Thailand Live Thursday 17 Jun 2010

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Thailand Live Thursday 17 June 2010

News, Bits and Tweets

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Keep up to date with live updates from the news, hour by hour.

For breaking news,national, regional and international news updates on

a daily basis only, this thread is closed to commentary so that those

who wish to follow the news can find it here...

Commentary is still open for Thailand news in the relevant thread posted in News Clippings.

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Related topic: Thailand Live Wednesday 16 June 2010

Thailand Live Wednesday 16 Jun 2010 - Thailand Forum

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Govt launches a campaign to promote Thai identities

BANGKOK (NNT) – The Government backs up the campaign of “Maintaining Thai through Trairong” to promote Thai identity among youth through the tricolor flag, Trairong, the national flag.

Chief Inspector of the PM's Office Rapeephan Sariwat said that the government aimed to promote the knowledge of national flag and national anthem among the government and private sectors and educational institutions particularly children and youth. The National Identity Promotion Office therefore has been tasked to launch a campaign called Maintaining Thai through Trairong.

The project’s aim is to publicize the knowledge of Thai national flag in the aspects of meaning, usability, and decoration as well as the accuracy in singing Thai national anthem, hoping to create loyalty and unity among citizens.

Activities in accordance with the campaign comprise distributing handbooks about Thai flag, training on Thai flag’s meaning, flag decoration contest, and national anthem singing contest. These activities will commence within this month.

-- NNT 2010-06-17

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DROUGHT

PM opposes cash handout plan for drought victims

PM Abhisit With Grave Concern Over Thailand's Severe Drought Problem – Thailand News clippings

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Follies and a farce

Follies And A Farce; Theatrial performance at Muangthai Ratchadalai Theatre – Bangkok Forum

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STOCK EXCHANGE OF THAILAND

Thaicom's share trading under scrutiny

By The Nation

The Stock Exchange of Thailand will examine Thaicom's share trading over the past three days, during which its share price jumped drastically.

BANGKOK: -- The surge took place as word spread that the Thai government would buy back Thaicom's satellite business from Singapore's Temasek Holdings.

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva yesterday refused to say whether such a purchase would actually be made.

The company's share price skyrocketed 31 per cent on Monday and Tuesday. Thaicom yesterday closed at Bt6.50, down 9.72 per cent from Tuesday.

SET President Charamporn Jotikasthira said his office had information on buyers and sellers in recent days at hand.

"We need to look into whether anyone violated the law. Then once we have that information, it will be submitted to the Securities and Exchange Commission [sEC]," he said.

SEC secretary-general Thirachai Phuvanatnaranubala yesterday said the watchdog was waiting for the preliminary investigation report from the SET.

The SET information will pinpoint any irregular movement in the share price and determine whether any unfamiliar individuals emerge on the list of investors, he said.

"Upon receiving this information, the SEC will launch an in-depth investigation," Thirachai said.

Speaking at a press conference, Puea Thai Party spokesman Prompong Nopparit said he would give the SEC 30 days to complete its probe before taking any further action.

He alleges that more than 10 nominees of Thai MPs, especially those with the initials K and S, were involved in insider trading of Thaicom shares, putting Thaicom's trading volume at Bt826 million on Monday, with the share price rising 29.63 per cent.

The firm's trading volume peaked at Bt1.346 billion on Tuesday, Prompong added.

Thaicom's share trading last month averaged about Bt18 million a day, with a peak of Bt82 million.

In response, Finance Minister Korn Chatikavanij challenged Prompong to disclose the full names.

"Please stop slandering. If you want to make accusations, use the full names," he said.

Korn insisted he himself was innocent. He pointed out that after he flew to Singapore to discuss the Thaicom purchase plan with Temasek Holdings on April 12, the price of Thaicom shares continued to move within a narrow range of Bt5 to Bt5.50, with trading volume steady at Bt31 million.

