Thailand Live Thursday 1 Jul 2010

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Thailand Live Thursday 1 July 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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who wish to follow the news can find it here...

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Related topic: Thailand Live Wednesday 30 June 2010

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Govt to hold fundraising event to honor HM the Queen

BANGKOK (NNT) -- The Office of the Narcotics Control Board (ONCB) has endorsed the plan to organize a fundraising event on the occasion of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit's birthday anniversary.

Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban on Wednesday presided over the meeting with ONCB members over the operative plan for fundraising and related activities to honor Her Majesty the Queen on the occasion of her birthday anniversary on 12 August 2010. The event is also to promote the drug suppression scheme in villages and local communities.

Three cabinet ministers were present at the meeting, comprising Minister of Justice Pirapan Salirathavibhaga, Minister to the Prime Minister's Office Satit Wonghnongtaey and Minister of Social Development and Human Security Issara Somchai.

The objective of the activity is to open an opportunity for all Thais to show their loyalty to Her Majesty the Queen and to take part in fundraising for the drug suppression plan. The event will be organized during June-September 2010.

-- NNT 2010-06-30

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BMA to continue renovating Sanam Luang Ground and Bangkok´s canal

BANGKOK (NNT) -- An agreement on the renovation of Sanam Luang Ceremonial Ground and Bangkok’s canals has been signed between Bangkok Governor Sukhumbhand Baripatra and First Army Region Commander Lieutenant General Kanit Sapitak.

The project to renovate 70 rai of land will take 300 days, with a budget of 181 million THB. The completion will make Sanam Luang Ground ready for the royal celebration to mark His Majesty's 84th birthday on 5 December 2011.

Recently, over 300 officials have gotten rid of pigeons, provided residences for homeless people, reorganized food stalls and blocked people intrusion.

As for the Canal Care Project which covers 667 Km in 47 districts of Bangkok. The project will take 150 days to improve irrigation and drainage systems and the canals will serve to store more water in case of flood in the rainy season.

-- NNT 2010-06-30

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LESE MAJESTE

Royal pardon for lese majeste

By The Nation

Published on July 1, 2010

A former engineer serving a 10-year jail sentence for lese majeste has been given a royal pardon, a senior Corrections Department official said yesterday.

Suvicha Thako, 34, was released on Monday from the Klong Prem Prison, where he had been detained since the Criminal Court sentenced him to 10 years in jail on April 3, 2009, the department's deputy director-general Kobkiat Kasiwiwat said.

Suvicha, who once worked as a mechanical engineer in an oil-drilling company, was arrested last January in Nakhon Phanom for posting messages on the Internet that were deemed derogatory to the monarchy. He confessed to the crime and the court reduced his original penalty by half. While in prison, the man sought a royal pardon and was later granted it.

-- The Nation 2010-07-01

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MEDIA REFORM

Panel on media reform to seek industry opinions

The state-appointed media-reform committee plans to sound out industry professionals and the public in a bid to complete its report for the premier within three months.

"Hearing viewpoints from all sides will help improve the efficiency and quality of the information gathered. We must feel confident what we're doing will not lead the country in a worse direction," Assoc Prof Yubol Benjarongkit, dean of Chulalongkorn University's Faculty of Communication Arts and chairwoman of the committee, said yesterday.

The prime minister has suggested her panel also work with academics and media groups, she said.

It will join with media groups in gathering opinions from media practitioners, including reporters, editors, columnists, television producers and news analysts, about how to reform the industry.

Teams of post-graduate students will be sent out to conduct surveys on communities about problems regarding the media and the improvements they want. Opinions will be encouraged from online social networks and netizens in general.

Yubol said all kinds of media, both past and present, have faced direct and indirect intervention. "To solve the problem, a structure must be created to ensure that state and private media are immune from outside pressure and interference," she said.

