Thailand Live Monday 1 Nov 2010

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Thailand Live Monday 1 November 2010

News, Bits and Tweets

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Keep up to date with live updates from the news, hour by hour.

For breaking news,national, regional and international news updates on

a daily basis only, this thread is closed to commentary so that those

who wish to follow the news can find it here...

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Related topic: Thailand Live Sunday 31 October 2010

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David Cameron urged to axe trip to Thailand

Campaigners are urging David Cameron to cancel his winter holiday in Thailand over claims the government there murdered protesters.

Activists accuse Thai premier Abhisit Vejjajiva – an Old Etonian like the PM – of widespread persecution of “Red Shirts” during rallies earlier this year.

Opposition party The United Front for Democracy Against Dictatorship has sent a report about alleged human rights abuses to the International Criminal Court and called on Mr Cameron to call off his visit.

The accusations centre on the protests in March when up to half a million people descended on Bangkok, vowing not to leave until elections were called. They claim the government killed demonstrators and blocked access to websites.

Source: http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/politics/2010/10/31/david-cameron-urged-to-axe-trip-to-thailand-115875-22676572/

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Related topic:

Uk Prime Minister David Cameron Is Coming To Town

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17th ASEAN Summit successfully ended

BANGKOK (NNT) -- The 17th ASEAN Summit and other related meetings in Hanoi have come to a close. The meeting is considered a success, with all members agreeing to cooperate with one another in solving the region's economic downturn.

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva said of the meeting with 3 dialogue partners: China, Korea, and Japan that the panels have determined to push forward the cooperation of ASEAN plus 3 by urging member countries' finance ministries to closely cooperate in the regional macroeconomic policy. Free trade areas in the region should also be promoted help stimulate the bloc's economy in the wake of economic crisis.

Additionally, New Zealand Prime Minister John Key has also expressed his sympathy for Thailand’s floods and expected the country to get back to normal as soon as possible. Mr Key has also expressed his country's interest in joining the ASEAN market, given economic growth in the region is expected.

Meanwhile, bilateral meetings with other dialogue partners including India, Australia and Russia, have been considered successful. The 17th ASEAN Summit as well as the 5th East Asia conference have all ended in success.

-- NNT 2010-11-01

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Cold wind hits over most parts of the country

BANGKOK (NNT) -- An intense high pressure ridge coming from China has covered many parts of Thailand, particularly in the upper North, resulting in a 1-3 degree drop in temperature.

The Meteorological Department has warned that an intense high pressure ridge and cold wind from China is covering many parts of the country, particularly in the north, northeastern, and central regions. The temperature in those areas is expected to drop at least by 1-3

degree Celsius; whereas in the south, people will be in for widespread thundershowers and isolated heavy rainfall.

Many people who live on the top of the mountains, such as Muser tribal people, in Tak province have to leave their homes and gather around a bonfire to keep themselves warm.

The Department has predicted that it will be much colder in Thailand this year than it has been in the past decades.

-- NNT 2010-11-01

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HEALTH

Doctors warn of winter illness

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OEG scholarships up for grabs

By The nation

Scholarships are now available for secondary students to compete at an international educational consulting centre.

Overseas Educational Group (OEG) is celebrating its 20th anniversary by offering 100 scholarships to students from Matthayom 3-5 (Grade 9-11), aged 14-18 under its High School Exchange Programme for 2011/2012.

Main scholarships include two full scholarships worth Bt100,000 and other partial scholarships - eight Bt50,000 scholarships, ten Bt30,000 scholarships, 15 Bt10,000 scholarships - plus scholarships for the children of government officers.

The winners will be able to study in the US, Germany, Belgium and Italy as exchange students for an academic year, and stay with host families.

Applicants need to get a grade point average at least 2.5 each semester and at least 3 for English language. They also need to pay Bt250 for the application fee.

The application form and all required documents must be handed in at least two weeks ahead of the examination day. Students can choose examination sites and days from OEG's website. The last examination day will be on December 18.

For more information, |visit www.oeg.co.th or call |02 2633661-9.

-- The Nation 2010-11-01

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UTCC to build new campus at Pakkred

By The Nation

The University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce will invest Bt6 billion to build a new campus in Nonthaburi's Pakkred district to support 35,000 Thai and foreign students, in a bid to become an Asean education hub.

