Thailand Live Thursday 16 Sep 2010

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Thailand Live Thursday 16 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 Wednesday 15 September 2010

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Govt to step up awareness campaigns against liquor distribution near schools

BANGKOK (NNT) -- The Education Ministry will take up an intensive campaign to draw public attention to sale of alcoholic beverage near schools and universities.

Deputy Minister of Education Chaiyos Chirametakorn stated that the problem about alcoholic beverage distribution around schools is still critical. He said vendors had been trying to penetrate the market by introducing new products such as cocktail syrup with high content of alcohol to woo new drinkers and females.

Mr Chaiyos said that he would spearhead teams to inspect areas around educational institutions and would coordinate with other ministries, police, and the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) to draw their attention to the problem. He said a memorandum of understanding would be signed by those units in the second week of October to boost their cooperation in solving the problem.

-- NNT 2010-09-16

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Sanan backs amnesty bill

BANGKOK -- Deputy Prime Minister and Chief Advisor of the Chart Thai Pattana Party Major General Sanan Kajornprasart agrees with the issuance of the amnesty bill, believing it will help foster reconciliation.

Major General Sanan stated that he personally supported the coalition Bhumjaithai Party’s proposal for the Government to issue the bill to pardon all protestors who were alleged of violating the law. He reasoned that the move could contribute to the success of the Government’s five-point national reconciliation plan.

However, the Deputy Prime Minister noted that the bill must be thoroughly reviewed in every aspect, especially whether it should cover the banned politicians, in order to ensure no further conflicts afterwards. He also stressed that public opinions on the matter should not be overlooked.

-- NNT 2010-09-16

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Nakhon Sawan, Ayutthaya, Chiang Rai facing flood crisis

BANGKOK (NNT) -- The provinces of Nakhon Sawan, Ayutthaya and Chiang Rai are facing severe floods caused by incessant rains during this period.

Director-General of the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) Anucha Mokkhavesa mentioned that the flood situation in all 25 provinces previously under the influence of Tropical Storm Mindulle had already returned to normal.

However, several areas of Nakhon Sawan, Ayutthaya and Chiang Rai provinces have become inundated due to continuous rainfalls during this period. More than 16,000 locals in 6,486 households are faced with difficulties while over 1,000 rai of farmland in the areas have been ravaged.

Mr Anucha assured that the DDPM and concerned agencies were hastily providing help for the flood-stricken residents and assessing damages from the disaster in order to come up with proper assistance measures.

People in need of assistance can contact the DDPM Hotline 1784 around the clock.

-- NNT 2010-09-16

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Jurin: H1N1 outbreak remains cause for concern

BANGKOK (NNT) -- Public Health Minister Jurin Laksanawisit indicates that the spread of influenza A (H1N1) remains a cause for concern in the country but assures that the problem is still under control.

Mr Jurin stated that 20% of the total flu patients nationwide had been found infected with the type A (H1N1) virus. However, he asserted that the Public Health Ministry would be able to deal with the outbreak in an efficient manner.

The Minister then urged people to take care of themselves, especially during the rainy season, to avoid flu infection and to meet doctors immediately if experiencing flu-like symptoms.

In addition, Mr Jurin also encouraged those in the seven at-risk groups to receive free flu vaccines being provided by the ministry at government hospitals in order to safeguard themselves against three strains of influenza, consisting of influenza A (H1N1), influenza B and influenza A (H3N2).

The seven at-risk groups are pregnant women of seven months and over, people weighing over 100 kilograms, brain disorder patients, chronic disease patients, senior citizens over 65 years of age, medical staff and slaughterhouse workers.

-- NNT 2010-09-16

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Cambodia Bids to Host World Heritage Conference in 2012

Cambodia has submitted a bid to host the 36th World Heritage Conference in 2012.

The Cambodian government has announced that it has submitted a bid to UNESCO to host the 36th World Heritage Conference in 2012.

The Cambodian government says it placed the bid because it currently holds the vice-presidency of the World Heritage Conference and has many archaeological sites of cultural importance.

