Thailand Live Tuesday 29 Jun 2010

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Thailand Live Tuesday 29 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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Related topic: Thailand Live Monday 28 June 2010

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Metro Police: 1,028 football betters nabbed so far, 3.25 mn THB seized

BANGKOK (NNT) -- A total of 1,028 people involved in football gambling have been arrested over the last 17 days of the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

According to the Metropolitan Police Bureau, one gambling accomplice and 48 football betters were apprehended on 27 June. About 1,450 THB cash and lists of betting worth 33,700 THB were also seized.

Based on the latest report during 10-27 June, a total of 23 bookmakers, 25 accomplices and 1,028 betters have been arrested for involvement in football gambling. About 141,635 THB cash and lists of gambling worth 3.25 million THB have been confiscated.

The Metropolitan Police Division 3 has reportedly captured the most bookmakers at 7 and has also seized the highest amount of cash worth 56,735 THB. The Metropolitan Police Division 9 has arrested the highest number of gamblers at 178. The Metropolitan Police Division 1 has apprehended the most accomplices at 6 while the Metropolitan Police Division 2 has the highest value of confiscated lists of gambling of 830,887 THB.

-- NNT 2010-06-29

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Govt Orders Hunt for Bomb Suspects

The deputy prime minister in charge of security affairs has ordered a hunt for the accomplices in the Bhum Jai Thai Party bomb attempt while the House speaker has urged violence instigators to reconsider their actions.

Deputy Prime Minister in charge of national security Suthep Thaugsuban has ordered a hunt for the two suspects wanted for the bomb attack targeting the Bhum Jai Thai headquarters.

The fugitives are believed to be currently hiding in Cambodia. The deputy prime minister has vowed to seek extradition of the fugitives and put them on trial.

Meanwhile, one of the suspects previously apprehended for the bomb attack has confessed that the Democrat Party office was also a target.

Suthep asserted that the public should not live in fear as the government will do its best to ensure peace and normalcy.

House Speaker Chai Chidchob urged potential violence instigators to rethink their actions. He called on them to change and become productive members of the society.

Chai went on to say that his daily life is unaffected by the recent bombing incidents.

He explained that additional security guards are unnecessary but has coordinated with the Dusit and metropolitan police to step up security at Parliament.

When asked about his son Newin Chidchob, Bhum Jai Thai de facto leader, Chai said he is naturally concerned about his well-being but believes Newin can look after himself.

-- Tan Network 2010-06-29

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EDUCATION

Roadmap approved for Bt109BN education reform

By Supinda Na Mahachai

The Nation

Education Ministry executives approved on Monday the roadmap for four main strategies projecting educational reform for the year 2011- 2014.

The roadmap would set a Bt109.45 billion budget framework for 64 projects to be implemented next year.

After meeting on Monday in the ministry's main offices, Education Minister Chinnavorn Boonyakiat said they had agreed on the roadmap with its four strategies and 64 projects, and the fiscal year 2011 budget of Bt109.45 billion.

The first strategy - the modern Thais' quality development plan - involves 30 projects worth Bt15.798 billion. They include the Basic Education Commission's Bt1.1 billion project to develop 2,000 small schools into quality learning centres, and the Higher Education Commission's Bt2 billion project to formulate higher education policy and plan.

The second strategy - the modern teachers' quality development plan - has nine projects totalling Bt1.393 billion.

The third strategy - modern schools and learning centres' quality development - involves 12 projects worth Bt9.443 billion, including a Bt1.733 billion scheme to build lowcost learning centres and a Bt888.6 million project for new community libraries.

The fourth strategy - the modern management's quality development plan - lists 17 projects worth Bt76.815 billion, including the Bt535 million educational development project in the southern border provinces, and a Bt75.207 billion programme providing quality 15year free basic education.

-- The Nation 2010-06-29

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ACCIDENT

Japanese man drives off parking lot

By The nation

A 60-year-old Japanese businessman was killed yesterday when he drove his Honda CRV car off a parking building and plunged four floors onto a concrete fence.

Police and rescue workers rushed to the 34-storey Kallista Mansion on Sukhumvit Soi 11 at 12.30pm to find the car lying overturned on top of the apartment's fence, along with a large section of the fourth-floor parking wall. The car was nearly split in half crosswise.

