Thailand Live Monday 28 Jun 2010

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Thailand Live Monday 28 June 2010

News, Bits and Tweets

with webfact

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 Sunday 27 June 2010

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List of panel to probe extra-judicial killing during war-on-drugs completed

BANGKOK (NNT) -- The name list of the independent committee to investigate extra-judicial killings during the war on drugs is now completed and is expected to be proposed to the cabinet for consideration this Tuesday.

Speaking at the National Broadcasting Services of Thailand on Sunday, Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva confirmed that the names of the panel members were completed as reported by Justice Minister Pirapan Salirathavibhaga.

Former Attorney-General, Khamphi Kaewcharoen, has been appointed the head of the committee to investigate and analyze the narcotic drug suppression policy during the government of ex-Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, which had led to damages to lives and properties.

The prime minister stated that actually the report had already been completed; however, he said the revival of the panel was just to continue the operation.

The panel was first established during the government of ex-Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont and was chaired by Prof Dr Kanit Na Nakorn, who is now heading the independent fact-finding panel to probe the violence during the rally of the United Front of Democracy Against Dictatorship.

-- NNT 2010-06-28

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Two bomb suspects escape to Cambodia: police

SA KAEO (TNA) -- Two suspects in last week’s bomb attack at the head office of Bhumjaithai Party, a major partner in the coalition government of Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva, have fled to Cambodia, a senior Thai immigration police officer said Sunday.

Pol Lt-Col Benjapol Rodsawas, deputy immigration police chief in the Thai border province of Sa Kaeo, said 42-year-old Varisriya Boonsom, nicknamed Oor, and 41-year-old Korbchai Boonplod, nicknamed Ai, left the country separately last Wednesday, one day after the bombing incident outside the Bhumjaithai Party headquarters on Phaholyothin Road in Bangkok.

Both of them left for Cambodia via the Thai border district of Aranyaprathet, said Col Benjapol.

The Thai Criminal Court last Friday issued arrest warrants for four more suspects, including Mrs Varissriya and Mr Korbchai, alleged to be involved in the bombing incident.

Police allege they planned the attack together.

To date, police have detained three suspects, including Anek Singkhuntod who was seriously wounded in the rambutan pushcart explosion near the Party headquarters. He is being treated in hospital.

As police continue their investigation, Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva said Sunday he had ordered police to find the culprits.

Mr Abhisit said there are still some elements who want to create disturbances in the country while his government is giving an effort to prevent them.

“In practice, it [prevention] cannot be covered 100 per cent but the government will try its best,” Mr Abhisit said.

Thepthai Senpong, spokesman of ruling Democrat Party leader Abhisit, said his party had received intelligence that the party could be the next bombing target.

Democrat Party headquarters was earlier fired on by an assailant using an M79 grenade launcher.

Mr Thepthai said the prime minister in his capacity as the party leader had instructed the authorities to be on alert as another attack could hit the party. (TNA)

-- TNA 2010-06-28

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WORLD CUP 2010

Two terror suspects arrested trying to enter South Africa

Johannesburg - Zimbabwean police have arrested two suspected terrorists as they tried to cross into South Africa, media reports said Sunday, raising fears over security at the World Cup.

The two Pakistani nationals, one of whom is suspected of having links to the 2008 terror attacks in Mumbai, attempted to enter South Africa on fake Kenyan passports last Sunday, the Sunday Times reported.

Interpol have been called in to verify if one of the suspects is indeed wanted in connection with the Mumbai attacks, in which almost 200 people died.

South African police spokesman Vishnu Naidoo said that arrests proved security was tight around the ongoing World Cup.

"The mere fact that they were stopped in Zimbabwe will tell you that the security is sufficient," he told the Sunday Times.

Prior to the tournament, there were fears that Somalia's radical Islamist group al-Shabaab, which has links with al-Qaeda, could attempt to launch an attack.

Foreign fighters are flocking to the chaotic Horn of Africa nation to set up terror camps with a view to launching regional attacks, Western diplomats and security experts say.

