Thailand Live Friday 18 Jun 2010

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Thailand Live Friday 18 June 2010

News, Bits and Tweets

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Related topic: Thailand Live Thursday 17 June 2010

Thailand Live Thursday 17 Jun 2010 - Thailand Forum

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Pipe firm plans 600-million-dollar Thai plant

BANGKOK (AFP) -- Canadoil Group, a producer of specialised pipes for oil and gas projects, said Thursday it would invest more than 600 million dollars to build a plant in eastern Thailand.

The group said the new facility, based in Rayong province, would produce high grade metal, alloy and steel plates used to make pipes for the energy industry, and would "contribute significantly" to the Thai economy.

Privately owned Canadoil, which was established in North Italy and now has a strong presence in Asia, said the new plant was expected to become operational in 2012.

It said it would be one of only a handful of facilities in the world able to produce the quality of metal plates required in demanding oil and gas piping projects, employing 1,000 workers once operations begin.

-- (c) Copyright AFP 2010-06-18

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ENVIRONMENT

Yom river dam will devastate the area : NGO

By The Nation

Published on June 18, 2010

Two small dams will cause less damage: experts

If two smaller dams were built in the Yom River basin in the North in place of the long-delayed Kaeng Sua Ten Dam, the environmental damage and the land expropriation would be a lot less, a source from the Royal Irrigation Department (RID) said yesterday.

If smaller dams were built they would require the expropriation of around 30,000 rai of farmland and forests instead of the 41,570 rai needed for Kaeng Sua Ten Dam alone, the source said.

In addition to the two smaller dams, 57 reservoirs could be built to provide sufficient water for consumption and farming for 1.7 million people living in the Yom River basin, which covers mainly Phrae and other provinces in the lower North.

The source was citing a proposal submitted by an advisory company to the RID.

Harnnarong Yaolert, chairman of the Search Results Global Water Partnership of Thailand, criticised the Kaeng Sua Ten Dam project saying that it had been used by politicians as being the only effective tool to minimise drought.

He said Deputy Prime Minister Sanan Kachornprasart was one of these politicians, who declared that the Kaeng Sua Ten Dam was needed after he took part in an aerial inspection trip in Phrae province during which he saw dried up teak trees.

"Teak trees discard old leaves to produce new ones. They are not drying up and dying as understood by Sanan," he added.

Harnnarong said the Kaeng Sua Ten Dam would need more than 40,000 rai of fertile forestland in the Mae Yom national park.

"In addition to the fertile forests, an additional 100-square-kilometres of forest and 8,000 rai of farmland will be lost to make way for the Kaeng Sua Ten Dam," he added.

-- The Nation 2010-06-18

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FUNDING RED SHIRTS

Focus on Thaksin's associates

Focus On Thaksin's Associates - Thailand Forum

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BANGKOK WARFARE

Pro-red expats face court over riot involvement

By Kesinee Taengkhieo

The Nation

Chaturon Chaisang yesterday reported himself to the Lumpini police station.

BANGKOK: -- A Briton and an Australian who took part in the Bangkok mayhem and redshirt protests in May were charged yesterday with breaking emergency laws and face a possible two years in prison.

Briton Jeff Savage, 48, screamed abusive comments about PM Abhisit Vejjajiva and his wife as he was led past reporters yesterday. He called Abhisit "a murderer."

Australian Connor Purcell, 30, who was a regular speaker at redshirt protests, said "I'm confident I can beat the charges."

Video footage showed Savage shouting his intention to set fire to the Central World shopping mall after the redshirt leaders surrendered and ended the protests. "We're gonna smash the Central (World) Plaza, we're gonna loot everything, gold, watches, everything, and then we're gonna burn it to the ground," Savage said in the video.

The defence is expected to call Dr weng Tojirakarn, a redshirt leader now detained under terrorism charges, to testify in the Australian's favour. The court set the next hearing for July 28.

The public prosecutor yesterday filed two separate lawsuits against the two men - and while the court read the charges to them with help of a translator, the two denied any wrongdoing.

As the trial will not take place until August or September, there was no bail application for them and they were sent to the Bangkok Remand Prison.

Former Thai Rak Thai leader Chaturon Chaisang yesterday reported himself to the Lumpini police station to answer charges of violating the security ban by attending and making speeches at the redshirt rally.

