Thailand Live Saturday 18 Sep 2010

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Thailand Live Saturday 18 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...

Commentary is still open for Thailand news in the relevant thread posted in News Clippings.

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Related topic: Thailand Live Friday 17 September 2010

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Democrat: Rally on 19 Sep will be peaceful

BANGKOK (NNT) -- The ruling Democrat Party has expressed belief that there will be no violence during the anti-government rally on 19 September while ensuring no House dissolution at this time.

Spokesperson to the Democrat Party Leader Thepthai Senpong believed that no violent incidents would take place during the upcoming rally of the United Front of Democracy Against Dictatorship (UDD). He cited that a relatively small number of supporters showed up for the group’s activity this morning to lay red roses in front of Bangkok Remand Prison, where some UDD core leaders were being detained, while the overall atmosphere was peaceful.

However, Mr Thepthai said one thing he was worried about was the movements of ill-intentioned groups that might incite further chaos in society. He also asked the UDD not to prolong its rally as the action could escalate the political tension in the country.

Meanwhile, the spokesperson confirmed that the report of black-clad terrorist suspects renting an apartment near the house of Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva to prepare for an assassination was received from security units and was not fabricated.

-- NNT 2010-09-18

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Training camp for vocational students kicks off

LOP BURI (NNT) -- The Ministry of Education has organized a training camp for vocational student leaders to enhance unity among students from different institutions and prevent violent brawls, in a peaceful manner.

Education Minister Chinnaworn Boonyakiat on Friday presided over the opening ceremony of the camp. In his inaugural speech, he hoped that the camp would be able to strengthen relationship among student leaders from different vocational institutions in Bangkok and its vicinities.

Mr Chinnaworn expected the camp to help encourage volunteer spirit among students in order for them to help develop the society together, spend their time for social welfare, be aware of their own responsibilities, and through peaceful means prevent fights among youths.

The camp is organized by the Ministry of Education, the Office of the Private Education Commission, and the Federation of Private Vocational School of Thailand.

There are about 600 vocational student leaders attending the camp, which will be held at Pasak Scout Camp in the central province of Lop Buri for three days and two nights.

Mr Thepthai continued that the Prime Minister was not planning to dissolve the House as rumored by the opposition Pheu Thai Party while deeming the information as a tool to discredit the Government.

-- NNT 2010-09-18

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TAT launches a project to promote old markets in three riverside provinces

BANGKOK (NNT) --The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT)’s Samut Songkhram Office has launched a project to promote floating and old fresh markets in the three central provinces; Samut Songkhram, Nakhon Pathom, and Samut Sakhon.

TAT Samut Songkhram Office Director Ms Angkana Poompaka stated that old markets touring was the current trend among tourists to enjoy their days with shopping, sightseeing and senses of the old atmosphere. These three provinces are full of floating and on-land markets which existed for 50-100 years. Local residents in each community still live in their own lifestyle based on the rivers passing by the provinces.

To respond to such a trend and to promote local tourism in the three provinces, the TAT has gathered related information of markets located in the provinces and will publish as tourist manuals. Tourists can receive the manual at the TAT Samut Songkhram or calling 0 3475 2847-8 or call center 1672.

-- NNT 2010-09-18

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EC sets Surat Thani by-election on 24 Oct

BANGKOK (NNT) -- The Election Commission (EC) is set to arrange the Surat Thani by-election tentatively on 24 October 2010 after the court gave the Democrat MP for Surat Thani a five-year political ban.

Mr Suthipol Thaweechaikarn, EC Secretary-General, revealed that the by-election in the southern province of Surat Thani would be held tentatively on 24 October to fill the MP seat left vacant by Mr Chumpol Kanchana of the ruling Democrat Party.

On 16 September, the Supreme Court's Criminal Division for Holders of Political Positions issued a verdict to ban Mr Chumpol from politics for five years after finding him guilty of making false asset declarations.