On the driver's seat was the body of Tadaaki Okada of Eva Trading, an importer of clothing and furniture.

Rescue workers took three hours to cut through the wreckage and pull his body out. He reportedly died from a broken neck and multiple broken bones.

Inspection of the fourth floor found that three parking spaces had been turned into a carwash section with a slope to drain the water.

Housekeeper Chanwiranya Risa, 30, said Okada, who had lived at the apartment with his wife for seven or eight years, told her he would bring his car around for her to wash.

When she turned to prepare her carwash supplies, she heard a loud crash and went to see Okada's car resting on the fence below.

Police suspect this was an accident, as the man might have gunned his engine to get his car up the slope into the carwash slot but overdid it, ploughing through the low wall and falling down. They did not rule out suicide.

Police would contact the victim's relatives to find out more about what had happened.

A source said residents at the apartment recalled two similar occasions when cars over-accelerated, crashing into the wall but then getting stuck on it without going out the other side.

-- The Nation 2010-06-29

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Heavy penalties for trespassers

By Jeerawan Prasomsap

The Nation

The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) is considering using the 1961 Act on Ancient Monuments, Antiques, Objects of Art and National Museums to penalise people intruding into Sanam Luang while it is being removated, and misusing it in the future.

The Act carries penalties of up to Bt1million in fines and 10 years in prison.

Deputy BMA governor Theerachon Manomaipibul said work by the 1st Development Division would take 300 days and should be completed by April 2011.

As a result, celebrations for National Father's Day on December 5 and National Mother's Day on August 12 would be moved to the Royal Plaza, he said.

After the renovation is complete, BMA would contact police and Fine Arts Department officials to strictly enforce the Ancient Monuments Act because Sanam Luang was an ancient site registered with the Fine Arts Department. Officials should be prepared to use maximum penalties in order to prevent Sanam Luang from deteriorating,he said.

He also would propose additional regulations on Sanam Luang's use, Theerachon said. Requests for short political gatherings like vote-wooing campaign speeches would be allowed. But requests to use the site for longer periods would be turned down by the city.

Theerachon said that during renovation the general public would be able to use the makeshift path through Sanam Luang during the time period limit set by the 1st Development Division. But people would not be allowed to sleep on the site any more.

-- The Nation 2010-06-29

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ACCIDENT

Van explodes off Vibhavadi highway

By The Nation

An NGV-fuelled commuter van exploded yesterday, wounding the driver who was sleeping inside with air-conditioning turned on while parked on the shoulder of Vibhavadi Rangsit highway in Din Daeng area.

Somchart Ramma, 34, sustained burns and ear injury from the explosion, which tore the chassis and shattered the windows. The van carried passengers between Bangkok and Prachin Buri.

Police quoted the co-driver as saying that a short circuit in the air conditioner might have triggered the explosion, after sparking off NGV gas that was possibly leaking into the van.

Officers said the explosion could have been worse if the NGV tank had exploded.

-- The Nation 2010-06-29

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Dog-spaying operation in Koh Lipe

By The nation

A team of Austrian veterinarians will next month sterilise more than 200 stray dogs on the tourist island of Koh Lipe, off Satun province.

The operation, to be performed on July 7 to 11, was organised by a group of Austrian tourists who visit the island and issue with tourist business owners.

Many dogs initially taken in as pets are later abandoned in the tourist islands. Those already sterilised will have tags attached to their ears, the provincial livestock office said.

-- The Nation 2010-06-29

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Dengue And Cholera Outbreaks In Thailand Bring Warnings After 30 Die

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Isaan Residents Mental Anguish Over Thai Political Developments

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A Mandela Solution For Thai Troubles?

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Populist Policies In The Work Ahead Of Next Thai Election In 2011

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Tourism Authority Of Thailand Expects 2011 Tourism Income To Top Bt1 Trillion

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SMEs incur Bt70 billion damage in recent political unrest

BANGKOK (TNA) – Small- and medium-size enterprises (SMEs) have incurred around Bt70 billion in damage caused by the recent political unrest, according to the Bank of Thailand (BoT).

Salinee Wangtan, senior director of the BoT audit department, said the central bank assigned an expert team to survey information and opinions of commercial bank credit officers, who had discussed with clients affected by the recent political mayhem.

