Thailand Live Friday 24 Sep 2010

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PM: Pol Lt Gen Somkid´s move will strengthen Thai-Saudi ties

BANGKOK (NNT) -- Following Pol Lt Gen Somkid Boonthanom’s decision to turn down his post of national assistant police chief, Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva has lauded his move as a sacrifice for the nation's interest.

As the problem has been resolved, the ties between the kingdoms of Thailand and Saudi Arabia would move towards a positive direction, Prime Minister Abhisit said, adding that that the decision made would enable the government to reinforce the bilateral ties. The Premier also said that the government would now focus on strengthening the ties between the two countries, and assured that Saudi Arabia would understand the Thai judicial system.

The promotion of Pol Lt Gen Somkid Boonthanom has sparked a controversy. Saudi Arabia said they “regretted” the Thai government’s decision, as the policeman has been indicted in connection with the disappearance of a Saudi businessman 20 years ago.

-- NNT 2010-09-24

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Deputy PM Suthep: Emergency decree for Korat, Udon and Khon Kaen may be revoked before PM leaves for Oct 4-5 ASEM Summit in Belgium /MCOTEnglishnews

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Suthep: No switch of PM from Abhisit to Korn

By The Nation

The Democrat Party has no plans for replacing Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva, Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban said on Friday, dismissing rumour about his push for Finance Minister Korn Chatikavanij.

Suthep also denied he was discussing the matter with faction leader Newin Chidchob of Bhum Jai Thai Party.

"I have never had any thoughts about replacing Abhisit because Korn could not be a match," he said.

He said the concern about the possible dissolution of the main coalition party was unwarranted, hence there was no real urgency to speculate on a replacement prime minister. He voiced confidence that his party could win a favourable verdict on the alleged financial offence.

"Doomsayers might churn out various scenarios everyday but all sides should await the verdict instead of speculating," he said.

Commenting on the cooperation within the coalition alliance, he said he viewed the present coalition as one of the best in 30 years.

He admitted he did not support the amnesty bill pushed by Bhum Jai Thai but saw justification to block it. He said the main coalition party would allow its junior partner to try soliciting the support for the bill.

-- The Nation 2010-09-24

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Phuket tourists face jail for long immigration overstays:

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Pattaya: Ladyboy Involved in Drunk Norwegian Snatch & Grab Theft

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Phuket braces for another anti-smoking crackdown

A cigarette vendor on Patong's notorious Soi Bangla feeds her pet squirrel.

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Civil Court Nullifies Thaksin's Ex-wife Ratchadapisek Land Purchase

Civil Court has nullified Pojaman's purchase of Ratchadapisek Land case, Pojaman to return land & FIDF to pay her ฿772Mln w/ 7.5% interest.

-- Tan Network 2010-09-24

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Appeals Court's ruling in lawyer Somchai's murder case postponed

The Criminal Court Friday sent back the ruling of the Appeals Court in the abduction-murder case of lawyer Somchai Neelapaijit after the prime suspect, a former police officer, has gone missing.

The Criminal Court was scheduled to read the verdict of the Appeals Court against Pol Maj Nngern Thongsuk Friday.

But Ngern's relatives have asked the Appeals Court to dismiss the case against Ngern on ground that he has not been accounted for since a flash flooding in Phitsanulok on September 19 2007.

The relatives asked the Pathum Thani Provincial Court to declare Ngern a missing person and the court is scheduled to make a ruling on November 15.

The Criminal Court Friday sent the case back to the Appeals Court to decide whether to dismiss the case.

-- The Nation 2010-09-24

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Phone Booth Blasted in Chiang Mai

A phone booth was blasted in Chiang Mai province on Wednesday night and is assumed to either be the work of a group that wants to cause disorder or delinquents.

Technical police examined the scene where the bomb went off and collected evidence.

The blast took place in Mae Feak Mai village in the San Sai district of Chiang Mai province.

