Thailand Live Sunday 20 Jun 2010

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Thailand Live Sunday 20 June 2010

News, Bits and Tweets

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

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

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

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Related topic: Thailand Live Saturday 19 June 2010

Thailand Live Saturday 19 Jun 2010 - Thailand Forum

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THAI Board approves A330 and Boeing 777 procurement

BANGKOK (NNT) -- Thai Airways Board approves 15 airplanes procurement for Airbus A 330-300 and Boeing 777-300 ER following the Cabinet’s resolution.

President of the national airline Thai Airway International (THAI) Piyasawas Amaranand stated that the THAI Board made an approval for the purchase of seven Airbus A 330-300, and authorized the rent of eight – Boeing 777-300 ER for 12-15 years term. THAI is tasked to arrange a report of related details of cost, engines, seats and entertainment services to be approved by the THAI Board thereafter.

THAI President clarified that those seven - Airbus A 330-300 procurement was under a budget of 31.26 billion THB, while other eight airplanes got a budget of 79 billion THB. THAI will obtain those airplanes within the next three years.

-- NNT 2010-06-20

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Excise dept seizes over THB 100 mn of illegal oil in 8 months

BANGKOK (NNT) -- The Excise Department revealed that within the first eight months of 2010 fiscal year, it could seize smuggled oil and bootleg worth over 100 million THB.

Excise Department Director-General Areepong Bhucha-oom stated that the department had seriously moved on the suppression of illegal products smuggling along with the preventive action in order to bring those violators into legal process.

Within these eight months of 2010 fiscal year, the department has arrested violators in oil smuggling in 2,166 cases, valued around 100 million THB. Illegal liquor has been seized in 18,868 cases, valued at 59 million THB.

Any information of commodities that avoid tax can be brought to the excise offices nationwide, or Hot Line 1713 around the clock.

-- NNT 2010-06-20

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Name of new BOT governor to be announced this month

BANGKOK (NNT) -- A process to select the new Bank of Thailand governor should be resolved within this month, according to Finance Minister Korn Chatikavanich.

Bank of Thailand governor Tarisa Wattanaket will retire in the coming September.

Mr Korn has met with the four candidates including former Deputy Finance Minister Dr Pisit Lee-atham, BOT Deputy Governor Bandid Nijathaworn, Secretary-General of Thailand's Securities and Exchange Commission Teerachai Puwanartnaranuban and President and Director of Kasikornbank Prasarn Trairatvorakul. The Minister expressed no worries about the process, reasoning all were suitable for the position as they had been working to serve the BOT.

Following the process, the committee has to propose at least two candidates for the consideration and forward the name list to the cabinet for an absolute discretion. The process is speculated to be complete on 24 June 2010.

-- NNT 2010-06-20

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By-election date set on 25 July for Bangkok

BANGKOK (NNT) -- Office of the Election Commission of Thailand has set 21 July 2010 as the date for the by-election.

One seat in the legislation has been vacant after Democrat MP of Bangkok's Bung Kum district Tiwa Ngernyuang died of cancer last week.

Deputy Leader of Pheu Thai Party, MP Wicharn Minchainan will call a meeting on 21 June to seek for the right candidate for the upcoming by-election. The party has eyed United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD) leader Nattawut Saikua, MP Hans Himathongkam and the Party Spokesperson Prompong Nopparit as a candidate for the by-election.

Meanwhile, the Democrat Party has eyed Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs Panich Vikitsreth, MP Weerachai Thavornthon and MP Kriengyos Sudlapa as their candidate, to be decided in the party meeting on Monday.

-- NNT 2010-06-20

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Thailand's Red-Shirts Planning Revenge

Thailand's Red-Shirts Planning Revenge - Thailand Forum

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Visitors flock to visit Natthawut behind bars

By BUDSARAKHAM SINLAPALAVAN

THE NATION

The recent political turmoil has created idols on both sides of the confrontation.

On the government side, Centre for the Resolution of the Emergency Situation spokesman Colonel Sansern Kaewkamnerd has attracted a large following among female admirers. He even has his own fan club.

On the anti-government red shirts' side, Natthawut Saikua has proved very popular among the protest leaders now in remand at two separate prisons on terrorism charges.

He has received dozens of visitors each day since having entered Klong Prem Prison on Tuesday, often reaching the daily limit of 50 per inmate.

Other red-shirt leaders being detained at the same prison receive fewer visitors, most of them red-shirt supporters.

