Thailand Live Friday 27 Aug 2010

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Thailand Live Friday 27 August 2010

News, Bits and Tweets

with webfact

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 Thursday 26 August 2010

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Court to deliberate Map Ta Phut case on 2 Sep

BANGKOK (NNT) -- The Central Administrative Court will make the final ruling on the case against the National Environment Board (NEB) and related

agencies over the Map Ta Phut deadlock on 2 September.

The lawsuit was earlier lodged by the Stop Global Warming Association, alleging the NEB and associates of committing malfeasance in their issuance of operating licenses to 76 Map Ta Phut industrial projects. The plaintiff accused them of basing their approval solely on the environmental impact studies

without listening to the opinions of the local residents as required by the Constitution and the National Health Act.

The Central Administrative Court has scheduled the verdict reading for the case on 2 September 2010 at 13.30 hrs.

The Administrative Court earlier issued an injunction for the 76 projects in Map Ta Phut industrial estate in the eastern province of Rayong to halt functioning for their failure to pass the environmental and health impact assessments as required by the Constitution. However, some of them have been allowed to resume operations by the Central and Supreme Administrative Courts.

-- NNT 2010-08-27

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Thailand to host 7th JBC meeting on 8-10 Sep

BANGKOK (NNT) -- Thailand will host the 7th meeting of the Thai-Cambodian Joint Border Committee (JBC) in the beginning of September upon improvements in the bilateral relations between the two countries.

After a discussion with his Cambodian counterpart General Tea Banh, Thai Defense Minister General Prawit Wongsuwan has ordered relevant authorities to prepare for the hosting of the 7th JBC meeting, which will tentatively take place on 8-10 September at Renaissance Hotel in Bangkok.

The JBC meeting was recently postponed from its original schedule of 27-28 August following a bitter atmosphere triggered by the World Heritage Committee’s deferment of Cambodia's proposal of the unilateral management plan for Preah Vihear Temple and its surrounding area to next year as demanded by Thailand.

-- NNT 2010-08-27

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MoPH to curb Iodine deficiency in citizens

BANGKOK (NNT) -- The Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) pledged to urgently improve Intelligence Quotient (IQ) in children and Thai nationals by providing sufficient Iodine supplementation.

According to Minister of Public Health, Jurin Laksanawisit, the survey carried out in 2009 disclosed that many Thai children have a rather low IQ at a level of 90-110, in which the World Health Organization and United Nations Children's Fund had pointed out the cause as iodine deficiency.

As a result, MoPH has planned to eliminate Iodine deficiency in the three main target groups starting from pregnant women as iodine concentration in their urine is less than 150 micrograms per liter. There is 59% chance of giving birth to a deformed or mentally challenged baby. Mr Jurin confirmed that hospitals nationwide would start providing free Iodine supplementation for pregnant women in October.

Furthermore, there will be screening tests among all new born babies to test the level of Thyroid Hormone as sufficient Iodine is needed in forming such hormone so the hospitals can provide appropriate treatment for those low IQ babies in time. The MoPH will also provide sufficient Iodine supplementation for children and the general public as iodine is an essential and necessary nutrient for the people.

-- NNT 2010-08-27

Related story:

Iodine deficiency blamed for low IQ among Thai children:

Edited August 26, 2010 by george

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Thaksin Threathens to Sue PM's Close Aide

Ousted premier Thaksin Shinawatra has threatened to press charges against the prime minister's close aide for attempting to link him to alleged Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout.

Noppadon Patthama, legal adviser of ousted premier Thaksin Shinawatra, said his client is in no way involved with alleged Russian arms dealer Vicktor Bout as suggested by Democrat MP Sirichoke Sopa, who is also the prime minister's close aide.

He said Thaksin is preparing to file charges against Sirichoke and called on the latter to take responsibility over his claim as it has tarnished the reputation of the ousted premier.

Noppadon also remarked Thaksin was not dismissed as adviser to the Cambodian government but tendered his own resignation.

The legal adviser also claimed Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen has alreay affirmed in a statement his good relationship with Thaksin remains unchanged.

Noppadon also dismissed rumors that Thaksin has been forced to keep a low profile due to a serious illness.

