Thailand Live Tuesday 31 Aug 2010

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Thailand Live Tuesday 31 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 Monday 30 August 2010

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Thai press attends a seminar on early warning for disaster

BANGKOK (NNT) -- Thai press attends a seminar on disaster preparedness to provide early warnings to the public in time of crisis.

The seminar has been organized by Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Union (ABU) under the theme of hazard alerts practices for press member as the press has been regarded as an essential part in passing on swift and consistent information to people.

ABU has also prepared to host a similar seminar in such countries as Vietnam, Cambodia, Philippines, China and Malaysia.

Thailand has recently come across many national disasters including the 2004 Tsunami, which has caused tremendous destruction of lives and properties. However, the possible early warning will give more time for people to evacuate and certainly would help reduce loss of life and property from the disasters.

-- NNT 2010-08-31

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PM thanks all voters in support of Democrats in council elections

BANGKOK (NNT) -- Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva has expressed thanks to all Bangkokians for voting for the Democrat Party’s candidates in the recent city and district council elections.

Prime Minister Abhisit stated that the result of the Bangkok city and district council polls showed the public's great support and confidence in the candidates of the Democrat Party. He said all elected councilors were duty-bound to work in coordination with the Bangkok governor and the Government to improve the city for the benefit of its residents.

Following the Bangkok city and district council elections held on 29 August, the ruling Democrat Party was declared the winner in 46 districts. The opposition Pheu Thai Party was victorious in 14 districts while the New Politics Party of the People’s Alliance for Democracy did not win any.

-- NNT 2010-08-31

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Cabinet to Consider High-speed Train Plan

The State Enterprise Policy Office's working group tasked with studying a joint high-speed train project with China worth 500 billion baht will present its findings to the Cabinet tomorrow.

Director of the State Enterprise Policy Office, or SEPO, Supha Piyajitti, disclosed today that a working group tasked with creating a framework for a 500 billion-baht train project with China headed by Korbsak Sabhavasu has completed its work.

He declined to give any detail about the plan, saying information on the matter can only be released after it is approved by the House.

The plan is to be tabled for the Cabinet's consideration tomorrow before being forwarded to Parliament.

The train project will connect China with Thailand through Nong Khai province and extend all the way to Bangkok, where it will join rail routes to the southern and eastern regions.

The rail system will be a major logistic development for Thailand.

The rain service will first open for travelers but it will later be developed for cargo transport, resulting in improved trade for the entire peninsula.

The Cabinet earlier approved 170 billion baht for the State Railway of Thailand to upgrade the nation's train system.

The agency, however, has been deemed uncapable of undertaking the high-speed train project with China. Asia's largest economy is renowned for its high-speed trains.

-- Tan Network 2010-08-31

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Participants of Peace Walk for Peaceful Pattani almost reach their destination

BANGKOK (NNT) -- Participants of Peace Walk for Peaceful Pattani have arrived at the southern Pattani province on Monday after their 51-day journeys from Mahidol University Salaya Campus in Nakhon Pathom to Pattani province.

Director of the Peace Studies and Development Center of the Mahidol University, Gothom Areeya led eight participants into Nong Chik district of Pattani on Monday, the gateway to their final destination at the Central Mosque in Pattani, one of the three troubled southernmost provinces. The walk on Monday was accompanied by 60 local residents and Buddhist monks.

The team, however, will stay overnight at Pattani OTOP Center and will be on their way as their mission is due to complete on 1 September 2010.

Peace Walk for Peaceful Pattani participants have started their journey from Mahidol University, Salaya Campus in Nakhon Pathom on 11 July 2010 and have carried on their walks for 51 days already. The activity is aimed at sowing peace in the south as well as calling for peace talks between those involved with the dispute and calling for cooperation and supports from citizens across the country.

-- NNT 2010-08-31

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NRC takes aim at unfair land ownership, acquisition

By The Nation

Land reform and questions over natural resources will be the first issues examined by the National Reform Committee headed by former prime minister Anand Panyarachun.

He said those problems had resulted in disputes between the state and the public, between individuals and the public and the business sector. "These problems need to be solved immediately under the NRC framework," he said.

Key problems were specifically cases of excessive or unfair ownership and acquisition, which Anand said led to "social inequality among Thai people."

After 12 meetings, the NRC yesterday had reached three prime objectives, which would pursue "lives with equal dignity as human beings among Thai people; lives with peaceful cultural diversity, free of violation of each other's rights; and lives with guarantees on welfare and social protection."

