Thailand Live Tuesday 27 Jul 2010

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Defense Minister asks for tighter security in Bangkok

BANGKOK (NNT) -- Defense Minister General Prawit Wongsuwan has ordered officers to beef up security in many spots in the wake of the recent explosion on Sunday late afternoon in front of BigC department store in Ratchadamri.

Spokesperson to the Internal Security Operations Command (ISOC), Major General Dittaporn Sasasamit, said the ISOC was ready to follow the command of the Minister even during the long holidays of the Asalha Puja and Buddhist Lent Days. He said it was a duty of the officers.

The ISOC spokesperson only said that the special law could be imposed during peace time as well unrest periods in the kingdom.

He further said that the ISOC would keep those willing to cause troubles under close surveillance. Should the Agency came across any unusual movements, it would immediately inform the Government; so appropriate actions could be taken.

-- NNT 2010-07-27

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PREAH VIHEAR TEMPLE

Unesco receives protest note against temple listing

By The Nation

Protesters on Tuesday submit a protest note to UN Education, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (Unesco) against Cambodia's bid to list Preah Vihear Temple as World Heritage Site.

The protest of about 1,000 people, in front of Unesco's Bangkok regional office started at 10am and was led by yellow shirts leaders; Chamlong Srimuang and Chaiwat Sinsuwongse. They vowed to stay on until 3pm.

The gathering has worsened the traffic congestion.

Chamlong said the protest is aimed at opposing Cambodia's listing of the temple as Unesco World Heritage Site and condemning the Unesco.

The Hindu temple near the Thai-Cambodian border was listed in July 2008 as a World Heritage Site, but Thailand has been lobbying member countries to delay Phnom Penh's management plan owing to disputes in areas adjacent to the temple.

The Thai authorities want Cambodia's management plan to be delayed until the border dispute is settled. Unsco's World Heritage panel is meeting in Brazil to discuss the list. Both countries have sent their ministers to the meeting.

The rally on Tuesday is an act in defiant of the state of emergency which has been imposed in Bangkok and other provinces.

Chamlong told reporters earlier that Thai patriots and he rallied because we are not certain that the government will succeed in opposing the temple administrative plan," Chamlong said.

-- The Nation 2010-07-27

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Unclear When UNESCO Rally will End

It is still unclear when the yellow shirt rally in front of the UNESCO headquarters in Bangkok will end. Government officials have asked to talk to the rally leaders. However, protesters say they will not leave the site until a satisfactory answer is given to them by the government.

The UNESCO building is located in the heart of Bangkok on Sukumvit Road, near Soi 40. Reports indicate that traffic in the area is highly congested despite today being a public holiday.

-- Tan Network 2010-07-27

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Poll reflects Government's Popularity

A recent poll indicates that 38% of respondants believe the Democrat Party will win the next general election. The poll cites the government's policies and the prime minister's popularity as reason for support. 60% of the responsdants find political conflicts worrisome.

-- Tan Network 2010-07-27

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Yellow Shirt leader Chamlong leads protest at UNESCO regional office

BANGKOK: -- Chamlong Srimuang, a top leader of the 'Yellow Shirt' People's Alliance for Democracy on Tuesday led protesters to rally at the the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) regional office in Bangkok, and submitted a petition to the UN agency's representative to oppose the listing of Preah Vihear as a World Heritage Site.

Retired Thai army general, a former governor of Bangkok who also leads a Buddhist ascetic movement, Gen Chamlong said he and other protesters were opposed to Cambodia's management plan to administer the zone area adjacent to the historic Hindu temple which he claimed might cause Thailand to lose territory once the 21-member UNESCO World Heritage Committee meeting endorses the plan.

The protest came in the wake of the 34th session of the UNESCO world heritage committee in the Brazilian capital of Brasilia.

The Cambodia's management plan is expected to include the disputed 4.6-square kilometre overlapping claim area near Preah Vihear temple.

