Thailand Live Wednesday 16 Jun 2010

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Thailand Live Wednesday 16 June 2010

News, Bits and Tweets

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Related topic: Thailand Live Tuesday 15 June 2010

Thailand Live Tuesday 15 Jun 2010 - Thailand Forum

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Fine Art Dept to register 25 ancient ruins as 2010 archaeological sites

BANGKOK (NNT) -- The Fine Arts Department is preparing to announce 25 ancient ruins nationwide to be registered in the 2010 archaeological sites for a budget support in their restoration and development.

Those historical sites to be registered as the archaeological sites of 2010 are divided into eight regional venues and 17 venues in Bangkok and perimeter. All sites are planned to be demarcated with related details amended before being published in the Royal Gazette with the aim to obtain the support of conservation budget. Currently, there are 191 sites in Bangkok and 1,912 in other regions published as archaeological sites.

The 25 ancient ruins include Phisuea Samut Fort in Samut Prakan; Old City Wall in Ratchaburi; Wat Yang, Wat Ratsatthatham, Wat Na Phrom, Wat Priang in Phetchaburi; Sam Roi Yot Cave in Prachuap Khiri Khan. Such premises in Bangkok are Wat Kalayanamit, Wat Chinorat , Wat Khrueawan, Wat Bang Khun Thian Nok, Wat Parusakawan, and the Wannakowit House, for example.

-- NNT 200-06-16

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Govt Defends Satellite Buyback Plan

Thai Govt Mulls Buying Thaicom Over Security Fears

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Drought spurs treasure hunt on bed of Yom river in Phichit

By The Nation

Locals look for antique amulets, coins left by boat sinking 50 yrs ago

PICHIT: -- In the wake of severe drought, the deepest portions of the Yom River in Phichit have run dry. Locals said they had never seen such the river so dry in the last five decades.

Many have decided to turn the crisis into opportunity by rummaging through soil and sand on the river bed in the hope of finding valuables from past eras.

More than 50 years ago, the boat of a famous monk and other vessels of wealthy people reportedly sank at the now dry spot, raising the possibility of treasure items scattered around there.

The word has spread like wildfire that precious antique amulets and coins have been recovered from the the river bed.

With serious interest growing among the locals, market stalls have mushroomed around the spot and traffic is slow and heavy.

Serious searchers for valuables have lit incense and candles to ask for permission from spirits in the area then, armed with sticks, have started to hunt.

In Trang, provincial agriculture chief Samart Lakhana said 266 farmers affected by drought since February have received Bt449,087 in financial help from the provincial government for damaged crops.

"Now we are concerned about the out-of-season paddy fields which spread across 120 rai of land," Samart said. "We are trying to find water for the farmers," he added.

According to the Interior Ministry, disasters including drought and storms have damaged two-million rai of farmland. The government has already shelled out about Bt253 million to ease the plight of affected farmers this year.

Deputy government spokesman Watchara Kannikar said the Cabinet discussed the drought issue at its meeting yesterday. It approved Deputy Prime Minister Trairong Suwankhiri's plan to introduce Monkey Cheeks projects [royal water control schemes initiated by His Majesty the King] in various areas. The plan will cost well over Bt3 billion.

On Monday, the water level in Bhumibol and Sirikit dams was critical. However, with the rainy season approaching and rain-making operations planned, authorities believe it is likely the country will have adequate water for its people and ecology this year.

-- The Nation 2010-06-16

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Rama IX monorail proposed

Published on June 16, 2010

A group of real-estate business owners on and along Rama IX Road has proposed an elevated commuter monorail system to link their properties and public transport, including an MRT station.

The elevated rail system would be about 800 metres long and serve up to 150,000 people each day who are company staff and residents of the network of apartments and office projects.

Deputy Bangkok governor Theerachon Manomaiphi-bool yesterday announced proposed project at a conference with Yothin Deebunjaroen, of Grand Canal Land who initiated the project.

The estimated cost is Bt1 billion and will be covered by owners of the real-estate businesses. Theerachon said the monorail project, when completed, would serve as a model of public-supported transport without government spending.

-- The Nation 2010-06-16

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Students biggest football betters

The Central Investigation Bureau has found that of the World Cup 2010 punters, 6 per cent were primary school students, 13 per cent were lower secondary students, 15 per cent were from higher secondary schools and 18 per cent came from vocational schools and universities.

This information was revealed yesterday by the Education Ministry's Office of Basic Education Commission (Obec) in a videoconference with directors of 185 educational zone offices nationwide.

The bureau said there are 10 pointers to show kids are involved in in betting: they never miss a match; they cheer teams they don't know; they use betting words; they always carry sports magazines or football forecasts; their spending behaviour has changed; they borrow; they keep losing valuables; they appear depressed; they seem to have a lot of money; and they appear paranoid due to bookies' threats.

