Thailand Live Thursday 12 Aug 2010

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Thailand Live Thursday 12 August 2010

News, Bits and Tweets

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Related topic: Thailand Live Wednesday 11 August 2010

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HM Queen Sirikit expresses her gratitude to all well-wishers

BANGKOK (NNT) -- Her Majesty the Queen expressed her gratitude to all Thais for their noble activities held to commemorate her birthday anniversary on 12 August.

HM the Queen Sirikit made a speech to and all sectors’ representatives including Thai people around the country led by the Prime Minister to a general audience on the occasion of her birthday anniversary on 12 August 2010. The Queen expressed her appreciation to all sectors that gathered to offer her felicitations and to all agencies that held several activities for public charity,beneficial to Thais as her birthday gifts.

Some of those activities include the surgery and treatment project for child patients with congenital heart disease. This project is to proceed from 2009 to 2012, targeting to cure 800 persons and 333 cases have been already achieved so far; stem cells transplantation project of Ramathibodi Hospital; reforestation project of the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand, for example.

Her Majesty added that she had stayed at Siriraj Hospital since HM the King was there for his physical therapy. His Majesty had recovered well from his illness. On this occasion, the Queen was gratified to see numerous people flocked to sign the get well book for the King. She cited the case of a 45-year-old British man who rode bicycle around the world for three months in honor of HM the King. He came to Siriraj Hospital to sign the get well book and said he loved the King and the Thai people.

-- NNT 2010-08-12

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Special Report:

The National Mother´s Day

The year 2010 marks the auspicious year that Thais across the nation wholeheartedly celebrate 60th coronation anniversary of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej as well as 60th anniversary of the royal wedding ceremony.

Throughout the past six decades, Her Majesty the Queen always remains at the side of His Majesty, sharing his concerns for the suffering and his hopes for future well-being and happiness of the Thai people.

The birthday anniversary of HM the Queen on 12 August also marks the National Mother’s Day. In the past, Thais celebrated the national mother’s day on 15 April as designated by the Cabinet on 23 February 1950. Later in 1976, the Cabinet has announced 12 August as the Thai Mother’s Day and make it a national holiday, with white jasmine flower as the symbol for the occasion.

Thais celebrate Mother’s Day occasion by decorating the national flag in front of their houses. Private and public sectors organize the events in commemoration of the day, while the general public also partakes in activities that serve public interest. Children pay respect to their mothers with garlands made of jasmine flowers.

As of 2010, HM the Queen has graciously given the Mother's Day motto, encouraging all Thais to appreciate the prosperity of their motherland. On this land, mothers have threaded, turning the soil, and producing food for all Thais.

The flourishing rice fields should be protected by the Thais forever. The motto will be published on the National Mother’s Day book of 2010 by the National Council on Social Welfare of Thailand, which will later be distributed across the nation.

Also on the occasion, Thailand’s Din Di Nam Sai - Good Soil, Clear Water Foundation has collaborated with the Ministry of Finance and MCOT Public Company Limited as well as related public and private agencies to launch a project in commemoration of the day, where the public can view "Ramayana Animation" for free at 14 branches of the SF Cinema City nationwide. The Ramayana animation and interactive will be produced as instructional media and sent out to students of 32,000 schools nationwide. The Ramayana is an ancient Sanskrit epic that depicts the duties of the King and Queens and the concept of 10 kingly virtues upheld by Their Majesties throughout their reign.

One unique phenomenon that is predicted to occur on the Mothers’ Day is the "Perseid" Mateo showers, which can be observed in the sky on the night of 12 August until the morning of 13 August, especially after midnight and at 04.00-05.00 hrs before sunrise. Meanwhile, another phenomenon where the four planets circling the crescent moon which will appear as a smiley face can be seen at 19.00-20.00 hrs of 12 August.

-- NNT 2010-08-12

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Bangkokians warned of heavy rains during Aug-Sep

BANGKOK (NNT) -- The Department of Drainage and Sewerage has warned Bangkokians of heavy rains during August–September.

