Thailand Live Sun 6 Jun 2010

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Thailand Live Sunday 6 June 2010

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Related topic: Thailand Live Saturday 5 June 2010

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/Thailand-Liv...10-t372006.html

[Maestro]

Prime Minister Abhisit to attend World Economic Forum on East Asia in Vietnam

BANGKOK, June 5 (TNA) - Prime Minister Abhsit Vejjajiva will attend the World Economic Forum East Asia in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on Sunday, his first foreign trip since last month's bloody political violence in Bangkok, aiming to restore confidence among foreign investors and tourists, according to Deputy Secretary General to the Prime Minister Panitan Wattanayagorn.

Dr Panitan, also acting government spokesman, said it will be the first time that the prime minister will have travelled outside Thailand since the anti-government incidents that took place in recent months.

During this trip, the premier will meet with fellow leaders of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and give interviews to the press to explain Thailand's political situation and related events, as well as meeting with top CEOs attending the meeting. The purpose is to return investor confidence to the country.

Mr Abhisit said that the forum provides a good opportunity to meet world leaders and exchange information on the situation in the region.

The ASEAN chief earlier issued a statement that the organisation supported Thailand and is ready to help defuse the situation without interfering in the country's internal affairs.

Mr Abhisit said it is also an appropriate time to clarify events in Thailand with ASEAN Secretary-General Surin Pitsuwan, particularly regarding the political and economic situation.

The premier said he would tell the world leaders attending the forum about the policy and plans of the government to revive the economy after the protest.

The topic of this year’s meeting is “Rethinking Asia’s Leadership Agenda”. Discussions will include the need for a regional and global mechanism for cooperation and management. This is due to the fact that the international community is currently faced with many challenges that threaten the revival of the global economy, such as climate change, ineffective management of global issues and trade barriers.

The Southeast Asian region plays a vital role in addressing these challenges and ASEAN has a central role in intra-regional and inter-regional cooperation because it is developing into a community, has a dynamic economy, and has established networks with major economies in the region. Approximately 400 leaders from the government, business and academic sectors, as well as press, will attend the meeting.

On June 6, Mr Abhisit and President of the Thai Trade Representatives Kiat Sittheeamorn, Vice Minister to the Prime Minsiter's office Isra Sunthornvut, Secretary-General of the National Economic and Social Development Board (NESDB) Amphon Kittiamphon and Dr Panitan will leave from the Army Transportation terminal by an Embraer aircraft.

At noon, the prime minister will meet with Dr Supachai Panichpakdi, Secretary-General of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) and ASEAN chief Dr Surin.

In the afternoon Mr Abhisit is scheduled to join the working luncheon on “Making the Mekong: Regional Growth and Leadership” with the prime ministers of Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia and Myanmar. The discussions will focus on the role of various sectors in pushing forward the growth of the Mekong sub-region, and on creating a balance between economic growth and environmental protection.

Afterwards, Mr Abhisit will meet bilaterally with the prime minister of Vietnam to discuss developments in Thailand and implementation of various ASEAN activities.

The premier is scheduled to join the “Special Update Session on Thailand: Conversation with Prime Minister Abhisit”, which Dr Klaus Schwab, founder and Executive Director of the World Economic Forum, will moderate.

The program includes a discussion with Mr Abhisit on the future of Thailand in the wake of recent political events. The participants will include top ranking business leaders from around the world.

Mr Abhisit will also meet with government leaders from Thailand's important trade and investment partners, as well as foreign media, to explain the situation, while creating understanding and confidence regarding Thailand. (TNA)

-- TNA 2010-06-05

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[Maestro]

Filipino arrested after 'drug run'

A 30-year-old Filipino woman was arrested at Suvarnabhumi Airport on Friday for allegedly smuggling 2.65 kilograms of cocaine worth Bt8 million from Brazil to Bangkok, police said Saturday.

Following a tip-off, police stopped suspect Kawajal Dikna D Gusman for a search and found two bags of cocaine in her travel bag. She reportedly confessed that she picked up the drug in Brazil to take to Bangkok's Nana area, pending distribution.

She allegedly told police she had done this many times, and that each time she was paid Bt60,000 by a transnational drug gang.

Police initially charged her possessing cocaine to sell and smuggling narcotics into Thailand.