Mr Suthipol announced that the candidate registration period for the by-election would take place from 4 to 9 October while the advance voting was set on 16 to 17 October.

The EC is scheduled to finalize the timeframe for the by-election in a special meeting on 20 September.

-- NNT 2010-09-18

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Businesses at Ease Ahead of Red Shirt Rally

Bangkok's business sector has voiced little concern over the red-shirt gathering scheduled for September 19 with Ratchaprasong area activities set to commence to keep the momentum going in the recovering tourism sector and consumer consumption.

President of the Ratchaprasong Area Businesses Association, Chai Sriwikorn, indicated that on the whole, tourism is on the road to recovery, as things in the area have returned to normal since the intersection was used as the red-shirt rally site from April to May.

Chai elaborated that 70 percent of businesses on the road have come back and are in service and foreign travelers are once again a common sight. The only sector still impaired by political upheaval is the seminar and convention business with major organizations and governments wary of Bangkok's persisting emergency decree.

On the first major rally of the red-shirt group since the political riots in May scheduled for this Sunday, Chai bid the group to consider the best interests of the Kingdom and demonstrate within the scope of law.

Director of General Card Services, Montree Sittiyawanich, admitted to being somewhat worried about the red-shirt gathering, but said he did not believe the group will turn violent.

He brushed off fears that the event would stunt consumer confidence.

Central World department store, burned down during the political riots, is preparing to reopen on September 29, spurring speculation that consumption will rise. Central Card, the department store's credit card system, has seen an increase in users beyond expectation by 10 percent.

Krungsri Card Director Sukdee Jongmunkong revealed that the use of his company's card has already grown beyond target. Monthly card spending has leapt to 4.5 billion baht thanks in part to confidence among consumers that the nation has returned to peace.

Ratchaprasong event organizers have affirmed that they will continue with their planned events despite the red-shirt gathering with the sixth annual Taste it all @ Ratchaprasong organized by Central Card and Bank of Ayudhya, which will run until November 15.

-- Tan Network 2010-09-18

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Army chief tasked with monitoring Red Shirt activities

BANGKOK: -- The Centre for the Resolution of the Emergency Situation (CRES) on Friday appointed Army Chief Gen Anupong Paochinda to monitor the movement of the anti-government Red Shirt United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD) to mark the anniversary of the 2006 coup over the weekend.

CRES spokesman Col Sansern Kaewkamnerd said after the CRES meeting, chaired by deputy prime minister Suthep Thaugsuban on Friday, that the agency discussed the response plan for the UDD activities this weekend to mark the September 19 coup, which ousted then premier Thaksin Shinawatra.

Gen Anupong, assisting the CRES director, is to head the monitoring of the overall situation on Saturday and Sunday (September 18-19), the Internal Security Operations Command (ISOC) will monitor the Red Shirt movement in the provinces, Col Sansern said.

Police will set up checkpoints and conduct patrols,.said Metropolitan Police Command Centre deputy commander Songpol Wattanachai --more than 100 checkpoints -- and guard high-rise buildings. Some 3,000 uniformed police officers will be deployed as well as plainclothes police. The police will also record the activities to monitoring infractions of the law.

He said the police have informed protest leaders regarding the limits of their gathering and the organisers say they are ready to comply with the law.

Meanwhile, speaking about the Red Shirt activities in the northern province of Chiang Mai, stronghold of ex-premier Thaksin’s supporters, Col Sansern said the situation is not worrisome although the state of emergency was lifted, because the authorities can work together using normal laws with the main task to oversee security will be carried out by six companied of police or about 900 police officers while five companies of soldier will be on stand-by.

The (CRES ) on Friday also announced an additional rule to ban using amplifiers and stages or vehicles installed with amplifiers except a permission from the authorities under the enforcement of the emergency decree, Col Sansern said.

The new regulation was issued on Thursday in addition to the CRES rule in April banning gatherings of over five people in areas under the state of emergency, which is now put in place in the capital of Bangkok and other six provinces.

