With arrest warrant out 4 Thaksin on terrorism charges from criminal court, it means he can b extradited frm anywhere /v @suthichai

Interpol will also b put under spotlight now that Thailand declares Thaksin a terrorist suspect. /via @tulsathit

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Related topic:

Thai cabinet extends curfew 4 days Bangkok and 23 other provinces, shortens hours midnight to 4am

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/Thai-Cabinet...ys-t368984.html

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MRT: Service will close from 10pm, Tuesday until Friday because of the curfew extension.

MCOT: BTS Skytrain, MRT underground services to operate between 6am-10pm May25-28 after curfew extension

BTS Ratchadamri Station will be open 26/5/10 /via @BTS_SkyTrain

PM: Terrorist warrant makes international coordination easier. /via @tulsathit

Correction: The warrant for terrorism charges does not allow Thaksin to be extradited from "anywhere".

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Court extends Natthawut, Kwanchai's detention by 7 days

The Criminal Court Tuesday extended the detention period of Natthawut Saikua, Kwanchai Praiphana and two other red-shirt leaders by seven days.

The two others are Nisit Sinthuprai and Yossawaris Chuklom.

Their first detention period of seven days expires Tuesday.

-- The Nation 2010-05-25

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Senate to hold special debate on Bangkok unrest

The Senate is expected to convene for a general debate to assess the situation in the wake of the Bangkok unrest after a motion was filed Tuesday demanding the government to explain its use of force to end the Rajprasong rally last week.

Under Article 161 of the Constitution, a general debate on issues related to the country's administration can take place without a vote if endorsed by one-third of senators.

More than 64 of 150 senators have supported the motion for the general debate.

Senator Kamnoon Sithisaman said he expected the debate to solicit ideas for healing the social divisions which persist despite the end of the rally.

-- The Nation 2010-05-25

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US embassy in Bangkok resumes full service Tuesday

By The Nation

The United States said its embassy in Bangkok re-opened for "limited operations" on Monday and would resume full functionings on Tuesday after being closed a week ago due to street protests.

"In Thailand, our embassy was open for limited operations today (Monday) and we anticipate resuming full operations tomorrow," State Department spokesman Philip Crowley told reporters.

The United States closed its embassy in Bangkok which locates near rally site on May 13 after anti-government protests turned violent.

The announcement came as peace returned to the capital after days of violence and arsons which erupted after red shirts leaders surrendered to police and ended the Rajprasong rally.

-- The Nation 2010-05-25

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4 provincial governors sidelined

Four provincial governors will be transferred to inactive posts, the Cabinet was informed Tuesday.

Manit Wattnasen, permanent secretary for Interior, told the Cabinet that Khon Kaen Governor Pramote Sajjarak, Udon Thani Governor Amnat Phakarat, Ubon Ratchathani Governor Chuan Sirinanporn, and Mukdahan Governor Boonsong Tejamaneesathit will be seconded to inactive posts at the Interior Ministry.

The transfer will take effect on Thursday.

-- The Nation 2010-05-25

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[Thaivisa News]

Senate to hold special debate on Bangkok unrest: http://bit.ly/bQCG77

US embassy in Bangkok resumes full service Tuesday: http://bit.ly/a2eTeE

Terrorism warrant on Thaksin help extradition effort says PM: http://bit.ly/c3zMtY

4 Provincial Governors sidelined: http://bit.ly/cWyjDm

2 Bhumjaithai ministers ready for censure debate: http://bit.ly/b6xey2

Three major shopping malls resume operations: http://bit.ly/9dH9LC

Ratchaprasong Biz initial loss of 11bn Baht, reopening schedule within the area: http://bit.ly/9bwfZ0

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Dusit Thani Hotel on Silom road reopens today

BANGKOK (NNT) -– The Dusit Thani Hotel on Silom road has reopened today after the month-long mass protests and riots.

Mr Chanin Donavanik, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Dusit Thani Public Company Limited is confident that the hotel business will get back on track despite the fact that the hotel was shut down for a long period to ensure the safety of all staff and customers due to chaotic incidents, caused by the rioters. He added that the hotel was now ready and keen to coordinate with the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) in promoting and upholding the tourism attractions in Thailand for further growth in the tourism sector.

Meanwhile, Mr Andrew Cornelio, Director of Sales and Marketing at the Dusit Thani Hotel stated that he and all hotel staff were now ready to serve all customers with its high-quality, world-renowned service. He also hoped that more customers would return to the hotel very soon after it has fully resumed its operation.

-- NNT 2010-05-25

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2 Bhumjaithai ministers ready for censure debate

BANGKOK (NNT) -- The coalition Bhumjaithai Party has voiced readiness of its two ministers to explain and clarify any mishandling allegations made against them by the opposition during the upcoming censure debate.

Bhumjaithai Spokesperson, Supachai Jaisamut, confirmed that both Interior Minister Chavarat Charnvirakul and Transport Minister Sopon Zarum would be ready to answer any questions and accusations made by the opposition.