Natthawut's visitors, in addition to family members, consist mostly of middle-aged women, some of whom visit him almost every day.

His wife, Sirisakul, said she was proud of him having the largest group of supporters and put it down to his sincerity towards his fellow red-shirt protesters.

"He's received several letters offering him moral support. I saw many letters in his pocket today, and he says he reads all of them," she said after visiting him at the prison.

Natthawut's wife said he also wrote this poem for his supporters:

"Behind the walls, there's some ray of hope,

Along the way, I tripped but still can cope,

My writing of honour in days of danger

Is sent from jail for you to feel better."

Sirisakul said Natthawut's supporters gave her money to buy him food and drink from the prison's convenience store, insisting she accept it. She later spent it - more than Bt6,000 - on packs of drinking water, fruit juice, carbonated drinks and energy drinks.

But she turned down an offer to buy powdered milk for her and Natthawut's newborn baby.

"I told them the baby is breastfed," she said.

Natthawut's supporters said they were impressed by his sincere attitude and sense of humour and rejected rumours they were hired to visit him and other detained red-shirt leaders.

Pimporn Phetsongsri, 44, a housewife, said she wanted to offer the red-shirt leaders moral support even though she was not a relative.

She denied being hired to be there and said she believed no other visitors were hired either.

Natthawut supporter Somana Usamran, 59, expressed disappointment after being told by prison officials the daily visitor quota of 50 had been used up. She said she was in the front row of protesters during the recent red-shirt rally at the Rajprasong intersection.

Natthawut was her favourite speaker, due to his eloquence and sense of humour.

"I arrived this morning and visited Dr weng first," she said, referring to red-shirt leader weng Tojirakarn.

"When I tried to visit Natthawut, I was told his 50-visitor quota was already used up. I was so sad that I cried. On Monday, I'll come in the morning again but visit Natthawut first."

Jitti Chuenyen, 60, said she arrived from the northeastern province of Buri Ram in the morning and took a taxi straight to the prison but was not allowed to visit Natthawut.

"I like him the most, because he was the last person to fight. I like his sense of humour," she said while also denying she was hired to be there.

Natthawut's middle-aged supporters showing up at the prison range from the apparently well-to-do, sporting glittering jewellery, to those wearing more humble attire and describing themselves as "grass-roots people".

One female visitor complained she came from a Bangkok suburb and was refused a chance to visit Natthawut for three consecutive days.

"I'm here to visit all [of the detained red-shirt leaders], but I love Natthawut the most, because he's the most charming. He speaks sweet words and has good manners. I used to love Bird, but now I love Natthawut more," she said, referring to superstar pop singer Thongchai McIntyre.

-- The Nation 2010-06-20

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Thai Govt Under Fire Over Crackdown

Thai Govt Under Fire Over Crackdown - Thailand Forum

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Defiant red shirts in no mood to reconcile, ready for next phase of struggle

Thailand's Red-Shirts Planning Revenge - Thailand Forum

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Pheu Thai threatens to boycott by-election

By THE NATION ON SUNDAY

BANGKOK: -- The opposition Pheu Thai Party yesterday threatened to boycott the Bangkok Constituency 6 by-election scheduled for July 25, unless the government lifts the state of emergency.

The party argued that the strict law would make it difficult to carry out election campaigns.

Pheu Thai deputy leader Wicharn Meenchainant said the party has yet to decide whether to field an MP candidate for the seat in constituency 6. The seat became vacant following the recent passing away of Democrat Party MP Thiwa Ngernyuang.

He said the party felt it was at a disadvantage because the government had the state media to support its candidate.

The party would also face difficulties in its election campaign if the government does not lift the emergency.

"We fear we might be harassed with electoral complaints and framed-up charges,'' he said.

He said the party would decide by June 28 whether to field a candidate.

Apart from Natthawut Saikua, a core red-shirt leader detained for his role during the protest, two other people who have expressed interest in running for the election are party spokesman Prompong Nopparit and Pakdeeharn Himathongkam.

He said if the party decided to field Natthawut, the government should be open-minded and let him run in the election. "Natthawut is still innocent and he has never had intention to escape,'' he said.

Wicharn defended the party over its latest electoral defeat in the Bangkok district councillor election. He denied Pheu Thai had suffered a big defeat as reported in the media. The number of invalid ballots and no-vote ballots were 12 per cent of the total, he argued.