Commercial banks have categorised affected clients into two groups: large-size entrepreneurs with many outlets and SMEs.

The major entrepreneurs suffered from business sluggishness, but overall remained able to conduct business because they earned revenue from other outlets to offset the shortfall. In addition, they had capital reserves for business support and so had little need to rely on fund support from commercial banks. As a result, their debt repayment prospects have not been affected.

For SMEs, their financial or liquidity support is rather small. Overall, while their core business remains viable, non-core business aspects are in trouble, making it necessary for them to defer the repayment of debts, particularly principal.

Damages incurred by the political unrest represented 1 per cent of the total loan amount of Bt7 trillion extended by commercial banks or around Bt70 billion.

“This survey is being conducted with both SMEs and employees in the tourism or small hotel business because this group of people has not yet been paid much attention. However, commercial banks have tried to ease debt repayment conditions. The damages they had incurred represent 1 per cent of total loans extended in the banking system, which is considered small,” said Mrs Salinee.

She said commercial banks will closely monitor or service debtors with higher risk exposure and report to the central bank periodically, which will enable the central bank to audit commercial banks’ performance as usual. (TNA)

-- TNA 2010-06-29

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THE SHINAWATRAS

Thaksin's family lawyers to meet DSI today

By The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Legal representatives of ousted prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, ex-wife Pojaman na Pombejra and son Panthongtae will today meet officials at the Department of Special Investigation, to begin fighting terrorism-funding charges that have crippled the suspects' financial movements.

Lawyers representing eight companies controlled by the self-imposed exile Thaksin and his allies yesterday met with DSI officials and said they would return with responses to the charges.

The DSI provided money-trail evidence to the lawyers, stating that the eight firms had engaged in transactions involving funds of more than Bt100 billion between April 28, 2009 and last month. The authorities say some of these funds may have been used to finance the recent protests and rioting.

Pol Colonel Manit Thansanti of the DSI said the charges were based on the Anti-Money Laundering Office's findings.

Firms want to study papers

SC Asset, Worth Supply, BBD Development, BP Property, SC Office Park, Pramai Suree Property, PT and SCK Estate had therefore been summoned to see officials responsible for these cases, he said.

The lawyers working on behalf of these firms yesterday told DSI officials they needed to study bank documents provided by the DSI before they could return to clarify the companies' situations. The next meeting is scheduled for July 19.

DSI director-general Tharit Pengdit yesterday said representatives of Thaksin, Pojaman and Panthongtae had informed the DSI they would meet officials today as scheduled.

The statement appeared to signal a degree of leniency on the DSI's part, as the director-general had earlier insisted each suspected individual must turn up in person to clarify their transactions.

In addition, the second batch of companies controlled by the Shinawatra family and its allies are supposed to report themselves to the authorities today.

The firms are SC Office Plaza, OAI Management, OAI Leasing, OAI Consultant and Manage-ment and OAI Education.

-- The Nation 2010-06-29

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Future Looks Sunny For Bangkok's Tuk-Tuks

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Vasit's panel to reform police to be appointed Tuesday: PM

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva said Tuesday that a special panel to reform the Royal Thai Police will be appointed later in the day.

Abhisit said the panel's chairman, retired officer Pol Gen Vasit Dejkunjorn, has recruited all panel members.

-- The Nation 2010-06-29

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PM says panel to reform police will be appointed today. The Panel is headed by Pol Gen Vasit Dejkunjorn. /via @@paisal_nt

The future looks sunny For Bangkok's Tuk-Tuks:

Thaksin's family lawyers to meet DSI today

SMEs incur Bt70 billion damage in recent political unrest

Tourism Authority of Thailand expects 2011 tourism income to top Bt1 trillion:

Populist policies in the work ahead of next election in 2011:

A Mandela solution for Thai troubles?:

Isaan residents mental anguish over political developments:

Dengue and cholera outbreaks in Thailand bring warnings after 30 die:

Dog-spaying operation in Koh Lipe

Van explodes off Vibhavadi highway

Heavy penalties for Sanam Luang trespassers

Metro Police: 1,028 football betters nabbed so far, 3.25 mn THB seized

Govt Orders Hunt for Bomb Suspects

Roadmap approved for Bt109bn education reform

Japanese man killed when drove off parking lot

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Shinawatra Lawyers Dispute DSI Allegations

Lawyers representing members of the Shinawatra family such as Parntongtae and Pintongta Shinawatra and Pojaman Na Pompetch arrived at the DSI headquarters to dispute allegations of financing the red shirt riots in May. No one, however, arrived to represent former premier Thaksin Shinawatra.

