Thailand Live Wednesday 11 Aug 2010

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Thailand Live Wednesday 11 August 2010

News, Bits and Tweets

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

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

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

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

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

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Related topic: Thailand Live Tuesday 10 August 2010

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PM calls on tourism sector to play part in national reconciliation

BANGKOK (NNT) -- Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva has pressed the tourism sector to play a more important role in

pushing forward the national reconciliation and reform plan.

Addressing an opening ceremony for the 9th year anniversary of the Tourism Council of Thailand, Prime Minister Abhisit stated that the Tourism Council of Thailand played an integral part in bringing revenue to the Kingdom last year.

The Prime Minister lauded the tourism sector for its strong recovery despite facing a sluggish economy and political crisis. He vowed that the Government would support and launch relief measures to help develop the travel sector in a sustainable manner.

The premier asserted that the tourism sector must play a crucial role in driving the national reform and reconciliation plans because all sides should take part in this effort.

Minister of Tourism and Sports Chumpol Silapa-archa expects that the total number of tourists this year will be round

15 million people in line with an economic growth target of 6%.

-- NNT 2010-08-11

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"Thailand Trade Exhibition 2010" major success

BANGKOK (NNT) -- The Department of Export Promotion's (DEP) “Thailand Trade Exhibition 2010” event in Sipsongpanna, China has been marked a tremendous success generating over 8 million THB in circulation.

According to DEP Director-General Srirat Rastapana, the “Thailand Trade Exhibition 2010” event organized to enhance trade, investment and tourism between Thailand and China exceeded expectation with over 100,000 visitors.

The most popular product at the event were food, herbal items, cotton bags, decorations, and construction equipment. More than 8 million THB was circulated during the fair with purchase orders to amount up to 11 million THB within one year.

Ms Srirat reported that trade between Thailand and China from January-May 2010 amounted to over 8.3 billion USD, a 53.31% rise compared to the same period last year. The amount is divided into 6 billion USD from industrial products, 1.6 billion USD from agricultural products, 460 million USD from mineral and fuel products and 136 million USD from agri-industrial products.

-- NNT 2010-08-11

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Khon Kaen Unrest Cases See Slow Progress

Khon Kaen police have issued several arrest warrants against red-shirt suspects believed to be involved in the unrest in April and May, but so far no suspects have been arrested.

Officials from the Khon Kaen Provincial Police Bureau, the Department of Special Investigation, the provincial Public Prosecutors Office and involved parties held a meeting to follow up on progress in the investigation into six cases of red-shirt disturbances in the province.

Five of those involved red-shirt road blockade that are now under the supervision of Pol, Ban Phai and Si Chompu police stations.

In April, local red-shirt supporters closed inbound traffic lanes on Friendship Highway to search for military officials in all vehicles headed in the direction of Bangkok after hearing a rumor that the military would crack down on the mass rally in the capital.

As a result, a number of soldiers were detained by the protesters.

The Khon Kaen court has approved arrest warrants for ten suspects believed to be involved in the cases, but no suspect has been apprehended so far.

Another case is the Khon Kaen railway train station seizure by local red-shirt activists.

They had seized a train carrying Humvees, GMC trucks and tanker trucks as well as soldiers out of suspicion that the equipment and troops were heading to Bangkok as reinforcement for a potential crackdown on the anti-government red-shirt protests.

The conclusion about the train seizure case has yet to be made and no suspects have been identified.

The provincial authorities have secured eight arrest warrants for suspects involved in the torching of the provincial hall and a local NBT television station, but until now, no suspects have been arrested.

-- Tan Network 2010-08-11

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Cabinet okays Bt31m for new Map Ta Phut measure

By The Nation

Published on August 11, 2010

To comply with the four-part committee's resolution on the Map Ta Phut Industrial Estate, the Cabinet yesterday approved a master plan to monitor the environment within the estate and relevant projects in Rayong province.

The Pollution Control Department and the Map Ta Phut municipality will jointly implement the plan, with Bt31 million approved yesterday as the initial operation cost.

The Industry Ministry and the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) will both work out a measure to further handle industries categorised as potentially harmful to humans and the environment, as well as to extricate them from the current deadlock barring their operation.

Speaking yesterday after the Cabinet's approval, Buddhipongse Punakanta, secretary to the industry minister, said the projects classified were the 76 that were already on hold, but would be taken off the list after they undergo health and environment impact assessments (HIA and EIA).