Gen Chamlong said he has been following the WHC meeting from the beginning and found that only Cambodia's plan is on the agenda, not a Thai response. He therefore was not confident that the Thai government will succeed in its attempt to oppose the neighbouring country's move.

He insisted the gathering was not aimed to pressure UNESCO but it was an urgent matter even though Bangkok is still under a state of emergency and he might be at risk of being arrested for violating the law.

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva earlier said Thai government would not recognise the Cambodian map expected to be submitted to the WHC during the session, as the 1962 ruling of the International Court of Justice which awarded the 11th century temple to Cambodia did not demarcate the border between the two countries.

UNESCO two years ago listed Preah Vihear as a World Heritage site. It was awarded to Phnom Penh by the International Court of Justice in 1962 in a decision ehich rankled most Thais.

Armed clashes of the two countries occurred frequently after the listing, and Cambodia maintains the demarcation of the disputed area, which it says must be based on a map drawn in 1908.

Both Thailand and Cambodia have historically laid claim to the temple site, which sits on Cambodian soil but can only be easily accessed from Thailand. (MCOT online news)

-- TNA 2010-07-27

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Asarnha Bucha Worship Unites Hundreds at Pattaya Temple

Spiked Drinks Result in Robbery of Jordanians at Pattaya Hotel

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Antiquities to get new showcases

BANGKOK (NNT) -- In a bid to attract more people, notably youngsters to learn more about the Thai history, the Culture Ministry will upgrade its methods of displaying of museum items and antiques.

Culture Minister Nipit Intarasombat has ordered the Department of Fine Arts to devise proactive plans in an effort to boost museum attendance, especially of the Thai youths. The plans include organizing activities and exhibitions, as well as reducing or even waiving the entrance fees.

In addition, museum items and antiques will be displayed in department stores and hotels following the changes in the Thais’ lifestyles in general; however, tight security measures must be taken to prevent theft of antiquities.

It is expected that the displays of antiques and other valuable items will be effective in luring more people and tourists to the museums, as they will no longer have to beat the notorious traffic going there.

-- NNT 2010-07-27

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BMA to host Mother’s Day event on 12 Aug

BANGKOK (NNT) -- The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) prepares to host Mother’s Day activities to celebrate Her Majesty Queen Sirikit’s birthday on 12 August.

Bangkok Deputy Governor Porntep Techapaibul said the BMA would organize the Mother’s Day event on 12 August at Benjakitti Park in downtown Bangkok. The activities feature an essay competition on the topic “Environment and Mother’s Hugs”, and an exhibion on special garden arrangements. A variety of plants which have been named after Her Majesty the Queen will also be put on display.

People who are interested in the essay contest can submit the work to the BMA’s Environment Bureau until 5 August. For more information, contact 02-245-9914.

-- NNT 2010-07-27

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Sunday Bombing Brings Renewed Fear to Ratchaprasong Business Owners

Sunday's bombing outside the Big C department store on Rajdamri Road has caused renewed unease amongst business owners in Bangkok's Ratchaprasong area.

One of Bangkok's busiest commercial districts, Ratchaprasong, was uncharacteristically quiet yesterday, following the bomb attack at a bus stop just outside the Big C department store branch on Rajdamri Road on Sunday.

Shops were still open as usual, but the latest violent incident has caused business owners to fear for their safety, a feeling they had left behind since the red-shirt protests ended two months ago.

Most of the merchants agreed about the ineffectiveness of the state of emergency and suggested that it should be revoked.

Moreover, they raised concerns about its enforcement, claiming that there were no police or security officers stationed around or patrolling the area when the bombing took place.

Civilians who regularly pass by the department store said they are now more worried about their security when traveling throughout Bangkok, and suggested that the government reconsider its decision to lift emergency rule, as the situation evidently remains unsettling.

They also called for security to be strengthened in heavily dense public places.

-- NNT 2010-07-27

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State Railway Set for Red Line Railway Bid

The State Railway of Thailand is set to begin taking bids for the first and second construction contracts for the Bang Sue-Rangsit red line railway from August 2 to 17.