The share price started to rise last Friday, and when news about the purchase plan broke on Monday, it rose to Bt7.20, with a market value of Bt825 million. This proved there was no manipulation, he said.

Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Minister Chuti Krairiksh said he would meet with Korn today to learn how the Finance Ministry intended to proceed with any purchase of Thaicom.

The Finance Ministry will decide on the purchase.

Abhisit denied rumours that money seized from ousted prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra would be used to buy back Thaicom's satellite business.

He said the seized money would best be used to strengthen the Kingdom's financial position and that the Finance Ministry would decide whether Thailand should buy Thaicom shares from Temasek Holdings.

Asked about a proposal by former ICT minister Sitthichai Pookaiyaudom that instead of buying back Thaicom, the government should send another satellite into the entitled orbit, Abhisit admitted that was one alternative.

If the purchase does not go through, Thailand will have to wait another 11 years to get back Thaicom's satellite business. That is the length of time until Thaicom's concession, now held by Temasek Holdings, expires.

Shin Corp, which was founded by Thaksin's family members, owns 41.14 per cent of Thaicom.

The Shinawatras disposed of their shares in Shin, amounting to a stake of more than 46 per cent, to Temasek in January 2006 in a deal worth Bt73 billion. Cedar Holdings and Aspen Holdings, which belong to Temasek, jointly own more than 96 per cent of Shin.

Thaicom now operates the Thaicom 2 and 5 broadcasting satellites and the iPSTAR broadband satellite.

-- The Nation 2010-06-17

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Corruption Getting Worse: PM Abhisit

Corruption Getting Worse: PM Abhisit - Thailand Forum

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SUVARNABHUMI AIRPORT

Smuggling arrests reach 59 after ketamine bust

By The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Two Indians have been arrested at Suvarnabhumi Airport for allegedly trying to smuggle in Bt180million worth of ketamine, an addictive drug. The arrest took place on Tuesday night.

The suspects were Chakraborty Joy, 30, and Roy Abhijit, 28,who flew from Calcutta to Thailand with 10 boxes of glasses, which they declared to customs officials upon arrival.

The officials, however, noticed that the boxes' weight was unusually high.

Intense scrutiny then uncovered a suspicious white powder in hidden pockets, identified after further tests as the substance ketamine.

The ketamine, considered an illegal drug, weighed up to 63 kilogrammes together with its packaging.

Suvarnabhumi Airport director Ekalarp Rattanaruj said yesterday the ketamine had been confiscated and the suspects sent to the Narcotics Suppression Bureau for further legal action.

From October until now, custom officials have arrested 59 drug smugglers at the Suvarnabhumi Airport, collecting hauls worth Bt497million.

The confiscated drugs included 9.29 km of heroin, 65.88 km of crystal methamphetamine hydrochloride or ice, 12.2 km of marijuana, 6.55 km of cocaine and 73 km of ketamine.

-- The Nation 2010-06-17

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

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CHATUCHAK MARKET

A man sentenced to 5 years in jail for arson attack

By The Nation

BANGKOK: -- A man yesterday was given a five-year jail term for conspiring to launch an arson attack on the Chatuchak Sunday Market three years ago.

After considering evidence and witness testimonies, the Ratchadaphisek Criminal Court found Aree or Athit Thippakdee guilty as charged despite his claim that he wasn't present when the crime was committed.

The court sentenced him to 10 years but then cut that in half due to his useful confession.

The indictment filed on April 30 of last year stated that Aree and three suspects who were present at the trial burned down four stalls belonging to Porntip Pongpitaksopon on the night of July 12, 2007, causing damage worth Bt1.3 million.

On June 3, Apinya Wongbanyat, the legal affairs manager of Thanasarnsombatpattana, was sentenced to serve 16 years in jail for hiring people to torch the shops.

The other arsonist, Narin Phoya, was sentenced to a 10-year jail term that was halved due to his cooperation on the case.

