Thailand Live Saturday 25 Sep 2010

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Thailand Live Saturday 25 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 24 September 2010

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2 More Arms Theft Suspects to Surrender

Two more suspects in the arms theft at the army arsenal in Lop Buri province have contacted the police for their surrender.

Assistant national police chief Police Lieutenant General Assawin Kwanmuang disclosed the latest development in the theft of rocket-propelled grenades, or RPGs, and a large amount of ammunition from an army arsenal in Lop Buri.

Lop Buri police yesterday arrested four suspects believed to be involved in the theft while a manhunt continues for three other suspects.

The arrested suspects are Somkiat Luenloy, Nopporn Suriyawong, Ekkachai Lamchum and Sergeant Sema Kotchapet.

Three suspects who are still at large are two soldiers, Sergeant Major Prawit Choengkhiri and Sergeant Major Anek, whose surname was not known, and Thaworn Rakbun.

Assawin said Prawit and Anek have contacted the police for their surrender but they have set conditions about their bail. The officer insisted they are not in the position to bargain as they are criminal suspects.

One of the arrested suspects, Sema, said a number of the stolen arms had been transferred to the two soldier suspects who remain at large and denied knowing the whereabouts of the weapons.

As for the 16 rocket-propelled grenades that were discovered in a canal in Ta Woung district, Sema claimed that they were among the arms he gave to Anek.

He added 9,000 rounds of machine gun ammunition and the remaining RPGs had been given to Prawit.

Sema further said that the stolen arms had been sold to ethnic groups along the border in the North. Each RPG was priced at 1,500 baht, while a round of machine gun ammunition was sold at ten baht.

However, the police have questioned representatives of ethnic groups along the border and they affirmed that they had not been contacted by any Thai for any arms deal for over two years.

Assawin also insisted that the RPGs stolen from the army arsenal in Lop Buri were not used in the grenade attacks near the Emerald Buddha Temple and at an oil depot in Nonthaburi since the incidents took place before the arms were stolen.

In a related development, Lop Buri police chief Police Major General Thawatchai Kerdphokesub said investigators are in the process of seeking court approval for arrest warrants for two more suspects believed to be involved in the theft.

He added police brought all four arrested suspects to court today to seek approval for their detention.

-- Tan Network 2010-09-25

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Govt to Speed Up Rail Transit Projects

The transport minister is speeding up the high-speed train project and completion of other domestic train routes in compatibility with such progress seen in neighboring countries.

Transport Minister Sophon Sarum presided over a seminar on transportation development projects and future capital trends in which real estate businesses along planned rail routes were able to express their opinions and give suggestions to help ensure most effective city planning.

After deliberation of the railroad development project in October, the Transport Ministry will turn its focus to solving Bangkok's traffic problems by improving the city's public transport systems and fares.

As for the transnational high-speed train project, the transport minister stated that after the House of Representatives deliberates the project's proposal, he will meet with the Laotian transport minister on October 4 to discuss possible cooperation between the two countries.

Critics have earlier claimed that Thailand's progress in rail development has fallen behind other nations, including China, Vietnam, Malaysia and Laos.

Despite possible dissolution of the Democrat Party that could affect the government's stability, Sophon is confident it will not jeopardize Thailand's development projects.

Sophon reasoned that since the current administration has initiated various development projects and he believed the new government should be able to continue with the projects for the country's best interest.

Bangkok Mass Transit System, or BTS, executive Anat Arbhabhirama believes that the change in administration will not affect the construction of the purple, blue and green train lines which has already started.

However, other planned train routes could be affected by a policy change by the new administration.

The Transport Ministry has been pushing to improve its city railway system.

The Purple Bang Yai Bang Sue rail route and the expansion of the Blue Hua Lampong Tha Phra route have made considerable progress.

A public forum will also be held so investors, public transport users and academics can express their opinions on the newly-proposed pink and orange rail routes.

-- Tan Network 2010-09-25

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PM pledges to enhance gender equality and water resources development at UN General Assembly

BANGKOK (NNT) -- Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva on Friday stressed commitment in ensuring gender equality and water resources development at the opening ceremony of 65th session of the United Nations General Assembly.