Transport Ministry Permanent-Secretary and acting State Railway of Thailand, or SRT, Chairman Supot Saplom announced that bidding for the construction contract for the Bang Sue-Rangsit red line railway will begin on August 2nd and will last through August 17. Bidders will have 90 days to finalize their proposals.

Initial reports from the Transport Ministry revealed that bidding for the railway's construction contract was previously set for July, with submission of final proposals due November 16.

Once bidding begins, the proposals will be reviewed by the bidding committee and the Japan International Corporation Agency who will then notify the Cabinet about the railway construction proceedings between June 29 and July 15, 2011 with the intention of having the contract signed by the beginning of June 2011.

However, proceedings have been delayed by a month from the original time-line, but the SRT is working to get back on track and will have the construction contract signed by the beginning of June 2011, as originally planned.

The Red line Bang Sue-Rangsit railway construction plans have been divided into three different contracts, with the first two being construction contracts worth 45 billion baht.

-- Tan Network 2010-07-27

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Thailand to be promoted as Greater Mekong Subregion's sustainable tourism hub

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PM Calls Meeting on Ratchadamri Bombing

The prime minister is holding a meeting with security units this afternoon to discuss Sunday's bomb blast at the bus stop in front of the Ratchadamri Big C store.

Meanwhile, the Democrat Party spokesman refutes Pheu Thai Party's speculation the incident was plotted by the government.

Acting government spokesman Panithan Wattanayakorn said Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva has called for security in the capital to be stepped up following Sunday's bombing at a bus stop in Ratchaprasong area.

The prime minister has pressed for intelligence to be sought on groups that could be moving to stir chaos.

Abhisit is scheduled to meet with the secretary-general of the National Security Council and the acting national police chief at Government House at 4 P.M. today to discuss the incident.

Meanwhile, Democrat Party spokesman Buranat Samutrak hit back at Pheu Thai spokesman Prompong Nopparit and MP Jatuporn Prompan for alleging that the government was behind the Big C incident. Buranat called the accusations unfounded and malevolent.

The Democrat spokesman went on to suggest that all sides work with authorities to uncover the masterminds of the bombing, asserting that whether or not the attack was linked to politics has yet to be determined.

Prompong originally speculated that due to the complexity of the bomb package used in the Big C Ratchadamri blast, it was unlikely a civilian was behind the attack.

He also pointed to the fact that the incident claimed civilian casualties as a rationale against it being an act of anti-government terrorism, noting that the repercussions of the tragedy have political implications.

The Pheu Thai spokesman asked the government not to exploit the bombing to extend the state of emergency.

-- Tan Network 2010-07-27

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Ratchadamri Blast Probe Sees Little Progress

The city police chief admits Sunday's blast in central Bangkok was from lax patrol of the area. Investigators are speeding up their hunt for suspects in the case.

Senior adviser to the National Police Office, Police General Panupong Singhara Na Ayutthaya, who is supervising the investigation into the bombing incident in front of Big C Ratchadamri store on Sunday evening, held a meeting with his staff to update on the development on the hunt for suspects.

Panupong said he has assigned investigators to inspect the areas where suspects could possibly use as their hideout. He said the motive behind the crime cannot be concluded until suspects are arrested.

Panupong, however, acknowledged investigators are still unable to identify any suspects and they are not confident in the existing sketches of suspects.

The chief investigator insisted there will be no redundancy in the investigation and evidence from other related cases will also be used by his team.

He said the Scientific Crime Detection Division is identifying the explosive container found at the crime scene as it is a key piece of evidence to identify the perpetrators besides footage from surveillance cameras.

Metropolitan Police Commissioner Police Lieutenant General Santhan Chayanont stated the bombing has not been classified as a special case so the investigation is still under the jurisdiction of the police.

Santhan admitted the incident was a result of police's failure to strictly maintain security in the area, adding he has ordered surveillance stepped up across Bangkok.

The city police chief noted Sunday's bombing should be the work of the same group involved in previous bomb attacks, but said there has been no supporting evidence for a rumor on three more bomb attacks in the city.