-- The Nation 2010-06-06

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[Maestro]

Royal endorsement sought for Cabinet line-up

By THE NATION ON SUNDAY

Published on June 6, 2010

The ruling Democrat Party has put together a new Cabinet which it expects will help the government counter the red-shirt movement and win support from voters in the next general election by having strong teamwork and a proactive working style.

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva forwarded the new Cabinet line-up for royal approval yesterday evening.

The designated ministers are: Chaiwut Bannawat as Industry Minister, Juti Krairiksh as ICT Minister, Chalermchai Sri-on as Labour Minister, Nipit Intarasombat as Culture Minister, Ong-art Klampaiboon as PM's Office Minister, Veerachai Veeramethakul as Science Minister, Mun Patanotai as Deputy Finance Minister and Chaiyos Jiramethakorn as Deputy Education Minister.

Abhisit, as Democrat Party leader, swapped Ong-art with Satit Wongnongtaey because he wanted Ongart to oversee the Public Relations Department and Satit to oversee projects that could help win support from masses such as the Village Fund project and solving shortages of agricultural land that would help bridge the income gap and inequality in society.

The move will be systematically launched, especially in the North and the Northeast, to help counter the Democratic Alliance Against Dictatorship movement and prepare the government for the next general election that is expected to take place soon amid the dicey political situation.

The government will organise a five-day grand-scale workshop in which people across the country will be invited to file complaints about land at Government House's Santi Maitree Building.

The decision to choose Ong-art as PM's Office Minister has affected other positions that must be changed to suit the qualifications of each minister of the Democrat Party. Political analysts believe the changes would bring about stronger teamwork that would help the government work proactively because Juti and Chaiwut are in the same group as PM's secretary-general Korbsak Sabhavasu. Juti is believed to work proactively to protect the institution of monarchy and complete the 3G project.

After the final decision on the Cabinet changes, Abhisit had a talk over the phone with the nominees about their ministries. Nipit who had earlier been designated for the labour portfolio was talked into accepting the Culture Minister post because Chalermchai declined the Culture Minister portfolio saying he was not suited for the post but was ready to helm any other ministry.

Bhum Jai Thai Party deputy leader Boonjong Wongtrairat said he was satisfied with the Cabinet reshuffle, although his party did not make any change. The deputy interior minister said every one was ready to work together under the new Cabinet line-up.

Meanwhile Deputy Government Spokesman Prommin Leetheeraprasert of the Puea Pandin Party attacked the Democrat Party and the PM for removing the Puea Pandin Party's factions that voted against some ministers in the censure debate. He said some Puea Pandin MPs voted by adhering to the principle of checking corruption and not to take political revenge.

Poll results also show that the majority supported the MPs saying they have the right to use their own judgement. "The fact that the PM is thinking of the government's stability more than upholding his nine iron rules of good governance has created a sick political culture and this is very ugly. How can Abhisit and Chuan Leekpai preach to the others?'' he said.

Puea Pandin Party spokesman Alongkot Maneekat said about 14 MPs supported the move to appoint Chaiyot as Deputy Education Minister though they believe he deserved to sit as a minister. However, the group would support the Abhisit government in voting to pass bills and other works even though they felt slighted that the Puea Pandin faction led by Pracha Promnok, and Matubhum Party, which did not vote in support of the government have the chance to join the Cabinet.

In a related development, Pheu Thai deputy spokesman Jirayu Huangsab said party leaders had been trying to persuade some coalition parties to join the Pheu Thai if the party has the chance to form the next government.

Sources said former premier Somchai Wongsawat tried to persuade the Puea Pandin factions that voted against the Bhum Jai Thai ministers -the Group 16 MPs led by Sompong Amornwiwat, Puea Pandin leader Charnchai Chairungruang, and Pairot Suwanchawee of the Korat Group - to switch camps. They have not yet made the decision.

Meanwhile, the opposition Pheu Thai Party condemned the Democrat Party for refusing to take responsibility for ordering the use of military forces to disperse the red-shirt protesters that led to killings in April and May. Deputy party spokesman Jirayu said the government should be ashamed for not respecting the people's voice and being stubborn in not removing Interior Minister Chavarat Chanweerakul, Transport Minister Sophon Saram and Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya.

