Thailand Live Wednesday 23 Jun 2010

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Thailand Live Wednesday 23 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 Tuesday 22 June 2010

Thailand Live Tuesday 22 Jun 2010 - Thailand Forum

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Thousands attend Thai cremation of 'Red Shirt' general

by Thanaporn Promyamyai

BANGKOK (AFP) -- Thousands of Thai "Red Shirts" turned out Tuesday for the cremation of a rogue general killed during opposition protests, staging their biggest gathering since the army quashed their rally last month.

Hundreds of police were deployed at the ceremony for Major General Khattiya Sawasdipol, an unofficial security adviser to the Red Shirts who was shot in the head while being interviewed by a foreign reporter at the protest site.

Police estimated that more than 10,000 mourners flocked to the temple to pay their last respects, some wearing T-shirts bearing the image of the slain general, better known by his nom-de-guerre Seh Daeng, or "Commander Red".

It remains unclear who killed Khattiya, who was shot on May 13 and died in hospital four days later. His supporters say he was targeted by a sniper, but the army has denied any involvement.

Saowaros Songcharoen, a 58-year-old housewife from Ayutthaya province in central Thailand, said she could not forgive the government for the bloodshed.

"They have stamped on democracy," she said, proudly showing a picture of herself and the general. "If our generation cannot win, our children will carry on fighting."

The Red Shirts were campaigning for elections they hoped would oust the government, which they view as undemocratic because it came to power with the backing of the army after a court ruling threw out the previous administration.

Most of the Red Shirt leaders are in jail or wanted on terrorism charges for their roles in the two-month-long mass rally that ended with a deadly army crackdown on the demonstrators' encampment in central Bangkok on May 19.

Ninety people died and nearly 1,900 were injured in clashes between security forces and protesters, mainly in Bangkok, which has been calm for the past month.

Rekindling jitters, however, a blast occurred Tuesday outside the headquarters of a political party that belongs to the ruling coalition.

Police were waiting to question an injured man who was suspected of being behind the explosion, which was apparently caused by a makeshift bomb inside a gas canister. No one else was hurt.

Bangkok is still under emergency laws banning public gatherings of more than five people but police did not try to stop Red Shirts paying their last respects to Khattiya, and the event appeared to pass peacefully.

His daughter, Khattiyaa Sawasdipol, thanked the mourners and said her father would be touched by their support.

"I will carry on his work," said Khattiyaa, 29, who recently announced that she hoped to enter politics, leading a party founded by her father.

The 58-year-old was suspended from duty in January and faced dismissal from the army after a panel found him guilty of military crimes.

He rose to prominence during the street protests and was often surrounded by autograph-seeking fans during his walks through the rally site, where vendors displayed his best-selling books about his jungle adventures.

He antagonised the authorities by expressing loyalty to the Red Shirts' hero, fugitive former premier Thaksin Shinawatra, and was accused of having a hand in dozens of unsolved grenade attacks in Bangkok.

The general denied involvement in the violence, saying he concentrated on inspecting the barricades of fuel-soaked tyres, bamboo poles and razor wire that he helped to erect around the perimeter of the rally site.

As his coffin was placed into the furnace, mourners scrambled to collect a copy of a commemorative book printed for the occasion -- bound in red, instead of the customary white.

-- (c) Copyright AFP 2010-06-23

Related topic: Tight Security For Cremation Of 'Red Shirt' Thai General - Thailand Forum

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Special Report: Thailand's Determination to Achieve Millenium Development Goals

The recent comment made by Administrator of the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), Helen Clark, has brought a wide range of discussion into Thai politics, including topics about the political mayhem, prolonged street protests, deeply rooted division, national development, and poverty eradication.

A section of Ms Clark's interview on 16 June 2010 stated that Thailand's method of tackling poverty had been impeded by political tension. She commented that the country should move forward the process for a free and fair election, which would yield results accepted by the public.

On the other hand, Deputy Information Department Director-General and Deputy Foreign Ministry Spokesperson, Biravij Suwanpradhes, explained that Thailand had succeeded in dealing with many sub-targets of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).

Some of the successful reports are tackling poverty and famine, eliminating unequal access to education between genders, slowing down the spread of HIV/AIDS, preventing the malaria epidemic, providing more access to clean water and hygienic toilets, and many others. The deputy spokesperson then pledged the determination of the Thai government to achieve all the targets within 2015.