Citing the key speech delivered by US President Barack Obama, the meeting is focused on the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), in which Heads of state will convene to accelerate progress toward reaching the goals of enhancing people’s quality of life.

As lives of Thai people have improved before the target date in 2015 approaches, the Government, however, still have to forge ahead with women ’s liberation and water resources development. The meeting also seek an urgent solution to problems with climate change and issues in the Middle East.

On this occasion, the Prime Minister had an opportunity to discuss future cooperation on basic infrastructure with the President of Tajikistan. He also confirmed to the press that the Government will forge ahead with the process of 3G frequencies by setting up the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) to be in charge of the frequencies by year- end.

In addition, Mr Abhisit praised Police Lieutenant General Somkid Boonthanom’s decision for giving up his promotion as Assistant National Police Chief, citing his decision would benefit the Thai-

Saudi relations and as well lessen tensions over ongoing row between the two countries following the disappearance of Saudi Arabian businessman Mohammand al-Ruwaili 20 years ago.

-- NNT 2010-09-25

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Whales, Dolphins Spotted in Petchaburi Waters

Marine wildlife conservationists have pledged with the Petchaburi fishing community to be wary of whales and dolphins feeding in the nearby bay, urging fishermen to release the animals if they are caught in fishing nets.

Head of the local fisheries office in Petchaburi's Baan Laem district, Sombat Thongkam, revealed that a group of Bryde's whales and dolphins have been sighted feeding in the Baan Laem bay.

Locals have been anticipating the marine mammals' annual visit to the Baan Laem area.

Marine life conservationists have asked members of the local fishing community, particularly those using seines, to be wary of trapped whales or dolphins.

Local fishermen call these whales “gentle grandfathers” since they are harmless and the community wishes to protect the friendly mammals.

Meanwhile, Petchaburi Governor Chai Panitpornpan and members of the press set sail for a whale watch tour when the vessel sprung a leak.

Fortunately, a passing fishing boat was able to rescue the party and help them return to shore safely.

-- Tan Network 2010-09-25

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Governors face transfer over illegal nighttime venues

By The Nation

Deputy Interior Minister Boonjong Wongtrairat yesterday threatened to transfer provincial governors who are unable to prevent entertainment venues from operating illegally.

He said the operators of the illegal venues would also face legal action.

The threat was made after Boonjong led officials on a check of pubs around Dhurakij Pundit University, and discovered that many operated without a proper licence and opened their doors to underage customers.

Boonjong also said he would have the national police chief punish police officers for allowing illegal entertainment venues to operate under their jurisdiction. He also urged residents to alert his ministry if these entertainment venues caused nuisance or problems.

Metropolitan Police Division 5 commander MajGeneral Anuchai Lekbamrung, meanwhile, said he had already instructed the superintendent of the Wat Phrayakrai Police Station to explain why a big pub in his area could operate beyond authorised hours.

-- The Nation 2010-09-25

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Brooke wants to be left alone

By The Nation

Annie Brooke said yesterday that she would forgive Rattaphum "Film" Tokongsap but would never forget what he has done.

Brooke, who previously worked as an actress, dominated the headlines recently when she said she had given birth to Film's son. The two actors had met on the set of a television series.

Since the scandal broke out, Film has demanded a paternity test, while Brooke has refused.

"Please leave me and my baby alone. Don't hold the baby hostage for business purposes," she said yesterday after Film held a second press conference about the scandal.

RS Promotion has put all of Film's work on hold since the scandal erupted.

-- The Nation 2010-09-25

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MISSING LAWYER

Court puts off reading of verdic

By The Nation

The Criminal Court yesterday postponed the reading of the Appeals Court's verdict on the abductionmurder case of prominent Muslim lawyer Somchai Neelapaijit since the prime suspect in the case Pol Major Ngern Thongsuk has gone missing.

The verdict will only be read if the suspect can be brought into the courtroom to hear the ruling himself.

Ngern and four other police officers were accused of abducting Somchai in March 2004, because the lawyer allegedly caused problems when defending his Muslim clients linked to an attack on a military camp in the deep South. Somchai disclosed that his clients had been tortured while in police custody.