-- The Nation 2010-06-16

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Democrats face tough choice in by-election

Thai Democrats Face Tough Choice In By-Election - Thailand Forum

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Bugs from man's skin to be tested

BANGKOK: -- The Public Health Ministry's permanent secretary said yesterday he had told health officials to collect the bugs that had flown out of a man's wounds and send them for lab testing.

Following news that a 52-year-old man in Mae Tha district had developed curious skin wounds, from which fly-like insects were emerging, Dr Paijit Warachit said yesterday there might be two reasons behind it. First, the man may have lived in a forested area and fruit flies had laid eggs on his wounds or, the man has a lower-than-average immune system.

Paijit said he had told Lampang health officials to have the bugs inspected by entomologists, as well as have a skin expert examine the patient. He said it was unlikely this condition is contagious or fatal.

A similar case emerged in the South a long time ago and the local treatment involved applying vinegar or fermented tobacco leaves to the wounds to kill the eggs or larvae.

-- The Nation 2010-06-16

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Hunt on for militants over bombing near school

By THE NATION

YALA: -- A school in Yala's Bannang Sata district was closed as authorities hunted for insurgents who planted a bomb nearby, killing one paramilitary official and injuring three others yesterday morning.

The bomb attack took place at 8am on the road 300 metres from Ban Bacho School, injuring four paramilitary officials, one fatally.

Corporal Sakkarin Maneeprawat, 26, was pronounced dead on reaching hospital. Forensic officials suspect the bomb weighing about 3-5 kilograms was placed in a metal box and detonated by cellphone.

The bomb went off when |the eight-strong paramilitary| unit patrolling the area on foot to provide security to local teachers passed by.

Bannang Sata district chief Methree Kanchanapangkha said that following the bomb attack, Ban Bacho School was temporarily closed for the day to allow security officials to carry out investigations.

The schoolteachers' to-and-from-home routes must be secured as the Malayu-Pattani National Day approaches. Southern insurgents have given importance to the day and increased attacks that particularly targeted teachers and state officials, he said.

Meanwhile, Anwa Tosae, a 36-year-old villager of Ban Hutae Majae in Pattani's Sai Buri district, was shot dead by two men on a motorcycle on Monday night.

The victim was riding his motorcycle back home from a football field. Police are unclear whether the killing was due to a personal conflict or a part of the ongoing violence in the region.

-- The Nation 2010-06-16

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Prison Officials Beef Up Security as Red Shirt Supports Arrive to Visit Leaders

Officials at the Bangkok Remand Prison beef up security measures in preparation for a show of support by red shirt protesters arriving at the prison to visit red shirt leaders who were denied bail yesterday.

-- Tan Network 2010-06-16

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Bangkok: Australian Killer Freed By Thai Authorities

Australian Killer Freed By Thai Authorities - Thailand Forum

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Airport rail link adds 2 more stops on trial run

BANGKOK (NNT) -- The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) has opened another two stations on its Suvarnabhumi airport link after many people have been flocking to use the service, now provided on a trial basis.

SRT Governor, Yutthana Thapcharoen, stated that the airport link’s trial operation was very popular at present as the service was available during rush hours from 7.00 to 10.00 hrs in the morning and from 16.00 to 19.00 hrs in the afternoon. The train however picked up passengers only at Phya Thai station in downtown Bangkok and at Suvarnabhumi Airport.

Mr Yutthana said the SRT had resolved that beginning 15 June, the train would stop at two more stations, namely Hua Mak and Ramkhamhaeng, taking into consideration the convenience of residents along the route.

The governor also expected that the full commercial service of the airport link would take place on 12 August 2010.

The trial operation of the train started on 1 June 2010, providing non-stop service betweem Phya Thai Station and Suvarnabhumi International Airport.

-- NNT 2010-06-16

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INN: Bomb attack on Chareonrap Rd injures 3; authorities say attack not politically motivated /via Tan Network

Bangkok: Airport rail link adds 2 more stops on trial run

Australian Killer Freed By Thai Authorities Australian Killer Freed By Thai Authorities - Thailand Forum

Prison Officials Beef Up Security as Red Shirt Supports Arrive to Visit Leaders

Hunt on for militants over bombing near school

Bugs from man's skin to be tested

Fine Art Dept to register 25 ancient ruins as 2010 archaeological sites

Drought spurs treasure hunt on bed of Yom river in Phichit

Rama IX monorail proposed

Students biggest football betters

Democrats face tough choice in by-election: Thai Democrats Face Tough Choice In By-Election - Thailand Forum

Thailand sets up unit to tackle websites insulting royals: Thailand Sets Up Unit To Tackle Websites Insulting Royals - Thailand Forum

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TAT confident tax deduction measure will boost domestic tourism

BANGKOK (NNT) -- The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is positive that the government’s measure offering tax deduction to payers who show bills of accommodations of up to 15,000 THB spent on their holidays, will help promote the domestic tourism.

