Thailand Live Thursday 19 Aug 2010

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Thailand Live Thursday 19 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 Wednesday 18 August 2010

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Suthep: Emergency Decree to be lifted last in BKK

BANGKOK (NNT) -- The Emergency Decree will be revoked last in the capital city of Bangkok due to security concerns, according to Deputy Prime Minister for Security Affairs Suthep Thaugsuban.

Mr Suthep, in his capacity as Director of the Government's Center for the Resolution of the Emergency Situation (CRES), revealed that the authorities would consistently evaluate the overall situation and would recommend the lifting of the security law in the remaining provinces once normalcy was guaranteed in those areas. He insisted that Bangkok would be the last province liberated from the decree due to lingering uncertainties.

The special law is still enforced in 7 provinces, consisting of Bangkok, Nonthaburi, Pathum Thani, Udon Thani, Nakhon Ratchasima, Khon Kaen and Samut Prakan.

-- NNT 2010-08-19

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DSI spares Thaksin, Potjaman in share concealment case

BANGKOK (NNT) -- The Department of Special Investigation (DSI) has decided not to lodge charges against former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra and his ex-wife, Khunying Potjaman Na Pombejra, in the share concealment case.

The DSI investigators viewed that Mr Thaksin and Khunying Potjaman were not required to file their shareholding reports after all shares had been transferred to their nominees following the Supreme Court's verdict. The authorities also indicated that there were no changes in their share possession and thus decided not to take action against the two.

The complaint was filed by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) with the DSI against the former premier and his ex-wife for violating the securities law by falsely disclosing their holdings in Shin Corp through proxies, including their family members, Ample Rich Co and Win Mark Co.

The SEC’s move followed an order of the Supreme Court's Criminal Division for Holders of Political Positions in February this year for the confiscation of the Shinawatra family’s assets, citing that the two had concealed their assets through nominees.

-- NNT 2010-08-19

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DDPM: Flood situation in 9 provinces returns to normal

BANGKOK (NNT) -- The flood situation in 9 provinces has returned to normalcy, according to the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM).

DDPM Director-General Anucha Mokkhavesa stated that continuous rainfalls during 1-17 August had left 248 villages in 24 districts of 9 provinces throughout the Kingdom inundated. The 9 flood-stricken provinces include Chiang Rai, Chiang Mai, Lampang, Phrae, Uttaradit, Nan, Rayong, Trat and Lamphun. Over 44,000 local residents and 9,000 households have been affected.

However, in the latest development, the flood situation in those provinces has significantly improved. The DDPM, in collaboration with concerned agencies, has dispatched teams of officials into the areas to assess the damages and speedily give aid to people in need.

Those troubled by the flood can contact the DDPM Hotline 1784 for further assistance around the clock.

-- NNT 2010-08-19

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Countrywide discounts on consumer goods set on 20-22 Aug

BANGKOK (NNT) -- The Ministry of Commerce has asked for cooperation from entrepreneurs nationwide to discount their products during 20-22 August 2010 to help consumers burdened by expensive goods.

Permanent Secretary for Commerce Yanyong Puangrach stated that the ministry would join hands with retail and wholesale shops as well as department stores to offer special discounts and promotions on consumer goods from 20 to 22 August. The event is to celebrate the Commerce Day and the 90th anniversary of the Commerce Ministry’s establishment while helping the public save on living expenses and boosting public spending at the same time.

Around 7,765 shops across the country will participate in the 3-day campaign. Over 4,000 types of products, including rice, vegetable oil, seasoning, fresh food, electrical appliances, household utilities and clothing, will be put on discounts of 10-50%.

The opening ceremony of the Commerce Day event will be chaired by Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva on 20 August while Commerce Minister Pornthiva Nakasai will also present strategic plans for driving the Thai trade forward in 2011.

-- NNT 2010-08-19

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Surin: Abhisit to meet Hun Sen in Brussels

By The Nation

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva and Prime Minister Hun Sen are expected to meet one-on-one when they attend the upcoming Asia Europe Meeting early October in Brussels.

Asean Secretary General Dr. Surin Pitsuwan, who was on transit to Jakarta yesterday, expressed the hope that the two leaders would take the opportunity in Belgium's capital to discuss bilateral issues of mutual concerns. The two will join other Asean leaders to meet their European counterparts in Brussels, where the EU headquarters is situated.