The primary court sentenced Ngern to three years in jail in January 2006, but he was freed on bail. He then reportedly went missing after a September 2007 landslide in Kwai Noi dam in Phitsanulok.

Ngern's relatives have asked the Pathum Thani Provincial Court to officially declare him missing and the court is scheduled to open testimony for the case on November 15.

Somchai's wife Angkana yesterday said she was disappointed about the postponement of the ruling, saying that she did not believe Ngern is really missing. Some reports suggest that Ngern is pretending to have gone missing to avoid his punishment because many witnesses have seen him walking near the border several times, she said.

Angkana said she believed several senior police officers were involved in the disappearance of her husband, and urged the government and the Department of Special Investigation to refile the case. She complained that the authorities were not taking Somchai's case seriously.

-- The Nation 2010-09-25

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CONSOLATION PRIZE

Somkid to get new post after his 'sacrifice'

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Thailand could hold early 2011 elections: PM Abhisit

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Emergency to be lifted in 6 Thai provinces, PM Abhisit says

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Rights activists questions 'secret' red-shirt detentions

By Pravit Rojanaphruk

The Nation

The continued detention of an unknown number of red-shirt protesters is making the situation worse than what is going on in the deep South, Sunai Phasuk, senior researcher for Human Rights Watch, said.

"It's worse because relatives in the deep South know why their loved ones are being detained. The scale of detention here is national ... and there is no clarification from CRES [Centre for Resolution of the Emergency Situation]," Sunai told The Nation yesterday.

Sunai said he did not understand or know why the CRES and the government have been keeping the detentions a secret.

"It's the secrecy that is disturbing. That is the most problematic issue. The question is: 'Why should they keep it a secret?' Did they do something to these people that cannot be explained?" he asked.

The issue, Sunai warned, could lead to the problem of forced disappearances. When asked to speculate on the number, Sunai said he could not be entirely sure but suspected that the number of red-shirt protesters detained across the Kingdom was close to 1,000. The only list of detainees released so far are those of key members and red-shirt leaders who face terrorism charges.

Sunai added that CRES and the existence of the emergency decree could not be justified at this time. "CRES has no concrete evidence [to justify its continued existence]. The emergency decree is also not acceptable," he said, adding that although some bombs exploded and the red shirts re-emerged in a rally, this could not be considered a threat to the survival of the state and ordinary law should be able to handle the situation.

"What's more, [CRES] also has the problems of transparency and accountability," he said.

As to why most Thai human rights organisations are silent about the matter, Sunai said he had no answer.

He refused to say whether it might have to do with the belief that many of these organisations are against the reds, but added:

"Principles must be principles. There is only one human-rights standard, and it has nothing do with colour."

-- The Nation 2010-09-25

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PRACHATAI.COM

Online chief arrested, charged

By The Nation

Chiranuch Premchaiporn, director of independent online newspaper prachatai.com, was arrested at Suvarnabhumi Airport yesterday afternoon, accused of lese majeste and violating the computer crime law.

A source from Prachatai.com said Chiranuch was returning from Budapest after attending a seminar on online freedom held by Google.

After the arrest, Chiranuch was driven straight to Khon Kaen province, where charges were filed against her, though the source said they were not quite sure which specific cases she was wanted for.

Chiranuch, as a former webmaster of the now-defunct prachatai.com webboard, which is separate from prachatai.com newspaper, is already facing a case for allegedly violating the computer crime law by allowing posts that were seen as acts of lese majeste.

"She was arrested without being sent a summons," said the source, who asked not to be named, adding that it was uncertain whether Chiranuch would be granted bail.

-- The Nation 2010-09-25

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US senators express concern over Mekong dam plans

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Some flu patients develop resistance to antiviral drug

By Pongphon Sarnsamak

The Nation

Chulalongkorn University's leading influenza virologist yesterday announced that four people had been infected with oseltamivirresistant H1N1 flu virus since the pandemic hit the country in April 2009.

