Thailand Live Thursday 3 Jun 2010

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Arrest warrant for Thaksin on terrorism charge circulated

By The Nation

The Department of Special Investigation on Thursday circulated the warrant of arrest for fugitive ex-premier Thaksin Shinawatra faced with terrorism charge.

DSI director general Tharit Pengdit said he had notified the Office of the Attorney General, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Royal Thai Police to activate the extradition process to bring back Thaksin to face justice.

The DSI sought and received the approval of the Criminal Court on May 25 to charge Thaksin as terrorist involved in the Bangkok unrest.

-- The Nation 2010-06-03

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Bangkok political violence dampens football-crazed fans

BANGKOK (TNA) -- Money circulation in Thailand during the 2010 World Cup is forecast to be less vigorous than otherwise as more fans may choose to stay at home following recent political violence in the capital, according to the director of the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce (UTCC) Economic and Business Forecasting Center, Thanawat Polwichai.

The UTCC surveyed 1,112 respondents on the impact of World Cup 2010 on Thailand's economy and its society.

Dr Thanawat said the upcoming World Cup in South Africa is expected to move some Bt30 billion (US$920 million) in circulation, it would help boost by 0.2-0.3 per cent the Thai economy which was previously forecast to grow within a range of 4-5 per cent this year.

In Thailand alone, the value in football betting is expected to increase 90.8 per cent compared to the 2006 World Cup, or about Bt37.2 billion (US$1.14 billion), according to the centre, while about 11 per cent is spent on World Cup-related consumer goods of Bt22.4 billion (US$6.87 million). The total value of Thailand's World Cup spending is Bt59.6 billion (US$1.82 billion), an over 50 per cent increase compared to those in 2006.

The survey found about half of the respondents said they will spend more on World Cup-related activities, 31.5 per cent indicated no change in their spending and 18.4 per cent said they have spent less.

"Had there been no political problems, money circulation would have been as high as Bt70 billion (US$2.14 billion), and that will partly help stimulate the European economy, which in return would help Thai exports," the centre director.

Almost everyone -- 97 per cent of respondents -- said they followed World Cup updates, with half of this percentage for favourite teams or important matches, while the rest of about 3 per cent never did so.

Ninety-three per cent follow the competition from television, followed by radio with about one fourth and internet 15.6 per cent. Among those surveyed, 35 per cent said they would watch the matches with their families and 34.8 watching alone.

The respondents also viewed that debts from gambling would rise during the World Cup period, but the game would help Thais become less stressed from their work and studies.

Mr Thanawat added the games would cheer up Thais whose mental health was affected from the recent political turmoil. However, unlike in previous years, he said the public this year would stay more at their home to watch the matches, and television would gain the most advantages from airing the World Cup live.

Some 84 per cent believe that the Thai economy remains sluggish, about 15 per cent said on average, and less than one in one hundred persons -- 0.4 viewed that it has improved. (TNA)

-- TNA 2010-06-03

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Korn welcomes public monitoring on Twitter

BANGKOK (NNT) -- A Twitter account has been set up by Finance Minister Korn Chatikavanij for the public to verify his ministerial performances.

No debates against Mr Korn during the parliamentary no-confidence debate during 31 May-1 June 2010 despite a motion being filed on him by the opposition Pheu Thai Party. Mr Korn, however, had a chance to speak in the last 10 minutes to confirm his transparency in proceeding with the national financial policy. A Twitter account was set up afterward in case of public doubts.

The Twitter session will take place from 17.00 hrs of 3 June to 17.00 hrs of 10 June 2010. Twitter users can ask any questions by typing #askkorn, and then questions will be randomly selected and answered accordingly by the Minister.

-- NNT 2010-06-03

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Marine Science Conference 2010 to kick off in Phuket

BANGKOK (NNT) -- Phuket Marine Biological Center, under the supervision of the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources is preparing to host the Marine Science Conference 2010 in Phuket.

The conference will be held under the theme “Marine Biodiversity in Thailand: Challenge and Opportunity” during 28-30 June 2010 at the Royal Phuket City Hotel with the collaboration from Chevron (Thailand) Limited, PTT Exploration and Production PCL, Marine Science Association of Thailand, National Research Council of Thailand, Thailand Research Fund and related agencies and educational institutions.

A total of 140 researches with regard to marine science topic will be presented such as the stony coral biodiversity along the Andaman Sea, public collaboration in prevention of coastal erosion, case study of the Khokkham Community in Samutsakorn Province, Ko Similan: the biggest Hawksbill turtles' egg laying site in Thailand and Andaman Sea, a collection of photos from the joint cooperation between Thailand and Germany in order to study ways to handle natural disasters in the Andaman Sea, a research on influences of Tsunami-affected beach forest, the transformation of land in Phang-Nga Province and many more.

In addition, the panel will be participated by marine experts from Australia, Malaysia, Singapore and Denmark.

-- NNT 2010-06-03

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PM to attend the World Economic Forum on East Asia 2010

BANGKOK (NNT) -- Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva will proceed to Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam on 6 June to attend the World Economic Forum on East Asia 2010.

According to Deputy Secretary General and Acting Government Spokesperson Panitan Wattanayagorn, the Prime Minister is scheduled to meet ASEAN leaders during this bilateral meeting as well as to attend an interviewing session with foreign correspondents to speak about the political situation in Thailand.

Meanwhile, a meeting with Asia’s leading decision makers in business will be held in a bid to regain the confidence of foreign investors.

The panel is scheduled to take place in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, during 6-7 June 2010, while the Prime Minister will travel there on a day trip by the military aircraft.

-- NNT 2010-06-03

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to be continued

Thailand Live Friday 4 June 2010

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/Thailand-Liv...10-t371740.html

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