Surin's revelation came after his trip to Phnom Penh early this week leading a Thai-Muslim delegation to visit Cambodian-Muslim community at the invitation of Hun Sen. He also presided over a table-top exercise on pandemic management among Asean members.

Earlier, Cambodian Foreign Minister Hor Nam Hong wrote a letter to Vietnam, the Asean Chair, with copies to all Asean foreign minister asking the grouping to mediate the dispute over the Praviharn/Preach Vihear Temple. Surin has urged both sides to settle the issue peacefully.

-- The Nation 2010-08-19

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Kindergarten closed over flu, one man dies from H1N1

By The Nation

KALASIN

A kindergarten was closed as a precaution for five days after many students got flu, while the province public health office reported one latest death from H1N1 influenza as a Don Jan district resident who reportedly got the virus from Chaiyaphum.

Out of seven people confirmed to have H1N1 influenza, one fatally ill man in his 40s was pronounced dead at Kalasin Hospital, said public health official Dr Pisit Euwongkul. All hospitals there thus were prompted to watch out for the virus and timely medicate suspected patients. Anuban Kalasin School, where many students had flu-like symptoms, announced its temporary closure for five days starting yesterday. The school will spray disinfectant before its reopening on August 23.

-- The Nation 2010-08-19

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OAG wants three excluded from corruption case

By The Nation

Former interior minister Bhokin Bhalakula, former deputy commerce minister Wattana Muangsuk and former Bangkok governor Apirak Kosayodhin should not be prosecuted in the Bt6.8 billion fire-engine corruption, as the evidences didn’t link them, Office of Attorney General (OAG) deputy chief Waiyawuth Lohtrakul said yesterday.

Whilst National Anti Corruption Commission representatives in the joint committee on the case saw that all suspects should be prosecuted, OAG officials thought the three should be left out.

Waiyawuth said Bhokin was unlikely to involve because an English-language document seemed to be placed later in the MoU for engine procurement that he had already signed. Apirak was forced by the contract to open the L/C account to let the procurement proceed on or he could face a lawsuit by engine supplier for neglecting his duty. Wattana at the time of issue emerging wasn’t in the position to involve in this case, he said.

Since NACC insisted to prosecute them all, Waiyawuth said NACC would have to get lawyer to file a lawsuit and wait for the court to rule on the case. He insisted that OAG didn’t deliberately left the case pending for two years, but worked on it since they received the case report.

-- The Nation 2010-08-19

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Fossils thought to be newly discovered dinosaur

By The Nation

KALASIN

Fossils of new specie of plant-eating dinosaur, aged 150 million years, were found in Phu Noi area of Kalasin’s Kham Moung district for the first time in the world, Mineral Resources Department director-general said yesterday.

At the Science Week launch at Phu Khum Khao’s Sirindhorn Museum yesterday, Porntip Pancharoen said that over 400 fossil pieces from three early Jurassic dinosaurs were retrieved in the past seven months from the Phu Noi excavation site. Unable to compare the 50cm-long jawbone and 3-4 teeth to any known species, Thai researchers confided that this was new specie and planned to promote and build a building over the site to prevent people from stealing fossils, she said. They also excavated from the same rock layer some 30 crocodile and tortoise fossil pieces, which were under testing if they were also of new specie.

-- The Nation 2010-08-19

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Insurance urged for workers

By The Nation

Employers of immigrant workers are being encouraged to buy a treatment insurance package for foreign employees to ensure their health welfare and more reliable prevention of communicable diseases.

With an annual treatment insurance package priced at Bt1,300 per worker, they will be given full medical services during illnesses and regular medical check-ups, deputy Public Health Ministry permanent secretary Dr Siriwat Thiptharadol said at a Bangkok seminar yesterday.

From January this year, 1,310,690 immigrant workers have registered with Thai authorities. The work permits of most had not been renewed after expiry of the February 28 countrywide deadline.

The tendency for diseases to spread from them to Thai people is unusually high, Siriwat said,"because of their lack of money to seek treatment for illnesses, in addition to poor hygiene in their living places, or their reluctance - in the case of those without work permits - to meet doctors for fear of repatriation".