The reform panel will take into consideration studies, such as one conducted by the Thailand Development Research Institute about media intervention and another one by Varakorn Samakoses on media reform.

The prime minister wants the proposals completed this year, Yubol said.

"We plan to finish our work within three months, but that also depends on cooperation from all sides. So far, we've received good responses from many parties," she said.

-- The Nation 2010-07-01

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Police arrest 1,000 gamblers for World Cup betting

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Bangkok Remains At Risk Of Attack, More Violence

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SOCIAL WELFARE

Free train rides feasible, but other steps need to be studied

By WICHIT CHAITRONG

THE NATION

Continuing to offer no-fare rides on third-class trains would not drain the state budget, but other temporary free public services are more complicated and need further study, Finance Minister Korn Chatikavanij said yesterday.

"They should not be made permanent, but could we implement them for a lengthy period?" he asked.

LOOKING INTO FREE SERVICES

The Finance Ministry will examine whether the government can offer utilities like electricity and services like public bus and train transport free of charge for very long.

The move follows Cabinet approval on Tuesday to extend the cost-of-living relief measures until the end of this year.

The cost of providing third-class service on public interprovincial trains could be easily calculated, Korn said. The fixed cost is low, so the government may find it easier to continue offering the free service for trains indefinitely.

The ministry will also look into whether state enterprises can shoulder the cost of providing a limited number of electricity units for low-income earners for an extended period.

At present, the government fully subsidises households consuming 90 units or less per month.

The ministry and state enterprises will also evaluate city bus |service for those on a tight |

budget, taking into account routes and ridership.

The government's policy is to assist the poor, Korn said.

The ministry will also try to set two prices for liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), used for cooking, in

order to segment consumers. Households would receive a cheaper price, while industry would pay more.

Consumption of LPG has been rising quickly since the government decided to keep the price artificially lower than the global market price. This distorts the market, causing industries like petrochemicals to turn to LPG, Korn admitted.

The government is expected to decide on what steps to take next by year-end, he said.

Deputy Finance Minister Man Pattanothai said he would propose Korn buy crude oil, hire a firm to refine it and then sell it at cheaper prices to farmers and logistics operators.

The Excise Department may also cut the tax on diesel, in order to reduce its retail price. For every baht cut, the loss in tax revenue would be Bt25 billion a year, he said.

However, Man said the government should cut the tax for six months. Action should be taken if the pump price for diesel reaches Bt30 a litre. At present, it is close to Bt29.

-- The Nation 2010-07-01

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Stray bullet hit student at Islamic school

By The Nation

Yala

YALA: -- Authorities are investing the shooting of a 12 year-old female student from Pratheep Vithya who was hit by a stray bullet while standing inside her classroom on Wednesday.

Yala's governor Grisada Boonrach said the student is recovering well from the M16 bullet wound. Local residents suspected the bullet came from a military shooting range just over one kilometre nearby.

Grisada and Yala's Task Force commander, MG Surachet Chaiwong, visited Tambon Lidon, the residence of the victim, to reassure the school principle and the local villagers that a thorough investigation would be carried out.

Pratheep Vithya is a private Islamic school owned by the Abdulrohmae Jaesae, chairman of the Yala Islamic Committee.

Grisada said he has met Abdulrohmae twice on Wednesday to coordinate their work and to reassure the Muslim cleric of the government's plan to investigate the incident.

Grisada said the province of Yala will foot the bill for the student.

-- The Nation 2010-07-01

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FDA alert for contaminated milk on store shelves

By Pongphon Sarnsamak

The Food and Drug Administration yesterday ordered its food watch agencies across the country to pull UHT milk products from shelves after finding that more than 11,000 unsweetened UHT milk cartons contained a liquid used to wash machines.

Friesland Foods Foremost (Thailand) explained that an equipment problem in the production process resulted in sterilised water being put into the packages. This sterilised water is pure and posed no health hazard whatsoever, the manufacturer said.

