Thailand Live Friday 6 Aug 2010

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Former Black May Coup Maker Celebrates Birthday

Former prime minister and Black May coup maker General Suchinda Kraprayoon opens his home to well-wishes for his 77th birthday anniversary.

Suchinda encourages Thais to unite and says he welcomes any candidates as the next Army chief because they are all good people.

-- Tan Network 2010-08-06

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Yellow Shirts to gather at Government House; will ask government to clarify Preah Vihear disputes

BANGKOK: -- The People’s Alliance for Democracy (PAD), Thailand's anti-Thaksin government Yellow shirt group, will gather outside Government House on Saturday, demanding the government to clarify the Preah Vihear dispute.

PAD leader Maj-Gen Chamlong Srimuang said the movement will not do anything against the law during their Saturday demonstration, saying the government contacted the group for talks but the timing has not yet been fixed.

Bangkok and other nine other provinces remain under a state of emergency, which bans gathering of more than five people.

The PAD leaders will announce their stance Friday at noon after the group meets.

Chaiwat Sinsuwong, another PAD leader, said the gathering will not represent a resolution of the New Politics Party and party executives will not go on stage to speak as it can then be considered a politically-motivated protest. The New Politics Party was formed by the PAD leadership.

Mr Chaiwat said the protesters would march to Gate 4 of Government House at 8am .

Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban said Thursday that Thailand is now waiting for an 'appropriate time' to hold talks with neighbouring Cambodia over the Preah Vihear temple dispute, while urging civil groups to refrain from rallying under a state of emergency.

Activist Veera Somkwamkid who lead the so-called 'Thailand Patriot Network' said earlier that his network comprised of 52 civil groups will rally in Si Sa Ket province bordering Cambodia on Saturday, asserting the move is about the protection of national sovereignty, not politically motivated colour-clad reasoning.

Mr Veera said the government has ignored the problem, as seen from the mistake that the previous government made in signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Cambodia in 2000.

Under the MoU between Thailand and Cambodia on the survey and demarcation of land boundary dated 4 June 2000, both sides agree not to carry out any work resulting in changes of environment of the frontier zone, pending the survey and demarcation of the common land boundary.

Tension between Thailand and Cambodia arose after the Thai government delegation objected to Cambodia's unilateral management plan of the ancient temple as the two neighbours could find no common ground to settle the disputed 4.6 sq km of land adjacent to the temple which was granted world heritage status in 2008.

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization -- UNESCO -- through its World Heritage Commission (WHC) consequently last week postponed its discussion of the plan until next year when it meets in Bahrain.

The deputy premier said the Cabinet has already appointed Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Suwit Khunkitti to form a committee to prepare information to argue against Cambodia’s attempt to propose a temple management plan.

Mr Suthep urged the activists to hear the correct information on the dispute, while warning those who plan demonstrations at Government House that the State of Emergency is still in force in the capital and that the gathering is considered as violating the law.

He urged the activists to send their representatives to submit their complaint letter to him or to the premier and asked them to bear in mind the law and order of the country.

In August 2008, PAD seized Government House to pressure the then coalition government of Samak Sundaravej to resign. They staged protests in late 2008 that led to a nine-day blockade of Bangkok's airports in an attempt to oust the then prime minister Somchai Wongsawat. PAD opposed deposed prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra claimed both prime ministers were proxies of Mr Thaksin. (MCOT online news)

-- TNA 2010-08-06

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PAD Not Officially Leading Tomorrow's Protest at Gov't House

The People's Alliance for Democracy has announced that it will not officially lead its supporters to the Phrea Vihear protest in front of Government House tomorrow morning. However, the group will be lending support to the movement and ASTV, its broadcaster, will be offering live coverage of the event. Leaders of the movement say it will start at 8 A.M. tomorrow morning.

-- Tan Network 2010-08-06

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Turmoil to persist pending reconciliation: Suchinda

By The Nation

Former prime minister and military strongman Suchinda Kraprayoon on Friday reminded parties concerned that the political predicament would not end so long as there was no reconciliation.