According to Mr Sanya Cheenimitr, Deputy Director of the Department of Drainage and Sewerage under the supervision of the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA), the total rainfall in July was measured at 1,034 mm per hour, which topped that of the previous year and the 30-year average by 61.2%. He estimated that the average amount of rain for the whole year would reach up to 1,910 mm per hour.

Meanwhile, the Meteorological Department of Thailand has forecasted more rainfalls during August-September in the Bangkok area due to the La Niña phenomenon.

Mr Sanya, however, said that the BMA had already prepared preventive measures against flooding in the city, especially on the Thonburi side, which was a low land. The measures include opening the floodgates to let out the flood water during low tides.

-- NNT 2010-08-12

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Govt to consider emergency rule revocation on 16 Aug

BANGKOK (NNT) – The Government may revoke Emergency Decree in a couple more provinces, according to Prime Minister Abhisit Vajjajiva.

Speaking at the Democrat Headquarters on Wednesday, Mr Abhisit claimed that the decree maybe lifted in a couple more provinces. However, the Government is still waiting for the report from Chairman of the Center for the Resolution of Emergency Situations (CRES), Suthep Thaugsuban. The CRES report should be forwarded to the Prime Minister within Monday, August 16 for consideration.

The Prime Minister also disclosed that the decree should be lifted in the tourist towns.

The decree has been enforced in Bangkok, its surrounding provinces and in the Northern and Northeastern provinces since April 7, following the prolonged protests of the anti-government United Front of Democracy Against Dictatorship (UDD) and the following riots.

-- NNT 2010-08-12

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BoT vows to control baht rise

BANGKOK (NNT) -- The Bank of Thailand (BoT) has pledged to stabilize the baht currency, though indicating that its appreciation would benefit importers.

BoT Deputy Governor Bandit Nijthavorn mentioned that factors that caused the Baht to strengthen included the expansion of Thai exports, the inflow of foreign investments in the capital and bond markets, and the high current account surplus.

At the same time, Mr Bandit pledged that the BoT would try its best in maintaining the stability of the Thai baht. He noted however that the strengthening of the domestic currency would benefit the imports of many products, especially raw materials, which would in turn contribute to a healthy circulation in the national economic system.

-- NNT 2010-08-12

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Most of the cash reported stolen from bank found

By The Nation

Police have retrieved nearly all Bt17 milllion gone missing from a Bangkok Bank branch in Prachin Buri following a suspected theft by its own manager, who was wounded seriously in a road accident while she was running away possibly with the money.

The money found, Bt1,400,000 short of Bt16.9 million, was contained in a cloth bag placed under a bush not far from Tesco Lotus superstore which houses the BBL branch in Sri Maha Pho district, following an anonymous tipoff. Local police declined to say who made the phone call, saying that revealing the caller's identity would affect police investigation.

The BBL branch reported the theft on Monday internally to its head office, after it found that Bt16.9 million was gone missing. The whole story came to light after branch manager Duanphen Arnammart was wounded seriously in a road accident reportedly with the stolen money in her car, which was however not found at the scene.

Police have since been tracking the money, relying on security camera footage showing Duanphen moving boxes from the office to her car, but found no trace, until 10 pm Tuesday night, when provincial police chief Pol Maj General Sanchai Chaiamphorn said the telephone was made to police.

-- The Nation 2010-08-12

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Laser device quickly detects fake credit cards

By The Nation

The National Electronics and Computer Technology Centre (Nectec) has launched a device that tests have shown to be 100percent effective in detecting fake credit cards.

A private company has bought production rights for the device and will sell them for Bt8,000 apiece.

Nectec Photonics Technology Laboratory director Sarun Sumriddetchkajorn said tests he conducted jointly with researcher Yutthana Intarawannee showed the device would not read the cardholder's data stored in a magnetic strip or a chip, hence it would not violate individual rights to privacy.

Citing a test at the recent Commart Fair in which Krung Thai Bank and Siam Commercial Bank cards were run through the device, Sarun said it took only half a second to work and could be applied for both Visa and MasterCard.

