Thailand Live Wednesday 14 Jul 2010

[webfact]

Thailand Live Wednesday 14 July 2010

News, Bits and Tweets

with webfact

Keep up to date with live updates from the news, hour by hour.

For breaking news,national, regional and international news updates on

a daily basis only, this thread is closed to commentary so that those

who wish to follow the news can find it here...

Commentary is still open for Thailand news in the relevant thread posted in News Clippings.

FOLLOW US:

You can also follow us on

- Twitter: http://twitter.com/georgebkk

- Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/ThaiVisaNews

- Breaking News via SMS text messages to your mobile phone or handheld device

To subscribe dial *424010011 on AIS, One-2-Call, DTAC or True Move networks

14 days complementary subscription for Thaivisa members.

If you have questions about the Breaking News SMS service,

email: sms [at] thaivisa.com

________________________________________________________________________________

Thailand's current weather and forecasts: http://weather.thaivisa.com/

________________________________________________________________________________

Related topic: Thailand Live Tuesday 13 July 2010

[webfact]

Politics Suspected behind Local Politician's Murder

The regional police chief has ordered his investigators to speed up the murder case of a Nakhon Sawan local administration chief.

Although the motive behind the murder has not yet been established, the victim's wife is confident that the killing was politically motivated.

Orapin Munsil, the victim's wife, earlier spoke to the press, stating she is confident that the murder of her husband, Nakhon Sawan Provincial Administrative Organization chief Amnat Sirichai, was politically motivated and was masterminded by Amnat's political rivals.

Orapin, however, said she cannot disclose the name of possible conspirators but she believed police have in-depth knowledge about the suspects.

She went on to say that if the authorities are courageous enough, the suspects will be apprehended.

She said the death of her husband has devastated her entire family and vowed never to get involved in politics.

Regarding progress on the murder investigation, Provincial Police Bureau 6 Commissioner Police Lieutenant General Surasi

Sunthonsaratul has inspected the crime scene and called a meeting with related police divisions.

The possible motive behind the murder has been narrowed down to local and national political conflicts as well as business disputes.

Meanwhile, authorities are awaiting the autopsy report from Naresuan University Hospital to determine the type of weapon used

to kill the victim.

Police said they are fully dedicated to the case since the public are closely following the progress and the victim was an important

local political figure.

-- Tan Network 2010-07-14

[webfact]

Manohra folk performance pushed to be registered as UNESCO intangible cultural heritage

BANGKOK (NNT) -- The Culture Minister tasks the Office of the National Culture Commission (ONCC) to gather relevant information of Southern folk dance and performance Manohra with the hope to promote Thai local performance as the UNESCO intangible cultural heritage.

Culture Minister Nipit Intarasombat cited that he had recently attended the Thai cultural grand fair in Yala and that he got opinions from local people asking for folk performance Manohra promotion among Thais, aimed to carry on this local performance and preserve it.

He thus ordered the ONCC to collect all relevant information of Manohra such as its origin, postures, props, and location, also to study on the registering procedure for the UNESCO intangible cultural heritage as it would be a direction to help maintain the folk performance within the society.

ONCC Secretary-General Somchai Sianglai said that to register the folk performance as the UNESCO intangible cultural heritage was possible with the full required information, the country then must announce Manohra as the national wisdom heritage and Thailand is also required to be a member under the UNESCO convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage.

-- NNT 2010-07-13

[webfact]

TSUNAMI

Tsunami sculpture to be returned unrepaired

By Pakamard Jaichalard

The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Deputy permanent secretary for Culture, Apinan Posayanont, explained yesterday that the "Hold Me Close" sculpture, done in the memory of lives lost to the 2004 tsunami, had been moved out of Krabi to be repaired and could be returned to the province on Thursday.

Krabi residents demanded that the sculpture, currently on display at the Bangkok Art and Cultural Centre, be returned to the memorial site on Nopparat Thara Beach. Apinan said yesterday the creator of this sculpture, French artist Louise Bourgeois, designed the piece so it could be placed in an area surrounded by trees and with a pond. This is one of the three sculptures remembering the victims. The other two are in Phuket and Phang-Nga.

During a recent visit to Krabi, Apinan said he had noticed that Bourgeois's sculpture was deteriorating due to its proximity to the sea, which is why he thought of removing it to be repaired in Bangkok.