"Unless reconicilation can happen, the trouble will still persist," he said, speaking to well-wishers on his birthday.

Suchinda urged all sides to unify for the country's sake, voicing hope that the government could overcome the turmoil.

He gave his blessing for incoming Army chief General Prayuth Chan-ocha, saying he believed the man picked for the job would be well-qualified to carry the Army's torch.

He also aired his view that none of the military commanders wanted to get involved in politics/ But in the face of the prevailing trouble, should the military be required to assist in finding a solution, he believed it was necessary for Prayuth to have a free rein in naming his combat-unit commanders in order to consolidate his leadership and have the military voice carrying weight.

-- The Nation 2010-08-06

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Singha to lure Chelsea, Manchester United to Thailand

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Two Malaysians arrested for allegedly shopping with fake credit cards

Two Malaysian men have been arrested for having allegedly used fake credit cards to shop at the Suvarnabhumi International Airport.

Tourist Police Commander Pol Maj Gen Adisorn Ngarmjitsuksri told a press conference that Wong Choo weng and Mok Choy were arrested Thursday evening after they allegedly used fake credit cards to buy goods from shops inside the airport.

Police found 18 fake credit cards and several luxurious goods worth some Bt800,000 with the two.

They were arrested in the King Power Shop at the departure terminal.

-- The Nation 2010-08-06

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Thai Immigration officers arrest Japanese businessman who faked death certificate to claim insurance worth Bt185 million /via @MCOT

INN: CRES confirms PAD rally tomorrow doesn't violate emergency decree; gov't prepared to listen to all parties on Phrea Vihear /via @TAN_Network

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University Student Killed in Car Accident Near Criminal Court

A student of Dhurakijpundit University has died in a car accident after he lost control of his car and crashed into a billboard, an electricity pole, and another car.

Rescuers from the Ruamkatanyu Foundation pulled the body of a man from a Mercedes-Benz after it crashed into a Honda CRV parked at a pre-owned car shop.

Twenty-three-year-old Romchat Wongtaladkwan was killed in the crash. Romchat was a fourth-year student studying International Business Administration at Dhurakijpundit University.

His friend, 23-year-old Akkaradej Krabuansaeng, who was in the car with Romchat at the time of the accident, was injured and sent to Yanhee Hospital.

Akkaradej said he and Romchat had gone out to drink with friends at a night establishment in Meng Jai area until it closed, and then headed home in Romchat's car.

Akkaradej said he became conscious again only after the accident.

The police assume Romchat was drunk driving and was traveling at high speed. He eventually lost control of his vehicle when he tried to turn at a corner near the Criminal Court.

The corner is known as a spot where many accidents occur; many locals in the area believe it is cursed.

-- Tan Network 2010-08-06

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Retired Rear Admiral Min Kolkijkamjorn, one of 79 PAD suspects for blockade of two airports in late 2008, surrenders to authorities /via @MCOTEnglishnews

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Security in inner BKK stepped up on bomb threat

BANGKOK (NNT) -- Chanasongkram police are on a high alert after intelligence agencies issued warnings against bombing attempts on Chao Phraya River crossovers.

Despite the relatively small area of coverage, officers in Chanasongkram Police Station in inner Bangkok have stepped up security, watching out for sabotage attempts as there are many important landmarks situated in the area of Chao Phraya River.

The locations under threat are the two Chao Phraya River crossovers, Pin Klao Bridge and Rama 8 Bridge while 9 other risk-prone places including Sanam Luang, Tha Phrachan, Baan Phra Athit. The Bank of Thailand and Khao San Road are also under intensive surveillance.

Police have set up a checkpoints near the bridges and tightened security in other locations, especially in the tourist spots such as Khao San Road.

-- NNT 2010-08-06

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Court frees bomb suspect on bail

The Criminal Court Friday freed a bomb suspect on bail.

The Criminal Court let Seksan Worapiticharoenkul to be freed after he posted Bt1 million worth of assets as guarantee.

Seksan has been arrested for allegedly having bombs in possession.