The explosion shattered the glass wall of the booth and sent the roof of the booth flying 20 meters away.

Police didn’t discover any fragments at the scene and are assuming that it was the work of either delinquents or a group that wants disorder in the country.

The owner of a grocery store that sits across the street from the phone booth said that at about 9 P.M. on Wednesday he heard an explosion, but was too scared to come out and look.

It wasn't until the next morning that he found the phone booth had been destroyed.

He said he immediately reported the incident to the police.

The bombing was the third violent incident to have taken place after the emergency decree was lifted in Chiang Mai province in the middle of August.

The first two incidents happened at the Fifth Special Forces Regiment base and at Chiang Mai Construction which belongs to Kanaen Supa, who is the father-in-law of Bhum Jai Thai de facto leader Newin Chidchob.

Police are thoroughly investigating the matter.

-- Tan Network 2010-09-24

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Phuket Muslims prepare for Hajj

Faithful Muslims performing a blessing ceremony at Phuket Airport

before embarking on the Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca last year.

File photo.

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iPhone 4 launched in Thailand

BANGKOK (NNT) -- All three giant mobile phone companies: AIS, DTAC, and TRUE have launched the long-awaited-for iPhone 4 at the same time in the capital city of Bangkok on Thursday night.

AIS launched iPhone 4 in its event organized at the Sky Hall, on the third floor of Central Plaza Lat Phrao. Up to40, 000 people who had reserved the phones online were lining up to grab the year’s hottest merchandise.

Meanwhile, DTAC also launched iPhone 4 at its headquarters at Chamchuree Square. The number of the iPhone 4 advanced orders received by DTAC has already topped 20,000.

Not to be outdone, TRUE, meanwhile, launched its iPhone 4 at Royal Paragon Hall of the Siam Paragon Shopping Complex, with throngs of people queuing for the smart phone. The company disclosed that over 50,000 people were on the waiting list, the highest number among the three rival companies thanks to the company’s testing of the 3G services in main areas nationwide.

the iPhone 4 is selling for about 23,000 THB each.

-- NNT 2010-09-24

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BMA campaigns on H1N1 prevention

BANGKOK (NNT) -- The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has campaigned for people to have correct understanding on how to guard against the third wave of influenza A (H1N1) in the wake of the flu panic.

Bangkok Governor MR Sukhumbhand Paribatra, his deputy MD Malinee Sukavejworakit, as well as BMA executives and officials on Friday morning launched a flu prevention campaign around the BTS Sky train Victory Monument station.

MR Sukhumbhand said the campaign was aimed at urging the public to guard against the new flu wave at all times, in order to prevent the virus from spreading further.

There have been 1,495 patients ill with influenza A, with 10 fatalities, in Bangkok since January 2010. The patients who succumbed to the virus had had history of other diseases. According to the Bangkok Governor, the flu situation at present is considered normal, not in crisis yet.

The Governor and his team also distributed handbooks, face-masks, and sanitizer gel to the people around the Victory Monument. The handbook contains information on how to prevent contacting the new strain of flu. The team also demonstrated how to wash the hands properly; the demonstration attracted attention of a lot of passers-by.

-- NNT 2010-09-24

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Flood situation in 8 provinces still critical

BANGKOK (NNT) -- Authorities warn of another round of possible flash floods over the next few days across the nation while at least eight provinces in the central region remain submerged under water.

The Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) reports that a previous flood strike has affected more than 48,500 people from 19,500 households in 11 provinces. The situation in the 8 provinces of Sukhothai, Phichit, Nakhon Sawan, Chainat, Singburi, Ang Thong, Ayutthaya and Nakhon Ratchasima are still considered critical.

Thailand is to expect scattered heavy rains over the next few days due to a strong monsoon passing over the country.

The DDPM has instructed local units to gear up for possible natural disasters. Rescue teams and relief kits have been prepared for emergencies. People can contact the department for help at its hotline 1784, 24 hours.

