Thailand Live Monday 23 Aug 2010

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Thailand Live Monday 23 August 2010

News, Bits and Tweets

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

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

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Related topic: Thailand Live Sunday 22 August 2010

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PM: Govt to re-compensate affected farmers

BANGKOK (NNT) -- The Government will re-compensate rice farmers via the income guarantee scheme after some of them received a smaller amount of payment before the use of new calculation formula, according to Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva.

Speaking in his weekly TV program “Confidence in Thailand with Prime Minister Abhisit”, the Prime Minister admitted complaints made by farmers that they could not sell rice paddy to millers at the reference prices and they therefore were asking for more compensation.

Prime Minister Abhisit explained that the problem was caused after the National Rice Committee on 26 April 2010 announced a new reference price for rice; therefore, farmers compensated before 26 April received relatively lower payment via the income guarantee scheme.

The Prime Minister promised that compensation would be re-calculated for farmers in this group by using the formula announced on 26 April, and the additional compensation would be proposed to the Cabinet for approval. He therefore ensured effectiveness of the income guarantee scheme for farmers.

Regarding the falling rice price, Prime Minister Abhisit responded that the Government would accelerate the release of rice into the market to increase rice price, He believed the price would be higher by the end of this year. He added that the Government would set up welfare funds for Thai farmers as well.

-- NNT 2010-08-23

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Talks to release Thai trio in Cambodia take place Monday

BANGKOK: -- Negotiations for the release of three Thais recently arrested in Cambodia will be held Monday with Cambodian authorities, said Rapee Phongbuphakij, governor of the northeastern border province of Surin.

The three men, charged by Cambodia with spying, were arrested eight days ago by Cambodian police while they were gathering forest products along the border. All of them are natives of Surin.

Senior Thai officials have said the trio are not spies and that their arrest has nothing to do with the ongoing border dispute between the two nations.

Mr Rapee said he had talked by telephone to the three men now jailed in Siem Reap, and they had asked for the Thai government's assistance in gaining their release. They complained of hardships while in prison, the governor said, noting that he had ordered officials who would negotiate with the Cambodian officials to also give clothing and medicine to the detainees.

Meanwhile, Democrat Party spokesman, Buranat Samutarak, asked Thai residents of the border areas to refrain from movements along the Thai-Cambodian border, for the situation in which the two countries are locked remain tense.

He asked them to be confident that the Thai government was trying its best to help the detainees. But if another invasion was made, despite under the Thai sovereignty, it would be hard to guarantee the safety of Thais and the situation could become worse.

Spokesman of the opposition Puea Thai Party, Prompong Nopparit, said the party had sent a team to follow the trio case. He said the ongoing Thai-Cambodian problem will make the release of the three men more difficult, and criticised Thai Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya for doing nothing regarding the issue. (MCOT online news)

-- TNA 2010-08-23

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Suan Dusit Poll: Thais back national reform process

BANGKOK (NNT) -- The majority of Thai people support the national reform plan as a way to eradicate the root cause of many problems in the society, according to a recent survey conducted by the Suan Dusit Poll of Rajabhat Suan Dusit University.

Suan Dusit Poll on Sunday reported the result of its opinion survey on the government’s Thailand’s reform project, conducted with 2,458 respondents nationwide from 18 to 21 August 2010.

Almost half of the respondents or 48.12% expressed their agreements in pushing forward the national reform process. 20.26% said cooperation from every side, especially politicians, was necessary for the success of the reform.

42.52% of the respondents believed that the reform would restore peace, reunite Thai people, support positive image of the country, bring about economic development, and eventually make the country prosperous. However, 14.48% said a considerable time was needed to complete the reform process.

In addition, most of the respondents suggested the Government reform politics as first priority and then education, economy and the society respectively.

-- NNT 2010-08-23

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PM unconcerned over charter change in election system

BANGKOK (NNT) -- Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva has voiced no concerns over the recent proposal of the constitutional amendment study panel to change the electoral system back to the single-member constituency system.

Prime Minister Abhisit stated that he personally did not view the change in the electoral system as pros and cons for any political party. He uttered that the election system had caused conflicts many times, so academics were invited to study and make proposal for politicians.