-- The Nation 2010-08-06

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CRES bans PAD's Saturday rally at Government House, citing law violation, group can send rep to talk with govt /via @MCOTEnglishnews

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Work starts on Bangkok's CentralWorld Bt2.8bn renovation

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Bangkok Dangerous Map updated with places to avoid this weekend due to yellow shirt rally http://bit.ly/b1nolL /via @RichardBarrow

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INN: Metro Police 1 announces Gov't House as restricted area; prepares 9 companies of officers for security /via @TAN_Network

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German-Thai couple nabbed for Phuket burglary

KAMALA: -- A German and his Thai girlfriend were arrested Wednesday for burglary and possession of stolen goods after the couple’s alleged victim spotted one of them carrying her missing handbag in Kamala, police said.

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English man and his Thai wife commit double suicide in Pattaya

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Illegal Chinese Credit Card Call Center shut down by Police in East Pattaya

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SET index closed at 875.07, up 0.15; Bt/USD31.67; GBP50.19; AUD28.75; EUR41.74; CAD30.87; HKD4.03; SGD23.31; JPY36.56

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Information for foreign residents of Pattaya regarding the 2010 Thailand Census

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3 Students Arrested for Bomb Attack

Ayutthaya police have arrested three vocational school students suspected of throwing a bomb at a group of rivals.

On August 3, a group of Ayutthaya Vocational School students were seen throwing a bomb at rival students from Panityakarn Ayutthaya Vocational School, injuring three people and damaging a car.

Ayutthaya provincial police have reviewed security camera footage and arrested the three students allegedly responsible for the attack. Investigators disclosed information about the attack and the arrests earlier today at 1 P.M.

Ayutthaya Vocational School Director Bamrung Aramruang said that the students arrested are freshmen, who confessed to throwing the bomb.

He said the delinquents were caught because fellow students told him about the attack.

Earlier yesterday, authorities also found a small cache of explosives in the suspects' possession, but they denied making the bomb and police are looking into the source of the explosives.

Ayutthaya provincial police chief Police Major General Jaruwat Waisaya has commented on the recent rise in violence between vocational students and blacklisted gangs of school delinquents that are mostly led by expelled seniors.

He also called a meeting with Ayutthaya's education officials to draw up preventive measures against student violence. Police have asked parents to help in the effort and if that fails, stricter measures against violence will be enforced.

-- Tan Network 2010-08-06

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Military Raid Kills 1 Militant in Narathiwat

A militant wanted for several insurgency cases was killed during a raid in Narathiwat.

A security force surrounded a house in Boo Mae village in Narathiwat's Ba Joh district after being tipped off that 32-year-old Umree Bueraheng, believed to have been involved in bombings and many crimes against national security in the province, and other suspected insurgents were hiding there.

Officials barred residents and journalists from approaching the scene and refused to disclose any information.

Villagers heard two rounds of gunshots during the raid. It was later reported that prime suspect Umree was shot in head with an M-16 rifle.

Another suspected militant, identified only as Sulaiman, was apprehended and brought for questioning at the base of Narathiwat's 32nd Special Task Force.

The incident took place 30 meters away from a local mosque. Locals as well as religious leaders were angered as they were prevented from conducting their regular prayer.

Locals called on the authorities to clarify the incident out of concern over transparency of the operation

-- Tan Network 2010-08-06

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Yellow Shirts to join civil group gathering on Preah Vihear dispute at Government House

BANGKOK: -- Thailand's yellow-clad People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) movement on Friday announced it will join a planned gathering of a network of civil groups at Government House on Saturday, seeking clarifications from the government over the ancient Preah Vihear temple dispute.

Key PAD leader Sondhi Limthongkul said after a meeting Friday of the movement's leaders that they resolved to support the moves of the so-called 'Thailand Patriot Network', seeking reports of progress on the government's work in response to the continuing dispute over the historic temple.

Mr Sondhi however said that the Saturday demonstration at Government House will not be led by yellow-clad leaders, but will be broadcast live via the group's satellite television, ASTV, and another key PAD leader, retired Maj-Gen Chamlong Srimuang, will personally join the event.

