Thailand Live Thursday 29 Jul 2010

[webfact]

Thailand Live Thursday 29 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 Wednesday 28 July 2010

[webfact]

Short film in honor of HM the King to be produced by Culture Ministry

BANGKOK (NNT) -- The Culture Ministry has initiated a short film production about the royal multifarious contributions of HM the King in the four regions of Thailand to promote respect and admiration in the monarchy among Thais as well as their pride in their locality.

Culture Minister Nipit Intarasombat stated that he had tasked the Thai Film Archive (Public Organization) to produce the short film about the King’s contributions to be screened in cinemas nationwide. The film will publicize the King’s duties in four regions of the country and those royal tasks in each province around the country, aiming to make Thai people aware of the greatness of the monarchy and proud of their region.

Mr Nipit cited that he would ask all cinema operators for their cooperation in screening the film before each scheduled movie. The film is expected to be completed before 5 December 2010 to be ready in the theaters in honor of the King’s birthday anniversary.

-- NNT 2010-07-29

[webfact]

Govt asked to seek Italian photojournalist's death cause

BANGKOK (NNT) – Elizabeth Polenghi, elder sister of the dead Italian photojournalist Fabio Polenghi on Wednesday called on the government to further investigate her brother’s cause of death.

Italian photojournalist Fabio Polenghi was shot dead during the recent clashes between state authorities and protesters of the anti-government United Front of Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD) on 19 May. The confrontation followed a military cordoning operation over the area occupied by UDD protesters for six weeks.

Ms Polenghi flew from Italy to meet Minister to the Prime Minister’s Office, Ongart Klampaiboon, at the Government House. The funeral, however, had already taken place on 24 July at Klongtoey Nai temple, with the wreath sent by Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva, on behalf of the Thai Government.

-- NNT 2010-07-29

[webfact]

Banned Pro-Thaksin Politician Urges Emergency Decree Revocation and Dialogue

Jaturon Chaisaeng, former acting leader of the now-defunct Thai Rak Thai Party has advised the government to revoke the Emergency Decree and reconsider its reconciliation strategy.

Jaturon Chaisaeng, a former leader of the now-defunct Thai Rak Thai Party, talked about the latest bombing outside of Big C supercenter this past Friday, saying that the incident poses a threat to national security and it has also demonstrated that the political conflict is becoming increasingly violent.

He also gave a reminder that the culprit responsible has not been identified yet, while suggesting that it could be a setup done by security authorities. Jaturon went on to say that the incident was detrimental to the country.

Ironically, Jaturon advised the government to revoke the Emergency Decree, claiming that the decree has failed to prevent violent incidents at the cost of civil rights. Jaturon said this may push some political groups into illegal political activities.

Jaturon also urged Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva to reconsider negotiations with terrorist suspects, by looking at red-shirt protesters who have been detained as only accused.

Jaturon said that the government should restart dialogue with these people.

Jaturon claimed that most of the red-shirt members who are demanding for democracy, are fighting in peaceful ways, but has admitted that some have been forced into using violence.

The government must talk with the pro-democratic protesters and learn from the past mistakes.

-- Tan Network 2010-07-29

[webfact]

New agency set up to help youth

By The Nation

The Cabinet yesterday approved the creation of a youth-development agency, which will be subsidised by tariff imposed on the sales of liquor and cigarettes.

Education Minister Chinnaworn Boonyakiat said the ceiling of the fund would be no more than 1.5 per cent of the entire alcohol and tobacco tariff, similar to the Bt2 billion subsidy given to Thai Health Promotion Foundation each year.

The new agency will be operating in place of the Quality Learning Foundation, which has a narrower scope of responsibility and function.

The ministry, which pushed for the establishment of this agency, was instructed by the Cabinet to come up with details of the body's future operations before it can be given the final approval and properly established.

-- The Nation 2010-07-29

[webfact]

WORLD BEST CITY 2010

Bangkok voted "world's best" - before the riots

By The Nation

Overjoyed that Bangkok has received the "World's Best City 2010" award and the "Best City of Asia" award from Travel and Leisure Magazine, Bangkok Governor Sukhumbhand Paribatra yesterday said he would proceed with the development of Rajprasong and Yaowarat areas and arrange tourism-promoting activities to boost foreign tourists' confidence.