Construction of the campus will begin next year and is expected to take three years to complete. It should be ready to take in new students from the 2013 academic year onwards.

The university rector Jeeradech Usawasdi reported last week on progress of the new campus. He said the university had already taken possession of a 450-rai block and was selecting a company to formulate a master plan.

Jeeradech said the new campus - with eight faculties, as at the old campus - would be built under the concept of a complete, sustainable and environmentally friendly university. Its buildings would also be equipped with Internet connections and its dormitories would support up to 5,000 students and teachers, he said.

He envisaged that in the future private universities would be more competitive because students would be the ones choosing universities - not the other way around - hence universities must be prepared for all aspects and emphasise the quality of graduates. He said the university would open more international programs and procure more IT and teaching materials. He insisted the tuition fee would remain at Bt1,600 per credit.

The new campus was also unlikely to be near shops selling alcoholic drinks because it was |surrounded by housing estates, he noted.

-- The Nation 2010-11-01

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Organisation of Islamic Conference (OIC) to take up issue of militancy in Thailand's South

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EDUCATION

Thai-English Schools Worry Lack Of Native Speakers

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FLOODS

Flood compensation to be increased

By The Nation

The government is planning to significantly raise compensation for flood-hit farms and paddy fields, which now span about 4.12 million rai of land.

The financial compensation will likely jump from Bt606 a rai to around Bt1,200, says Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva.

However, if the Cabinet will listen to Transport Minister Sophon Saram's recommendation, the compensation for one rai of damaged paddy fields will be up to Bt3,000.

"This is the farmers' actual cost," Sophon said yesterday as he handed out relief items to flood victims in Buri Ram.

Abhisit revealed yesterday a working panel had proposed compensation for flood-ravaged farmland should rise three-fold. "I am looking into the proposal," he said.

Asked whether the compensation would come to around Bt1,200 a rai, the premier answered, "It will be around that. However, the figure may be higher or lower depending on types of crops in the farmland."

According to the Disaster Miti-gation and Prevention Department (DMPD), floods ravaged 4,128,373 rai of farmland in 38 provinces between October 10 and October 30.

Abhisit said a figure estimated by the Agriculture Ministry was different. "But it's clear the affected farms are to the tune of several million rai," he said, hinting it was thus not possible for the government to fully compensate victims.

Abhisit added that the government would also need to allocate money |for road repair and rehabilitation |of flood-ravaged economic areas.

DMPD director-general Wiboon Sanguanpong yesterday said floods had already subsided in Phichit, Phetchabun, Rayong, Chanthaburi, Trat, Tak, Chon Buri, Lamphun, Chiang Mai, Sa Kaew, Nakhon Nayok, Kamphaeng Phet, Phitsanulok, Nong Bua Lamphu, Prachin Buri and Samut Prakan. He added, however, that 22 other provinces with about 3.61 million people were still struggling with the inundation.

Moreover, he warned that the Mun River would overflow in Surin, Si Sa Ket and Roi Et within the next five days. "Run-off water from Nakhon Ratchasima is heading toward that direction," he said.

He added that DMPD officials were now closely monitoring the situation in the South around the clock in the face of imminent floods there.

-- The Nation 2010-11-01

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Insurance help for flood victims

People who have lost their insurance documents in floods can seek help from the Office of Insurance Commission (OIC).

"Just call our Hotline 1186," OIC secretary general Jantra Buranarerk said yesterday.

Her office is ready to help flood victims who have insured their houses, vehicles and lives.

Janta said premium auto insurance policies will offer full coverage for vehicles that have suffered damage of more than 70 per cent in floodwaters.

She urged eligible policy holders to come forward to claim the compensation.

Other types of insurance policies also offer some compensation, though not at the full coverage.

Janta said up to Bt86.3 million in compensation had already been paid to the owners of 1,058 flood-damaged vehicles under compulsory auto insurance.

-- The Nation 2010-11-01

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FLOODINGS

Flood crisis 'will dampen consumer spending'

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ACCIDENT

Bangkok's Halloween horror

By The Nation

Eight people were killed when a packed van plunged off an expressway late yesterday and burst into flames.