A consumer from the Suthinnawong area had lodged complaints with local media that the cartons of unsweetened UHT milk that he had bought from a convenience store contained only a foreign liquid substance.

Secretary-general Pipat Yingseri said the FDA had tested a milk sample from the plant in Samut Prakan and discovered that the product contained water used to clean machines.

A total of 11,232 boxes from the manufacturing lot carrying the expiration date of "290510" were contaminated with used water.

A representative from the manufacturer told the FDA that a device used for measuring the water for processing had malfunctioned, but the company had already recalled the UHT milk product.

Pipat said the company would face a fine of Bt50,000 for making a substandard food product.

He has instructed all his staff at provincial public health offices around the country to pull UHT milk products belonging to the lot marked "28/01/11" from grocery shelves.

In a statement about the sterile water found in cartons of Omega 369 UHT milk, Friesland Foods Foremost (Thailand) said that, upon receiving customer complaints about it in the middle of last month, the firm immediately investigated the matter.

About 300 cartons with such water, used for rinsing the pipes, were shipped out, so the firm withdrew all Omega 369 UHT Milk with product code 28.01.11 from the market.

Apologising to any consumers who got the cartons with the sterilised water, the firm said they could contact Foremost customer service for immediate replacement.

-- The Nation 2010-07-01

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Motorcycle taxi drivers frozen out of govt aid

By Pongphon Sarnsamak

The Nation

Hundreds of motorcycle taxi drivers in Soi Ngam Duphli and nearby areas have registered for assistance money from the government.

BANGKOK: -- They say they, too, were affected by the political violence in May the same as vendors, but no money has been forthcoming.

One motorcycle taxi driver said he and his 70 buddies in the Soi Saphan Khu queue had to suspend service for 10 days when government troops and red-shirt protesters clashed in and around Soi Ngam Duphli.

"There were no passengers around here since the government organised its operation to retake the area from red-shirt protesters on May 14. That meant I could not make any money from driving a motorcycle taxi," the 35-year-old man said.

He usually makes Bt500 to Bt600 a day working long hours, from 4am-10pm.

Most drivers lost about Bt6,000 in fares from May 14-20. Some of them complained they did not have enough money to pay expenses like rent, petrol and food.

When the government announced a scheme to provide financial assistance to businesses affected by the protests, the driver went to the Sathorn district office to register. But an official there told him he had little chance to receive a cheque from the government.

"They did not give me a reason why I have almost no chance to receive any money," he said. "I also was affected by the political violence and skirmishes, as well as other people, such as food vendors. No matter if I'm a red-shirt protester or just an ordinary citizen, I should receive this compensation, because I was affected too."

Another motorcycle taxi driver from the Soi Suwansawat queue said he had already signed up at the Sathorn district office and that the officials told him they would send an SMS directly to his mobile phone. But so far, there has been no word from them.

"I've never seen anyone from the district office come here and talk to us about our problems. We have a lot of expenses like other people, and we need the assistance money to support our families," he said.

The Sathorn district office, which is under the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, says vendors whose property was destroyed or burned during the rioting in May must register and submit a damage report to them.

The district office will forward their request to the Centre for the Resolution of the Emergency Situation (CRES), which will study their claims and authorise a cheque. Each of them will receive Bt50,000.

So far, about 1,100 people, including vendors, have submitted claims to the Sathorn district office.

But staff at there said the drivers might not be approved by the CRES even though they were directly affected by the violence in the Bon Kai and Soi Ngam Duphli areas, because their property and motorcycles were not damaged or burned.

However, the CRES may ponder providing compensation to motorcycle taxi drivers in the near future, they said.

-- The Nation 2010-07-01

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Influential man's son gets sentenced

By The Nation

BANGKOK: -- The son of Paijit "Por Pratunam" Thammarojpinit, Boonsit, was yesterday handed a two year jail sentence for conspiring with 10 others to assault two men and damage property at a Wang Thong Lang bar in July 2008.

