Thailand Live Monday 23 Aug 2010

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Campaigns for district, council elections heat up

BANGKOK (NNT) -- Both the Opposition Pheu Thai Party and the ruling Democrat Party are competing fiercely in their election campaigns for the city and district council elections, which will take place on 29 August 2010.

Led by its Deputy Leader Plodprasop Suraswadi, Pheu Thai Party yesterday campaigned for their candidates in Sai Mai district. Despite heavy rain, people came in droves to listen to the campaign speeches, held under tight security provided by the police.

Mr Plodprasop asked listeners to vote for his party’s candidates, so they could monitor the work of the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, which was mainly dominated by the ruling Democrat Party. He voiced his confidence that representatives from his party would be able to do so if elected.

Meanwhile, Advisor to the Prime Minister and former Bangkok Governor Apirak Kosayodhin also took his team to campaign for the party’s candidate in Don Muang district. The team went through Pin Charoen flea market and distributed flyers introducing the party’s candidates.

-- NNT 2010-08-23

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Govt urged to clear its temple stance with UN

BANGKOK (NNT) -- The New Politics Party has encouraged that the Government should announce its standpoint and make clear with the UN regarding the controversial Preah Vihear Temple issue.

New Politics Party Secretary-General Suriyasai Katasila deemed the readiness of the UN to help mediate the temple spat between Thailand and Cambodia a good intention; however, he uttered that not all negotiations could be successful.

Mr Suriyasai then suggested that the Government should immediately send a letter to UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon indicating the stance of the Thai Government together with comprehensive information on the border dispute because the UN had never before expressed its stance toward the issue as clearly as this time.

The Secretary-General believed that Thailand would be at a disadvantage if it could not work in a proactive manner in response to the UN’s call because the Cambodian side would like to have international bodies involved in this issue.

The Cambodian Government has been asking international bodies including the UN and ASEAN to step in and help mediate the temple dispute; however, the Thai Government has been insisting that it prefers to have the problem solved on a bilateral basis.

-- NNT 2010-08-23

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Surin Governor: Detained Thais in Cambodia Are Fine

The governor of Surin province claimed that he has been in contact with the three Thai men being detained in Cambodia.

Governor of Surin Rapee Pongbupkij stated that he has been able to contact Sanong Wongcharoen, Lim Pongpetch and Lan Sapsri, the three Thai men apprehended by the Cambodian border police on August 18 after they accidentally crossed into Cambodia through Surin province.

Rapee reported that the men are in good condition and are being held at a prison in Siem Riep. They are pleading for the government's immediate assistance because of the harsh living conditions at the Cambodian prison.

The governor of Surin province has also ordered care packages be sent to the the detained men. Rapee is planning to negotiate for their release as soon as possible.

There has been a report that the Thai government has been trying to negotiate the men's release through Lieutenant General Jia Mon, commander of Cambodia's Army Region 4.

The government has asked Phnom Penh to exempt the men from prosecution in Cambodian courts for the sake of the long-standing relationship between the two countries.

The government will also ask for that the men be allowed to talk to their families.

-- Tan Network 2010-08-23

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DSI receives 266 Red Shirt-related cases, conducts 42 autopsies, no conclusion on who shot Italian, Japanese media; claims transparency, neutrality /via @MCOTEnglishnews

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Proclaimed updates on May violence death probe have yielded nothing. DSI claims it can't tell anyth until whole process is complete. /via @tulsathit

As for info on two foreign cameramen killed, DSI says updates of probe have been sent to their embassies. /via @tulsathit

DSI spokesman: autopsy reports on 42 of 91 dead victims have been done, but details can't b publicized till the rest is complete. /via @tulsathit

DSI press conference ended up giving no useful information. Nothing about the deaths of foreign photographers and Thais. /via @tulsathit

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Thailand's 'red shirts' regroup in Chiang Mai

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Colombian Menace Shot During Two Failed Pattaya Escape Attempts

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Japanese FM pays respects to journalist slain in Bangkok

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Deputy PM Denies Interest in Extradition of Russian Arms Smuggler

Deputy prime minister in charge of national security downplays arrest of Thai men in Cambodia while also denying personal interest in the extradition of Victor Bout, a notorious Russian arms smuggler.

Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban said that he has not yet been informed about the Thai men, who have been detained by the Cambodian authority.

However, Suthep believes that the Cambodian authority was merely following legal procedures, without aiming to create any incident due to the ongoing border dispute between the two countries.

When asked whether the planned talk between Prime Minister Abhsit Vejjajiva and Prime Minister Hun Sen during Asia-Europe Meeting or ASEM in Brussels, Belgium in October could be complicated by the incident, Suthep replied that the talk is needed to maintain the peaceful relationship between the two countries.

Suthep also believes that local authorities will be able to negotiate for the release of the men by using the good personal relationship with their Cambodian counterparts.

The deputy prime minister also talked about the a claim made by Russian government that the Thai government has decided to extradite Victor Bout, a Russian arms smuggler to the United States in exchange for an interest in the purchase of Black Hawk helicopters, saying that it is a responsibility of the Foreign Ministry clarify the issue.