-- The Nation 2010-06-17

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Project to make blind people independent

By The Nation

In the next five years, more than 68,000 blind people across the country will be trained to become fully independent as part of the government-funded "White Canes" project.

The project is implemented by National Health Security Office (NHSO) at the total cost of Bt770 million, which translates to about Bt9,000 for each blind or visually impaired person. The 20-day, 120-hour course will ensure that each blind person can be independent or require the minimum of assistance.

At present, 80,000 of Thai citizens are visually impaired, but only about 15 per cent or about 12,000 of them have received training.

The Bt770-million budget was initially earmarked for providing courses over a period of 10 years. However, Public Health Minister Jurin Laksanawisit halved the period and granted the entire amount.

NHSO had originally set a longer period because there's a serious shortage of qualified trainers, with fewer than 100 of them across the country. However, a recent finding by the Thailand Nursing and Midwifery Council (TNMC) showed that a large number of nurses studying under the modern curriculum were qualified to provide white-cane courses.

In addition to the NHSO, the ministry and TNMC, the project will be jointly implemented by the Ratchasuda College under Mahidol University, which was founded by HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn and associations for the blind.

-- The Nation 2010-06-17

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Govt offers farmers debt, interest relief

By The Nation

BANGKOK: -- The government has a plan to relieve 80,000 farmers of much of their debt burden - requiring them to pay just half of any remaining principal back to their creditors. And interest will be waived.

"We have already talked to the creditors and they all agree with the plan," Deputy Prime Minister Sanan Kachornprasart said yesterday.

Sanan said the creditors are state-run banks: the Krung Thai Bank, Government Savings Bank, Bank for Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives, and the Government Housing Bank.

Sanan said these banks should make some sacrifice, given that they had already received large amounts of interest from poor farmers.

The plan will cover 80,000 of 510,000 farmers in the Farmer's Reconstruction and Development Fund programme.

Sanan said the farmers eligible for this plan must pay half of the remaining principal back to the banks within 15 years. Failure to do so, he said, would result in their loss of privileges under the plan.

"Without the privileges, they will have to pay all the principal and interest incurred," he said.

Sanan expected Finance Minister Korn Chatikavanij to submit the plan before Cabinet next Tuesday.

"Once the Cabinet gives the green light, the plan can be implemented immediately," Sanan said.

-- The Nation 2010-06-17

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FDA arrests 12 sellers of 'cure-all' supplements

By Pongphon Sarnsamak

The Nation

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) yesterday arrested 12 people for selling herbal supplements and making fraudulent claims that their products could cure serious illnesses such as cervical cancer and heart disease.

FDA's secretary-general Dr Pipat Yingseri said his agency had teamed up with the Consumer Protection Police Division to survey and monitor health products that could put consumers at risk. So far, FDA has found that more than 200 types of herbal supplements worth Bt2.2 million were being illegally sold in Bangkok's Ta Tian market.

Most products were being sold under false claims of being cures for eye disease, cervical and breast cancer, as well as paralysis and heart disease, not to mention keeping users looking youthful. Some of these products have not been legally registered with the FDA and do not carry the label.

The products currently under scrutiny are eye-drops said to cure eye disease; a capsule said to fight age; an inhalant that allegedly helps make the heart and brain stronger as well as curing heart disease and diabetes; and Moringa oil that apparently cures joint aches and pains.

Pipat said people who violated the law by selling spurious products without permission or registering with the FDA would face three years in jail and be fined Bt5,000. Those who sell cosmetics without an FDA label on their products will also face a three-year jail term and be fined Bt20,000.

He warned manufacturers to have their products registered with the FDA and not make false claims about their supplements being cures. He also advised consumers to beware of fraudulent advertisements.

-- The Nation 2010-06-17

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AFTERMATH

Govt to decide on amnesty, emergency

By The Nation

BANGKOK: -- The government should be able to make a decision within three weeks on two key issues - the emergency rule and an amnesty for red shirts found not involved in terrorism, Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban said yesterday.