The 76 barred projects could be divided into two categories - those that are potentially harmful and those that might be deemed less harmful, he added.

FTI chairman Payungsak Chartsutthiphol, meanwhile, said it was necessary to pull them out of the court-ordered ban in order to move forward.

Last September, the Central Administrative Court ordered that 76 projects be brought to a halt due to their failure to undergo the mandatory EIA and HIA under the Constitution. The government is trying to end the ban, but is making little progress. Meanwhile, foreign investors who have gone into ventures with those 76 businesses and relevant projects have expressed fear that the legal deadlock would affect their businesses.

-- The Nation 2010-08-11

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No visa required for more Thailand short-stay visitors

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Toxic dump found in Bang Bon district

By The Nation

A toxic substance containing heavy metals was detected in industrial waste dumped near a community in Bangkok's Bang Bon district, Deputy Governor Malinee Sukavrejworakit said yesterday.

Speaking after an inspection by the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA), Malinee said the ammonia-and-aluminium-based substance, when mixed with water, could harm the respiratory system in addition to producing a strong stench. The waste, contained in 110 black garbage bags, was found abandoned in a plot in Soi Ekkachai 119 in Bang Bon district on the Thon Buri side of Bangkok since last Tuesday August 3.

She said the BMA and local police were jointly investigating a lead that a metal mill nearby could have dumped the waste. Violators found responsible face a one-year prison term and/or a maximum fine of Bt200,000.

Wanthanee Watthana, a senior BMA public health official, said there had been five major chemical dumps last years and another three incidents so far this year. She called on those who suspected chemical dumps to notify police or the BMA's 1555 hotline.

-- The Nation 2010-08-11

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MOTHER'S DAY

University honours 15 women as mothers of the year

By Wannapa Khaopa

The Nation

"It doesn't matter what's wrong with my son. He is mine, and I will raise him as well as I can, no matter how tired I get," declared Thongyoo Wongklom, one of the 15 mothers being honoured this year.

It is this unconditional love for her three-year-old son Theeraphorn, who has Down's syndrome, that made Thongyoo turn down a woman's offer of Bt50,000 in exchange for her child when he was seven or eight months old.

That sum would have been a godsend for her family, because as municipality cleaners in Kanchanaburi, she and her husband do not earn much. However, Thongyoo told the woman she would never consider giving up her son even though she had seen a neighbour accept Bt2,000 for her child.

"I'm happy with his development, though he's slower than other children," she said. "I carried him for nine months and will not give him to anyone. I can bear all difficulties, because no other woman can treat him well."

Mahidol University is honouring 15 mothers this year to celebrate Mother's Day. Of the 15, seven will get named "outstanding", three the "environmental caring" and five will become "mums of the century".

The university announced the winners at a press conference at its Salaya campus yesterday. Each mother will be given a Bt10,000 cash prize and a certificate by HRH Princess Soamsawali.

Thongyoo hopes Theeraphorn will be able to get an education so he can look after himself once his parents have passed on. "He can eat and drink by himself, and can even tell me what he wants, though he cannot speak long sentences clear," Thongyoo explained. "The doctors and I are trying to find a school suited to his needs. My other two children will pursue higher education because they aspire for a bright future."

Apart from Thongyoo, there are three other women who have devoted their lives to their disabled children.

Home Phukhaeng, 67, has spent more than 20 years taking care of her four kids, three of whom suffer from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and one from Down's syndrome.

Wai Joompaeng, 61, has spent most of her life working hard as a farmer to take care of her three children, who suffer from neurological problems.

Srinuan Ninrat, 67, has also spent most of her life working on paddy fields to provide for her mentally disabled and partially blind daughter. In fact, she worked so hard that she ended up given birth to five of her six kids in the fields.

Meanwhile, Nanthawan Khiew-ngamdee, 57, was named an Environmental Caring Mum because of her dedication to environmental conservation. As a member of the Tha Chin Basin Committee in Samut Sakhon province, she has worked to encourage people to help conserve the Tha Chin River, campaigned for the growth of mangrove forests and set up a network of students to monitor water quality.

"I always teach my two children to conserve water and mangrove forests. My son has helped educate students about the importance of mangrove forests and my daughter tries to save water," Nanthawan said. "About 700 students in 40 schools along the river have worked with me. I'm proud that I can teach youngsters to protect the environment."