The spokesperson shrugged off any necessities to set up a team to prepare information for both ministers for fact clarification. He said only discussions had been made on how to make MPs from the party support the elaboration of the ministers.

Mr Supachai still deemed the upcoming censure debate a good sign for every side to use the parliamentary mechanism because people would feel better to see the opposition in Parliament again.

Apart from the two ministers, the opposition will grill Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva, his deputy for security affairs Suthep Thaugsuban, Finance Minister Korn Chatikavanij, and Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya.

Mr Supachai believed that the opposition only targeted ministers from the ruling Democrat and the Bhumjaithai because the operations of the two parties thus far had been clear and contradicting the opposition.

-- NNT 2010-05-25

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Three major shopping malls resume operations

BANGKOK (NNT) -- Siam Paragon, Siam Center and Siam Discovery had reopened today after closing down for one month due to the political unrest in the Ratchaprasong area.

All three adjacent shopping malls have resumed their normal business hours from 10.00-21.00 hrs.

Meanwhile, the government will provide relief measures to assist both business entrepreneurs and people who became unemployed. According to Secretary-General to the Prime Minister, Korbsak Sabhavasu, employees in the social security system would receive money from the Social Security Office for three months while other employees outside the system could register to receive the same financial aid. The government would subsidize one month of rent for business entrepreneurs and compensate their employees. He added that business owners would be allowed to defer their tax payment and would be offered low or free interest loans. As for damaged buildings, Mr Korbsak said the government would help cooperate with insurance companies to receive the full amount insured.

-- NNT 2010-05-25

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Open topic

Thai Court Approves Arrest Warrant Against Thaksin On Terrorism Charge

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/Thai-Court-A...nt-t368987.html

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Rajprasong businesses initial loss tuned at Bt11 bn

By The Nation

The anti-government protest caused Bt11.275 billion in damage to 2,088 businesses in Rajprasong area, according to Chai Srivikorn, president of the Ratchaprasong Square Trade Association (RSTA).

Of total damage, for the April-May period, retailers suffered a loss of Bt10.488 billion while the remaining Bt787 million belonging to 10 hotels.

"A number of 30,661 workers are affected," Chai said. "However, RSTA will spend some time to assess asset damage following the May 19 riots."

Businesses in the shopping area are now working with the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration in fixing the footpath, lightings, trees, banners, and closed circuit TV.

RSTA on May 6 set up the Call Center 085 484 6471-3, where affected businesses and workers can register for government help. So far, only 200 vendors have been registered.

Below are the reopening schedules of businesses in the area:

Shopping centres:

Erawan Bangkok Shopping Centre/May 24

Amarin Plaza/May 26

Gaysorn/June 4

CentralWorld/undetermined

Hotels:

Grand Hyatt Erawan Bangkok Hotel/May 26

InterContinental Bangkok/May 26

Four Seasons Bangkok/May 26

Renaissance Bangkok Rajprasong/May 26

Holiday Inn Bangkok/unknown

Office buildings:

Maneeya Centre/undetermined

President Tower/May 24

-- The Nation 2010-05-25

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AFP: Ex-Thai PM Thaksin back in Montenegro: source

MCOT: Montenegrin source close to fugitive former PM Thaksin says he is back in Balkans state of Montenegro with his family on Mon and will leave on Tue: AFP

AlertNet: Thaksin, through his lawyer, denied the terrorism charges."Today, the mask is off the junta in Thailand."

"Lacking legitimacy & fearing being held 2 account for the brutal murder of their countrymen, the military-backed Abhisit regime has...(1/2)

...perverted justice thru the laying of a charge tht violates logic, law & any claim of hopes 4 reconciliation" (2/2) /Alertnet(via Reuters)

The Government today approved a 1-month extension of the property tax incentives until end of June: http://bit.ly/d3eYi2

BTS adjusts service period on extended curfew: http://bit.ly/duMtTo

AFP: Thaksin says terrorism charges 'politically motivated'

AFP: "I have never supported violence," Thaksin said. "The arrest warrant against me is unfair. I am ready to...(1/2)

AFP: ...prove that I am not a terrorist and the accusation is politically motivated."(2/2)

BTS: (skytrain) will change its closing hour from 12pm to 10pm during May 25-28, following the extended curfew in Bangkok until May 28.

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BTS adjusts service period on extended curfew

By The Nation

Bangkok Mass Transit Plc will move up the closing hour from 12pm to 10pm during May 25-28, following the extended curfew in Bangkok until May 28.

Meanwhile, the Rajdamri Station will be reopened for service from May 26.

BTS will also compensate those who hold the 30-day pass, affected by the service closure. The passengers are urged to contact all stations for the refilling.

-- The Nation 2010-05-25

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Events at Impact delayed on extended curfew

By The Nation

Thailand Paradise Fair 2010 is postponed from May 22-30 to May 29-June 6, as a result of curfew, according to Impact Exhibition Management Co Ltd.

Rotary International's meeting, also to take place at Impact, will be postponed from May 22 to June 26.