Mr Biravij also stressed the commitment of the Royal Thai government to work on the reconciliation roadmap of Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva via the national reform process. He said all sides would join hands and try its best to solve social discrepancy and poverty as well as study politics and amend the charter until it would be accepted.

After the recent political unrest, the world is looking at how the country will move forward and solve all of its domestic issues. The interview of the UNDP administrator is just one of the international reflections towards Thai society. Every single person in Thailand is duty-bound to help fix all the flaws seen in the mirror to perfect the country accordingly.

-- NNT 2010-06-23

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Regional Police Chief Wants Emergency Law Maintained

Although no unusual movement has been reported in the Northeast, the regional police chief offered his support to the government to retain the emergency decree in the region to facilitate authorities' work.

After chairing a seminar on personnel development for criminal case interrogation, commissioner of Provincial Police Bureau 3, Police Lieutenant General Dechawat Ramsompob, said police are continuing with their efforts to apprehend red-shirt suspects responsible the violence last month.

In regard to the riots on May 19, he said that investigators have issued arrest warrants for over 300 people believed to be involved in the violence in 8 lower northeastern provinces. Police have arrested more than 60 suspects so far.

Police Lieutenant General Dechawat expressed no concern about the situation in the region, saying everything is under control and there has been no report of suspicious activities.

However, the commissioner proposed the government keep the Emergency Decree active in the region to support security officials' operations.

Meanwhile, Udon Thani Deputy Governor Wirat Limsuwat today presided over a meeting to follow up on any residual red-shirt movement in the province, with soldiers, police and administrative officials attending.

During the meeting, he ordered security officials to verify a report that villagers in Kudjab district received a letter with pro-Thaksin Shinawatra message from an unidentified group.

The letter presented Thaksin's thank-you message to red-shirt supporters for joining the anti-government protests in Bangkok.

The letter also claimed that those who were injured during the protests would be given 2,000 baht each while families of the deceased would receive up to 500,000 baht.

The deputy governor also assigned security officials to visit people who joined the protests to hear how they want the government to help as part of the Interior Ministry's policy to rebuild social harmony.

-- Tan Network 2010-06-23

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Appointment to UN council vindicates handling of violence

By Jeerapong Prasertpolgrang

The Nation

Published on June 23, 2010

Sihasak Phuangketkeow

The selection of Thailand's ambassador to the UN in Geneva as the UN Human Rights Council's president shows that the international community has a good understanding of the situation here, Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva said yesterday.

The 40-some countries on the council must have considered Sihasak Phuangketkeow's candidacy well before backing him as the fifth head of the agency tackling human rights violations worldwide, he said.

Since the United States, EU and Asean expressed no criticism over Thailand in their statements, they had accepted the Thai government's handling of the recent political chaos, he said.

The government would now try even harder to push for and support the independent panel investigating the deaths from the recent political violence, he said.

The government would take into account the opinions from foreign NGOs, he said.

He had passed the issues raised by Amnesty International to panel chairman Khanit Na Nakhon.

The Foreign Ministry, Thai trade representatives and other officials took all available opportunities to explain to other countries the current conditions in Thailand.

While ex-PM Thaksin Shinawatra had hired lobbyists overseas, everyone in the government was trying to use his connections to explain the state of affairs here to the rest of the world, he said.

What made him happy this time was that even common people were using online social networks to help spread the word, he added.

-- The Nation 2010-06-23

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Terrorism Charges, Financing Case Put Thai Justice System In Uncharted Territory

Terrorism Charges, Financing Case Put Thai Justice System In Uncharted Territory - Thailand Forum

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Thailand's Fragile peace threatened

Terrorism Charges, Financing Case Put Thai Justice System In Uncharted Territory - Thailand Forum

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RECONCILIATION

Reform and reconciliation different animals : Anand

By JEERAWAN PRASOMSAB

THE NATION

BANGKOK: -- Former premier Anand Panyarachun yesterday affirmed that national reform was a different matter from reconciliation, whilst former attorney-general Kanit na Nakorn sought Cabinet approval to extend the period for recruiting members of the independent fact-finding committee for national reconciliation.

Anand, who has been invited by Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva to chair the national reform committee, said that as he had not yet officially been appointed, he could not reveal the strategies for national reform that he had in mind.

He said he would consult with respected scholar Prawase Wasi, who chairs the assembly for national reform, to ensure their work was headed in the same direction.