The Prime Minister, however, noted that it would depend on the charter study panel, chaired by Prof Dr Sombat Thamrongthanyawong, whether a public hearing would be needed regarding the amendment of the charter on this topic.

King Prajadhipok's Institute Secretary-General Prof Dr Borwornsak Uwanno earlier criticized the Government for conducting too many populist policies and failing to enforce laws.

Prime Minister Abhisit responded that the Government had already stepped pass the populist policy to the social welfare-centered policy with its responsibility to maintain financial and fiscal balances. He admitted that law enforcement had often been this Government’s problem, and efforts were being made to address the problem.

-- NNT 2010-08-23

[george]

Fugitive Scot wanted over horrific sex attacks is tracked down in Bangkok

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Educational Expo to be held in November

By The Nation

The Department of Export Promotion (DEP) has joined force with public and private groups to organise the Thailand International Education Expo 2010 (TIEE 2010) from November 19-21 at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre.

DEP assistant director-general Matyawongse Amatyakul, who presided over a launch for the expo at the Commerce Ministry, said more than 100,000 Thai and foreign students were enrolled in international programs in Thailand and the number of Thai students alone had been expand-ing by more than 16 per cent annually.

"The expo will cover the entire spectrum of international educa-tion and related services as well as seminars, workshops and exhibitions. Over 10,000 serious visitors are expected to explore services offered in 230 booths - with 900 curricula available at over 400 international education institutes from throughout Thailand," he said.

"The expo will definitely be a golden opportunity for inter-national educational institutes and education service providers to launch their latest innovations and courses."

Presented under the concept of "Asean's Education Hub, The Heart of a Global Network", TIEE 2010 will showcase the country's potential in international educa-tion. It aims to boost confidence among students, parents and education providers worldwide.

The event will also feature a discussion on "TIEE 2010: The Opportunities Are Here" with del-egates such as Matyawongse, plus Usa Somboon, president of the International Schools Association of Thailand (ISAT), and Chitra Chantrakul, president of the Association of Private School Administrators for Non-formal Education.

People interested in participat-ing in this event can contact the DEP on tel. 0-2547-4274 or visit www.thaitradefair.com for details.

-- The Nation 2010-08-23

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TWO NEIGHBOURS CELEBRATE 60 FRIENDLY YEARS

School programmes big part of Indonesian, Thai anniversary

By Aree Chaisatien

Special to The Nation

Batik, Bali, and Burobuddho are among the first things conjured up in many Thai minds when it comes to Indonesia.

But relations between Thailand and Indonesia have been much deeper and both countries are celebrating their 60th anniversary of diplomatic relationships this year.

Over the six decades, cooperation has been conducted in all areas, including politics and security, economics, trade and education. Prof Dr Ir. H. Didik Sulistyanto, Education Attache of the Embassy of Indonesia in Thailand says "various educational projects and activities are ongoing to promote good relationships between the two nations."

At the primary school level, an MOU has been in place since 2008 for the School-Partnership Programme, involving 75 schools from the southern provinces of Thailand and 75 schools in Indonesia, to exchange curricula, students and lecturers.

At the university level, a recent forum - attended by 150 presidents of Indonesian universities and 100 presidents of Thai universities- discussed 2015 Asian Community Cooperation.

In addition, three countries within the SEAMEO Regional Centre for Higher Education and development (SEAMEO RIHED)- Malaysia, Indonesia, and Thailand - launched the M-I-T Pilot Project on Promoting Student Mobility in Southeast Asia.

SEAMEO RIHED in Thailand has a role in building networking among universities in Asean. The programme started this year to conduct student exchange among the three countries in agriculture, tourism, language and culture, food technology, and international business. At present, Indonesia is preparing to involve both private and state universities in Thailand.

"I believe students are an agent for change," says Dr. Sulistyanto, at his office in Petchburi Road, Bangkok, adding that Indonesia has more than 2,400 islands and over 3,000 universities.

Being a university lecturer in Jember, East Java, prior to serving as Education Attache in Thailand for the last two years, he observes that compared to Thais, Indonesian students have more freedom to talk and discuss political issues like corruption. "However, there are always positive and negative sides to everything."