Dr Yong Poovorawan, who heads the Faculty of Medicine at Chulalongkorn Hospital's Centre of Excellence in Clinical Virology, said his team had collected 1,100 samples from people who were infected with the H1N1 virus after the 2009 outbreak and found that four people in Bangkok had developed resistance to the antiviral drug oseltamivir.

He said there were no reports of oseltamivir resistance during the first wave of the pandemic from June to September 2009. But a patient reportedly developed resistance to the drug in the second wave of the flu pandemic from January to March this year.

The other three cases of oseltamivir resistance were reported in the third wave of the pandemic, during the past two months.

"The development of oseltamivir resistance in patients was caused by overuse of the drug," Yong told an annual seminar hosted by the Faculty of Medicine's paediatric division at Chulalongkorn University.

He said the rate of oseltamivir resistance was below the World Health Organisation's guideline. "Oseltamivir resistance in Thailand is not in a critical situation."

However, Yong said that if the government did not limit the use of oseltamivir, he believed resistance to the drug would be higher in the next pandemic. Oseltamivir slows the spread of the virus between cells in the human body.

It is likely that the 2009 H1N1 viruses will cause illness in Thailand this flu season, followed by typeA (H3N2) and type B. Yong said the 2009 H1N1 virus was now widespread in Bangkok, while the H3N2 strain was widespread in the South and typeB was found across the country.

The Public Health Ministry is calling on people to get vaccinated against three flu viruses - typeA (H3N2), typeB and 2009 typeA (H1N1), which spread across the country this year. The ministry has made the vaccination available for free at hospitals nationwide.

Yong slammed the failure of the Public Health Ministry to control the spread of the influenza virus. So far, about 59,412 people have been infected with the flu. Of this number about 11,152 people became infected by the 2009 flu virus and 74 succumbed to it.

In a bid to tackle the spread of influenza, the Government Pharmaceutical Organisation (GPO) has signed a memorandum of understanding with the Japanese ChemoSeroTherapeutic Research Institute to transfer technology to produce an inactivated influenza vaccine at the industrial level to distribute within Thailand and other countries in the region.

The GPO is building a plant in Saraburi province to produce 2 million doses a year. The plant is expected to produce the first prototype of the vaccine next year and start producing at the industrial level next three year, GPO board chairman Dr Wichai Chokwiwat said. In the second phase of the nasal live attenuated flu vaccine trials, he said the result in 108 volunteers aged between 18 and 49 years showed that the vaccine is safe.

The GPO is waiting to conduct a test in two other groups of volunteers aged 1218 and 1849. The trial is expected to be finished next year.

-- The Nation 2010-09-25

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Start reading with the Nation Group

By Onravee Tangmeesang

The Nation

As part of its 40thanniversary celebrations, the Nation Group has joined with several other private firms to launch the Arn Tarm Um Phur (Jai) Prasarn Palang Rak Nai Krob Krua or One District One Library project.

With the aim of encouraging Thais to develop a reading habit, the Nation Group will donate Bt50,000 each to 927 libraries across the country, provide training to librarians, as well as hold a "best reader" competition under which winners can win a free trip to the Seoul International Book Fair or one of the 100 prizes on offer worth more than Bt600,000.

Nation Multimedia Group chief executive Thanachai Theerapattanavong launched the campaign yesterday. In attendance were many notable supporters, singers and celebrities.

People have until March to make contributions. Call (02) 338 37312 or visit loveread.nine.co.th for more information.

-- The Nation 2010-09-25

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MISLEADING PROMOS?

Notes of discord

By The Nation

Upcoming talent Trisdee na Patalung takes on award-winning conductor Bundit Ungrangsee over allegedly misleading promos on CD covers

On September 15, Trisdee na Patalung bought a CD, "Heavenly Music", with a picture of well-known conductor Bundit Ungrangsee leading an international orchestra on the front cover. He flipped over to take a look at the back cover, which ran a promo: "These musical pieces have been selected by conductor Bundit Ungrangsee... All the pieces are performed by world-class musicians from Europe."

After removing the plastic cover, Trisdee opened the CD package and found Bundit's biography inside written in both Thai and English. The compact disc itself was screened with the picture of Bundit conducting an international orchestra.