The accident occurred at the same spot a police van crashed early this year.

Three men and five women died in yesterday's horror smash, which also seriously injured another eight people.

The speeding van swerved and hit an expressway wall near the Rama VI exit before plunging onto the road near Samsen School at about 5pm.

The van then burst into flames. Half of the 16 passengers on board died at the scene, police said.

Police found the gas-fuel van gutted. Its gas cylinder was discovered in a bush near the site. Seats and other items from the vehicle were scattered on the road.

The eight passengers killed included two children. All were burnt beyond recognition.

Polices were trying to identify their names of the victims.

The passengers with serious injuries included Viroj Pa-utha, 56, who was the driver and car owner. He suffered burns to his back and arms.

Other victims who had serious injuries were Somchai Khonkuamdee, Janjira Pa-utha, a man called Veeraphon (surname unknown), a 10-year-old boy and a male youth, whose names were not known at press time.

All the injured suffered burns to more than 70 per cent of their bodies. They were admitted at an intensive care unit to try to stop them suffering infections.

Only one of those killed was able to be identified at press time last night. He was Pichet Kleubkrai, 34, from Ratchaburi province.

Police extinguished the blaze before rescue workers used equipment to cut the van open to get injured passengers out. Five of the injured were rushed to Ramathibodi and Wachira hospitals.

Police sealed off the area to facilitate rescue work. Motorists were told to avoid the road.

One witness, Pittaya Romyen, said he was waiting to pick up his nephew in front of Samsen School when he saw the van fall from the expressway and burst into flames.

He alerted the police 191 emergency centre about the crash. But said there were several explosions from the vehicle while fire fighters were trying putting the fire out.

Pittaya said he rushed to check the vehicle when the fire was put out.

"I rescued a boy from the vehicle. I also saw the driver, who was burnt on the back and arms crawling from the debris. Both were rushed to a nearby hospi-tal."

A well-known movie star Bin Banleurit, who also involved in rescuing passengers. He said one victim who was severely injured told him the van had an engine problem before it crashed. The driver got scared with the situation before it plunged onto the road.

Earlier this year, there was another serious accident at the same spot. A police car was severely damaged after plunging down from the expressway. Two police were seriously injured.

Their van hit a guidepost before plunged down into Rama VI Road near Tuk Chai intersection and the Water Filter Building.

-- The Nation 2010-11-01

Related topic:

Speeding Van Falls Off Bangkok Expressway, Killing At Least Eight

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POLITICS

'Pheu Thai needs to be straight' : Democrat spokesman

By The Nation

The next election hinged on the progress of reconciliation and the sincerity of Pheu Thai Party to work within mainstream politics instead of condoning street violence, Democrat Party spokesman Buranaj Smutharaks said yesterday.

"The prime minister has made it very clear that the election will take place as soon as there's a return of peace and normalcy," he said.

Buranaj said if the main opposition party wanted to bring forward the poll date, then it should join and facilitate the reconciliation process.

As long as opposition MPs appear to condone street protests and involve in smears to undermine the judiciary, the poll date cannot be finalised due to concern for triggering a new round of turmoil, he said.

If the party was ready to play by the rules, the Democrats were also ready to contest an election, he said.

Democrat MP Thepthai Senpong said an election could have taken place this month if the red shirts had not incited violence in April and May.

Instead of demanding the poll date, Pheu Thai should remember the date was set once before violence resulted in 91 deaths and property destruction, he said.

He said he suspected an ulterior motive in the demand for an early vote since the main opposition party could not even name its opposition leader, or designate its prime ministerial candidate.He said Pheu Thai was not serving the public but striving to help its fugitive patron Thaksin Shinawatra eluding the law.

Regardless of its policy platform, Pheu Thai just wanted Thaksin to elude his jail term, to get back his seized assets, to receive immunity from further prosecution and to re-enter politics, he said. He claimed Pheu Thai activities, including its preparations for the next poll, were designed to attract Thaksin's financial backing. He said Pheu Thai was not a genuine political movement as evidenced by the last week's trip made by its MP Mingkwan Saengsuwan to meet Thaksin in Dubai. The opposition itself brought the trip to light, saying it was meant to resolve party issues and seek Thaksin's blessing for Mingkwan who aspires to become a prime ministerial candidate, he said.