The device reads a questionable card's surface with a laser refracted at an angle predetermined for an authentic credit card, he explained. If the card is authentic, a screen on the device shows a hologram mark, a bird in case of Visa and a globe in case of MasterCard, while a fake one will show thick and thin lines because the laser's angle of incidence is not correct, he said.

New Wave Ideas Company has bought production rights for the latest version of the device and will soon market them for Bt8,000 each, Saran said.

He said the device was suitable for banks, companies and shops that take credit cards. It could also be used by national security agencies such as the police Economic and Cyber Crime Division or the Department of Special Investigation, because some transnational gangs used fake credit cards in Thailand causing hundreds of millions of baht in losses.

There are other ways for people to check the authenticity of a credit card visually. The five main points are the cardholder name and 16digit card number; the symbol indicating if it is Visa or MasterCard; the magnetic strip or chip and the threedigit code on the back; the hologram mark; and the glowinthedark pattern on the card in black light.

-- The Nation 2010-08-12

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No injuries as car bomb damages bank in South

By Narong Nuansakul

The Nation

Narathiwat

A bomb planted in a passenger car parked in front of Kasikorn Bank's Ruesoh branch exploded yesterday morning but no one was injured, thanks to a tipoff and quick police action.

The black Honda was destroyed in the subsequent fire and the impact damaged the bank's door and 10 chambers of a nearby commercial building.

In the wreckage of the car, police found the bomb, detonated by a mobile phone, in a 20kilogram gas cylinder. They checked security cameras to look for the culprits.

There were no casualties of the blast thanks to a villager's tip to Pol SgtMajor Surin Siangon of Ruesoh police station. The villager said he had seen a suspiciouslooking young man park the car in front of the bank at around 6am and quickly flee on a waiting motorcycle.

Surin secured the area around the car and inspected it. He saw a mobile phone linked to an electrical circuit on the driver's seat and realised it was a homemade bomb, so he immediately alerted a bomb squad. However, the squad arrived too late, as the bomb was set to explode at 8.05am.

Ruesoh district chief Chamlong Kraidit praised the villager for the timely alert to police, hence preventing greater damage.

The culprits chose this spot because it was the district's financial centre and a place where Buddhist monks often come to receive alms, Chamlong said, adding that the authorities had delivered initial assistance to the bank and affected homes.

-- The Nation 2010-08-12

Edited August 11, 2010 by webfact

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Downpours bring risk of floods, landslides in several provinces

By The Nation

A storm has been hovering over the Gulf of Thailand and the Andaman Sea, causing heavy downpours with the risk of floods and landslides in some areas.

The Meteorological Department yesterday warned people living near waterways in Chiang Rai, Phayao, Nan, Phrae, Uttaradit, Phitsanulok, Phetchabun, Loei, Chanthaburi, Trat, Ranong and Phang Nga to brace for possible flash floods.

A meteorologist based in the Northeast, Kriangsak Ketin, said the flood risk also existed in Chaiyaphum, Nong Bua Lamphu, Udon Thani, Khon Kaen, Maha Sarakham, Kalasin, Nong Khai, Sakon Nakhon, and Nakhon Phanom.

"Please keep abreast of weather forecasts," he said, adding that landslides could also develop in these risky areas.

Preecha Ditacharoen, acting chief of disaster prevention and mitigation for Khon Kaen, Kalasin, Maha Sarakham and Roi Et, said an emergencyresponse team was ready around the clock should floods hit an area under his jurisdiction.

"We have six pumps, 36 boats, and three backhoes," he said.

In Chiang Mai's Chiang Dao district, locals and livestock were evacuated yesterday in time to avoid flooding.

In Lamphun, a locomotive derailed amid heavy rain at about 8.45am yesterday. There was no report of deaths or casualties.

The accident took place between Ta Chomphu train station in Mae Thai district, Lamphun, and Khun Tan station in Lampang.

Chiang Mai train station chief Sinrat Deevajee said passengers from the derailed trains had been transferred to Chiang Mai. Cars were sent to pick up stranded passengers from other trains, which had to stop because the track was blocked by the derailed locomotive.

Passengers with a Chiang MaiBangkok train ticket who were initially scheduled to leave the northern city at 2.50pm yesterday were advised to seek a refund.