The objectives could be achieved through fairness to all Thai people in economic and social aspects, fairness in land ownership and acquisition of natural resources, fairness in opportunity and rights, and fairness in negotiating and bargaining power.

The second most important issue to be resolved under the NRC framework was public debt, he said, but did not give a timeframe for it to be addressed.

"It's not that the NRC will help repay the Bt300,000 in debts Thai people owe on average, but we will work out solutions that are feasible, through effective management, legal execution and taxation," he said.

The NRC will hold its first public hearing session on October 17, at Thammasat University's small auditorium.

Anand expressed concern over how seriously the Abhisit government would take the NRC framework when its task was complete and handed over to the administration. He said his similar role in dealing with human rights issues during the Thaksin government was ignored almost completely, and heeded by the Chuan government only partially.

-- The Nation 2010-08-31

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Thousands of educational research papers 'of little use'

By Wannapa Khaopa

The Nation

Although more than 100,000 papers have been churned out by more than 76,000 researchers from 1988-2009, not many findings have practical use.

"Many universities still teach only research methodology, which makes postgraduate students unable to carry out good research that is applicable to people who make use of research findings," Boonreang Kajornsin, a member of the National Research Council of Thailand's education section, said yesterday.

The NRCT's education section has prepared its first roadmap for educational research to be implemented from 2010-2019. The aim is to give stakeholders guidelines for improving the quality of research studies and applications.

Of all the 106,868 research papers, 15,000 are educational research papers conducted by 10,000 educational researchers, according to the NRCT.

The NRCT presented the roadmap to educational researchers as part of Thailand Research Expo 2010 at the Bangkok Convention Centre at CentralWorld.

The roadmap suggests improving five areas - research management, research agenda, educational researcher production, capacity building by networks of researchers, research dissemination and applications.

Members of the NRCT's education section responsible for drafting the roadmap presented many useful guidelines in each area.

Rawiwan Srikramkran said administration staff at all levels need to follow the same direction in planning research management. National policymakers had to devise a clear strategy and assign an organisation to follow up. Network coordinators in each region of the country had to manage research in line with the strategy, while people at organisational levels should use their research findings to improve their organisations as learning organisations.

Pennee Narot called for the educational research agenda to be made clear. Educators should brainstorm and survey problems from practitioners to reflect real problems and make a clear agenda, which could help attract the attention of people in different sections to sponsor their research.

Boonreang said the postgraduate curriculum should be changed to improve research quality. Postgraduates should be taught methodology along with contents of other fields.

The roadmap urged experienced researchers to pass on their knowledge and experience to their juniors by conducting research together, she said. Higher education institutions should build a network in the form of collaborative research with schools, and act as the schools' research mentors by training teachers how to conduct research effectively.

Students who also act as research assistants should be funded so they can learn from conducting real research, she added.

For capacity-building of researchers, networks are important. Somkid Promjui said schoolteachers and administrators did not have enough knowledge and understanding to carry out beneficial research. So, local networks across the country should play a key role in giving them assistance and sharing experiences with them.

"Educational research networks in our country are not strong enough due to insufficient and irregular budget allocations. More budgets will strengthen the networks," he said.

Organisations allocating research budgets had to impose conditions that force researchers to conduct beneficial research, and disseminate and apply the findings to help people, Koson Meekhun said.

The roadmap urges researchers to work with more local people when doing research, and utilise their findings to help improve grassroots' lives, he added.

-- The Nation 2010-08-31

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Near-tragedy leads Northern school to seek money for bridge

By Janjira Jarusupawat

The Nation

Mae Hong Son

A school director is trying to drum up funds for the construction of a bridge across the Ngao River after strong currents nearly swept one of his students away.

"Fortunately, his friends saved him in time," Siam Ruangsuksai, the principal of Longpae Wittaya School, said yesterday.

The cost for the bridge will likely run about Bt300,000, but donations have reached just Bt174,000 so far.

The school is located near the confluence of the Ngao and mekong rivers in Sob Moei district.

Although it's a boarding school, some 40 out of the 156 students cross the river on weekends to spend time at home.

"Some of them are still in kindergarten. Teachers will always help the young children cross the river. But for the older students, they're on their own," he said.

When the Ngao rose too high, the school had to pay for a ferry that cost Bt400 per trip.

The school was also struggling with a muddy lane linking it to Mae Hong Son town.

"Only a 4WD vehicle can travel on this route," he said. "When we hire the vehicle, we need to pay Bt4,000 per trip (for the transportation of food and other supplies needed by the school).