He said he and Prawase shared the opinion that national reform and reconciliation were two different matters, as the former was intended to lay the foundation for the country's future while the latter was for the government to undertake.

Anand said he should be able to complete by early next month the make-up of the 15-20 national reform committee members from groups such as academics and civic society.

Affirming that his panel would formulate the strategies for national reform in an independent manner and submit the resulting report to the government, he said it was then up to the government to decide whether it wanted to implement the strategies.

Strategy-setting is not supposed to benefit any particular administration, he stressed.

Meanwhile, a source at yesterday's Cabinet meeting reported that Kanit had written to Abhisit requesting another 15 days for the establishment of the independent fact-finding committee for national reconciliation's duties and responsibilities, and for the recruitment of panel members.

Abhisit signed a letter appointing the committee on June 8 and required the two tasks to be completed within 15 days, namely today.

Envisioning a truth and reconciliation commission much as those used in other countries with political conflicts leading to violence, Kanit said the committee's duties and responsibilities would go beyond fact-finding about the recent political unrest.

He said he therefore needed to consult many sides as this complicated matter involved many stakeholders.

The recruitment of committee members was also important, he added, and directly affected the overall mission's success. It therefore requires thorough consideration and consultation with many sides. After getting the optimum outcome as regards committee formation and candidates, he would then be able to propose the list of panel members, he said.

For these reasons, he said, he needed another 15 days, even though he understood the public demand for the committee to make progress as soon as possible.

-- The Nation 2010-06-23

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THAICOM

Korn: Share accusations will affect confidence

By WICHIT CHAITRONG

THE NATION

BANGKOK: -- Finance Minister Korn Chatikavanij yesterday attacked Pheu Thai MPs for rattling stock investors by blaming him for causing a run-up in Thaicom stock that they said made insider traders about Bt500 million richer.

"The groundless accusation has damaged investor confidence in the capital market while the Stock Exchange of Thailand is sponsoring a road show to boost investor confidence," Korn said.

During his testimony to the House Committee on Finance, Fiscal Affairs and Banking, Korn said it was a pity that the Pheu Thai MPs just wanted to ruin his reputation by accusing him and MP Sirichoke Sopha of manipulating Thaicom's share price.

Korn told the panel that during the red-shirt protest, Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva assigned him to talk with Temasek Holdings, as Thaicom executives were not cooperating fully with the government.

Korn went to Singapore to meet with Temasek in mid-April, when he discussed the satellite business' impact on national security and the possibility of the Thai government buying it back.

A representative from the Securities and Exchange Commission also told the committee that the investigation to find out if the Thaicom stock was manipulated is underway.

At the session, Pheu Thai MP Prakiart Nasimma reiterated his view that the government had no real intention of regaining control of Thaicom's satellite business but had invented the entire story just to boost the stock price.

The feeler to acquire Temasek's stake in Thaicom was reported last week and drove Thaicom's stock price skywards by 31 per cent.

Pheu Thai MP Surapong Tovichakchaikul, chairman of the committee, said he had information from his party's economic team showing that manipulators made about Bt500 million from trading Thaicom shares between March and this month.

Inside traders bought shares in March when the price was about Bt4.66 and sold them when the average price was Bt7.66, he said.

Today, ICT Minister Chuti Krairiskh will brief Abhisit on details of the Thaicom concession.

-- The Nation 2010-06-23

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Survey to encourage condom use

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/Size-Matters-Survey-To-Encourage-t377430.html

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Interrogation of blacklisted people begins on Monday

By The Nation

The Department of Special Investigation (CRES)'s interrogation of 83 people and business entities blacklisted for their suspected funding of last month's redshirt protests begins on Monday.

The 83 people have been informed of the mandatory interviews and been given a direct contact number - 0851414187 - to prevent claims they did not know about the detailed schedule and failed to show up, directorgeneral Tharit Phengdit said yesterday.

They will be required to account for every single money transfer or business transaction and many are expected to meet with the DSI more than once until all details are explained.

Those in the court's custody or in prison will be met personally by DSI agents or representatives from three other agencies. People on the run have been informed of the questioning schedule by postal contact and are required to send in their representatives.

Former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, whose bank accounts have been frozen, is expected to provide explanations regarding money transfers through his representatives or lawyer, Tharit said.

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva, meanwhile, said he believed three names previously on the blacklist were removed not because they had paid the Centre for Resolution for Emergency Situation, which approved the blacklist, or used any influence to slip off the hook.

