Thailand Live Wednesday 15 Sep 2010

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Thailand Live Wednesday 15 September 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...

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Related topic: Thailand Live Tuesday 14 September 2010

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2,000 police tighten security ahead of Sept 19 coup anniversary Red Shirt rally

BANGKOK: -- Some 1,950 metropolitan police began deploying across the Thai capital Tuesday, days ahead ahead of the fourth anniversary of the September 19 coup ousting prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, and a thousand more will be put on alert this Sunday.

Chairing a video conference with senior police officers nationwide, police chief Pol Gen Wichean Potephosree ordered his agency's top cops across the country to tighten security and to closely monitor the political movements of the Red Shirt activists to mark the bloodless coup, police spokesman Pol Maj-Gen Prawut Thavornsiri said, adding that provincial police have been instructed to handle any crowd in accordance with the law.

Participants in the demonstrations are prohibited from causing any loss, blocking roads, obstructing the entrances of private homes and threatening and harming other people. Any violations, particularly by persons living in areas under the emergency decree, will be punishable by a maximum of two years in prison and a maximum fine of Bt40,000.

In the northern city Chiang Mai, hometown of Mr Thaksin and a major Red Shirt stronghold, Pol Lt-Gen Somkid Boonthanom, commissioner of Provincial Police Region 5 said the overall situation remained under control, therefore the local authorities have not asked the government to consider reimposing the state of emergency in the province.

A meeting of the provincial internal security operations command, police and military chaired by the provincial governor earlier resolved that the situation did not warrant a return of the state of emergency.

The United Front for Democracy Against Dictatorship (UDD) Red Shirt activists began activities to mark the fourth anniversary of the September 19 bloodless coup toppling the then premier, now fugitive Thaksin Shinawatra last Sunday in Bangkok.

On September 19, activities will be held at Ratchaprasong Intersection in Bangkok. Also the anti-government groups countrywide planned to hold their gatherings this Sunday. (MCOT online news)

-- TNA 2010-09-15

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PM Denies Saudi Sanction Rumor

The prime minister and his deputy deny having heard that the Saudi Arabian government has requested the Organization of the Islamic Conference to apply sanctions against Thailand due to the promotion of a senior police officer who is a suspect in the murder of a missing Saudi businessman.

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva denied receiving a report that the government of Saudi Arabia has prepared to close its embassy in Bangkok and has requested the Organization of the Islamic Conference, or the OIC, to impose sanctions against Thailand.

The report came after the Thai government promoted Police Lieutenant General Somkid Boonthanom, a suspect in the murder of a missing Saudi businessman, to the post of assistant police chief.

The prime minister said the Foreign Ministry is trying to verify such a report with Saudi authorities.

Abhisit added that the government will not reconsider Somkid's promotion and he believed that the Saudi Arabian government will not interfere with Thailand's domestic affairs.

Meanwhile, Deputy Prime Minister in charge of the national security Suthep Thaugsuban also denied having heard about such a report and has referred the inquiry to the Foreign Ministry.

Suthep reiterated that as chairman of the National Police Commission, he has already informed the Saudi charge d'affaires about Somkid's promotion and hoped that Riyadh would understand.

-- Tan Network 2010-09-15

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Retiring Supreme Administrative Court President Admits Political Interference

The retiring supreme administrative court president has admitted that every independent organization has been interfered with by politics and reminded everyone that only justice can bring peace to society.

Before retiring on September 30, Supreme Administrative Court president Ackaratorn Chularat said that he has already assigned his duties to his successor and other justices, and has urged them to uphold justice and perform their duties with honesty, while serving as ideal role models and most importantly, denouncing favoritism.

Ackaratorn asserted that all arbiters of justice must be impartial.

The supreme administrative court president also commented on the current political situation, specifically the reconciliation process, saying that everyone must be duty-conscious and hold on to His Majesty the King's teachings.

Ackaratorn added that civil servants must be concerned about the country, and not be thinking about lining their own pockets.

He pointed out that in the recent years, the society has been going through a volatile stage and only justice can render it peaceful again.

Ackaratorn insisted that the laws must be enforced with impartiality. However, he also admitted that laws were often bent for personal gain.

At the same time, the retiring supreme administrative court president also stressed that those who have committed crimes must be punished regardless of all the good they have done in the past. The law must be upheld at all costs.

Nevertheless, Ackaratorn relented, saying that there are political-interventions in every organization, including the judicial system.