At the same time, Cambodia is seeking to exchange knowledge and experience regarding archaeological conservation efforts.

The Cambodia government has selected the city of Siem Riep, where is the Angkor Wat is located, as the venue to host the conference.

Phnom Penh says the city has sufficient facilities to securely accommodate representatives from the 187 member countries. It is also a cultural center with many active conservation programs.

Cambodia is known for its diversified ancient cultures with more than 800 historic sites located all over the country. Angkor Wat and Preah Vihear Temples, for examples, have been listed as the World Heritage sites.

It should be noted, however, that the bid takes place as Thailand and Cambodia are engaged in a border dispute over un-demarcated land surrounding the Preah Vihear Temple.

-- Tan Network 2010-09-16

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Hospital gives woman new future

By The Nation

Yanhee International Hospital yesterday presented to the public a young woman, severely disfigured by acid, who had successfully undergone a series of corrective and skin-graft operations over three years.

Nathida Chaiyasit said she was now able to live her life confidently again, and thanked the hospital for its treatment and for the free service it had provided.

After three years of extensive operations, Nathida is no longer afraid of being called "ghost face" as she had been subjected to before.

The woman was presented along with her husband and young son at a press conference at the private hospital, which took care of her at no cost after her facial features were extensively destroyed in an acid accident.

Hospital director Dr Suphoj Samritwanitcha said another nine similar cases were undergoing free treatment, but Nathida's was the most difficult, because the acid had destroyed a large area of her face, including her nose and much of her mouth, which severely affected her digestive, respiratory and olfactory systems. The treatment would have cost Nathida about Bt1.5 million, he said, adding that the hospital would despite the cost continue to provide free treatment for selected victims.

"The treatment of Nathida is regarded as having been highly successful, but follow-up treatment will continue," he added.

Cosmetic surgeon Thawatchai Bunphatthanaphong said the treatment began with damaged structure and tissue on the left side of her face. Large keloids were removed and replaced with skin from her stomach. The next step moved to the right side of her face, starting with a tissue-expansion technique to grow and expand good skin to replace areas destroyed by the acid. This was the most difficult part , he said.

There were also operations to fix the corner of her mouth to provide her with normal movement and speaking ability, Thawatchai said.

-- The Nation 2010-09-16

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PROMOTION CONTROVERSY

Thai-Saudi relations may be affected

Diplomat 'produced proof showing abducted businessman was tortured'

Making Somkid Boonthanom the assistant police chief might affect bilateral relations as well as the quota of Thai Muslims allowed to go on Hajj, a House committee said yesterday.

For the first time after Somkid's promotion prompted controversy, Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban and Saudi Charge d'Affaires Nabil Hussein Ashri held a twohourlong closeddoor meeting with a House panel yesterday.

Both were tightlipped about what was discussed at the meeting held by House panel on legal affairs, justice and human rights, though the diplomat said "two weeks" before leaving the Parliament.

Committee chairman Pracha Prasobdee said later that Ashri had expressed concern about the promotion of Somkid as well as the little progress that had been made in the investigation of Saudi businessman Mohammad alRuwaili's disappearance 20 years ago.

"Ashri did say that if the promotion was not revoked, it might affect bilateral relations, the quota of Thai Muslims going on Hajj and tourism between the two countries," Pracha, who is also Samut Prakan MP for Pheu Thai, said.

He added that Ashri had cited "a new evidence" showing that alRuwaili had been tortured to death after his abduction in Bangkok 20 years ago, but did not give further details. Ashri, however, did not mention this evidence to media.

When asked about details of the meeting, Suthep said, "I give just one interview a day". When asked what he would do to handle Somkid's promotion, he just shook his head and walked away.

Meanwhile, Pracha said Suthep had insisted that the government did not play any part in the promotion of Somkid, who was allegedly involved in the disappearance of alRuwaili, saying that the Police Commission had approved the prmmmotion according to standard regulations.