A pre-employment check-up is being considered as a requirement for Thai-employed immigrant workers. The Bt600 package consists of examination for tuberculosis, use of illegal drugs, pregnancy, syphilis and elephantiasis. Any worker found with these illnesses must be treated or they cannot be employed.

A Bt1,300-treatment package will entitle ill workers to medical care of the same standards that Thais would receive, Siriwat said. It will be available until February 28 next year - a one-year period starting from last year's countrywide deadline.

Citing the examination of 220,444 workers from Burma, Laos and Cambodia from January to June - 2,295 of them had diseases requiring follow-up treatment, such as malaria, tuberculosis, intestinal worms and elephantiasis, while another 81 had diseases prohibiting them from employment.

Examination of 77,245 workers from Burma, Laos and Cambodia two years ago showed that 576 had diseases requiring follow-up treatment and another 162 had diseases forbidden at the work place.

To tackle the language barrier between hospital staff and immigrant workers in the provinces, 75 immigrant workers have been trained as public health volunteers to help during treatment. A new project being considered is to train more volunteers to work as teacher assistants in schools where the children of the workers study, Siriwat said.

-- The Nation 2010-08-19

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Awards honour outstanding corporations, citizens nationwide

By The Nation

The fourth annual "Than Kun Phaen Din" (Returning the Favour to the Land) event, held by Nation Multimedia Group and organised by Thailanguage newspaper Kom Chad Luek, kicked off yesterday.

Six new awards recognising outstanding corporations will be presented this year, in addition to new awards for six young people as "role models", said NMG CEO Thanachai Theerapattanavong.

The event is aimed at recognising and honouring model citizens in all walks of life based on their contribution to society. It will select 76 "good people" in various professions and social roles, each from one of Thailand's 76 provinces.

Presented yesterday at a Bangkok press conference, the honorary judges from outside NMA this year are former minister Mechai Viravaidhaya; former public health permanent secretary Mongkol na Songkhla; former Culture Ministry permanent secretary, Weera Rojjanphojarat.

Also present: former social development and human security ministry permanent secretary Phanita Kamphu na Ayutthaya; National Health Commission Office of Thailand secretarygeneral Amphol Jinda; Giffarine Skyline Unity Nalinee Phaibool; Slave of the Land chairman Thanin Phanpraphakij; and Boutique New City chairperson Sirina Cho

-- The Nation 2010-08-19

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UPDATE

Police campaign to warn public on VCD selling

By The Nation

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PREAH VIHARN DISPUTE

Thailand declines Asean help in border dispute

By The Nation

Thailand insisted yesterday it could solve the conflict with Cambodia over the Preah Vihear Temple bilaterally without the involvement of any third party.

The Foreign Ministry would send a letter to the Asean chair, Vietnam, soon to explain that bilateral mechanisms it has with Cambodia are sufficient to settle the border dispute peacefully, said deputy spokesman Thani Thongpakdi.

The letter to the Asean chair would be in the line with Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva's notes to the United Nations recently which insisted the two countries would not use force to solve the border conflict, he said.

Vietnam, as the current chair of the regional grouping, said on Tuesday Asean members are holding talks on a request from Cambodia to help resolve a potentially deadly border dispute with Thailand.

"As Asean chair, Vietnam is actively consulting with other Asean countries about the proposal that the association mediate in the Preah Vihear dispute," Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokeswoman Nguyen Phuong Nga said.

Cambodia's foreign minister Hor Namhong on Saturday appealed to the 10member Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) for help, "in order to avoid any large scale armed conflict".

He said a stalemate with Thailand had extinguished any hope of further bilateral negotiations.

The neighbouring nations have been locked in a troop standoff on their border since July 2008, when the ancient Preah Vihear temple was granted UNESCO World Heritage status.

Asean secretarygeneral Surin Pitsuwan said on Monday he would await a decision by the bloc's foreign ministers before responding to Cambodia's request for regional help.

The World Court ruled in 1962 the temple belonged to Cambodia, although its main entrance lies in Thailand.

The exact boundary through the surrounding grounds remains in dispute, and occasional gunfights between troops of the two nations have claimed lives.

Nga called for peaceful settlement of the dispute, and urged Cambodia and Thailand to refrain "from armed conflict and from acts that could affect Asean solidarity."

The ThaiCambodia border has never been fully demarcated, partly because it is littered with landmines left over from decades of war in Cambodia.