-- The Nation 2010-06-28

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Korkaew Escorted from Prison to Apply for By-Election

Red shirt leader Korkaew Pikulthong has been escorted from the Bangkok Remand Prison to personally apply for the by-election in Bangkok's Constituency 6.

He will return to the prison once the application process is complete.

-- Tan Network 2010-06-28

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EMERGENCY DECREE

Lawyer hits out at arrest of NGO chief Sombat

By The Nation

Mirror Foundation chairman Sombat Boongamanong has been unlawfully detained since Saturday for his alleged violation of the emergency laws and an alleged link to the red shirts, his lawyer Anon Nampha said yesterday.

"The detention of Sombat is unlawful and seen as a frame-up against any opponent of the government," he said.

Anon said the authorities cited an arrest warrant for emergency violations issued on May 21 by Wang Thonglang police to hold Sombat at a detention centre located inside the Border Patrol Police camp in Pathum Thani.

Police took Sombat into custody and sent him to the detention centre in lieu of the remand while he was trying to tie a red cloth at the Rajprasong intersection, the rally site of the red shirts. The red cloth is supposed to signify the struggle for democracy.

Anon said police had no justification in linking Sombat to the red shirts, hence there was no cause to detain him.

The foundation is a non-profit, non-governmental organisation which does volunteer work, he said, adding Sombat was not involved in the rally although he came under police attention when he tried to raise awareness about people missing during the unrest.

Red media activist Somyos Prueksakasemsuk said Red Power, a new red-shirts' publication, will hit the news stands next Saturday.

The publication will replace the Voice of Taksin magazine shut down under the state of emergency, he said.

Meanwhile, the Department of Investigation is ready to take statements from representatives of eight companies suspiciously linked to the red-shirt rally.

DSI director general Tharit Pengdit said he had received confirmation from the companies they would present their rebuttals as scheduled. The companies, seen as close to or under the control of fugitive ex-premier Thaksin Shinawatra and his family, have had their financial transactions frozen pending a review of financial backing for the reds.

[thenation]2010-06-28]/thenation]

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Astronaut to drop into Suranaree UT

By Kasem Chanathinart

The Nation

NAKHON RATCHASIMA: -- A former Nasa astronaut will visit Suranaree University of Technology on July 29 as part of the festivities for SUT's 20th anniversary.

SUT president Prasart Suebka said last week that Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn would preside over the opening ceremony of the keynote speech by Leroy Chiao, a former National Aeronautics and Space Administration astronaut.

Prasart said SUT invited the Chinese-American astronaut because he was half-Asian.

He wants Thai students to realise that each person's ability depends on his educational opportunity.

So, he believes Thais could become an astronaut like him if they had the chance.

When SUT celebrated its fifth anniversary, SUT in collaboration with government got permission from Nasa to display its moon rocks at an exhibition in Thailand in 1995, which proved extremely popular with visitors.

SUT plans to offer educational programmes related to space technology as part of its ambition to establish a space technology centre.

CV of a four-time spaceman

According to www.jsc.nasa.gov, Leroy Chiao became an astronaut in July 1991.

He is qualified for flight assignment as a space station commander, space station science officer and space station mission specialist.

His technical assignments include space station flight software verification in the Shuttle Avionics Integration Laboratory; crew equipment, Spacelab, Spacehab and payloads issues for the Astronaut Office Mission Development Branch; training and flight data file issues; and EVA issues for the EVA branch.

Chiao also served as chief of the Astronaut Office EVA Branch.

A veteran of four space flights, he flew as a mission specialist on STS-65 in July 1994, STS-72 in January 1996 and STS-92 in October 2000.

He was the commander and Nasa science officer on Expedition 10 from October 2004-April 2005.

-- The Nation 2010-06-28

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PM Abhisit gives officials one month to sort out smart ID card problem

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Cabinet will consider draft directives to set up reform panel, council Tuesday

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva said Sunday that the Cabinet will Tuesday consider approving PM's Office's draft directives for setting up a reform panel and a reform council.

Speaking during his weekly TV programme, Abhisit insisted the process to reform Thailand to bring about reconciliation has progressed a lot.