TAT Governor Suraphon Svetasreni said that the tourism stimulus package, such as the tax deduction measure, would boost the tourism sector effectively. He expected a significant increase in the number of Thai tourists while the amount of revenues generated in the business will have to be monitored.

As for foreign visitors, the TAT will move forward to restore their confidence in order to attract as many of them back to Thailand as possible. The post-riot statistics on the number of tourists and the overall income will be reviewed before deciding whether the original target figures should be revised or not.

Moreover, the TAT is seeking an extra budget of 80 million THB from the government to sponsor additional campaigns to stimulate Thai people to travel within the country.

-- NNT 2010-06-16

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Bomb Attack on Yudee Community on Jareonrap Rd

Police have reported a bomb attack on the Yudee community in the Jareonrap area.

Three minor injuries have been reported. Police believe the attack stemmed from a land ownership dispute.

-- Tan Network 2010-06-16

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Jakrapob in Europe; Arisman and Suporn remain at large

Fugitive red-shirt leader Jakrapob Penkair has been detected to maintain activities based in Europe, Information and Communication Technology Minister Chuti Kririksh said on Wednesday.

Chuti said his ministry has compiled a list of about 200 suspects who are active in posting messages deemed offensive to the monarchy in various Webboards.

Jakrapob is a suspect on the lese majeste charge.

Another lese majeste suspect Giles Ungphakorn is also in Europe, Chuti said.

-- The Nation 2010-06-16

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INDONESIA ISSUES TSUNAMI WARNING FOR EASTERN COASTLINES AFTER 7.1 QUAKE /@via wireupdate INDONESIA ISSUES TSUNAMI WARNING FOR EASTERN COASTLINES AFTER 7.1 QUAKE » Breaking News | Wire Update News | News Wires -

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Disturbing Child Prostitution Cases Reported in Two Thai Provinces

Disturbing Child Prostitution Cases Reported In Two Thai Provinces - Thailand Forum

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TSUNAMI WARNING CANCELED AFTER 7.1 QUAKE IN EASTERN INDONESIA /via @WireUpdate: TSUNAMI WARNING CANCELED AFTER 7.1 QUAKE IN EASTERN INDONESIA » Breaking News | Wire Update News | News Wires -

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News about fugitive UDD leaders yet to be confirmed

BANGKOK (NNT) -- Information on the hideouts of two wanted hardcore leaders of the anti-government United Front of Democracy Against Dictatorship (UDD) in a neighboring country, recently disclosed by security units, is yet to be confirmed, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Mr Panich Vikitsreth, Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs, stated that the ministry had not received any official report on the whereabout of the 2 UDD core figures on the run. The two, Arisman Ponruangrong and Suporn Atthawong, were said to have sneaked into Cambodia. If the information was true, Mr Panich said, their escape was illegal.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has been coordinating with the immigration police to spot the fugitives who have been issued with arrest warrants.

Mr Arisman and Mr Suporn, wanted for violating the emergency law, have been on the run since the dispersal of the UDD rally at Ratchaprasong on 19 May.

-- NNT 2010-06-16

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CRES may extend emergency law imposition

BANGKOK (NNT) -- The Center for the Resolution of Emergency Situation (CRES) is considering extending the Emergency Decree imposition after it has found some suspicious movements of the anti-government United Front of Democracy Against Dictatorship (UDD) in some areas.

CRES and Army Spokesperson, Colonel Sansern Kaewkamnerd, said related authorities would discuss the continuation of the State of Emergency during 23-25 June before proposing their conclusion to the cabinet. According to the recent Army intelligence, there are still attempts by UDD supporters to use heavy weapons in instigating violence in some provinces. Officers are looking into the case and proceeding on legal action to curb the situation.

Meanwhile, Secretary-General of the National Security Council (NSC) Tawin Pleansri revealed that the list of 152 people suspected to be the source of fund for the recent UDD rally has been cut down to 86. In the latest development, an ad-hoc panel has been appointed to investigate the financial transactions of the 86 suspects.

-- NNT 2010-06-16

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Thais crowd into Siriraj Hospital to wish HM the King good health

BANGKOK (NNT) -- Thai citizens from all walks of life have continuously travelled to sign get-well books for His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej at the 100-Years Hall of Siriraj Hospital.

Representatives from both public and private units, and common people travelled to wish HM the King good health and longevity throughout yesterday. Some well-wishers brought bouquets and laid them in front of HM the King’s portrait while others donated their blood to the hospital as a tribute to the king.