In all, the cost for this is Bt12,000 a month."

Without a 4WD, the school also found it hard to rush an ill student to a hospital.

"Our teacher has to carry the student across the river. Then, he must tie the student with a multipurpose cloth before starting the motorcycle trip down the rough road," he said.

Donations to the school can be made via at-call account 020021745649 at the Government Savings Bank. A present of a used 4WD is also welcome.

-- The Nation 2010-08-31

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Govt easing rules on purchase of heart devices

By Pongphon Sarnsamak

The Nation

The Public Health Ministry yesterday ordered four leading medical organisations to submit bids in the controversial purchase programme for stents - artificial tubes used to keep coronary arteries open for heart-attack patients.

The likely bidders are the National Health Security Office (NHSO), the Government Pharmaceutical Organisation (GPO), the Department of Medical Service, and the Cardiology Intervention Association of Thailand.

The Comptroller-General's Department will also adjust its median-price list on the stents, which will allow state hospitals to buy the artificial tubes from private manufacturers at a flexible rate. The new median-price list will also allow heart surgeons at state hospitals access to various-sized stents for patients under the civil servants' medical benefit scheme.

Public Health Minister Jurin Laksanawisit said the resolution came after a meeting last week of the Department of Medical Service, the Comptroller-General's Department, and the Cardiology Intervention Association of Thailand. The meeting agreed to postpone enforcement of the Comptroller-General's Department announcement over the list of median prices of stents that state hospitals can now buy from private manufacturers. The announcement was delayed from September 1 tomorrow to January 1.

Jurin also asked the NHSO to improve its supply process for stents to heart surgeons requesting devices of varying sizes. He said the prices and technical specifications for the stent programme under the universal health care scheme must be set by the GPO, the NHSO and the Cardiology Intervention Association of Thailand.

Jurin said the Public Health Ministry would organise another meeting on October 13 to discuss in detail the median price of stents bought under the state healthcare scheme.

-- The Nation 2010-08-31

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'Golden minutes' can save stroke victims from paralysis

By Saowalak Khongpakpoon

The Nation

Paralysis can be preventable if a stroke victim responds in time to the "270 golden minutes" campaign of Khon Kaen University's Srinakarin Hospital, a doctor said yesterday.

Instead of letting the person sleep symptoms off and destroying any chances for a complete recovery, the relatives must make the most of the "golden 270 minutes" by calling 1669 for an ambulance when the person develops muscle weakness, a twisted mouth or difficulty in speaking. Then the patients can get anticoagulants at the hospital on time, said Dr Somsak Thiemkao, a neurology expert.

Stroke patients would receive treatment within five minutes of arrival at Srinakarin Hospital, he said.

The campaign is also available at Khon Kaen and Mahasarakham hospitals and the treatment is free for Thais, as the government would cover the expenses at Bt70,000 per case.

A brain attack not only affects the victim but also those around them and the country, he said. In the past, treatment consisted of medication and physical therapy, but now doctors have developed a cure. By timely injecting anticoagulants into a stroke sufferer before his brain becomes damaged from a blood shortage, they can help the victim from becoming paralysed.

Strokes - resulting from the narrowing of the brain's blood vessels or blood clots from the heart clogging the brain's blood vessels - often produce sudden symptoms. The important signs are dizziness, loss of balance while walking, limp weakness, numbness in half of the body, difficulty in speaking, twisted mouth, confusion and choking, he added.

-- The Nation 2010-08-31

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Cabinet to consider sex harassment regulations for civil servants

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INTERVIEW

Newin: You don't need to be a PM to serve the country

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Lessons from Bangkok poll despite low turnout

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Thailand totals up bill for the red-shirt riots

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Big three set to do battle in 3G auction

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PM defers to courts in Bout row

By Kesinee Taengkhio,

Jeerapong Prasertpholkrang,

Marisa Chimprabha

In response to a written request by arms dealer Viktor Bout that the prime minister make an executive decision not to extradite him to the US, Abhisit Vejjajiva said yesterday he preferred the judicial process be completed before any next step was taken.

The premier said it was important a court decision over a US indictment against Bout over money-laundering be processed and decided upon.

"The judicial process over the matter should be completed. I am not sure about how the court would further handle the case," Abhisit said. "I need to check out on what factors the court would rely on in further handling it, and what factors the executive would take into consideration," he said.

An Appeals Court ruled two weeks ago that Bout be extradited to the US within 90 days, but the additional US indictment against him over money-laundering prolonged the process, as the Criminal Court set October 4 to hear the indictment and his plea.