He indicated that such interferences in the justice system could have dire consequences to society and in order to prevent this from happening, everyone must be true to their duties.

Ackaratorn also urged all Thai people to study international history in order to nurture their legal abilities. He also expressed his desire to see Thailand guided by a strong leader, one who is capable of helping the country realize its full potential.

The supreme administrative court president also pleaded with press to only give factual information to the public.

Ackaratorn reiterated that he is not interested in entering politics, claiming that he not fit to be a politician. Instead, he will spend his retirement reading and teaching.

In the end, he asked officials to persecute those involved with the anti-monarchy movement

-- Tan Network 2010-09-15

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Government Open to Peaceful Rallies

The government spokesperson has confirmed that the government is open to peaceful political activities, but has expressed concern about demonstrations in major provinces where tourism or the recovering economy can be affected.

The Prime Minister's Deputy Secretary General and acting government spokesperson Panithan Wattanayakorn commented on the upcoming red-shirt rally, stating that the government is open to political rallies as long as they are peaceful and orderly.

Police units will oversee security operations during the rally and additional forces will be deployed in areas where the emergency rule is in force, particularly from September 17 to 19, when red-shirt members will be most active.

Nonetheless, the Center for the Resolution of Emergency Situation has not made any special announcement, only that security precautions will be taken ahead of the red-shirt rally.

Panithan expressed concern about key provinces with important commercial zones and tourist spots.

Additional forces have been deployed at these sites to ensure that the protests will not affect the country's tourism and economic recovery.

-- Tan Network 2010-09-15

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Govt to Clarify Harmful Industries List

The prime minister pledges to clarify to the public on the list of 11 harmful industries after it was opposed by the panel on the Map Ta Phut controversy.

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva said the government must speed up explaining to the people and conducting a study on the impact of the 11 harmful industries as declared by the National Environment Board.

Abhisit stated three working panels have been set up to take charge of monitoring whether industrial projects comply with the Constitution's Article 67, requiring operators of any harmful industry to conduct health and environment impact assessments before starting construction.

The first panel is headed by Thongchai Pansawad and is tasked with enforcing regulations for the harmful projects.

The second panel will be chaired by leader of the Eastern People's Network, Sutthi Atchasai. It is empowered to find out if projects comply with the pollution reduction and eradication plans.

The third panel, responsible for coordinating city planning with industrial projects, is chaired by Kosol Jairungsri.

The government will also set up its own body to consider the work of the three panels and its finding will be put into the agenda of the meeting by the four-party committee on the Map Ta Phut dispute every two months.

Secretary general to the prime minister Korbsak Sabhavasu said those who oppose the announcement of the harmful industries list can hold a rally but their activities must abide by the law.

Chairman of the four-party committee, Anand Panyarachun, said his panel is still of the stance that the harmful industries list must cover 18 industrial activities as the panel proposed but it will drop the issue as the National Environment Board has already made its decision to cut the number of industries to 11.

Meanwhile, Sutthi suggested a public hearing on the 18 industrial activities as proposed by the four-party panel. He added their construction must be endorsed by an independent agency as required by the charter.

Sutthi said his network will scrap its planned protest at Map Ta Phut if the government accepts his suggestion.

-- Tan Network 2010-09-15

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PM rejects ex-DSI officer's claim on fund

By THE NATION

Prime Minister and Democrat Party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva yesterday rejected a claim by a former senior officer of the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) that he was aware a Bt258-million fund from TPI Polene was siphoned off to the Democrats, which has led to a dissolution case against the ruling party.

"It's untrue. I will give my testimony when the time comes," he said, referring to the claim against him.

Abhisit said he was unaware there was a "secret tape" as claimed by former DSI deputy director-general Police Colonel Suchart Wonganantachai, who described it as "convincing evidence" against the Democrat Party.

"He did not submit it as part of evidence previously presented to the court. I wonder why such an important piece of evidence was not submitted before. There is something unusual," the prime minister said.

Suchart on Monday presented CDs of a 13-minute audio file to the Constitution Court as "new" evidence in the Democrat Party dissolution case. He said it was a recording of Prachuap Sangkhao, a Messiah Business and Creation executive, telling a disguised officer his firm received Bt258 million from TPI Polene and siphoned it off to the Democrat Party.