He said Democrat candidates did not win by big margins against their Pheu Thai rivals. They also had an advantage over the opposition because the public received information only from the state media, which sides with the government.

Meanwhile, Thepthai Senpong, spokesman for the Democrat Party leader, said Natthawut should first clear himself of terrorism charges before deciding to enter the electoral fray.

He said the move to push Natthawut into the by-election race was politically motivated. He said the party aimed to pressure the court when Natthawut's lawyer appeals for his bail next week.

-- The Nation 2010-06-20

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Red shirts mourn temple killings

Some 100 red-shirt supporters Saturday gathered at Pathum Wanaram Temple to mourn the still unexplained shooting deaths of civilians there a month ago.

The people joining the remembrance ceremony received red roses and carnations to lay on the ground and form a heart in front of an entrance to the temple's ubosot.

The six names of those whose dead bodies were found in the compound of the temple were written and placed near the flowers.

The participants held hands to form a circle to recall the past unfortunate incidents. Many were seen criticising the current political situation.

-- The Nation 2010-06-20

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Youth wanted for murder surrenders

By The Nation on Sunday

The 20-year-old reportedly former boyfriend of a Matthayom 6 student who was shot dead surrendered at Ladbualuang Police Station yesterday but denied any wrongdoing.

Sakkarin Boonna, or Rachata, allegedly killed Suphatcha Wongboonmee, 17, from Pathumwilai School and wounded her brother Weeraphon, 15, while they were riding on a motorcycle driven by their mother last Thursday.

Sakkarin was suspected of taking revenge on Suphatcha after she had dumped him.

He denied the charge and said would only give testimony in court.

-- The Nation 2010-06-20

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New ICT centre in Mae Hong Son

By The Nation

The third National ICT Learning Centre was launched yesterday at Mae Hong Son Municipality to serve 30,000 users per year.

Along with the Phuket and Khon Kaen locations, the northern centre was expected to develop and promote ICT knowledge among interested youths and the general public.

Privy Councillor Kasem Watanachai presided over the opening ceremony.

The Software Industry Promotion Agency supported the centre by providing computers and software, while the municipality renovated the area for the centre and provided office equipment and Maehongson Community College recruited staff and runs the centre.

-- The Nation 2010-06-20

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Two killed as van collides with train

By The Nation

Two passengers were killed and six injured yesterday after a van heading to a Dharma retreat crashed into a train.

The Bangkok-bound train No 280 had left Aranyaprathet in Sa Kaew and was passing a railroad crossing located 100 metres from Nongsung Railway Station.

The road leads to Nongsung village of Tambon Banna in Kabin Buri district.

The collision sent the van flying six metres down the road.

Boonthin Jullaphan, 57, and Pradub Sriraksa, 57, both from Prachin Buri, died in the accident while Khanchai Dejthong, 56, the driver, Yoon Laboonruang, Nopphawan Ngamna, 54, Khanthong Poth, 34, Vichien Kooddang, 55, and Chudaphorn Vijitko were taken to Kabin Buri Hospital.

Police said the travellers were going to Khao Kaeo Sadet Temple in Busieo village of Tambon Banna to practice Dharma.

-- The Nation 2010-06-20

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DNP announces the closure of Phu Kradueng National Park during Jun-Sep

BANGKOK (NNT) -- The National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP) Department announces the closure of Phu Kradueng National Park from June to September.

The period during June to September is the rainy season which is dangerous for tourists. For safety, the Head of Phu Kradueng National Park therefore has announced the closure of the Park and every tourism activity from 1 June to 30 September 2010.

This closure period is also favorable for the environment around the Park to regenerate, while officials can make an adjustment for the place and facilities to be available for tourists in the next season as well.

Phu Kradueng National Park, located in Loei province is one of famous tourism sites in Thailand. It is the first national park of the country, abundant in flora and fauna, with a host of visitors setting up tents to climb the mountain each year.

-- NNT 2010-06-20

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PM says he will issue directives to enable civil society's mechanisms for reconciliation

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva said Sunday that he will issue the directives of PM's offices to permit the civil sector to help push for national reconciliation.

Speaking during his weekly TV programme on NBT, Abhisit said the directives would allow mechanisms of the civil society to work so that reconciliation could be achieved even after the current government has left office.

Abhisit admitted that the reconciliation could not be achieved within the term of his government.