-- The Nation 2010-08-11

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34 cultural heritage items named

By The Nation

Thirty-four cultural heritage items - including the body-contorting hermit's art of Thai traditional medicine, the folk tale of Phanthai Norasing, and the craft of banana-stalk carving - will be announced as part of National Cultural Heritage 2010, Culture Minister Nipit Intarasombat said yesterday.

Chosen from 8,000 proposals, the 34 heritage items will be divided into six fields: traditional performance art (six items); traditional craftsmanship (seven); folklore and literature (five); traditional games, sports and martial arts (four); social norms and festivals (seven); and knowledge and practice on nature and the universe (five items).

The listing of such items is to protect national and local cultural heritages, especially those under threat of extinction, and to preserve them for the education of younger generations, he said. His office was also pushing for Thailand to become party to the Convention for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage.

-- The Nation 2010-08-11

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MALPRACTICE BILL

Abhisit refuses to drop draft bill

By The Nation

Medical groups considering further moves

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva yesterday refused to drop the Medical Malpractice Victim Protection Bill from the ongoing legislative process and set up a national-level committee to improve the draft law before submitting it to Parliament.

"We need to push ahead with the legislation. For some contentious points in this bill, all sides just need to talk and cooperate," Abhisit said.

He spoke after meeting representatives of the Network for People's Medical Protection and the Federation of Medical Workers, both of which want to see a national committee set up to improve the bill.

The establishment of such a committee would mean quite a long delay before the bill gets to Parliament.

Abhisit explained that the Public Health Ministry was now seeking to improve the bill and it would be better for all sides to co-operate with the ministry's ongoing efforts.

"If you disagree with any points in the bill, please raise the issue with the Public Health Ministry. It is best for all sides to work together to improve this draft law," he said.

Abhisit said the ministry had already dropped a two-week timeframe for improvements.

The network and federation had lamented that the two-week schedule meant the bill would be rushed into law, and that without careful deliberation it could do more harm than good.

The network's press chief Thapanawong Tang-uraiwan said it was regrettable that Abhisit had not agreed with the proposal of the network and the federation.

"We will have a discussion among our members within the next one or two days before considering further steps," he said.

He hinted at the possibility of gathering 10,000 signatures to propose a better version of the bill for Parliament.

"We plan to listen to the opinions of doctors and medical workers under all agencies first. We don't think the forum hosted by the Public Health Ministry will be open enough," Thapanawong said.

Meanwhile, the deputy secretary-general of the Medical Council, Ittiporn Khanacharoen, said the version of the bill now supported by the ministry would not really benefit patients.

"Every time patients visit a doctor, they will have to contribute some money to the no-fault compensation fund that is required by the bill," he said.

Ittiporn said it was difficult to fix the bill in the short-term, given that many of its sections were closely linked.

"In our opinion, if this bill becomes law, patient-doctor ties will worsen. Some patients will try to find fault with doctors because they want compensation. Doctors, meanwhile, will view their patients with distrust," Ittiporn said.

He also said that if the government wanted to extend protection against medical malpractice to people under the social-security fund's medical scheme and the medical scheme for civil servants and their families, it could simply amend Section 41 of the National Health Security Act.

Currently, this section offers quick compensation to victims of medical malpractice who receive health services under the universal healthcare scheme.

-- The Nation 2010-08-11

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Interior reshuffle sees Mongkol in key post

By The Nation

The Cabinet yesterday approved an Interior Ministry reshuffle, which saw changes in several key positions including the permanent secretary's post being handed to Mongkol Surasatja, as previously speculated.

Interior Minister Chaovarat Chanweerakul joked that Mongkol's speedy promotion from director-general of the Department of Provincial Administration (DPA) just a few months ago to this top job was probably because he was "taking good food supplements".

When asked if Mongkol's rise had been influenced by key coalition player Newin Chidchob, who runs Bhum Jai Thai Party, which Chaovarat is also a member of, the minister replied emotionally: "Whose influence am I under then? Everyone is professional, serves and lives on the wages paid by the government. Nobody belongs to anybody here."

Mongkol was promoted to the DPA, which supervises provincial governors and district chiefs, not long after the red-shirt protests ended in late May. As soon as he took over, he transferred governors in Northeast provinces where red-shirt rioters torched state buildings after the protest in Bangkok ended.