He alleged that key Democrats, including party leader Abhisit, Witthaya Kaewparadai, and Banyat Bantadtan, knew about this.

Meanwhile, Democrat MPs yesterday questioned Suchart's intention of keeping the supposedly secret tape without informing the current DSI chief and other senior officers.

MP Sakonthi Patthiyakul, who is an assistant to the Democrat secretary-general, said that Suchart might have kept the audio file as his "trump card" for some bargaining.

Democrat MP Virat Kalayasiri, a member of the party's defence team, said that if the "secret tape" was authentic, it should have been mentioned in the DSI's investigation report and submitted to the Election Commission before the case was brought to court.

"It is not known whether the secret tape really existed or whether it was doctored," he said.

-- The Nation 2010-09-15

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AUDITOR GENERAL

Jaruvan, Pisit face graft inquiry

By THE NATION

The National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) has launched an inquiry into the activities of top audit officials, including outgoing auditor-general Jaruvan Maintaka and acting auditor-general Pisit Leelavachiropas.

Jaruvan and Pisit are both accused of abusing their power by claiming allowances for a non-existent seminar, when in reality they attended a religious ceremony held to present robes to Buddhist monks, which does not entitle them to per diem payments.

This inquiry is the latest misfortune to hit the Office of the Auditor-General, which was already embroiled in a fierce tussle between Jaruvan and Pisit, who are both claiming mandate for the same position.

In his response yesterday, Pisit conceded that the NACC had initially targeted Jaruvan and other audit officials before expanding the inquiry on September 8 to cover him as well.

He said he was ready to defend himself because he was in no way involved in the alleged irregularities. The OAG sponsored krathin or merit-making ceremonies for three temples this year and organised a seminar for its top officials at the same time, he said. Some officials asked and were advised by him that the seminar could be held at the residence of Senator Santipap Intarapat in Nan in order to save expenses.

Pisit said he did not attend the seminar or the krathin ceremonies, adding that on the actual day, officials were far too busy with the religious rites to attend the seminar.

Later, the seminar turned into a dinner with Santipap as the guest speaker, he said, adding that the audit officials decided to spend their allowances on donations for the krathin ceremonies because the seminar did not take place as planned.

As for the row over the auditor-general's post, the committee tasked with selecting Jaruvan's successor cited conflicting schedules as the reason for postponing its meeting from this week to the next, Senate Speaker Prasobsook Boondech said.

Prasobsook said he was uncertain whether the nomination process could begin before the organic law on state auditing is enacted.

The draft legislation was dropped last week and the new draft is expected to be completed and ready for parliamentary deliberation in two weeks, he said, hinting that the nomination might have to be put on hold.

Meanwhile, legal pundits have different opinions on the transitional provisions related to the nomination process, he said. Some say that without the organic law, the nomination cannot be activated because under the Constitution, the key provisions on state auditing have changed in comparison to those under the suspended 1997 charter.

However, the opposing camp says the nomination can proceed because provisions for the position remain intact and changes apply to provisions for the state audit commission.

-- The Nation 2010-09-15

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Yongyuth returns as party leader amid turmoil

No opposition from Thaksin as Yongyuth is re-elected Pheu Thai leader

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TELECOM

Court hearing on CAT plea moved up to today

By Usanee Mongkolporn

The Nation

The Central Administrative Court has brought forward the hearing of a CAT Telecom petition to this afternoon following a request by the National Telecommunications Commission, which wants to clear the legal hurdle so that the first 3G-2.1GHz spectrum licence auction can begin on schedule next week.

CAT is seeking an injunction against the NTC holding the auction.

NTC member Natee Sukonrat will give testimony, accompanied by another commissioner, Sudharma Yoonaidharma.

"We requested the moving up of the schedule as we want an answer as soon as possible on whether the bidding can proceed. We're confident in the transparency of the process and we're confident that all preparation has been made for the public benefit," Natee told reporters yesterday.

In a separate development, ICT Minister Chuti Krairiksh yesterday expressed confidence that the auction would take place on September 20 as planned.

On Monday, the NTC officially kicked off the bidding with the announcement of the qualified bidders. Three applicants - Advanced Info Service's Advanced Wireless Network, Total Access Communication's DTAC Internet Service and True Corp's Real Move - passed the prequalification process. The three contenders will take part in a rehearsal for the auction today and tomorrow.

However, also on Monday, CAT filed a petition with the Central Administrative Court against the NTC's authority to grant 3G licences. The state enterprise also requested an injunction against the auction.