The PAD leader claimed that Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Suwit Khunkitti endorsed the meeting result of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)'s World Heritage Commission (WHC) in Brazil last week.

Mr Sondhi claimed that Mr Suwit’s endorsement means Thailand supports Cambodia' unilateral management plan of the Preah Vihear temple which also includes a map of the area. The protest leader argued that Mr Suwit should not have endorsed any document at the world heritage meeting.

Mr Sondhi claimed that Thailand has already lost some of its territory to its neighbour as Cambodian people have built their communities in the contested areas, but what Thailand did was merely show its objection to the move on 11 occasions, but the Cambodians are still living there.

WHC last week postponed consideration of the Preah Vihear management plan proposed by Cambodia until next year after the Thai delegation led by Mr Suwit opposed to the plan, saying the contested 4.6 sq km of land adjacent to the temple claimed by both countries remains unresolved.

Thailand also claimed the UNESCO meeting secretariat had not distributed the document to committee members six weeks ahead of the meeting as required but handed it to members less than 24 hours beforehand.

Gen Chamlong said that he will attend the rally with 45 civil groups at Government House for personal reasons to follow up what the government has done on the issue.

The former Bangkok governor said he has been contacted by the government to represent the civil network to discuss the Preah Vihear dispute, but no decision has yet made whether who will be the group's representatives.

The PAD leader said it also depends on decision of demonstrators whether they will stay overnight at Government House tomorrow.

As Bangkok continues under a state of emergency banning gatherings of more than five people, Gen Chamlong said the Saturday demonstration is aimed at protecting the country and the monarch, while the network gathering does not intend to cause disorder or unrest.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva said that he is inviting the representatives of civil groups and the PAD to discuss and create better understanding over the Preah Vihear dispute on Friday evening.

The premier reiterated that all parties share ultimate aim which is to protect the country's sovereignty and national benefit and talks is the best way to solve the problem.

Mr Abhisit said if talks with the representatives are going to be held this evening, Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya will join the meeting.

The premier's move followed the airing of differing views over a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed with Cambodia in 2000, the civil groups and the PAD urged the government to revoke the MoU and should push the Cambodians out of the disputed 4.6 sq km overlapping area.

In latest developments, CRES on Friday resolved to ban PAD's Saturday gathering at the seat of government as the move is considered as violating the Emergency Decree, saying the civil groups and the PAD should send their representatives to discuss the issue with the government.

CRES spokesman Col Sansern Kaewkamnerd added that some parties also accused the government of what they termed its practice of double standards, which is a vulnerable point.

Col Sansern said the authorities will not allow any group to demonstrate while the state of emergency is still in force and police and soldiers will work together to enforce the law.

Over 150 checkpoints combining both military and police will be set up in the Thai capital, together with 21 patrol units. A further ban on entry of some areas and routes may be announced if needed, according to the CRES spokesman. (MCOT online news)

-- Tan Network 2010-08-06

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Oil exploration off Samui to go ahead: Energy minister

Energy Minister Wannarat Charnukul said Friday that the ministry could not terminate the four oil exploration concessions off the Samui resort island as demanded by local residents.

Wannarat explained that the concession holders have not breached the laws and have not caused serious environmental damage so far so the concessions could not be terminated.

-- The Nation 2010-08-06

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Thai police arrest two Britons for murder and child sexual abuse

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full story

Japanese man arrested for falsifying death certificate on US$5.6 million insurance claim

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Court to deliberate bail appeal for Weng on 9 Aug

BANGKOK (NNT) - The Court of Appeals has accepted the bail appeal for anti-government leader Weng Tojirakan currently detained for terrorism.

The court today agreed to take up the appeal for bail of MD Weng and scheduled the next trial on 9 August 2010 at 9.00 hrs. The suspect, now under detention at Bangkok Remand Prison, will be summoned alongside key witnesses.

Earlier, a lawyer representing the United Front of Democracy Against Dictatorship (UDD) lodged the appeal for the temporary release of MD Weng after the first bail request was rejected by the Court of First Instance.

-- NNT 2010-08-06

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to be continued

Thailand Live Saturday 7 August 2010

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