-- The Nation 2010-11-01

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PM Abhisit calls for restraint in Thai-Cambodia border row

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Changes to Thai charter are well down priority list: PM Abhisit

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EDITORIAL

Cambodia thaw a sure sign Thaksin was on way out

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Meteorological Dept warns of torrential rain, very heavy falls are expected in South, cooler weather with windy are likely in upper Thailand /MCOT

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Bangkok schools start new semester, causing heavy traffic; Minister of Education concerned about schools in flood impacted provinces as 676 schools postpone opening date /MCOT

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HM the King gives additional Bt10 million in personal funds to help flood victims /MCOT

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Thai stock index opens on Monday at 992.39, up 7.93 points /MCOT

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Southern provicnes warned of heavy rains, flash floods

Residents of southern provinces down from Chum Phon were Monday warned to brace themselves for heavy rains and flash floods to be unleashed by a storm.

In its first warning statement, the Meteorological Department said a depression storm in the Gulf of Thailand would hit the costs of Surat Thani and Nakhon Si Thammarat Monday night.

The storm would cause high waves in Surat Thani, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Phatthalung, Songkhla, Pattani, Yala and Narathiwat from Monday night.

The storm's influence would also cause heavy rains and subsequent flash floods in southern provinces, the statement said.

-- The Nation 2010-11-01

Related link:

Thailand weather forecasts and current conditions:

http://weather.thaivisa.com

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Emergency Weather Center Warns of Storm Activity in South

The Emergency Weather Center has warned that a storm in the Golf of Thailand threatens to cause heavy rain and strong winds in the south of Thailand from tonight onwards. The southern provinces have experienced several storms, causing flooding and landslides. This time around, the center is warning Surat Thani and Nakorn Srithammarat in particular. Boats are warned to stay ashore. The storm is expected to be at full force between midnight tonight and early tomorrow morning.

-- Tan Network 2010-11-01

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Indonesia's Mount Merapi volcano spews heat clouds and ash as officials warned another eruption is expected /MCOT

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Police Officer Confirms Claim of Reshuffle Scandal

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Northern, northeastern and central people warned of cold weather

The Meteorological Department Monday warned residents of northern, northeastern and central provinces to brace themselves for cold weather for three or four days.

The department said in its daily forecast that a ridge of intense high pressure from China still covers Thailand, resulting in cold wether.

It said minimum temperature in the upper North and Northeast is about 12-16 Celsius degree and 6-12 C on the mountains top.

-- The Nation 2010-11-01

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EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW

Experts say Thailand can no longer rely on cheap labour

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FLOODS

A Songkhla hospital evacuates patients and suspends service

By The Nation

A hospital in Sonkhla has evacuated patients to the second floor as water level of flash flood that hits the province is rising, Hospital director Dr Suwat Wiriyapongsukit said on Monday.

He said the water level in front of the Phra Borom Ratchonnee hospital in Nathavee district is already about 1.50 meters while the barriers made of sand sacks around the hospital is just 1.70 meters.

He said he is still worried about the situation which is worsened following consecutive days of heavy rains.

“The water level is continuing rising, we are worried that the barriers would not be able to block the water. As the precautions, we already evacuated 80 patients to the second floor,” the director said.

The director said that the hospital is now providing only emergency service and suspending for now outpatient service due to the floodings.

“The water level outside the hospital’s barriers have been so high that normal vehicles could not go through. Now we have to use six wheel truck to transport people and personnel in and out the hospital.

-- The Nation 2010-11-01

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Flood effects forecast to raise price of goods next month

By Petchanet Pratruangkrai

Thailand’s inflation grew 3.4 per cent in the first 10 months this year which expects the flooding effect will raise price of goods next month.

Yanyong Phuangrach, permanent secretary of Commerce Ministry, said inflation would grow steadily by 3.2 per cent in the forth quarter this year. In addition, the annual inflation is predicted to reach 3.3-3.4 per cent as projection.

-- The Nation 2010-11-01

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Phuket poll: Readers split on 'White Hotel' project

The word's 'ya bah' spelled out in Thai using methamphetamine pills

seized in a drug arrest. File photo.

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