Thailand Live Sunday 4 Jul 2010

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Thailand Live Sunday 4 July 2010

News, Bits and Tweets

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Related topic: Thailand Live Saturday 3 July 2010

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Cambodia arrests two Thais over bomb attack

PHNOM PENH (AFP) -- Cambodia on Saturday arrested two Thais thought to be linked to the anti-government "Red Shirt" movement over a bomb attack in Bangkok last month.

The suspects, a man and a woman, were arrested in Cambodia's northwestern Siem Reap province, according to a statement from the Cambodian foreign ministry.

It said the pair "committed terrorist acts" by carrying out an attack in the Thai capital on June 22.

"Although there is no request from the Thai government, the Cambodian government has decided to arrest and send the two terrorists back to Thailand," the statement said, noting that Cambodia adheres to an "anti-terrorism policy".

Local media reported that the pair were being held in connection with an attempted bombing at the headquarters of the Bhumjaithai party, part of the Thai government coalition.

The attack followed recent street protests by anti-government Red Shirts in Bangkok that sparked outbreaks of violence in which 90 people died and nearly 1,900 were injured.

The Cambodian foreign ministry said the pair, both aged 33, would be handed over to the Thai embassy on Monday.

Cambodia's decision to apprehend the suspects could be seen as an attempt at thawing ties with its neighbour, with which it has a history of rocky relations.

Both countries recalled their ambassadors last November after Phnom Pehn appointed Thailand's fugitive former premier Thaksin Shinawatra as an economic adviser and then refused Thai requests to extradite him.

Tensions have also surrounded a troop standoff at the disputed border between the countries after clashes erupted near the ancient Preah Vihear temple in July 2008.

Cambodian leader Hun Sen openly criticised his Thai counterpart, Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva, during one of Thaksin's recent visits to Cambodia, and made a high-profile visit to the temple, dressed in full combat uniform.

-- (c) Copyright AFP 2010-07-04

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Education Minister vows to promote Thai education

BANGKOK (NNT) -- Minister of Education Chinnaworn Boonyakiat pledges to promote equal education.

Speaking at the opening ceremony of a primary education center in Bang Khan district, southern Nakhon Si Thammarat province, Mr Chinnaworn said the government gave the highest priority to educational development.

He said that out of the 4,000 billion THB loan raised by the government recently, 73 billion THB was intended to develop educational management and the rest to support living allowances for elderly citizens and village health volunteers. The educational loans are to finance the 15-year free education scheme in order to ease parental burdens and the “One Tambon, one Wireless” project.

This year, the government has allocated a budget to establish ‘model schools’ at 7,000 sub-districts across the country in a bid to upgrade educational standard, in line with the second-century national education reform.

The minister reassured that the government would continue solving the country’s problems for the rest of its time in power. He also urged public participation in the government’s new initiative on national reform project entitled “6 Days, 63 Million Ideas”. Their cooperation is expected to facilitate the government in its tasks to reform and restore peace to the country before the next general election takes place.

The minister and Education officials are scheduled to help answer public phones in the ‘6-days, 63 Million Ideas’ project on 4 July 2010 at Government House, in a bid to gather citizens’ opinions on national reform.

-- NNT 2010-07-04

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23,030 callers so far in "6 Days, 63 Million Opinions"

BANGKOK (NNT) -- Suggestions on the national reform plan have been collected from 6,900 callers on the third day of “6 Days, 63 Million Opinions” project.

A total of 6,900 callers were reported as of 15.30 hrs on the third day of the “6 Days, 63 Million Opinions” campaign, bringing up the total number of callers to 23,030. The project launched by the government aims to compile people’s viewpoints towards the national reform plan as well as their complaints via telephone.

The top five issues most frequently mentioned by the callers comprise 4,788 calls on household economy, 2,799 calls on political affairs, 1,811 calls on social welfare, 1,492 calls on educational policies and 1,433 calls on national economy.

