Thailand Live Sunday 22 Aug 2010

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Thailand Live Sunday 22 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 Saturday 21 August 2010

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Public urged to uphold HM's remarks in their local tasks

BANGKOK (NNT) -- Secretary-General of the Chaipattana Foundation, Sumet Tantivejkul urges the public to uphold His Majesty the King’s remark that knowing the community is essential for development.

Following his lecture given to the organizers of the “Do Good without Ostentation Exhibition” at Thaksin University, Pattalung campus, upon his private audience with HM the King last week, Dr Sumet was told to focus on local participation by knowing the community's nature as well as its unique rituals and cultures as it was essential in accomplishing projects.

Dr Sumet further reiterated HM the King’s remark on the importance of human resources as people these days tended to become technological dependence and neglecting the importance of human efficiency. Knowing the community is the key to make the best use out of the resources.

-- NNT 2010-08-22

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Thai economy likely to continue growing, says Bangkok Bank

BANGKOK: -- The Thai economy is projected to continue growing in the rest of the year in tandem with regional economic expansion, according to a top banker.

Bangkok Bank (BBL) president Chartsiri Sophonpanich said the baht would strengthen further in response to the economic growth and in the same direction with regional currencies.

However, state agencies concerned had attempted to oversee the baht to ensure it moves in consistence with other currencies in Asia.

How much the baht will strengthen depends on market conditions, he said, adding that the bank advised its customers to hedge against the currency exchange rate risk to ease impacts of the stronger baht.

Mr Chartsiri said the bank projected its loans would grow 4-6 per cent for the whole year with a focus on extending corporate, business, retail trade, and personal loans.

Sathit Uthaisiri, advisor to the BBL executive chairman, predicted the Thai economy would expand 7 per cent this year with the first and second quarters seeing the economy grow 12 per cent and 10 per cent in a row.

He said the export sector would remain a key driver for the economic growth as it is expected to expand 18-20 per cent for the whole of this year.

Thailand’s exports surged 37 per cent in the first half of this year with Asia becoming the key export destination in place of the United States and Europe, which are experiencing economic uncertainties.

However, what should be monitored closely now is the stronger baht, accelerating inflation rates, and upward interest trend following the decision by the Bank of Thailand’s Monetary Policy Committee to raise the policy interest rate by 25 basis points to 1.5 per cent at current. (MCOT online news)

-- TNA 2010-8-22

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3-year working guidelines adopted for better health of citizens

BANGKOK (NNT) -- A general meeting of the Thai Health Promotion Foundation on Friday has adopted a three-year working guidelines in a bid to promote good health of the Thai people.

The meeting was presided over by Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva and had resolved to endorse the new three-year working agenda, which will last from 2011-2013. The agenda aims at enhancing citizens’ health following the scope of influential mental health and food promotion in children, youth and the family as well as reducing health inequality and outline learning process for future health projects.

In addition, there will be an integration of power to cover all dimensions of health promotion, while relevant offices will join forces to make Thailand a livable country. Skills and abilities of the Thai workforces will be enhanced as well as enabling access to health innovations by the private sector.

Such guidelines will be implemented based on four strategies , to encourage people’s participation, to provide support to other health networks and alliances, to heighten work efficiency as well as to initiate a database for effective information management and communicating purposes.

-- NNT 2010-08-22

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BoT warned not to intervene in baht currency

BANGKOK (NNT) -- An academician warns the Bank of Thailand (BoT) not to further intervene in the baht value, citing a speculation threat in a long run.

Mr Teerana Bhongmakapat, lecturer at the Faculty of Economics of Chulalongkorn University, explained that the appreciation of the Thai baht was caused by the weakening of the US dollar, the Japanese yen, and the euro. He said the BoT had been holding a significant amount of foreign assets as international reserve in an effort to control the currency movement. He then suggested the central bank to consider stopping its interference before it posed an adverse impact on the system.

Mr Teerana said foreign investors would use this opportunity to buy up assets and speculate on the low interest and the exchange rate. They would then sell off these assets when the BoT stops holding the currency and would thus enjoy the gains generated from the rate difference. A number of investors have already invested their capital to stock up on treasury bonds and securities over the past few weeks.

The currency intervention can also suppress the domestic interest rate, especially the deposit interest, leading to many disadvantages in a long run.