The premier claimed he had not followed the CRES' methods in gathering the names and endorsement for blacklisting. "The CRES has handled the blacklist issue all along and Army commander General Anupong Paochinda is responsible for the implementations," he said.

Earlier Abhisit approved the 15day extension for completion of the Khanit na Nakhon reconciliation committee, which was endorsed by Cabinet yesterday.

Box

All sessions heard in the investigation rooms of the DSI's Bureau of Financial and Banking Crime and Bureau of Taxation Crime, from 9am sharp

Group 1 - June 28: Businesses owned mostly by Thaksin and family members, including SC Assets

Group 2 - June 29: Key family businesses including SC Office Plaza, Thaksin himself, his former wife Khunying Pajoman and son Panthongthae

Group 3 - June 30: Daughter Pinthongtha, sisters Yaowaret and Yingluck, adopedbrother Bannaphoj Damapong, relative and former Army chief General Chaiyasit, Pheu Thai MPs Karun Hosakul and Wicharn Meenchainant

Group 4 - July 1: Politicians Sudarat Keyuraphan, Santi Prompat, Pracha Prasopdee, Chaiya Sasamsab, Somsak Kiatsuranont

Group 5 - July 2: Politicians Somchai Phesprasert, Suchart Lainamngern, Anusorn Panthong and Niyom Worrapanya

Group 6 - July 5: Politicians Sutham Saengprathum, Praprasob Surassawadee, Nisit Sinthuphrai, Sermsak Pongpanit, former police general Chat Kulladilok

Group 7 - July 6: LtGeneral Prin Suwannathat, Pol General Salang Bunnag, LtGeneral Manas Paorik

Group 8 - July 7: Businesspersons Panlert Baiyok, Pasin Horklang, Somwan Assarasri

Group 9 - July 8: Red leaders Veera Musigapong, Dr weng Tojirakarn and Khwanchai Sarakham, businesspersons Sukanya Prajuabmoh, Assanee Cherdchai

-- The Nation 2010-06-23

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Three arrested in "biggest ever" drug bust

By The Nation

CHIANG MAI: Police yesterday arrested three drug suspects driving along the Chiang Mai - Lampang highway and confiscated nearly Bt200million worth of methamphetamine.

Police Region 5 commissioner LtGeneral Somkid Boonthanom described it as the biggest haul ever in his jurisdiction.

The suspects were arrested very early yesterday. In one of their two vehicles, police say they uncovered 1.2 million methamphetamine tablets.

The suspects were identified as Pracha Wiangbanphot, 31, Chatree sae Laoya, 23, and Pichet sae Tao, 22. They pleaded guilty to attempting to deliver the illicit drug to Talaad Thai market in Pathum Thani.

"They started their trip from Doi Angkhang," Somkid said.

Speaking at a press conference, Chatree said he had delivered the methamphetamine to the Talaad Thai market three times before.

"We were paid Bt300,000 per trip," Chatree said.

He was tasked with driving a pickup to check whether the route was safe for the sixwheeled truck carrying the methamphetamine, which trailed some distance behind. Two other suspects were responsible for the truck, which carried cabbages as cover for the illicit cargo.

Somkid revealed that police had been monitoring the alleged drugtrafficking gang for three months.

He said a ChineseHaw man known only as "Jeng" had hired Chatree, Pracha and Pichet as deliverymen. Jeng also owns the two vehicles.

"We are going to investigate the case further in a bid to arrest the big boss (Jeng) too," Somkid said.

-- The Nation 2010-06-23

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Obesity on the rise among Thais

By The Nation

About 22 per cent of Thais are obese, a recent Public Health Ministry survey revealed.

The ministry's spokesman Dr Suphan Srithamma said the figure was based on the waistlines of people above the age of 15. The Health Department said women with a waist larger than 80 centimetres and men with a waistline of more than 90cm could be considered obese.

Attention returned to the problems of obesity after the sudden death of a teacher at a prestigious school in Bangkok. On Monday, the 30yearold teacher was found dead on campus and doctors believe he might have died of heart failure. The teacher was last seen jogging on Sunday evening. He had reportedly been taking fatloss pills and had recently shed about 17 kilograms.

Dr Atthapol Kaewsamrit, a senior official at the Health Department, yesterday urged people to call (02) 590 4415 for counselling if they had weight problems.

"Losing weight the wrong way may lead to death," Suphan pointed out.