The new regulation is part of the CRES’s preparation in response to the Red Shirt’s upcoming activities at Ratchaprasong intersection in Bangkok and the northern province of Chiang Mai. (MCOT online news)

-- TNA 2010-09-18

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THE CAPITAL

Bangkok may be uninhabitable in seven years

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Monk faces defrocking over allegations

By The Nation

Phra Pramote Pramocho will be defrocked if investigation proves that he has been having intimate relations with his wife who is now a nun, Bangkok monastic chief inspector Phra Rattana Methee said yesterday.

Responding to allegations brought up by the famous monk's followers about the dubious handling of donations worth more than Bt100 million, Phra Rattana said the living quarters of Phra Pramote and his wife Oranuch were both in the area preserved just for monks.

Phra Pramote founded the Suan Santitham monastery in Chon Buri province.

Phra Rattana said if women set up residence in the area secluded for monks, then they were both in automatic violation of the celibacy code and were subject to disciplinary action on three levels - lightest, medium punishment and the ultimate penalty - defrocking.

"We need to launch an immediate investigation before we can tell if there is any violation of the code. Phra Pramote living close to his wife [turned nun] is regarded as 'extremely inappropriate' and I recommend an immediate scrutiny," the chief inspector said.

In complaints lodged separately with the Department of Investigation and the Office of National Buddhism (ONB), followers demanded that the donated money be audited properly. In fact, wellknown author Thitinart na Patthalung, Phra Pramote's follower for many years, even demanded that he return the Bt4 million or so she had donated.

Phra Pramote never officially divorced Oranuch before entering monkhood more than 10 years ago. She later became a nun and moved into the monastery.

Meanwhile, the ONB said that though more than 4,000 monasteries and Buddhist sanctuaries had the right to receive donations while awaiting royal permits to made temples, they needed to declare their assets and have them audited regularly.

The basic requirements for a temple are a 6rai land plot and Bt50,000 in cash along with endorsements from 1,000 people. The plot should be located at least 2 kilometres away from other temples.

-- The Nation 2010-09-18

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RED SHIRTS

Use of amplifiers at red shirt rally banned by CRES

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Brooke plans to go it alone

By The Nation

Film refuses to admit to fatherhood

Thai screen siren Annie Brooke insisted yesterday that she would not have her threemonthold son genetically tested to prove that he was heartthrob Rathapoom "Film" Tohkongsub's baby.

Insisting that she can raise the child on her own, Brooke said she had never told anybody who the baby's father was and had never tried to tarnish the actor's reputation.

Following an explosion of rumour that he was the baby's father, Film admitted to the press on Wednesday that he did date Brooke earlier and had supported her during the pregnancy. However, he appeared reluctant to confirm that he was the baby's father, saying the child had to be genetically tested first. He added that he would take responsibility if the baby was indeed his.

Brooke, meanwhile, said she had witnessed the press conference and thanked Film for not denying their previous relationship. However, she did admit that some of his words had disappointed her. She also insisted that she had no intentions to hurt anybody and that she wasn't the source of this rumour.

"I can only say that I used to love this man very much though the relationship wasn't publicised. I still have a good feeling toward him and don't want to say anything that would tarnish his reputation," she said, adding that they met at the set of the Channel 3 television drama "Pisat Saen Kon".

"I'm not angry, I'm not sad, I understand," she said, adding that she had yet to choose a nickname for her son. She added that she would raise the child on her own because he belonged to her.

Brooke also revealed that while she was fourmonths pregnant, she had offered to get the amniotic fluid genetically tested, but Film refused saying he believed her before fading out of her life.

Since he was absent due to social pressure, she did not wish to make things worse and decided to let bygones be bygones and raise the child on her own, Brooke said.

She also urged the media to drop this case and keep providing her with opportunities so she could support her family.