He explained that Thaksin has remained quiet in order to allow national reconciliation to take place and prevent political war of words during a period of heightened tension between Thailand and Cambodia.

-- Tan Network 2010-08-27

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No Deadline Set for Unrest Crackdown Probe

The prime minister insists the government will continue to clarify its crackdown on the red-shirt protests, but says no deadline has been set for the inquiry into the causes of deaths during the operations.

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva said he has not received a report from Deputy Prime Minister in charge of national security Suthep Thaugsuban on the investigation into the deaths of 99 people during the crackdown on the red-shirt protests in April and May.

Abhisit said investigators are gathering evidence as there were several different incidents, but his government has set no time frame for investigators to complete their tasks.

The prime minister confirmed there must be clarification on the matter as it has gained attention from the general public.

He also said the Emergency Decree enforcement in the three southern border provinces could be lifted at the suggestion of a working group under the reform assembly committee, chaired by Doctor Prawes Wasi.

Abhisit said the government has a plan to replace the decree with the Internal Security Act and present opportunities for insurgents to turn themselves in.

He said the National Security Council and the justice minister will take charge of designing policies and setting the scope of officials' authority after the emergency rule is revoked in the South.

Defense Minister General Prawit Wongsuwan stated the government's effort to resolve insurgency in the three southern border provinces is on the right path. He insists the situation is constantly improving.

However, Prawit said the revocation of the emergency decree in the area is not necessary and questioned who will be held responsible if such a move gives room for more unrest. The minister remarked the law can be lifted when the situation there returns to normal.

He added the emergency rule in Bangkok and six other provinces are constantly reviewed to determine when it should be lifted. He noted that the emergency law could be revoked if the authorities can use regular laws to control the situation in their areas.

The defense minister went on to say operations are still underway to bring back red-shirt core elements who have fled to Cambodia. However, he declined to disclose the progress or other details about the manhunt.

On the case of the three Thais held in Cambodia, he said legal efforts are being made to secure their release.

-- Tan Network 2010-08-27

[george]

Breaking News:

Bangkok: A bomb has exploded at King Power near the exit. One injured. Thai TV now reporting from the scene /via Nation

[george]

Bomb at King Power, Soi Rangnam! Lots of police, soldiers, and reporters here http://twitpic.com/2idr3g /via @bedooboy #bomb #bangkok

The bomb exploded at a guard booth in King power compound. Still unknown if the bomb was placed inside or thrown from outside #TV Thai

[george]

RT @aunonline: Another bomb had exploded at Soi Rang Nam on July 30, at 1.30 am.

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Bomb blast mear Bangkok's King Power Complex, Soi Rang Nam

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Two more arrested over paedophile charges

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Teachers in the South demand good security

By The Nation

Teachers in the three southernmost provinces are threatening to close down schools if militants kill yet another teacher. So far, 133 teachers have lost their lives in the South.

Chairman of the Confederation of Teachers in the Southern Border Provinces, Boonsom Thongsriprai, yesterday called on the government to come up with a clear policy on teachers' security and improve the current measures because they are flawed. Calling for more concrete support to boost teachers' morale, Boonsom said teachers would close down the schools if the government does not provide proper security. He also urged the authorities to appreciate the work that teachers do and sponsor their funerals.

-- The Nation 2010-08-27

Edited August 26, 2010 by webfact

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Doctors' federation wants nofault fund to cover two more schemes

By Duangkamon Sajirawattanakul

The Nation

Instead of pushing through a new patient compensation law, the National Health Security Office (NHSO) committee that controls the standards of publichealth services has come up with a resolution to extend the nofault fund to cover members of the Social Security Fund and Civil Servant Medical Benefit Scheme.

The committee's chairman Dr Auechart Kanchanapitak, who is also president of the Private Hospitals Association, said the committee had decided in a meeting on August 14 that the National Health Security Act's Article 41 be amended to cover all three public healthcare schemes.

He was speaking at a forum held by the Federation of Doctors at State, General and Provincial Hospitals to make a final decision on the draft bill on medical malpractice.

The committee also agreed to increase the amount given in compensation under the nofault compensation fund. The fund will also cover healthcare service units that are not registered with the NHSO.