According to Atthapol, one should refrain from skipping meals in a bid to lose weight because that will cause stress and reduce the intake of nutrients.

Instead, Atthapol said, people should start exercising, and slowly increasing the time spent on workouts.

"If you have never exercised before, start off by swimming or walking. Gradually increase the time spent working out to 30 minutes, then 40 minutes and 60 minutes each day. You should follow this regime five days a week," he added.

Suphan also recommended controlling portions and avoiding sweets.

-- The Nation 2010-06-23

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Debt relief for droughtstricken farmers

By The Nation

About 900,000 farmers are expected to benefit from a governmentsponsored debt relief programme.

The programme aims to ease the farmers' burden in the face of ongoing drought.

Currently, the government has asked farmers to delay the start of their planting out of concern the rainy season will come late. Without adequate water, plants were likely to wither.

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva yesterday said his government would have to allocate between Bt200million and Bt300million for the programme, which would exempt the farmers from interest charges for oneandahalf months. The farmers will also be allowed to delay principal payments for one month.

Eligible farmers are those owing less than Bt50,000 to the Bank for Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives (BAAC).

-- The Nation 2010-06-23

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Opinion: Politicians' power games are pulling the Thai economy backwards

Politicians' Power Games Are Pulling The Thai Economy Backwards - Thailand Forum

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'We were burgled the other night': Burgled - Thailand Forum

Debt relief for drought-stricken farmers

Cost of living In Thailand per month: Cost Of Living In Thailand Per Month - Thailand Forum

Thai Health Ministry: Obesity on the rise among Thais

Three arrested in "biggest ever" drug bust

Interrogation of blacklisted people begins on Monday

Survey to encourage condom use: Size Matters: Survey To Encourage Condom Use - Thailand Forum

THAICOM: Korn: Share accusations will affect confidence

Reform and reconciliation different animals, former PM Anand says

Thailand's Fragile peace threatened: Thailand's Fragile Peace Threatened - Thailand Forum

Terrorism charges, financing case put justice system in uncharted territory: Terrorism Charges, Financing Case Put Thai Justice System In Uncharted Territory - Thailand Forum

Appointment to UN council vindicates handling of violence

Regional Police Chief Wants Emergency Law Maintained

Special Report: Thailand's Determination to Achieve Millenium Development Goals

Thousands attend Thai cremation of 'Red Shirt' general

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Suthep Orders Increased Security Following Bhum Jai Thai Bombing

Deputy Prime Minister in charge of national security Suthep Thaugsuban has ordered increased security at key locations throughout the capital after yesterday's bombing at the Bhum Jai Thai headquarters. Police say they have identified the mastermind behind the attack and are hunting the person down in Eastern Thailand.

-- Tan Network 2010-06-23

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Court Denies DSI's Request to Revoke Jatuporn's Bail

The Criminal Court has denied a request by the Department of Special Investigation to revoke red shirt leader Jatuporn Phrompan's bail, citing lack of enough justification.

-- Tan Network 2010-06-23

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BRT: Bangkok by Bus 'Without the Bother'

BRT: Bangkok By Bus 'Without The Bother' - Thailand Forum

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Supreme Court Accepts Thaksin's Asset Report Case

The Supreme Court has accepted the case against former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra on the falsification of his assets report when he was still in power.

The court has scheduled the first hearing for July 29 at 1.30 p.m.

-- Tan Network 2010-06-23

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Tonite: Great animated feature film@alliance-française BKK"L'île de Black Mor" 7.30 pm,in french, eng s/titles /via @francethai

Condoms for teens to be produced: Size Matters: Survey To Encourage Condom Use - Thailand Forum

Bangkok by Bus 'Without the Bother'

Court denies DSI's request to revoke Jatuporn's bail

Suthep orders increased security following Bhum Jai Thai bombing

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Lithuanian father seeks missing son in Phuket

Lithuanian Father Seeks Missing Son In Phuket - Thailand Forum

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Aussie death plunge in Phuket likely an accident

Aussie Death Plunge In Phuket Likely An Accident - Thailand Forum

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Krunthep Poll: PM gets better evaluation than his govt as he gets 4.48, 0.2% decrease from his performance on 1st anniversary /via @veen_NT

Kruthep Poll: Opposition Party is not in a better position than govt. Its satisfaction score is only 3.36 (out of 10) /via @veen_NT

