Thailand Live Friday 30 Jul 2010

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Thailand Live Friday 30 July 2010

News, Bits and Tweets

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

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

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Related topic: Thailand Live Thursday 29 July 2010

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Thai students grab medal galore at International Mathematics Competition 2010 in South Korea

BANGKOK (NNT) -- Thai students won 44 medals at the International Mathematics Competition 2010 (IMC) in South Korea.

According to Minister of Education Chinnaworn Boonyakiat, Office of the Basic Education Commission of Thailand (ONEC) has sent 32 elementary and secondary students to compete in the IMC held in South Korea during 25-30 July, among 272 students from 68 teams sent by 17 countries.

Thailand wins 10 gold medals, 11 silver medals, 19 bronze medals and 4 complimentary medals as well as a trophy for second highest medals gained. The representatives will return home on Friday evening.

In addition, Mr Chinnaworn extends his congratulations to 32 outstanding students. Other two world competitions will be held in August including the International Mathematics Olympiad in Indonesia and Asia Mathematics Competition for secondary students in Taiwan.

-- NNT 2010-07-30

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Thai Govt presses ahead with media reform

BANGKOK (NNT) -- Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva on Thursday discussed media reform with domestic newspaper Neawna.

The Prime Minister accompanied by Minister to the Prime Minister's Office, Ongart Klampaiboon, and his Secretary-General Korbsak Sabhavasu visited the Neawna office situated on Vibhavadi Rangsit Road in Bangkok.

The visit aims at sounding out the ideas from Neawna executives on media reform under the Government’s reconciliation programme.

Mr Abhisit and the government representatives spent almost two hours at the meeting, followed by lunch with Neawna executives.

-- NNT 2010-07-30

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Medical personnel nationwide protest draft bill on consumer protection in health service

BANGKOK (NNT) -- Doctors and nurses nationwide wear black to oppose the draft bill on consumer protection from the health service which will be considered in the House of Representatives on 3 August 2010, saying the bill will cause negative effect against medical service system.

The draft bill on consumer protection from the medical service is drawn up with the aim to promote good relations between the service providers and receivers. However, many of medical personnel view that the bill will greatly affect public health service system and the public and may discourage related officials in performing their duties.

They accordingly express their intention to have the issue withdrawn from the House agenda and will move forward in opposing the matter if the Government pushes the bill to be enforced.

Medical personnel of Buddhachinnarat Hospital in Phitsanulok province and Songkhla hospital in Songkhla province have dressed in black and some have put black wreaths in front of the hospitals as the symbols of their protest.

Police Lieutenant General Jongjate Aojanepong of Police General Hospital and the President of the Medical association of Thailand (MAT) has organized a press conference on the matter to express the MAT stance to find a way out acceptable to both the supporters and protestors of the draft bill.

-- NNT 2010-07-30

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CONTROVERSIAL VICTIM PROTECTION BILL

Medical council, doctors battle malpractice bill

By Pongphon Sarnsamak

The Nation.

Published on July 30, 2010

The Medical Council has teamed up with the Medical Association of Thailand and doctors at staterun main hospitals across the country to ask government and related agencies to withdraw the draft bill on medicalmalpractice protection from the House of Representatives' consideration next month.

Meanwhile, the Public Health Ministry yesterday decided to be a mediator between a group of doctors and a network of patients who were affected by medical errors. The ministry will organise a meeting next week to seek a resolution of the controversy over the draft bill.

But the Medical Council said it wanted the draft to be revised before it was put forward for consideration, as some articles in the current draft would be damaging to medical workers and the public health system.

Doctors at staterun main hospitals across the country yesterday also started a mass campaign against the draft bill, saying that if enacted in its present form it would increase lawsuits against doctors and destroy relationships between doctors and patients.

Meanwhile, a group of medicalmalpractice victims handed a white paper to the Medical Council yesterday pressing it not to ask the government to withdraw the draft bill from consideration.

The patients' network insisted the draft bill should be considered by the House of Representatives and that it should become law to protect patients.

However, Preeyanant Lorsermwattana, head of the patients' network, said that if the Medical Council had seen many articles in the draft bill that would adversely affect doctors, the group would favour a revision if a study could be conducted under the parliamentary committee process.

"I welcome the Medical Council's proposal to revise the draft but it must be conducted under the parliamentary procedure, and I'll be uncompromisingly against the council if it asks the government to withdraw this draft bill from consideration," Preeyanant said.