Asked about Mongkol and Newin's personal ties, especially since the former was once the governor of Buri Ram, Newin's political stronghold, Chaovarat said: "If I were an official, it would be natural to maintain closeness to my superiors. As for his seniority, we need to look into his past record and see if he has made any mistakes or was investigated over any issues."

There are 21 key ministry positions awaiting further approval that will be on the Cabinet's agenda next Tuesday. Those positions include top jobs at the Department of Local Administration, the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation, as well as new governors for 15 provinces.

The Cabinet also approved the promotion of Nonthikorn Kanjanavijtra as new secretary-general of the Office of Civil Service Commission to succeed Benjawan Srangnitorn who retires on September 30.

In addition, the Cabinet approved 300 new positions at the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) to ease the long-standing shortage of officials in technology and other related fields as well as some old-fashioned detectives, whose positions are currently taken by former police officers.

Justice Minister Pirapan Salirathavibhaga, who supervises the DSI, said the new positions were not meant to discriminate against any official, but aimed to "make everyone a true DSI official".

"Those who don't belong here will be volunteering to leave," he said, without explaining. Of the 300 positions, 175 will be permanent while the rest would work under contract and cover many responsibilities, such as investigations into human trafficking, organised crime, cyber-crime and crimes related to the environment and natural resources, Pirapan said.

-- The Nation 2010-08-11

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Designs ready for five-star rooms at national parks

By Janjira Pongrai

The Nation

A government agency is close to deciding what accommodation units at four national parks should look like after they are renovated and made ready for high-end tourists for the New Year holidays.

The Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation yesterday revealed it had already selected models for units at Tarutao, Khao Yai, Doi Inthanon and Kaeng Krachan national parks.

"We are in the process of reviewing them in detail," the department's director general Jatuporn Buruspat said yesterday.

Khao Yai National Park chief Manote Karnpanak-ngarm said he liked the model but was worried that birds might fly into the glass walls and windows. "The birds may not be able to detect the transparent material, may bang into it and get hurt," he said.

Manote plans to inform relevant officials of his concerns soon.

According to Jatuporn, features can be adjusted to make the units blend well with the local surroundings and be friendly to the environment.

Jatuporn expects to get a clear picture of the five-star units before the end of next month.

He said a number of companies with green construction materials would have discussions with his department this week. "We will also talk to the Wastewater Management Authority soon," he said.

Jatuporn reiterated that this project involved the renovation of existing units, not the construction of new ones. "But I can guarantee that the renovated units will offer a lot more privacy and luxury," he added.

An informed source said Jatuporn was targeting high-end customers when planning the five-star units.

"The facilities will be on par with those available in five-star hotels," the source said.

According to this source, the renovation of each unit at Tarutao National Park would likely cost up to Bt20 million, while those at Doi Inthanon National Park would cost around Bt9 million per unit.

"The cost for Kaeng Krachan and the Khao Yai national parks will be Bt6 million and Bt7.2 million per unit respectively," it said.

Jatuporn said a panel in charge of the renovation was planning to seek help from some private firms in a bid to lower the cost.

-- The Nation 2010-08-11

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Thai officials seek US help in Bt64m Tobacco Monopoly bribery case

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NSM Bangkok sets up first Sex Museum in Asia

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STREET WISE

Chuti the chopper swings back into action at budget meet

By Achara Deboonme

The Nation

Yesterday, the Appeals Court upheld the lower court's ruling against Information and Communication Technology Minister Chuti Krairiksh for defaming Surapong Suebwonglee's wife.

This mess occurred during the censure debate in 2003 when Chuti, as a Democrat MP, accused then public health minister Surapong of commissioning a law to benefit his wife's slimming-centre business.

But Chuti managed to hold his head up high despite yesterday's ruling. After being handed a one-year suspended jail term, he vowed to take the case to the Supreme Court. Yesterday he also attended the Democrat Party meeting without showing the slightest trace of defeat.

It seems that he is treating the court case as a trivial issue. No surprise there, given that he is notorious for ruffling feathers.

Make a positive comment and no one will say a thing. But when the comments are negative, you had better be prepared for counter-attacks.