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

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

At a meeting on Tuesday evening, Suthep instructed CRES to map out its recommendations.

Since April 7, the government has declared the state of emergency four times in 24 provinces, including Bangkok.

According to the first declaration, the emergency rule should expire on July 7 and the government has until then to make a decision on whether to continue, lift or scale down the decree.

At present, some 300 to 400 red shirts are in detention for violating the emergency rule and many are not linked to terrorism.

The authorities have the right to prosecute these suspects whether or not the state of emergency is reinforced, though the legal proceedings would hinge on whether an amnesty was granted.

-- The Nation 2010-06-17

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REDS LEADERS

Red-shirt leaders being detained in two prisons

By The Nation

BANGKOK: -- For safety reasons, the 11 red-shirt leaders detained on terrorism charges have been split up while on remand at two correctional facilities, Corrections Department director-general Chatchai Suthiklom said yesterday.

The 11 were placed on remand for 12 days from 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, Yoswarit Chuklom aka Jeng Dokjik, and Amnart Intarachote are at Klong Prem Prison.

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

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

Karom Polthaklang, lawyer for the 11 detained red-shirt leaders, said yesterday he would again seek their temporary release after the first 10 days of detention in prison.

The lawyer said he would protest any extension of their period in remand and would apply for bail after a similar request was rejected by a lower court on Tuesday.

"If the applications are rejected by the Court of Appeals, I will petition the Supreme Court," he said.

He said it was the red-shirt leaders' intention to wait and see whether the reconciliation efforts would have any impact on their request for temporary release.

Karom said the legal team was preparing bail of Bt1.5 million for each of the red-shirt leaders, adding the higher amount of bail might help convince the court they had no plans to jump bail.

On Tuesday, the Criminal Court rejected bail applications from the 11 red-shirt leaders charged with terrorism, citing flight risk. Karom said on Tuesday he would appeal the court decision today.

After their surrender at the end of the anti-government rally on May 19, the red-shirt leaders were earlier detained at the Border Patrol Police's Naresuan Camp in Phetchaburi.

Karom yesterday called on Veera Musigapong and four other red-shirt leaders being detained at the Bangkok Remand Prison. Six other red-shirt leaders are being held at the Klong Prem Central Prison.

Meanwhile, Thida Tojirakarn, wife of weng Tojirakarn, one of the detained red-shirt leaders, complained yesterday about the small-sized rooms where the six red-shirt leaders were being detained at the Klong Prem Prison. She said that according to her husband, the room was just six metres by four metres.

Thida said the red-shirt leaders should have been treated as political detainees and given a better place of detention.

In a related development, the detained red-shirt leaders were upset that the prison wear was in yellow - the political colour of their rival People's Alliance for Democracy.

Their red-shirt supporters who visited them at the prison also reportedly were dissatisfied their leaders had to wear yellow while in detention.

The commander of the Bangkok Remand Prison, Sophon Thitithammaphruek, said yesterday that yellow was the colour of choice for convicts at the prison. He said the prison uniform was previously blue but in 2005, when the government was campaigning for people to wear yellow in honour of His Majesty the King, inmates wrote to the prison commander asking for their uniform colour to be changed to yellow.

The prison management agreed to the idea and inmate clothing has remained yellow ever since, the prison commander said.

-- The Nation 2010-06-16

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Govt to organize ASEAN+3 Concert for the King on 19 Jun

BANGKOK (NNT) -- The Thai government prepares to organize the ASEAN+3 Concert for the King in honor of His Majesty the King, hoping to attract foreign tourists back to Thailand.

Prime Minister's Office Minister Ong-art Klampaiboon stated that the ASEAN+3 Concert for the King would be held on 19 June from 14.00-17.00 hrs at the Thailand Cultural Center. The event is organized to celebrate the 60th anniversary of His Majesty the King’s accession to the throne.

Moreover, the concert is also expected to help regain foreign confidence as well as tighten relations between Thailand and other ASEAN member countries. China has started encouraging its citizens to visit Thailand while other nations have already called off travel warnings against Thailand.