Citizens can dial 0-2304-9999 to voice complaints and recommendations on the government's national reform scheme until 20.00 hrs everyday during the period.

-- NNT 2010-07-04

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OPPOSITION CALL

National govt 'the only way'

By THE NATION ON SUNDAY

Pattaya

Published on July 4, 2010

Chavalit calls for Royal intervention again, says military failing

Chavalit Yongchaiyudh, chief adviser of the opposition Pheu Thai Party, yesterday renewed his calls for royal intervention and an interim or national government to bring about national reconciliation.

"Since the military fails, we agree in our group that the powers should be returned to the King," he said.

The country was still struggling with the same old structural problems, particularly a ruling system that bred political discord, protests and armed conflicts for true democracy, he told the party's seminar at a hotel in this beach resort city.

Problems had plagued the country ever since the first political crisis on June 24, 1932, when a coup successfully changed the ruling system from an absolute to a constitutional monarchy but failed to transfer royal power to the people, he said.

Chavalit, who served briefly as prime minister before the 1997 financial crisis, said three institutions played key roles in the country's governance - the monarchy, military and government.

The military had failed to help solve the country's structural problems and its attempts to seize power through coups had also set the country back on the road to democracy, he said.

Earlier calls for royal intervention in the ongoing political turmoil - by both Chavalit and Pheu Thai's ex-premier Somchai Wongsawat - attracted strong criticism and were described as inappropriate.

The third institution responsible for solving the conflicts was the government, he said. Government leaders especially must follow their conscience, as these conflicts were between Thais, so they must practice leniency in order to spread love and unity among the people, he said.

The government should set up an interim government serving up to 16 months and including five to 10 Pheu Thai MPs, he said.

"The government should not say we are the winner, you are the terrorists and bad people, otherwise we may not be able to solve the problems in our lifetime. If the government does not solve problems this way, there could be another people's uprising, which might lead to violence. If that is the case then do not blame the people, but yourself," he said.

Pheu Thai MP Chalerm Yoobamrung said he believed the Democrat-led government would not survive beyond next April.

His party's campaign policy was not to create political rivals and not to attack any other party except the Democrats, he said.

The Bhum Jai Thai Party, the second largest coalition partner, would not win more than 15 MP seats in the next election, he said.

If his party won the general election and formed the government, he would propose the immediate dissolution of the Department of Special Investigation.

"This department has become a political tool for the government," he claimed.

-- The Nation 2010-07-04

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Scepticism over govt's media reform plan

By PRAVIT ROJANAPHRUK

THE NATION ON SUNDAY

Media professionals are suspicious of the government's media reform agenda and say the matter is best left to the industry because of fears the government may exploit the situation for its own benefit, a symposium was told yesterday.

BANGKOK: -- "I think it's better to reform politicians. Don't get involved with us. As politics is currently being monopolised, we won't take their talk about media reform. We may end up being exploited," said Vorawit Sri-anandlaksa, chief of front-page news at the Daily News.

Vorawit was speaking at a symposium on mainstream media and national reform organised by Voice TV yesterday. He insisted that the mainstream media was already impartial.

"The matter about media reform should not belong to the government," he said, adding that state-controlled Channel 11 television should be freed from government control as the first act of reform.

"We have to regulate by ourselves and think how we can become more professional. People should also be media literate and know enough to not believe everything they are being told and not believe in a single media outlet alone," Vorawit said.

He said a consumer group to fight "media abuse" was also needed.

Vorawit admitted, however, that mainstream media professionals were divided over the issue of the shutting down of red-shirt media outlets.

"The [mainstream] media professionals have debated on the issue. Some say forget about any media reform as the emergency has to be lifted, first. Others question what may follow if emergency is lifted."

He urged people who were red shirts to be sympathetic, saying the mainstream media was not pro-government.

"The [government] may fall soon. They may arrive as a knights in shining armour but depart as tyrants."

He also vowed that the truth behind the killing of six people at Pathum Wanaram Temple, not far from Rajprasong, after the red-shirt rally ended on May 19 would eventually be uncovered by the media.