-- NNT 2010-08-22

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FM confirms Thai-Cambodian dispute to be solved through bilateral means

BANGKOK (NNT) -- The Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs has submitted letters to ASEAN, expressing its standpoint to solve the Thai-Cambodian border dispute through bilateral negotiations.

According to Director-General of the Department of Information and Spokesperson of the Foreign Ministry Wimon Kidchob, Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya has sent clarification letters to his ASEAN counterparts to express Thailand’s appreciation for their concern and understanding of the border controversy.

Ms Wimon elaborated that the Minister confirmed Thailand’s determination to resolve the dispute with Cambodia via bilateral negotiations. Any Thai-Cambodian bilateral agreements and operations were also guaranteed to remain intact during the process.

The letters further stated that the Thai Cabinet had presented the minutes of the Thai-Cambodian Joint Border Committee meeting to Parliament for consideration in compliance with the Thai Constitution. Moreover, the Foreign Minister expressed belief that Thailand and Cambodia would be able to iron out their conflict peacefully on the basis of their solid relationship and status as ASEAN members.

-- NNT 2010-08-22

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Tourism Bank to be set up for hotel entrepreneurs

BANGKOK (NNT) -- Thai Hotels Association (THA) has planned to launch Tourism Bank for hotel entrepreneurs.

THA Director Sakarin Chorsawai reported that domestic situation was the main factor that affected tourism confidence, not the economic problems. He suggested hotel entrepreneurs to adjust their businesses to customers’ demand for health and environmental service.

THA has stepped up a plan to launch the Tourism Bank in assisting tourism entrepreneurs who face illiquidity. Up to 1-2% of tax revenue generated in the tourism sector will be collected by the Government for the establishment of the bank.

Each year, over 100 million domestic and foreign tourists travel to Thailand. The sector is speculated to generate over 957 billion THB in 2010.

-- NNT 2010-08-22

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Police 'raid bomb-makers' in Pattani

A police and Army security team raided a bomb-making facility Saturday that reportedly provides explosive devices to insurgents in Pattani's Sai Buri district and seized enough electronic components to make 11 bombs.

After a police investigation found two suspected bomb-makers - Mahamasori Samae, 27, and Afundi Kapa, 26 - were operating in forest land near Ban Sae Moh in tambon Tabing, a team went to surround and search the place but the two suspects opened fire at troops.

After a brief gunfight, the duo fled into deeper forest while Thai officials called for more officers to search for the men. Authorities seized the parts, which could have made 11 bombs. Pattani police chief Maj-General Pichet Pitisetpan said the raid was a success, as the bombs could have caused great loss of life.

-- The Nation 2010-08-22

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Informatics medals for Thai students

By The Nation on Sunday

Gold, two silver and a bronze for Thai students, due to fly back home tonight

Thai Mathayom-6 students won a gold medal, plus two silvers and a bronze medal at the 12th International Olympiad in Informatics (IOI) 2010, which finished in Ontario, Canada, yesterday.

The gold earned one Thai student the 22nd ranking in the world.

Pornpan Vitayangkorn, director of the Institute for the Promotion of Teaching Science and Technology (IPST), said the international competition was attended by some 292 students from 83 countries.

Bangkok Christian College's Pasin Manurangsi won the gold medal with the 22nd ranking in the world, while Triam Udom Suksa School's Weerakan Sinthaveelertmongkol and Suthee Reungwiset each won a silver medal and Suankularb Wittayalai School's Saran Paisalsrisomsuk won a bronze medal, Pornpan said.

Thailand is due to host the IOI 2011 in Pattaya next year from July 22-29.

Gold medallist Pasin said schools should support students in every way to have hands-on learning with computers because they now play an important role in people's lives as a source of knowledge and entertainment.

Pasin suggested students try to balance their time between studying, playing, doing school activities and resting, so they don't become stressed and have better focus. The youngster, who is interested in further IT study, said representing your country was a great opportunity and one should help tutor or pass on knowledge to fellow students, as it was important for Thai society.

Silver medallist Weerakan said he loved studying his school's computer program writing course as it helped him expand into many ways of thinking. He said all schools should have computer courses and teaching materials for students' learning. He thanked his parents for raising him to love reading and supporting him to search for knowledge on his own.

Fellow silver medallist Suthee also felt schools should have computer courses, because the knowledge would be very useful in future, especially for the working world.