He told a press conference yesterday that this was the second time the city had received the "World's Best City" award, the first was in 2008.

The award should remind city residents that Bangkok was a good and liveable city that should be maintained that way, he said. The city administration would proceed with projects such as adding more green areas, preventing floods and installing 30,000 CCTV cameras within three years.

Sukhumbhand said it would develop tourist attractions in Rajprasong and Yaowarat (Chinatown) and organise events promoting tourism to boost tourists' confidence in the city.

The magazine survey for the awards this year was carried out in March, before the political riots.

-- The Nation 2010-07-29

[webfact]

Ohec to tighten up on student loan scams

By The Nation

The Office of the Higher Education Commission (Ohec) is proposing measures to prevent student loans from going to substandard programmes.

The move aims to protect students from unethical institutions that offer uncertified or poor-quality programmes.

"We will inform the Office of Student Loans [OSL] of our proposed measures soon," Ohec secretary-general Dr Sumeth Yamnoon said yesterday.

He said an Ohec subcommittee had drawn up the measures after receiving complaints from many students.

The subcommittee has proposed that the OSL should not transfer money to pay for courses that have not been certified by Ohec or, if related to some professions such as medicine, are not certified by professional bodies.

Also, the subcommittee has proposed that only off-campus programmes certified by Ohec are eligible to receive money from the OSL.

In this academic year, more than a million students have sought financial help from the OSL. After their applications are approved, the money goes directly to the universities of the students' choice.

One key problem is that many students have unwittingly ended up in uncertified programmes. After spending a lot of money and time, they cannot get the degree they want. For example, some colleges have offered nursing programmes despite the fact they have never won approval from the Thailand Nursing Council.

Ohec, therefore, has decided to step in to protect students.

"Our proposed measures will ensure that students have received educational services from quality programmes," Sumeth said.

OSL deputy manager Sermkiat Tassanasuwan said the number of loan applicants was higher than expected. While the OSL estimated that just 890,000 students would seek loans from it, more than a million students had submitted applications in this academic year.

He added that this year, the Islamic Bank of Thailand had joined the OSL programme and more than 6,000 Muslim students had come forward for loans.

"Through the participation of the Islamic Bank, Muslim students will have a channel to get loans without breaking their religious rules," Sermkiat said.

-- The Nation 2010-07-29

[webfact]

Missing jewellery found in DSI catalogue

By The Nation

[webfact]

School takes measures to keep problematic students away

By Supinda Na Mahachai

The Nation

Nakhon Pathom's Mahidol Wittayanusorn School has decided not to enrol students who fail the psychological test, while the Cabinet yesterday approved Bt133 million for the school's renovation.

After a 16-year-old boy set fire to the school library in June, school director Yuwadi Nakhaphadungrat told a press conference yesterday that the enrolment criteria would be very strict, especially regarding the assessment of their mental state.

Those who get a slightly lower score in the psychological test will have to meet a psychologist and their mental health checked, before the school considers each application on a case-by-case basis, she said, adding that this was to keep away problematic students.

Applications for the 240 seats to be made available next academic year will be accepted from August 1-31 through the school's website, www.mwit.ac.th. The entrance exams will be held on November 13, which will help narrow the candidates down to 500, who will then sit for a second round of exams including those on academic and psychological aspects, she said.

Besides Mahidol Wittayanusorn School, new students in the science field are being recruited at 12 Princess Chulabhorn Colleges and seven schools under the Science Ministry, Deputy Education Minister Narisara Chawaltanpipat said.

She went on to say that the Cabinet yesterday approved a Bt133-million budget to renovate the school, adding that Bt76 million would be taken from this year's central budget to rebuild the facilities and another Bt57 million from next year's budget will be used to buy teaching materials.

The young arsonist is currently living with his parents upcountry and has to report to the Mental Health Department on a regular basis while his case is being tried in court.