In addition, when Apinan tried to call Bourgeois to commission a piece for the Culture Ministry's "Imagine Peace" exhibition, he discovered the artist had died, making all her work immensely valuable. He said he had become concerned that the "Hold Me Close" statue might get stolen and its loss could affect Thailand's image.

Apinan said he later called on the Krabi Cultural Office to send the Krabi national park office and provincial governor a letter requesting permission to have the sculpture repaired as well as displayed in an exhibition honouring the late artist before returning it to Krabi. Saying that the accusations calling him "a thief" were too harsh, he added that he was willing to return the piece on Thursday, even though it had not been repaired, just to end the conflict. He said he was happy the locals were so devoted to the sculpture and encouraged local authorities and public to take good care of this piece of art.

-- The Nation 2010-07-14

[webfact]

REFORM

NRC targets problems 'the powerless' want solved

By The Nation

Committee for reform to focus on income, rights, opportunities, power, esteem

BANGKOK: -- The National Reform Committee (NRC) yesterday identified five areas of social inequality it will address - income, rights, opportunities, power and esteem.

The committee's members, headed by former prime minister Anand Panyarachun, agreed they would focus on those areas as part of their reform efforts, said Chulalongkorn University economist Narong Phetprasert, who is a panel member.

Speaking after a meeting of the panel that lasted more than five hours, Narong said it was agreed that boosting the bargaining power of powerless citizens was the key to national reform. He the gap between the country's haves and have-nots was too large and while some people are well served in the five areas, others are not.

He said the reform committee would set frameworks for the five areas of reform and refer them to the Reform Assembly, which is headed by social critic Dr Prawase Wasi, for public hearings of civil society, with as much participation from the public as possible.

"When we get the frameworks, we will determine the priorities of each issue - which of them must be solved in the short term, middle term or long term," Narong said.

"We also will see if they can be solved through administrative power or law changes. The different types of inequality differ in detail."

Buddhist monk Phra Paisal Wisalo, another committee member, said the problems involving land reform and personal debts could be solved through changes in relevant laws and ministerial regulations, which could be done within a year.

The 20 panel members took part in the meeting chaired by Anand at Baan Phitsanulok, the prime minister's official residence. The panel is scheduled to meet again on Friday.

According to a source, Anand told participants the public had high expectations of the reform committee. Anand estimated that 75 per cent of people who have contacted the committee by mail or phone wanted urgent problems to be solved first.

Anand told panel members not to feel pressured by the high expectations, as he did not think this committee would be able to cover all the problematic issues, the source said. Anand wanted it to be called simply a "reform committee", rather than a National Reform Committee.

The panel chief also told members they could feel free to make personal views known to the media or appear on television or radio programmes to comment on the work they are doing.

Meanwhile, Trade Representa-tive Kiat Sithee-amorn, from the ruling Democrat Party, said yesterday that the country's social inequality mostly involved access to public services, unfair law enforcement, and distribution of natural resources.

-- The Nation 2010-07-14

[webfact]

NEW PARTY

EC : No evidence to link Thai Khemkhaeng party with Democrats

By The Nation

The Election Commission has sanctioned 50 political parties, including the newly-formed Thai Khemkhaeng, but there is no evidence to link it to the ruling Democrat Party, EC member Sodsri Satayatham said yesterday.

"I am not in a position to speculate whether the newly-formed party is meant as a back-up in case the Democrat Party is disbanded," she said.

Sodsri said registration for Thai Khemkhaeng was complete, pending announcement in the Royal Gazette.

The new party, registered on June 4, has its headquarters in Hat Yai district of Songkhla. Manas Panich is the party leader and Prathan Phrom-on is the party secretary-general. The party has yet to hold its first convention within one year to elect its executive board.

Manas conceded yesterday that he was close to the Democrats but the new party was formed out of his love for politics without any linkage to the party dissolution case.

"In the future, should their party be disbanded, I don't think it would be unusual if the Democrats want to move to my party," he said.

Manas said in case of party dissolution, the Democrats would have no choice but to adopt a new political home.

He said he wanted to build his new party based on his stronghold in Hat Yai where he runs a construction business.Manas, the registered leader of Thai Khemkhaeng, is a resident of Songkhla's Hat Yai district from an area that is the constituency of Democrat MP Wirat Kalayasiri, who is on the legal team to defend the Democrat Party in the dissolution case.