Bronze medallist Saran said it was fortunate that, besides being able to do academic activities at his school, senior students helped tutored the younger students. He also did this three times a week for younger students. Saran wants to study further in IT to help develop Thailand, as he loves the field.

The team, led by Kasetsart University Computer Engineering lecturer Punpiti Piamsa-nga, is due to return to Thailand tonight at 9.25pm via flight TG677. The IPST will host a reception to welcome them at Suvarnabhumi Airport.

-- The Nation 2010-08-22

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No govt input in Bout verdict: Abhisit

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Three Villagers may be held by Cambodia

By The Nation on Sunday

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva declined to comment yesterday on reports that some Thais were arrested by Cambodian soldiers for encroaching on disputed land near Preah Vihear Temple. He said the reports had not been confirmed.

Foreign Ministry secretary Chavanond Intarakomalyasut said three villagers could have been arrested after seeking wild products in the woods and straying into the disputed area. The ministry has asked the Thai embassy in Phnom Penh for information.

Chavanond stressed that the Thais were not arrested as hostages and had nothing to do with Thai-Cambodian border dispute.

"The villagers' daily life is to get into the woods to find wild products. They usually carry weapons, as it is dangerous on the border, including from wild animals and guerrillas. However, the Foreign Ministry assures that it will make progress in helping Thais get back home and that the problem will not get worse," he said.

Reacting to reports that Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen was ready to join bilateral talks with his Thai counterpart over the Thai-Cambodia border dispute at the Asia-Europe Meeting next month, Chavanond said Thailand was ready to talk with Cambodia as long as it respected Thailand's procedures. Through bilateral talks, Thailand was ready to join hands with Cambodia to find a solution on a fair basis.

He said no soldiers guarded the border unless it was in sensitive disputed areas, where villagers might unknowingly wander. And Cambodian soldiers might not negotiate with them if they were not authorised to do so.

Second Army Region Commander Lt-General Veevalit Chornsamrit said the situation on Thai-Cambodia border was still normal and there were no signs suggesting possible violence.

The number of soldiers guarding the area was still at the normal level, he said.

Each country's military could still talk to each other while trying to secure their national sovereignty. Commanders of the nearby areas shared a meal every Monday, as usual. They agreed to keep the situation normal without using arms. However, other conditions were for the government to talk and decide.

Veevalit said the issue of the border line was a responsibility for the Joint Boundary Commission, which has members from both countries.

Meanwhile, the United Nations chief Ban Ki-moon was ready to help Cambodia and Thailand resolve their deadly border dispute, a UN spokesman said on Friday.

"The Secretary-General hopes that Cambodia and Thailand will resolve the dispute along their border amicably through dialogue," Farhan Haq told a press briefing. "He stands ready to help the parties."

-- The Nation 2010-08-22

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Results for GAT, PAT tests

By The Nation

The National Institute of Education Testing Service (NIETS) yesterday allowed some 700 students who took the General Aptitude Test or Professional Aptitude Test in July to see the exam papers and answers at its website www.niet.or.th.

However, this would be the last time they show the papers and answers online, NIETS chief Dr Uthumporn Jamorn-mann said. She said that the agency planned to produce GAT/PAT exam handbooks for free distribution - or sold at a cheap price to interested students - next month.

Next year, they plan to establish an exam database of old exam papers.

-- The Nation 2010-08-22

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Airport link to charge for rides

By The Nation on Sunday

The Airport Rail Link will open commercially tomorrow, State Railway of Thailand governor Yutthana Thapcharoen said yesterday.

The link, opened for public use free-of-charge on a trial basis since June 1, received about 17,000 users per day, he said.

From tomorrow until the end of the year, users will be charged a flat rate of Bt15 per head for the normal trains, which stop at all eight stations from Phya Thai to Suvarnabhumi Airport. Those using the express train, which won't stop at any interim station from Makkasan station to the airport will pay Bt100 per head. The ticket price will be adjusted after the year-end.

-- The Nation 2010-08-22

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Red-shirt autopsy results tomorrow

By The Nation on Sunday

The Justice Ministry is due to announce results tomorrow of autopsies on red-shirt protesters killed during clashes with troops in April and May, Department of Special Invest-igation director-general Tharit Pengdit said yesterday.