Ashri and other Saudi officials at the meeting were seen shaking their heads when Suthep cited the doctrine of "innocent until proven guilty" in response to the diplomat's statement citing cases of Thai police officers' promotion being put on hold while investigation into their past wrongdoings were pending.

A translation of the Police Commission's explanation of Somkid's promotion should be delivered to Ashri by tomorrow. Meanwhile, the House panel has set up a working committee to do a parallel study of the promotion and will invite Ashri to a meeting in two weeks, Pracha said.

Before the meeting, Suthep said the Foreign Ministry would deal with Saudi Arabia's decision to close its embassy in Thailand if Somkid's promotion was not revoked.

Asked whether he had discussed the issue with Phichet Sathirachawal, secretarygeneral of the Central Islamic Committee of Thailand, Suthep said: "I don't think he is that important, and I don't think the shutdown will happen."

Phichet had been given his position by former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra.

Suthep also said that there was no policy to transfer Somkid to a civilian position attached to the PM's Office.

-- The Nation 2010-09-16

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WHO trusts Thailand to control diseases

World Health Organisation (WHO) trusts Thailand to efficiently control the five main lifestyle-related diseases, the Public Health Ministry's permanent-secretary Dr Paijit Warachit said yesterday.

The five diseases are diabetes, hypertension, heart disorders, strokes and cancers.

Paijit said Thailand was one of the three Asian nations that WHO believes can deal with the five lifestyle-related diseases. The other two countries are China and India.

He said Thailand had a good public-health infrastructure and an extensive network of public-health volunteers. Paijit added that the Public Health Ministry had also joined hands with the Office of National Economic and Social Development and the Mahidol University's Institute of Nutrition to prepare guidelines on lowering health risks.

He added that a strategic plan to promote good health among Thais between 2007 and 2016 was being implemented.

"People should lower their consumption of sweet, oily and salty food," Paijit advised, as he encouraged the consumption of more fruit and vegetables. "Exercise regularly and avoid alcohol as well as cigarettes," he added.

-- The Nation 2010-09-16

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Students injured by grandstand collapse

By The Nation

A grandstand built for group photographs at the Benchama Thep-utis school in Phetchaburi province collapsed yesterday injuring more than 80 students, two of whom ended up with broken arms.

Police said the grandstand was erected on Wednesday for group-photo sessions for Mathayom 3 and Mathayom 6. Heavy downpours on Wednesday night allegedly affected the foundation, making the structure collapse under the weight of 450 students yesterday.

The grandstand was three metres high and 12 metres wide.

School director Utis Rungthira said all the students were covered by insurance policies.

-- The Nation 2010-09-16

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New Delhi superbug not in Thailand yet

By The Nation

There have been no signs of the New Delhi metallo-beta-lactamase (NDM-1) superbug in Thailand so far, Deputy Public Health Minister Pansiri Kulanartsiri said yesterday.

The NDM-1 superbug was found to have infected more than 70 people in Britain, 170 in India and Pakistan, as well as several people in other countries in the West.

Pansiri said that the Public Health Ministry had established a system to watch out for the virus and monitor possibilities of drug resistance in 60 big hospitals nationwide.

The ministry, she said, would also seriously campaign for the proper use of antibiotics.

"Patients should complete their antibiotics courses, and not share them with other people who appear to have similar symptoms," Pansiri warned. She also said that people should refrain from purchasing antibiotics over the counter.

The Department of Medical Sciences deputy director-general Dr Niphon Popattanachai is urging patients to tell doctors about their travel history, because the NDM-1 was first discovered in people travelling from India to Europe.

-- The Nation 2010-09-16

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MALPRACTICE BILL

Tug of war continues

By The Nation

Both supporters and opponents of the Medical Malpractice Victim Protection Bill sought ways to push their ideas forward yesterday.