Auechart said he had put his signature to a formal letter, addressed to Public Health Minister Jurin Laksanawisit in his capacity as chairman of the NHSO board, to take the committee's resolution into consideration when revising the bill.

"It will take a long time to issue a new law because of the many arguments that will be brought up," he said.

However, president of the Thai NGO Coalition on Aids Supattra Nakapiew said she disagreed with Dr Auechart's decision. The coalition aims to improve the quality of life people living with HIV/Aids.

"There was no consensus in the committee. Some disagreed with this resolution," she said.

She added that according to this resolution, private hospitals, especially those that provide services to socialsecurity members, would not have to make contributions to the nofault compensation fund.

"This means that the government would have to shoulder the financial burdens of private hospitals, which should really contribute to the fund," she said.

Adviser to the Federation of Doctors, Dr Sirichai Silpaarcha, said that if the Article 41 were amended, it would cover patients and healthcare units under the two schemes as well as reduce conflicts over the draft bill.

The federation also agreed to hand the new version of the draft to the House of Representatives for consideration. Sirichai said the federation would also forward its resolution to the Public Health Ministry's permanentsecretary Dr Paijit Warachit, who was tasked by Jurin to resolve the controversial bill.

-- The Nation 2010-08-27

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BIG RESCUE

247kg Woman Rescued From Her Bangkok Apartment

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Thaksin To Sue Sirichoke For Linking Him With Viktor Bout

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ASK THE EDITORS

A messy triangle made in hell

By Tulsathit Taptim

Jatuporn Promphan and "secret tapes" are no strangers. He has been living politically by them, almost.

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MAP TA PHUT

Ray of hope in Map Ta Phut deadlock

By Chularat Saengpassa

The Nation

Firms encouraged by presentation made to court, but networks vow to battle on

The Central Administrative Court will rule next Thursday whether to unlock various Map Ta Phutbased industrial projects that have been put on hold since last year.

If the yesterday's statement by Commissaire du Gouvernement Wijit Rakthin is any indication, the owners of the suspended projects will have a reason to rejoice. Commissionare du Governement is the person who has summed up main points in the case for the judges and who has made com¬ments without any legalbinding effects.

The statement from Wijit proved so positive to the projects that PTT share price jumped. PTT has invested heav¬ily in one of the suspended multibil¬lionbaht projects.

In a historic case, the Stop Global Warming Association led 43 Map Ta Phut residents in filing a complaint against the National Environment Board (NEB) and seven other govern¬ment units for allegedly approving 76 new industrial projects in Map Ta Phut area without proceeding in line with Section 67 of the Constitution in 2008.

After the case was filed, the court last year issued an injunction sus¬pending all 76 projects causing an impasse and grave concerns among investors.

Wijit yesterday said there was no solid information to back up the plain¬tiffs' claim that the Section 67, which regulated projects with serious impacts on environment and people's health, should apply to the 76 projects.

He thus believed the accused par¬ties did nothing illegitimate.

Citing the fact that 11 plaintiffs withdrew from the case after receiving remedial actions from parties con¬cerned, Wijit said he was convinced the injunction should also be revoked.

He, so far, said if the plaintiffs later found these projects violated Section 303 of the Constitution, which pre¬scribed communities' rights, they could petition to the Central Administration Court.

Inside the courtroom, representa¬tives from the suspended projects looked happy.

However, Stop Global Warming Association chairman Srisuwan Janya refused to lose his hope.

He pointed to the fact that the state¬ment by Wijit had no binding effects on the court's verdict, which will be read at 1.30pm on September 2.

The verdict will come out of a threejudge panel. The chief judge is Phanuphan Chairat.

"The verdict is not always in line with the statement from the Commissionare du Governement anwyay," Srisuwan said.

He said in the Mae Moh case, the judges' verdict was completely differ¬ent from the statement of the Commissaire du Gouvernement.

However, Srisuwan said if the Central Administrative Court ruled in favour of accused parties in the Map Ta Phut cases, he would definitely lodge an appeal.

Eastern Resident Network coordi¬nator Sutthi Atchasai stood by Srisuwan's decision.