The Criminal Court halved Boonsit's jail term and released him on a Bt120,000 bail.

According to the indictment Boonsit and the 10 others, who are still at large, assaulted Krisada Srisopon and Pravit Boonpornpimol, coowners of the Yahaii bar, and caused Bt33,025 worth of damages on the night of July 12, 2008.

The court didn't suspend Boonsit's sentence because it was considered daring and showed a disregard for the law and hostility to the victims.

Boonsit has claimed that he has compensated the victims, that it was his first criminal offence and that he had to take care of his family.

-- The Nation 2010-07-01

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Seniors no longer elderly at 60, say researchers

By The Nation

The minimum age of people called "elderly" should be revised from 60 to 65, according to Mahidol University's Institute for Population and Social Research (IPSR). The main reason is that Thais today live longer and are much healthier.

"We would like to recommend that Thai society redefine old people," IPSR deputy director Dr Krittaya Archavanitkul said at a seminar yesterday.

She said that half a century ago Thai life expectancy stood at less than 50 years, though now most people can expect to live to at least 73. Moreover, most 60yearolds are quite healthy.

"At the age of 60, Thais still have many more years to live," Krittaya explained.

She believed the elderly could take heart that a recent survey showed teenagers and young adults appreciated older people's experience and values.

"They don't think the elderly are boring or a burden on the family," Krittaya said.

The survey also showed that teenagers and young adults were against placing old people in elderlycare homes.

"These young respondents have a good attitude about the elderly," she said.

-- The Nation 2010-07-91

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Our few good men need clear mandates on vital missions

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Emergency Decree to Remain for BKK

BANGKOK: -- The deputy prime minister in charge of national security says the government is considering extending the state of emergency for Bangkok and admits that some red-shirt leaders have already fled the country.

Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban said the government is not looking to replace the Emergency Decree with the Internal Security Act.

Suthep pointed out that provincial administrations could decide for themselves if the Emergency Decree is necessary in their respective areas.

However, he believes the state of emergency should not yet be revoked in the capital, as he has received intelligence reports that there are plans for further illegal anti-government activities.

Suthep also said that the ongoing investigation by the Center for the Resolution of Emergency Situation, or CRES, into dubious financial transactions has been able to put a dent in the underground anti-government movement.

The minister has also admitted that some red-shirt leaders, including Arisman Pongruangrong, has already fled to a neighboring country. However, Suthep refrained from pointing out which country exactly, saying it could affect international relations.

When asked about the remark made by former prime minister Banharn Silpa-archa that it will be very difficult to bring about national reconciliation, Suthep responded that it is expected that there will be some opposition to the government's plan.

However, he reaffirmed that the prime minister is sincere about ending the country's political rift.

Regarding criticism on the government's approval of more than 600 million baht to push forward national reform and the reconciliation process, Suthep said the government would spend even more if it could truly benefit the country.

Meanwhile, Sombat Thamrongthanyawong, who heads the panel to look into constitutional reform, has called a meeting of three subcommittees.

The first one will look into a House committee's proposal for changes to six points of the charter, the second one will study the charter and the third one will promote public participation.

The meeting divided up the work into two parts. One will address the six proposed charter changes, which include constituency designation, political party dissolution criteria and ratification of international pacts.

The other part will sum up problems with the current political system, so they can be addressed to build a stable political atmosphere for the country.

-- Tan Network 2010-07-01

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Brushstrokes for the sick

By KUPLUTHAI PUNGKANON

THE NATION

An art auction and exhibition aims to raise funds to cover treatment for kids suffering from leukaemia

BANGKOK: -- More than 1,500 children are diagnosed with leukaemia every year. Many of these youngsters have yet to reach the age of 15 and most will be suffering from acute lymphoblastic leukaemia, a cancer of the blood that can be treated but which costs between Bt800,000 to Bt1 million to cure - a vast sum that the majority of parents simply cannot find.

