Thailand Live Monday 26 Jul 2010

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Thailand Live Monday 26 July 2010

News, Bits and Tweets

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

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

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

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

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

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Related topic: Thailand Live Sunday 25 July 2010

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PM against Cambodia´s unilateral bid for Preah Vihear temple

BANGKOK (NNT) -- Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva has expressed his objection over Cambodia's secretive management plan for the Preah Vihear temple and its disputed buffer zone..

Speaking in his weekly address on Sunday, "Confidence in Thailand with PM Abhisit", the Prime Minister said that the Thai government has made a clear stance against the use of Cambodia's map, which was previously used in the trial in the International Court of Justice 45 years ago, resulting in the court’s decision to award the temple to Cambodia.

He added that the Cambodia had reportedly already submitted its management plan for the listing of the disputed territory as a World Heritage Site to the WHC meeting.

PM Abhisit reaffirmed that the government would continue opposing the Cambodia's move and keeping the interest of the country at heart, reassuring that the lingering border dispute would not be detrimental to the nation's sovereignty over the.

The Thai government has assigned Mr Suwit Khunkiti, Minister of Natural Resources and Environment, to lead Thai delegation to attend the 34th Session of the Unesco World Heritage Committee (WHC) to seek understanding with other member countries over the border dispute. The summit will take place between 25 July and 3 August 2010 in Brasilia.

-- NNT 2010-07-26

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7th Infantry Division establishment opposed

BANGKOK (NNT) -- The opposition Pheu Thai Party has voiced disagreement with the planned establishment of the seventh Infantry Division in the northern province of Chiang Mai because it is contradictory to the reconciliation roadmap of the Government.

Pheu Thai Party Spokesperson, Prompong Nopparit, questioned if the planned establishment of the military unit was aimed at impeding the regional movements of the anti-government United Front of Democracy Against Dictatorship (UDD).

The army recently proposed that the seventh Infantry Division be established for greater efficiency in narcotic suppression in the northern region. The division will be under the direct supervision of the third Army Region. About 10 billion THB will be needed for the operation over five years, starting in 2011.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva earlier voiced agreement with the proposal of the army. Mr Prompong lashed out that such a justification was just a compelling reason to dominate the northern region, also the stronghold of the UDD and the Pheu Thai Party.

The spokesperson then encouraged the public and non-governmental organizations to protest the initiative because it would be contradicting the national reconciliation roadmap and reform plan of the Government.

-- NNT 2010-07-26

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Jatuporn faces court fight with DSI chief's wife

By The Nation

Published on July 26, 2010

Pheu Thai MP Jatuporn Promphan looks likely face a libel suit for remarks he made about the wife of a top law enforcement officer.

"Jatuporn will be taken to court for defamation so that judicial proceedings can help bring out the truth in lieu of rebutting his allegation via the media," Tharit Pengdit, head of the Department of Special Investigation said yesterday.

Jatuporn alleged that Tharit's wife Wasamon sought and received kickbacks from a businessman in exchange for helping him to evade Bt1.7 million in tax when she was a revenue official in 2008.

Jatuporn's remarks were malicious and groundless, Tharit said, noting his wife was preparing for a court hearing to clear her name.

He said he believed Jatuporn had sought to tarnish his wife's reputation in revenge for him (Tharit) laying terrorism charges against the red shirts.

"I want to say this to Jatuporn - if you are seeking revenge, do it to me and not my wife," he said.

A DSI official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said Jatuporn's attack on Tharit's wife might be a cunning legal ploy.

Jatuporn obviously wanted to provoke Tharit and his wife to initiate the litigation against him, the official said. A court case for defamation could thus be cited as a reason why the reds faced terrorism charges and argument that Tharit was a prejudiced lead investigator on the case.

Tharit was aware of the ramifications of the legal wrangling, hence he and his wife would make a clear separation between the litigation on defamation and his official responsibilities for the terror case.

-- The Nation 2010-07-26

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ASALAHA BUCHA DAY TODAY

Kingdom prepares for Asalaha Bucha Day, Lent celebrations

By THE NATION

Thais across the country yesterday were arranging to celebrate Asalaha Bucha Day today and the beginning of Buddhist Lent tomorrow.

This religious festival is often marked with processions of elaborately carved paraffin candles for monks to use during the three-month rainy season retreat.

In Nonthaburi, more than 100 boats paraded exquisite giant candles along a section of Bangkok Noi Canal from Chalor Temple to Bote Bon Temple. The most impressive float will win Bt15,000 and a plaque of honour.