-- Tan Network 2010-06-29

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Long-term drought, flood solution pondered

BANGKOK (NNT) -- The Department of Water Resources is preparing long-term policies to help solve drought and flood problems by including the public.

Water Resources Department Director-General, Kasemsun Chinnavaso, explained that plans would be drafted to solve flood and drought issues in a sustainable manner. He said more than 86,000 water sources in the country would be improved after 15% of them were found to be shallow during the past drought season.

In addition, the director-general noted that a mechanism would be devised to manage water resources in 25 basins around the Mekong, Chi, and Mun Rivers. He added that locals would be encouraged to take part in the process.

Mr Kasemsun then reported on the improvement of the drought in some areas following rainfall. He noted nonetheless, that his department was still giving assistance to people by distributing fresh water, pumping water into areas, and improving water resources to alleviate their sufferings in drought stricken areas.

-- NNT 2010-06-29

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PAD Leader Slams Pheu Thai Party for Nominating Terrorism Suspect

Core leader of the People's Alliance for Democracy believes Pheu Thai Party carries ill-intentions in fielding a candidate for the Bangkok by-election.

Sondhi Limthongkul, one of the core-leaders of the yellow-shirt People's Alliance for Democracy or the PAD, has raised suspicion about the Pheu Thai Party fielding Korkaew Pikulthong, a jailed red-shirt leader, for the upcoming by-election for Bangkok's District 6 MP seat.

Sondhi believes Pheu Thai Party carries ill-intentions in nominating a terrorism suspect as its candidate for the election.

The yellow-shirt leader called the Pheu Thai Party 'impotent' for being overly obedient to former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra.

Sondhi has also added that the New Politics Party's drop-out from the race was done to honor the late-Tiwa Ngernyuang, whose death prompted the current by-election.

He said it was not a part of a political collusion with the Democrat Party as accused by the Opposition.

Sondhi issued a warning to Pheu Thai Party to think twice before making more unfounded statements to the press.

-- Tan Network 2010-06-29]

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Court Postpones Hearing on Thaksin's Arrest Warrant Revocation

The court has postponed the hearing for former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra's arrest warrant revocation case to July 5th, to give the Department of Special Investigation more time to gather additional evidence.

The Criminal Court has postponed the hearing for former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra's arrest warrant revocation case to July 5th, to comply with a request made by the Department of Special Investigation or the DSI for more time to gather additional evidence. The hearing has been scheduled for July 5th at 1:30 PM.

The court has explicitly ordered both sides to refrain from publicizing the details of the case, explaining that the case is still under deliberation and could be influenced by public opinion.

Also, as the court is still considering revoking the arrest warrant against the ousted premier, the DSI is now required to inform Thaksin's attorney before executing the warrant.

-- Tan Network 2010-06-29

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Kokaew's bail request, submitted on ground that he needed freedom to finance election campaign, has been rejected. /via @tulsathit

Court postpones hearing on Thaksin's arrest warrant revocation

PAD leader Slams Pheu Thai Party for nominating terrorism suspect

Long-term drought, flood solution pondered

Thailand is the 3rd largest operator of 7-Elevens with 5,500 stores. Japan has 12,000 & US has 6,000 stores /BkkPost /via @RichardBarrow

Panthongtae's lawyers were armed w 6 bank acc which they said were frozen by assets examination committee (via @Piyanut_nna) /via @tulsathit

Lawyers of Pojaman and Panthongtae have told DSI their clients' transactions had noth to do with red shirts. /via @tulsathit

Shinawatra lawyers dispute DSI allegations

A strange phone call from a Bangkok-based foreigner:

Parntongtae, Pintongta Shinawatra send lawyers to represent them against DSI allegations /via @TAN_Network

PM says panel to reform police will be appointed today. The Panel is headed by Pol Gen Vasit Dejkunjorn. /via @paisal_nt

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Authorities on full alert after army fuel depot grenade attack

BANGKOK (TNA) -- Thailand’s Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban on Tuesday ordered security officials to be on full alert two days after two grenades hit an army oil depot Sunday night, while the army may be recalled to urban security duty in the capital to help police maintain order.