Currently, 187 scholarships funded by the Muhammadiyah Foundation are granted annually to Thai university students, mostly from southern parts of Thailand to study in Indonesia. He wishes to see the exchanged students come back as eventual leaders in their communities.

He does not believe some research on the insurgency in southern Thailand which said Thai people are sent to study in Muslim countries and come back to serve as leaders in insurgency organisations. According to Dr Sulistyanto, 90 per cent of Indonesians are Muslims and most of them Islam moderate.

"Education, not politics, is the way out of conflict," he says, "because education builds up connections and opens people up to one another's cultures, ideas and understandings."

In commemoration of the sixth decade anniversary, the Indonesian Embassy in Bangkok- in cooperation with Chula Global Network, Chulalongkorn University - conducted a one-day international seminar last month, reviewing past and current relationships between Indonesia and Thailand and exploring possibilities amid changing world situations to enhance stronger collaborations. The celebration reception will be held some time this month.

-- The Nation 2010-08-23

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Floods hit Lampang, Chaiyaphum

By The Nation

Serious flooding has hit many parts of Lampang in the North and Chaiyaphum in the Northeast. Hundreds of homes were damaged, plus farms and there was at least one death yesterday.

Nakhon Jinakorn, 30, went missing from his home after run-off from mountains swept through a village in Koh Kha district. His body was later found in a creek in another village.

About 700 houses in Lampang town were ravaged by floods, which caused huge damage to properties and farm animals.

"Floodwater is still rising," Lampang disaster prevention and mitigation chief Krispetch Phetburananil said yesterday.

In Chae Hom district, a strong flash flood swept away many people's motorcycles and cars in Tambon Ban Sa, with floodwater soaring to nearly a metre.

In Muang Pan district, Tambon Hua Muang Administrative Organisation chairman Chamnan Liablok said locals were now moving their belongings to higher ground because of concern about further run-off from nearby hills.

"More than 100 families in Ban Ton Ngun are marooned. The flooding has damaged the concrete bridge linking it to other parts of the district," Chamnan said.

In Thoen district, flooding ravaged more than 400 houses. Landslides were also reported.Officials were surveying the damage to prepare the delivery of assistance.

In Phrae's Wang Chin district, more than 500 families ran to safety early yesterday as local waterways overflowed.

"We announced the warning because we detected the risk," Thitipong Wongdaeng said.

More than 1,500 rai of farmland had been damaged and the floods swept away fish from about 100 local fish farms.

In Chiang Mai, flooding upset the lives of many people as knee-high water prevented small cars from moving near Talad Pratu Korm community. Sri Ping Muang community was also flooded.

"We have pumps up and running but rain still continues," Chiang Mai city deputy mayor Chatree Chua-manocharn said.

Meanwhile, floods worsened in Chaiyaphum in the Northeast. Up to 25 communities inside Chaiyaphum municipal area were under 50cm of water.Chaiyaphum Hospital and at least two schools were also hit.

The Meteorological Department forecast yesterday that heavy downpours would continue in some areas.

It also warned people living along watercourses near the foot of mountains to beware of possible flash floods in coming days.

Some 19 provinces were warned about possible flash floods: Chiang Rai, Chiang Mai, Mae Hong Son, Nan, Phrae, Uttaradit, Sukhothai, Phitsanulok, Phetchabun, Kalasin, Mukdahan, Roi Et, Yasothon, Nakhon Ratchasima, Amnat Charoen, Si Sa Ket, Ubon Ratchathani, Nakhon Nayok and Prachin Buri.

-- The Nation 2010-08-23

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July trade figure indicate slower 2nd-half growth

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BANGKOK VIOLENCE

Results of autopsies on victims to be released today

By Satien Wiriyapongsa

The Nation

Reports from autopsies on the bodies of red-shirt protesters killed during the recent unrest would be regarded as evidence but not a determining factor in an inquiry by a panel focusing on truth and reconciliation, its chairman Kanit na Nakorn said yesterday.

Some 91 people were killed during the red-shirt rally, which ran from March 12 to May 19.The Department of Special Investigation (DSI) is due to release the first batch of results today from post-mortem examinations on those killed.