The court rejected the request for an emergency hearing of the case against the NTC for conducting the auction without authority, but it agreed to hear CAT's motion for an injunction to temporarily halt the auction. It initially scheduled the hearing for tomorrow, but then agreed to move it forward at NTC's request.A source at TOT, another state enterprise which like CAT is also expected to suffer financially from the new frequency allocation, said TOT was considering whether it should take similar action to CAT.

DBS Vickers Securities (Thailand) said in a research note that "in our view, it is quite positive that the court rejected the request for an emergency hearing, because the court seems to believe that the NTC has the authority to conduct the auction".

-- The Nation 2010-09-15

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THAI-SAUDI TIES

PM bids to hose down crisis with Saudi Arabia

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Students rewarded for speaking out on global issues

By Wannapa Khaopa

The Nation

Thanks to their outstanding speaking skills, the top three debaters in the Asem Summit student simulation on Monday have won a free trip to Belgium next month.

Nattapon Lertpraival from Thammasat University, Pakkamol Siriwat from Mahidol University International College and Worrachon Dulyavitya from Chulalongkorn University beat 93 other contestants in the Asem 8 Student Summit held at the Foreign Affairs Ministry.

Among the 24 finalists, Nattapon, who acted as the European Commission director, had well structured, original, constructive and persuasive speaking, which could draw attention, said Assist Prof Surat Horachaikul, head of the five-judge panel.

Pakkamol, who came in second acting as the Asean Secretariat, had good persuasive and comprehensive speaking skills. She told what had happened in the past accurately, while Worrachon, who acted as Thailand's prime minister and was third, was very clear on national position. He did a good job protecting the country's interests during the debate, Surat said.

Thailand's first Asem Student Summit brought the 24 students to debate sustainable development, which is also on the agenda at the real Asem Summit in Brussels from October 4-5.

They represented 24 out of 48 Asem countries and presented and defended the positions of those countries. They engaged in a debate to find solutions to how Asian and European countries can best support each other in sustainable economic, social and environmental development - just like the heads of states and governments of Asem countries at the real summit.

The simulation aimed at introducing Thai university students to the negotiating process of Asem, which is a key forum for dialogue between Asia and Europe.

During the debate that gave each young leader four minutes to present his ideas, Nattapon proposed to link Europe and Asia by an interregional railway to reduce transportation costs, promote international trade and make travel more environmentally friendly.

Pakkamol promoted a win-win situation and bilateral collaboration - Asia and Europe should create a platform to promote economic collaboration. She also called for balancing and developing social, economic and environmental issues together to attain sustainable development. SMEs should be groomed to improve the economy.

"I'm studying for a BBA (bachelor of business administration) in finance. It was exciting for me to act as the EU Commission head and present my proposals on sustainable development, which was a subject I wasn't familiar with," Nattapon said.

It was a good chance to practise analytical thinking and interpersonal and diplomatic skills, he said.

"I'm proud of myself that I could do it although I was nervous after I was chosen to act as the Asean Secretariat. Joining this competition was rewarding. I learned leadership skills. I dared to push opinions backed up by facts," Pakkamol said.

"The competition was different from other debates I've joined," Worrachon said. "I was really excited to sit in a circle and discuss as if we were the leaders of countries. It was a good experience."

The three winners will be awarded a free trip to Brussels for the week of October 18-22, with visits to the EU and the Belgian Foreign Ministry. The Belgium Embassy will provide the necessary visas.

Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya said during the opening ceremony he was confident the event would contribute to raising Asem's visibility among the Thai public and by extension the Asean public.

The competition was organised by the Belgium Embassy, Thai Foreign Ministry and the Delegation of the European Union.

-- The Nation 2010-09-15

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ENVIRONMENT

Anand ready to accept govt list, as Korbsak given job of following up

By Pongphon Sarnsamak

The Nation

The government has set up a new team chaired by PM's secretary-general Korbsak Sabhavasu to follow up on anti-pollution measures in Map Ta Phut.

The team is also meant to solve city-planning problems and monitor controls on the 11 activities listed as harmful to the environment and public health.

Former prime minister Anand Panyarachun, chairman of the four-party panel tasked to monitor compliance with the Constitution's Article 67 (2), said Korbsak's team needed to report to him every two months. Anand's panel will also monitor the progress of measures it lined up earlier.