Medical Council vice president Dr Amnat Kusalanant said the council wanted a revision of the composition of the panel that will consider medicalmalpractice cases and decide on payment of compensation to victims.

Under the draft bill, the panel comprises representatives from hospitals, medical service units and patients. But the council wants to add representatives of medical professionals who could decide whether medical errors were directly caused by a doctor or not.

Amnat also said the procedure for studying the cause of medical errors under this draft was unclear. Moreover, he said the proposed nofault compensation funding could cause an unacceptable financial burden for small state hospitals.

However, he said the council would take the victims network's concerns into consideration.

At a press conference, Medical Association of Thailand president Pol LtGeneral Dr Jongjet Aojanepong called on the government to withdraw the draft bill from the House's consideration and to set up a panel comprising medical professionals and representatives of government and civic groups to discuss and carefully revise the bill before putting it forward for legislation.

He said the government should be concerned over the conflict between doctors and patients that would result if the bill became law in its current form.

In a related development, doctors at Chiang Mai province's Nakhonpink Hospital dressed in black to protest against the bill.

Dr Worachai Ungapinant, president of the Nakhonpink Hospital doctors' organisation, said doctors were afraid that the bill would destroy the relationship between doctor and patient.

"Doctors will no longer want to provide treatment to patients as they are afraid of being sued over their practice," he said.

-- The Nation 2010-07-30

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Traffic to Soi Rangnam Closed After Bomb Innjures 1

Police have closed off traffic to Soi Rangnam in Bangkok after a bomb went off, seriously injuring one person late last night.

The incident occured around 3 A.M. when a bomb exploded near the King Power Duty Free Headquarters in Soi Rangnam.

Investigators are on the scene. Reports did not indicate that the victim in the blast was a foreigner.

-- Tan Network 2010-07-30

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World Heritage Postpones Decision Until Next Year

UNESCO's World Heritage Committee has postponed its decision on Cambodia's management plan for the Temple to next year when the committee meets in Bahrain.

-- Tan Network 2010-07-30

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Thais scoop up 45 prizes in Korean math contest

Thai students won 45 prizes - 10 gold medals, 11 silver medals, 19 bronze medals, four consolation medals, and a first runnerup trophy - for the overall score in the International Mathematics Competition 2010 (IMC), held in South Korea from July 25, Education Minister Chinnavorn Boonyakiat said yesterday.

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Capital punishment needs to be further debated, say experts

By Pravit Rojanaphruk

Despite the National Human Rights Development Plan to abolish the death penalty by 2013, Thai society needs to engage in frank debate about the merits of the death penalty for those convicted of drugrelated crimes as many still believe capital punishment is the solution, a seminar concluded yesterday.

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Police nab trafficker at Cambodian border

By The Nation

A man allegedly on the run was arrested yesterday morning while trying to cross the border into Cambodia with a fake passport and a false name.

Phirakorn Pannanakhun, 52, faces many arrest warrants for trafficking Thai workers.

The suspect also faces many counts of forgery for using a fake passport and national ID card under the name of Prasit Phetthaisong. He pleaded guilty to all counts.

Deputy Superintendent LtColonel Benjapon Rodsawas, who oversees the Sa Kaew immigration checkpoint, said Phirakorn had already been handed over to Buri Ram police.

"The man is wanted for 74 alleged offences against Employment Service and Job Seekers Protection Act," Benjapon said.

He said Phirakorn had allegedly lured workers from many provinces, including Buri Ram, Chaiyaphum, Tak, Nakhon Ratchasima and Lampang, and landed them in bad jobs overseas.

Benjapon said the Buri Ram police had contacted his checkpoint on Wednesday asking for help to find Phirakorn who might be trying to flee the country.

-- The Nation 2010-07-30

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Farmers victimised by wrong ideas about ecodamage

By Wannapa Khaopa

The Nation

Khlao Yuthong, 45

Local agriculturists have become victim to wrong ideas and are being fleeced unfairly by a state agency for allegedly damaging natural resources, while industries - the worst polluters - are getting away with "murder", a key figure said yesterday.

Member of the Sanya Dharmasakti Institute for Democracy, Teerayut Bunmee, said the damage assessment methods used by the Department of National Park Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNPWPC) were adapted from the West and not based on scientific principles, adding that farmers and orchard owners were being wrongly fined.

He was speaking at a seminar held to discuss the calculation of fines for pollution, its academic significance and judicial process, which was held at Chulalongkorn University by Thai Land Reform Network (TLRN).