-- The Nation 2010-08-19

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Callcentre suspects face maximum penalties

By The Nation

All 35 suspects allegedly part of foreign "call centre" rackets have been indicted of criminal conspiracy, a charge that carries a heavier penalty than public fraud - the charge that should actually have been pressed against them, a senior official from the Department of Special Investigation said yesterday.

The public fraud charge requires personal accounts from all victims, but since most of the victims are also foreigners, the DSI could not contact or interview them in time to press the public fraud charge against the suspects, Songsak Raksaksakul said.

Criminal conspiracy carries a maximum penalty of seven years in jail and/or a Bt17,000 fine, while the public fraud charge subjects violators to a maximum fiveyear prison term and/or a Bt10,000 fine.

Songsak said the 35 suspects, mostly Taiwanese, Chinese and African nationals, were indicted by the public prosecutors and that it would take up to two years before they are convicted.

"The swift action of the police and the lengthy court process could somewhat slowdown these people's operations in Thailand," he said.

DSI and the police are also monitoring former Thai officials who provide logistical support for these groups, he added

-- The Nation 2010-08-19

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SPORT MARKETING

King Power to set up Leicester FC academy in Thailand

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2011 BUDGET BILL

Budget Bill set to be passed despite strong opposition attack

By THE NATION

The Budget Bill will be passed on schedule tomorrow, House Speaker Chai Chidchob affirmed yesterday, despite the opposition's extreme criticism of the concentration of budgets at certain government agencies and a special allotment by House Budget Committee members.

Chai said today's debate could if necessary continue till dawn, ahead of the vote.

On yesterday's first day of the debate, Pheu Thai Party MPs criticised the lack of data on the budget, particularly details of late decreases and increases worth Bt33.4 billion combined.

Maha Sarakham MP Prayuth Siripanich charged that some committee members had managed to win 10-20 per cent of the budgets they helped allocate to the constituencies of certain coalition parties' MPs.

Chavalit Vichaisut also criticised the fact that that the budget was particularly concentrated in some provinces.

The opposition's points of concern extended to agricultural price guarantees, which despite the huge sum involved were said to benefit landowners and not farmers, as well as the government's policies to address corruption and public debt.

Criticism was also levelled at the allocation of Bt170 billion, or 8 per cent of the overall budget, to the Interior Ministry - an agency heavily criticised over many past equipment purchases - against just Bt70 million for the Agriculture Ministry.

It took over 10 hours to finish the first of the 35 clauses in the bill.

The House committee earlier cut the spending budget by Bt33.4 billion, but later increased it by the same amount. The final expenditure total was therefore unchanged at Bt2.07 trillion, maintaining the deficit of Bt420 billion for the |2011 fiscal year starting in October.

Deputy Prime Minister Trairong Suwankhiri, as chairman of the House Budget Committee, flatly denied the opposition's allegation that government MPs who are members of the committee had allocated Bt25 million-Bt40 million to finance investment projects in certain MPs' constituencies.

He said such a practice would violate the Constitution, as MPs were not bound to budget allocation. He accepted there was some dissatisfaction over the allocation, but said he had tried his best to distribute the budget in addressing public needs.

"This [allocation to benefit certain constituencies] is untrue. I insist there was no such budget allocation. If anyone has any evidence of this, they should bring it forward to the court," he said.

Trairong explained the budget had initially been cut by Bt33.4 billion because some projects could be financed by other sources and some of the material costs were now lower.

However, it was then increased to bring it in line with the government's policies as well as direct requests from some parliamentary, judicial and constitutional units, he added.

Government units, state enterprises and funds as a result gain Bt22.68 billion to finance agricultural price guarantees, transport, irrigation, tourism and educational projects, while local administrative bodies gain Bt8.9 billion, he said.

Bt1.22 billion now goes to certain provinces for integrated operations, while parliamentary units gain Bt604 million for efficiency management.

Pheu Thai MP Surapong Tovichakchaikul attacked the government for its excessive borrowing and several costly public policies at a time when tax revenue was as low as 16-18 per cent of gross domestic product.

However, Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva rebutted that the government needed to borrow to finance infrastructure projects like irrigation, trains, schools and hospitals to boost the entire economy.