Now, the Oonrak Wai Oab Lok Project (Love Embraces the World Project) initiated by the Children's Foundation Phramongkutklao Hospital under the patronage of Her Royal Highness Princess Bajra Kitiyabha, is out to help those children and their parents.

The exhibition at the Queen Sirikit Art Gallery has more than 100 paintings, among them 33 pieces by National Artists Pratuang Emjaroen, Tawee Rujaneekorn, Panya Petchoo (Sartramethee), SeaWrite novist Saksiri Meesomsueb, Phong Sengki, Panya Vijinthananarn, Sompop Budtarad, Ekkachai Luadsoongnern, Winai Prabripoo, Suwat Wannamanee, Suradej Keawthamai as well as guest artist Chaiwat Wibulsawasdi.

Her Royal Highness Princess Bajra Kitiyabha will preside over the opening ceremony on Saturday, with an auction taking place on July 10 at 4pm at Phayathai Palace. This is an historic event, as it was at the palace's Dhevarajsabharom throne hall that an art auction was organised a century ago during the reign of King Rama VI.

Collectors and donors are invited to view the art pieces two days prior to the auction date. Twenty paintings will be going under the hammer, with starting bids ranging from Bt30,000 to about Bt300,000 for a portrait of the Princess by Suwat Wannamanee.

Suwat named the painting "Dhang Yad Nam Thip", explaining that he was impressed by the photograph he selected for the portrait, which illustrates Princess Bajra Kitiyabha's kindness to and love for underprivileged children.

The paediatric conference room was transformed into a small art gallery for the press conference, with artist Alongkorn Lauwatthana presenting his acrylic painting titled "An Unforgotten Faith". He says the painting interprets the universe and balance. "It's a kind of dharmic paradox about Buddhist wisdom. I believe every child is like our own child. When they are sick, it's important that we look after them as well as we can. I'm an artist, so I'm donating my painting. No matter who you are, there are always opportunities for making merit. Will you take it?"

Tadsuang Subprasert, who painted "Dokrak", agrees, saying children are so fragile, they cannot take care of themselves. Her artwork presents a naked pregnant woman amid white dokrak flowers. "Inside the dokrak blossom, there are seeds that will germinate a new plant. Love is cherished, like a mother cherishes a child. In our culture, Thai people count on each other like brothers or sisters, so if we can help others, we should not hesitate to do so."

Novelist Saksiri Meesomseub, speaks of "love" as a natural feeling, a simple goodwill gesture that's no different from the rain helping flowers to grow. "Man makes it all so complicated, especially in an over-consuming society," he notes. "We should reduce our excesses and share with those in need. However, such giving should also come naturally, not with an expectation of fame or reward."

Actress and Unicef ambassador, Ann Thongprasom, who attended the project launch, says she always feel privileged to participate in charity projects for children and that she never sees such activities as a way of enhancing her image.

"I've been the Unicef ambassador for the past three years, I think I'm already successful in my career and life so I'm more than willing to assist those in need, especially children," she says. "I believe love is a powerful force to move forward positively. And the more I'm involved with children, the more I realise that people should support each other."

Actress Mayurin Pongpudpun echoes Ann's sentiments, adding her own goodwill wish. "To cure cancer costs a lot of money. I wish to build up strength in those children and at the very least to give spiritual support."

The event also featured a talk led by Venerable Bhikkhu Phra Paisal Visalo.

"Each year, many children are admitted to hospital suffering from leukaemia and haemophilia and most of them come from poor families. They can usually be cured by chemotherapy and stem cell treatment but they are very expensive. We really appreciate all help in assisting these children so they can live normal and beautiful lives," says Dr Thip Sripaisal, the foundation's chairperson.

ON SHOW

- The Oonrak Wai Oab Lok Project exhibition runs all this month at the Queen Sirikit Art Gallery.