"I welcome the DSI's release of autopsy reports and my panel will certainly review them as evidence, but not the sole factor to determine what happened," Kanit said.

Trying to determine how people died was a factor in the panel's review, but autopsy findings had to be seen in conjunction with other evidence, such as ballistics, forensic checks at the scene of death, plus the testimony of witnesses and experts.

In regard to the latter, Kanit said he would rely on Thai forensic pathologists before deciding whether to seek help from foreign experts.

He said his panel was closely monitoring forensic checks in regard to the fatal shooting of two foreign cameramen, one Japanese and the other Italian, even though autopsies on the two remained inconclusive.

The panel was due to meet on Wednesday to keep tabs on progress in that regard, he said.

Kanit reminded all sides that his panel was tasked to determine how and why the unrest erupted - not to attribute blame or to find culprits. He expressed hope the truth would lead to reconciliation.

Asked what might help the country overcome its divisions, he said the issuing an apology might a first step but he was not in a position to lecture the government.

-- The Nation 2010-08-23

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Single-seat system may encourage vote buying in Thai elections

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MERCHANT OF DEATH

Russia will understand : PM

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FINANCE

Korn to propose new public debt plan

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PM Abhisit welcomes talks with Hun Sen

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Airport Link's been opened commercially, however, the ticketing isn't ready so commuters get a paper ticket instead. It runs 6-midnight. /via @veen_NT

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Weather Dept Issues Flash Flood Warning for Aug 23-25

The Meteorological Dept says heavy rain is expected in 23 provinces in the north, northeast and eastern regions of Thailand.

It has also issued a flash flood warning during Aug 23-25.

-- Tan Network 2010-08-23

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Border Police Arrest Two Foreigners Along the Border for Trespassing

Border police along the Thai-Cambodian border have arrested one Cambodian and one Vietnamese national for trespassing. Although formal charges have not been launched, the two are believed to be charged with trespassing. Suspicions of espionage have also been voiced by Thai authorities.

The arrests comes after three Thai nationals were arrested by Cambodian authorities last week and are being held in Siam Reap jail. Thai authorities say they expect Sanong Wongcharoen, Ling Pongpetch, and Lan Sapsri will be officially charged on Monday, but could not confirm what charges they are facing.

The suspects maintain they were on a hunting trip when they lost their way and got caught.

Officials at the Thai embassy in Phnom Penh are providing assistance to the suspects.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva has welcomed an unofficial invitation for bilateral talks with Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen during the Asia-Europe Meeting in Brussels in October when both are scheduled to attend

Cambodian Foreign Ministry spokesman Koy Kuong said ASEAN Secretary General Surin Pitsuwan asked Hun Sen if he would agree to meet Abhisit and discuss the dispute at the session in Brussels, and the Cambodian leader replied that he would agree to such talks if Abhisit had no problem with it.

-- Tan Network 2010-08-23

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Airport Link charges flat rate of 15 Bht for normal trains, which stop at 8 stations heading to airport; express non-stop 100 Bht /via @TAN_network

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Cambodian Authorities to Decide Today on 3 Thai Suspects

Surin Governor Rapee Pongbhuppakit revealed that Cambodian authorites will decide today whether or not to charge three Thai suspects arrested last week. It is still unclear what charges could be brought against them. They were arrested on Cambodian soil after they reportedly lost their way. Cambodian authorities had first claimed they were suspected of espionage.

-- Tan Network 2010-08-23

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UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon offers to mediate in Thai-Cambodia dispute

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UPDATE

Suvarnabhumi Airport Rail Link officially starts commercial services

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Thai stocks open up 4.61 pt, 0.52 pct

Thai composite stocks index (SET) opened on Monday at 898.53, up 4.61 points, or 0.52 per cent.

Blue chip SET-50 index was at 613.01, up 2.73 points, or 0.45 per cent.

Top five active (value) stocks: TTA, SAMART, PTT, JAS, BTS.

-- The Nation 2010-08-23

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Bank of Thailand urges Govt to seek more income

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PM’s Spokesman: Red-Shirt Movement is Fine if Lawful

Spokesperson for the Democrat Party Leader said that the red-shirt movement is not cause for concern as long as it is done under the rule of law.