Korbsak will also visit Map Ta Phut every two weeks to follow up on the plan, Anand added.

The four-party panel and the government have been at odds since the authorities brought the panel's list of harmful activities down from 18 to 11. However, Anand softened his stance after meeting Korbsak yesterday morning, and in the afternoon, he also unexpectedly welcomed Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva for a private discussion on the issue.

Anand said Abhisit was there to explain why the list was shortened. Moreover, there will be several informal meetings between the government's representatives and the four-party panel to discuss the progress of solutions.

At a meeting yesterday, Anand asked the National Environmental Board to give his panel the audio recording of its meeting held to decide on the 11 activities. Anand's panel was meeting relevant agencies yesterday to hear the reasons behind the shortened list.

The request for the recording of the meeting came after representatives from the Natural Resources and Environment Ministry and relevant agencies were not able to explain why the list only covered 11 activities.

Anand said the tape should be sent directly to him and that he would keep the content confidential. He added that there would be no more negotiations between his panel and the government over the number and type of activities that pose a risk to the environment and health.

"We insisted that the list carry 18 activities, not 11. But we also respect the government's rights and power to stick with just 11 activities," Anand said. "The government has the right to revise the list or move forward, but it should remember that people trust them."

Meanwhile, Abhisit said the government's list of 11 harmful activities did not cause any problems for Map Ta Phut's community or the industries based there.

"The government has tightened its measures to strictly control the environmental and health impact in some activities," Abhisit told reporters after his meeting with Anand. "The details show that we care for people's benefit," he explained, adding that there was no point in revising the list.

-- The Nation 2010-09-15

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Millions in assets seized from drug kingpin

By The Nation

Nearly Bt40 million in assets have been seized from a wanted drug dealer now on the run, including a luxury home in Chiang Mai, where the man had been based.

Police are also looking into the illegal issuing of a Thai ID card to Somkid Aphimong-khollert - a person whose original nationality is unknown. He has also used other names such as Chow An Sin, Sow Som Kia and Lon Sing An.

The Thai ID cards granted to Somkid and his Burmese wife were issued by Mae Fa Luang district office in Chiang Rai province.

Speaking at the home owned by Somkid which has now been seized, civilian anti-drug agents and narcotics police said the assets seized include two longan plants worth Bt15 million, three vehicles worth Bt1.6 million, an apartment worth Bt15 million and stock documents worth Bt2.2 million.

Somkid has been sought by police in China, Burma and Thailand for a drug cartel operated in three countries, jointly with Yang Aa Hong and Ja Panmaung. Yang had been arrested in Burma, while Ja had been arrested in Laos and deported to Burma.

In related news, Krissana Pholanant, secretary-general of the Office of Narcotics Control Board, said "ice" was now becoming more popular among people with lower income. Previously it was popular mainly with wealthy drug users.

Meanwhile, a Singaporean man was involved in dramatic scenes after being arrested at a border checkpoint in Songkhla with illegal drugs worth around Bt4 million.

Ang Beng Dee, 46, tried to cut his wrist and neck with a knife was after being paraded in front of the media at a press conference. But he was subdued by officers and overpowered.

Customs officials alleged the suspect's attempt to wound himself was caused by him being "high" on drugs. Dee later underwent treatment for cuts and is now in police custody.

The suspect was carrying 4,384 Ecstasy tablets and an unknown number of stimulants worth about Bt4 million in total.

Police said they were looking into his record of frequent travel to and from Thailand to try to find any other dealers he may have dealt with.

Separately, an anti-narcotics branch of the military seized a large number of drugs in three northern provinces from last December to this month, including 4.3 million amphetamine tablets and 3.4 kilos of heroin.

Some 54 kilos of "ice" and nearly a million tablets of the cold pill sulidine were also seized, while 490 people were arrested and 21 suspects killed, agency commander Maj General Sawas Krataithong said.

He predicted that drug abuse in Chiang Rai, Chiang Mai and Mae Hong Son would be more widespread next year, as drug gangs in Burma had improved their strategies.

Over 15.2 million sulidine tablets and other cold drugs have been seized in Thailand over the past two years, with another 28 million seized in neighbouring countries. That quantity of cold pills could be used to make 87 million 'ya ba' or amphetamine tablets, or about 2.2 tonnes of "ice".