TLRN revealed that DNPWPC had filed 131 criminal and civil cases against 500 agriculturists - 30 of whom will end up facing fines totalling Bt17.5 million for allegedly causing global warming and damaging natural resources.

Since 2005, DNPWPC has been filing civil cases under Article 97 of the Environment Protection and Conservation Act BE 2535. Under this Act, agriculturists have to pay Bt68,243 per rai for damaging forested area and up to Bt150,000 per rai for damaging water resources.

Initially, they also faced criminal charges for allegedly trespassing wildlife sanctuaries, national parks and national reserves.

"Most of them are able to prove that their ancestors owned that land for many years before DNPWPC earmarked it for conservation. They face legal action just because they have no official documents to prove their ownership, even though they've been working on this land for years," Sangchai Ratanaseriwong, a lawyer who has been fighting for agriculturists for years, said.

He said it was not fair that this group of individuals be forced to pay for environmental damage and global warming even though larger landowners and industrialists caused more environmental damage.

Khlao Yuthong, 45, and his wife Diam are one of the many farmers in Trang province facing such an unfair case. Their case is currently under legal execution after a court ordered them to pay DNPWPC more than Bt540,000 for ruining natural resources, even though they only grow fruit, rubber and vegetables on their four rai.

"We are worried. We don't have enough money to pay DNPWPC and I don't think my agricultural activities can cause global warming. We don't use pesticide or chemical fertilisers," he added.

TLRN revealed its finding proved that the DNPWPC was using the wrong damageassessment methods. The research - conducted with agriculturists in Chiang Rai, Phetchabun and Trang over the past four months - found that farming did not raise the temperature as alleged by DNPWPC. It also found that green community areas could absorb 72 to 99.92 per cent of carbon and only emit 0.08 to 28 per cent of the same. It also found that locals had set up regulations to sustain forests, and had taken steps to reduce soil erosion and water loss.

One of the 16 defendants in Phetchabun said she saw some hope in the future, since these findings would be presented in court early next month.

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Problems with the assessment

Kasetsart University's Faculty of Economics lecturer Dejrat Sukkamnerd, pointing out flaws to the damageassessment methods used by the Department of National Park Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNPWPC), said the agency did not conduct onsite tests to collect real data on weather, loss of water and soil nutrients.

He said agriculturists caused very little damage to the climate and the water resources than industries and people in urban areas.

Calculating damages using only five main variables - location, type of forest, crosssection of trees, their average height and the aspect of damaged area or soil - was not enough. He said the DNPWPC only calculated damages by studying the farming area, without taking into account the holistic way of life followed by agriculturists.

Calculating the cost of damage on the amount of electricity an airconditioner would use to bring temperatures in large agricultural areas down to a level similar to one in forests is not commonly used. Also, doubling the damage cost is another problem.

-- The Nation 2010-07-30

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Youth urged to use Thai correctly

By The Nation

Privy Councillor General Surayud Chulanont yesterday encouraged youngsters to pronounce the "Ror Rua" and "Lor Ling" alphabets correctly, as well as to learn the origins and evolution of the language, especially in relation to the "Chor Kachur" letter that is only seen in licence plates nowadays.

His made these comments yesterday at the Thai Language awards ceremony at the Thailand Cultural Centre, during which 41 people were honoured for their use of the language, including PM Abhisit Vejjajiva and Phra Maha Wutthichai Wachirametee.

Phra Maha Wutthichai used this opportunity to urge all Thais, especially leaders and media, to use proper language and drew their attention to three words: "prongdong" or peaceful coexistence; "hai aphai" or be forgiving; and "mai hen kae tua" or not being selfish. Japanese monk Phra Mitsuo Gavesako, abbot of Kanchanaburi's Wat Pa Sunantawararam, who was one of the nonnative speakers awarded, said he was delighted to receive this honour because throughout his 36 years in Thailand he had tried to learn and use the language by giving sermons and studying dharma. He also urged the country's leaders and politicians to use the language correctly so they can set a good example to youth.

-- The Nation 2010-07-30

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Police hand over Rajdamri bombing case to DSI

Police handed the July 25 bombing at a bus stop near the Big C superstore on Rajdamri Road over to the Department of Special Investigation on Wednesday - although it will continue assisting with the investigation, a national police chief adviser said yesterday. One man was killed and several others injured in the explosion.