-- The Nation 2010-06-06

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Arsonists arrested in Ubon

By NILA SINGKHIRI, PRASIT TANGPRASERT

THE NATION ON SUNDAY

UBON RATCHATHANI: -- Police have arrested 12 suspects who allegedly set fire to the city hall and tyres in Ubon Ratchathani on May 19.

Some 48 suspects out of 82 people wanted for violating the emergency law and burning tyres in front of the NBT station and Royal Thai Airforce's Wing 21 were also detained.

Acting provincial police chief Pol Maj Gen Sermsuk Weerawong said yesterday two people had been to the Criminal Court. One had received a four-month jail term and was fined Bt4,000, while another received a suspended jail term for violating the emergency law.

Three or four people sought for burning down the city hall had contacted police over the phone and vowed to surrender shortly, he said. Police had also seized nine cars reportedly used in the arson attack.

Most of the arrest warrants issued were based on video footage or photos which caught suspects in the act, he said. Police would need sometime to identify wrongdoers and put them through courts.

Meanwhile, in Nakhon Ratchasima, Deputy Interior Minister Boonjong Wongtrairat instructed all provincial gover?nors to hunt for red-shirt lead?ers who are wanted but remain at large. He also wanted them to visit people affected by the red-shirt protest.

In regard to reports of talks with fugitive Suporn Atthawong and claims he would surrender after the emergency law was lifted, Boonjong said that was impossible as the authorities had to enforce the law. But he was confident the justice system would ensure fairness for all and that those who didn't do anything wrong had nothing to fear.

-- The Nation 2010-06-06

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'Men in black'

By The Nation on Sunday

BANGKOK: -- Metropolitan Police revealed pictures yesterday of three armed 'men in black', two of which clearly showed their faces, in the April 10 clash at Bangkok's Khok Wua intersec-tion. The Department of Special Investigation (DSI) will gather evidence tomorrow for arrest warrants for the men.

After a two-hour meeting of investigators yesterday for cases linked to the red-shirt protest, deputy city police chief Pol Maj Gen Sumet Reungsawat said many inquiries had pro-gressed well, especially the April 10 clash at Khok Wua.

A video CD showed three masked gunmen in black were captured by the protesters and two gunmen were "unveiled" to reveal their faces, he said. This incident was witnessed by an undercover policeman. The three were released after they claimed their intent was to help the protesters fight the troops, he said. The undercover officer tried to capture one gunman but only managed to seize his M79 grenade launcher. So city police had the undercover cop testify at Chana Songkhram station while they tried to iden-tify the gunmen, he said.

-- The Nation 2010-06-06

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PM Abhisit Calls Halt To Khao Yai Road Expansion

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/PM-Abhisit-C...oa-t372311.html

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'Kai Ou' wins thousands of supporters despite crisis

By THE NATION ON SUNDAY

Published on June 6, 2010

BANGKOK: -- Colonel Sansern Kaewkamnerd, the spokesman for the Centre for the Resolution of the Emergency Situation (CRES), has seen his photos splashed across magazines and newspapers throughout the week. His popularity rivals that of a superstar.

Many Internet users have joined Sansern fan clubs, starting pages dedicated to him in various social media. They said his charm lies in his smile, voice and communication skills. One recent Internet popularity poll even rated him higher than heartthrob actor Ken Thiradej among female netizens.

Sansern, 46, said it could have something to do with his nightly prime-time appearances on TV for CRES press conferences over the past two months during the political turmoil.

He does not go on TV as much these days but his appeal is still growing. His fans set up groups of admirers on websites like Facebook and Twitter. Popular local web boards on Pantip.com also talked about this Army officer nicknamed "Kai Ou".

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva, who has his own fan clubs in cyberspace, recently sent Sansern an SMS to let him know about new groups of admirers forming online.

Among the Facebook groups dedicated to Sansern is one proclaiming "We like Kai Ou because he appears on TV every two hours". It has gathered more than 14,000 followers.

Another group with 9,860 followers, whose leaders noticed the dark bags under Sansern's weary eyes, offered to send him some eye cream.

The group that professes confidence that Thais around the world want to offer moral support to Sansern has 9,108 members.

Another Facebook group that wants Sansern promoted to major-general has attracted 1,255 like-minded people.