The autopsies were done by officials from each jurisdiction area and the results compiled by the Metropolitan Police Bureau for the DSI, Tharit said. He expressed confidence that officials would be able to answer questions about the overall work.

However, DSI deputy chief Pol Colonel Narat Savetanan said inquiries into the killings of a Japanese cameraman for Reuters, Hiroyuki Muramoto, and the independent Italian photographer Fabio Polenghi had not been completed.

Narat said families of the journalists and their respective embassies would be kept informed about progress in the cases, he said. The major problem was they took place at a time when more than 80 people were killed, but the DSI was compelled to probe thoroughly.

-- The Nation 2010-08-22

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Stop disbanding parties, Thai chart drafter says

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SOCIETY NEEDS CHANGES:

PM Abhisit must be brave and have a vision: Phra Paisal

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Exporters Warned As Baht Heads Towards 30 Per Dollar

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23 Indians and Pakistanis detained for illegal entry; facing deportation

BANGKOK: -- Twenty-three Indian and Pakistani men were arrested in Bangkok and face deportation after police from Chokchai Station searched their unregistered homes on Pradit Manutham Road in the Lat Phrao area on Saturday.

Pol Maj Gen Chantawit Ramasut, chief of the investigation centre, led 30 police officers to surround and raid a small South Asian community near Soi Pradit Manutham 21 after some local residents reported many Indian and Pakistani immigrants living there and that they may have illegally entered the kingdom.

Police found nearly one hundred Indians and Pakistanis, most of whom sell peanuts and related snacks, roti and fabric.

Twenty-three held expired visas while the remainder had legal documents and visas.

Initially the police detained 23 men and sent them to Chokchai Police Station for further questioning before deporting them to their homelands.

In addition, the officers seized 55 vehicles, including pickup trucks and motorcycles, found at the scene to check the documentation for the vehicles and whether or not they are legal. (MCOT online news)

-- TNA 2010-08-22

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Health minister warns of dengue fever, influenza during rainy season

NAKHON RATCHASIMA: -- The public should take precautions regarding mosquito-borne dengue fever and influenza during the ongoing rainy season in Thailand as people in Thailand's neighbouring countries are now suffering from the diseases, warned Public Health Minister Jurin Laksanawisit on Saturday.

Mr Jurin told participants attending a health workshop at a university in this northeastern province that he had ordered public health doctors in every province to closely monitor on the widespread of dengue fever since the beginning of this year as the number of patients had risen sharply.

The number of dengue fever patients countrywide rose more than 80 per cent during the first eight months of 2010 compared to last year, he said. The public and concerned health officials have been instructed to destroy stripped mosquitoes and their breeding grounds.

People are also urged to rub mosquito repellent and those who have received mosquito bites and inflicted with dengue fever should visit a doctor immediately, Mr Jurin said, adding that the disease is spreading in neighbouring countries.

A new report from the Vietnamese capital of Hanoi quoted UN World Health Organization epidemiologist Hannah Lewis as saying Friday that dengue fever had already killed 36 people in Laos this year, the worst epidemic in at least five years.

She said there appeared to be no particular cause for the increase, and that dengue epidemics were cyclical.

“Many other countries in the region also have this same pattern,” she added. (MCOT online news)

-- TNA 2010-08-22

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Flash floods hit 7 districts in northern province of Lampang; one person dead, 700 houses flood-impacted /via @MCOTEnglishnews

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Democrat: Delay in budget debate affects confidence, economy

BANGKOK (NNT) -- The ruling Democrat Party has expressed grave concerns over the delayed deliberation of the 2011 Budget Bill that it could directly impact the country's confidence and economic recovery.

MD Buranat Samutarak, Spokesperson of the Democrat Party, yesterday disclosed that the party was disappointed over the recent budget debate, which was put off until next week. He said that it was in direct violation of the rules and regulations for the Opposition to do such a thing, as it, in the eye of foreign investors, might have an impact on the nation’s confidence and economy He also demanded the opposition parties account for their actions, saying they were oblivious to the need of the budget needed for the country to be administered, given their move bogged down the whole country. According to the Constitution, the deliberation of the budget bill must be completed within the time-frame of 105 days.

The spokesman, at the same time, suggested the government clarify to investors and the world community issues pertaining to its strength and stability in administering the country, and the work of the Legislative Branch which could still be carried out smoothly.