Following a meeting yesterday, Pol General Panupong Singhara na Ayutthaya said he had been given the job of checking on the probe's progress and discovered it had moved forward only moderately.

He said security cameras near the scene had been checked, though he would not say if a sketch of the suspect would be released. He said they would need time to investigate because this case was similar to two previous bombings in Khok Khram and Nang Leung jurisdictions, which made police believe that it might have been done by the same group.

-- The Nation 2010-07-30

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REDS LEADER

Appeals court to rule today on Veera's bail

By The Nation

The Appeals Court will rule today on whether to grant bail for terrorism suspect Veera Musigapong after a senior government official testified in favour of the detainee yesterday.

At the judicial inquiry for appellate review, Korbsak Sabhavasu, secretary-general to the prime minister, said Veera was not known to be violent.

Korbsak told the court that he had been given the job of negotiating with Veera and finding ways to bring the red-shirt rally to an end.

Speaking in his defence, Veera said he had decided to surrender on his own accord to face charges related to the rally, even though he was uncertain about bail. He also promised not to flee if he were granted temporary release.

During the testimony, an officer from the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) said the department was not against Veera being given bail.

A lower court initially denied bail to Veera and other red-shirt leaders being detained on charges of terrorism on grounds that it was a serious offence and that there was a risk of them fleeing.

Meanwhile, the Supreme Court ruled yesterday that it would suspend the judicial inquiry into graft charges related to the alleged filing of false asset statements by ex-premier Thaksin Shinawatra.

The high court also issued a warrant of arrest for Thaksin on grounds that he had failed to show up in court without any justification.

As plaintiff, the National Anti-Corruption Commission has laid out graft charges against Thaksin following the February ruling to seize Bt46 billion of his assets.

In the asset-seizure verdict, the high court said Thaksin had retained control over shares that he claimed to have transferred to his family members.

Citing the judicial decision as evidence, the NACC contended that Thaksin had fabricated his asset statements by stashing shares under the names of his family members.

-- The Nation 2010-07-30

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EDITORIAL

Is Bangkok really the world's best city for visitors?

By The Nation

Bangkok is a leader for five-star hotels and shopping malls, but it's a diffferent story on the sidewalks

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OVERDRIVE

Abhisit outmanoeuvred by Hun Sen on disputed temple

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One hurt in Bangkok grenade blast

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PREAH VIHEAR CONTROVERSY

Unesco delays decision on management to Bahrain meeting

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Transport Ministry Moves Forward with NGV-Bus Lease Project

The Transport Ministry has submitted further reports as requested by the National Economic and Social Development Board, regarding the plan to lease 4,000 natural-gas powered buses.

Transport Minister Sophon Sarum said his ministry has submitted information on the management plan for 800 natural-gas or NGV powered buses to be used in a free bus service project, the location of new bus depots, and the early retirement plan for public transport employees, as requested by the National Economic and Social Development Board or NESDB.

Sophon added that the Transport Ministry will proceed with the free bus service, although it requires a budget of one billion baht to finance the project annually.

He noted that the free bus service will accommodate at least 100,000 commuters daily, who are also low-income earners.

The minister expressed confidence that the free service will not affect the plan to lease 4,000 NGV buses, adding that the project targets a different group of users.

As for the bus depot locations, Sophon believes it is more reasonable to lease than to buy land.

He noted that it would cost nearly 6 billion baht if the ministry is to buy the land, while the cost is just one billion baht for the lease.

Regarding the early retirement plan, the official said the ministry will aim to retire at least 5,000 employees under the plan.

The 60-billion-baht lease project for 4,000 NGV buses has yet to be approved by the Cabinet.

-- Tan Network 2010-07-30

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People back tax-funded welfare state: survey

Respondents to a survey favour making Thailand a "welfare state" - and are willing to pay more tax for that goal.

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Phrea Vihear Activists Move to Gov't House

Protestors in front of UNESCO's Bangkok Headquarters are about to leave. Reports indicate they are heading to the Government House to submit a letter to the prime minsiter, demanding he cancel all MOUs and prevent Cambodia from encroaching on Thai territory.

-- Tan Network 2010-07-30

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Soi Rangnam blast regrettable: Suthep

The Defence Ministry has been assigned to boost the intelligence work to curb bomb attacks in the face of the Soi Rangnam blast injuring a man on Thursday's night, Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban said on Friday.

"As I have said before, there are people who want cause disturbances in order to portray the government as failing to rein in the situation," he said.