The latest group, www.facebook.com/kaiou23, now has 3,687 friends.

Sansern's enthusiasts, most of them women, say they like his light-hearted character and believe he was born to be a spokesman. Some of his fan-club members have met him in person when his schedule became less busy following the pause in the political turmoil.

"Pimorn" says she first saw Sansern on TV briefing the mass media alongside acting government spokesman Panitan Wattanayagorn. She found that while Panitan was calm and stern-faced, uncharacteristic of a spokesman, Sansern was talkative and friendly-looking, the qualities of a good spokesman. He had the same personality even when meeting his followers.

She says she has enlisted in almost all the Facebook groups devoted to supporting the Army spokesman. "Applying is easy. I just click the mouse and become a member."

"Noravit Boom", a marketing expert, says she likes the way he performs his spokesman's job. Unlike men in uniform making announcements on TV during a time of political crisis, Sansern looks much more sociable and did not make his viewers feel they were ordered to listen to him. "He never said, 'Please listen again'," she says.

As someone in the marketing field, she views Sansern as a potentially popular brand. The government should use him as a presenter in a campaigns promoting social reconciliation, she adds.

-- The Nation 2010-06-06

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Thai Cabinet Reshuffle To Counter The Red Shirts

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/Thai-Cabinet...Re-t372310.html

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Three fairs today

By The Nation on Sunday

CHON BURI - The Ministry of Commerce yesterday launched a fair alongside Pattaya Beach to help riot-affected entrepre-neurs from Rajprasong inter-section, Pratunam and Victory Monument sell products to shoppers and tourists.

"Pattaya Shop on the Beach" featured 800 booths and a music concert, held from 10am yesterday till midnight. The event will run until today. It is expected to generate at least Bt100 million.

Meanwhile, Bangkok also has a two-day trade fair called "Together We Can" grand sale on Henri Dunant Road near Siam Square until today. The fair, from 10am till 8pm, aims to help 700 entrepreneurs whose retail businesses were affected from the recent riots.

At Siam Paragon Mall, there was also a fair named "Being Charitable Together" running from 10am to 9pm today. The event has 160 booths for riot affected entrepreneurs and a charity music concert.

-- The Nation 2010-06-06

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Filipino Arrested After 'drug Run': http://bit.ly/bVHv8z

Three fairs today in Pattaya and Bangkok: http://bit.ly/arA9GR

PM Abhisit to attend World Economic Forum on East Asia in Vietnam: http://bit.ly/cdJrlw

Royal endorsement sought for Cabinet line-up: http://bit.ly/c5NFEU

Arsonists arrested in Ubon: http://bit.ly/bdlpz8

Colonel Sansern wins thousands of supporters despite crisis: http://bit.ly/cQMdwj

Thai Cabinet Reshuffle To Counter The Red Shirts: http://bit.ly/d98EbB

PM Abhisit Calls Halt To Khao Yai Road Expansion: http://bit.ly/anInLU

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PM: Reconciliation roadmap to be implemented next week

BANGKOK (NNT) -- The government will officially begin translating some portions of the five-point proposed reconciliation roadmap into action next week, according to Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva.

Speaking on his weekly talk show on Sunday, "Confidence in Thailand with PM Abhisit", the Prime Minister stated that the ruling government clarified recent political situations during the censure debate and prepared for establishing an independent body to investigate all pending cases for widely-accepted results.

The main agenda for the reconciliation roadmap includes national reform and solving social inequality, economic disparity and related issues, said PM Abhisit. Three key implemention plans are surveying, public hearing and collaborating with media-related organizations in order to foster the freedom of expression.

The government has assessed the situation prior to the revocation of the Emergency Decree in several areas, added the PM.

-- NNT 2010-06-06

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PM leaves for World Economic Forum on East Asia 2010

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva left for the World Economic Forum on East Asia 2010 in Vietnam Sunday.

He left on a military plane at the Don Muang military airport at 10:30 am after holding his weekly TV programme at NBT at 10:30 am.]

The prime minister is scheduled to return at the Don Muang military airport at 6:20 pm.

-- The Nation 2010-06-06

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Bangkok police chief: foreign suspects in Bt12 million robbery at Krung Thai Bank head office still in city; police seek warrants Monday /via MCOTEnglishnews