Those well-wishers comprised, for example, Acting National Police Chief, Police General Pateep Tunprasert, the Olympic Committee of Thailand, and officials of the Thai Language Clinic.

The Bureau of the Royal Household reopened the get-well book signing to the public on 1 June 2010 after a two-month suspension due to the political demonstrations of the United Front of Democracy Against Dictatorship group. The signing period is available everyday from 7.00 to 18.00 hrs.

HM the King has been hospitalized since 19 September 2009 due to fever, fatigue and loss of appetite. Although HM the King has already recovered from his illness, he remains in the hospital for physical rehabilitation.

-- NNT 2010-06-16

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Three weeks needed for review on emergency rule and amnesty: Suthep

The government should be able to draw a conclusion in three weeks on two key issues - the emergency rule and the amnesty for the red shirts not involved in terrorism, Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban said on Wednesday.

"The review is underway and the Centre for the Resolution of the Emergency Situation needs a brainstorming in order to come up recommendations deemed beneficial to the country in the long run," he said.

Pending the completion of the CRES report, the Cabinet would debate and decide on whether to grant amnesty and whether to cancel or scale down the state of emergency, he said.

At the meeting on Tuesday's evening, he instructed the CRES to map out its recommendations to the government.

-- The Nation 2010-06-16

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Police Find Another Weapons Cache at Patum Temple

Police conducted another raid on the Patumwanaram Temple. In their search, they found several home made bombs and other explosives.

-- Tan Network 2010-06-16

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AFTERMATH

11 red-shirt leaders remanded at two prisons

By The Nation

For safety reason, the 11 red-shirt leaders charged for terrorism have been split for remand at two correctional facilities, Corrections Department director general Chatchai Suthiklom said on Wednesday.

The 11 have been remanded for 12 days since Tuesday.

Of the 11, Veera Musigapong, Natthawut Saikua, Nisit Sinthuprai, Sombat Makthong and Pichet "Phumikitti" Sukchinda are being held at Bangkok Remand Prison.

The remaining six, weng Tojirakarn, Kwanchai Praipana Sarakam, Wiputhalaeng Pattanaphuthai, Jeng Dokjik aka Yoswarit Chuklom and Amnart Intarachote, are at Khlong Prem Prison.

Chatchai said the 11 had no privileges over other cellmates and that they would be allowed to received visitors once a day at 11 am.

No more than 10 visitors would be permitted for each visit. A number of red shirts have been seen lining up to see their leaders after a first night in remand.

-- The Nation 2010-06-16

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Red Leaders Decide Not to Request Bail Today

Lawyers representing the red shirt leaders have revealed that after discussing the issue with Veera Muksikapong, they will not be making another request for bail today.

They say they have been advised to wait a few days and will increase the bail money to 1.5 million baht, from the original 1 million per person.

-- Tan Network 2010-06-16

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Red-Shirts Leaders Decide Not to Request Bail Today

Police Find Another Weapons Cache at Patum Temple

DPM Suthep:Three weeks needed for review on emergency rule and amnesty

Thais crowd into Siriraj Hospital to wish HM the King good health

Belgium national wanted in his homeland for forgery busted over counterfeit documents: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/Belgian-Busted-Over-Counterfeit-Document-t375371.html

Habitual thief at it again in Pattaya bag snatch incident: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/Habitual-Thief-At-It-Again-t375373.html

CRES may extend emergency law imposition

News about fugitive Red-Shirts leaders yet to be confirmed

ICT: 500 football betting websites closed down: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/Thailand-500-football-betting-websites-t375366.html

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Thai Police To Impose Severe Penalty For Violators Of Alcohol Act

Thai Police To Impose Severe Penalty For Violators Of Alcohol Act - Thailand Forum

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General Post Office to celebrate its 70th anniversary

BANGKOK (NNT) -- The Thailand Post, in cooperation with the Bangrak District Office, will arrange a commemorative event to mark the 70th anniversary of the General Post Office from 22 to 30 June 2010.

Thailand Post Senior Executive Vice President, Anusra Jitmitraparp, declared that the event would be launched in order to publicize the development of the General Post Office building as well as raise public awareness about historical and cultural importance attached to the building.

The 9-day event will feature an exhibition to tell the history of the General Post Office, including milestone incidents such as the great flood in Bangkok and World War II, through which the building had survived unscathed. Flea market and temple fair will also be arranged as parts of the celebration.

Moreover, Ms Anusra said a special set of stamps to commemorate the 70th Anniversary of General Post Office Building would be sold only on 24 June 2010, the anniversary date.

-- NNT 2010-06-16

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Thai Customs Confiscate Record Ketamine Haul Worth US$ 5.5M At Bangkok Suvarnabhumi

Thai Customs Confiscate Record Ketamine Haul Worth US$ 5.5M At Bangkok Suvarnabhumi - Thailand Forum