Possibly a political canvasser for Wirat, Manas registered the new political party out of a good intention just in case, without any knowledge of the key Democrat figures.

Thai Khemkhaeng's registered address in Songkhla has no name signs, and its executive members convened meetings a few times with no Democrat figures attending, according to a person taking care of the new party's building.

Another political party suspected to be a substitution for the Democrat Party in case it is dissolved is called "Dharmathipat" (Guardians of Dharma), which was registered with the Election Commission in January 2009 and its head office is located in Bangkok's Bueng Kum district.

Another new party Thai Pheu Thai has activated its registration process last week. And the EC already gave the green light to carry on the registration to completion even though the party's name is very similar to the opposition Pheu Thai Party.

Thai Pheu Thai has Sathit Rodchang as its leader and Thongchai Thatkheo as its secretary general.

-- The Nation 2010-07-14

[webfact]

REDS' SUSPICIOUS FINANCE

Red shirts' financial backers soon to face charges

By The Nation

The Department of Special Investigation will soon formally charge people found to have provided financial support to the red shirts during the recent political unrest.

Meanwhile it will remove from the blacklist those for whom it could not establish clear links to the anti-government movement, the DSI chief said.

Tharit Pengdit, the DSI director-general, said yesterday that his agency would suggest to the Centre for the Resolution of the Emergency Situation (CRES) to remove individuals and businesses in the "white group" from the blacklist of those banned from financial transactions. Those in the "black group" would be charged with supporting acts of terrorism, he added.

He said DSI investigators would this week begin classifying the 83 on the blacklist into three groups --- white, grey and black.

Tharit said 73 on the blacklist summoned by the authorities had provided explanations to the investigators -- 37 of them in person and 36 others through their lawyers. The investigators would later question five others being detained in prison. The last five people have not contacted the authorities: Thaksin Shinawatra, Chinnawat Habunpad, Samroeng Prajamrua, Sangiam Samranrat, and Aree Krainara.

The investigators also requested a second round of questioning for 52 of those on the blacklist for further information, the DSI chief said. The 21 whose explanations satisfied the investigators were only asked to provide some additional documents.

The latter group includes Sutham Sangprathum, Sermsak Pongpanit, Somyos Phruksakasemsuk, Police General Salang Bunnag, Plodprasop Suraswadi, Prayuth Mahakitsiri, Assanee Cherdchai, and Methi Amornwuthikul.

Beginning today, (July 14) there will be a second round of questioning. Among those required to provide further explanations are Panlert Baiyoke, companies with connections to the Shinawatra family, Thaksin's former wife Pojaman na Pombejra, Thaksin's siblings and cousins, Sudarat Keyuraphan, Chaiya Sasomsap, and Somsak Kiatsuranond.

Meanwhile, the Criminal Court yesterday granted a DSI request for the fourth round of detention of Pheu Thai MPs Jatuporn Prompan and Karun Hosakul for another 12 days while the DSI is investigating the terrorism charge against them.

The two opposition MPs have not been under detention because they have cited their immunity as parliamentarians. Other red-shirt leaders turning themselves in to police to face the same charge have been detained at the Bangkok Remand Prison.

-- The Nation 2010-07-14

[webfact]

Indebted restaurateur shoots lawyer, flees : police

By The Nation

Angered by civil debt enforcement against his well-known Bueng Chon restaurant in eastern Bangkok off the Bang Na-Trat highway, the owner yesterday shot and wounded a lawyer before hijacking a pickup truck and fleeing, police say.

Prawet police were hunting for Praphan Techanithinant, who they said was on the run in a silver-bronze Toyota Vigo pickup with Bangkok licence plate Thor Thung-Ror Rua 9936, which he allegedly hijacked from a man after shooting lawyer Prakit Imjaroen in the restaurant compound.

Prakit took one shot in his right shoulder and is recovering.

Police expected that a court-approved arrest warrant for Praphan would be available tomorrow.

Accompanied by an aide and four Legal Execution Department officials, Prakit went to the restaurant to post a civil court order seeking Bt8 million Praphan failed to pay for the rent of the land on which his restaurant sits.

According to the victim and witnesses, Praphan parked his black pickup truck beside Prakit's and fired one shot at him. While trying to escape, Prakit lost his control of his truck, which plunged into a canal.