But much to Trisdee's surprise, he found out that Bundit did not conduct a single piece in the "Heavenly Music" CD.

Inside the CD cover, there was a small-print attribution: "All tracks courtesy of the RFCM Symphony Orchestra conducted by Dr Keith J Salmon."

RFCM is royalty-free classical music. Its website is www.royalty-free-classical-music.com.

By the way, Trisdee is not an ordinary consumer or music lover. He is an up-and-coming conductor, who has signed a professional agreement to work under Columbia Artists Management Inc. Among the renowned international artists working with Columbia Artists Management are Maxim Vengerov, Seiji Ozawa, James Levine, and Sir Colin Davis. Trisdee has been performing and conducting extensively in Europe, with major orchestras in Italy, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom.

"This is quite misleading," Trisdee told himself. He went back the same day to write about the misleading promo on his Facebook page, which has attracted numerous and spicy comments from his friends and followers.

Soon, through Thai social media, this story spread like wildfire. Somebody by the name of NA also posted Trisdee's remarks about the questionable promo on Bundit's CD in www.30violin.pantown.com, which attracted some heated debate. Shortly afterwards, the webmaster decided to remove the posts to avoid further debate.

In September 2002, Bundit was named laureate and co-winner in the inaugural Maazel-Vilar International Conductors' Competition, held at Carnegie Hall in New York City. The prize, awarded by a distinguished panel of judges, including Lorin Maazel, Kyung-wha Chung, Glenn Dicterow and Krzysztof Penderecki, recognised him as first among the 362 competitors from 40 countries in the competition.

Now, Bundit spends most of his time in Thailand promoting classical music. He has written several books about his life, his music and his motivations. His CDs have rolled out to attract the Thai audience to classical music.

Other music CDs of Bundit, the "Just Romantic" album and "I Feel Good", follow a similar practice. The cover of "Just Romantic" shows a big picture of Bundit, with his untied bow tie hanging around his neck. The "I Feel Good" album displays a picture of Bundit conducting an international orchestra. But Bundit did not conduct any of the pieces.

"Just Good Music" is the only album for which Bundit conducted all the pieces.

Since Trisdee had never added Bundit to his Facebook page, Bundit had to use an account of one of the members of his fan club to issue a clarification on Trisdee's page. Bundit wrote that he was the presenter and executive producer of the CD.

"The message from the media is clear that I am the presenter and executive producer. But I was the conductor of some of the pieces. And every piece that I conducted will be clearly identified," Bundit wrote.

"This model is normal practice in other countries. It is not intended to mislead the consumers. I have consulted the matter with the vice president of Sony/BMG in New York. Big-name artists in America and Europe have all engaged in a similar practice. The copyrights protection is in line with the law."

Bundit added that he would try to improve the promo on his CDs next time. "If the matter is not clear to some people, I shall be revising it so that the CD buyers have a clearer understanding next time. Thank you for bringing up the matter so that I can improve it in the future."

On Thursday, Trisdee wrote again in his blog about the questionable promo on Bundit's CD covers (http://trisdee.wordpress.com/2010/09/23/the-disappointing-truth/).

"'Just Good Music' is the only album for which Khun Bundit conducted all the pieces. The CD cover communicates clearly that Khun Bundit is the conductor. But in other CDs that Khun Bundit did not conduct, the information about the artists was concealed inside the CD cover," Trisdee wrote.

"It is not that difficult to publish the names of the artists in the outside cover. I think if the consumers have a clear-cut understanding on this matter, it would be better."

-- The Nation 2010-09-25

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RATCHADAPISEK LAND CASE

FIDF seek advice on appealing against ruling

By The Nation

The Financial Institutions Development Fund (FIDF) is seeking the state attorney's opinion whether it should appeal against the Civil Court's ruling nullifying its 2003 sale of land on Ratchadaphisek Road to former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra's exwife, Khunying Pojaman na Pombejra.

The recommendation from the Office of the AttorneyGeneral will be placed before the FIDF board when it meets in midOctober, said fund manager Thongurai Limpiti.