"[in the past year], the borrowing yielded fruit and the borrowing target was cut by half ... On your comment that we're inefficient and overdoing [borrowing], former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra also borrowed Bt700 billion and did the same thing.

"It's not right to say the government is introducing a welfare state. I'd rather put it as the government's plan to provide welfare to the public. On public debt, we're certain it will not hit 60 per cent of GDP and that within five years Thailand will certainly resume a balanced budget," the PM told the House.

-- The Nation 2010-08-19

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NAN CHOPPER CRASH

Widespread shock over crash

Bodies of officials killed in helicopter tragedy in Nan brought to capital

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TREASURY VIEW

For the baht, the only way is up

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THAI TALK

Most people prefer 'none of the above'

By Suthichai Yoon

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Saksit colleagues mourn 'a very good man'

By Janjira Pongrai

The Nation

Natural Resources and Environment Ministry permanent secretary Saksit Tridech died on duty when his helicopter crashed on Tuesday on its way to a royally-initiated project. He was 60.

His death brought widespread sadness, including from civil servants close to him.

"He was a very good man," Saksit's driver Sarawut Prayeekoon said tearfully, "He had never scolded his subordinates and he always worked hard."

Born on October 13, 1950, Saksit was a good student in his youth winning several scholarships. At Mahidol University, his grade point average was highest in his class when pursuing a Bachelor of Science (sanitation). Later, he received a government scholarship to further his education to doctorate level at Tulane University, in the United States.

Upon his return to Thailand, he joined the civil service on April 1, 1980 as a C4-level environment academic.

"I am proud and honoured to join the civil service. My ancestors worked as civil servants, too," Saksit once said.

He said working for the benefit of people through his abilities and his moral sense had given him incomparable pride. "I am proud to be His Majesty the King's civil servant," Saksit said.

Due to his hard work, he steadily climbed the career ladder.

In 1990, he was appointed a division director of the Office of the National Environment Board.

In 1992, he was promoted to deputy secretary general of the Office of the Natural Resources and Environmental Policy and Planning (Onep). Four years later, he rose to the helm of Onep.

Saksit served as Pollution Control Department director general, deputy permanent secretary for Science, and permanent secretary for Science, before taking up the post of permanent secretary for Natural Resources and Environment in 2007.

He was scheduled to reach retirement next year.

Saksit was married to Piyada Tridech, a lecturer at Mahidol University. The couple had two children.

Kowit Panyatrong's life has been closely associated with forests, and his last mission was no exception.

As an inspector general at the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation Department (DNP), he was in a helicopter on Tuesday heading for the royal-initiated Pid Thong Lang Phra project when it crashed in bad weather.

Kowit was 60. Born on November 3, 1950, he received his bachelor’s degree in forestry from Kasetsart University and a master's degree in the same field from Michigan State University in the United States. He joined the civil service in 1973.

In 2001, he was assigned to lead a royal-initiated forest development project in Chiang Mai's Mae Chaem district. Two years later, he was made director of all royal-initiated and security projects at the DNP Planning and Information Office. In 2007, he became an inspector-general for the DNP.

Over the past several years, Kowit has worked closely with the Palace and, on many occasions, accompanied members of the Royal Family to trips to remote forested areas.

Sahat Boonyawiwat was adviser to the Bureau of the Royal Household (BRH).

He was born on September 24, 1950. He is survived by his wife Samlee and two children.

Sahat did his Bachelor of Science from Kasetsart University's Faculty of Forestry.

He was appointed as director of the Royal Palace Grounds Division on February 1, 1989 and as assistant to the secretary-general of the BRH on February 16, 1996 before taking up the position of adviser on June 16, 2008. He took care of many of HM the King's royal projects.

In 2005, Sahat was honoured with a royal decoration.

Apart from his duties at the BRH, Sahat was also a member of the Botanical Garden Organisation Committee in 2003 and 2004, and appointed a member of the executive committee of Forest Industry Organisation in 2007.

The pilot, Major Jenwit Arunsawat, was born on July 25, 1965 in Nakhon Si Thammarat. He had a bachelor’s degree from Chiang Mai University in 1988.

After graduation, he worked at the 21st Military Circle, Suranaree Camp, in Nakhon Ratchasima from 1988 to 2008.

Then Jenwit moved to work as a pilot at the Natural Resources and Environment Ministry.