Mr Suthep’s order followed Democrat Party spokesman Buranat Samutrarak's warning that some 40 key locations are targeted for sabotage.

The deputy prime minister said he earlier asked security agencies to boost their vigilence "but the areas are vast and the number of [security] personnel is small" so incidents can take place anyway.

The deputy prime minister, who also supervises security affairs said, “I believe some people were plotting more attacks.”

Meanwhile, National Security Council (NSC) secretary-general Tawin Pleansri said the Centre for the Resolution of Emergency Situation (CRES) may recall soldiers and security personnel to help police maintain order as violent incidents occurred recently after the troops had returned to their barracks.

The NSC secretary-general assured the public that the emergency decree remains effective despite recent incidents.

"The emergency decree in force does not mean that violence will not occur," said Mr Tawin, but the law helps security agencies to do their work effectively.

Mr Tawin said that the emergency decree may affect the rights and freedom of the people, but it will be useful in enforcing security and maintaining stability.

Mr Suthep said the Cabinet will decided next week whether to extend the emergency decree.

Imposed in the capital and 23 other provinces after the anti-government Red Shirt protest escalated to riot and arson in Bangkok and some provinces following their 10-week protest in the capital demanding that the Prime Minister to dissolve the House, the emergency decree will expire on July 7.

Mr Suthep said there has yet been no conclusion as to what group carried out the grenade attack at the Quartermaster Department in Nonthaburi, adjacent to Bangkok. He said he awaits a report from the police.

CRES on Monday confirmed that two rocket-propelled grenades were fired at an oil depot of the Quartermaster Department of Royal Thai Army in the Nonthaburi provincial seat Sunday night.

The police said that only one of the 11 fuel containers in the storage area was hit by the grenades, which punctured 20 holes in the empty 10 million-litre fuel container. No explosion occurred as the tank was empty.

Police investigators believed the grenades were likely launched from the Tasai community located behind the depot. Witnesses saw four men on two motorcycles at the crime scene at 9.30pm when an explosion was heard and the men drove away. (TNA)

-- TNA 2010-06-29

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Court Rejects Further Requests for Korkaew's Bail

The Criminal Court has rejected a bail request by Korkaew Pikulthong's lawyers. The request was made on grounds that Korkaew, now officially a contender in the Bangkok Constituency 6 by-election, needs to personally conduct financial transactions to provide support for his campaign. The court rejected the request, saying the transactions can be done on his behalf.

-- Tan Network 2010-06-29

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Bangkok

House undergoing renovation in Soi Ramintra 13 collapsed, burying 6 construction workers /via @TAN_Network

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Bangkok

Update on house collapse in Soi Ramintra 13: 7 construction workers rescued, 2 are in critical condition; 2 more still buried under rubble /via @TAN_Network

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CRES to decide on Emergency Decree extension next week

BANGKOK (NNT) -- The Center for the Resolution of Emergency Situation (CRES) will decide whether to revoke the state of emergency enforcement by 5 July 2010 ahead of Cabinet review on the matter.

CRES and Army Spokesperson, Colonel Sansern Kaewkamnerd, admitted that the CRES has not concluded the decision at present. He confirmed that all related unrest incidents would be used in the consideration next week.

The state of emergency is currently effective in 24 provinces across the country, including the capital. It will expire on 7 July 2010.

The CRES has taken into considerations the recent attack at an empty army oil depot in Nonthaburi on Sunday. Colonel Sansern however, dismissed accusations that authorities incited the unrest themselves in a bid to keep the state of emergency in effect.

Investigations are currently underway in Nonthaburi with police confirming the attack was carried out using a grenade launcher.

-- NNT 2010-06-29

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PM Abhisit will personally take your calls on 1 July 02-3049999 to listen to your views about Thailand /via @ThaiKhuFah /via @RichardBarrow

CRES to decide on Emergency Decree extension next week

Bangkok Criminal Court rejects further requests for Korkaew's bail

Authorities on full alert after army fuel depot grenade attack

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Trafficking Of Thai Children Discovered At S.African Border : Report