On Tuesday, even though he knew the Appeals Court would rule on his case the following day, he was too laid back to worry. Instead, Chuti joined Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva for a meeting at the Finance Ministry and seized another chance to strike. This time it was about the government budget.

He asked Abhisit if he could make a comment, then leapt to the microphone when he got the nod.

Armed with information from his attendance at the House Budget Committee, he let rip with his frustrations.

He told the meeting it was outrageous to know that there is one official car per five civil servants. He also pointed that it was essential that any request for an official car should be scrutinised.

He then extended his attack to non-IT state agencies, which are asking for a big chunk of budget for IT investment.

"All that unnecessary investment would only add to the financial burden on the entire population. If they approve the budget for this, the government will need to extract more money to finance other investment," he said.

It is easy to see why people have branded him a "chopper", ready to scrutinise any proposal and slash the financing being asked for.

It seems Chuti has no fear when it comes to making new enemies.

"I'm not afraid of them. Like a jellyfish, though parts of my body get cut off, I'm ready to regenerate the lost limbs," he said.

To date, he is happy that when he gets home he has a comfortable place to sleep - protected by nine beloved pet dogs. Certainly, nobody can attack him when he is asleep.

-- The Nation 2010-08-11

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CONTROVERSIAL TEMPLE

PM: Cambodians should vacate disputed area

By The Nation

Their presence around Preah Vihear is against MoU, Abhisit says; Premier to raise issue at UN General Assembly meeting next month

Thailand wants Cambodian people removed from "over-lapping" areas claimed by both countries near Preah Vihear Temple on the border as their presence was contrary to a bilateral memorandum of understanding signed in 2000, Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva said yesterday.

"The problem took place because Cambodia intruded into Thai territory so we have the right to protect our sovereignty, but we will act in a peaceful way in accordance with the UN principle," the PM said.

He said this matter was mentioned in a letter of clarification he had just sent to the United Nations.

"There might be an argument on the boundary line but the encroachment is obviously a violation of the MoU," Abhisit told reporters.

The MoU on land boundary demarcation prohibits both sides from making any change to the boundary environment before demarcation is done.

Thailand has been at loggerheads with Cambodia over Preah Vihear and the land around it since Bangkok moved to oppose the historic Hindu temple being listed as a World Heritage site.

Both sides have accused each other of encroaching on areas adjacent to the temple since the boundary line is unclear. They refer to "boundaries" in accordance with different historical documents.

Thailand has claimed the boundary line is located at a watershed on the Dangrek mountain, as mentioned in Siam-Franco treaties, while Cambodia has referred to a French-made map to claim the area belongs to it.

Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen said in a letter to the United Nations on Sunday the International Court of Justice ruled in 1962 that Preah Vihear was situated on territory under Cambodian sovereignty.

He claimed the presence of Thai troops at Keo Sikkharakiri Svara Temple, 300 metres from Preah Vihear could be considered an invasion of Cambodian territory.

Abhisit, in his letter to the UN to counter Hun Sen, said it was Cambodia who encroached on Thai territory because Phnom Penh built a road to Keo Sikkharakiri Svara and a community in the area which Thailand claims.

Hun Sen accused Abhisit of threatening to use force to settle the border conflict but Abhisit said in his letter to the UN Security Council and General Assembly that the Cambodian leader had wrong information from inaccurate news reports. Abhisit said a sentence quoted by Hun Sen to the UN was only a part of a discussion he had with the nationalist People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) on Saturday.

The prime minister needed to explain his stance to the PAD as the group has pressed the government to revoke the 2000 MoU and use military force to evict Cambodians from the "over-lapping" area.

The PAD repeated its demand yesterday, saying diplomatic ways of protesting over the encroachment did not work because Cambodians were still on the disputed land.

Abhisit will raise the issue of conflict over the temple when he attends the UN General Assembly meeting in New York late next month, Acting Government Spokesman Panitan Wattanayagorn said.

The Thai premier will tell the UN that Unesco and the World Heritage Committee brought the problem to the region by putting Preah Vihear on its World Heritage list, which had angered Thai people, he said.

The border in the Preah Vihear area had not been demarcated as the joint boundary committee (JBC) set up by both sides had made little progress in its work.

Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya said he would push for a meeting of the boundary committee as soon as possible.

The Parliament would next week read three agreed records of the last JBC meeting in a bid to enable the committee to conduct a further meeting, he said.