Deputy Nonthaburi Governor Pradit Sukhonthasawat and Bang Kruai District chief Ronnachai Jitwises presided over the launch of the candle convoy.

In Phitsanulok, a procession snaked through this northern province's main roads showing the candles presented by His Majesty the King to a royal monastery as well as those from various communities.

In Sakon Nakhon, up to 10 processions were formed, each showcasing candles artfully designed to reflect the local culture, way of life and religious devotion.

In Si Sa Ket, at least 5,000 people showed up to join a colourful candle procession and associated fun activities. The line stretched for several kilometres.

In Nakhon Ratchasima, a candle contest for a trophy from HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn is being held as part of a three-day fair.

The event, featuring a light-and-sound show, kicked off yesterday.

Samer Jindapong, chairman of the Nakhon Ratchasima Tourism Association, said that coupled with the four-day long weekend, the festival looked set to boost tourism in Korat.

"In all, people will likely spend more than Bt100 million here over this holiday," he said.

Finding a room in this northeastern province has become a challenge. In Pak Chong district, all hotels are fully booked.

-- The Nation 2010-07-26

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'Caring people' help save ancient treasures

Buoyed by their success with the Therachan Pagoda, a group of Chiang Mai University lecturers and local people have vowed to conserve more "sacred places" from ancient times.[/b]

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EDUCATION

Institute opens own bank for students

By The Nation

Siam Institute of Technology has opened its own bank to encourage its students to save money and give them an opportunity to gain professional work experience as a bank officer.

Assist Prof Jomphong Mongkhonvanit, director of SIT, said recently that the |bank operated like a branch of a real bank as it was equipped with similar IT and service systems.

The Government Savings Bank trained and supervised the students working for the school bank. It also provided more than Bt100,000 to get the bank up and going.

Students would learn about management, teamwork, responsibility and service skills.

SIT was the first industrial school in the country to start its own bank.

It had run another bank for 10 years, but with management problems that bank was shut down in 2008.

The new bank would be under the school's accounting department, which would operate it the same way as other banks.

It was the school's policy to develop work-related competency. Accounting students would work at the bank in various departments performing the same duties as bank officers.

SIT is campaigning to promote a savings habit among students by depositing with its bank - which was part of His Majesty the King's sufficiency economy philosophy.

-- The Nation 010-07-26

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Awards to Thais for asthma treatment

By PONGPHON SARNSAMAK

THE NATION

Two young female scientists yesterday were named as winners of the MSD Young Allergist and Immunologist Investigator Award for their studies into applying an injection drug "epinephrine" as an inhalant medication - and for the use of Thai traditional medicine "Phlai" as an anti-asthmatic drug.

The awards, organised by the Allergy and Immunology Society of Thailand and MSD (Thailand), went to Dr Kanittha Nakponetong, an immunology and asthmatic researcher of Siriraj Hospital, and Thidarath Limwuttikraijirath, a researcher from Thammasat University.

The award is the first in the field of allergy and immunology in Thailand. The winning research will be presented at the international level of the clinical allergy and immunology competition. Each winner will receive a grant of Bt50,000.

Dr Kanittha has studied how to apply the drug epinephrine as an inhalant, ultimately leading to a reduction in the time taken to save a patient's life from anaphylaxis [allergic reaction].

Epinephrine is injected into the quadriceps muscle after exposure to allergens that can be found in foods, drug and insects.

"Delays in diagnosis and treatment can be life threatening," she said.

Patients with these symptoms are advised to carry epinephrine with them at all times but injection is considered an inconvenient treatment when a sudden allergy occurs. Patients are often reluctant to use epinephrine because of improper training, hesitancy and fear of needles.

According to her study in five volunteers who are not allergic patients, she found the drug could work very well when the medication was sprayed into a volunteer's nose. An inhaled drug contained 5 milligrams per dose and the injected drug 0.5mg per dose.

She studied 12 volunteers to evaluate the dose and side effects of the drug.

Another study, conducted by Thidarath, showed the underlining mechanisms of the Thai traditional medicine "Phlai" can block the production of mucin - a protein that usually increases in asthmatic patients and is the main cause of mortality among them.

She said this mechanism could reduce the production of mucin in the patients and save their lives.

At present, patients can control allergic rhinitis and asthma by using inhaled corticosteroids, topical or oral non steroidal medications. But these methods are difficult for patients to use when they develop asthmatic symptoms.