Officials were busy trying to clear the track for the resumption of train services.

-- The Nation 2010-08-12

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National committee to study,advise on draft malpractice bill

By Pongphon Sarnsamak

The Nation

The Medical Council has set up a national committee to help resolve the dispute over the controversial Medical Malpractice Victim Protection bill, council's president Dr Somsak Lohlekha said yesterday.

The move came after Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva denied a request from the Network for People's Medical Protection to establish an assembly of medical workers to overcome differences regarding the proposed bill.

"This national committee will find out the best resolution for the dispute before submitting it to the Public Health Ministry's reconciliation subcommittee for public health services," Somsak said.

The national committee of over 70 will comprise personnel from medical and health care organisations including: 18 medical workers from 18 medical schools; six from the Medical Council; five from the Medical Association of Thailand; and five from military medical agencies.

There will be 20 physicians from 20 public health division areas: one from the Private Hospital Association; five from the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration's hospitals; and 10 from the federation of doctors at Central Hospital and the General Hospital, Nursing school.

Finally, there will be five members from the Medical and Health Professional Association, the Network for People's Medical Protection, and one from the Association of Clinical Physicians.

As the PM has promised not to withdraw the draft bill from the ongoing legislative process, Somsak said he believed that if it takes effect, there will be many complaints and compensation demands of over Bt 10 billion.

The Thai NGO 'Coalition on Aids' yesterday handed an open letter to the Public Health Ministry to pressure a group of medical workers who oppose the Medical Malpractice Victim Protection draft bill. It asks that they do not take any seat on the no fault compensation committee to be set up by this bill, in a bid to avoid future conflict of interest issues.

Also health activists supporting the draft bill should not be a part of this committee, said Kanjana Talangkij, who led a group of 25 HIV/Aids activists.

The coalition also called for the Public Health Ministry to urgently make its officials understand the draft bill for Medical Malpractice Victim Protection, while those medical workers who are against the draft bill should cease their involvement.

It said the government should take note that PM Abhisit Vejjajiva had promised a group of patients affected by medical errors that he would not drop the Medical Malpractice Victims Protection Bill from the ongoing legislative process, and he would set up a nationallevel committee to improve the draft law before submitting it to Parliament.

Public Health Ministry's spokesperson Dr Suphan Srithamma, who chaired the ministry's reconciliation subcommittee, said he had coordinated with stakeholders under the draft bill, and found there was positive resolution on the conflict among those who supported and those against the draft bill.

"So far no one had withdrawn from the ministry's committee to resolve disputes over the controversial bill," he said.

He added that the ministry is now waiting for the stakeholders - including a group of medical workers who oppose the bill and a civic group who support the bill - to send names of their representatives who will sit on the ministry's reconciliation subcommittee for public health services.

"We will call the first meeting of the subcommittee after we have received the names of stake holders, but we do not yet know when that will be," the Public Health Ministry's spokesperson said.

-- The Nation 2010-08-12

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HM The Queen: HM The King is working for people from hospital

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HRH Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn presides over foundation stone-laying ceremony at construction site of new Parliament in Bangkok's Kiak Kai /via @MCOTEnglishnews

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Thais celebrate HM the Queen's 78th birthday nationwide

BANGKOK: -- The Thai people on Thursday are celebrating Her Majesty Queen Sirikit's birthday, also Mother's Day, by making merit with morning alms and joining several activities held by the government sector.

Bangkok Governor Sukhumbhand Paribatra led government officials and people from all walks of life to give alms to 279 monks at Sanam Luang royal ceremonial ground to mark the 78th birthday of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit.

People wearing blue shirts, the Queen's colour, in honour of her birthday, are joining in a variety of activities.

HM the Queen on Wednesday addressed the nation on the eve of her birthday at Dusitdalai Pavilion in Chitralada Palace. She told an audience of 15,215 that His Majesty the King’s health has greatly improved and that she was very glad that several thousands of people went to Siriraj Hospital every day to sign well wishing books for the King.