-- The Nation 2010-08-11

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FM Confirms UN has Received Thailand's Explanation Letter

Thailand's Foreign Affairs Ministry has confirmed that the United Nations has received Thailand's rebuttal letter countering Cambodian claims that its sovereignty has been encroached. Meanwhile, Secretary to the Foreign Minister Chavanont Intarakomalsut confirms that Thailand will soon start pushing Cambodians off the disputed area.

-- Tan Network 2010-08-11

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Supreme Court poised to vote on appeal of Thaksin asset seizure case

The Supreme Court will at 9.30 am convene in a full bench to case a crucial vote on whether to launch an appellate review on the Bt46 billion asset seizure case involving fugitive ex-premier Thaksin Shinawatra and his family members.

The vote is to be decided by a simple majority.

Thaksin's lawyer Chatthip Thantaprasart said the defence would have to see the outcome of the judicial vote before making its next move.

Should the high court accept the appeal based on new evidence, the defence is ready to take part in the appellate review and will outline evidence to back up its arguments seeking to overturn the asset seizure, Chatthip said.

If the high court rejects the appeal, then the case is considered close and the judicial process is complete, he said.

Under the court procedures, a five-member panel of Supreme Court judges will be appointed to conduct the inquiry if the appellate review is launched. The inquiry will focus on new evidence and the panel is tasked to give recommendations related to the evidence.

The full bench of the Supreme Court has the jurisdiction to form the appellate verdict by a majority vote.

-- The Nation 2010-08-11

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Office of Public Health in Pattani urges people to get free flu vaccines

PATTANI (NNT) -- The Office of Public Health in the southern province of Pattani has urged people, particularly those in high-risk groups, to receive free anti-flu vaccines to reduce chances of becoming infected with seasonal flu and influenza A.

Dr Yorn Jiranakorn, Chief of the Pattani Provincial Health Office, stated that he had assigned concerned agencies at all levels in the province to help publicize the free flu vaccination campaign to the public and to encourage people to get vaccinated. He said that the spread situation of seasonal flu and influenza A remained serious in Thailand.

Dr Yorn further noted that over 15,500 doses of vaccines against the mentioned flu had so far been shot to those in risk groups including people weighing over 100 kilograms, pregnant women of seven months and over, disabled people, chronic disease patients, those suffering from lung trouble, asthma, heart disease and diabetes, cancer, thalassemia, people infected with HIV and medical staff.

Dr Yorn added that the campaign would help people fully develop the immunity in time, thus reducing the number of patients and fatalities, and economic loss. He said the Office of Public Health in Pattani aims to get 15,500 people vaccinated during the campaign. People who are interested in receiving the free injection can contact any hospital under the ministry's supervision in the province from now until 31 August 2010.

-- NNT 2010-08-11

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THB stabilizes after BoT intervention

BANGKOK (NNT) -- The Thai currency has become more stable after the central bank’s intervention over the last few days. Bankers forecast a high trade surplus this year and expect the baht to strengthen to 31.50 THB against the USD.

A financial analyst from Siam Commercial Bank said that the movement of Thai baht on Tuesday was quite stable. It opened at 31.96/98 THB per USD, and then reached the highest of 31.955 THB during the day before weakening slightly down to 31.95/97 THB per USD at the closing with normal volume of transaction.

The recent appreciation of the baht has been favored by the vast trade surplus generated by growing exports over the past several months in coherence with the weakening of the USD. The trend is expected to continue and may soon hit 31.50 THB per USD.

The baht has fast rebounded to its leap in the past 2 days. However, it is considered rather steady under the control of the Bank of Thailand.

-- NNT 2010-08-11

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Demand for business loans likely to further increase, says Bank of Thailand

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No coalition rift over bus project: Boonjong

The Bhum Jai Thai Party will not retaliate following the yesterday's Cabinet rejection of the project to lease 4,000 buses, Deputy Interior Minister Boonjong Wongtrairat said on Wednesday.

Boonjong also dismissed concern that his junior coalition party might boycott the House session.

"Duty is duty and Bhum Jai Thai will carry on doing its job as per ususal," he said.

He said the bus project would not cause a coalition split although he was puzzled about the rejection. He insisted the proejct was not tainted by irregularities.