Krungthep Poll asked ppl's satisfaction with govt and the average score turned out to be 3.79 (out of 10) -less than half /via @veen_NT

Aussie death plunge in Phuket likely an accident: Aussie Death Plunge In Phuket Likely An Accident - Thailand Forum

Lithuanian Father Seeks Missing Son In Phuket: Lithuanian Father Seeks Missing Son In Phuket - Thailand Forum

Supreme Court Accepts Thaksin's Asset Report Case

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Firefox 3.6.4 released. New version protects against crashing plugins

Firefox 3.6.4 Released - Thailand Forum

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Bhumjaithai bombing to affect Emergency Decree decision

BANGKOK (NNT) -- Defense Minister General Prawit Wongsuwan has voiced his confidence that the recent explosion in front of the coalition Bhumjaithai Party headquarters will affect the decision to cancel or extend the state of emergency imposition.

Speaking about the bombing incident, the minister admitted that it would be used as one of the factors to make a decision about whether the security law should be continued or revoked. He noted that some movements in other provinces could still be found.

General Prawit added that the police would be responsible for the investigation of the incident. He said he did not know if the bombing was plotted or engineered by anyone or not; however, he believed that the bomb was not signaling the beginning of any underground movements.

Upon concerns expressed by many sides, the minister assured that all security units would keep evaluating the situation and maintain everything in control for peace and order in the society.

In addition, General Prawit also reported to media members regarding the progress of the government to hunt down fugitive core leaders of the United Front of Democracy Against Dictatorship (UDD) and the reconciliation plan in the part of the Ministry of Defense.

-- NNT 2010-06-23

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PM: Govt’s political stance accepted by international organizations

Thai Ambassador Chosen As New Head Of UN Human Rights Council - Thailand Forum - Page 2

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Metro Police backs Emergency Decree activation

BANGKOK (NNT) -- The Metropolitan Police has urged the security affairs to maintain the Emergency Decree enforcement within the Kingdom in a bid to prevent further bomb explosions.

Metropolitan Police Chief, Police Lieutenant General Santhan Chayanont, said further bomb blasts might be instigated again in the metropolitan areas, according to the evaluation of the police. Therefore, he supported that the state of emergency should remain effective for a while.

Nevertheless, Police Lieutenant General Santhan added that he had already assigned police officers to secure important places more strictly.

The state of emergency has been enforced in 24 provinces nationwide and will expire on 7 July 2010. The Center for the Resolution of Emergency Situation (CRES) will evaluate again if the security law should be extended or not.

A small explosion took place in front of the coalition Bhumjaithai Party headquarters at Soi Phaholyothin 43 in the capital city. Defense Minister and Bhumjaithai Party core member, General Prawit Wongsuwan, admitted that the bombing incident might affect the decision of the CRES about the special law.

-- NNT 2010-06-23

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Water level at Sirikit Dam remains critical

UTTARADIT (NNT) -- The water supply in Sirikit Dam in the northern province of Uttaradit still remains critical as the water level is recorded to be at its lowest in 18 years due to rainfall shortage and the ongoing drought crisis.

According to the latest report, only 6% or about 500 million cubic meters of water remains usable in the dam; however, the dam must release about 8 billion cubic meters of water every day for consumption, tap water production, the local fishery industry, and agricultural farmland.

It is worrying that the dam might be able to release water for community services only for about one and a half months from now if there is no rainfall to fill water reserves in the dam.

Other dams and reservoirs in the country are still experiencing the same situation despite some rainfalls while the authorities are trying their best to alleviate the situation by creating artificial rain and conducting the Monkey Cheek project.

-- NNT 2010-06-23

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HM the King concerned over Thai farmers

BANGKOK (NNT) -- His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej has expressed his concerns over poverty and difficulties of Thai farmers, according to Chairperson of the Thai Rice Foundation under the Royal Patronage, Dr Sumet Tantivejkul.

Dr Sumet stated that HM the King had emphasized his stance about the importance of agriculture in the Kingdom. He elaborated that the King was very worried about Thai farmers as most of them were still poor.

The chairperson stated further that Thai farmers had good potential to produce rice, and should receive benefits from the higher price of the crop, but in reality, they gained nothing while exporters fully received all advantages.

Dr Sumet added that any assistance measure for those famers initiated by the government seemed ineffective and could not reach their hands. He hence suggested the government to urgently implement measures which could directly benefit farmers.

-- NNT 2010-06-23