-- The Nation 2010-07-29

[webfact]

MALPRACTICE

Doctors take both sides of the argument

By The Nation

One group says bill deeply flawed, another all for it

Two groups of doctors are now clashing over their opposing stances towards the Medical Malpractice Victim Protection Bill.

The draft law is set to go to Parliament next week.

Detractors say the bill has many flaws, which need to be addressed before it is too late.

In a show of protest against this controversial draft law, doctors and nurses in Ratchaburi will wear black today. At noon, they will unfurl banners attacking the bill.

"The activities will be organised at all hospitals in Ratchaburi," Dr Pradit Chaiyabut, vice president of the Thai Federation of Doctors, Main Hospitals and General Hospitals, said yesterday.

The bill failed to take into account the huge caseload that doctors at state-run main hospitals worked under, he said.

"In their attempt to serve as many patients as possible, they have not strictly followed prescribed procedures all the time," he said. "Had they complied strictly with those procedures, a great many patients would have not been treated."

The Medical Association of Thailand will hold a press conference at 11am today to express its opposition to the bill.

Also fighting the bill is the powerful Medical Council, which sent its vice president Prasopsri Ungthavorn to a meeting with the prime minister last week to raise its concerns about the bill.

However, Dr Amphon Jindawattana, secretary-general of the National Health Commission, said not all doctors disagreed with the bill.

"This draft law will benefit not just patients but also medical workers," he said.

Amphon offered to talk to the bill's opponents in a bid to make them understand it better.

Dr Weerapan Supanchaimat, director of Khon Kaen Hospital, said in general, the bill was good and meant well.

"So, if you just don't like some details, let's rework those parts together," he said.

The bill had his support because it would protect all medical-service users, not just some, he added.

Dr Vachira Bothpiboon from the Rural Doctors Society said immediate legal protection in case of medical malpractice was now available to just 47 million people, while the rest would have to rely on negotiations or lengthy legal actions.

"I hope fellow doctors will push the bill forward," he said.

This bill would also reduce doctors' risk of getting slapped with lawsuits.

Consumers groups have wholeheartedly welcomed the bill. The Foundation for Consumers will today visit the Medical Council's office to show its backing for the bill.

Boonyuen Siritham, from the Network of Consumers from the West, said several years back, more than 10,000 doctors wore black to protest against the National Health Security Act's Section 41, which offered better protection to patients needing medical services.

"But in the end, everyone considers that Section 41 is one of the best legal clauses," she said.

-- The Nation 2010-07-29

[webfact]

Crackdown victim dies bringing toll up to 91

By Kanathit Srihiranyadej

The Nation

Boonmee Rermsook, 71, who sustained gunshots during the military crackdown on the red-shirt protesters in May, passed away at 6am yesterday at Police General Hospital. This brings the total toll of the crackdown up to 91.

His family and relatives collected the body from the hospitals' Institute of Forensic Medicine.

Boonmee's daughter Nattapatsorn Rermsook, 44, said her father was shot in the abdomen on May 14 while he was waiting to pick up his grandchild in front of the Rabiang Thong restaurant on Rama IV.

Nattapatsorn said Boonmee had been moved to the ICU and put under a ventilator since Sunday evening, because of a bacterial infection. He had initially been admitted to Charoenkrung Pracharak Hospital, where his small intestine was operated upon three times but the wounds never healed.

Since he had previously undergone heart surgery and other treatment at the Police General Hospital, his family requested on June 22 that he be transferred there. His condition got bad on Saturday and started worsening from 2am yesterday.

The funeral rites will be held at Wat Hua Lamphong, Nattapatsorn said.

Meanwhile, the Italian photojournalist Fabio Polenghi's sister met authorities at the Pathumwan police station yesterday to follow up on her brother's case. Polenghi became a victim of the crossfire between the reds and the military on May 19.

Elizabeth Polenghi, accompanied by officials from the Italian Embassy, met with Pol Colonel Chumphorn Kanchanarat, who was representing the station's superintendent.

Chumphorn said she wanted to check whether police's autopsy results were the same as the one from the doctors.

He said he had told her that the case had been handed over to the Department of Special Investigation because it was related to terrorism. He added he would personally follow up on the case.

