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Thailand Live Wednesday 22 Sep 2010


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Thailand Live Wednesday 22 September 2010

News, Bits and Tweets

with webfact

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 Tuesday 21 September 2010

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Central World to launch a grand comeback on 28 Sep

BANGKOK (NNT) -- Central Pattana Group has injected 120 million THB into the grand reopening of Central World Shopping Complex due to launch on 28 September.

Central Pattana Group’s Executive, Dr Natthakit Tungpoonsinthana said the company want the launching to be fresh and exuberant. Along with the grand celebration, there will be variety of activities and promotion campaigns to be offered to customers.

Among the campaigns is the “CW Cash Voucher Double Value” which customers can enjoy up to 2000 baht value from the 1000 baht purchase price of each voucher. There will also be exciting activities for the online society with the top prize of a 50-minute helicopter ride to enjoy the scenery of Bangkok.

Central is preparing to organize series of events from October until New Year Festival “Bangkok Countdown.”

Central World has been closed for reconstruction after the building was burnt down by rioters during the dispersal of the red-shirt rally in May. The reconstruction is completed within 4 months, which is 2 months shorter than originally planned.

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-- NNT 2010-09-22 footer_n.gif

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Anupong: No invasion by Cambodian troops at Ta Muean Thom

BANGKOK (NNT) -- Army Commander-in-Chief General Anupong Paochinda confirms that the Thai troops are still on guard at Ta Muean Thom Temple in Surin province with no reports of Cambodian intruders.

In response to the rumor that more than 50 Cambodian army officers were sent into Ta Muean Thom Temple located in Phanom Dong Rak district of Surin province, General Anupong stated that he had received no reports about the issue from the military units in the area so far. He insisted that the Thai troops were still securing the area.

The Army chief added that the situation around the site remained peaceful and safe as Thailand and Cambodia had made an agreement that the soldiers must not carry weapons while entering the border area, which covers the ancient temple’s compound.

According to news reports, no Cambodian troops have been found positioning at the temple while tourists continue to visit the site as usual amidst tight security provided by the Thai troops.

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-- NNT 2010-09-22 footer_n.gif

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Flooding in Kanchanaburi still critical

KANCHANABURI (NNT) -- Residents of Huai Krachao district in Kanchanaburi province are troubled by a severe forest flood triggered by continuous rainfalls.

The flood situation in Huai Krachao district is still worrying as over 20 houses and more than 1,000 rai of farmland have been devastated. The locals earlier helped each other move belongings to higher grounds in chaos.

Meanwhile, the flooding has also cut off the road linking Huai Krachao and Lao Khwan districts, causing inconvenience in people’s daily commute.

The authorities from the Provincial Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Office will speedily assess the damages in the area while the flood situation is believed to improve and return to normalcy within a few days if there is no more rain.

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-- NNT 2010-09-22 footer_n.gif

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Trio arrested for rape, theft

By The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Police in Bang Na district yesterday arrested three suspects - two of them illegal migrant workers - for the allegedly robbing three people and raping two.

Thai market worker Niphon Meekoh, 22, was earlier arrested for being involved in a September 6 heist during which he and three foreigners allegedly knocked on the door of the victims' shophouse off Soi Udomsuk 25 and demanded entry to search for migrants.

Police say they confessed to beating up the male victim and raping his wife and a female relative, before fleeing with their valuables.

The suspects arrested yesterday were Wanchai Seema, 32, the alleged ringleader;

Cambodian Jeab Jay, 18; and Laotian Kampha Songsaard, 18. Police said all three admitted to regularly mugging pedestrians in areas near Imperial Samrong mall.

All have been charged with armed robbery and rape. The foreign suspects are also charged with entering and living in Thailand illegally.

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-- The Nation 2010-09-22

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Bomb blast in Dusit tower block

By The Nation

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Police suspect that a personal conflict was behind the bomb explosion at Supavadee Tower in Bangkok's Dusit district early yesterday.

No one was injured in the blast though it made a 60centimetrewide, 5cmdeep hole and shattered the windscreen of a car nearby.

Metropolitan Police Division 1 chief Pol MajGeneral Wichai Sangprapai said they could not confirm yet what kind of explosive was used as there was no shrapnel, so further investigation would be needed.

Wichai said police would focus on personal conflicts, such as the case of a security guard being fired and a new one put in his place six days ago. Police will not totally rule out a political motive either. The securitycamera footage is being checked for clues.

Metropolitan Police chief LtGeneral Santhan Chayanont said initial inquiries showed about half a kilogram of TNT was likely used, and that the family of Terdpong Chaiyanant, Democrat MP for Tak, occasionally stayed at the 12storey block. Other residents were mostly doctors and nurses.

A source said many MPs stayed there because it was close to Parliament.