- Call (02) 354 7799 or visit www.ChildFoundationPMK.org.

-- The Nation 2010-07-01

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Indonesian student stabbed to death in Narathiwat mosque

NARATHIWAT: -- A Muslim student from Indonesia was stabbed to death in a boarding house of a mosque in this southern border province early Thursday, police said.

Police said the Indonesian student was staying in a room of the Amahdiyah Mosque in Sungai Kolok district with five other Thai students when an assailant came in and stabbed him at 2 am.

He was stabbed seven times and the attacker fled the room.

-- The Nation 2010-07-01

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Temple Robbers Assault and Ditch Monk at Roadside

A monk has been assaulted by three robbers who made off with the temple's assets.

Forty-three-year-old Phra Chaiwat Athipunyo has been hospitalized after he was attacked by three men robbing the Kokaew Sirimongkon Temple in Sisaket province.

Phra Chaiwat explained that he discovered three men sneaking around in the middle of the night apparently trying rob the temple.

In trying to stop the robbers, Phra Chaiwat was attacked, put in a pick-up truck, and was later left on the side of a road.

He was eventually rescued by passers-by who brought him to Khukhan Hospital.

He added that the thieves ravaged through the temple's belongings and made off with mobile phones and about one thousand baht in cash.

Police set up roadblocks soon after and were able to arrest the three robbers and seize the stolen items in Prachinburi province.

-- Tan Network 2010-07-01

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Red-Shirt MP Candidate Opens Bank Account for Election Campaign

Detained red-shirt leader and candidate for Bangkok's Constituency 6 by-election has opened a bank account for election campaign expenses with a bank clerk at the Bangkok Remand Prison.

Detained red-shirt leader and Pheu Thai Party candidate for Bangkok's Constituency 6 by-election, Korkaew Pikulthong has opened a bank account for campaign expenses with a Bangkok Bank officer at the Bangkok Remand Prison.

The bank clerk was brought to the prison by the red-shirt group's lawyer Karom Polthaklang, since Korkaew was not allowed out of prison to open the bank account at a bank branch.

Karom said he will submit Korkaew's bank account details to the Center for the Resolution of Emergency Situations and ask for the ban on the red-shirt leader's financial transactions to be lifted.

The red-shirt lawyer also sought permission from the prison's chief for eleven red-shirt leaders to be put in the same room, but the request was turned down.

Pheu Thai Party Secretary General Suree Luangwichit said her party has talked with Korkaew about approaches for the election campaign.

Pheu Thai's campaign is set to kick-off today, while major speeches will be held from this weekend onward.

Meanwhile, Suree boasted the results of a recent poll her party had conducted, which she said, indicated Korkaew is a popular candidate.

-- Tan Network 2010-07-01

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Cambodia Denies Harboring Suspects of Bombing at Bhumjaithai Party HQ

The Cambodian government has denied a report that two suspects in the bombing of the Bhumjaithai Party headquarters have fled to Cambodia.

The Quick Information Response Unit, an agency under the supervision of the Cambodian prime minister's office, has denied a report by the Thai press that 42-year-old Varisriya Boonsom and 41-year-old Korbchai Boodplod, two suspects in the attempted bombing of Bhumjaithai Party headquarters, crossed the border into Cambodia on June 23rd.

According to the statement made by the Cambodian government, there is no solid evidence that the suspects are seeking refuge in Cambodia. Phnom Penh went on to condemn the report as an ill-intended provocation.

The Spokesperson for the Cambodia Foreign Ministry, Koy Kuong, also said he does not believe that the report is accurate, since the names of the Thai suspects are not listed among those who have entered Cambodia.

The Quick Information Response Unit has also issued a demand to the Thai government to stop disseminating false information regarding Cambodia.

Meanwhile, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Information at the Foreign Ministry, Thani Thongpakdee has repudiated the Cambodian government's statement, affirming that the report on the two Thai suspects is factual.