Wasan Paileeklee, deputy managing editor of Thai Public Broadcasting Service (TPBS), said television stations had gradually gained more freedom to report but what was needed now was reform of media controlled by the government so outlets could become free.

People should also have access to a diverse range of media outlets, Wasan said.

The concentration of 500 radio stations and six television stations owned by various state agencies should also be split up, Wasan said.

Atcha Suwanpakpraek, an adviser to the president of Channel 3 television, said he was sceptical about the outcome from the government's plan to reform the media. Nevertheless, people should be optimistic enough to make the most out of the situation, he said.

Observing the current political division, Atcha said he believed that "too much press freedom would also lead to problems".

-- The Nation 2010-07-04

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Thai Culture minister to check TV drama after six-year-old girl hangs herself

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Google funds robotic research in North

By THE NATION ON SUNDAY

Chiang Mai

CHIANG MAI: -- Google has funded a lecturer at Chiang Mai University's Engineering Faculty to do research that develops robotic systems for child learning.

Computer Engineering Department lecturer Arnan Siphithakkiat said yesterday that Google Inc had given a grant of Bt560,000 for the project.

The "GoGo Board" project is a platform for open-source, low-cost, educational robotics, sci-entific experimentation and environmental sensing.

Arnan will design electronic equipment and programmes that can be used to develop chil-dren's learning about robotic technology, scientific experi-ments and environmental sens-ing. The lecturer said he would work with Prof Paulo Bilkstein, from Stanford in the US.

He said the electronic equipment and programme would be used to encourage students to learn how to conduct their own research projects about things that surround them.

-- The Nation 2010-07-04

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Medical supplies for police in far South

By THE NATION ON SUNDAY

Yala

YALA: -- The Facebook group Neung Kwamdee Pheu Phorluang (One Good Deed for the King) deliv-ered 11 boxes of medical sup-plies to Bannang Sata police sta-tion in Yala yes-terday.

Superintendent Colonel Suwat Wongpaibul thanked the group, which was led by Chaipat Janmanee and Dr Dolayapreuk Krairit, to donate the supplies as part of their social work.

Suwat vowed to maximise use of the given items by distrib-uting them to local security bases and underprivileged peo-ple in need of the supplies. He credited the donation to the late General Sompian Eksomya, whose good service to the coun-try helped boost the morale of police at Bannang Sata station.

-- The Nation 2010-07-04

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Apes to feature at new Khon Kaen zoo

By THE NATION ON SUNDAY

Khon Kaen

Gorillas, orang-utans and chim-panzees will be the star attrac-tions on display at Khao Suan Kwang Zoo in Khon Kaen when it is officially opens early next year, Zoological Department chief Sophon Damnui said yesterday.

Sophon performed the south-ern Nora dance to worship holy spirits at the zoo. After, he said it would be the most perfect place in Asia exhibiting giant monkeys and rare animals without scales after it opens in March next year.

The 5,000-rai zoo is located in Khao Suan Kwang district, near Udon Thani province's Nonsa-ard district. It was half finished at present, he said, but people could visit some of the zones that had been completed.

The Cabinet has approved over Bt3 billion to build the zoo.

Apart from giant bird and monkey zones, the zoo will also provide academic zones to pass on knowledge about wildlife. There will also be a breeding and research centre. Visitors will be able to hike and camp within the facility as well.

The zoo would promote tourism through links with Laos to lure more Lao tourists to visit the site.

-- The Nation 2010-07-04

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Police raid spa, arrest sex workers

By THE NATION ON SUNDAY

Nonthaburi

Police arrested the operator of an illegal spa in Nonthaburi and his female employees on Friday night, who were accused of doing sex work.

Police officers from the Crime Suppression Division on Human Trafficking arranged for an informant to buy sex from a prostitute at the Penthouse Spa in Pakkret district before they stormed in and arrested owner Siriphat Senanoot, 23.