After the verdict comes out, an appeal must be made within 30 days or else the verdict will become final.

Moreover, Srisuwan yesterday vowed to file complaint against NEB for listing just 11 business activities as having serious impacts on environ¬ment and people's health within two weeks too.

The NEB completed the listing on Monday.

The fourpartite committee appointed the government to resolve Map Ta Phut crisis has recommended that NEB list up to 18 business activi¬ties.

"NEB decision is against people's needs as well as the intention of the laws," Srisuwan said.

Harnnarong Yaowalert, one of the fourpartite committee members, complained the NEB decision would only prolong the Map Ta Phut crisis.

"People's networks will step up pres¬sure on them and the problems will drag on," he said.

-- The Nation 2010-08-27

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INNOVATION

Nanotechnology to net mosquitoes

Science and Technology Minister Virachai Virameteekul

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More disaster zones declared in flood wake

By The Nation

In the wake of serious flooding, five districts in Phichit were declared disasterhit zones yesterday

Sak Lek, Wang Sai Phun, Sam Ngam, Taphan Hin and Wachirabarami.

Phitchit Governor Suwich Watcharothanyangkool said the floods had ravaged 44,624 rai of paddy fields, damaged 17 roads, and upset the lives of 14,629 people in the five districts.

"I have already approved emergency budget to help the affected people," he said.

Chiang Rai Governor Sumeth Saengnimnuan, meanwhile, was preparing to declare many districts in his province as disasterhit zones too. Flash floods have hit seven districts there, affecting more than 10,000 people.

"The declaration will take place after the damagesurveying process is completed," he said.

In Phaya Mengrai district, Mae Luang Uppatham, Ban Kalae, Sop Pao, Mae Pao Community, Sansalikwittaya schools have been closed indefinitely in the face of rising floodwater. In the worsthit spots, the waters were up to two metres deep.

"Many roads are now impassable," Phaya Mengrai district chief Soratorn Santad said.

In Lamphun, the Mueang district where more than 4,000 families became flood victims, was the only labelled disasterhit zone.

The Rajaprajanugroh Foundation will deliver 2,000 sets of relief items to the affected people in Lamphun at 1pm today.

In Uttaradit, locals returned to clean their homes after the floods subsided yesterday. The recent flooding affected more than 20,000 people.

"But people have not yet moved their belongings back to their homes out of concern that floods may hit again. It is still raining," the provincial disasterpreventionandmitigation chief Surachai Thatkawin said.

He added that his agency was still closely monitoring the situation.

"We are concerned about landslide risk too," Surachai said.

He warned farmers against entering farmlands near the foot of mountains during downpours.

-- The Nation 2010-08-27

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Teachers' Day events aim at preparing students for workforce

By Wannapa Khaopa

The Nation

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva

The times are changing and so is society. A workforce with a variety of specific skills is essential for the business world, which has been evolving as well.

In a bid to equip students to cope with new challenges in this changing world, the Education Ministry yesterday kicked off an event aimed at encouraging and guiding teachers on how to prepare their students for learning an occupation.

Since the fifth World Teachers' Day in Thailand event came up with the idea of preparing students for real life, it is being held under the theme of "Education for the World of Work" at Impact Exhibition and Convention Centre, Muang Thong Thani, until tomorrow.

The ministry also organised this event to celebrate Her Majesty the Queen's birthday. The Vocational Education Commission was assigned to host the event.

"This year's theme captures the government's emphasis on the quality of education and on balancing academic and life skills. It is indeed expected that students, when entering the world of work, will be fully prepared to utilise their knowledge to earn an income for their family," Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva said in his opening speech.

The seminars held as part of the event highlight the significance of education as a key element for new graduates entering the working world, he said. As Thailand would be a member of the Asean community, education would enhance career paths and enable graduates to excel in the larger community.

Abhisit urged educators to create a network linking to the private sector so they can take part in improving students' capacity.

As a keynote speaker, GwangJo Kim, director of Unesco Bangkok, urged instructors to change their role in teaching so that they could prepare students properly.

They should use knowledge creation or application instead of informationbased teaching and use a variety of learning modes rather than only formal education, he said.