He flew a mission to search for two monks who were lost in the forest of the Khao Yai National Park on March 8 last year, which was reported by the media.

Sergeant Withoon Thienngern, who was the machinist in the craft, was born on August 13, 1965. He graduated from Kong Thabbok Upatham Changkol Kho So Tho Bo School (Army Transportation Engineering School) on November 4, 1986. He was hired as a helicopter machinist for the Office of the Permanent Secretary of Agriculture and Cooperatives Ministry on February 10, 2000 before moving to work with the Natural Resources and Environment Ministry.

-- The Nation 2010-08-19

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Expat Editor-In-Chief Of Asia Times- Allen Quicke 57- Died

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Former PM Banharn opens home in Charansanitwong for well wishers on 78th birthday /via @MCOTEnglishnews

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Thai economy likely to grow rather significantly this year

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Thai students net 1 gold medal, 2 silver, 1 bronze at 22nd International Olympiad in Informatics in Canada; returning to Thailand Sunday /via @MCOTEnglishnews

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Northern, eastern, southwestern regions warned of possible flashflood

BANGKOK (NNT) -- The Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation warns people living in the northern, upper north-eastern, eastern, and southern region of possible flashflood during 18-21 August.

The Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation has alerted people in the risk-prone areas especially in those living on the hill and along the riverside in the North, upper North-East, the East, and the West side of the Southern region to be prepared for possible flashflood the in next few days.

The southwestern monsoon blanketing the country at the moment is expected to cause heavy showers in wide areas. People are advised to regularly check the weather reports and monitor signs of the weather change. The department has prepared to give immediate assistance in risky provinces in case of emergency.

People can call the safety hotline at 1784 around the clock for help in case of flashflood.

-- NNT 2010-08-19

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Cambodia: No More Bilateral Talks with Thailand

Cambodia is reported to be upset with Thailand at how the Thai Parliament refused to discuss the Preah Vihear border conflict. The country also said it will no longer engage in bilateral talks with Thailand.

Deputy PM Suthep Thaugsuban has reiterated it is not Cambodia's business whether the Thai Parliament discusses the Preah Vihear border conflict. He noted Thailand will not engage in multilateral talks on the issue.

-- Tan Network 2010-08-19

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Usage of Environment Ministry's Helicopters Halted

Natural Resources and Environment Minister Suwit Khunkitti has halted the usage of the ministry's helicopters following a crash of a chopper carrying the ministry's permanent secretary. The accident resulted in the deaths of all 5 people onboard.

Suwit has ordered a probe into the accident.

-- Tan Network 2010-08-19

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Thai stocks open up 6.13 pt, 0.70 pct

Thai composite stocks index (SET) opened on Thursday at 886.15, up 6.13 points, or 0.70 per cent.

Blue chip SET-50 index was at 605.13, up 4.42 points, or 0.74 per cent.

Top five active (value) stocks: CPF, TMB, PTT, BTS, N-PARK.

-- The Nation 2010-08-19

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Bt 50m Worth of Illegal Rosewood Logs Seized in Trang Province

Customs officers have seized 500 rosewood logs hidden in cargo containers in the Kantang district of Trang province. The wood could be worth 50 million baht in the overseas market.

The Regional Customs Bureau 4 inspected two shipping containers at the dock area belonging to Yusop International Kantang Port in Trang province, and seized 500 illegal rosewood logs which were hidden among rubber logs.

The confiscated wood is believed to be worth 5 million baht in the local market, while its value could be as high as 50 million baht outside the country.

The customs office previously seized 350 illegal rosewood logs worth 4 million baht in the district.

-- Tan Network 2010-08-19

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Vocational School Student Gunned Down, One Year-Old Injured in Nonthaburi

Last night, a vocational school student was gunned down in an attack. A one year-old boy was also severely injured by a stray bullet.

Last night at Bang Bua Thong district in Nonthaburi province, two male students from Dusit Technical College were attacked when they were returning from a funeral, by three men riding on motorcycles.

Natdanai Prasobsak, a construction student, died of gunshots to the thigh and stomach.

Another student survived the attack, but has sustained a gunshot wound on the thigh.

Also, a one year-old boy was severely injured in the attack and had to undergo a surgery. He is now in stable condition.

Investigators believes the attack was motivated by a school rivalry.

-- Tan Network 2010-08-19