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-- The Nation 2010-09-22

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SSO subscribers to get access to more hospitals

By The Nation

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Labour Minister Chalermchai Sri-on confirmed yesterday plans to improve Social Security Office (SSO) policies so that subscribers are able to get admission to any hospital.

The idea was welcomed by SSO secretary-general Pan Wannapinit, who said the plan would require many changes and time to look at all details. For example, they might divide the sick into groups so that those suffering general illnesses could go to any hospital under SSO contracts, while those with serious or specific diseases were able to get medical bills reimbursed by the Office, he said.

SSO was due to sign a payment contract with hospitals in December, he said.

"It's doable because lump sum payment to hospitals doesn't need to be for a whole year. If all sides discuss this and everything is prepared, it could be implemented by mid next year," he said.

Thai Labour Solidarity Committee President Wilaiwan Saetia agreed with the idea and said it would give workers better access to medical services, but she thought it should also apply to those who suffer serious disease.

Meanwhile, Permanent Secretary for Labour Somchai Chumrat said the ministry was working with the Thailand Development Research Institute to formulate an off-system workers' management strategy for next year. He had instructed 30 provincial labour offices to make a database about workers and their needs.

He said labour management had not been very effective in the past because information was so imprecise, except for the fact there were some 23.3 million workers.

The ministry was also pushing forward with a draft royal decree about SSO fund distribution criteria for volunteer-based SSO subscribers, according to the Social Security Act 1990's article 40, he said.

Subscribers would get five benefits instead of three, he said. They would discuss later how much the government allocates when each such subscriber pays Bt280 per month.

He said the decree should be in effect by the end of this year and that subscribers should rise dramatically next year.

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-- The Nation 2010-09-22

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Cabinet approves 8% pay rise for teachers

By Yossawadee Hongthong,

Supinda na Mahachai

The Nation

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More than 430,000 teachers countrywide will receive an 8-per-cent salary hike next year under a draft bill approved by the Cabinet yesterday.

Education Minister Chinnavorn Boonyakiat said each teacher would earn Bt2,000-Bt3,000 more per month if the law goes into effect before April as targeted.

The government would need to budget about Bt2 billion for this round.

Chinnavorn wants educators to be better compensated before the government again manages to lift civil servants' salaries by 5 per cent in April.

Then teachers would be the best paid, as much as physicians and lawyers, and this would lure more excellent people into the nation's schools, he said.

The Civil Service Act of 2008 states that teachers' salary structure had to be adjusted, but in fact their pay had not improved while the Cabinet had approved an increase for other civil servants, he said.

The bill will be proposed to the House of Representatives during the coming parliamentary session, which closes at the end of November, he said.

Deputy government spokesman Marut Masayavanich said the draft bill would go to the Council of State for consideration. A national salary commission and state agencies would send the council their opinions.

Later, the bill will be forwarded to whips for scheduling for debate in the House.

The Cabinet also agreed that civil servants in higher-education institutions used the same salary and promotion system as other civil servants, Marut said.

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-- The Nation 2010-09-22

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Group threatens protest over slow progress on malpractice law

By Pongphon Sarnsamak

The Nation

The "insincerity" of the government in getting a medical-malpractice law enacted in this parliamentary session has upset the Network of Patients and its allies, who are threatening to stage a protest.

"We can't be patient any more with the slowness of the government in pushing the bill to the top of the agenda in the House of Representatives," Nimitr Tien-Udom, director of the Aids Access Foundation and leader of the Network of Patients, told a press conference yesterday.

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva had promised to meet with the Network of Patients if legislative passage was delayed.

"We have seen no progress in the government's attempt to speed up the process," Nimitr said.

"Don't buy time to break this bill," he added.

The Network of Patients and its allies including a group of cancer, kidney and HIV/Aids patients will gather before Parliament on October 5 if the government does not get serious about speeding up the consideration of the bill before the session adjourns in November, Nimitr warned.

"I wish the government would stop beating around the bush and be perfectly frankly with us."

The Federation of Healthcare Workforce of Thailand (FHWT) is conducting a public hearing among medical workers and the public to collect information to add to the other version of the bill that the FHWT is drafting. They want their version to be put up for the House's deliberation.

Nimitr said the FHWT's move would prolong the process. However, the Network of Patients will hold a seminar tomorrow to examine the pros and cons of both bills. The non-FHWT version was written by a civic group.

Public Health Minister Jurin Laksanawisit denied that the government was trying to drag out the process in order to kill the bill.

The ministry is waiting to hear the results from the meeting between the FHWT and Network of Patients, which will be organised this week by Permanent Secretary Paijit Warachit.

"I will bring the conclusion from the meeting to the House of Representatives' attention myself," Jurin said.