A number of artists from 10 ASEAN countries and the 3 dialogue partners, which are China, Korea, and Japan, will participate in the event. 3 famous pieces of the royal compositions will also be performed during the concert.

People interested in watching the concert can contact 02-274-9098 for free tickets during normal operating hours.

-- NNT 2010-06-17

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Police Arrest Robber of Prostitute in RCA Caught

BANGKOK: -- Makkasan police have arrested a man suspected of raping and robbing a prostitute in Bangkok's clubbing area known as RCA.

Yutthisak Puangindra, a 31-year-old air-conditioner repairman, was arrested by Makkasan police yesterday for allegedly raping and robbing a prostitute in one of Bangkok's most famous entertainment venues, Royal City Avenue or RCA.

The suspect confessed to his crimes and told the police about he has been committing such crimes for two years now.

Yutthisak said he usually drives to areas known to have prostitutes and picks them up like a regular customer.

But when a victim would get in his car he would handcuff her, force the victim to have sexual intercourse, and rob her of her belongings.

The offender claimed he was taking revenge after having been conned by a prostitute before.

Five of the victims have reported to Police at Makkasan and Lumpini police stations and pointed out the suspect to confirm.

Police have charged Yutthisak for armed robbery, confinement, and illegal possession of arms.

-- Tan Network 2010-06-17

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Police Arrest Grandmother and Clients in Child Prostitution Case

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

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Police Arrest Robber of Prostitute in RCA Caught

Govt to organize ASEAN+3 Concert for the King on 19 June

For safety reasons Red-Shirts leaders being detained in two prisons

Iranian victim of South Pattaya Transsexual pickpocket gang: Iranian Victim Of South Pattaya Transsexual Pickpocket Gang - Thailand Forum

Thai Talk: Rich-poor gap - lots of ideas but where's the political will?: Thai Talk: Rich-Poor Gap - Lots Of Ideas But Where Is The Political Will? - Thailand Forum

Govt to decide on amnesty for red-shirts and emergency rule

Food and Drug Administration arrests 12 sellers of 'cure-all' supplements

Govt offers 80.000 farmers debt and interest relief

Project to make blind people independent

Govt launches a campaign to promote Thai identities

Man sentenced to 5 years in jail for arson attack

Survanabhumi Airport: Smuggling arrests reach 59 after ketamine bust

Stock Exchange of Thailand: Thaicom's share trading under scrutiny

PM Abhisit: Corruption getting worse: Corruption Getting Worse: PM Abhisit - Thailand Forum

Theatrical performance at Muangthai Ratchadalai Theatre

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Charter Amendment Committee Kicks Off First Meeting

The independent committee on Constitution amendments has kicked off its first meeting with the prime minister.

They are seeking a definite guideline as to what the premier expects from their committee.

18 members are present, missing only one who hasn't returned from an overseas trip.

-- Tan Network 2010-06-17

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Businesses in deep south call for govt’s help

PATTANI, 17 June 2010 (NNT) – Traders in the southern province of Pattani call for financial aid from the government, citing difficulties in getting bank loans.

President of the Pattani Chamber of Commerce Natthanon Phongthanyaviriya said the restive situation in the deep south had slowed the local economy down significantly. The business operators have to face many problems such as delayed delivery of goods. Many suppliers will only deliver goods to Hat Yai District in Songkhla province at the farthest, refusing to travel to the 3 southern provinces in fear of the unrest.

Meanwhile, financial institutes have been very tough on offering loans to the local businesses, giving only half of the pledge value.

Mr Natthanon urged the government to apply the same standard of assistance as that given to the riot-stricken businesses in Bangkok to the deep south area. He also demanded additional privileges such as tax deduction for the tourism sector.

-- NNT 2010-06-17

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'Colors of the East' to be organized from 1-4 Jul in Pattaya

CHONBURI (NNT) – The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) injects money into boosting tourism in the eastern region, pulling together a promotional event from 1-4 July in Pattaya.

