Thailand Live Saturday 19 Jun 2010

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Thailand Live Saturday 19 June 2010

News, Bits and Tweets

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Related topic: Thailand Live Friday 18 June 2010

Thailand Live Friday 18 Jun 2010 - Thailand Forum

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PM: Reform plan not aimed to prolong govt existence

BANGKOK (NNT) – The selection of former Prime Minister Anand Panyarachun and senior citizen MD Prawase Wasi to head the non-governmental panels for national reform is not meant to prolong the government existence, says Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva.

Former Prime Minister Anand Panyarachun and senior citizen MD Prawase Wasi have responded to lead separate assembly for national reform. Mr Anand has accepted to lead the Assembly for an Adoption of Strategies for National Reform, while MD Prawase will lead the Citizen Assembly for National Reform.

Even though the two have denied the government’s interference with their tasks, the Prime Minister still pledged the government supports if needed. He truely believes that their good intentions will certainly help moving the country towards a bright future.

Mr Abhisit said the government would like to see the country development, not to use the reconciliation plan as a tool to prolong the government’s time. The plan is not made for political benefits but it is necessary for the country’s future. The process is encouraged to be continued by the next government.

In addition, the Prime Minister thanks for everyone’s efforts on the reconciliation process that requires great amount of time and dedication.

-- NNT 2010-06-19

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The Blacklist

By The Nation

Published on June 19, 2010

Reports on the banking monetary transactions from September 2009 to May 2010 by 83 companies and individuals blacklisted by the Centre for the Resolution of the Emergency Situation.

Download as PDF file

-- The Nation 2010-06-19

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Anand, Prawase Spearhead Thai Civil Reform

Anand, Prawase Spearhead Thai Civil Reform - Thailand Forum

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Red-Shirts Protest: Suriya and Khattiya aide left off funds blacklist

Red-Shirts Protest: Suriya And Khattiya Aide Left Off Funds Blacklist - Thailand Forum

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Environmentalists request halt to road expansion

By The Nation

NAKHON RATCHASIMA: -- Environmentalists yesterday called on the Administrative Court to suspend all surface expansion work along Thanarat Road in Nakhon Ratchasima province.

The treelined road leads to Khao Yai National Park, a World Heritage site.

Representing 120 people, AntiGlobal Warming Association president Srisuwan Janya yesterday lodged a complaint with the Administrative Court against the Highways Department and the Transport Ministry.

"The expansion work should be suspended at least until the defendants can proceed fully in line with the environmental conditions in the Constitution," he said.

In his petition, he also asked the court to order the defendants to rehabilitate the environment along a portion of the road already affected by the work.

"The defendants should be required to pay for the rehabilitation," Srisuwan said.

He said they should listen to the opinions of those planning the rehabilitation.

Srisuwan sought help from the Administrative Court because he was not happy with a Cabinet order scrapping expansion of Thanarat Road only between kilometre markers 10 and 16.

"What about the portion between markers 2 and 10 then?" he asked.

Khao Yai World Heritage Conservation Network coordinator Supaphon Iammethakul, who accompanied Srisuwan, said his group would also ask the National Human Rights Commission and the Office of the Ombudsman to look into the matter.

"The expansion work of Thanarat Road infringes on the rights of communities, which are in danger of seeing their way of life and environment change if the work is completed," Supaphon said.

-- The Nation 2010-06-19

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Abhisit tries to reassure foreign investors over Map Ta Phut and reconciliation efforts

By Nalin Viboonchart

The Nation

Thai investors want the government to speed up resolving the Map Ta Phut fiasco, in order to boost foreign investment.

At an event called "The Prime Minister Meets Investors", hosted by the Board of Investment (BoI), several foreign investors said they supported the government's reform efforts.

Pascal Baetens, managing director of Katoen Natie Services (Thailand), an integrated logistics provider for the petrochemical industry, said his company had operated in Thailand for years. Although located in the Map Ta Phut area, it has been unaffected by the recent crisis there and the political unrest of recent months.

However, it must convince its parent company to trust that the Thai operation is going well.

Pascal says the most important thing the government can do is clarify its investment framework.

"I live in Thailand, and I know that the government is putting positive efforts into resolving the Map Ta Phut problems, so I have a positive view of this country. Foreign investors are hoping to see the results of the government's efforts to solve the Map Ta Phut problem and reform the country," he added.

Nandor von der Luehe, chairman of the Joint Foreign Chambers of Commerce in Thailand, said foreign news broadcasts made foreigners feel Thailand was unsafe.

He said this was the right time for the Thai government to act. The Kingdom's reputation as well as the confidence of foreign investors cannot be restored overnight. The government's reconciliation plan is going in the right direction, and everyone in the country should have a part in it.

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva said the government was gearing up to solve the problems, particularly in Map Ta Phut, and reform the country under his reconciliation plan. The government needs suggestions from the foreign investors, because they have worked and lived in the Kingdom.

"The country must be reformed. We're looking forward to gearing up for the future. This is for not only the economy, but also the country," he said.

Abhisit also assured foreign investors in Thailand that the government would guarantee their safety and their investment in the country. The emergency decree, which remains in place, will not affect local foreign investors.