The growing use of "ice" is expected to make the drug similar to the rampant use of amphetamine over the next two years, due to changes in policies by drug producers, who are now giving buyers free packs of "ice" with each large pack of amphetamines.

-- The Nation 2010-09-15

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Everything will be OK

A man walks past a banner set up around the Central World shopping mall which was torched in May by red shirt anti-governmment protestors.

The red shirts burnt down many buildings after their leaders ended protest at Rajprasong area.

The repetitive words "Everything will be OK" are wrapped around construction screening as work continues to restore the huge shopping center, a task that will not be completed for a number of years.

On September 19, the anti-government protesters have declared they will demonstrate to mark the fourth anniversary of the military coup that ousted former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra outside this shopping center.

-- The Nation 2010-09-15

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Many complaints about 'cheating monk', Buddhism office says

By The Nation

A famous monk, who heads a Chon Buri monastery, faces allegations he put more than Bt100 million in donations in the care of his former wife-turned nun.

"The nun has stayed at the monastery too," the Supreme Sangha Council Secretariat director Amnat Buasiri said yesterday. He did not identify the nun.

But Amnat directly mentioned Phra Pramote Pramocho, who has been the head of Suan Santitham in Chon Buri's Sri Racha district.

On Monday, Chulalongkorn University lecturer Therdsak Techakittikajorn filed a complaint against Phra Pramote with the Department of Special Investigation (DSI).

In his complaint, Therdsak said the monk had allowed Oranuch Santayakorn - a nun at the monastery - to manage more than Bt100 million in donations single-handedly, instead of setting up a committee to manage the fund.

Oranuch was described by many as the monk's former wife. He was previously known as Pramote Santayakorn.

DSI senior official Colonel Piyawat Kingket commented that local police were qualified to handle the case.

The Office of National Buddhism (ONB) also revealed it had been seeking help from police to investigate complaints against Phra Pramote.

"Many people have come to us saying the monk cheated them," ONB director Nopparat Benjawattananan said. Officials from his office were now looking into the complaints.

Nopparat said police could take legal action against Phra Pramote if he was found guilty of criminal offences.

"Senior monks will also look into whether he has violated monastic laws," he said.

-- The Nation 2010-09-15

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SOUTH INSURGENCY

Measures in place to help teachers

Cabinet okays incentives, standard for compensation, safety measures

The Cabinet yesterday set a standard for compensation, equivalent to seven months salary, to be given to families of teachers killed by insurgents in the deep South.

The other incentive approved yesterday was the automatic enlistment of killed teachers' children into a government agency.

If both parents get killed, all the children would be eligible for this special enlisting.

Education Minister Chinnaworn Boonyakiat said these incentives would not go into effect retroactively, and instead called on government agencies to offer scholarships to affected children so they can complete their undergraduate studies.

Those injured will be given extended sick leave, while those who have been working in violence-infested areas for five years will be given an extra Bt3,500 each month.

These incentives were approved after Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva met 30 teachers representing those working in the deep South on Monday.

The meeting was held in the wake of the recent killing of two teachers in Narathiwat, which brought the number of casualties up to 137 over the past six years.

In addition, an extra 10 points would be added to the overall score for teachers in the South, and unlike those working elsewhere, they would not need to complete their existing terms.

The Cabinet also approved in principle the setting up of a centre that coordinates between education officials and security officers to work out how best to ensure teachers' safety and escort them to and from school every day.

The centre will also seek support and input from religious and community leaders to deal with day-to-day security situations.

Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban, speaking before the Cabinet meeting, dismissed news reports that Thais working in Malaysia were financially supporting the insurgency in the deep South.

When asked about why there was little progress in the establishment of the 15th Infantry Division in Pattani's Nong Chik district to better the counter-insurgency operations, Suthep blamed budgetary and logistical setbacks as the reason.

Banyat Saengmanee, a leader of teachers in Yala, said the approval had boosted the morale of teachers in the South but said safety was more important than extra money or any other incentives.

"If teachers feel secure or believe that their safety is ensured, they don't need anything else," he said.

Usama Bunabdulloh, director of the Phong Yuerai school in Yala's Muang district, thanked the authorities and said he hoped the security measures would materialise soon.