Director of the TAT’s eastern region office, Jamnong Junnapiya stated that the tourism in Thailand, especially in the eastern region, had been undergoing a recession. The government thus decided to allocate budget from the Strong Thailand scheme to help stimulate local tourism.

This year, the TAT plans to organize a grand regional tourism event “Colors of the East” during which the operators from the eastern provinces of Chon Buri, Rayong, Chanthaburi, and Trad will be offering their best deals. The event will feature an exhibition, One Tambon One Product (OTOP) market, discount vouchers, and tour package giveaways.

-- NNT 2010-06-17

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Rainmaking successful, northern drought improves

BANGKOK (NNT) -- Deputy Prime Minister for Social Affairs, Major General Sanan Kajornprasart, has reported progress of the drought alleviation mission and solutions to debts of farmers to Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva.

Speaking after meeting with the prime minister, Major General Sanan Kajornprasart reported the success of the artificial rainmaking mission and improving the drought situation in the northern provinces upon his recent provincial visits to the areas.

His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej recently designated three provinces to be artificial rainmaking centers, including the northern province of Chiang Mai, the northeastern province of Khon Kaen, and the central province of Nakhon Sawan.

Apart from reporting the drought crisis, the deputy prime minister also noted the progress of the establishment of funds to solve debt problems for farmers. He said the authorities would help clear debts of 80,000 farmers from the total number of 500,000 in the first phase.

Farmers are obliged to pay the obligation within 15 years while the Bank of Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives, the Krung Thai Bank, and the Government Savings Bank will help shoulder the debt burden. Farmers must pay all the debts plus interest upon failure to do so under the designated time.

The establishment of funds to solve debt problems for farmers will be proposed to the cabinet meeting next week accordingly.

-- NNT 2010-06-17

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Fruit prices hike due to low yields

BANGKOK (NNT) -- The price of agricultural products in June has been adjusted up due to the low productivity while the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives is preparing to manage the fruit harvest in July to prevent a price fall.

Speaking of the agricultural product situation, Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives Theera Wongsamut said the price of the fruits such as durian, rambutan, mangosteen, lychee, and longan continued to rise due to the lower supply from the eastern region.

The price of oil palm is also hiking because of its good quality while the increasing price of poultry is caused by the low supply. The particularly hot weather this year results in a slower growth of chickens.

Moreover, the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives is seeking an additional 535 million THB of budget to support the management of seasonal crops from the South as a mass supply of the fruits is expected to pour into the market from July until September. The budget will be used for controlling the fruit quality, the distribution, and the promotion. The ministry believes that the effort will help maintain the fruit price at a reasonable level.

-- NNT 2010-06-17

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Phuket Court Dismisses Sex Case Against PIA Teacher

Phuket Court Dismisses Sex Case Against PIA Teacher - Thailand Forum

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Fruit prices hike due to low yields

Rainmaking successful, northern drought improves

'Colors of the East' to be organized from 1-4 Jul in Pattaya

DSI claims billions of Bt floated frm acc. linked w/ TS 2 fund red moves, allegedly making it most costly pol. campaign ever. /via @tulsathit

Businesses in deep south call for govt’s help

Technician electrocuted in East Pattaya: Technician Electrocuted In East Pattaya - Thailand Forum

Charter Amendment Committee Kicks Off First Meeting

Police Arrest Grandmother and Clients in Child Prostitution Case: Disturbing Child Prostitution Cases Reported In Two Thai Provinces - Thailand Forum

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First meeting of the charter amendments committee

By The Nation

The charter amendments committee led by Sombat Thamrongthanyawong will on Thursday's morning convene its first meeting and Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajival is scheduled to attend and outline his guidelines for the committee's work.

The 19-member committee has been tasked to review the charter amendments designed to improve on the political system as part of the reconciliation process.