Thidarath's study was conducted in the laboratory and she is planning to continue it in both animal and human trials. She expected she could eventually develop the drug in tablet form to help asthmatic patients conveniently access the medication.

-- The Nation 2010-07-26

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Bangkok bomb spoils Panich win

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Thailand general election would be tight: poll shows

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Pheu Thai Party concedes defeat

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CONTROVERSIAL TEMPLE

Preah Vihear plan will be opposed : PM

By The Nation

Thailand reaffirmed its stand on Preah Vihear Temple - demarcation of the border should be completed before debating and endorsing a joint administrative plan for the World Heritage Site, Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva said yesterday.

Abhisit's remarks precede the 34th Session of Unesco's World Heritage Committee, due to be held on Wednesday in Brasilia.

Cambodia is expected to push for the adoption of an administrative plan it has drawn up for the temple.

"The government has consistently rejected the map used by Cambodia in claiming the temple and adjacent areas located within its borders and Thailand has never accepted the World Court verdict on the temple as a ruling on border demarcation," he said.

Acting under the government's instruction, Environment and Natural Resources Minister Suwit Khunkitti planned to voice rigorous opposition to the temple administrative plan and would ask the committee to postpone the debate on the issue, he said.

Thailand has planned several options to safeguard its territorial integrity regardless of the outcome of the committee's meeting, he said, pledging full support for Suwit to succeed in his mission.

Suwit said he understood Cambodia planned to avoid bringing up the unresolved border issue but there was no guarantee that the temple administrative plan, if endorsed, would not cover the adjacent areas in the North and West of the temple, which Thailand considers its territory.

Democrat Party spokesman Buranaj Smutharaks said the Samak Sundaravej government had erred in issuing a joint communique in 2008 that could be construed as recognising Cambodia's territorial claim over areas near to the temple.

Although the communique was subsequently nullified by the courts, Cambodia could still cite it to back up its plan for the temple, he said. The best option for Thailand now was to delay the debate on the issue, until the border had been agreed on.

-- The Nation 2010-07-26

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Bangkok Blast kills 1, injures 10 in first attack since May turmoil

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26th July: Today is the birthday of Thaksin Shinawatra. He was born in Chiang Mai Province in 1949. /via @RichardBarrow

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Cambodia's war-crimes tribunal set to deliver verdict any minute now on Khmer Rouge jailor Comrade Duch, who oversaw 15,000 deaths. /via @markmackinnon

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200 file as candidates for Bangkok Metropolitan Administration Council on first day for election registration amid tightened security /via @MCOTEnglishnews

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Special Report: Buddhist Lent Day 'Khao Phansa'

“Khao Phansa” in Thai means rains retreat, marking the 3-month period during the rainy season that Buddhist monks stop traveling and stay at one particular monastery. This year, Khao Phansa begins on 27 July.

Khao Phansa or also known as the Buddhist Lent starts on the day after Asalha Puja or on the first day of the waning moon of the eighth lunar month, usually in July, and ends in October. The tradition was originated back in the early time of Buddhism when pilgrimage during the rainy season caused much inconvenience for the monks who sometimes accidentally stepped on seedlings and damaged the recently-sown farms.

Besides the usual merit making ceremony and meditation on Khao Phansa, Buddhists also pay homage with offerings such as fresh flowers, personal supplies, household medical packages, as well as giant candles to the holy men to be used during the 3-month period.

Nowadays, people tend to choose to offer light bulbs rather than candles as they are deemed to be more practical while the beautifully-carved candles are only used as a symbolic presentation in the candle procession.

According to a poll recently conducted on 1,192 samples in Bangkok and vicinities, over 56% of the respondents said they were determined to go to temples to make merit on the Buddhist Lent. The number has increased by 20% compared to the previous major religious occasion -- Visakha Puja -- three months ago.

Every year, authorities and communities in various provinces join hands to organize grand candle festivals in their areas to commemorate the religious occasion in parallel with the religious ceremony. The event usually features the candle molding activity, candle carving competition, and procession of ornately-carved beeswax candles.

Thai people often use this auspicious time as a start for doing good deeds and refrain from wrong-doings, particularly those identified in the five Buddhist precepts. Many agencies also use this opportunity in urging the public to engage in merit-making activities such as blood donation or anti-drinking and smoking.

-- NNT 2010-07-26

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Khmer Rouge prison chief sentenced to 35 years in prison - judge /via @REUTERS

Topic:

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Phuket bars closed for two days

The controversial alcohol sales rules affect only retail sales, not bulk purchases.