Praphan then allegedly fled on the Outer Ring Road, and hijacked the Vigo before fleeing on the Bang Na-Trat outbound lanes.

-- The Nation 2010-07-14

[webfact]

Police net trio over trafficking

By The Nation

A Kanchanaburi woman, her boyfriend and her 16-year-old son have been arrested for allegedly procuring women aged between 15 and 18 for prostitution and human trafficking, police said yesterday.

Suspects Alisha "Koong" Sangamuang, 33, Montri Srithiampetch, 24, and 16-year-old Tong (not his real name) were arrested. Police also seized three bankbooks, a home accounting book, 16 books listing names of young women, nine photo albums, a digital camera, a computer notebook, two mobile phones and a billboard with young women's pictures and text reading: "new family built by love and happiness we have created as ours (Koong loves you all)."

The arrest followed a complaint filed by an 18-year-old girl who claimed Koong lured her and other young women into prostitution, for which they got Bt400 from the Bt1,200 charged.

Koong claimed the women took part willingly and she was no longer involved in such activity because she sold mobile phones. She said her boyfriend and son also had nothing to do with the alleged activities.

-- The Nation 2010-07-14

[webfact]

Kids bring home high number of maths honours

By The Nation

Thai primary students will return home tonight with a big batch of medals from an international maths competition.

Education Minister Chinnaworn Boonyakiat yesterday said the 12 Thai students had bagged in all up to 17 medals through their outstanding performance at the Po Leung Kuk Primary Mathematics World Contest.

The contest was held in Hong Kong this week.

Chinnaworn said the Thai's medals came through two categories, as a team and to individual contestants.

The Office of Basic Education Commission (Obec) fielded two Thai teams in the international contest, and another Thai team jumped in independently via their school, Anubarn Suteetorn.

In the team category, Sujessada Udomsrirungrueang from Rajavinit School in Bangkok, Warit Singha from Anubarn Nakhon Ratchasima, Sirapop Jitmaneesilp from Srinakharinwirot University's Prasarnmit Demonstration School in Bangkok, and Thanpitcha Ketchaimongkhon from Anubarn Suteetorn School in Nakhon Pathom each won a gold medal. They represented Thailand in Team A.

The independent team from Anubarn Suteetorn won honorary mention.

In the individual category, Sujessada, Warit, and Kongiat Tiprat from the Prasarnmit demonstration school each earned a silver medal.

Sirapop, Thanpitcha, Nattaphon Tham-archeep from Rajavinit School, and Nathanon Akraprap from Kasetsart University's demonstration school in Bangkok each won a bronze medal.

Three other bronze medallists came from Anubarn Suteetorn. They are Pattara Kittipongpat, Annop Tantayanont and Nanthathanat Madode.

"I would like to congratulate them all on their success. They have bolstered Thailand's reputation in the international arena," Chinnaworn said.

He said the whiz kids would return from Hong Kong to Thailand tonight via Thai Airways Flight TG 639. Their arrival time is 10.25pm.

Chinnaworn said Obec planned to send Thai students to more international maths competitions in South Korea, Taiwan and Indonesia over the next two months.

-- The Nation 2010-07-14

[webfact]

Thai Cabinet Allocates Bt10M To Fight Cambodia On Preah Vihear

[webfact]

More violence as emergency extended in deep South

By The Nation

Cabinet yesterday extended the state of emergency in the deep South for another three months.

Until further notice, the state of emergency will be in effect in Yala, Pattani and Narathiwat provinces from July 20 to October 19. The original deadline was July 19.

Meanwhile, a policeman was killed and a marine injured in an ambush at a joint security outpost on Monday night in Narathiwat's Muang district.

Police Snr Sgt-Major Cherdsak Singbunta, 55, was killed at the scene, while marine Ek Nimnual has become paralysed from brain damage caused by a head shot.

Cherdsak was promoted posthumously to the rank of police colonel and his funeral is scheduled for today in his home province of Amnat Charoen.

A joint security blockade was carried out yesterday to hunt down a team of insurgents in neighbouring Ba Choh district. A firefight ensued after officials located eight insurgents in the jungle, before they retreated and fled. No casualties were reported on either side.

Police said later that the eight were possibly led by Waheh Kadeng and Marosoh Jantharawadee, senior RKK commandos much wanted by authorities.