On the issue of the 2011 National Budget Bill, Suthep expressed confidence that the bill will be approved by the lawmakers by August 26 and has denied an accusation by the Opposition that a large portion of the fund has been allocated to the Interior Minister controlled by the Bhumjai Thai Party.

Meanwhile, Opposition MP Jatuporn Promphan announced that he will lead a number of red-shirt protestors to the Constitution Court during the trial of the Democrat Party's dissolution case.

The deputy prime minister said that it will be up to the Court's security authorities to decide on how to deal with the protest. The government will not do anything unless it is requested by the Court's security authorities.

However, Suthep announced that any attempt to incite violence will be swiftly dealt with according to the law.

-- Tan Network 2010-08-23

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Ko Chang promoted as health and wellness destination for working women

TRAD, 23 August 2010 (NNT) – The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has set up a tourism stimulus campaign with activities that help promote Ko Chang Island as health and wellness travel destination for working women.

Following the launch of the “Lady Journey” campaign, Deputy Director General of the TAT Trad office, Kiatipong Kochawong disclosed that the campaign had targeted to promote tourism among working women who seek holistic retreats for body and mind.

A Number of celebrities with different working lifestyles have been selected to travel to the 10 destinations across Thailand, including Ko Chang, Thailand's second largest island in Trad province.

According to Mr Kiatipong, a selected group of women in the Health Lady category is scheduled to make their journey to the island for 3 days/ 2 nights from 8 to 10 October 2010.

-- NNT 2010-08-23

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Health Minister Jurin orders all provinces to monitor dengue fever after 57,940 ppl contracted it & 70 died /via @Venn_NT

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Thai world heritage website completed by 90%

BANGKOK (NNT) -- A bilingual world heritage website constructed by Thailand’s Ministry of Culture (MoC) is 90% complete.

Following the construction progress of the world heritage website, Member of the World Heritage Committee, Deputy Permanent Secretary for Culture, Somsuda Leeyavanich disclosed that the construction period had come to almost an end. Such website features complete information of 911 world heritage sites in Thailand and other sites worldwide and is available in both Thai and English.

Apart from providing informative contents, the website also aims at instilling conservation value among the viewers to help prevent the world heritage sites from degeneration.

Meanwhile, the MoC has stepped up a plan to enable website audiences to view 360 degree panoramic images of the world heritage sites. They will also be able to express their viewpoints as well as upload articles and submit damage claims about the World Heritage sites worldwide.

-- NNT 2010-08-23

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Scheduled blackouts in Phuket this week

Charity golf tournament in Phuket to support disadvantaged children

Edited August 23, 2010 by webfact

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FC Phuket trounce Nakhon Sri Thammarat, 4-1

FC Phuket midfielder Diarra Ali moves up the field in

yesterday's match at Nakhon Sri Thammarat.

Photo by Apinun Saithong.

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Red-shirt Figure Charged for May Unrest

The Crime Suppression Division today files charges in the court against another red-shirt figure wanted for his alleged role in the political unrest in May.

A commando unit of the Crime Suppression Division escorted Jakchalat Kongsuwan to the Criminal Court to face charges of illegally possessing firearms, providing shelter for other criminal suspects and forging official documents.

Jakchalat is a close aid of army specialist Major General Kattiya Sawasdipol, who was assassinated during the red-shirt protests.

Jakchalat was wanted for helping another suspect and also Kattiya's close aide Pornwat Thongsombun flee after an arrest warrant was issued against the latter in a bomb attack case.

Public prosecutors have resolved to file charges with the Criminal Court against the two and six others for their alleged involvement in serveral terror attacks during the protests as recommended by police investigators.

Meanwhile, three red-shirt leaders, namely Nutthawut Saikua, Weng Tojirakarn and Wiputhalaeng Patthanaphumthai, were taken from the Bangkok Remand Prison to the Criminal Court for a hearing into their alleged roles in the chaos at the residence of Privy Council President General Prem Tinsulanonda in July 2007.

Another red-shirt leader, Weera Musikapong, was earlier charged in the same case.

-- Tan Network 2010-08-23

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Merit-Making Ceremony for 100th Day After Seh Daeng's Death

The daughters and relatives of the deceased radical red-shirt Major General Khattiya Sawasdipol have organized a merit-making ceremony to commemorate the 100th day since his death.

Kittiya and Khattiyaa Sawasdipol, daughters of the late radical red-shirt member, Major General Khattiya, attended the merit-making ceremony to commemorate the 100th day since their father's passing at Sukhawararam Temple in Ratchaburi province.

Relatives of the pro-Thaksin army specialist donated a 30-inch Phra Nak Prok Buddha image, a Buddha figure sitting under the protection of the Naga king, to the temple. They also hosted a lunch for 50 monks.

Phra Nak Prok is the Buddha image sacred to those born on Saturday, which is Khattiya's birthday.

Also participating in the ceremony were a number of red-shirt supporters, who were under the security and supervision of police officers and security volunteers

-- Tan Network 2010-08-23

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Well-wishing Continues for King

Thais from all walks of life, including representatives from various organizations and the general public, continue to stream into Siriraj Hospital to relay their well-wishes for His Majesty the King.