As Medical Malpractice Victim Network's chairperson Preeyanan Lorsermwattana called on Public Health Minister Jurin Laksanawisit to push the legislation of the bill forward, the Federation of Healthcare Workforce of Thailand (FHWT) handed a letter over to the government chief whip Witthaya Kaewparadai urging him to postpone deliberation of the bill.

Many doctors have been attacking the bill, saying it contained many flaws and would hurt patient-doctor relations. Strong opposition from doctors has put the legislation of the bill on hold, and the ministry set up a panel to work out the differences last month.

"The panel has not yet convened a meeting," Preeyanan complained yesterday. "We feel the bill is being delayed."

"I've heard that the panel will meet next week," Jurin said, adding that the job of overseeing the panel had been given to the ministry's permanent secretary Dr Paijit Warachit.

Preeyanan also voiced concerns about the fact that opponents of the bill had been campaigning very seriously over the past month.

FHWT representative Dr Cherdchu Ariyasriwattana yesterday showed up at Parliament House to submit a petition to Witthaya asking him to put the deliberation of the bill on the hold. FHWT and its allies have challenged the bill with another draft law called the Health Service-Affected People Protection Bill. This draft law has already been submitted to the Parliament president.

Up to 15,007 people have reportedly put their names down in support of the draft law, but relevant authorities will have to first verify the signatures before making any further moves.

The petition to Witthaya was yesterday submitted via Phitsanulok MP Dr Warong Dejkijwikrom.

Warong promised to table the FHWT request before the government whip's meeting.

"We are concerned about the controversy stemming from the Medical Malpractice Victim Protection Bill," he said.

-- The Nation 2010-09-16

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Govt panels to guide projects with health, environment woes

By Pongphon Sarnsamak

The Nation

The Industrial Works Department and Industrial Estate Authority of Thailand have set up two panels to conduct public hearings and grant permits - after impact assessment- to industrial projects categorised as harmful to the environment and human health.

"We want to build the confidence of the private sector in our measure to accelerate the process related to Article 67(2) of the Constitution," Yongyuth Tongsuk, deputy director-general of the department, said yesterday.

These two panels will guide public and private sector projects through the approval process under Article 67(2) of the Constitution.

The article requires the project's principal to conduct an environmental and health impact assessment (EHIA), hold a public hearing and submit a report with the EHIA and hearing results to a panel consisting of environmental and health experts and environmental and health independent organisations.

The panel will review and offer recommendations for the EHIA report before the final report is forwarded to the state agency that would award the permit.

After receiving the final version of the EHIA from the panel, the state agency must conduct a public hearing to gather feedback from the local community and stakeholders on the potential environmental and health impacts from the project before issuing the permit.

Yongyuth said the Industrial Works Department would take 60 days to conduct a public hearing and award the permit to the project's owner.

He was speaking at a seminar hosted by the Office of Natural Resources and Environmental Policy and Planning (ONEP) on the way to comply with the Natural Resources and Environment Ministry's announcement related to the activities deemed harmful to the environment and health, and community.

About 200 industrial project developers and representatives from the private sector attended.

Kattaleeya Silarat, chief of the environmental division of the Industrial Estate Authority of Thailand (IEAT), said IEAT is now also establishing the panel to conduct public hearings on EHIAs.

IEAT also set up the two other panels to collect information from local communities on people's concerns and to evaluate the environmental and health impacts from projects that will be located in the IEAT's industrial parks.

The IEAT's public hearing and permit process will take 45 days, she said.

For the projects that failed to receive Central Administrative Court permission to resume operations, Suchaya Ummaralikit, director of ONEP's environmental impact evaluation office, outlined a course of action.

She said the project's principal should take the environmental impact assessment that had already been approved by the panel of environmental experts, and resubmit it to the ONEP by adding a study on the ecological and health impacts.

-- The Nation 2010-09-16

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Ministry readies nationwide system to control floods

By The Nation

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YELLOW SHIRTS

Thai court rejects arrest warrants against 45 PAD activists

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COUP ANNIVERSARY

Fugitive phone-ins but no Thaksin at red-shirt rallies

By The Nation

Jakrapob

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Most people think protests are democratic

By The Nation

About two out of five people do not believe that the red-shirt rally on Sunday would spiral out of control and almost the same number are in favour of a snap election in three months, an Abac Poll released yesterday showed.