Through his Thai lawyer, Bout submitted a written request to Abhisit asking him to make a decision not to extradite him to the US, citing his concerns over his welfare and safety in US custody.

Asked if he would allow Bout to meet him in person, as requested through Bout's lawyer, Abhisit said: "I need to see and read through his written statement, to see what problems he may have."

Referring to Foreign Ministry mediation in Russia-US direct talks over Bout's extradition, Abhisit said the process would take time as it involved many confusing details, especially "over angles regarding Thai politics that have been inaccurately reported." He did not elaborate.

The Office of the Attorney-General is waiting for an official US request that the additional money-laundering charges against the Russian be withdrawn, a senior prosecutor said yesterday.

Sirisak Tiyaphan, prosecutor-general of the OAG's International Affairs Department, said the OAG and the Foreign Ministry would discuss the withdrawal request once the document was received by Thai authorities.

Bout's lawyer, Lak Nitiwatwijarn, said Bout would challenge the US request against the money-laundering charge and he complained of the "unfair indictments" against his client.

Lak repeated his statement that no government representative had struck a deal with Bout in return for inside information from him.

Meanwhile, Chavanond Intarakomalyasut, secretary to the foreign minister, said Thailand was following all protocols regarding the Bout affair, and that diplomats from both the US and Russia had met in a Thai-mediated meeting on August 26.

"Both countries' representatives met privately and have been working on the matter," he said, adding that neither side discussed a much-heralded news report involving the role of Democrat MP Sirichoke Sopha.

Thailand on Monday asked the United States and Russia to respect its justice system, its integrity and procedures involving the Thai Court's ruling to extradite Viktor Bout, known as the Merchant of Death.

Thai Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya, who was in Montenegro's capital city of Podgorica, said neither country should have used Thailand as a venue for the debate.

"The US and Russia should not have put pressure on Thailand concerning Bout's extradition. We are not taking any sides on the matter. We are following our justice system and procedure. They are also democratic countries and should respect our system as we do theirs," the minister said.

The minister was responding to reports the US and Russia put pressure on Thailand after an Appeal Court ruled in favour of the US to extradite Bout who is wanted there on arms smuggling charges.

The Russian government criticised Thailand for taking sides with the US. However the extradition has not taken place as a Thai court must consider the US' latest request to withdraw the charges of fraud and money-laundering against Bout.

The US has dispatched a plane and US marshals to pick up Bout, but they must wait pending the court's decision on the charge withdrawal.

Kasit said that sending the plane and officers was not appropriate in Thailand's view as the US should have waited until the procedure was settled officially.

"The US should have shown more respect for our justice system," he said.

-- The Nation 2010-08-31

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Thai children are still being denied decent education

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Vendors of security software have warned that Web threats will continue to plague Internet users

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Thai stock index opens on Tuesday at 908.70, down 0.95 points /via @MCOTEnglishnews

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Police Plays Down Subway Attack Rumor

Police have asked the public not to be alarmed by the rumor about a terrorism attack on the subway, as police have vowed to beef up security in high-risk areas.

Police General Panupong Singhara Na Ayuthaya, also a senior adviser to the national police chief has reported that a great deal of progress has been made in the investigation into the latest grenade attack at the King Power Complex in Bangkok.

Panupong said that the investigation team is currently gathering evidence which will lead to a group of suspects.

A forensics team is also inspecting the the crime scene to pinpoint exactly where the M-79 grenade was fired from.

At this time, the proximity of the location has already been determined.

Panupong also commented about the warning issued by the Pheu Thai Party that a terrorism attack on the capital's subway system is being planned .

The police general announced that security has been strengthened in many high-risk locations and intelligence units are working closely with security officials in preventing such an attack.

Panupong has asked the public not to be alarmed by the rumor and to have faith in security authorities.

-- Tan Network 2010-08-31

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Bangkok's local polls not reflecting national politics

BANGKOK (NNT) -- Academics have viewed that the results of the recently ended Bangkok city and district council elections on Sunday cannot be used as a reflection for the general elections in the future.

Asst Prof Orathai Kokpol from the Faculty of Political Science of Thammasat University believed that the Democrat Party could sweep majority of the seats because Bangkok is the Party’s long-time stronghold while its residents did not want to see conflicts in local politics already happening at the national level.

Asst Prof Dr Orathai elaborated that Bangkok voters would like to see Democrat Bangkok Governor MR Sukhumbhand Paribatra solve numerous pending problems in the capital city. She believed that the local elections could not mirror the national politics.