He has reiterated government expectations of 4.55.5percent economic growth this year despite the domestic political unrest and European financial problems. Thai exports grew 32 per cent year on year in the first quarter and the tourism industry 30 per cent. These represent the beginnings of recovery in domestic consumption and private investment.

Moreover, BOI investment applications in the first five months increased 7.3 per cent year on year in terms of value and 50 per cent in terms of volume.

These numbers reflect both the domestic and the international economic recovery, the prime minister said, stressing Thailand remained a good place for investment.

-- The Nation 2010-06-19

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Computerised database on land, forests set for 2012

By The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Use of technology in the state-run land and forestry management is important in preventing illegal acquisition of land and solving ownership problems, Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva told a seminar yesterday.

Apart from social and environmental problems, an effective management of the database is crucial to coping with growing demands for farmland and limited natural resources, he added.

Abhisit said that he, along with Natural Resources and Environment Minister Suwit Khunkitti, had agreed upon further developing the ministry's database system carrying land and forest details, and integrating it with data on state-owned land handled by the Finance Ministry's Treasury Depart-ment.

The ministry is developing a system that includes all the data available on land plots, forests and state-owned land. The system will cost Bt2.25 billion and should be completed by 2012. After completion, the public will be able to access the information and trace land records back to 1952 as well as follow the changes to forest conditions since then.

"It will be as easy as using Google," Suwit said. "It can tell how many rai of different kinds of land there are in Thailand, and which areas are located inside or outside forestry areas."

With this database in place, land-ownership disputes between villagers and land offices in the last decade can be sorted out within a year. The database can also be used against corrupt land or forestry officials who have worked in favour of those who bribed them.

-- The Nation 2010-06-19

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Appeal of Thaksin´s terrorism arrest warrant to be ruled on 28 Jun

BANGKOK (NNT) -- A lawyer of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra has sought an appeal against the Criminal Court's recent issuance of an arrest warrant for his client over terrorism.

The appeal for the court’s nullification of the terrorism arrest warrant was filed by Mr Thanadet Puangpoon, lawyer representing Mr Thaksin, on Friday afternoon. Puea Thai MPs Jatuporn Prompan and Suchart Lainamngern will be also summoned as witnesses during the trial.

The court accepted the lawyer’s appeal for consideration, and its final ruling whether to revoke the arrest warrant will be officially announced on 28 June 2010.

The court late last month issued the arrest warrant for Mr Thaksin as requested by the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) on grounds of violating the Emergency Decree and masterminding terrorist attacks.

-- NNT 2010-06-19

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Thailand Tourism Industry To Recover In 6 Months

Thailand Tourism Industry To Recover In 6 Months - Thailand Forum

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Din Daeng flyover closed for renovation since 5am this morn till 5am Mon. TR @js100radio /via RT @veen_NT: RT @Tulip_Oum

How Can I Stop Getting Ants In The House?: How Can I Stop Getting Ants In The House - Thailand Forum

Tourism Industry To Recover In 6 Months: Thailand Tourism Industry To Recover In 6 Months - Thailand Forum

Thai people and European history: Thai People And European History - Thailand Forum

Appeal of Thaksin´s terrorism arrest warrant to be ruled on 28 June

83 companies and individuals blacklisted by CRES as PDF download: Thailand Live Saturday 19 Jun 2010 - Thailand Forum

Computerised land, forest database set for 2012

PM Abhisit tries to reassure foreign investors

Environmentalists request halt to Khao Yai road expansion

Red-Shirts Protest: Suriya and Khattiya aide left off funds blacklist: Red-Shirts Protest: Suriya And Khattiya Aide Left Off Funds Blacklist - Thailand Forum

Anand, Prawase spearhead Thai civil reform: Anand, Prawase Spearhead Thai Civil Reform - Thailand Forum

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Soi Rangnam near Phaya Thai and Victory Monument is turning into a pedestrian street - lots of shopping until late afternoon /via RT @veen_NT

Din Daeng flyover closed for renovation since 5am this morn till 5am Mon. /via @js100radio /RT @veen_NT/RT @Tulip_Oum

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BMA and CU will host a free musical performance, "Symphony of Our Beloved City", at Lumpini Park today from 5pm. /via @Urisara_NT

Phuket Music Festival returns

Phuket Music Festival Returns - Thailand Forum

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BMA and CU will host a free musical performance, "Symphony of Our Beloved City", at Lumpini Park today from 5pm. /via @Urisara_NT

The Curse Of Wang Petchabun (Rajprasong): The Curse Of Wang Petchabun (Rajprasong) - Thailand Forum

World Cup 2010 – Live In Chiang Mai: World Cup 2010 – Live In Chiang Mai - Thailand Forum

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Mini-Mart Robber Arrested After Jomtien 7-Eleven Heist

Mini-Mart Robber Arrested After Jomtien 7-Eleven Heist - Thailand Forum

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Distraught Thai-Cambodian Busted Destroying Light Posts

Distraught Thai-Cambodian Busted Destroying Light Posts - Thailand Forum

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Australian fraudster's Phuket vacation cut short

Australian Fraudster's Phuket Vacation Cut Short - Thailand Forum

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DSI soon to summon 83 persons, entities suspected of funding rally

BANGKOK (NNT) -- The Department of Special Investigation (DSI) prepares to call in 83 individuals and companies suspected of financially supporting the anti-government rally for questioning.