"Whatever the recommendation, it will be discussed at the board meeting," she said. If the fund does not appeal, it will have to return Bt772 million at 7.5 per cent interest per annum.

Povongtip Poramapojn, Bank of Thailand's senior director overseeing the Fund Operation Department, said that the four land plots with combined area of 33 rai would be put up for auction again. However, the time frame is unknown at present.

She insisted that the FIDF had completed the previous auction with transparency and that all the bidders had met the fund's criteria. However, the problem lay with some legal issues that were unknown to the fund.

The Civil Court yesterday ruled to nullify the Ratchadaphisek land deal, ending the legal wrangling which led to the graft conviction of Thaksin in 2008.

Under the ruling, the prime property comprising four title deeds for the land is to be returned to the FIDF, which will in turn reimburse Pojaman Bt800 million comprising the Bt772 land price plus interest accrued.

After he came to power, Thaksin endorsed his wife Pojaman to bid for the land the FIDF had put on the market in 2003, and she won the deal. The deal attracted criticism as Thaksin was at the height of his power at that point.

Following the 2006 coup, the Assets Examination Committee indicted and prosecuted Thaksin for graft violations in the Supreme Court's Criminal Division for Office Holders, a fasttrack tribunal for corruption.

In its 2008 landmark decision, the high court found Thaksin guilty of conflict of interest by abusing office to endorse his wife to enter into a business contract with a state agency overseen by him. As punishment it sentenced him to two years in jail.

Thaksin fled the country in August before the verdict was read in October, 2008.

In a fallout of the graft proceedings, the FIDF initiated civil proceedings to take back the land.

-- The Nation 2010-09-25

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Thailand's inequalities extend well beyond the rich and poor

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'Toxins for tablets' with Phuket Safe project

Santi Health Care on Phang Nga Road in Phuket Town

is one of 36 pharmacies taking part in the project.

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Car bombed Friday night in Bangkok's residential Talingchan area

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UDD funding center opened in BKK

BANGKOK (NNT) -- Opposition Pheu Thai Party MP Jatuporn Prompan opens a new funding center for the United Front of Democracy Against Dictatorship (UDD) protestors, who have been affected by the recent rally.

The new aid center is located at one of the UDD’s strongholds, Imperial World Ladphrao, in Bangkok. With an initial circulation of 1.5 million THB, the center is aimed at granting financial support to UDD demonstrators who were wounded or lost their lives during the 10 April bedlam.

Mr Jatuporn, also an active UDD core leader, said the center committee would meet weekly to consider giving assistance to the red-shirt victims. The committee members include a former Pheu Thai Party Secretary General, Ms Sunee Luengvichit, and the owner of Imperial World Ladphrao, Mr Songkram Kitlertpairoj.

-- NNT 2010-09-25

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PM's father admitted to Ramathibodi Hospital

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva's father; Dr Attasit, is admitted to a hospital on Saturday after suffering from blood clot in the brain.

Ramathibodi Hospital's director Dr Than Supatarapun said that Attasit's general condition is good as he is conscious and could communicate.

" PM Abhisit who is during an official visit in the US already telephoned me to check his father's condition," the director said.

The premier's wife; Dr Pimpen, is seen visiting Dr Attasit at the hospital on Saturday.

-- The Nation 2010-09-25

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Thailand requests Kenya for help in rescuing kidnapped Thai worker

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Udon Thani, A Thai Region Where Husbands Are Imported

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Rights groups condemn arrest of Thai Internet editor

BANGKOK (AFP) -- Rights groups on Saturday slammed the arrest of a Thai news website editor as she returned from an Internet freedom conference on charges of insulting the monarchy and breaching computer law.

Immigration police detained Chiranuch Premchaiporn, who runs the popular and independent Prachatai website, as she arrived at Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi Airport on Friday afternoon after attending the international meeting in Hungary.

The 43-year-old was charged over messages posted on the site under Thailand's Computer Crime Act and strict lese majeste rules, before being taken to a northeastern province and bailed early Saturday, police said.