Found at their campsite among a number of cooking utensils was a magazine of an HK-33 assault rifle. The fully loaded magazine carries a serial number linking it to an insurgent ambush two years ago, in which Police Snr Sgt-Major Osama Saleh was killed and had his rifle and accessories stolen.

-- The Nation 2010-07-14

[webfact]

NHSO gets bigger budget for next fiscal year

By The Nation

The National Health Security Office (NHSO) will be allocated up to Bt129.28 billion for its operations in next fiscal year, which kicks off from October 1. With a bigger budget, NHSO should be able to increase its flat per-head subsidy for the universal healthcare scheme from Bt2,401 a year to Bt2,546. This subsidy would also include health promotion and disease prevention.

NHSO deputy chief Dr Pratheep Thanakit-charoen said the scheme, which covers 47.996 million people, would also provide dental services through an additional budget.

Of this extra Bt39.25-per-head budget, Bt2.25 per head would be spent on making dentures for those over the age of 60, and the remainder on promoting dental health among the population, especially children under the age of 12.

Public Health Minister Jurin Laksanawisit said extra funds, such as Bt2.997 billion to provide anti-viral drugs to 152,000 HIV/Aids patients; Bt3.226 billion to take care of 16,315 patients with chronic kidney disease; Bt630 million for diabetes and high-blood pressure sufferers; and Bt203 million for 119,317 mentally ill people.

"Those with kidney disease can now seek kidney transplant and dialysis under the universal health scheme," he added.

-- The Nation 2010-07-14

[webfact]

Canal Chemical Pollution Levels Alarming: Greenpeace Thailand

[webfact]

Swedish National On Hunger Strike In Bangkok

[webfact]

Thai Democrat Party Heading Into A Dark Storm

[webfact]

PM sees urgent need to cope with environmental crisis

BANGKOK: -- Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva on Tuesday conceded that the environmental crisis is an urgent agenda as Thailand must not hesitate to set up a management system to cope with to prevent eroded confidence among investors and the world community.

The premier made his statement when presiding at the signing ceremony of the memorandum of agreement on cooperation in tackling the environmental crisis in industrial areas.

Participants included the natural resources and environment minister, the industry minister, the education minister, the science and technology minister, the Federation of Thai Industries president, and the president of the Thai Professional Association in the United States and Canada.

Mr Abhisit said many communities had a negative attitude toward industrial development and growth.

“If all concerned parties join hands to prepare an approach to manage the environment and pollution systematically by adopting clean technology, I’m confident industry will play a key role in driving the country’s economic growth,” he said.

The premier said the investment suspensions in the Mab Ta Phut Industrial Estate due to a failure by many industrial operators to comply with the environmental protection regulation are of the public interest.

The government had stepped up efforts to addressing the problem as it believed the case would be a good lesson used to cope with other problems in the future, he added. (MCOT online news)

-- TNA 2010-07-14

[webfact]

HRH Princess Chulabhorn: King has considerable concern for rural people

His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej has kept monitoring the welfare of his subjects although he is unable to visit them due to old age, according to Her Royal Highness Princess Chulabhorn.

Her Royal Highness, who is the youngest daughter of His Majesty the King, told members of the Princess Mother’s Medical Volunteer Foundation in Nakhon Si Thammarat Province that there was nothing to be concerned about His Majesty’s health. She elaborated that His Majesty, 83, now under close supervision of a royal medical team at Siriraj Hospital, was able to constantly take exercise on stationary bike.

“One thing I’d like to mention here is that His Majesty always has considerable concern for Thai people even although he is in the hospital. Everytime I went to see His Majesty to report about my visits to the provinces, His Majesty always asked me whether everybody was happy and smiling. He missed the people and members of the Foundation. He wanted to know how I found working with the Foundation,” said the Princess.

Her Royal Highness Princess Chulabhorn has been made honorary chairwomen of the Princess Mother’s Medical Volunteer Foundation after Her Royal Highness Princess Galyani Vadhana passed away in January 2008. The position prompts Her Royal Highness to travel to all parts of the country to monitor the work of medical volunteers and give them moral support.