Film is no stranger to scandals. In 2006, it was heard on the grapevine that Film was involved in an intimate relationship with businessman and amulet maker Sitthikorn Boonchim, who early this year was jailed for five years over fraud and using the royal insignia on amulets in 2007.

-- The Nation 2010-09-18

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Abhisit's time in New York fully booked

By Piyanart Srivalo

The Nation

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva will be busy meeting leaders as well as speaking to the US media during his visit to New York from September 22-25.

Among the meetings scheduled so far is an informal tete-a-tete with Cambodian PM Hun Sen, acting government spokesman Panitan Wattanayagorn said yesterday, without giving any details on what was going to be discussed.

Departing Thailand next Wednesday and arriving in the US on Thursday, Abhisit will immediately attend the 65th UN general assembly in New York, before giving an interview to CNN and meeting the Slovenian prime minister and Sri Lankan president.

He will then attend a luncheon hosted by UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, before given an interview to CNBC at its headquarters in New Jersey and then attending a meeting with the US-Asean Business Council.

Next on the agenda would be a meeting with Hun Sen and a dinner hosted by US President Barack Obama

On September 24, Abhisit will deliver a speech at the New York Stock Exchange. In the afternoon, he will attend a meeting with US-Asean leaders at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel, before being interviewed by the Voice of America, meeting Thais based in New York as well as a US think-tank.

The prime minister will leave New York on an evening flight and arrive in Thailand on Sunday morning, upon which he will immediately host his weekly TV show at the NBT headquarters.

The next trip on the itinerary for Abhisit would be the Asem meeting in Brussels from October 3-8, Panitan said.

-- The Nation 2010-09-18

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3G fate hangs in the balance

By Usanee Mongkolporn

The Nation

Court to rule on NTC appeal against injunction on Monday

The telecom industry will remain in suspense for two more days after the Supreme Administrative Court announced last night that its verdict on the appeal against the 3G auction injunction will be handed down on Monday morning.

The National Telecommunications Commission, meanwhile, appeared ready to postpone the bidding process to Tuesday if the injunction is overturned. In a brief statement issued at 11pm, the Supreme Administrative Court only said that the verdict on NTC's appeal against the injunction would be announced at 8.30am on Monday. There was no mention of whether a verdict had been reached.

The NTC had claimed in its appeal to the Supreme Administrative Court that it had the authority to hold the 3G licence auction. It said if the country waited for the formation of the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) as ruled on Thursday by the lower Administrative Court, a bidding would happen only in the next 3-4 years.

"If the NBTC has to start the licensing process anew, this could take at least three to four years, while the telecom service needs to be developed continuously for the public benefit and enable the consumers to access 3G service," it said.

Information and Communications Technology Minister Chuti Krairiksh said he believes the process of appointing NBTC commissioners could be started next year.

The Senate has already passed the NBTC bill and submitted to the House of Representatives with 23 amendments. Both Houses are expected to set up the joint committee to vet the bill soon.

Chuti said the joint committee is expected to finish deliberations on the bill in November, and bidding could follow after that.

On the draft Frequency Allocation Act, which specifies the framework of the NBTC, Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva said a joint committee would be set up to balance the House and Senate suggestions. He promised to have government representatives in the joint committee to quickly address any differences.

Regarding the court petitions by CAT Telecom and TOT, he said it was within their legal rights to protect the agencies' interests, even though the action opposes the government's policy.

While admitting the negative consequences of the court's injunction on Thursday, he insisted the government had done its part in making the bid happen but for a legal complication.

"We raised the issue of authority with the NTC during a reporting session early this year, but it decided to proceed with confidence in its legal authority," he said.

He added that this fiasco would not have happened but for a specific clause in the Constitution. He reiterated his frustration that when constitutional conflicts occur there is no agency, except the Constitution Court, to give a final ruling. However, the court is not a legal counsel. The ruling would come only when something happens.

"If the Supreme Administrative Court allows the bid to proceed as planned, the problem is over. But if it rules otherwise, the government will ensure the speedy enforcement of the new law," he told reporters.