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Police: modified M67 grenade used in Big C bus stop bombing, CCTV images capture suspects; PM instructs concerned officials to speed up investigation /via @MCOTEnglishnews

[george]

Bill Heinecke:

Open Letter To Ambassadors Of Nations Represented In Thailand

The adversity of blanket travel advisories

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BMA to start collecting BRT fare on 1 Sep

BANGKOK (NNT) -- The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) will start collecting fare from passengers of the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) on 1 September after the service has been provided free of charge since the end of May 2010.

Bangkok Deputy Governor Theerachon Manomaipiboon said the number of BRT passengers had surged to almost 20,000 per day during the free trial of BRT on the Chong Nonsi-Ratchapruek line. The BMA will start collecting the fare at a flat rate of 10 THB from 1 September until 31 December. The rate will be adjusted up from 2 January 2011 onwards, ranging from 12-24 THB depending on the distance.

There will be 2 types of tickets – a top-up card that can be used both with BTS Skytrain and the BRT, and a single pass which can be used only with the BRT. Authorities are now in the process of selecting designs to be printed on the tickets.

The BMA will consider whether another BRT line will be built from Mo Chit to the Chaeng Wattana Government Center after an evaluation on the cost-effectiveness of the existing line is made. Mr Theerachon said the evaluation includes a study on the number of passengers after fare collection. The BMA is ready to proceed with the extension if the existing project proves worth the investment.

-- NNT 2010-07-26

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Phuket: Police have released images of the man they believe is responsible for stabbing a house maid

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Police: Deadly Bangkok bomb designed for political gain

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Phuket exhibit fit for a King

Col Sansern Kaewkamnerd poses for a photo with local students

who entertained the crowd at the exhibit on Sunday.

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Govt urged to hunt down suspect of Sunday’s blast attack

BANGKOK (NNT) -- The New Politics Party’s acting leader Somsak Kosaisuk urges the Government to hunt down the suspect of Sunday night’s bombing case which killed 1 passerby and left 8 others injured.

Following the blast in the heart of Bangkok on Sunday, New Politics Party chief Somsak Kosaisuk stated that the Government was responsible for finding the criminal. He said he did not want to accuse anyone of involvement in the incident but wanted concerned authorities to step up the pursuit.

Touching on the State of Emergency being applied in 16 provinces, Mr Somsak explained that the special law would not be in need if the government, particularly the police, was capable of strictly applying the existing criminal law. He said besides that the vacant post of national police chief must be filled in quickly in order to strengthen the organization.

Acting Spokesperson of the New Politics Party Samran Rodpej added that the Government must be cautious in lifting the Emergency Decree, particularly in Bangkok. He suggested the decree be lifted in an orderly manner.

A bomb planted in front of the Big C Department Store at Ratchaprasong Intersection went off on Sunday night leaving almost 10 people wounded and 1 dead. Investigation is underway.

-- NNT 2010-07-26

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Tourists flock into upcountry during long holiday

BANGKOK (NNT) -– Myriads of Thai and foreign visitors have headed out of town to various provinces during the 4-day holiday, bringing quiet toursist sites back to bustling business.

The northeastern province of Buriram has been one of the populuar destinations during the long weekend. Local attractions like Phanom Rung Historical Park and Prasat Hin Mueang Tam rock castle are receiving over 5,000 visitors per day, which triples the number in the normal season. It is expected that millions of THB will be generated to locals during the holidays.

Meanwhile, the Thailand Northern Handicraft and Financial Expo 2010 in Chiang Mai is also attracting a large number of visitors as a wide variety of fine handcraft products such as carved woods, silverware, textiles and pottery are put on sale. The event will be held until 27 July.

-- NNT 2010-07-26

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Five rangers injured in Narathiwat bomb attack

Narathiwat - Five rangers were slightly injured when insurgents detonated a road-side bomb to ambush them in this southern border province Monday.

The explosion occurred at 11:45 am on a main road in Dohaemae village in Tambon Rico of Sungai Padi district.

Police said the five rangers were returning to their base when insurgents detonated the bomb using a mobile phone.

Two Muslims were arrested and taken for questioning following the attack.

-- The Nation 2020-07-26

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Police Officer on-the-run following murder of Sailor in Sattahip

Girlfriend of foreign resident of Pattaya caught in Navy Narcotics drugs sting

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Apparent random shooting in front of North Pattaya Pub injures one man