Elizabeth later met Prime Minister's Office Minister Ongart Klampaiboon to urge the government to seek the truth about her brother's death. She has flown over from Italy to follow up on Polenghi's case because no progress has been reported on the investigation even though the death took place a while ago.

-- The Nation 2010-07-29

[webfact]

THAI TALK

Public participation that looks good ... on paper

By Suthichai Yoon

[webfact]

EDITORIAL

Cambodia's day of judgement arrives at last

[webfact]

3G license auction in Thailand set for late September

[webfact]

Thailand Tourism Seen Unaffected by Sunday's Blast

[webfact]

PARTY DISSOLUTION TRIAL

Court to hear witnesses in Democrat fund case

By Atthayut Butrsripoom

Prapan Jindalert-udomdee

The Nation

Constitution Court to hear 15 from list of 83 presented by prosecution

The Constitution Court yesterday ruled it would hear 15 prosecution witnesses from a list of 83 submitted by the Election Commission (EC) in its fund-misuse case against the ruling Democrat Party.

The ruling came after a session examined evidence on the alleged mishandling of Bt29 million from the Political Party Development Fund - an offence punishable by possible dissolution.

The court instructed the prosecution to file testimonies in writing for witnesses not summoned to take the stand.

Presiding judge Udomsak Nitimontri scheduled four sessions for prosecution witnesses to testify - on August 9, which coincides with the prosecution opening statement, August 23, August 30 and September 6.

Among the prosecution witnesses to be heard are Pheu Thai MP Kiat-udom Menasawat as a complainant, EC officials, businessman Prachai Leopairatana and Prachuab Sangkhao, who were involved in money transfers, and people hired to make election posters for Democrat candidates.

The court will subsequently rule on the hearing of defence witnesses.

In the case, the EC accuses the Democrat Party of misusing Bt29 million from the Political Party Development Fund by spending it on campaign posters of a size different from that of which the EC had been originally notified.

At the court yesterday, the EC and the Democrat Party both submitted additional proof to support their cases. The Democrats' legal team, led by chief adviser Chuan Leekpai, took part in the examination of the lists of witnesses and evidence. The defence has submitted documents containing 1,500 pages to rebut the charges and plans to call about 58 witnesses.

The Democrat team protested that the audio recording of Prachai's testimony and related documents cited by the EC were never shown to them. The court suggested the Democrat team formally seek a copy of the recording and documents be made for them.

Chuan said yesterday that he would call a meeting of the party's legal team today (July 29) to discuss preparation for the court's first hearing of the EC's witnesses.

When asked if he was concerned the witness hearings would take place almost every week over the next month, Chuan said it would be tiring for the legal team but it would help the case proceed quickly.

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva said earlier that he expected the court would rule on this case by the end of October or early November.

-- The Nation 2010-07-29

[webfact]

BIG C BOMB

Big C blast similar to previous ones

By The Nation

The method in which a hand grenade was modified and detonated in the fatal Big C Rajdamri bomb attack last Sunday is similar to that in two sets of explosives found and planted in Bangkok a few months ago, deputy Bangkok police chief Amnuay Nimmano said yesterday.

Modification of the explosives in all three cases

was similar and probably done by people with knowledge on ordinance or military training, he said. "Ordinary [untrained] people cannot do it," he said.

In the bomb attack in front of Big C Rajdamri, the M67 hand grenade was modified to multiply the effect of the blast, before it was placed in a cardboard box in a black garbage bag and put on a trash pile next to a busy bus stop near Big C.

On May 14, a large cache of home-made weapons including Molotov cocktails [petrol bombs] and time- bombs was found abandoned in the Khok Khram police jurisdiction of northern Bangkok, and a home-made bomb was planted in an area of Nang Lerng police on April 3.

Amnuay said the way the explosives in all three incidents were modified was similar, but did not explain further.

Police would "have a clearer picture" by today over whether the man seen in security footage putting a black bag on the garbage pile was a suspect, and if the case was deemed a case of terrorism, it would be taken over by the Department of Special Investigation.

Meanwhile, a fake bomb was planted yesterday in a telephone booth near Soi Sathu Pradit 34 in Bang Phong Phang district of Bangkok. Police ordinance personnel opened a plastic bag and found an electronic beeper wired to a pair of batteries.