Deputy Education Minister Narisara Chavaltanpipat said the prominent local and foreign keynote speakers shared their views at the seminars. During the threeday event, students and teachers from public, private and international institutions were joining a wide assortment of activities.

For the exhibitions, numerous topics were presented, such as inventions and international vocational education by international private schools and colleges.

Narisara said the event was aimed at inspiring teachers to improve education for the working world.

-- The Nation 2010-08-27

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Defiant Thai Auditor General Jaruvan refuses to step down

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Thais still want to live life as if they are in a soap opera

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Thailand and Cambodia should be ready to mend the fence

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Thaksin in Asean: Panich

Fugitive ex-premier Thaksin Shinawatra is believed to be staying in one of the countries within Asean which is not a popular destination and has no adjacent border with Thailand, Democrat MP Panich Vikitsreth said on Friday.

"It is true Thaksin is living near Thailand and this information is based on the travel records of those close to him and Twitter messages," Panich said.

-- The Nation 2010-08-27

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Thai stocks open up 2.63 pt, 0.30 pct

Thai composite stocks index (SET) opened on Friday at 888.73, up 2.63 points, or 0.30 per cent.

Blue chip SET-50 index was at 602.06, up 1.14 point, or 0.19 per cent.

Top five active (value) stocks: SSI, TMB, ITD, CPALL, CNT.

-- The Nation 2010-08-27

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Suspicious bomb-like object found at department store in Si Sa Ket's Kantararak district; bomb squad sent to inspect and defuse /via @MCOTEnglishnews

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Tiger cub found hidden among toys in Suvarnabhumi airport luggage

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Thailand earns 700bn THB from tourism in 2009

BANGKOK (NNT) -- A national income report for the tourism sector has revealed that tourism raked in over 700 billion THB in 2009, accounting for 7.91% of the gross domestic product in the year.

According to the first ever national income report filed by the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, the Southern region saw the highest amount of income from tourism at 182.2 billion THB, followed by the East with 72.8 billion THB, the North with 58.8 billion THB, the West with 28.3 billion THB, the Northeast with 27.2 billion THB, and the central region with 15.2 billion THB. The figures comprise revenue from accommodations, tourism expenditures, and alms money.

When sorted by province, Bangkok came first with 331.5 billion THB with runner-ups Phuket, Krabi, Chon Buri and Chiang Mai. The report also shows visitation up for the first 7 months of this year compared to 2009. The majority of tourists are from ASEAN countries and Europe.

National income reports were previously only filed by 16 production sectors and did not include tourism.

-- NNT 2010-08-27

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BTS-Airport Link walkway to open in Oct

BANGKOK, 27 August 2010 (NNT) – A walkway connecting the Phayathai BTS Skytrain station to the Makkasan Airport Link station is slated for public use in October.

BTS executives made known that a joint passageway allowing passengers to change between the new Airport Link and the Skytrain system will be opened to the public in two months.

BTS is currently reconstructing ticket kiosks at its Phayathai Station to create the walkway and connect it to the adjacent Airport Link station. More direction signs will be added to facilitate passengers.

The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) is also expediting construction to connect the Airport Rail Link to the MRT Subway system at Phetchaburi station. The path will be approximately 200 meters long.

-- NNT 2010-08-27

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Govt confirms Thaksin´s whereabouts in an ASEAN member country

BANGKOK, 27 August 2010 (NNT) — The government has confirmed that former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinwatara is currently residing in one of the ASEAN member countries.

Democrat MP Panich Vikitset said reports had confirmed that the former Prime Minister had been residing in one of the Asean member countries, reaffirming what the Prime Minister said yesterday. However, he declined to say which country. The reports were based on the trips made by Thaksin’s close aides and his Twitter conversation messages. Mr Abhisit yesterday hinted that the country the former Premier residing in was a member of the ASEAN grouping and that the country did not border on Thailand; it was rarely visited by tourists. The whereabouts of Thaksin has also been confirmed by Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Chavanond Intarakomalyasut.

Thaksin has been on Thailand’s most-wanted list on terrorism charges, which carries death penalty if convicted, in the wake of the recent political upheaval in Thailand which led to the bloodiest clash in Thai history.

-- NNT 2010-08-27