Thailand Live Wednesday 15 Sep 2010

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Public Outcry Prevails against Map Ta Phut Projects

The Map Ta Phut Industrial Estate four-party panel is meeting today to review the government's 11 harmful industries list amidst threats of public protests and pleas from the private sector for locals to accept the official resolution on the matter.

The Map Ta Phut Industrial Estate impasse has shown signs of extending even further with the previously disbanded four-party committee reconvening to review apparent ambiguity from the National Environment Board's 11 harmful industries list, downsized from the panel's proposed 18 points.

Meanwhile, the Eastern People's Network, led by Suthi Achasai, has declared that if satisfactory answers cannot be found as to why the panel's recommendations were not heeded, the group will rally on September 30.

As for the private sector, Cement Thai Managing Director Kan Trakulhun has bid citizens to understand and accept the hazardous industries list as well as the Administrative Court's rulings on the matter.

Kan assured that all of Map Ta Phut's business operators are as concerned about the environment and public health as the area's residents.

Cement Thai has yet to receive an official ruling from the Administrative Court, but has affirmed it is ready to comply in hope of resuming operation by the end of this year.

Kan took the opportunity to also express worry over the appreciating baht, saying that the currency's rapid rise in value will definitely impact his company's third-quarter earnings, worth 700 million baht.

The Thai Military Bank has forecasted that the baht will be limited to 30.50 baht against the US dollar until the end of the year, acknowledging that despite control measures, businesses will still likely be affected.

-- Tan Network 2010-09-15

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PM not to reconsider Somkid’s promotion

BANGKOK (NNT) -- Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva has shrugged off a call for reconsideration on the notorious promotion of Police Lieutenant General Somkid Boonthanom to Assistant National Police Chief.

Prime Minister Abhisit declined knowledge over reports that the Saudi Arabian Government planned to close its embassy in Thailand and to ask the Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC) to boycott Thailand in a bid to protest the controversial promotion.

The Prime Minister stated that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs was coordinating with Saudi authorities to promote understanding on the issue. He confirmed that the revision on the appointment of Police Lieutenant General Somkid would not be made for the moment.

Prime Minister Abhisit also voiced his confidence that the Saudi Arabian Government would not meddle in internal affairs of Thailand.

Police Lieutenant General Somkid is one of five suspects in the disappearance of Saudi Arabian business executive Mohammand al-Ruwaili from Thailand 20 years ago.

-- NNT 2010-09-15

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Finnish National Arrested in Pattaya In National Child Abuse Raid

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Phuket's dirtiest road set for October cleanup

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Court Denies Arrest Warrants for 45 Members of PAD

The Criminal Court has denied arrest warrants for 45 members of the People's Alliance for Democracy for their part in the airport closure. The court cited a lack of evidence.

-- Tan Network 2010-09-15

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Thai authorities destroy 600,000 counterfeit items violating intellectual property laws

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SET index closed at 921.1, down 0.29; Bt/USD30.67; GBP47.48; AUD28.65; EUR39.72; CAD29.69; HKD3.94; SGD22.81; JPY35.74

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Phuket blackouts: Chalong tomorrow, Rawai Friday

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Police Won't Allow Red-shirt Protest to Prolong

The National Police Office has prohibited the red-shirt protest on September 19, marking the fourth year anniversary of the September 19 military coup, to prolong.

Around 500-1,000 protesters are expected to join the demonstration.

-- Tan Network 2010-09-15

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Red Shirts pledge peaceful rally marking anti-Thaksin coup’s 4th anniversary

CHIANG MAI -- Anti-government protesters of the United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD) in the northern province of Chiang Mai, a major Red Shirt stronghold, on Wednesday promised a peaceful demonstration to mark the fourth anniversary of the September 19 coup which toppled prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra from power.

Pichit Tamool, secretary of the Chiang Mai Red Shirt group, said the event will be held at a provincial sport complex in the municipality this Sunday from noon until midnight. The Red Shirt caravan will also travel from Bangkok to Chiang Mai on Saturday.

The rally is aimed at denouncing the coup for causing the loss of people's lives while the group will also issue three demands including the release of all political prisoners to pave the way for national reconciliation and the exercise of jury system in judicial process and economic reform, according to Mr Pichit.

All activities will be carried out under the rule of law and peace, he said, asserting that the group would not initiate possible violence.

The state of emergency in Chiang Mai was revoked on August 16 following an evaluation that the enforcement had negatively impacted business and the tourism industry. At present, a state of emergency is in effect in Thailand's capital and six other provinces.

Despite the planned protest and the latest grenade attack last Sunday at the office of the father-in-law of Newin Chidchob, a banned politician who is de facto leader of the Bhumjaithai Party, a coalition partner of the Democrat-led government, Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva earlier asserted he preferred using normal law to maintain order in the province.

Meanwhile, following rumours over possible violence this Sunday, Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban, in his capacity as director of the Centre for the Resolution of Emergency Situation (CRES) reaffirmed on Wednesday there is no confirmed report on the matter from the National Intelligence Agency (NIA).

Mr Suthep said no extra security measures are provided for the premier on September 19.

The deputy prime minister’s comments came as Democrat members of parliament discussed in a party meeting that intelligence reports said the Red Shirt movement planned to amass a crowd on September 18-19 leading to concerns about possible violence, sabotage and assassination attempts on the country's key figures. (MCOT online news)

-- TNA 2010-09-15

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UDD / red-shirts supporters to submit 4-point demand for govt when they rally in Chiang Mai this Sunday on occasion of 4th coup anniversary. /MCOT

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to be continued

Thailand Live Thursday 16 September 2010

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