However, there was a good sign for relations between the groups of doctors and patients, as they agreed that this draft bill was needed but they just wanted to amend some of the contents.

He expressed confidence that the bill could be tabled in the House during this session.

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-- The Nation 2010-09-22

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SOUTH CRISIS

Court chief seeks aid for staff in far south

By KESINEE TAENGKHIO

THE NATION

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Supreme Court President Sopchoke Sukharom has serious concerns about the safety of a Betong Court official whose family members were killed and their home set alight in an insurgent attack against the only Buddhist homes in the Tambon Bareh's Hutaeyuloh neighbourhood in Narathiwat's Bacho district late on Saturday.

Sopchoke instructed Courts of Justice secretary Wirat Chinwinijkul to attend the funeral for the family this week, Courts of Justice spokesman Sitthisak Wanachakij said yesterday.

The office also sent a memo and SMS to invite judges and court officials nationwide to donate money to an accounts department official named Sirilak Rabiebtham, who wasn't at home when the attack occurred, on top of financial assistance from the civil service welfare, he said. If Sirilak wished to be relocated, the office would consider her request, he added.

He said his office would ask for police protection for staff of southern courts living in risky areas and would try to put judges and court officials in the same residential zone for better security.

Sitthisak urged intelligence officials to warn officials in the area to be careful if they have any information about possible attacks.

The ongoing violence has caused many Buddhist or Chinese-descended officials to seek transfers out of the region, while many business people have suffered losses due to the lack of tourists and moved to other safer and more profitable provinces.

Buddhist shopkeepers in Narathiwat's Yi Ngor district were also fearful and wanted police protection, so each shop now has a security volunteer to guard it. Shops only half open their front doors when dealing with customers.

Many families had already sold homes and left Yi Ngor municipality, one female shopkeeper said. Now less than 10 Buddhist households remain. The shopkeeper said she had also announced her shop was for sale, because she was so afraid of teenagers' joking about being hired to bomb her place - it made her faint.

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-- The Nation 2010-09-22

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OBITUARY

Bidding goodbye to a great man

By The Nation

Professor Pradit Chareonthaita-wee, a former president of Mahidol University who also worked as a doctor for His Majesty the King, succumbed to pancreatic cancer on Monday. He was 78.

Pradit completed his medical studies at the Medical University in 1954, became secretary to the public health minister in 1971 and was dean of Mahidol University's Siriraj Hospital Medical school from 1987 to 1991.

He was also a member of the National Legislative Assembly in 1989. Between 1991 and 1995, he was chancellor of Mahidol University and sat on the constitution drafting assembly from 1995 to 1997.

In 1999, he was involved in several committees, and chaired the Family Federation for World Peace and Unification. He also played a crucial role as chairman of the committee to conduct public hearings for the draft of the country's human-rights blueprint, and chaired the Foundation for Development and Peace.

As a medical doctor, he was chosen as vice president of the Kidney Foundation of Thailand. He later founded the College of Music at Mahidol University - the country's first such institute.

As a member of the National Human Rights Commission in 2003, he fought against the Thaksin government's drug-related blacklist, alleged extra-judicial killings and the government's alleged failure to put cases involving drug-related deaths through the judicial system.

"He was a great and brave person who did so many things for Siriraj Hospital and society," Professor Teerawat Kulthanan, dean of the Siriraj Hospital's Faculty of Medicine, said.

Pradit's body can be viewed at Wat Thepsirintharawas's Sala Sihasophon until October 4. The late doctor was honoured by royal-sponsored ceremonies yesterday.

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-- The Nation 2010-09-22

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More Thai Women in Swedish Sex Trade

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The Thai women who come to Sweden and are exploited for sexual purposes

often come here through marriage or on visitor visas after being invited

by Swedish men who then sell them into work in apartments, hotel rooms

or at Thai massage parlours.

Follow this link:

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Somkid to quit for the sake of Thai-Saudi ties

The senior police officer at the centre of Thai-Saudi sour relations will likely step down today, Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban said on Wednesday.

The Police Commission is likely to convene a special session on Friday to amend the police appointments in face of the pending departure of Lt General Somkid Boonthanom, Suthep said.

Somkid is expected to quit his position of assistant national police chief.

He was recently promoted from the position of Provincial Police Region 5 commissioner, triggering a strong Saudi protest on the ground for his involvement in the disappearance and presume death of Saudi businessman Mohammad Al-Ruwaili.

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-- The Nation 2010-09-22

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Deputy PM Sanan Kachonprasart Meets Sondhi Limthongkul

Deputy PM Sanan Kachonprasart traveled Baan Phra Arthit to meet People's Alliance for Democracy leader Sondhi Limthongkul. Sanan has earlier said he plans to meet with all parties involved in the current political conflict as part of a self-initiated reconciliation plan. He earlier met with Natthawut Saikua and six other red-shirt leaders at Bangkok Remand Prison.