Finance Minister Korn Chatikavanij said it is better that the auction is delayed if there is still doubt about the NTC's licensing authority. If the auction goes ahead, it could lead to bigger problems later.

The Central Administrative Court on Thursday issued an injunction against the NTC's planned licence auction, which is scheduled for Monday, ruling the auction could affect the work of the NBTC as claimed by petitioner CAT Telecom.

Meanwhile, TOT has also argued the same reasons in its plea for an injunction, filed in the same court yesterday.

In the afternoon yesterday, NTC lodged an appeal with the Supreme Administrative Court, making a case for the licence bidding to proceed, or it would cause damage.

NTC commissioner Natee Sukonrat said the petition is not for benefiting any particular organisation. The 3G wireless broadband technology would bring broadband Internet access to 80 per cent of the population within four years.

In its appeal, the NTC said its 3G licence auction will not affect the work of the NBTC. On the contrary, the NBTC can follow up the NTC's licensing process and regulations when it gets off the ground. If the NBTC has to start the licensing process anew, this could take at least three to four years, while the telecom service needed to be developed continuously for the public benefit and enable the consumers to access 3G service.

The NTC said it will take time for the NBTC bill to become law, and for appointment of the NBTC commissioners subsequently.

The NTC appealed that the injunction has affected its duty to grant the 3G licences and industry regulation under the Frequency Allocation Act of 2000, which will create a void in the industry.

The NTC also views that though Section 47 (2) of the 2007 Constitution mandates the formation of the NBTC, Section 305 (1) of the Constitution states that Section 47 (2) will not be enforced until the NBTC law comes into force.

Given that the NBTC bill is pending vetting, the NTC views that this means Section 47 (2) has yet to come into force, and therefore the NTC's duty under the Frequency Allocation Act of 2000 does not contradict Section 47 (2). The NTC argued it can continue to carry out the duties under the Frequency Allocation Act of 2000 until the NBTC comes into force.

The CAT petition before the Central Administrative Court had argued that the NTC's 3G licensing regulations and auction are unlawful as it has no authority to do so.

CAT cited that with the abrogation of the 1997 constitution following the 2006 coup, the 2000 Frequency Allocation Act that empowered the NTC was also annulled. The 2007 Constitution mandates the creation of a new and single regulatory body to oversee both broadcasting and telecom industry and the NBTC law be passed within 180 days after the announcement of government policy in Parliament.

CAT asked the court to terminate the NTC licensing regulations and suspend the auction plan.

-- The Nation 2010-09-18

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Democrat MP to appeal against ban

By The Nation

Senior Democrat Party figure Chumpol Kanchana said yesterday that he would appeal against the Supreme Court's verdict on Thursday banning him from holding public office for five years because he had failed to declare his Bt200-million worth of debts.

Chumpol, who is also the chief Democrat MP, said he would file an appeal with the court's Criminal Division on Political Office Holders within the 30-day deadline and submit the documents he had failed to hand in when declaring his assets and debts.

He admitted that his family had indeed taken loans, and that he might have missed some documents when submitting his financial statements to the National Anti-Corruption Commission.

The party's secretary-general, Deputy PM Suthep Thaugsuban, blamed Chumpol's subordinates yesterday for failing to report the debts in question. He said it was most likely that Chumpol's subordinates were "not careful enough" when preparing the financial statements for the NACC, adding that the MP had no reason to conceal his debts.

When asked who would contest in the by-election to fill the Surat Thani MP's seat, Suthep said the party's candidate selection committee would deal with the matter. He added that it would also depend on the committee to decide if any of Chumpol's relatives should be fielded as candidates. However, when asked if his own son Tan would contest, Suthep said his son had no interest and should be counted out.

A Democrat source said yesterday that Chumpol might nominate his youngest daughter, Tipwan Kanchana, and if she refuses it is likely that the Democrats would field former party MP for the southern province Komet Kwanmuang.