When asked about the amnesty bill for yellow- and red-shirt protesters, the respondents were split three ways - 33 per cent are in favour, about 38 per cent are against, while 29 per cent have no opinion on the matter.

About three in five people consider political rallies a regular phenomenon, saying they are part of the democratic process.

As for the red shirts' demands, four out of five support price guarantees on farm products, three out of five want the value-added tax to be reduced from 7 per cent to 5 per cent, and about half the respondents are in favour of scrapping the excise on petrol.

On options to pave the way for reconciliation, about 33 per cent said the government and the opposition should work toward mending fences, almost 28 per cent called for an early poll, while about 25 per cent called for a just conclusion on every case related to the political turmoil.

The rest of the respondents offered other suggestions such as forming a nationally unified government, charter rewrite, the prime minister's resignation, and the completion of the prime minister's term.

-- The Nation 2010-09-16

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Sanan proposes amnesty for banned Thai politicians

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Thai Foreign Ministry needs open minds for true human rights

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Fair pay is one way to root out corruption in Thailand

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Thai politics is all business as usual - literally

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Thai stock index opens on Thursday at 920.92, down 0.18 points /MCOT

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American national killed in Pattaya road accident

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Illegal Teak Seized in Uttaradit

Local authorities in Uttaradit province have seized a number of illegal teak logs in Klong Tron National Park.

Local authorities and forestry rangers, led by Major Niphon Kaewbuarabat , deputy head of the intelligence unit of the Internal Security Operations Command in Uttaradit province, seized 61 illegal golden teak logs in the Klong Tron Nation Park area, following reports of illegal logging activities in the area.

The timber pile was discovered ten kilometers away from Tham Chalong-Saen Tor Road.

The logs, about 5 to 6 meters long, are thought to have been left there awaiting transport, as there were vehicle tracks leading to the main road.

Officials also found that a number of golden teak trees planted under a state reforestation program in 1995, with diameters of 50 to 60 centimeters, had been cut down.

Authorities are looking for suspects and have increased surveillance in the area.

-- Tan Network 2010-09-16

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Deputy PM Suthep: Mysterious black-clad men noticed near PM's Sukhumvit residence

Deputy PM Suthep: Mysterious black-clad men noticed near PM's Sukhumvit residence;

security beefed up; Red Shirts not allowed to close roads, use stage for rally this weekend

-- NNT 2010-09-16

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Panithan confirms suspicious men take turn to live at condominium near PM's house

Deputy PM's Secretary-General Panithan Wattanayakorn confirmed Thursday police were keeping a close watch on a group of suspicious-looking men living at condominium near the prime minister's house.

Panithan said the men took turn to enter the condominium building but police have taken no action so far because they have done noting wrong yet.

Panithan said the prime minister's residence has been watched by police for several months as part of security measures.

Police did not check the condominium because it is a private property.

-- The Nation 2010-09-16

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Buddhist couple injured in drive-by shooting in Pattani

Pattani - A Buddhist couple were severely injured in a drive-by shooting in this southern border province Thursday morning.

Sathaporn Pikaew, 38, and his wife, Sirinart Pikaew, 33, were riding their motorcycle to work at Prince Sonkhla University, Pattani Campus, in Khokpho district when they were attacked by two insurgents on a motorcycle at 8 am.

The two were rushed to the Nongchik district hospital.

-- The Nation 2010-09-16

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Black Clad Men Suspected Of Plotting To Assassinate PM Abhisit Surveilled By Police

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CentralWorld to reopen on Sept 28 after Bt2.8 bln renovation, security up to world standard following damage by Bangkok riots in May /MOCT

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Fake grenade found by garbage scavenger in housing estate park in Bangkok; Police find it only out- of- use lighter, meant to cause alarm /MCOT