The King still works as usual and has closely monitored people’s grievances across the country. Now worried about water shortage, he ordered royal artificial rain-making units to work to increase the water level in five major dams, Her Majesty said.

HM the King also allowed his artificial rain-making technique to be used in Australia’s Queensland’s state. His kindness is not limited to his subjects but also spread to the people of other countries, the Queen said.

Thailand is likely to have more-than-usual rainfalls from August to October, Her Majesty said, that means the country will have reserve water for next year but that the public should be aware of the possibility of flash floods forested areas and flooding problems elsewhere.

In her address, the Queen also praised Thitima Yurawan, nine-months pregnant, who helped police arrest a car thief by following the stolen vehicle and informing the police. Ms Thitima,33, is due to deliver her baby on the auspicious day today. The Queen gave her good wishes to her and her baby boy.

In response to the queen's address to the nation on Wednesday, Governor Sukhumbhand said on Thursday the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has already prepared for rainy season floods, especially during the rainy season when northern run-off will increase the water level in the Chao Phraya River in the capital, particularly in October.

The BMA worked with the meteorological department and dispatched anti-flood equipment to flood-prone areas.

In Bangkok, Ratchadamnoen Avenue in the historic part of the city has been decorated with lighting. An exhibition titled 'The Glorious Story of Rattanakosin' is being held at Lan Plabpla Maha Chedsada Bodin until August 25.

Floral exhibitions and three dimensional photo shoots are part of the festivities.

The State Railway of Thailand will screen a rare four dimensional movie on the royal duties at Hua Lamphong station tonight at 8.30pm and 9.30pm.

The public in other provinces are also celebrating HM the Queen's birthday. About 500 local residents in Yala gave food to 79 monks as part

of a merit-making activity on this auspicious occasion and expressed gratitude for the royal grace she has given to her subjects.

In the southern border province of Narathiwat, tree planting and an essay contest for students on the topic of Mother's Day and a poetry contest

about the Queen's duties are being conducted.

In Yasothon, locals gave sticky rice to monks during the morning alms in the northeastern style of making merit. (MCOT online news)

-- TNA 2010-08-12

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Red-shirt Supporter Nabbed for April Clash

Police have arrested another red-shirt suspect wanted for the violent clash near the National Memorial in Don Muang area in April.

Meanwhile, authorities are keeping a close watch on a few suspected groups after receiving information on the recent bombing incidents.

Chaiyaporn Khamthongthip was arrested on August 9, when Don Muang police contacted the Provincial Police Bureau 4 office to track him down in his home province of Khon Kaen.

Chaiyaporn is wanted for violating the Emergency Decree and illegal possession of war weapons during the clash between security forces and red-shirt protesters near the National Memorial on April 28.

Metropolitan Police Deputy Commissioner Police Major General Sumet Ruangsuwat said Chaiyaporn has admitted that he was present at the protest near the National Memorial.

As for the bulletproof vest in his possession, he claimed a protest leader gave it to him for protection.

Nonetheless, authorities will continue to investigate Chaiyaporn's role during the protest.

As for the hunt for Suwit, a prime suspect linked to the blast near the King Power complex in Soi Rangnam, police now have enough information to arrest the suspect but are unable to disclose the information at the moment.

Since police have summoned suspects linked to previous bombing incidents, 28 individuals have been questioned.

Police have been able to determine connection between recent bombing incidents by questioning the summoned individuals.

Certain individuals are now either suspects or under watch by the police.

-- Tan Network 2010-08-12

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Police beefs up metropolitan security

BANGKOK (NNT) -- The Metropolitan Police has stepped up its security measures during the long National Mother’s Day holidays although nothing suspicious has reportedly been found.

Metropolitan Police Chief, Police General Santhan Chayanont, has vowed to ensure safety of people and properties during the long holidays, August 12 to 15, 2010, during which people will be on their ways back to their hometown or going out enjoying themselves with family members.

Asked if there was anything in particular that police should keep under close surveillance, Police General Santhan responded that the Metropolitan Police would monitor high-risk areas closely thanks to intelligence report that there might be bomb blasts in the capital during the holidays. Residences of key government figures would be watched over too.