-- The Nation 2010-06-20

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Poll: Thai politics remains unaltered after recent political violence

BANGKOK (NNT) -- The majority respondents of the recent Suan Dusit Poll have expressed their uncertainties over the success of the national reconciliation scheme as there has been no improvements on Thai politics, says the recent Suan Dusit Poll.

Based on the latest survey conducted by Suan Dusit Poll towards the 19 May bloodshed anniversary, the majority of the respondents or 48.28% said the political conflicts were mainly caused by some group of people who did not recieve social justice and were facing economic disparities. 36.65% stated that Thai politics improved as all Thais had experienced past political lessons and wanted to see normalcy and peace in the nation while 12.07% thought differently by saying that the government's current reconciliation plan was not deemed to be concrete.

66.93% of the respondents viewed that Thai politics remained unchanged after one-month of the recent army crackdown on anti-government protesters due to ongoing political rifts and conflict of interests among politicians while 10.26% thought differently by saying that all Thais learned from the recent political incidents.

The poll also found that the majority of the respondents or 34.48% showed their uncertainties over the achievement of the national reconciliation plan while 25.86% thought that the scheme might be accomplished. 3.45% viewed the plan as 100% successful.

The poll indicated that the difference of viewpoints, insincerity and social inequalities were deemed as key obstacles of the success of the plan. 41.33% said Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva will play a vital role in the success of the plan, followed by politicians (35.61%) and all Thais (13.27%), respectively.

-- NNT 2010-06-20

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Two nine-year-old boys, woman wounded in drive-by grenade incident at Pattani mosque; victims in stable condition /via @MCOTEnglishnews

Poll: Thai politics remains unaltered after recent political violence

PM says he will issue directives to enable civil society's mechanisms for reconciliation

Closure of Phu Kradueng National Park during Jun-Sep announced

Attack of the 'marang maow': Attack Of The ... What Are They? - Thailand Forum

Pattaya Tourism Department has initiated a young ambassador contest to promote tourism: Pattaya's Young Ambassadors - Thailand Forum

By-election date set on 25 July for Bangkok

Name of new Bank of Thaland governor to be announced this month

Excise dept seizes over THB 100 mn of illegal oil in 8 months

THAI Board approves A330 and Boeing 777 procurement

Two killed as van collides with train

New ICT centre in Mae Hong Son

Youth wanted for murder surrenders

Red shirts mourn temple killings

Pheu Thai threatens to boycott by-election

Defiant red shirts in no mood to reconcile, ready for next phase of struggle: Thailand's Red-Shirts Planning Revenge - Thailand Forum

Thai Govt comes under fire over crackdown: Thai Govt Under Fire Over Crackdown - Thailand Forum

Visitors flock to visit Natthawut behind bars

Thailand's Red-Shirts Planning Revenge: Thailand's Red-Shirts Planning Revenge - Thailand Forum

Thai Trade Representative Kiat says Google, leading internet search engine, to establish Thailand branch soon /via @MCOTEnglishnews

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ASEAN + 3 Concert for the King launched with style

BANGKOK (NNT) -- The ASEAN+3 Concert for the King held by the Thai government in honor of His Majesty the King will help boost confidence in Thailand among the international community, encouraging throngs of foreign tourists to travel back to Thailand.

Speaking of the event, Ms Tuenjai Sinthuvanik, Director of the National Broadcasting Services of Thailand (NBT) and Radio Thailand stated that the event was a tremendous success of NBT while saying that she felt so proud of Thailand when seeing foreigners who were able to sing the royal compositions played in the event.

Ms Tuenjai believed that the event would help boost confidence in Thailand among the global community, and would bring foreign tourists back to Thailand.

The ASEAN +3 Concert for the King was yesterday launched with style at the main hall of the Thailand Cultural Center. The groups of foreign artists participating in the event were from 10 ASEAN member countries and Thailand’s dialogue partners which are China, Japan and Korea.

The event was organized to celebrate the 60th anniversary of His Majesty the King’s accession to the throne. The royal songs played in the event will show how much love and loyalty the Thai people have for the King.

-- NNT 2010-06-20

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Thai Airways turbulence injures three crew members

TOKYO (AFP) -- Three crew members on a Thai Airways flight to Osaka were slightly hurt in turbulence Sunday shortly before landing, Japanese officials said.

The Boeing-777 flight from Bangkok, carrying 244 passengers and crew members, landed normally after hitting the turbulence around 6:30 am (2130 GMT), according to the transport ministry.