-- NNT 2010-09-24

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Criminal Court accepts PM’s libel suit against Jatuporn

BANGKOK (NNT) -- The Criminal Court has accepted a libel suit filed by Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva against opposition Pheu Thai MP Jatuporn Prompan.

Earlier, Deputy Chairperson of the United Front of Democracy Against Dictatorship (UDD) Jatuporn Prompan gave a speech via the People Channel TV satellite station, saying that Prime Minister Abhisit was behind a number of fatalities of UDD demonstrators in the beginning of 2010. Moreover, he accused the Prime Minister of avoiding conscription.

Prime Minister Abhisit clarified to the court that the sound clips opened by the defendant in the TV program were edited. He backed his claims with reports from the Scientific Crime Detection Division and Central Institute of Forensic Science.

As a result, the court has accepted the libel suit and scheduled an interrogation session to query Mr Jatuporn and inspect evidence on 13 December 2010 at 9.00 hrs.

-- NNT 2010-09-24

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DSI Looks for More Clues About Red-Shirt Protesters' Deaths at Temple

The Department of Special Investigation, or DSI, searched the Siam Square sky-train station and and nearby tracks, for more clues in the case of the six red-shirt protesters' deaths inside the Pathum Wanaram Temple in May.

Officers from the Department Special Investigation, or DSI, and the Central Institute of Forensic Science searched LAST NIGHT for more evidence relating to the dead bodies of six red-shirt protesters that were found inside Pathum Wanaram Temple during the political violence in May.

The search took place after the station was closed, starting from 1 A.M., at the Siam Square BTS station and along part of the tracks looking over the temple.

No reporters were allowed to cover the operations.

-- Tan Network 2010-09-24

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Thailand Tourist Arrivals Up Over 13 Percent

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Move to lift emergency decree in three northeastern provinces

SUPHAN BURI: - The Interior Ministry will propose a lifting of the state of emergency in three northeastern provinces, Interior Minister Chavarat Charnveerakul said Thursday.

The Centre for the Resolution of the Emergency Situation (CRES) will be asked to lift the emergency decree in Nakhon Ratchasima, Udon Thani and Khon Kaen provinces, but to maintain its enforcement in Bangkok and three neighbouring provinces.

CRES has ordered the security agencies to evaluate the overall situation to see if the state of emergency could be lifted in seven remaining provinces.

"Governors of the three northeastern provinces have reported a non-violent atmosphere and non-worrisome political movement. The Sept 19 activities organised by the anti-government Red Shirt supporters to mark the 2006 coup did not show any sign of violence," the minister said.

However, the emergency decree should be maintained in Bangkok, Nonthaburi, Samut Prakan and Pathum Thani, he said.

The state of emergency in seven provinces is due to expire on Oct. 5. It has been imposed in Bangkok and outlying provinces since early April, followed by an enforcement in the northern and northeastern provinces to maintain law and order after some 'Red Shirt' United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD) demonstrators engaged in violent activities.

The special security law bans groups of over five persons from holding political gatherings, or they face detention for 30 days without having to be charged. (MCOT online news)

-- TNA 2010-09-24

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Lop Buri Police Find Stolen RPGs

Lop Buri provincial police and investigators dispatched by the National Police Office have successfully located 16 RPGs recently stolen from an army arms depot.

Police in Lop Buri province, working alongside a team of officers dispatched by assistant national police chief Police Lieutenant General Assawin Kwanmuang, conducted an underwater search in a canal in Ta Woung district.

The dive, despite being complicated by strong currents, successfully uncovered 16 rocket-propelled grenade heads.

A check of their serial numbers confirmed that they were among those stolen from the Lop Buri army arsenal.

The operation came after the arrests of four men, including one soldier, suspected of stealing the ammunition.

Three more men remain on the run.

The anti-tank rockets were found missing after September 5, when officials noticed the door of one of the storage houses broken open.