Chaturon's charges are based on provisions in the Internal Security Act and not related to the state of emergency 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 democracy and warning the government not to use force against the people," he said, insisting there was 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 persecuting his opponents.

Chaturon ruled out allegations he and the opposition tried to derail the road map for reconciliation.

"No one is trying to block the reconciliation but the problem is no genuine plans existed to bring about reconciliation," he said.

He said the prime minister's road map was a pretext to destroy his opponents, arguing the process was dominated by the progovernment camp.

"Reconciliation does not seem to make sense because the prime minister said he would not mend fences with terrorists - when he is, in fact, the true terrorist after using the military forces to crackdown on protesters," he said.

He also voiced scepticism that the Kanit na Nakorn panel could uncover the truth related to the unrest, saying although Kanit is a capable figure, he has to work under conditions imposed by the government.

-- The Nation 2010-06-18

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Young arsonist still needs psychiatric help

By The Nation

The Mathayom 5 student who set fire to a building at the Mahidol Wittayanusorn University earlier this month still needs to be under close supervision of psychiatrists at the Galaya Rajanagarindra Institute, Public Health Minister Jurin Laksanawisit revealed yesterday.

During interrogation, the boy said he was so stressed out that he wanted to set fire to his school so he could delay returning to class.

Jurin said the psychiatric report would be forwarded to investigators and the Nakhon Pathom Juvenile Observation and Protection Centre.

"The investigators will decide how to proceed with the case," he said.

According to Mental Health Department's directorgeneral Wachira Pengchan, investigators have three options: keep the boy under the care of psychiatrists at the Galaya Rajanagarindra Institute; have the Nakhon Pathom Juvenile Observation and Protection Centre provide special care during his detention; or grant bail and let the parents take care of him.

"If his parents come forward, our psychiatrists are ready to help," he said.

-- The Nation 2010-06-18

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Ministry lauds 35 top artists at Silpathorn awards

By Pakamard Jaichalard

The Nation

Founder of Boy Thai band, Chaiyoot Tosanga, along with awardwinning Thai author Saneh Sangsuk and Thai filmmaker, Aditya Assarat, were among those honoured this year by the Culture Ministry at the Silpathorn Awards.

Office of Contemporary Art and Culture (OCAC)'s Prisana Pongtadsirikul said the Silpathorn award committee had this year honoured nine out of 35 selected Thai contemporary artists for the awards.

The winners were: Boy Thai band leader Chaiyoot Tosanga in the field of music; "White Shadow" author Saneh Sangsuk in literature; "Wonderful Town" film director Aditya Assarat in film; Association of Siamese Architects' Young Architect Award winner Patama Roonrakwit, architecture; theatre director Nikorn Saetang, the field of performing arts; artist Navin Lawanchaikul in the field of visual arts; designer Withoon Khunalangkan, interior design; designer Pracha Suveeranont, graphic design; and artist Wasinburi Supanichwarapat, design.

The Silpathorn Award recipients will each receive a shield of honour and Bt100,000 money prize as well as a brooch made of gold and jewellery.

One award recipient, Patama, said she was happy to receive the award and throughout her architecture career had been focusing on projects for lowincome people, such as designing community plans and construction for Chiang Mai's Santitham Community, Bangkok's Mahakan Fort Community and Bangkok's Min Buri Community Library. She also received the Association of Siamese Architects' Young Architect Award.

-- The Nation 2010-06-18

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Unusual trading detected in movement of Thaicom shares

Unusual Trading Detected In Movement Of Thaicom Shares - Thailand Forum

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ASK THE EDITORS

Funding story is getting very intriguing

Focus On Thaksin's Associates - Thailand Forum

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Four Agencies Probe Funding for Red-shirt Mobs

Four government agencies have sat down and discussed the probe into the financial transactions of 86 blacklisted individuals and companies to determine whether they have funded criminal activities during the red-shirt protests.

Before entering the meeting with representatives of the Department of Special Investigation, the National Anti-Corruption Commission and the Revenue Department, acting secretary general of the Anti-Money Laundering Office, Police Colonel Seehanat Prayoonrat, stated that the meeting will probe financial transactions of certain individuals and companies believed to be connected to the red-shirt rallies.

