Thailand Live Tuesday 24 Aug 2010

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Flash floods hit Chaiyaphum province

CHAIYAPHUM (NNT) — The Royal Irrigation Department in Chaiyaphum province has warned of flash flood following days of torrential rain, urging people residing on the hills to evacuate to safe areas.

Director of the provincial irrigation project Paruhad Wongchaiyaphum said torrential rain has caused flooding in Chaiyaphum municipality over the past two to three days. This reason why there was so much water overflowing into the city was that the municipality was located in an area where two waterways, one from Taak Tone Park and the other from the Huayyang Ba, meet.

However, The Director said the Department could drain up to one million cubic meters of water a day, so he did not foresee any problems at this time

Meanwhile, reservoirs in the province have so far collected 200 million cubic meters water, just over half of their 340-cubic meter holding capacity. Those reservoirs, both natural and man-made can, therefore, take much more water, alleviating the problems of inundation in the areas.. However, if torrential rain continues at the rate of over 50 cubic meters for several days in a row, or over 100 cubic meters for three consecutive days, the water might breach the banks endangering those who live nearby; there might also be flash-floods at the same time, which might cause heavy damage and casualties in the areas, It is advisable that people who reside on the hillsides evacuate to safer areas.

-- NNT 2010-08-24

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House u-turns to broadcast budget debate

House Speaker Chai Chidchob, following a consultation with coalition and opposition whips, made a about-turn to allow live broadcast of the budget debate.

The live coverage by Channel 11 will start from 10.30 am, shortly after conveneing the session.

Under the new scheduled agreed by the coalition and the opposition, the debate is expected conclude by today at midnight.

Time alloted for the opposition's debate on the budet earmarked for Interior Ministry is three hours. The debate on remaining ministries, Justice, Public Health and Education will take 1.5 hours each. The final six hours will be alloted to the government, the coalition MPs and the House committee in charge of budget scrutiny.

-- The Nation 2010-08-24

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Thai Beauty Queen wins photo, costume awards in Miss Universe 2010

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Thai short film and video festival in Bangkok

The 14th Thai Short Film and Video Festival probes unrest and unreal fantasy

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France's Carrefour getting out of Malaysia

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Cambodia releases three Thai villagers: Surin deputy governor

BANGKOK: -- Surin deputy governor Somkiart Sangkhaosutthirak said on Tuesday that Cambodian authorities have released three Thai villagers after a week in detention and that the trio will be handed over to Thai authorities at the Chongsangam border checkpoint in Thailand's northeastern province of Si Sa Ket Tuesday afternoon.

The trio--Sanong Wongcharoen, Lim Puangpet and Lan Sapsri--are natives of Surin. They have been detained by Cambodian authorities on charges of

illegal entry into the neighbouring country and possessing firearms.

Their release was secured after negotiations between the Thai and Cambodian authorities. Secretary to Thai Minister of Foreign Affairs Chavanond Intarakomalyasut said earlier that the Cambodian authorities assured Thai officials that the three Thai detainees would not be taken to Cambodian court and would be released soon.

Senior Thai officials said the trio are not spies and that their arrest while collecting forest products has nothing to do with the two countries ongoing border dispute.

Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva said on Tuesday the Thai and Cambodian ambassadors are expected to resume their duties today after the two countries decided to reinstate them following a resignation of Thai ex-premier Thaksin Shinawatra from his posts as economic adviser to the Cambodian government and an adviser to Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen on Monday.

Prasas Prasasvinitchai, Thai Ambassador to Cambodia is due to return to Phnom Penh to resume his post on Tuesday, Mr Chavanont said.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said on Monday the Cambodian authorities have announced that Mr Thaksin has resigned from his position as adviser to the Cambodian government and thus no longer has any connection with the government.

As a consequence, the situation leading to the earlier recall of the Thai ambassador from Phnom Penh has effectively been resolved. In this regard, the Foreign Minister has instructed Prasas Prasasvinitchai, Thai ambassador to Cambodia, to return to Phnom Penh to resume his duties today (August 24).

Tensions between the two neighbouring kingdoms flared after Cambodia appointed Thailand's convicted ex-premier as its economic adviser last November 2009, saying it would not extradite Mr Thaksin if asked by Thailand to do so.

Thailand retaliated against Cambodia by recalling its ambassador to Phnom Penh and reviewing cooperation programmes with Cambodia.

Cambodia, in reciprocation, recalled its ambassador to Bangkok. (MCOT online news)

-- TNA 2010-08-24

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THAI-KHMER TIES

Khmer PM orders release of Thai men : Surin governor

By The Nation

Cambodia's Prime Minister Hun Sen has reportedly ordered releasing of Thai men arrested for seeking wild products in the woods and straying into the disputed areas, Surin Governor Raphee Pongbuppakit said Tuesday.

The release is believed to be resulted from improving relations between Thailand and Cambodia after ex-PM Thaksin Shinawatra "resigned" as economic adviser of Hun Sen and Khmer government, the governor said.

"I have been informed that PM Hun Sen has ordered Cambodia's Siem Reap governor to free the three Thais," he said.

Both countries, locally and nationally, are looking forward to seeing improving bilateral relations after the Thaksin's resignation from the position.

The appointment of Thaksin last year has worsened the relations, resulting in both countries recalling their ambassadors and first secretaries.

-- The Nation 2010-08-24

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Fast-food chains insist on selling overpriced water, citing high costs

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Cabinet today approved Bt62 bn plan to expand Suvarnabhumi int'l airport to support rising number of tourists /THE NATION

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Thai cabinet approves Bt63b expansion plan for Suvarnabhumi Airport

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Panich's by-election victory in time for budget vote

By The Nation

The Election Commission is likely this afternoon to endorse the by-election victory allowing Democrat MP Panich Vikitsreth to vote for the Budget Bill, EC member Prapun Naigowit said on Tuesday.