Over 9,000 rounds of machine gun ammunition were found to have been stolen, along with two cases of RPGs.

The perpetrators, however, left behind their bolt cutters as well as a bottle of water, allowing police to quickly identify them.

Lop Buri provincial police chief Police Major General Chatchai Tang-eam affirmed that a further investigation will be carried out to retrieve all of the stolen weapons.

-- Tan Network 2010-09-24

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Govt to Quickly Clear 3G Hurdles

The government is stepping up efforts to clear all hurdles so as to introduce 3G technology in Thailand, hoping for its launch as soon as next year after a delay.

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva, speaking from the United States during his trip to attend the 65th United Nations General Assembly, stated that the government will request the Constitution Court to define the authority of the National Telecommunication Commission, or NTC, after it was barred from holding a bidding for 3G licenses.

He also affirmed that his administration will push for the completion of a frequency management bill on the establishment of the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission, or NBTC.

Acknowledging that the situation has impacted investor confidence, the prime minister stated that relevant ministries are expediting supportive efforts and hopeful to achieve clarity by the end of this year.

Finance Minister Korn Chatikavanij echoed the prime minister's statement, saying that the NBTC will be established as soon as possible.

He elaborated that if the commission is formed as planned, the 3G system will once again be set for launch as soon as the second half of next year.

He added that a committee has been formed to review concession contracts to allow current 2G operators to later upgrade to 3G.

The Finance Ministry is also currently studying how to accommodate state enterprises in the matter.

Nonetheless, the ministry is standing firm that concessions should be transformed into licenses.

Bank of Thailand executive Suchat Sakkarnkoson commented that, much like the Map Ta Phut impasse, the 3G situation is an indication of Thailand's weak legal system.

He acknowledged the need for laws to be clearer if the nation wishes to retain investor interest.

The central bank has pointed out that the 3G problem will not likely dent the Kingdom's GDP this year, but a further delay will definitely have long-term effects.

-- Tan Network 2010-09-24

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Body of man thought to have been shot during Police Drug Sting found in Pattaya

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Suspected drug dealer caught at East Pattaya Police Checkpoint

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SET index closed at 951.9, up 4.80; Bt/USD30.59; GBP47.87; AUD29.06; EUR40.84; CAD29.58; HKD3.94; SGD22.96; JPY35.95

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All systems go for Phuket Veggiefest 2010

A Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation officer tries to

control traffic to allow an approaching ambulance to pass during a

street procession. File photo.

If the event organizers have their way, only traditional war weapons

will be used to pierce cheeks during this year's event. File photo.

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Urgent: Some injuries have been reported after explosion was heard in Soi Rama III 29 near Thai-Toshiba firm. (5.27 pm via @js100radio) /via @tulsathit

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Rescue workers said 2 female students were hurt in the Rama 3 explosion. Explosives had been hiden in a trash basket. /via TR @js100radio /via @tulsathit

2 helicopters over Khlong Toei, probably because of bomb explosion at Rama 3 /via RT @freakingcat /via @tulsathit

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Somkid named police inspector general

The Police Commission on Friday named Lt General Somkid Boonthanom for the position of police inspector general in lieu of the assistant police commissioner general which he declined to avoid spoiling the Thai-Saudi ties.

The new position for Somkid is seen as an equivalent to the promotion from his current post as Provincial Police Region 5 commissioner.

In the initial list for police rotations, Metropolitan Police commissioner Lt General Santhan Chayanont was slated to become the police inspector general. Under the revised list, Santhan will become the commissioner of the Police Legal Affairs Office, seen as a lateral move instead of a promotion.

Lt General Jate Mongkolhattee, incumbent commissioner for Legal Affiars, will be promoted to the position of assistant police commissioner general.

-- The Nation 2010-09-24

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Bomb Explosion At Bangkok Rama 3

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Phuket Immigration Chief: No Change In Visa Overstay Rules

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to be continued

Thailand Live Saturday 25 September 2010

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