Abhisit expressed confidence that the panel and council would be chaired by qualified persons.'

He said the two bodies would work with full independence without any interference from the government.

-- The Nation 2010-06-28

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Thailand polls: reds, yellows here to stay

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Simple teaching can reap best results

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Camp for would-be doctors

By The Nation

Senior secondary students aspiring to become medical physicians should not miss this golden opportunity to join a "want to be a doctor" camp organised by the Medical Student Club of Chulalongkorn University.

The activity runs from October 14-18.

Applications will be accepted from July 5-30, and the list of attendees to the camp will be available on August 30. Also, the club will stage an orientation for students who want to study at Chulalongkorn's medical school on October 16 from 9am to noon.

Application forms are available at schools or by calling the club at (02) 256 4580 or (080) 934 6633 from Monday-Friday between 4pm-8pm.

Or visit www.docchula.com/forum for more information.

-- The Nation 2010-06-28

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Panitch and Korkaew Assigned Numbers in By-election

Candidates in the Bangkok Constituency 6 by-election have been assigned numbers for their campaigns. Panich Vikitset, representing the Democrats, has been assigned #1. Korkaew Pikulthong, representing the Pheu Thai, has been assigned #4.

-- Tan Network 2010-06-28

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Ongart to clarify Thai situation to ASEAN leaders

BANGKOK (NNT) -- Prime Minister’s Office Minister Ongart Klampaiboon will elaborate the situation in Thailand with leaders from other ASEAN nations as he has been designated by Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva to visit the Philippines this week.

Speaking after his meeting with the Prime Minister, Mr Ongart announced that he would visit the Philippines from 29 to 30 June 2010 and would use this opportunity to explain that the situation in Thailand had been restored back to normalcy, not as bad as seen in the media.

Mr Ongart will visit Manila to witness the swearing-in ceremony of newly elected President of the Philippines, Noynoy Aquino, on 29 June 2010. He has also been assigned to deliver a speech to a meeting of political and business leaders of ASEAN in Manila on behalf of the prime minister.

Prime Minister Abhisit cannot visit the Philippines due to his engagement at the cabinet meeting on Tuesday. The minister confirmed that the prime minister gave importance to neighboring countries and hence assigned him to complete the mission instead.

In addition, Mr Ongart stated that he would ensure readiness of Thailand to welcome tourists from ASEAN countries at the meeting with political and business leaders.

-- NNT 2010-06-28

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Red-shirt lawyer will ask court to release Kokaew to campaign

BANGKOK: -- Red-shirt lawyer Kharom Polthaklang said Monday that he will appeal with the Criminal Court to release Pheu Thai Party candidate Kokaew Pikultong temporarily so that he could campaign for the Bangkok by-election.

Kharom said he would ask the court to either let Kokaew come out of the prison one or two days a week to campaign or release him on bail until the election is held on July 25.

Kharom said he will have yet to consult with the Pheu Thai which option of bail request should be submitted to the court.

-- The Nation 2010-06-28

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Thailand fights addiction to plastic bags

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Jorsor100: RPG rocket was fired at empty oil tank inside the Quartermaster Dept of Army at 10 pm Sunday. No one was injured. /via @paisal_nt

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RPG fired at empty oil tank of Army: report

An RPG rocket was fired at an empty oil tank of Quartermaster Department of the Royal Thai Army Sunday night, the Jor Sor 100 traffic radio station reported Monday.

The attack happened at 10 pm, the radio station said, adding that no one was injured.

-- The Nation 2010-06-28

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Thailand fights addiction to plastic bags:

Red-shirt lawyer will ask court to release Kokaew to campaign

End of the month, tea money time:

PM's Office Minister Ongart to clarify Thai situation to ASEAN leaders

Panich and Korkaew assigned number 1 and 4 in Bangkok by-election

Recent Nigerian scam letters sent by scammers based in Thailand:

Camp for would-be doctors

Simple teaching can reap best results:

Thailand polls: reds, yellows here to stay:

Cabinet will consider draft directives to set up reform panel, council Tuesday

PM Abhisit gives officials one month to sort out smart ID card problem:

Nakhon Ratchasima: Astronaut to visit Suranaree University

Drought - Water shortage to take toll on output

Lawyer hits out at arrest of NGO chief Sombat

Korkaew escorted from prison to to apply for by-election

Two bomb suspects escape to Cambodia

List of panel to probe extra-judicial killing during war-on-drugs completed

Thai Exports to ASEAN market grow 62%:

Democrat Party asks Puea Thai not to create further division in society

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Anti-human trafficking concert in Pattaya

Relief supplies for Lampang sent from Sattahip

Table tennis competition under way

Serious flooding allegedly caused by City Hall contractor

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Ax murder ends World Cup dispute in Thailand

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NEW PARLIAMENT

New parliament to finish in 2014 : House speaker

By The Nation

Construction of the new Parliament is expected to finish in 2014 at the latest, House Speaker Chai Chidchob said Monday.

The new Parliament which will be located in Kiek Kai area of Bangkok will consume about Bt5 billion of the national budget.

"It is expected that the construction of the new Parliament will be finished and it could be opened for functioning in 2014 at the latest," he said.

Chai was speaking after presiding over a religious rite marking the 78th anniversary of the founding of the Thai parliament. He paid respect to the statues of King Rama V and VII in front of the Parliament.

The first group of Members of Parliament convened for the first time on June 28, 1932

-- The Nation 2010-06-28

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Passenger van explodes near army's 2nd Cavalry Regiment in Bangkok, driver injured; police rush to scene /MCOT

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Woman fends off mugger in Phuket

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Academics call for law to prosecute Thaksin in World Court

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2 more Airport Link stations to be opened on 1 Jul

BANGKOK (NNT) -- The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) will open two more stations on the Airport Link now operating on test run, due to popularity of the service.

Starting on 1 July, the elevated train running between Bangkok’s inner city and Suvarnabhumi Airport will stop at Ratchaprarop and Thub Chang stations in addition to the 5 stations which have been opened for free trial run since 1 June. An estimated number of 80,000 people have already tried out the service.

During the test run, the train is operated on weekdays, from 07.00-10.00 hrs and 16.00-19.00 hrs, departing from the terminal every 20 minutes. The trip takes approximately 30 minutes from the downtown Phya Thai terminal to Suvarnabhumi Airport, with 4 stops at Ratchaprarop, Ramkhamhaeng, Hua Mak, and Thub Chang stations along the line.

The Airport Link is expected to be put on commercial service in August 2010.

People interested in a free ride can contact service counters at the train stations indicated before taking the journey.

-- NNT 2010-06-28

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Govt officials' salary hike not politically motivated

BANGKOK (NNT) -- The ruling Democrat Party has confirmed that the proposed salary increase for government officials was not made with political motives but was intended to develop Thailand to be a welfare state.

Spokesperson to the Democrat Party Leader, Thepthai Senpong, reaffirmed that the salary rise was made to make Thailand a welfare state, not just to please government officials for political benefits or to influence election results as accused by the opposition Puea Thai Party.

The spokesperson noted that the salary hike would cover government officials across the country; therefore, he encouraged the opposition party to be open-minded and support the policy, which would benefit the public as a whole, rather than doing for personal gains.

Mr Thepthai also supported the initiative to reform the bureaucratic system as proposed by Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva, especially the restructuring of 150 high-ranking positions for greater efficiency of the government mechanism.

The spokesperson noted that the changes must be made to wipe away bad images of government officials, notably lack of political neutrality and negligence of duties. Top priorities for the reform include the National Police Office and the Department of Special Investigation.

-- NNT 2010-06-28

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SET index closed at 804.4, up 10.73; Bt/USD31.97; GBP48.00; AUD27.74; EUR39.50; CAD30.59; HKD4.06; SGD22.99; JPY35.52

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Excessive Football Gambling leads to fatal shooting in Pattaya

7 month old child held at gunpoint during convenience store robbery in Jomtien

American resident attacked and robbed as he locks up his house for the night

New attractions open at the Pattaya Floating Market

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Two teens arrested for Phuket shooting murder