-- The Nation 2010-08-11

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Free entry to 148 National parks this week

By Suchat Sritama

The Nation

To help boost domestic travel, the Natural Resources and Environment Ministry plans to waive the entrance fees at 148 national parks nationwide from today through Sunday, when millions of people are expected to make trips during the long holiday period.

It is part of the national recovery packages the ministry initiated after the political turmoil in April and May affected tourism.

The ministry earlier joined hands with some organisations and theme parks such as Sri Racha Tiger Zoo and with Pattaya city to create packages to lure visitors.

This month, it is encouraging people to visit national parks and natural sites across the country.

Suvit Khunkitti, minister for natural resources, said the waiving of the entrance fees at 148 national parks during this long weekend would help draw millions of locals and expatriates to visit the sites.

Last year, more than 11 million tourists visited main national parks such as Khao Yai, Doi Inthanon, Erawan, Phu Kradueng, and Ang Thong Marine Park.

The ministry is also joining hands with tourism bodies to organise special events such as "Mum Trips" to celebrate National Mother's Day tomorrow.

The TAT also launched five domestic trips to encourage families to travel in the Kingdom throughout this month.

Sanya Preechasil, adviser to The Greenery Resort Khao Yai, said more Bangkokians were choosing to visit national parks to avoid political conflicts and demonstrations in the capital.

-- The Nation 2010-08-11

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Laguna Phuket sells Dusit Thani resort for Bt2.62b

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House Session Fails to Meet Quorum

Today's House session has ended prematurely due to the fact that it failed to meet the quorum. Only 216 MPs showed up and notably absent were Bhum Jai Thai MPs.

Many speculate that this may be an act of revenge by the coalition partner from Cabinet's refusal to approve the 4,000 NGV bus leasing project of the party.

However, Deputy Interior Minister Boonchong Wongtrairat, from Bhum Jai Thai, affirmed the strong alliance within the ruling coalition.

-- Tan Network 2010-08-11

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Thai clothing slaves break free from chains

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Dairy Farmers Shut Down Highway in Saraburi

Representatives of dairy farmers from all over the country have closed off a main highway in Saraburi province, in a bid to demand the government to increase the price of milk.

Representatives of dairy farmers across the country have traveled to the Thai-Denmark Farm in Muak Lek district of Saraburi province, demanding that the government increase the price of milk from 16.50 baht to 18 baht per kilogram.

A negotiation of more than two-hours between representatives of dairy farmers and a senior official from the Dairy Promotion Organization of Thailand has failed to produce an agreement.

In response to the government's unwillingness to comply with their demand, the farmers have poured more than 75,000 liters of milk in front of the dairy promoting agency's office.

Afterward, they proceeded to Friendship Road, one of the main highways in the province, and blocked traffic in both directions, resulting in a gridlock.

The authorities dispatched more than 200 police officers from the area to control the crowd.

The police also failed in negotiations with the protesters, who have vowed to stay on the highway until they have received a satisfactory answer from the government.

-- Tan Network 2010-08-11

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Tense situation at Thai-Cambodian border, villagers avoid border farming fearing capture by Cambodian troops; poll supports govt pushing Cambodians from contested area near Preah Vihear /via @MCOTEnglishnews

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Supreme Court rejects appeal of Thaksin asset seizure case

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CRES: Emergency Decree not ready to be lifted, police and public trained to be watchdogs

BANGKOK (NNT) -- The emergency decree will remain in place as the situation still calls for it, according to the Center for the Resolution of Emergency Situation (CRES

The CRES has ordered security-related units in 10 provinces under the decree to gather information relative to the situation in those provinces, and report it to the secretary-general of the National Security Council (NSC), who will forward it to the Prime Minister on Monday, August 16. Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva will then take the report into consideration when deciding whether to lift the decree in those provinces. Officials said the deciding factors whether or not the decree should be revoked are the situation and underground movements in respective provinces. Chaired by Deputy Prime Minister of Security Affairs Suthep Thaugsuban, the CRES meeting was attended by army commanders, secretariat of the National Security Council (NSC), the director-general of the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) and other related units.

Meanwhile, Metropolitan Police Divisions 1-9 have held training sessions, in which a number of people including the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration’s employees, motorcycle-taxi drivers, community leaders, and private companies’ security personnel are trained to spot would-be trouble makers and report them to the authorities. The training session will last for three weeks

-- NNT 2010-08-11