The three crew were treated for slight head and back injuries, officials said.

-- (c) Copyright AFP 2010-06-20

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InvadeIT and Thaivisa launch online IT store - Everything you need in one place

Thaivisa and InvadeIT launch online IT store - Thailand Forum

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Govt to implement assistance measures to rice farmers

BANGKOK (NNT) -- The government is preparing to formulate assistance measures to help farmers due to a delay of the sowing of in-season rice in the wake of the lack of water supplies, according to Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva.

Speaking on his weekly talk show on Sunday, "Confidence in Thailand with PM Abhisit", the Prime Minister stated that the government closely monitored the prevailing drought crisis and learned that the water supplies for consumption and in major dams have started to improve. He noted that the shortage of rainfall and substantial declines resulted in the postponement of the sowing of in-season rice until July.

PM Abhisit elaborated that the government has assigned Deputy Prime Minister Sanan Kachornprasart to observe the drought situation on a daily basis. He added that the Ministry of the Agriculture and Agricutural Co-operatives was in the process of surveying the number of agriculturalists who needed to delay their sowing of in-season rice as well as those planning to conduct out-of-season rice before assistance measures are taken.

-- NNT 2010-06-20

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Thai PM urges every social group to unite for national reconciliation

BANGKOK (TNA) -- Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva Sunday morning called on every group in society to help eradicate differences in order to achieve national reconciliation.

Presently, criticisms on the national reconciliation are made, causing considerable confusion. What the government is talking about it is for every group in society to gather force and consider on issues which have caused conflict, for example, (amending) the constitution and media reform and then create a mechanism to resolve, Mr Abhisit said during his weekly TV and radio address.

He said his national reconciliation initiative was not meant for reconciliation between the government and any particular group or between one colour with other colour.

For example, the independent panel headed by Kanit Na Nakorn set up recently is tasked with probing the recent deadly protests and is not meant to find faults with anybody, Mr Abhisit said.

“Once the facts are revealed, it will lead to justice and eventually creating reconciliation,” he said.

On national reform, Mr Abhisit said every social injustice would be considered and concerned government agencies will support the civil sector to be appointed in ridding it.

“This job will not be accomplished by this government. Rules will be issued by Prime Minister’s Office to help keep the committee in existence even though the government will change in future,” Mr Abhisit said.

My government and I don’t own this task. I want every Thai to own [the process] so that it could proceed,” Mr Abhisit added. (TNA)

-- TNA 2010-06-20

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Parents Shot In Front Of Daughter In Thai South Attacks

Parents Shot In Front Of Daughter In Thai South Attacks - Thailand Forum

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Everything you need in one place: InvadeIT and Thaivisa launch online IT store: Thaivisa and InvadeIT launch online IT store - Thailand Forum

PM Abhisit urges every social group to unite for national reconciliation

Govt to implement assistance measures to rice farmers

Thai Airways turbulence injures three crew members on flight to Osaka

ASEAN + 3 Concert for the King launched with style

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Special Report: 2010 World Cup to Benefit Thai Food Industry

As South Africa is in the limelight as host to the current 2010 FIFA World Cup from 11 June to 11 July 2010, Thailand is also enjoying many advantages from the event, particularly in terms of food exports. The Thai food industry would likely expand and brings higher income to the country during the international football competition.

National Food Institute (NFI) Executive Vice President, Amorn Ngammongkolrat, believed the exports of Thai foods and the Thai food businesses in South Africa would generate income of more than 5 billion THB to the country in 2010. The exports such as rice, crops, seafood, processed food, and the entire things used as ingredients to cook all sorts of delicacies, as well as sweets would grow up.

Regarding the domestic market, Mr Amorn estimated that most of the Thai football fans would consume more fast food, snacks, fruit juices, milk, soft drinks, instant noodles, frozen food, coffee, and tea while watching their favorite matches. Therefore, those food businesses would benefit from the behavioral change of consumers during this period.

The NFI vice president added that consumers would prefer to have their meals in restaurants and watch live broadcasts of favorite matches or order dishes via delivery service rather than spending long time on their meals in restaurants without football matches to enjoy. Convenience stores nationwide, mostly opening around the clock, will also be popular places to stop by for football fans who have become late sleepers during this period.

Mr Amorn hence suggested food entrepreneurs adjust their strategies urgently in a bid to adapt themselves to the new trend of consumers, so that they would not lose such a good opportunity to stimulate their sales occurring only once in every four years.