Her Royal Highness continued to say that Their Majesties the King and Queen had worked hard for the past 60 years, travelling to every corner of the country in a vehicle that His Majesty sometimes drove by himself. During those visits, His Majesty paid attention to agricultural development, particularly irrigation, while Her Majesty the Queen concentrated on promoting supplementary jobs among farm families, such as cloth weaving. “Now His Majesty is old, unable to go out to remote rural areas, but is always interested in the living conditions of rural people and the work of medical volunteers”.

Her Royal Highness conveyed His Majesty's concern every time she visited members of the Princess Mother’s Medical Volunteer Foundation while at work. From 8 to 12 July 2010, Her Royal Highness flied to the South to visit people and medical volunteers in Chumphon, Ranong, Surat Thani and Nakhon Si Thammarat. Earlier from 24 to 29 June, Her Royal Highness took temporary residence at Phuphan Palace in Sakon Nakhon Province, to visit medical volunteers in Nakhon Phanom, Sakon Nakhon, Mukdahan and Khon Kaen.

-- NNT 2010-07-14

[webfact]

Police spokesman: 2,000 police remain deployed in capital, adjacent areas to keep order; 250 cases concerning Red, Yellow Shirt protesters complete /MCOT

[webfact]

Govt Persistent in Joining World Heritage Conference

The government stands firm on its plan to participate in the UNESCO World Heritage Conference scheduled for the end of this month.

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva has ignored the New Politics Party’s demand to boycott the World Heritage Conference scheduled for later this month to protect Thailand's national border interests.

Abhisit said Thailand would be in a disadvantaged position if it does not join the conference, as the World Heritage Committee will receive information regarding Phrea Vihear Temple solely from Cambodia.

Cambodia is scheduled to submit its administrative and conservative plan for the overlapping area around Phrea Vihear Temple to UNESCO during the conference.

Natural Resources and Environment Minister Suwit Khunkitti, who will attend the upcoming World Heritage Committee meeting, notified the Cabinet that he will ask the committee to postpone its consideration of the Cambodian management plan as there has not been a resolution of the territorial disputes between the two countries regarding the area.

The Deputy Prime Minister in charge of security affairs, Suthep Thaugsuban, said of the situation at the Thai-Cambodian border that there is nothing to be worried about.

As for Cambodia’s plan to designate July 15 as 'Anger Day' against the Thai invasion of Cambodia, Suthep refused to say if the matter would develop hatred between the two nations, but said he will follow the situation.

He added that both Thai and Cambodian troops have agreed to resolve conflicts through peaceful means and to avoid using force.

Secretary-General of the New Politics Party Suriyasai Katasila has advised the government to boycott the UNESCO World Heritage Conference, or risk losing part of the country's territory to Cambodia.

-- Tan Network 2010-07-14

[webfact]

PAD Activist Surrenders to Police After Charged for Uprooting GPS Markers

A key figure of the People's Alliance for Democracy has reported to police YESTERDAY after being charged with willful damage of state property.

Veera Somkwamkid, Secretary-General of the People’s Network against Corruption, turned himself in to investigators at Ban Kruad police station in Buri Ram yesterday after a summons was issued for him.

The Royal Thai Survey Department pressed charges against Veera on June 2 after a group of protesters led by Veera rallied in Buri Ram province in April and uprooted boundary markers around the Huai Mekha dam.

The markers in question are part of a joint Thai-Cambodian GPS mapping scheme.

The Superintendent of Ban Kruad police station, Police Colonel Ekkachai Pratyawutthirat, stated that Veera was charged with willful damage of property and was temporarily released following an interrogation.

Veera claimed that he misunderstood and thought the markers reflected territory, and he wanted to protect Thailand's sovereignty.

He added that he had no intention of committing the offense, and he is prepared to defend himself in court to prove his innocence.

-- Tan Network 2010-07-14

[webfact]

Turnout of 60 per cent expected by Bangkok by-election: EC

The Election Commission has forecast a good turnout of more than 60 per cent in the July 25 by-election for Bangkok Constituency 6, EC member Prapun Naigowit said on Wednesday.

All preparations for the balloting day have complete, Prapun said, confirming the list of eligible voters has been released and that the informations on electoral candidates and polling stations have been sent to voters by the postal service.

Advance voting for absentee voters will take place from 8.00 am to 5.00 pm on July 17-to-18. The polling stations will be opened from 8.00 am to 3.00 pm on the balloting day.