Meanwhile, Election Commission secretary-general Suthiphon Thaveechaiygarn said the Surat Thani by-election has been tentatively scheduled for October 24. He said the EC would hold a meeting on Monday to make a final decision on the election date before asking the Cabinet for an executive decree.

-- The Nation 2010-09-18

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Thai activists accuse their elders of siding with powers-that-be

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EDITORIAL

Thai Central Bank should move to cut service fees

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Local residents in Lampang oppose lignite mine operation

LAMPANG (NNT) – About hundred local residents in Lampang province gathered in front of the Provincial Hall to express their opposition to the opening of the lignite mine in Ban Haeng village of Ngao district.

Lampang Governor Suppakit Bunyaritpong informed the people that the permission issuance process was made by the Provincial Industry Office and the Department of Primary Industries and Mines. The case is just at the initial process of submitting the permission requirement for mine operation. The next stage is to gather public opinions.

The Governor confirmed that there was no allowance from the Government to open lignite mine at present. He reiterated that the Government would uphold legal principles in decision making and would provide justice in case the operation affected local residents.

Kiew Lueng Co Ltd is a company linked to influential local politicians and has acquired Ban Haeng villagers’ lands of more than 1,200 rai for the new lignite mine operation, with the pretext that the land is meant to grow trees for paper pulp production.

-- NNT 2010-09-18

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6 Bhumjaithai bomb suspects plead not guilty

BANGKOK (NNT) -- Six suspects in connection with the Bhumjaithai Party bombing have entered pleas of not guilty during the first court hearing.

The suspects facing prosecution are Mr Kampol Kamkong, Mr Dejpol Puthajong, Mr Kobchai Boonplod, Ms Varisariya Boonsom, Mr Anek Singkhunthod and Mr Suriya Phumwong.

Since all of the bomb suspects pleaded not guilty during the first hearing today, the court set 8 November to again summon the defendants for testimony.

The six defendants are alleged of being involved in the bomb blast at the Bhumjaithai Party Headquarters in Bangkok on 22 June 2010. They are charged with producing, possessing and detonating bombs as well as committing terrorist acts. All are being held in custody at the Bangkok Remand Prison.

-- NNT 2010-09-18

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Interior Ministry: Smart card case to be concluded soon

BANGKOK (NNT) -- The controversy over the smart identity card issuance will be reached in two months, according to Deputy Permanent Secretary for Interior Khwanchai Wongnitikorn.

Mr Kwanchai stated that the irregularities in the issuance of smart ID cards were pending the Council of State's review and were expected to be resolved within October while the signing of the contracts would be arranged in the following month. He said the Interior Ministry had already informed the Ministry of Information and Communication Technology about the general rules and regulations to ensure mutual understanding of the process and prevent possible faults.

The Deputy Permanent Secretary projected that all Thais would be able to use the smart ID cards no later than the end of this year.

-- NNT 2010-09-18

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Red-shirt Rally Begins, Procession Heads for Chiang Mai

The procession of red-shirts protesters have begun to make their way from Imperial World in Lad Prao, Bangkok to Chiang Mai where various activities will be held to remember the Sept 19 military coup. More red-shirt supporters are expected to join the procession as it heads for the northern strong ground of the red-shirts.

-- Tan Network 2010-09-18

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Police on alert for instigation by third party during UDD rally

BANGKOK (NNT) -- The Royal Thai Police has ordered strict monitoring of third-party movements after preparations for the anti-government rally of the United Front of Democracy Against Dictatorship (UDD) started.

Based on preliminary evaluation of the UDD protestors’ gathering this morning at Imperial World Ladprao before heading to Chiang Mai to join tomorrow’s demonstration, National Police Spokesperson Police Major General Prawut Thawornsiri reported that the situation was non-violent but with some traffic congestion.