Spokesman to the prime minister, Thepthai Senapong noted the red-shirt movement that have begun after the emergency decree was lifted in many provinces, saying that they are no cause for concern as long as the movement remains lawful.

However, he urged security officials to remain vigilant, as a lapse could open an opportunity for instigators to incite more hostility.

Meanwhile, Thepthai remarked on the Pheu Thai Party's support of an independent charter amendment committee, chaired by Sombat Thamrongthanyawong, after it first questioned the committee’s neutrality.

He called on the party to declare its official stance on the charter amendment issue.

-- Tan Network 2010-08-23

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Twenty-two South Koreans are among group of hostages aboard tourist bus hijacked by ex-policeman in the Philippines' capital of Manila /MCOT

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Privy Council President Meet Scholarship Students to Celebrate Upcoming 90th Birthday

The Privy Council President allowed more than 3,000 recipients of scholarships under his foundation to visit him on the occasion of his upcoming 90th birthday anniversary later this week.

Privy Council President General Prem Tinsulanonda allowed more than 3,000 students into his residence at Si Sao Teves whose studies are funded by the Prem Tinsulanond Foundation scholarships, on the occasion of his upcoming 90th birthday on Thursday.

The group was led by Major General Wichai Chaejorhor and Doctor Chantho Srina.

General Prem said urge the group of students to focus on giving back to the nation after it has given them an opportunity to a good life.

He added they must be good leaders who set good examples as good citizens of the nation.

General Prem, who was the prime minister between 1980 and 1988, further stated that the country right needs more good people, as well as someone role models for the younger generation.

He admitted that while doing good deeds may already seem difficult, it is even harder to sustain one's integrity.

The statesman said he believes the guardian angel of Siam, Phra Siam Devadhiraj, will protect those who do good for the nation and punish those who seek to harm.

He also pledged to be a good example and to maintain his rectitude until his death.

-- Tan Network 2010-08-23

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Thai economy posts 9.1 percent second-quarter growth: govt

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Pheu Thai demands budget debate broadcast

BANGKOK (NNT) -- The opposition Pheu Thai Party has demanded that the Government should broadcast the deliberation of the 2011 budget bill draft on television after the latter has announced not to do so.

Pheu Thai Party Spokesperson Prompong Nopparit said that in his capacity as an opposition politician and as a Thai citizen, he was disappointed with the attitude of the ruling Democrat Party which alleged his party of using the budget bill debate to advertise itself for political gains.

The Democrat spokesperson earlier announced that the budget deliberation had to be extended by another week because of the time spent by the opposition, and that the expansion would not be broadcast live on television so that all sides could debate fully and freely. Mr Prompong deemed such a reason groundless, saying that it was an attempt to filter and censor information away from people.

The Pheu Thai spokesperson elaborated that live broadcast of the deliberation would allow people to acknowledge the budget allocation planned by the Government as well as detect suspicions of corruption practices and unfair budget allocation.

The budget debate will continue on 24 August 2010 after it was adjourned on 20 August. The Government has already announced the debate would be broadcast live on the National Radio Broadcasting Station of Thailand.

-- NNT 2010-08-23

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Suthep on detained Thai people in Cambodia, fiscal budget 2011

BANGKOK (NNT) -- Deputy Prime Minister of Security Affairs Suthep Thaugsuban has expressed confidence that authorities at regional levels will be able negotiate for the release of the three Thai villagers detained in Cambodia.

The three Thai villagers are reportedly detained in Siem Reap Province of Cambodia. They were arrested while they were picking fruit on Cambodian side of the border.

Mr Suthep has also expressed his that the 2011 budget bill will be approved by the Lower House, saying both sides-- the Government and the Opposition—know that the budget is needed for the country to be administered. However, Mr Suthep has reiterated that the government will not allow the budget debate to be televised, saying it costs the network too much money.

Mr Suthep will later on today travel to the districts of Had Yai, Nathawee, and Sabayoi in Songkla Province to follow up on the progress of the southern border projects.

-- NNT 2010-08-23