Meanwhile, Asst Prof Trakoon Meechai from the Faculty of Political Science of Chulalongkorn University added his comment that the recent elections could show popularity of each party, which might affect its election campaigns later on.

Echoing viewpoints of the academics, King Prajadhipok's Institute Deputy Secretary-General Asst Prof Woothisarn Tanchai believed that new politicians could use the local elections to test the water before stepping into the national politics, but this would not affect the overall general election.

-- NNT 2010-08-31

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Thai Economy likely to grow at least 7%, says Fiscal Policy Office (FPO)

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Cabinet to review Map Tha Phut impasse, Thai-Chinese train investment today

BANGKOK (NNT) -- The Cabinet today will discuss various issues concerning high-speed train investments, Map Tha Phut industrial estate impasse, and the law on sexual harassment.

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva is holding a discussion with the Environment Board in today’s Cabinet meeting, which begins at 9 a.m. The topics to be discussed include the draft report of the 11 businesses posing negative impacts on the community, which needs to be clarified so that investors can go ahead with their projects in Map Tha Phut industrial estate; the feasibility study of the joint Thai-Chinese investment in a high-speed train project, which must be conducted prior to the government’s negotiation with the Chinese government.

The Office of the Civil Service Commission (OCSC) will also submit a draft law on sexual harassment in the office. The law is aimed at solving the chronic problems of harassment long apparent in the state officers. The Premier is scheduled to attend the Democrat Party MP meeting later on today.

-- NNT 2010-08-31

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Pheu Thai fires 4 MPs

The Pheu Thai Party has put up a sign at its headquarters, announcing it has fired four of its MPs, Matichon Online reported.

Wuttichai Kitithanesuan (Nakon Nayok), Piyarat Muensaen (Roi Et), Nathee Sutinpueak or Krung Sivilai (Samut Prakarn) and Jirapan Limskulsirirat(S Prakarn) have been fired, the sign says.

The sign says Wuttichai and Piyarat were hostile and always violated policies while Nathee and Jirapan have declared their intention to leave party.

"To prevent public confusion the said individuals won't b allowed to do anything on party's behalf," the sign says.

"Party lawyers have also been instructed to take further appropriate action."

-- The Nation 2010-08-31

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Military not involved with King Power blast

BANGKOK (NNT) -- Permanent Secretary for Defense General Apichart Penkitti has brushed off any security officers’ involvement in the recent bombing at King Power Complex.

General Apichart said he could not say if the spate of bombings was connected with politics or not, but admitted that some of blasts might have been, given the sites targeted were usually close to the residences of key figures or organizations.

The Permanent Secretary confirmed that security officers had nothing to do with such unrest instigation,which was claimed by some as a bid to maintain the state of emergency; adding that they, on the contrary, would be less tense and more comfortable upon the termination of the special law.

Recently, there have been two explosions near King Power Complex. The first one went off in the popular area took place on 30 July 2010, injuring a passer-by. The other exploded on 26 August 2010, near the first site. One security guard was injured at the scene.

In addition, General Apichart thanked former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra who indicated that he would like to stop his political movements. He said this could ease the situation somewhat, but the issue must still be monitored.

-- NNT 2010-08-31

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MRTA: Stringent security measures ensured, free from terrorist attacks

BANGKOK (NNT) -- In the wake of the claims of possible bomb attacks in the subway, the Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand (MRTA) has reassured the public of its most stringent security measures against terrorist attacks at every station of the underground train.

Acting MRTA governor Yiemchai Chatkaew has downplayed the opposition party spokesperson’s claims of potential terrorist attacks in Bangkok’s subway trains, saying that security measures have been tightened along the train routes to ensure the utmost safety for commuters.

Measures taken include the scanning and manual checking of passenger's bags before they enter the train platform. CCTVs have also been installed in compliance with the security measures to take footage of anyone acting suspiciously to ensure maximum passenger’s safety, Mr Yiemchai said.

The acting MRTA governor also said that the MRTA has coordinated with relevant security agencies to guard against any incident or mishap, affirming that the subway is completely safe.

-- NNT 2010-08-31

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Thai Catholic School Teacher Caught Caning Students

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Indonesian Volcanic Ash Stops Air Traffic

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Military To Promote Public Understanding On Red-Shirt Movement

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Urgent: M79 attack reported at TV Channel 11. One news vehicle damaged but no immediate reports of injuries. /via @tulasathit