The police have held a meeting on the operation to evaluate the situation 24 hours a day. Security units have also been deployed to strictly monitor areas that are prone to violence over the past week. In response to reports of possible unrest instigation by a group of foreigners, the authorities are now on high alert.

Meanwhile, Police Colonel Prachuab Wongsuk, Deputy Commander of Chiang Mai Provincial Police, said that the UDD’s rally from Bangkok would arrive in Chiang Mai at 18.00 hrs today. The police have established checkpoints for all vehicles entering the province while two companies of officers have been deployed to provide convenience.

-- NNT 2010-09-18

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Phuket Moon Festival celebrations begin Monday

Mayor Somjai lights a candle during last year's Moon Festival celebration.

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NTC postpones 3G auction

BANGKOK: -- The planned auction for Thailand’s third generation (3G) wireless service due to be held Monday as the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) awaits the decision of a court has been postponed for an indefinite period, a senior official said Saturday.

Col Natee Sukonrat, NTC commissioner who serves as chairman of the 3G auction committee, told TNA that his agency had been informed by the Supreme Administrative Court that it had accepted an appeal against a ruling by the court forbidding it from holding the 3G auction until the Constitution Court rules on its authority, or a new regulating body, the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC), is formed.

Originally, the court was to rule on the issue Monday morning, the same day the 3G auction was to be held at a hotel in Prachuap Khiri Khan.

Three bidders--Advanced Info Service (AIS), DTAC and True Move--have been informed of the court decision to rule on the case, said Col Natee.

As the three giant telecommunications firms await the court’s decision, the NTC decided to postpone the auction until the court makes a clear ruling, he said.

The controversy erupted following a Central Administrative Court injunction to halt the upcoming 3G licence bidding until the NBTC is established as prescribed under the 2007 Constitution, saying the NTC has no authority to allocate the frequencies.

Col Natee said earlier that the NTC has authority to allocate frequencies as it had previously granted permission to CAT Telecom and TOT Pcl, formerly the Telephone Organization of Thailand, to launch 3G service on the same frequencies. The upcoming NTC licence for operating 3G is not the first time, but a significant bidding. (MCOT online news)

-- TNA 2010-09-18

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Thai 'Reds' head north for coup, crackdown rallies

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Phuket expats urged to complete on-line census

The census-taking runs until September 30.

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Buddhist man shot dead in Narathiwat

Narathiwat - A Buddhist rubber tapper was shot and killed inside a rubber plantation in this southern border province Saturday morning.

Police said Sayan Khamruang, 26, was shot three times on his head, body and right leg and died inside the plantation in Kawa village in Tambon Kawa of Sungai Padi district.

-- The Nation 2010-09-18

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Local TV Reporter is Shot Dead in Chonburi

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Korean commits suicide in Phuket

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Abhisit meets Saudi envoy to explain Somkid's promotion

Prime Minister Abhsiit Vejjajiva met Saudi Charge d' Affaires Nabil Hussein Ashri Saturday morning to explain the promotion of Somkid Boonthanom to the post of assistant police chief.

The meeting was held at Ban Phitsanulok residence at 8:15 am. The prime minister was accompanied by Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya and Deputy PM's Secretary-General Panithan Watanayakorn. The meeting lasted about 45 minutes.

Saudi Arabia's concern about Somkid's promotion is based on his alleged involvement in the unsolved disappearance of Saudi businessman Mohammed alRuwaili in Bangkok 20 years ago.

Somkid has been promoted from the post of chief of the Police Regional Bureau 5.

Speaking to reporters, Abhisit said he explained to the Saudi envoy that Somkid had received clemency under the law to grant clemency to clear record of wrongdoings on the occasion of His Majesty the King turning 80 years old in 2007.

Abhisit said he also explained to the envoy that Somkid's promotion was also related to complexity of other related laws.

-- The Nation 2010-09-18

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Phuket Town officials tackle Saphan Hin woes

The central stage area during the Local Food Festival held in January this year.

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