Although Thailand has never been the host to the FIFA World Cup, and Thai football teams have never participated in the final tournament, it does not mean that Thailand would gain nothing from the international football competition. The food industry of Thailand has vast benefits to enjoy both in its home and abroad because the exquisite taste of Thai cuisine could be replaced by nothing, and this is one of the strengths of the kingdom.

-- NNT 2010-06-20

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UDD holds merit-making for demonstrators killed in May dispersal

BANGKOK (NNT) -- The anti-government United Front of Democracy Against Dictatorship (UDD) on 19 June 2010 arranged a merit-making ceremony for its supporters killed during the cordoning operations of the troops.

A number of UDD supporters on Saturday gathered at Wat Pathumwanaram in Bangkok for a merit-making ceremony dedicated to those killed during the operation by security forces to seal off the protest areas of the UDD at Ratchaprasong Intersection on 19 May.

UDD members also laid roses and garlands in front of the prayer hall of the temple and took a 5-minute silence to mourn their deaths. After the ceremony, all UDD supporters returned home, giving up a previous intention to further rallying to Ratchaprasong as the Emergency Decree is still enforced.

The state of emergency remains effective in 24 provinces nationwide, including the capital city.

During the merit-making ceremony of the UDD group, the police were also deployed to take care of the situation at the temple and for the safety of all participants.

-- NNT 2010-06-20

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Hallucinated man under treatment

By THE NATION ON SUNDAY

LAMPANG: -- The insects oozing out of a Lampang man's sores, which became a media sensation, were not a symptom of a mysterious skin disease but of the man's hallucinatory fits, the provincial public health office said yesterday.

Dr Shinoros Leesawat from the office, along with Lampang and Chiang Mai psychiatrists, held a press conference to debunk the 52-year-old patient's story. They presented a video taken when the man entered Mae Tha Hospital that reportedly showed two tiny flies flying out of the base of the patient's fingers. They said there was no open wound that the flies could come out from as the patient had claimed.

Stressing that there was no clear video footage or evidence, they said doctors and nurses hadn't seen any more flies working their way out of the patient's body later and throughout his stay at Lampang Centre Hospital after he was transferred there on Thursday.

The man's lesions were also caused by his scratching himself, they said. Dr Sasithorn Yingseree, a psychiatrist at Lampang Centre Hospital, said the patient, now undergoing mental treatment, was fully cooperating with doctors but was concerned that what he had said before, which created a huge following, might be perceived as a lie. But he simply mouthed what he saw and was becoming stressed out due to the publicity, she said. The hospital then prohibited anyone unrelated to the treatment from visiting the patient.

The psychiatrists from Lampang Centre Hospital and Chiang Mai's Suan Prung Mental Hospital agreed that the patient had improved greatly after three days of medication. The man wasn't crazy nor incurable but only fantasised about bugs, due to long abuse of narcotics, she added.

-- The Nation 2010-06-20

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Thaksin (or whoever handle his account) tweets again after 10-day silence. /via @veen_NT

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

UDD holds merit-making for demonstrators killed in May dispersal

2010 World Cup to Benefit Thai Food Industry

Parents shot in front of daughter in Thai south attacks: Parents Shot In Front Of Daughter In Thai South Attacks - Thailand Forum

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Public Health Ministry orders seizure of fruit-flavored mouth sprays

BANGKOK (NNT) -- The Ministry of Public Health has ordered its provincial offices nationwide to confiscate all fruit-flavored mouth sprays after they are found to be health hazardous and not certified by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Permanent Secretary for Public Health, MD Paijit Warachit stressed that vendors of the mouth sprays must be prosecuted for having no social responsibilities and selling dangerous items to the public.

Some students in the northeastern province of Nong Bua Lam Phu were found to suffer from headache, stomachache, and vomiting after applying the fruit-flavored sprays into their mouths. The kids indicated they bought the products from shops outside the school at 5 THB each.

According to the investigation, the mouth sprays have not yet been certified by the FDA. All shops now have the sprays removed from their racks while the school with the affected children has seized more than 100 bottles of the sprays from students.

The permanent secretary also encouraged teachers and parents to notify the ministry of illegal sales of health hazardous fruit-flavored sprays via the FDA hotline 1556, or to inform a nearest provincial Public Health office.

-- NNT 2010-06-20