Suthep said the last night's bomb attack was regrettable and that the government was determined to prevent the spread of violence.

-- The Nation 2010-07-30

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Policemen Arrested for Alleged Bribery

NONTHABURI: -- Two police officers in Nonthaburi province and one man have been arrested for an alleged bribery.

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Veera has been freed on a Bt6 million bail. He has to report to court every 15 days and can't leave Thailand. /via @tulsathit

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Red Leader Veera Released on 6 Mil Baht Bail

Red shirt leader Veera Muksikapong has been released on a six million baht bail by the Appeals Court.

He is required to report to court every 15 days and cannot leave the country.

During the appeals process, PM Sec-Gen Korbsak Sapavasu testified on Veera's behalf, saying he was not involved in riots that followed May 19.

-- Tan Network 2010-07-30

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Thai court extends bail for Russian pianist Mikhail Pletnev in child sex abuse case

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Women urged to donate blood on the National Women Day

BANGKOK (NNT) -- The National blood Center of the Thai Red Cross Society urges Thai ladies to donate blood to commemorate the upcoming Thai Women's Day on 1 August.

Director of the Thai Red Cross National Blood Center, Soisaang Pikulsod disclosed on Friday that that the Thai Red Cross has launched a blood drive entitled, Blood Donating by Thai Ladies on the Thai Women's Day.

Activities will take place at the Thai Red Cross's Headquarters on Henry Dunant Road to mark the occasion of HM Queen Sirikit’s 78th birthday celebration on 12 August. The Queen is also the Honorary President of the Thai Red Cross.

MD Soisaang urges Thais to donate their blood every three months so that the Red Cross can collect 1,500 units per day as targeted. According to the statistical report of the Thai Red Cross, 51% of donators were women.

The event will also enhance opportunities for Thai women to play more roles in the society as women nowadays have gained recognition for their achhievements in various aspects due to their advanced, modern and creative visions. Blood donating also counts as one honorable role of women in the society.

Meanwhile, Red Cross souvenirs will be provided for blood donators on 1 August. For more information contact 0 2256 4300 and 0 2263 9600-9

-- NNT 2010-07-30

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Paper folding activity to honor HM the Queen

BANGKOK (NNT) -- The Ministry of Social Development and Human Security has invited all Thai people to make paper creations to show their reverence for Her Majestry Queen Sirikit in celebration of her birthday this 12 August 2010.

According to Social Development and Human Security Minister Issara Somchai, the ministry will hold the event at IMPACT Arena Muang Thong Thani, Bangkok, from 6 to 7 August 2010 to mark the 78th anniversary birthday celebration of HM the Queen.

Apart form an exhibition to honor HM the Queen, the highlight of the event will feature a paper folding activity, where participants will fold paper into hearts, stars and bird shapes. The activity is aimed at enhancing peace and reconciliation among Thai people during the auspicious occasion.

As many paper creations will be folded as possible in a 30 minute time span in an attempt to set a new world record.

Her Royal Highness Princess Srirasami, Royal Consort to His Royal Highness Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn will preside over the inauguration of the event as well as partake in the paper folding activity.

-- NNT 2010-07-30

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Thaksin should help resolving Preah Vihear dispute: coalition partner

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A Thai athlete lauded as one of the World Volleyball Star 2010 by FIVB

BANGKOK (NNT) -- A Thai athlete is one of 16 volleyball players around the world has been selected by the Fédération Internationale de Volleyball (FIVB) as the World Volleyball Star 2010.

A Managing Committee of the Volleyball Association of Thailand (VAT), Chanrit Wongprasert unveils that the FIVB, an international agency which is responsible for all forms of Volleyball on a global level and is the worldwide leader in innovative "new generation" sports entertainment, had presented 16 volleyball players around the world as the World Volleyball Star 2010. Ms Onuma Sittirak, a Thai athlete is one of those who have been selected. Onuma and other selected 15 athletes will be featured in the promotion video of the FIVB this September as well.

Onuma Sittirak is a Thai volleyball player, born in Surat Thani province in 1986. She had been lauded as the best athlete in the 2009 Asian Women's Volleyball Championship held in Hanoi of Vietnam. She also got the prize as the highest scorer and the best spiker during the Asian Women's Volleyball Championship held in Indonesia. Onuma currently has signed a contract to play professionally for Zeiler Köniz , a team in Switzerland league for nine months gained in a contract worth a million THB.

-- NNT 2010-07-30