Siriraj Hospital continues to receive crowds of people who come to pay respect to His Majesty and wish him well.

Among the well-wishers today are officials from the Army Training Command and the 13rd Signal Battalion in Bangkok.

Other visitors include executive committee of the Alumni Association of Chulalongkorn University's Faculty of Science, executives of Pibulsongkram Rajabhat University in Phitsanulok, teachers as well as students from Hatsamran Wittayakhom School in Trang and Charoensilp Sueksa School in Samut Prakan, members of the housewives club in Pang Makluay village in Chiang Mai's Mae Taeng district, the village chiefs clubs from Ang Thong subdistrict in Nakhon Sawan and Khao Wiset in Trang.

-- Tan Network 2010-08-23

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Southern Interior officials on 24-hr alert for possible cyclone

BANGKOK (NNT) -- The Ministry of Interior has kept its officials in the southern part of Thailand under a 24-hour alert after the Meteorological Department has predicted a chance of tropical cyclone in the region in October.

Deputy Minister of Interior Thaworn Senneam today called a meeting of over 200 representatives from provincial administrations and the disaster prevention and mitigation offices in the South to brief them on prevention and rescue measures against possible flashflood, storm and mudslide. The officers have been instructed to stay on duty around the clock to promptly alert people in case of emergency.

The Meteorological Department has forecast that there is a chance for a tropical cyclone to develop and move towards the eastern and upper southern parts of Thailand in October. The situation, if arising, will cause heavier rainfalls and risk of severer floods than in recent years.

Meanwhile, the Meteorological Department warns people in the East, the North and the Northeast of possible flash flood and run-off from forest over the next few days. Heavy downpours are also expected in some parts of the country.

-- NNT 2010-08-23

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BESIEGING OF PREM'S RESIDENCE

Red shirts leaders appear in court

Four Red Shirt leaders on Monday morning appeared at the Criminal Court to hear evidence against them involving alleged besieging the residence of Privy Council president and former prime minister Prem Tinsulanonda in 2007.

The four suspects were Veera Musikapong, Nuttawut Saikua, weng Tojirakarn and Wiphuthalaeng Phatthanaphumthai.

They were charged with assembling in a group of more than 10 people, causing disturbances at Gen Prem Tinsulanonda's Sisao Thewes residence on July 22, 2007, and obstructing the operations of security officials.

The four earlier testified in court on July 8 after being indicted on charges of leading the red shirts besieging the Bangkok home of Gen Prem. At that time they denied all charges.

They are now detained at the Bangkok Remand Prison on terrorism charges for their roles in the anti-government protest during April-May that turned violent with grenade attacks and arsons in the capital and some provinces in the North and Northeast.

On July 22, 2007, the four allegedly led thousands of red shirts protesters to surround the home of Gen Prem at Si Sao Thewes, calling for him to resign as Privy Council president.

Apart from the four, three other leaders were indicted on the same charges last year -- Nopparut Vorachitwutthikul, Veerasak Hemthilin, and Wanchai Naphuttha.

-- The Nation 2010-08-23

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Investigators fail to identify killers of foreign journalists

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SET index closed at 894.78, up 0.86; Bt/USD31.12; GBP48.31; AUD27.44; EUR39.47; CAD29.37; HKD3.95; SGD22.83; JPY36.16

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Phuket resorts lax in warning tourists of surf dangers: poll

Riptides, not big waves, are responsible for most of the tourist drownings.

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Pension Parity Thailand hold meeting in Central Pattaya

Pattaya Motorbike Taxi Driver arrested in Sattahip Police drug sting operation

Tourist Police shut-down major illegal South Pattaya gambling operation

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Thai ruling party overspent on billboard ads, court hears

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AFP: Fugitive former Thai premier Thaksin Shinawatra has resigned as Cambodia's economics adviser.

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Dengue fever claims 7 more victims, raising this year's toll to 70

Seven people died from dengue fever last week, bringing the nationwide toll from the disease to 70 deaths out of some 60,000 dengue fever patients this year, Public Health Minister Jurin Laksanawisit said Monday.

Two of the dengue fever deaths last week were in Krabi while Chiang Rai, Phetchabun, Lop Buri, Chachoengsao, and Nakhon Si Thammarat reported one death each. As the dengue fever outbreak is so severe this year, Jurin has instructed all provincial health chiefs to monitor and control the disease as well as urging people with suspicious symptoms of dengue fever to see doctors immediately.

The situation so far this year is 83 per cent higher than last year's, with an average of 230 new cases detected per day.

The Southern region had 14,361 cases, Northern region 8,843 cases, Central region 15,871 cases, and Northeastern region 15,517 cases. Of these, seven patients were less than 28 days old and 409 cases were over 65 years.

-- The Nation 2010-08-23

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Phnom Penh to revoke Thaksin's advisor position

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Thailand, Cambodia to reinstate envoys as Thaksin quits role

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Phuket consuls' meet: Rape unit, passports top agenda

[Maestro]

to be continued

Thailand Live Tuesday 24 August 2010

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