Police arrested Joy, a 20-year-old female masseuse, while she used her hand to mastur-bate the informant. Police then arrested six other female employees aged from 20 to 25.

Police said the spa had been opened illegally. Previously, they were told it offered masturbation as a special service for Bt1,000 up to Bt2,500 a time.

The women were taken to Pakkret police station.

-- The Nation 2010-07-04

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District clerk 'reaped millions' from loan shark repayment scheme

By JAKKAPONG RAWIWAN

THE NATION ON SUNDAY

Fears have been raised that the government project to help people clear debts taken out with loan sharks might be abused after reports that a Kalasin district clerk pocketed Bt40 million in repayments from hundreds of local farmers - and escaped investigation.

The Bank for Agriculture and Agricultural Co-operatives (BAAC)'s Somdet district branch found some 400 off-system debtors given funds under the project had loans from a district clerk who reportedly got at least Bt40 million in repayments from his debtors, a source at the BAAC said yesterday.

This was unusual because the project criteria stated that if an off-system moneylender had more than five debtors applying for funds under the project, they should face a probe by a local district committee into his or her lending, the source said.

But the district clerk had never been investigated and the project's district-level panel allowed the 400 repayments.

The source urged the Kalasin Governor and government agencies to look into the matter, because of fears some people may be abusing the project for personal gain.

The source said other BAAC branches in the provinces had also paid district clerks many millions of baht.

District-level committees were in charge of debt negotiations for the project and forwarded their cases and documents to the bank for repayment on behalf of the approved debtors - without any power to object, the source said.

A Na Mon district resident said she borrowed nearly Bt100,000 at a monthly interest rate of 3 per cent from the district clerk in question. She said she joined the government project in order to repay her debts at a lower interest rate. Many of her neighbours also borrowed from the clerk.

Meanwhile, Kalasin BAAC director Weerapan Jariyasilpa said that 11,900 farmers had registered for help to pay back debts with loan sharks.

So far BAAC local branches had paid a total of Bt193.5 million to help 2,567 debtors. Some 1,287 of them were farmers who owed up to Bt50,000 each, or a total of Bt53.5 million. A further 1,280 farmers owed more than Bt50,000 each, for a total Bt140 million.

She said the debt repayments to moneylenders had gone well and there had not been any problems yet.

-- The Nation 2010-07-04

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No problem if Thaksin returns, PM Abhisit says

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Ideas project also yields threats and abuse

By THE NATION ON SUNDAY

The Army's popular public relations man, Colonel Sansern Kaewkamnerd, says he got death threats and verbal abuse while taking messages and phone calls during the government's "6 Days and 63-million Ideas" project.

BANGKOK: -- Sansern is spokesman for the Centre for Resolution of the Emergency Situation.

The Ideas project initiated by the government aims to tap suggestions from the public on how to bring about national reconciliation.

Sansern said the most polite insults he got were being called an "animal''. He said he called back and thanked the person who insulted him.

"I thanked the person for allowing me to choose which animal I like to be because if I am reviled as "Ai Hear" [a monitor lizard], then I am in a hot seat,'' he quipped.

He said he wasn't worried about the death threats he received but it did not mean he would be careless. "I am not afraid because I perform my duty. If I am scared then I would not be able to do anything."

Most calls and messages sent via the project were people's opinions on politics and they represented a desire to see the country achieve peace and national reconciliation.

"We also received complaints about the rising cost of living and quality of life,'' Sansern said.

The spokesman said the CRES had received recommendations from security agencies on whether the government should maintain the emergency decree and it was instructed by Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban to make a conclusion and forward it for Cabinet approval on Tuesday (July 6).

Asked if the centre was still concerned about terrorism and assassination attempts on government leaders, Sansern said the CRES would look at public safety in its recommendation on whether to extend the state of emergency. In regard to possible assassination plots, security agencies would take care of personal safety for key figures and public premises, he said.