-- Tan Network 2010-07-27

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PM pays hospital visit to Big C bomb victims

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva on Tuesday paid a hospital visit to victims of the bombing attack at a bus stop outside Big C on Rajdamri Road on Sunday.

One of the victims is Pavorn Pornnipet, a Mathayom 6 student of Chulalongkorn University Demonstration School, who is undergoing treatment for knee injuries at Police General Hospital.

Abhisit went to meet the victims after he had returned around noon from his vacation on long weekend at Samet Island, Rayong.

-- The Nation 2010-07-27

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Meteorological Department (MET) issued flood warning for Phuket

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Truck crash: Phuket power pole snapped in half

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Kids' crash helmets selling like hot cakes in Phuket

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PAD Protest Letter has Reached Brazil

The People's Alliance for Democracy's protest letter has reached the UNESCO World Heritage Committee meeting in Brazilia, Brazil. Protest leaders have not made it clear as to whether protesters will spend the night in front of the UNESCO headquarters in Bangkok.

-- Tan Network 2010-07-27

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Navy Narcotics Officers arrested further suspected drug dealer in Sattahip

Drink and drugs leads to violent domestic dispute in Sattahip

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Thai students wins 3 gold, 1 silver medals at Chemistry Olympiad in Japan, to return home Wednesday /via @MCOTEnglishnews

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NationNews Agency: MFA source claims Thailand has officially protested Cambodia's mangt plan; pulls from 7-country committee /via @TAN_Network

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MFA Source Claims Thailand Pulling from 7-Country Committee

A source in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs claims that Thailand has officially protested Cambodia's managementt plan.

The source also claims that Thailand has rejected the 7-country committee and will not be participating.

-- Tan Network 2010-07-27

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National census underway in Phuket

A Burmese-language version of the "Participate in the Population and Housing Census" brochure now being distributed at workers' camps around the island.

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SET index closed at 853.68, up 13.44; Bt/USD31.82; GBP49.07; AUD28.47; EUR41.26; CAD30.59; HKD4.04; SGD23.24; JPY36.15

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please avoid eckamai area if driving. At standstill atm /via @Dany_k

PAD Leader Chamlong Srimuang takes stage in front of UNESCO headquarters /via @TAN_Network

Chamlong says PM asked what should be done with Cambodians residing on Thai terroritory after any agreement? Ans. Use force to kick them out./via @terryfrd

PM said but that would lead to war. Prefers negotiations. Whatever. Cambodian illegals and soldiers must get out. We suggest using troops. /via @terryfrd

Chamlong says they have been 100 percent successful today. Demonstration clearly shows world that is not only govt opposing Cambodian plan /via @terryfrd

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Chamlong Srimuang demands gov't push Cambodian forces, people from disputed area; will protest govt if it's takes no action /via @TAN_Network

Proesters to disperse from UNESCO HQ /via @TAN_Network

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Bangkok: Reports completed on 26 terrorist suspects

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Protesters Disperse from UNESCO Bkk

Protesters have dispersed from the UNESCO headquarters. PAD Leader Chamlong Srimuang demands that the government push Cambodian forces and people from the disputed area.

They vow to protest against the government if it takes no action.

-- Tan Network 2010-07-27

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Trawler sinks off Phuket after collision with barge

Fishing vessel 'Sri Thong Prae 7' and her swamped sister vessel 'Sri Thong Prae 4'.

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Criminal Court to rule whether to grant bail to Veera

The Criminal Court is scheduled to rule Wednesday whether to grant red shirt leader Veera Musigapong temporary release for the charge of terrorism, his lawyer said Tuesday.

Veera appealed for bail individually after a joint request with 10 other red shirt leaders being detained at the Bangkok Remand Prison had been turned down by a lower court, according to his lawyer Ongart Kamthong.

If Veera's request is granted, individual requests will be made for each of the red shirt leaders now being in remand, the lawyer said.

-- The Nation 2010-07-27