Amnesty International, press freedom group Reporters without Borders (RSF) and the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPF) called on the authorities to immediately drop the charges against Chiranuch, which she denies.

"We call for Chiranuch’s immediate release and the withdrawal of the charges against her so that we do not have to witness another attempt to exploit the Computer Crimes Act to silence the regime’s critics," RSF said.

"Prachatai is a reliable source of news and information that has managed in recent months to keep the public informed about what is going on in Thailand."

Shawn W. Crispin, CPJ’s Southeast Asia representative, said the government "should stop using anti-crown charges to suppress legitimate criticism".

Chiranuch was previously arrested and released on bail on similar charges in March, and she is awaiting trial over these allegations.

If found guilty she faces up to 50 years in prison under the Computer Crimes Act and lese majeste rules for failing in 2008 to remove comments deemed to insult the monarchy with sufficient speed from the site, RSF said.

It was not clear if the new charges were linked to the same case.

Her arrest came as Thailand faces ongoing criticism for suppressing freedom of speech using a sweeping emergency rule, which remains in place in Bangkok and six other areas following political unrest in April and May.

Two months of mass anti-government rallies by the "Red Shirts", who were seeking immediate elections, sparked clashes with security forces that left 91 people dead, mostly civilians, and nearly 1,900 injured.

The authorities have used the emergency powers to arrest hundreds of suspects -- including most of the top leaders of the Red Shirts -- and shut down anti-government TV channels, newspapers, radio stations and websites.

-- (c) Copyright AFP 2010-09-25

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Pha-ngan Full Moon Marathon ends in success

SURAT THANI (NNT) -- Koh Pha-ngan’s local administration and private sector have joined hands to organize the Full Moon Marathon 2010 on 24 September to promote the local tourism.

The world’s first Full Moon Marathon was organized on Koh Pha-ngan of Surat Thani province, which is internationally recognized for the best full moon party. Koh Pha-ngan District Chief Paiboon Omark said the event was aimed at providing an alternative activity for tourists, besides the full moon party.

Scores of foreign visitors and locals took part in the nighttime marathon and had a chance to enjoy the island’s exotic night scenery. The organizer also hoped that the event would help attract more tourists to the island in the future.

-- NNT 2010-09-25

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Thai, Cambodian PMs agree to improve bilateral relations

NEW YORK: -- Despite a diplomatic standoff which resulted in part from Cambodia’s unilateral management plan for the environs of the ancient Preah Vihear temple that sits on contested land claimed by both Thailand and Cambodia, the prime ministers of the two countries have agreed to improve relations for the benefit of their peoples.

Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva and Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen talked for half an hour on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly agreeing that warm relations between the two neighbouring countries are vital for the benefit of their peoples.

Although conflicts remain, bilateral trade has increased, Mr Abhisit told a TNA journalist.

Mr Abhisit quoted Mr Hun Sen as telling him that a warm welcome was seen at a recent Thai trade fair in Cambodia and that both countries should refrain from confrontations or violence.

Frequent visits at the ministerial level and more joint activities should be organised, Mr Hun Sen was quoted as saying.

UNESCO’s World Heritage Commission agreed in July to consider a plan for managing Preah Vihear temple proposed by the Khmer government, but deferred the action until it meets next year. Both countries claim land adjacent to the temple.

In 1962, the International Court of Justice ruled the 10th-century border temple belongs to Cambodia, rejecting Thai claims. UNESCO named Preah Vihear a World Heritage site in 2008, after Cambodia applied for the status.

Armed clashes resulting casualties on both sides have occurred occasionally in the area since then.

Mr Abhisit said the temple row was not raised during his meeting with Mr Hun Sen as the issue is now being dealt with by concerned agencies while rhe premier and his Khmer counterpart could discuss details in several other upcoming international forums.

“The atmosphere for resolving the problem should improve,” Mr Abhisit said.(MCOT online news)

-- TNA 2010-09-25

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Arrest for Pattaya Tour Company Scammer of Bt 3Million in Airfares

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Two Suspected Drug Dealers Caught At Pattaya Police Checkpoint

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Suspected Thief Shot Dead At Police Party In Sattahip

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