A total of 86 individuals and companies from a list of 152 are suspected of supporting criminal activities which occurred during the red-shirt demonstrations.

The 86 suspects will be asked to provide the agencies with their financial documents and transaction records which will later be sent to the Center for the Resolution of Emergency Situation to rule out possible suspects who may not be involved.

-- Tan Network 2010-06-18

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Bioclinic Murder Suspect Acquitted

BANGKOK: -- The Criminal Court has acquitted a murder suspect accused of killing a female customer of a famous cosmetic surgery clinic. Prosecutors had alleged that he killed the victim to prevent her from ruining the clinic's reputation.

The Criminal Court has acquitted Prakob Srinak from the charge of premeditated murder of Apassanan Thitichotechaipreecha, a victim allegedly disfigured by a surgery at the Don Muang Bioclinic, a cosmetic surgery facility.

The court stated that the prosecution's sole witness can only provide verbal testimony which placed the defendant at the scene of the crime.

It said that the absence of eyewitnesses and a murder weapon raised suspicion on whether the defendant actually committed the crime and he was therefore acquitted.

However, the defendant will have to remain in prison to await an appeal by the prosecution.

Prakob was accused of fatally shooting Apassanan on November 8, 2009. The murder was believed to be premeditated to prevent the victim from publicizing her claim and thus tarnishing the clinic's reputation.

Jaturong Benkul, Prakob's alleged accomplice in the murder, has also been acquitted of murder charge.

-- Tan Network 2010-06-18

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A Fedex and customs scam?: Fedex And Customs Scam - Thailand Forum

Capuchin monkey scam - a blatant Nigerian scam: Capuchin Monkey Scam - Thailand Forum

One of two suspects caught following bag snatch involving French tourist: One Of Two Suspects Caught Following Bag Snatch Involving French Tourist - Thailand Forum

Four agencies probe funding for Red-Shirt mobs

Unusual trading detected in movement of Thaicom shares: Unusual Trading Detected In Movement Of Thaicom Shares - Thailand Forum

Ministry lauds 35 top artists at Silpathorn awards

Young arsonist still needs psychiatric help

Pro-red expats face court over riot involvement

Pipe firm plans 600-million-dollar Thai plant

Yom river dam will devastate the area

Funding Res-Shirts: Focus on Thaksin's associates: Focus On Thaksin's Associates - Thailand Forum

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Bank of Thailand (BoT) warns entrepreneurs on further volatility in money market

Bot Warns Entrepreneurs On Further Volatility In Money Market - Thailand Forum

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Industrial sector concerned about Thai consumers' declining purchasing power

Industrial Sector Concerned About Thai Consumers Declining Purchasing Power - Thailand Forum

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Several Appeals Concerning Red-shirts Scheduled for Today

The Criminal Court is scheduled to deliver its ruling on the appeal against the terrorist arrest warrant issued for former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra this afternoon.

In another case, the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) is going to ask the court to revoke bail for red-shirt leader Jatuporn Prompan. The DSI reasoned his behavior has violated his bail condition. Jatuporn's lawyer will be submitting a motion to counter the DSI's request.

For this issue, Deputy PM Suthep Thaugsuban said it is up to the court's discretion. He added that the government is not deliberately trying to go after the 83 individuals suspected of funding the red-shirt protest.

The red-shirt lawyer will also be submitting a motion with the court to change the venue for the detention of some red-shirt leaders from the Bangkok Remand Prison. The lawyer said his clients have been intimidated by other prisoners there.

-- Tan Network 2010-06-18

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Cannes-winning Thai seeks freedom, not stardom at home

Cannes-Winning Thai Seeks Freedom, Not Stardom At Home - Thailand Forum

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Redshirt lawyer seeks court's approval for relocation of leaders fr BKK Remand Prison, saying they've been threatened there /via @TAN_Network

Several Appeals Concerning Red-shirts Scheduled for Today

Criminal Court to decide on appeal for Thaksin's terrorism arrest warrant this afternoon /via @TAN_Network

Cannes-winning Thai seeks freedom, not stardom at home: Cannes-Winning Thai Seeks Freedom, Not Stardom At Home - Thailand Forum

Industrial sector concerned about Thai consumers' declining purchasing power: Industrial Sector Concerned About Thai Consumers Declining Purchasing Power - Thailand Forum

Bank of Thailand (BoT) warns entrepreneurs on further volatility in money market: BoT Warns Entrepreneurs On Further Volatility In Money Market - Thailand Forum

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DSI seeks court order to detain Red Shirt leader Jatuporn after leading crowd to pressure court June 15; lawyer fights to secure bail /via @MCOTEnglishnews

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Investigation of School Fire in Buriram Underway

A fire broke out yesterday in a storage building at Keurnkor Witthaya School in Buriram Province.