-- The Nation 2010-07-04

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3G auction takes big step forward with NTC OK

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118 youths rounded up for racing motorcycles on Ratchada-Ram Indra Road

BANGKOK: -- Police rounded up 118 youths for allegedly racing their motorcycles on the new Ratchada-Ramindra Road late Saturday night.

Police used 10 two-row modified passenger trucks and 8 six-wheel trucks to block the road and rounded up the youths, 15 of them girls, at 15 minutes after midnight.

Police also seized 100 motorcycles.

The operation was carried out after police received complaints of local residents that youths often raced on the road over the weekend.

-- The Nation 2010-07-04

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Meteo Dept: Heavy rainfalls nationwide.

BANGKOK (NNT) -- The Thai Meteorological Department has issued a weather forecast warning of heavy rainfalls in practically every region.

The Thai Meteorological Department has indicated that a moderate southwestern monsoon was passing through the Andaman Sea, and the winds from the East Coast were sweeping through the upper part of the country and the Gulf of Thailand, which would contribute to heavy rainfalls in all regions throughout the country in the days ahead.

People in Utaradit, Nakhon Sawan, Tak, Lampang, Uthai Thani, Kanchanaburi, Ratchaburi, Nakhon Nayok and Prachinburi have been told to brace for heavy rainfalls and sudden flashfloods during the next few days. . The department has also warned trawler owners to take extra precautions when they go offshore thanks to high waves across the Andaman Sea and the upper part of the Gulf of Thailand.

-- NNT 2010-07-04

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Special Report: Her Royal Highness Princess Chulabhorn Walailak

July 4th marks the auspicious celebration of Her Royal Highness Princess Chulabhorn Walailak’s birthday. Born in 1957, HRH Princess Chulabhorn is the youngest daughter of Their Majesties King Bhumibol Adulyadej and Queen Sirikit of Thailand.

HRH Princess Chulabhorn studied chemistry during her years in Kasetsart University where she graduated in 1979 with a bachelor of science, first class honors. She continued her studies at Mahidol University and received a doctorate in science in 1985.

Renowned for her intelligence in the fields of science and medicine, HRH Princess Chulabhorn has endlessly devoted herself in the fields due to the Kingdom’s dire need for human resources.

The Chulabhorn Institute was established on 1 December 1987 with its ultimate goal of implementing science and technology to improve the livelihood of the Thai public. The institute also aims to reinforce research in science, technology, engineering and sociology for the Kingdom’s development. HRH Princess Chulabhorn was also active in helping and giving advice to neighboring countries on uses of science and technology.

As the rate of Thais diagnosed with cancer increased, HRH Princess Chulabhorn has established a cancer research and treatment center to widen the chance for cancer patients to live longer. The cancer center strives to be the most advanced, state-of-the-art cancer center in the region, with excellence in research, academics and treatments that are recognized internationally. HRH Princess Chulabhorn also established the national center of Cyclotron and PET Scan, to help diagnose patients with cancer, cerebrovascular and heart diseases.

HRH Princess Chulabhorn has applied her scientific and technological knowledge to the development of education, agriculture, forestry, environment, animal breeding, water resource conservation, etc. In 1986, HRH Princess Chulabhorn was awarded a UNESCO Einstein Medal.

Currently, the projects under the patronage of HRH Princess Chulabhorn include Light for Life Foundation for Epilepsy, Chulalongkorn Comprehensive Epilepsy Program, Tabtim Siam Secondary School in Surin province and the ‘Voice of Dhamma for the Public’ Radio Station in Udon Thani province.

HRH Princess Chulabhorn’s work and achievements have manifested her determination to bring maximum benefits to human development. This has earned her great affections, recognition and faith from members of the Thai public. It can be said that HRH has provided an example and inspiration for the future generation to continue to improve the physical and emotional health of the Thai public.