-- NNT 2010-08-22

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Water levels in Bhumibol, Sirikit Dams rising

BANGKOK (NNT) -- Water levels in Bhumibol and Sirikit Dams are rising continuously, according to the latest reports by the Department of Royal Irrigation (RID).

According to RID spokesman Boonsanong Suchatpong, the water level in Bhumibol Dam in Tak province is currently at 4.4 billion cubic meters, or 33% of the total holding capacity, 5% of which, equivalent to 650 million cubic meters, is usable.

Between 17 and 21 August 2010, an average daily water inflow into Bhumibol Dam was reported at around 35-60 million cubic meters. Meanwhile, an average of 4.6 million cubic meters of inflow, or 49% of its total storage capacity, 19% of which, or about 1.7 million cubic meters was usable, was reported at Sirikit Dam in Uttaradit province. The amount of water inflow at the two main dams is considered normal.

Meanwhile, the water levels in Kwai Noi Bumrung Dan in Phitsanulok and Pasak Chonlasit Dams in Lop Buri provinces are presently at 277 cubic meters, or 36%, and 224 cubic meters, or 23% of their total holding capacity respectively.

Mr Boonsanong has also instructed Irrigation officers nationwide to keep an eye on the water situation and to be ready to cope with more rains in the next few days, as forecast by the Meteorological Department. Officials are to also make sure that the dams are ready to hold as much water as possible to prevent inundation of the areas downstream.

-- NNT 2010-08-22

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Australian National Brutally Bashed & Robbed in Pattaya

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PM assures transparency in Bout's trial

BANGKOK (NNT) -- Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva has played down Moscow’s criticism that the Thai court’s decision to extradite a suspected Russian arms dealer to the United States is politically motivated.

Responding to Russia's criticism over the extradition order, the Prime Minister has reaffirmed that the court's ruling is based on the existing evidence in compliance with the judicial process, and without any outside interference. He said the government would assign Thai ambassadors in the US and Russia to explain the issue to their respective countries, especially Russia, which voiced its utmost discontent in the wake of the Thai Appeals Court’ decision.

PM Abhisit insisted that the Thai government, as an unconcerned party, would deal with the matter in a straightforward manner.

On Friday, the Appeal Court ordered the extradition of Mr Bout, a 43-year-old former Soviet air force officer, widely known as the Merchant of Death to the US. Bout, one of the world's leading arms dealers, was arrested in Bangkok in 2008, and charged with supplying weapons to the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC), a major cocaine producer. He has also been accused of being involved in trafficking arms to conflict zones in Africa, South America, and the Middle East. The Bangkok Criminal Court turned down the extradition request by the US in 2009.

However, the Appeals Court has overturned the lower court’s ruling. Mr Bout will be extradited to the US within three months.

-- NNT 2010-08-22

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Villager feared drowned in Lampang flash flood

LAMPANG: -- One villager is missing and feared drowned while thousands of residents have been affected to higher ground as flash floods have hit the northern province of Lampang, officials said Sunday.

Water runoff from a mountain destroyed a number of houses in Ko Kha district while one local resident was swept away by the flash flood. Rescue workers were searching for the victim.

In Chae Hom district, more than 50 houses were affected by one metre deep floodwaters, and many vehicles were swept away by the flood. Cars were unable to pass through the district, officials said.

Lampang disaster response authorities said more than 700 houses in seven districts of the province are now under deep water, with the situation especially critical in three districts including the provincial seat, where canal overflowed damaging homes and drowning livestock.

The Meteorological Department has issued a warning that flash floods are expected in 16 provinces in the North, Northeast and Central regions. It has forecast that heavy rains are anticipated in these provinces and residents should be on alert for water run-off from mountains. (MCOT online news)

-- TNA 2010-08-22

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War disabled Dane Let Down in Thailand by Insurance Company

30-year old Danish war veteran, Benjamin Kragsskjold,

had his prostethic leg crushed during Thai holiday,

but was denied any help from his insurance company

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Suvarnabhumi Airport Link begins commercial operation Monday

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Pattaya: Real estate scam nets Bt500,000 from elderly Thai woman

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Free drinking spots to be installed in fast food restaurants

BANGKOK (NNT) -- The Department of Internal Trade (DIT) has said all self-service fast food restaurants nationwide will install free drinking-water dispensers for customers beginning on 28 August onwards.

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Major Football Gambling Syndicate Unravelled in Pattaya