The investigation team at the Buriram Provincial Police Bureau and school officials have inspected the damage at a storage building at Keurnkor Witthaya School in the province.

According to witnesses, the fire started in the early morning yesterday. Emergency workers and residents were unable to contain the fire, and the building eventually collapsed.

The damage has been estimated at around 100,000 baht. A school official said the exact cause of the fire has not yet been determined, but it is not thought to be an arson attack, since there have been no known disputes between the school staff members and the residents in the area.

This is the sixth school fire in the past two months in the northeastern region of the country. Prior to this, there have been fires at schools in Sakon Nakhon, Loei, Surin, Sisaket, and Ubon Ratchathani provinces.

-- Tan Network 2010-06-18

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PM Denies Confirming Appointment of National Reform Committee Head

BANGKOK: -- The prime minister has refused to confirm whether former Prime Minister Anand Panyarachun will be appointed chairman of the newly proposed National Reform Committee. However, the premier has insisted that the ideal candidate must be able to bring about national reform.

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva has talked about the appointment of members of the National Reform Committee, saying it has yet to be determined who will be appointed head of the committee.

Abhisit added that the ideal candidate must be a visionary figure, able to move forward with national reform. He also said the person appointed must alleviate public concern that the committee is politically motivated, and he admitted that not everyone may be happy with the final choice.

The prime minister also said former Prime Minister Anand Panyarachun expressed interest in the position during their conversation last week.

Abhisit also pointed out that the new committee will be working along the same line as the House Committee on Political Reform, but will have a wider authority. The committee's guidelines and time-frame will be decided by the members of the committee themselves.

There has been criticism that some in the committee are members of the People's Alliance for Democracy or PAD.

The prime minister responded to the criticism by saying that the PAD has clearly stated their opposition to amending the constitution, but all sides must be heard in the process.

He also insisted that no member has resigned from the committee.

Abhisit has also made a remark regarding the United Nations' concern about Thailand's current political situation.

The prime minister claims the government has been trying to address the political conflict, which began even before the coup in 2006, but the authority has not been very successful due to some personnel and procedural problems.

-- Tan Network 2010-06-18

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Six red-shirt leaders petition to transfer remand

The six red-shirts leaders, presently remanded at the Klong Prem Central Prison, have petitioned for a transfer to the Bangkok Remand Prison, their lawyer Karom Polthaklang said on Friday.

"My clients feel unsafe and intimidated to be held among felons in a maximum security prison," he said.

The six are put in a four by six-meter cell which is too small, he added.

The six are weng Tojirakarn, Kwanchai Praipana Sarakam, Wiputhalaeng Pattanaphuthai, Yoswarit Chuklom aka Jeng Dokjink, Amnart Intarachote and Kokaew Pikulthong.

Citing safety reason, the Corrections Department have split the 11 red-shirt leaders under remand into two groups - five are at the Bangkok Remand Prison and six at the Klong Prem Central Prison.

-- The Nation 2010-06-18

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Thailand: Work on new Phuket incinerator to start next month

Work On New Phuket Incinerator To Start Next Month - Thailand Forum

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PTT to Raise Pump Prices by Bt0.60 Tomorrow at 5 A.M.

Following the footsteps of Shell and Bangchak, PTT, Thailand's largest oil conglomerate, will hike pump prices by Bt0.60/liter for all types of fuel except E85.

The price rise will come into effect tomorrow at 5 A.M.

-- Tan Network 2010-06-18

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Thailand's Image and Tourism

Thailand's Image And Tourism - Thailand Forum

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Farmers advised to change rice growing method to ease drought

BANGKOK (NNT) -- The Royal Irrigation Department (RID) advises agriculturalists to develop water-saving rice cultivating techniques, in order to lessen impacts from the drought crisis.