-- Tan Network 2010-07-01

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The phone system at Govt House collapsed during PM's 63 million ideas campaign, and Abhisit had to resort to answering twitter questions. /Thaivisa

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Parental warmth -- key to prevent suicide among teenagers

BANGKOK (NNT) -- The Ministry of Public Health has cautioned parents to build warmth within the family and take greater care of their children in order to prevent a risk of adolescent suicide due to stress and pressure caused by studying.

Deputy Public Health Minister Dr Phansiri Kullanartsiri believed that families could play vital roles to enhance affection among their members. She said parents should understand and monitor problems experienced by their children.

The deputy minister cautioned parents not to put too much pressure on their children by requiring them to run after a hope without considering surrounding factors.

Dr Phansiri then recommended children to consult with parents and teachers. She said shifting attention to recreational activities could also help reduce frustrations and restore internal peace.

The deputy minister added that students could seek advices free of charge from hotline 1323 and 1667 of the Department of Mental Health around the clock.

-- NNT 2010-07-01

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Cambodia denies harboring suspects of bombing at Bangkok's Bhumjaithai Party HQ

Pheu Thai's campaign is set to kick-off today

What is the cheapest solution to watch CNN/BBC in Thailand:

European economic crisis to affect Thailand’s exports, says EXIM chief:

Thailand:Temple robbers assault and ditch Monk at roadside

Indonesian student stabbed to death in Narathiwat mosque

FDA alert for contaminated milk on store shelves

Bank of Thailand: Tourism, consumption slowed by recent political unrest:

Bangkok art auction/exhibition aims to raise funds to cover treatment for kids suffering from leukaemia

Emergency Decree to remain for Bangkok

Noppadon in Washington to present the other side of the story; wants US to bridge divide:

Thailand: Our few good men need clear mandates on vital missions:

Motorcycle taxi drivers frozen out of govt aid

Yala: Stray bullet hit student at Islamic school

FDA alert for contaminated milk on store shelves

If you think you are the lucky one, try to get through and call PM_Abhisit now: 02-304-9999 /via @freakingcat

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'Six Days, 63 Million Opinions' campaign launched to elicit public ideas for social reform

BANGKOK: -- Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajijva on Thursday presided over and answered telephone calls on the launching of the 'Six Days, 63 Million Opinions' campaign to collect public opinions on national reform.

The 'Six Days, 63 Million Opinions' campaign will run from Thursday through next Tuesday (July 1-6).

The designation '63 million' represents the country's population which is now close to 63 million inhabitants.

During the opening ceremony, the prime minister said the project is aimed to gather the public's ideas, opinions and understandings, for government use in resolving the country’s problems, leading to national reform. Some issues may be difficult, he said, but the government will look into the overall picture of the reform structure.

The government will organise activities to boost national unity during September and October.

He said it’s difficult for him to meet people and listen to them directly, because if he does, security must be tightened and may cause trouble to the public or more conflict.

The government already has a working committee to listen to public opinion.

The prime minister himself picked up three phone calls at the opening ceremony. After that there was a technical glitch due to too many phonecalls, Prime Minister's Office Minister Satit Wonghnongtaey said.

The campaign is a part of the government's national reform road map after the premier set up two committees to work on persisting economic and social problems which have been blamed as the cause for the demonstrations of the anti-government Red Shirt movement.

The Red Shirts launched their anti-government campaign when the Democrat-led coalition government was formed in December 2008.

Their campaign expressed dissatisfaction with the so-called double standard practice, social inequalities, the widening income gap and corruption. The

demonstrations turned violent and ended on May 19 with 90 people killed and nearly 1,900 wounded during the intensified two-month campaign.

Under the premier's proposed road map to reconcile the nation, the newly-formed National Reform Committee will work on strategies and priorities for reform to be proposed to the government while the National Reform Assembly will serve as a channel for all sectors of society, to put forward their views and proposals to formulate proposals for the government.