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-- Tan Network 2010-09-22

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Thai PM leaves for UN General Assembly in New York

BANGKOK: -- Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva leaves Thailand Wednesday to attend the 65th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York where he plans to hold talks with American investors over the kingdom's economic and political situation.

Mr Abhisit leads a Thai delegation to attend the General Assembly where leaders of 192 countries are participating and a high-level meeting on the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) is prominent on the agenda.

In the MDGs meeting, heads of state will convene to speed up progress towards reaching the goals by the 2015 target date. The goals include reducing poverty, combating disease, fighting hunger, protecting the environment and boosting education.

Mr Abhisit is also scheduled to meet American investors and business participants from the US-ASEAN Business Council Thursday afternoon to boost investor confidence and inform them about the kingdom's ongoing economic recovery.

The Thai premier said his Sept 22-26 visit to the US will be an opportunity to discuss with American political and business leaders regarding the situation in Thailand.

"This will be a good opportunity to explain to them the Thai economic recovery and investment direction," said Mr Abhisit. "There still are a large number of American investors who are deciding whether to launch or expand their investment in Thailand."

When asked how he will clarify the problem of Map Ta Phut industrial estate and the suspended third generation (3G) wireless service auction to the American investors, the Thai premier said every party should follow to the court's decision but the government is also speeding up other related mechanisms to push the projects ahead.

Regarding a possible bilateral talk with Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen over the ongoing border dispute, the Thai premier said he still does not know if there will be enough time for both leaders to meet and discuss about the Preah Vhear dispute on sidelines of the UNGA, as the issue is very complicated.

Mr Abhisit however pointed out that he and Mr Hun Sen will have to meet again in several international forums in the next few months and that relations between the two neighbouring countries have been restored as ambassadors of both sides have resumed their duties.

"What can be confirmed now is that both countries (Thailand and Cambodia) will focus on solving problems with peaceful means as good neighbours and exisitng mechanism to function normally. The dispute should be raised in a bilateral talk without any help from other Southeast Asian nations," said the prime minister.

He said he will elaborate facts concerning the April-May political riots, the national reform plan and the nation's improved economic condition during interviews with foreign media including CNN International, CNBC and Voice of America. (MCOT online news)

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-- TNA 2010-09-22

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Man Responsible for RPG Theft in Army's Custody

Army chief General Anupong Paochinda has revealed that the man the army believes is responsible for the stolen rocket propelled grenades is now in the custody of the army. 88 police stations have been ordered to be on a look out for any chaos or unrest.

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-- Tan Network 2010-09-22

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Bangkok fights influenza A spread

BANGKOK (NNT) -- The Ministry of Public Health has stepped up campaigns against the spread of Influenza A in the capital of Bangkok after it is found to be the most infested area.

Speaking of the disease outbreak, Minister of Public Heatlh Jurin Laksanawisit said the situation, particularly in Bangkok, has to be closely monitored. The ministry has coordinated with the Education Ministry and the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) in expediting control measures in schools as more and more students have been infected.

It is speculated that the capital’s population density is the cause of heavy infestation. People are urged to strictly follow the proper disease control practice campaigned by the Public Health Ministry.

As for the vaccination against 3 strains of influenza, the Ministry of Public Health has readjusted its vacination plan by distributing the vaccines to provinces in need.

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-- NNT 2010-09-22 footer_n.gif

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CRES remains on alert

BANGKOK (NNT) -- The Center for the Resolution of Emergency Situation (CRES) has tasked related units with monitoring situations closely to prevent unrest instigation and sabotage and also making evaluations before the state of emergency expires on 5 October 2010.

According to CRES and Army Spokesperson Colonel Sansern Kaewkamnerd, Deputy Prime Minister for Security Affairs Suthep Thaugsuban chaired a meeting of related units including the armed forces, the police and the Interior Ministry last evening. Mr Suthep, as the CRES Director, thanked those units for taking care of security during the political activities of the United Front of Democracy Against Dictatorship (UDD) on 19 September 2010.

The Deputy Prime Minister also thanked core leaders and supporters of the UDD for arranging their activities in a peaceful manner in compliance with the law.

As for the state of emergency, the enforcement of which will be three months old on 5 October, Mr Suthep has assigned all units to evaluate the situation in areas where the special law has been in effect to see if the scheduled expiration should be maintained. The evaluation will be presented to the Cabinet on 4 October.

Colonel Sansern said that after the 19 September rally of the UDD, security measures for important figures and places remain tight to prevent sabotage attempts as authorities could not afford to be complacent about the situation.

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-- NNT 2010-09-22 footer_n.gif

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