Sombat, also president of the National Institute for Development Administration, said his committee will debate on its work process and how to solicit opinions related to the charter rewrite.

The scope of the committee's work will comprise three aspects - review the six issues for amending the charter as per the recommendations of the reconciliation committee, strengthen the political system and increase the people's participation.

Committee member Wuthisan Tanchai said he expected a greater involvement of the public sector to assist in the committee's work. He also hinted that a referendum vote might be deemed necessary at some point in the charter rewriting process.

-- The Nation 2010-06-17

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Chaturon reports himself to police, blames PM for insincerity to reconcile

BANGKOK: -- Former Thai Rak Thai leader Chaturon Chaisang on Thursday reported himself at the Lumpini police station to acknowledge his charges for violating the security ban by attending and making speeches at the red-shirt rally.

Chaturon's charges are based on provisions in the Internal Security Act and not related to the state of emergency which was imposed after his appearances at the rally.

After police completed booking him, he said he denied all charges and that he had submitted the transcribed copies of his recorded speeches made at Rajdamnoen and Rajprasong rally sites as proof of his innocence.

"What I said was aimed at demanding for democracy and warning the government not to use force against the people," he said, insisting there is no justification for charges against him.

He said Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva was the culprit for ordering the people killed, hence he should be facing charges instead of trying persecute his opponents.

He ruled out the allegation that he and the opposition tried to derail the road map for reconciliation.

-- The Nation 2010-06-17

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Thailand Upset By US Human Trafficking Watch List

Thailand Upset By US Human Trafficking Watch List - Thailand Forum

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Fruit prices hike due to low yields

Rainmaking successful, northern drought improves

'Colors of the East' to be organized from 1-4 Jul in Pattaya

DSI claims billions of Bt floated frm acc. linked w/ TS 2 fund red moves, allegedly making it most costly pol. campaign ever. /via @tulsathit

Businesses in deep south call for govt’s help

Former Thai Rak Thai leader Chaturon reported himself at the Lumpini police station

First meeting of the charter amendments committee

British woman survives monkey attack during Phuket holiday: British Woman Survives Monkey Attack During Phuket Holiday - Thailand Forum

Phuket Court dismisses sex case against PIA teacher: Phuket Court Dismisses Sex Case Against PIA Teacher - Thailand Forum

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Crops ruined in various provinces as drought intensifies

BANGKOK (NNT) -- The ongoing problems of drought has intensified, hampering crop yields in various provinces.

According to reports, over 10,000 rais of rice paddies in Amnat Charoen province and corn fields in Chiang Rai have been destroyed by the lack of rainfall.

In Phayao province, the dirt in the rice paddies have dried up, killing rice that has already been grown. Jun district in Phayao province is the most popular district known for its rice plantation. Head of the disaster prevention and mitigation in Amnat Charoen province said that after the drought has occurred for three months, leading to ruined crops. Mr Niran Boomsigh said that if the rain fails to fall in one to two weeks, the rice that farmers have grown will dry up.

In Surin province, the local people have conducted a ceremony offering colored clothes, candles and incensed sticks to a betel nut tree to ask for rain water after the sparse rainfall has ruined sowed rice.

-- NNT 2010-06-17

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Korn: Govt Thaicom acquisition under negotiations

BANGKOK (NNT) -- Finance Minister Korn Chatikavanij revealed that the government's acquisition of the Thaicom satellite is under the process of negotiations, after the government has been mulling over the purchase, which is believed to reinforce national security.

Currently, the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) have been assigned by the Thai premier to study the acquisition of the Thaicom satellite.

Thaicom satellite is owned by Shin Corp, owned by ousted former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatara. Thaicom stirred a public outcry when it was then sold to Temasek of Singapore in January 2006.

Mr Korn said the Stocks Exchange Commission (SEC) is currently launching an investigation for insider trading, by parties who manipulate information to maneuver the direction of stocks. Mr Korn assured that violators will face legal action.

-- NNT 2010-06-17