No complaints on campaigning violations have been detected or filed at this juncture.

-- The Nation 2010-07-14

[webfact]

Police Raid Seizes 10 Million Baht Worth of Counterfeit Bags

The intellectual property crime suppression police have raided a shop in the Chakkrawat area in Bangkok, seizing more than 10,000 hand bags worth around 10 million baht.

The intellectual property crime suppression authorities raided at a purse shop called Krapong Krapow in Chakkrawat area, under a search warrant from the Bangkok Criminal Court.

The police seized more than 10,000 illegal handbags which were either brand name counterfeits or goods smuggled to avoid import taxes.

The person in charge of the shop at the time, Adisak SaeJao, was arrested and charged with possession of counterfeit and smuggled goods.

The total value of goods seized during the raid has been estimated at over 10 million baht. The police are now tracking down Adisak's associates.

-- Tan Network 2010-07-14

[webfact]

Group of 20 Red Shirts Gather in Front of US Embassy

A group of around 20 red shirt protesters have gathered in front of U.S. embassy in Bangkok. Led by Somyos Pruerksasuk, the group is demanding that the US Congress reconsider its backing of the Thai government's reconciliation plan.

-- Tan Network 2010-07-14

[webfact]

Nok Air has relaunched its Smile Packages to Phuket

[webfact]

Strong Thailand Paryt Denies Ties with Democrats

The leader of the Strong Thailand Party has come out to deny that the party was established as a nominee for the Democrat Party, which is facing two separate cases, one of which could lead to a party dissolution.

-- Tan Network 2010-07-14

[webfact]

SOUTH CRISIS

No ceasefire at all as claimed by insurgents : ISOC

By The Nation

Internal Security Operation Command (ISOC) on Wednesday denied reports that Malay-Muslim separatist organisations unilaterally suspended organised attacks in three districts of Narathiwat province.

The Patani Malay Liberation Movement had issued a statement over the weekend, claiming that the unilateral cease-fire - billed as a confidence-building measure - was implemented in Rangae, Yingor and Choh I-Rong districts from June 10 until July 10.

ISOC's spokesman Col Banpot Poonpien said that several attacks still happened in the province during the period the movement claimed to conduct the ceasefires.

"During the period of their said ceasefires, a bomb attack took place on June 18 in Joh I Rong district. The attacks which could be linked to the movement also happened in several areas of the province," the spokesman said.

The spokesman said that ten attacks, one bomb attack and nine drive-by shootings, took place in the three districts between June 10 and July 10. Six people were killed and six others injured.

He also said that the army has never had any secret talks with the movement and other separatists' groups.

Fourth Army Region's Commander Lt Gen Pichet Wisaijorn has expressed doubts why the announcement of the ceasefires were released to the media as the ceasefires nearly finished.

"The aim of this limited cease-fire was two-fold: to indicate the movement's sincerity in wanting to hold a dialogue on the political future of the southern provinces, and at the same time to demonstrate the movement's command and control in the area," according to a statement sent to The Nation by the Patani Malay Liberation Movement.

The PMLM's statement claimed, "The aim of this limited cease-fire was two-fold: to indicate the movement's sincerity in wanting to hold a dialogue on the political future of the southern provinces, and at the same time to demonstrate the movement's command and control in the area."

The PMLM is a joint working group made up of members from the Patani United Liberation Organisation (Pulo) and representatives from the Barisan Revolusi Nasional-Coordinate (BRN-C). Pulo and BRN emerged in the late 1960s but collapsed in the late 1980s following a blanket amnesty that crippled their armed resistance.

PMLM spokesman Kasturi Mahkota, who is also vice president of Pulo, said the "modalities of the suspension of hostilities covered only organised attacks on the security forces and attacks on government targets".

-- The Nation 2010-07-14

[webfact]

No secret jail for red shirts: Anupong

Army chief General Anupong Paochinda on Wednesday denied the allegation about secret detention centures for the red shirts at an Army base and the Border Patrol Police camp in Kanchanaburi.

"I can confirm there are no red shirts under secret detention," he said.

Anupong said neither the military nor the BPP held the red shirts in Kanchanaburi.

-- The Nation 2010-07-14

[webfact]

Thai workers head for blueberry fields in Finland

EU satisfied with Thailand's effort against piracy

[webfact]

Thailand hikes interest rates for first time since 2008