-- The Nation 2010-05-25

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Prompong files compliant against PM, Suthep with NACC

Pheu Thai Party spokesman Prompong Nopparit Tuesday called on the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) to investigate the dispersal operations launched by the government on April 10, April 28 and May 10.

Prompong said all officials involved including Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva, Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban who oversees security affairs, Army's Commander-in-Chief General Anupong Paochinda and all members of the Centre of Resolution of Emergency Situation's board.

"The dispersal operations have caused violated human rights and caused huge casualties," Prompong said.

He also presented video clips showing armed troops moving on to antigovernment protesters.

-- The Nation 2010-05-25

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Thaksin says terrorism arrest warrant not unexpected

Former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra Tuesday said the terrorism arrest warrant against him was unexpected.

In his statement issued after the court approved the warrant, Thaksin said the Department of Special Investigations was ordered to raise the terrorism charge against him as part of the on-going efforts to destroy him politically.

He said the efforts to destroy him started since the military staged the coup in September 2006.

-- The Nation 2010-05-25

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Prompong files complaint against PM & Suthep with NACC: http://bit.ly/aJErbd

Thaksin says terrorism arrest warrant not unexpected: http://bit.ly/cT5QBT

BTS: From 28/5-30/6 passengers holdin 30-Day SmartPasses, who have been affected by the Protests, contact any station 2 receive compensation

Don't forget this Friday is a public holiday so another three-day weekend. f you are going away, make sure you book. /via @RichardBarrow

Visakha Bucha Day is Fri 28th May. Buddhists will go to the temple 2 make merit & take part in a candlelight procession. /via @Richardbarrow

Murder trio nabbed in Phuket: http://bit.ly/dogZ9g

"@suthichai interviews war correspondent and author @Michael_Yon on ModerNIne at 11pm tonight. /via @veen_NT @veenarat

Public bus service will be available until 9pm tonight, 3 hours before curfew. /via @veen_NT @js100 radio

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BTS, MRT to remain open despite curfew extension

BANGKOK (NNT) -- The BTS Skytrain and the MRT subway will remain operational during 25-28 May 2010 following the government's decision to extend the curfew for four more days.

In response to the cabinet’s resolution on the curfew extension from 25-28 May during 24.00-04.00 hrs, the Bangkok Mass Transit System (BTS) announced that the BTS Skytrain would remain open at all stations on both Sukhumvit and Silom Lines, except Ratchadamri station. During the period, the train will start running at 06.00 hrs but will close at 22.00 hrs, instead of 24.00 hrs.

The BTS hotline can be reached at 02-617-6000 and 02-617-7300 ext 1834, 1844. People can also visit www.bts.co.th and http://twitter.com/BTS_SkyTrain for inquiries and service information.

Meanwhile, Bangkok Metro Plc (BMCL) announced that all services of the MRT subway would also be available during 25-28 May from 06.00-22.00 hrs.

The MRT hotline can be contacted at 02-624-5200 from Monday through Friday between 07.00-20.00 hrs.

-- NNT 2010-05-25

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Govt advised to target neighboring markets to restore tourism

BANGKOK (NNT) -- The Tourism and Sports Commission has advised the government to expedite recovering the tourism industry in the short term by boosting confidence of neighboring markets and publicizing other tourist destinations besides the capital.

Marketing strategies need to be implemented in neighboring markets to boost their confidence. Such targeted markets include China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Australia and New Zealand, said Democrat Party MP of Phuket Tossaporn Tepbut.

If successful, then the recovering tourism industry can compensate the losses made during the unrest, Mr Tossaporn said. It is suggested that a public relations campaign should be launched focusing on other parts of the Kingdom such as Andaman and Samui island.

Mr Tossaporn further assured that if the political situation stabilizes in May, a good high season for Thai tourism can be expected. The past couple of months that were hard-hit by the political unrest had been the low-season for tourism.

The Phuket MP advised that the governments of both countries should hold talks, starting with China, in order to regain Chinese tourists back into Thailand. We still need to reinforce confidence to attract Chinese tour groups and the media, Mr Tossaporn said, adding that if successful, the same strategies will be used for media and tourists of other countries as well.

-- NNT 2010-05-25

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Demolition of buildings uncertain

CentralWorld, Centre One and Siam movie theatre buildings may not have to be demolished, according to the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, which Tuesday backtracked on a statement on Monday.

Deputy Bangkok governor Phornthep Techapaiboon said the BMA had merely conducting an initial inspection of burnt-out buildings set on fire by red-shirt rioters and categorised which of 28 buildings in the city may need to be demolished if structural damage was beyond repair.

He did not explain why a BMA spokesman said a day before that the three buildings were to be demolished without conditions.

Deputy city clerk Charttinai Naowaphoot, tasked with BMA public works, said the officials were merely categorising the three buildings as Type 1, which denotes mandatory demolition.

-- The Nation 2010-05-25

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Two Japanese arrested in Thailand for human trafficking

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/Japanese-Arr...ma-t369149.html