Deputy Metropolitan Police Chief, Police Major General Panu Kerdlarppol, has been tasked with overseeing traffic to make sure that the outbound traffic flows smoothly without any obstruction.

The Metropolitan Police Chief noted that the police would be alert and cautious in risk spots to prevent ill-intentioned people from planting bombs or inciting violence.

-- NNT 2010-08-12

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Steam locomotives on a special run on Mother´s Day, drawing tourists

BANGKOK (NNT) -- In honor of HM the Queen Sirikit’s royal birthday anniversary, the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) has once again brought back to life, for just a day, the steam locomotive that once served the Bangkok-Ayutthaya route.

According to the SRT governor Yuttana Tapcharoen, the steam-engine locomotive can only be seen in operation on special days, Mother’s Day is one which. The others are December 5, October 23, and March 26.The steam locomotive has attracted both foreign and local tourists who have come in droves to look at and take pictures of the outdated engine.

Meanwhile, the Hua Lampong main rail station has been overwhelmed with people traveling back to their home provinces to visit their mothers during the long four-day holidays.

-- NNT 2010-08-12

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Citizens flock to Grand Palace to extend good wishes on Queen’s birthday

BANGKOK (NNT) -- Numbers of people have been flocking to the Grand Palace since early this morning to sign well-wisher books, expressing their felicitations on the occasion of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit’s birthday on 12 August.

Scores of people mostly clad in blue have arrived at the Grand Palace in the capital of Bangkok since 7.00 hrs this morning, queuing up to sign the well-wisher books for Her Majesty the Queen on her 78th birthday anniversary. Students, teachers, and official delegates from various agencies were among the early arrivals.

The Bureau of the Royal Household has arranged the well-wisher books for people to sign at the Grand Palace from 9.00-17.00 hrs today.

-- NNT 2010-08-12

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Thai corruption - It may be true that we cannot teach an old dog new tricks

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Dengue fever outbreak situation still critical

BANGKOK (NNT) -- The situation of dengue fever outbreak is still a worry as the number of infected patients continues to soar.

Minister of Public Health Jurin Laksanawisit said the overall situation of the dengue fever spread was still considered critical. This year, the number of infections is 83% higher than last year and seems to be rising. The numbers during past few months were also higher than the same period of last year by 40%.

The cumulative infection toll since January stands at 48,514. Out of this number, 53 died. Last week alone, 3,135 more people were infected with 10 dead. The top 10 provinces with the highest infection rate are Chanthaburi, Tak, Songkhla, Narathiwat, Satun, Pattani, Krabi, Trat, Phatthalung, and Rayong.

-- NNT 2010-08-12

[george]

Flash floods hit 3 Uttaradit districts, damaging 150 houses; residents move belongings to higher ground fearing recurrence of heavy floods/ @MCOT

[george]

Heavy rains bring flash floods to Uttaradit

UTTARADIT, Aug 12 - Flash floods on Thursday inundated three sub-districts in this northern province, leaving 150 households damaged, and villagers hurriedly moving their belongings to higher ground for fear of a repeat of the 2006 floods.

Torrential rains over the past two days and heavy downpours on Thursday caused runoffs from nearby mountains inundating more than 150 home in three sub-districts of Lablae district-- Failuang, Srinoppamas and Mae Pool.

The one-metre deep flood makes local roads unpassable, while the strong currents caused severe damage to property.

Military units have been deployed to provide assistance for flood-hit villagers with soldiers helping remove flood debris to allow subsiding floodwaters flow into the Nan River.

Local disaster response chief Surachai Touchakawin said the three sub-districts have been declared disaster zones to seek urgent help for the flood victims.

Some 100 mm of rainfall recorded in Mae Pool sub-district with 80 per cent of the downpour concentrated in the area.

Village heads have been advised to alert local residents, in particular those living near canals and waterways, to brace for flash floods and possible mudslides through August 15. Rescue volunteers in the villages have been assigned to keep a close watch around the clock to prevent natural disasters as severe as the 2006 floods.

-- TNA 2010-08-12

[Maestro]

to be continued

Thailand Live Friday 13 August 2010

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