As the 'Six Days, 63 Million Opinions' campaign kicked off on Thursday, the people can express their feeling and opinions by telephoning the hotline number at 02-304-9999 for free of charge, or send letters to P.O. Box 999, Government House, Dusit District, Bangkok, Thailand.

They can also send their thoughts via electronic mail www.pm.go.th/forward.

The accumulated opinions will be assessed and the results, branded by the government as "Blueprint for Thailand Reform", will be presented to the public on January 1, 2011 as a new year's gift to the Thai people. (MCOT online news)

-- TNA 2010-07-01

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Terrorism Definition Sought to Clear Insurance Snag

The special investigation agency is considering whether unruly incidents related to red-shirt protests can be classified as a form of terrorism in a bid to help unrest-afflicted entrepreneurs claim compensation from insurance companies.

Prime Minister's Secretary-General Korbsak Sabhavasu, as chairman of the panel considering assistance for unrest-hit businesses and individuals, said those affected the riots last month have had problems with insurance companies over the definition of terrorism.

Korbsak said insurance companies have exploited the ambiguity of the term as their excuse to avoid paying compensation, so the Department of Special Investigation will define its legal meaning and rule if the term terrorism shares the same definition as riot.

He said only Central World shopping complex has a insurance policy that covers damage from terrorism.

Meanwhile, tenant at a damaged commercial building in Bon Kai area, Supachai Thanlahasunthorn, said his renter demanded the government reconstruct the building entirely with a big budget although an examination by the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration suggested the building can be renovated.

He said the government should intervene in the matter to give justice to all parties.

Insurance Commission's Secretary-General Komkai Busaranont said the Right and Freedom Protection Department will help the affected business operators to seek compensation from insurance companies.

Komkai also stated she will propose arbitration to settle the disputes. She added seeking refund of insurance premium is possible, but it is not the best way out as the amount will be far less than the compensation the clients will receive

President of the Thai Insurance Brokers Association, Wannee Kongpakdeepong, advised business operators affected by the recent riots to sue the red-shirt group for acting in bad faith in another means to obligate insurance companies to pay compensation.

-- Tan Network 2010-07-01

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Industrial Estate Authority Assigned to Compile Plan to Counter Water Shortage at Map Ta Phut Site

The industry minister has assigned the Industrial Estate Authority of Thailand or IEAT to compile a plan to counteract a possible water shortage at the Map Ta Phut Industrial Estate, as drought continues to plague Thailand.

Following his meeting with plant operators and relevant agencies at the Map Ta Phut industrial estate in Rayong yesterday, Industry Minister Chaiwut Bannawat said he has assigned IEAT to compile a plan to counteract a possible water shortage at the site and find space for new real estate, as Map Ta Phut is expected to be fully occupied soon.

The plan to counter water shortages is necessary for investment growth in the long-term and as a preemptive measure against crisis.

There is a concern that the site will suffer water shortages next year if the drought persists. For now, the level of water for industrial use at the site is still adequate.

He added that a talk will be held among relevant parties about a site to build a new industrial estate.

IEAT Governor Monta Pranootnorapal said Map Ta Phut can be expanded further on the condition that stronger pollution control is put in place, but the remaining space is not enough to accommodate large projects.

IEAT proposed two districts in Nakhon Si Thammarat as suitable choices to establish a new industrial estate. The predicted cost of the new industrial estate is in the range of 25 to 40 billion baht.

It has not been concluded what kind of industrial projects the new estate would accommodate. The IEAT has already submitted this proposal to the Industry Ministry.

-- Tan Network 2010-07-01

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THAI cooperates with KTB in ticket payment via ATM

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Thai authorities to launch crackdown on pirated goods

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Belgian national arrested in Pattaya on extortion charges

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Thai PM Abhisit denies fear as assassination plots revealed