DSI Director-General Tharit Pengdit said the authority would summon the 83 suspects within 1-2 days for clarifications on their irregular financial transactions believed to be behind the prolonged demonstration of the United Front of Democracy Against Dictatorship (UDD). The DSI chief insisted that the list of the suspects had been finalized based on the confirmation of their link to the committed crime by the Anti-Money Laundering Office (AMLO).

However, none of the suspects has been deemed guilty. The investigative panel, consisting of the DSI, AMLO, the Office of the Narcotics Control Board (ONCB) and the Revenue Department, is responsible for deliberating the cases further.

-- NNT 2010-06-19

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Auto export soars by 135% in May

BANGKOK (NNT) -- The auto export in May has grown 135% while the domestic sales have risen 53% as favored by the recovering economy, according to the latest report of the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI).

Spokesperson of the FTI’s Automotive Industries Club Surapong Paisitpatanapong reported on the situation of the auto market in May, saying that the total sales in the country stood at 62,205 cars, up by 8.89% from that of April. The year-on-year figure rose by 53.4% as a result of the growing economy in the first half of this year. People have become more confident in the industry while the government’s Strong Thailand scheme has also played a major role in stimulating the sales.

The number of new car models, including eco-cars, small and medium-sized cars, launched since the beginning of this year is another favoring factor to the lively sales.

The total value of car and automotive part exports in May is estimated at 49.78 billion THB, up from the previous month by 103.52%

Mr Surapong predicted that the number of cars to be produced from June to August this year would stand at 373,000, down from the previous quarter by 15,330 or 3.95%, but up by 139,218 or 59.53% when compared to the same period of last year.

-- NNT 2010-06-19

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Gold price surges due to European economic crisis

BANGKOK (NNT) -- President of the Gold Traders Association (GTA) Jitti Tangsitpakdee said the gold price in the global market continued to rise as investors were stocking gold to prevent risks from the European economic crisis.

Mr Jitti said that the gold price was likely to continue to escalate after international investors had started stockpiling the precious metal in fear of the impact from the European economic recession, which was yet to be resolved.

The gold price in the global market has made a new high at 1,256 USD per ounce. Although the gold price in Thailand has not reached as high as in last December, it has a tendency to keep rising, and a record-breaking figure could be seen.

-- NNT 2010-06-19

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BMA kicks off "Together We Can" walk-run rally

BANGKOK (NNT) -- In a bid to restore the liveliness in the capital, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has launched the “Together We Can” walk and run rally.

Bangkok Governor MR Sukhumbhand Paribatra presided over the opening ceremony of the “Together We Can” walk and run activity held at Lumpini Park. The event was a joint collaboration between the BMA and the Thai Health Promotion Foundation, aiming to encourage Thai people to exercise and participate in health-related activities.

MR Sukhumbhand stated that this was a great opportunity for Bangkok residents to show their unity in helping restore the city. With interests from various organizations and sectors in the walk and run event, the governor said that it reflected Thai people’s enthusiasm to see peace returned to their home.

Highlights of the event included almsgiving to monks, indoor exercises and fun activities with prize giveaways.

The walk and run rally was part of the "Together We Can" campaign to help relieve people’s hardships and repair the sluggish economy incurred by the anti-government demonstrations. Earlier, the "Together We Can Grand Sale” was launched at many locations, including Silom Road, to assist small-scale entrepreneurs with tremendous success, circulating up to 120 million THB.

-- NNT 2010-06-19

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BMA kicks off "Together We Can" walk-run rally

Gold price surges due to European economic crisis

Auto export soars by 135% in May

DSI soon to summon 83 persons, entities suspected of funding Res-shirts rally

Australian fraudster's Phuket vacation cut short: Australian Fraudster's Phuket Vacation Cut Short - Thailand Forum

Distraught Thai-Cambodian Busted Destroying Light Posts: Distraught Thai-Cambodian Busted Destroying Light Posts - Thailand Forum

Mini-Mart Robber Arrested After Jomtien 7-Eleven Heist: Mini-Mart Robber Arrested After Jomtien 7-Eleven Heist - Thailand Forum

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Pattaya Police Division Practice Armed-Robbery Response

Pattaya News Clippings - Thailand Forum

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Abandoned Chinese tourists cry foul in Phuket

Abandoned Chinese Tourists Cry Foul In Phuket - Thailand Forum

Love In Phuket: Thai-Foreigner Marriages That Fail

Love In Phuket: Thai-Foreigner Marriages That Fail - Thailand Forum

German Man, Thai Wife Commit Suicide In Nakhon Ratchasima

German Man, Thai Wife Commit Suicide In Nakhon Ratchasima - Thailand Forum

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to be continued

Thailand Live Sunday June 20 2010

Thailand Live Sunday 20 Jun 2010 - Thailand Forum

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