-- The Nation 2010-07-29

Related topic:

[webfact]

Preah Vihear Temple controversy: UNESCO delays pondering management plan to tonight

[webfact]

Bangkokians urged to help monitor suspicious movements of unrest

BANGKOK (NNT) -- The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) seeks public cooperation to help enhance security in the city of Bangkok, following the recent bomb attack in front of Big C Rajdamri Shopping Mall.

According to Deputy Bangkok Governor, MD Malinee Sukavejworakit, Bangkok Governor MR Sukhumbhand Paripatra is preparing to assign directors of district offices and civil service offices throughout Bangkok to boost people cooperation in helping to secure Bangkok from the unrest.

Bangkok residents are encouraged to help monitor and report suspicious movements to authorities or dial the BMA Hotline 1555. The Civil Defense Volunteers are also urged to guard their responsible areas closely.

-- NNT 2010-07-29

[webfact]

Chiang Rai Students Charged with Inciting Disorder

Chiang Rai police have charged five students with stirring chaos for holding a gathering in violation of the emergency law.

[webfact]

Thai Public Health Ministry to strictly control alcohol and cigarette consumption

[webfact]

Human traffickers prey on vulnerable in Thailand - Feature

[webfact]

Foreign tourists regain confidence after political unrest ceases

[webfact]

Suspect of Three Murders in Uttaradit Busted

Police have apprehended the suspect in the murder of three people in Uttaradit province.

The man has confessed to killing the victims, all of whom were his friends, as he lost his temper when hearing their criticism.

Uttaradit police have arrested Sanong Kaewwang, a suspect in the murder of three, who was hiding in a durian and longan farm 40 kilometers from the murder site.

The suspect confessed to his crime, revealing that the victims were his friends.

He admitted to losing his temper and killing them after his friends called him dishonest and said he should not have been counted as a friend.

-- Tan Network 2010-07-29

[webfact]

No Bugs Found in Rayong Couple

The couple that claims to have seen bugs crawling out of their bodies has undertaken a clinical examination, and no bugs have been found.

Somluck Klingram and her husband, who live in Huay Tap Morn sub-district in Khao Chamao district of Rayong province, undertook a medical examination at Rayong hospital after the couple claimed they had bugs in their bodies two months ago.

Clinicians dabbed a repellent on cuts that were found on the couple's arms and torso and waited for an hour. No bugs were seen coming out from the wounds.

Acting hospital Director Anchana Palasut said the couple will be kept under observation at the hospital for another 24 hours, until the doctors can determine what they are suffering from.

-- Tan Network 2010-07-29

[webfact]

One of world's largest solar plants to be built in Lopburi receives loan from ADB

[webfact]

Foreign companies tired of Thai Telecom mess

[webfact]

CRES To Propose Canceling Emergency Decree in 6 Provinces

The Center for the Resolution of Emergency Situations, or CRES, is set to propose that the State of Emergency be canceled in six provinces, out of the remaining 16. Bangkok and its metropolitan areas, however, will continue to have an emergency decree in effect. The prime minister will make the final decision on the matter.

-- Tan Network 2010-07-29

[webfact]

Thaksin and 24 reds to face indictment for terrorism

The Department of Special Investigation on Thursday submitted for prosecution review on its investigative reports, recommending terrorism indictments and trail for 25 suspects, including ex-premier Thaksin Shinawatra.

DSI director general Tharit Pengdit handed over the reports, comprising 60 files, for the first batch of 26 terrorist suspects relating to the red-shirt rally from March 14 to May 19.

The case on one of the 26 suspects was dropped because Maj General Khattiya "Seh Daeng" Sawasiphol was killed in a gun attack in May.

-- The Nation 2010-07-29

[webfact]

Extraordinary House session to convene Aug 1

The government on Thursday released the royal command convening the extraordinary session of the House starting from August 1.

The House is scheduled for the second and third readings of the 2011 Budget Bill. After convening the session, MPs are to start debating for the passage of the bill on August 3.

-- The Nation 2010-07-29