"If Panich gets his credentials for voting outcome from the EC by tomorrow, he could take part in the House vote for the Budget Bill right away," Prapun said.

Panich won the by-election in Bangkok Constituency 6 last month.

-- The Nation 2010-08-24

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Back in Pattaya Court; Russian pianist Pletnev targets alleged slanderous Russian media

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Thai media criticise award winning Miss Thailand performance

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A woman has used her four-year-old nephew as meth-amphetamine delivery boy. Police arrested her in Sattahip today. /via @Urisara_NT

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Dengue fever outbreak escalates in lower NE region

NAKHON RATCHASIMA (NNT) – Nine more people in the lower northeastern region have been reported dead in the latest dengue fever outbreak while the situation seems to be escalating.

According to Nakhon Ratchasima Disease Control Office’s latest report, the accumulated number of dengue fever-infected patients in the 4 lower northeastern provinces which are Chaiyaphum, Nakhonn Ratchasima, Surin and Buriram has risen to 6,708 since the beginning of this year. The death toll now stands at 9; six of whom were in Nakhon Ratchasima.

At least 2,550 people in the region were infected in August alone. The province with the highest number of infections is Surin. The health unit expects the trend to continue through the rainy season.

Provincial public health offices have been instructed to take stringent control and prevention measures against the disease, especially in the heavily-infested areas.

-- NNT 2010-08-24

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Trat residents warned of sudden floods

TRAT (NNT) -- Trat residents have been asked to stay on high alert of heavy rains during 24-28 August 2010.

According to the warning issued by the Thai Meteorological Department, residents of the eastern province of Trat living on hillsides and near waterways should take extra precautions of possible sudden floods due to heavy rainfalls during this period.

Khao Saming and Bo Rai districts have been reported as the most vulnerable areas to flooding. Tourists should avoid swimming in the sea during this period on account of the danger from a rip current while fish trawlers are warned against heading offshore.

People troubled by flashfloods can contact the Trat Provincial Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Office at the number 0-3952-5727-30 around the clock.

-- NNT 2010-08-24

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North, Northeast and East warned to brace for tropical storm

BANGKOK (NNT) -- The Meteorological Department has warned the public in the Northern, Northeast and Eastern regions to watch out for flash floods caused by tropical storm Mindulle.

At least twenty jewelery and souvenir shops as well as tourist attractions in Wieng Pa Pao district, Chiang Rai province have been damaged by flash floods from Doi Nang Kaew and Lao River. Reportedly, more than 500 homes have also been damaged by water breaching the river banks; hundreds and hundreds of rai of agricultural land have been inundated.

Meanwhile, in Phitsanulok province, torrential rain has caused the Naan River to overflow, forcing those who live on the more than 100 raft-boats to loosen the ropes tying the rafts, in order to avoid damage from the rapidly rising water level that could pull down and sink the boats if they are fastened to the river banks.

Mae Hong Son provincial governor Kamtorn Thawornsatit has warned people residing in danger-prone areas to brace for flash floods and mudslides. In related news, the districts of Muang, Pangma Pa and Pae have also been hit by mudslides, a consequence of days of heavy rain.

This is the second time the Meteorological Department has issued a warning to the public residing in various risk-prone areas such as those residing on the hillsides to take extra precaution against flash floods during the rainy season.

-- NNT 2010-08-24

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NW Pacific: Storm Alert issued at 24 Aug, 2010 6:00 GMT

Tropical Storm MINDULLE (06W) is forecast to strike land to the following likelihood(s) at the given lead time(s):

Yellow Alert Country(s) or Province(s)

Vietnam

probability for CAT 1 or above is 30% currently

probability for TS is 85% currently

Laos

probability for TS is 60% currently

Yellow Alert City(s) and Town(s)

Vinh (18.7 N, 105.7 E)

probability for CAT 1 or above is 10% currently

probability for TS is 80% currently

Note that

Yellow Alert (Elevated) is CAT 1 or above to between 10% and 30% probability, or TS to above 50% probability.

CAT 1 means Typhoon strength winds of at least 74 mph, 119 km/h or 64 knots 1-min sustained.

TS means Tropical Storm strength winds of at least 39 mph, 63 km/h or 34 knots 1-min sustained.

-- tropicalstormrisk.com

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SET index closed at 890.45, down 4.33; Bt/USD31.14; GBP47.81; AUD27.30; EUR39.24; CAD29.11; HKD3.95; SGD22.72; JPY36.61

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Sattahip: Driver has lucky escape from burning vehicle

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Bout to be extradited Wednesday

The US authorities will send a special jet to pick up Victor Bout, dubbed by US authorities as the "Merchant of Death", from the Don Mueng Military Airport Wednesday morning, a well-informed source said.

The source said some 50 police commandos from the Crime Suppression Division will escort Bout from the Bang Kwang Maximum Security Prison to hand him over to the US authorities.

-- The Nation 2010-08-24

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Undercover operation nets five dealers and users

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Possible mistaken identity leads to shooting and bashing

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Body washes up on Pattaya beach

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Myanmar to suspend new policy of issuing tourists visas on arrival as military-ruled country prepares for its 1st general election in 20 years: report /MCOT

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South African military chief vacations in Phuket

Gen Godfrey Nhlanhla Ngwenya at Phuket International Airport this morning.

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Shotgun ends Phuket rooftop brawl

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Death plunge victim probably Korean: Phuket Police

The roof through which the unidentified body crashed earlier today.

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[Maestro]

to be continued

Thailand Live Wednesday 25 August 2010

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