-- The Nation 2010-09-15

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5,000 Police, Troops On Alert To Maintain Security During Red Shirt Protests

Protesters to gather at jails around country, as well as in Chiang Mai, Bangkok

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STOPPAGE TIME

Pheu Thai - Confusion, conspiracy theory, and back to Square One

By Tulsathit Taptim

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French police evacuate tourists from landmark Paris Eiffel Tower and metro station following bomb alerts, but searches find no explosives /MCOT

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SUCCESS: Phuket sea gypsies salvage oil carrier

The scene at Klong Tah Chin this afternoon.

Sea gypsy Somnoi Pramongkij, a key member of the salvage team.

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DPM Suthep Disagrees with Amnesty Proposed by Bhum Jai Thai

Deputy Prime Minister in charge of national security Suthep Thaugsuban says he disagrees with a proposed amnesty bill drafted by coalition partner Bhum Jai Thai. He says the bill will not bring about reconciliation as aimed by Bhum Jai Thai. Today, key Bhum Jai Thai members will try to lobby the Government Whip in order to speed up deliberation on the proposed amnesty bill in Parliament.

-- Tan Network 2010-09-15

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Thai stock index opens on Wednesday at 917.80, down 3.59 points /MCOT

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Thai economy roars back but risks linger

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Government likely to impose measure to control capital inflow soon

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China ready to transfer railway construction technology to Thailand

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Sunken Oil Ship Finally Rescued

News reports say the rescue operation to recover a sunken oil ship was finally successful after the vessel was at the bottom of the sea for 10 days.

Rescuers said they successfully recovered the sunken oil ship from Phuket province's coast after it capsized 10 days ago. Until now, the weather did not permit a rescue operation.

They said the ship was 40 meters below the ocean's surface requiring the rescue crew to drop 130 empty gallon tanks into the ocean and then tied them to the oil tanker. They then filled the tanks with air, causing the ship to go up.

The ship's owner Pramuan Nuat-ngam said the rescue operation succeeded and no oil leaks were found during the mission in spite of extreme underseas currents.

He added he that they will soon remove the 2,500 liters of oil from the ship.

-- Tan Network 2010-09-15

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Heroic Resident Stops Bank Robber on the Run Stopped in Leoi

A bank robber in the northeastern province of Leoi is stopped by a after trying to make off with 210,000 baht in cash.

Mana Sopharak, a 23-year-old bank robber in the northeastern province of Leoi tried to run off with 210,000 baht in cash, but was obstructed by a resident while fleeing the scene before being arrested by police.

Security camera footage from inside the Siam City Bank shows the robber handed over a threatening note to a bank employee before walking behind the counter with a knife to take the cash.

However, the robber could only run about 500 meters away from the scene before being brought down by Itthipon Homfueng, who decided to use his motorcycle to block a bank robber after he heard someone calling for help.

Itthipon was able to maneuver to pin the robber faced down on the ground before police came and arrested the man.

-- Tan Network 2010-09-15

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Interior Ministry steps up measures to combat influenza spread

BANGKOK (NNT) -- The Interior Ministry is gearing up to tackle the spread of influenza during the rainy season and the winter.

According to deputy interior permanent-secretary Kwanchai Wongnitikorn, the interior ministry has assigned province authorities nationwide to publicize information on preventative measures against influenza, aimed at reducing the spread of the virus in crowded areas.

The ministry has urged people in the risk groups to receive vaccination against the H1N1 flu, which is expected to be widespread at this time of the year. The Public Health Ministry has also instructed medical and public health centers and relevant agencies to step up the monitoring of those who are prone to getting infected by the influenza virus, especially in the densely-populated areas.

-- NNT 2010-09-15

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CRES ready to handle UDD activities

BANGKOK (NNT) -- The Center for the Resolution of Emergency Situation (CRES) is ready to handle political activities of the anti-government United Front of Democracy Against Dictatorship (UDD) from 17 to 19 September 2010.

Speaking after the CRES meeting on Tuesday, CRES and Army Spokesperson Colonel Sansern Kaewkamnerd stated that the CRES could understand that the upcoming UDD-planned activities would be an expression of political opinions within the framework of the Constitution.

Colonel Sansern voiced his confidence that UDD demonstrators have goodwill for the country by gathering peacefully and would not do anything to harm feelings or confidence of people and investors alike.

As for reports that some ill-intentioned people might infiltrate and incite unrest, the spokesperson stated that the CRES would stipulate clear-cut measures for the demonstrators including prohibiting all illegal actions. He said the CRES would deploy the police as the main force and focus on negotiation means to avoid conflicts.

-- NNT 2010-09-15