-- NNT 2010-07-04

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Thai Meteorological Dept issued weather forecast warning of heavy rainfalls in almost every region

Farangs in rural Thailand: A graphic WARNING to foreigners doing home construction work in Thailand while away:

Happy 4th of July! / via @USEmbassyBKK

Bangkok: 118 youths rounded up for racing motorcycles on Ratchada-Ram Indra Road

Thailand 3G auction approved:

Thailand: CRES Colonel Sansern: Ideas project also yields threats and abuse

No problem if Thaksin returns, PM Abhisit says:

Thailand: District clerk 'reaped millions' from loan shark repayment scheme

Thailand: Police raid spa, arrest sex workers

Thailand: Apes to feature at new Khon Kaen zoo

Thailand: Medical supplies for police in far South

Chiang Mai: Google funds robotic research in North

Thai Culture minister to check TV drama after six-year-old girl hangs herself:

Skepticism over govt's media reform plan

Thailand: Chavalit: National govt 'the only way'

Education Minister vows to promote Thai education

Cambodia arrests two Thais over bomb attack

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ATM skimming

Foreigners using their ATM card in Thailand have to be extra careful as many cases of ATM skimming have been reported.

Criminals will use a skimming machine attached to the ATM to read your ATM card information. Tiny cameras will record your PIN numbers as they are being pressed.

Here are some ways to protect against skimmers. Where possible, withdraw money from ATM located indoors. When keying in the PIN, use body or hand to shield the process. If the card slot is suspiciously installed, do not use the ATM. (MET107FM)

-- TNA 2010-07-04

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By-election campaigns heat up

BANGKOK (NNT) -- Competition for the July 25’s by-election heats up as both the ruling Democrat and the opposition Pheu Thai Parties have been canvassing the constituency and launching electoral campaigns in a bid to win the vacant MP seat in Bangkok’s Constituency 6.

Former Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs and former Bangkok Deputy Governor, Panich Vikitsreth, the Democrat candidate, launched an election campaign in Khlong Sam Wa areas, focusing on clarifying and detailing the government’s measures aimed at helping local residents.

Mr Panich has been constantly campaigning for the past nine days in a bid to win the upcoming by-election. Reportedly, he has been well received by local residents given he has been popular in the area for quite some time.

Meanwhile, the Pheu Thai camp on Sunday also launched an election campaign in Bueng Kum district on behalf of Korkaew Pikulthong, its candidate and core leader of the United Front of Democracy AgainstDictatorship (UDD), who has been detained on terrorism charges.

Several heavyweights of Pheu Thai Party including rabble-rousing Jatuporn Prompan, Maverick Police Captain Chalerm Yubumrung, and other leaders of the party took part in the campaign today. They also attracted throngs of listeners who came in droves to listen to the campaign speeches.

-- NNT 2010-07-04

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Govt might revoke state of emergency in some areas

BANGKOK (NNT) -- The government will revoke the state of emergency imposition in some areas after the situation has improved while the special law itself will come to its expiry on 7 July 2010, according to Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva.

Speaking in his weekly television program "Confidence in Thailand with Prime Minister Abhisit", the prime minister announced that the cabinet meeting on Tuesday would mull over the security law and he believed that it would be revoked in some unnecessary areas.

As for those areas where the state of emergency must remain in effect, Prime Minister Abhisit confirmed some rights and freedom restrictions would be lifted.

The prime minister noted that the government would actually like to have the security law cancelled, including the one enforced in the restive south for about five years. However, the government must make sure that an appropriate tool would be in use to ensure peace and order with the absence of the executive decree on emergency situation.

Meanwhile, opposition Pheu Thai Party Spokesperson, Prompong Nopparit, hoped that the government would take the state of emergency issue as one of the topics to be discussed in the "6 Days 63 Million Ideas" project. He said he would see if this issue would be put on the table in the cabinet meeting or not.

The state of emergency is enforced in 24 provinces nationwide, including the capital city and will expire on 7 July. The Center for the Resolution of Emergency Situation will conclude its decision on the special law on 5 July and will present the result to the cabinet meeting on 6 July.

-- NNT 2010-07-04

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British father calls in Interpol after son is kidnapped by Thai bride

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to be continued

Thailand Live Monday 5 July 2010

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