RID Director General Chalit Damrongsak said the cause of the drought problem this year was the low volume of water reserved in major dams, coupling with the higher water usage in the agricultural sector. He said higher prices agricultural products during the past two years prompted farmers to expand their cultivation and causing more use of water.

Farmers are therefore advised to grow rice no more than twice a year. And between the seasons, they are told to plant drought resistant crops in order to save water and naturally eliminate the pest problem. Agriculturalists may face severe water shortage if they continue with the old rice growing method which requires a large quantity of water all year round.

At present, the amount of water in the medium and large reservoirs around the country remains at 11.64 billion cubic meters while that in the Bhumibol and Sirikit dams combinedly stands at 1.19 billion cubic meters. The effect of El Nino and the unusually rare precipitation are reportedly causing the severe drought this year.

-- NNT 2010-06-18

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American Arrested on Child Sex Charges in Chiang Mai

American Arrested On Child Sex Charges In Chiang Mai - Thailand Forum

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Anand-Praves Agree to Head Reform Committee

Former Prime Minister Anand Panyarachun and prominent citizen Dr. Praves Wasi have agreed to head efforts of national reform, upon the prime minister's request. The committee is expected to be set up by the end of June and will independent from the government.

-- Tan Network 2010-06-18

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Court to decide whether to revoke Jatuporn's bail

By The Nation

The Criminal Court has scheduled Friday's afternoon to decide whether to revoke the bail of Pheu Thai MP and red-shirt leader Jatuporn Prompan.

In an earlier session this morning, the court has already ruled in favour of the Department of Special Investigation to grant the remand Jatuporn charged for terrorism.

Following the ruling, the defence has lodged the bail application. The DSI has opposed the temporary release on the ground that Jatuporn has continued to cause disturbances, such as his involvement in inciting the red shirts to block the transport of the 11 red-shirt leaders to their remand facilities on Wednesday.

-- The Nation 2010-06-18

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Former Prime Minister Anand Panyarachun, Dr. Praves Agree to Head Reform Committee

American arrested on child sex charges in Chiang Mai: American Arrested On Child Sex Charges In Chiang Mai - Thailand Forum

Farmers advised to change rice growing method to ease drought

In case you forgot, Hua Hin Jazz Fest this weekend. /via @BangkokDan

Thailand's Image and Tourism: Thailand's Image And Tourism - Thailand Forum

PTT to raise pump prices by Baht 0.60 tomorrow at 5am

Work on new Phuket incinerator to start next month: Work On New Phuket Incinerator To Start Next Month - Thailand Forum

Can Thailand do anything else to alienate tourists and expats?: Can Thailand Really Do Anything Else To Alienate The Tourists And Expats? - Thailand Forum

Thai Kids At International School: Thai Kids At International School - Thailand Forum

Six red-shirt leaders petition for transfer to Bangkok Remand Prison

PM Denies Confirming Appointment of National Reform Committee Head Anand Panyarachun

Investigation of School Fire in Buriram Underway

DSI seeks court order to detain Red Shirt leader Jatuporn

Redshirt lawyer seeks court's approval for relocation of leaders fr BKK Remand Prison, saying they've been threatened there /via @TAN_Network

Several Appeals Concerning Red-shirts Scheduled for Today /@TAN_Network

Criminal Court to decide on appeal for Thaksin's terrorism arrest warrant this afternoon

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RED SHIRTS LEADERS

Nattawut, the next Bobby Sands?

By The Nation

Bobby Sands

BANGKOK: -- Red-shirt leader and terrorism suspect Nattawut Saikua may decide to contest the byelection for Bangkok Constituency 6, scheduled for July 25, Pheu Thai MP Jatuporn Promphan said on Friday.

"Following the check on Nattawut's qualifications, a petition will be lodged to seek the judicial permission to take him out of his remand cell to register for his candidacy," Jatuporn said.

He said Nattawut had a good chance for victory just like the case in Northern Ireland where Irish dissident Bobby Sands campaigned and won from his prison cell.

Nattawut's campaign would shed light on the culprits behind the torching of Central World during the unrest, he said.

Under the election law, there is no ban for a candidate to campaign under remand.

The byelection is to fill the House seat previously occupied by Democrat MP Tiva Ngernyuang who passed away.

-- The Nation 2010-06-18