Thailand Live Sunday 21 Nov 2010

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Thailand Live Sunday 21 November 2010

News, Bits and Tweets

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

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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 Saturday 20 Nov 2010

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Foreign chambers: members won’t move investment bases to other countries

BANGKOK: – Joint Foreign Chambers of Commerce in Thailand (JFCCT) chairman Nandor von de Luehe said its members will not shift their investment bases to other countries because they remain confident of Thailand’s growth potential, Industry Minister Chaiwuti Bannawat said Friday.

Speaking after meting JFCCT representatives, he said the JFCCT chairman cautioned the Thai government not to be complacent regarding the continued growth of the economic and industrial sectors What foreign investors are concerned about now is the lack of stability of the Thai currency. They want the overnment to oversee the baht to boost its stability as much as possible, he said.

Mr Chaiwut said the Board of Investment (BoI) will consider ways to help entrepreneurs deal with the baht's volatility when it meets with Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva and will consider improved privileges to be granted to small- and medium-size enterprises (SMEs).

It was the first time he had an opportunity to meet and discuss with BoI and JFCCT after assuming his ministerial post, he said.

More than 30 investors joined the discussion focusing on ways to cope with obstacles to business performance of foreign investors in Thailand such as difficulties in applications for temporary visas for tourism and investment, telecommunication problems, and unclear customers and tax systems.

He also told investors of progress in the government’s efforts to solve the environmental regulatory problems at the Mab Ta Phut industrial estate and improve investment promotion procedures and benefits for establishing Regional Operations Headquarters. (MCOT online news)

-- TNA 2010-11-21

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BoT chief: no need to control loan growth

BANGKOK (TNA) -- Bank of Thailand (BoT) Governor Prasarn Trairatvorakul on Friday insisted Thailand need not control loan expansion in the banking system with an approach similar to what China has adopted now.

Speaking of Beijing’s requirement that commercial banks must increase loan-loss provisioning to reduce loan growth, he said the Chinese government made the move to ease the country’s economic heating.

In Thailand, he said, the measure is unnecessary because loans continue expanding at a normal rate and in the tandem with economic growth.

“Beijing has initiated the measure to ease economic heating because loans expanded too quickly. But we need not follow suit because loans in our country are growing in relation to economic fundamentals. Also, the Chinese government’s move does not have any impact on us,” he said.

Regarding the supervision of banking fees to ensure they are collected properly under the Finance Ministry’s policy, Mr. Prasarn said the central bank had not yet taken additional measures. It had just monitored the results of the measures taken previously. (MCOT online news)

-- TNA 2010-11-21

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EDITORIAL

Rethink required in Thai society on teenage sex, unwanted babies

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Bangkok Temple to demolish its morgue : Abortion horror

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THRILLER MALL

Ghostly happenings on Ratchadaphisek

By Pattarawadee Saengmanee

The Nation on Sunday

A new entertainment and shopping complex aims to challenge the mind while serving up plenty of fun

The power behind Hua Hin's popular retro shopping complex Plearnwan, entrepreneur Phattra Sahawat, is creating a big buzz in Bangkok with her brand new project Mansion 7.

The shopping and entertainment complex, which opened its doors two weeks ago on Halloween- in the heart of the growing residential area of Ratchadaphisek Road in Huay Khwang is operated by Lan Klang Muang, the company owned by Phattra’s family and of which she is managing director.

Phattra has invested Bt170 million in turning a 7-rai plot into a retail complex under the concept “Boutique Thrill Mall”, which is home to 41 restaurants, bars and fashion boutiques designed to appeal to trendy shoppers. Another powerful magnet is the Dark Mansion, a haunted house that’s set up to draw curious youngsters and passers-up to discover the mysteries behind its solid doors.

The mall itself has a haunted theme with a big palm-like sculpture at the entrance, walls covered in vegetation and a labyrinth of passages, just as you’d expect to find in a old mansion. Inside, it’s divided into three themed zones.

The Dark Mansion Area is home to the haunted house where visitors are challenged visitors to hunt for the source of eerie calls and the secret of Lord Ratchada Piriyayota, a medical officer in the King Rama V era.

“The Dark Mansion is not really like the usual haunted house. I’ve built it as a kind of fitness centre for fear, where you can build up your bravery in encounters with reality. Under the slogan ‘let the mind be bright in the darkness’, my house stimulates your senses with sounds and sets. I want to play with imagination of people as they dive into diving the darkness,” says Phattra.

At the door, there’s a stone inscription telling the story of Lord Ratchada, who lost his daughter at a birthday party. He built a laboratory in the basement of his home to find a way to breathe life back into the girl.

Behind the entrance is a main hall, where a video is screened and a scared servant gives us some information before we walk down to the dark cellar. Inside the room, illuminated only by dim firelight, we’re greeted by several gunnysacks and corpses suspended from the ceiling.

Our minds are challenged as we search for important evidence that shows how Lord Ratchada tortured his victims, which is hidden in the laboratory, the daughter’s bedroom and the workroom.

“It looks like a film studio and it will be renovated every two years. The next story will be by director Yuthlert Sippapak,” Phattra adds.

Survivors of the haunted house experience can recover in the Playground Area, which offers games and limited edition souvenirs under the Mansion 7 label. Here you’ll find eyeball-like pendants, rings, mobile phone hangings, witch dolls, tshirts with graphic designs, cufflinks, mugs, scripturelike wooden boxes, match boxes and fans, ranging in price from Bt55 to Bt1,700.

If you’re weary of screaming, head to the restaurants and bars and soothe your throat with a range of delectable local and international dishes and beverages. Beware though, they’re all designed to haunt you with decorations and menus relevant to the ghost theme.

Casino Royal bistro has an international menu, offering everything from Japanese spaghetti and French duck confit to Mexican chicken mushroom quesadilla.

If you’re in mood for local treats, Somtommize is a Thai kitchen offering spicy somtam from special recipes based on blood groups. You can have somtam made from pomelo, green apple and pineapple, or you can sample somtam mansion, a signature dish made of young coconut and preserved eggs

Next door is Krueng Zen serving scrumptious black rice noodles in hot curry and plenty of other appetisers. Fans of Japanese cuisine can visit famous TV star Alicha “Ann” Laisutthrukai’s Nandei Nandei restaurant where luscious donburi and yakitori are on offer.

Those who need something stronger can head to Beer Mansion, a pub with international ales on tap or have something lighter at Cocktail, which offers a variety of sweet mixed drinks and some snacks.

Garden Area is where you’ll find the latest fashion trends from celebrities and young designers. There’s also the Rose Apple nail salon belonging to stars Janesuda Panto and Panisara “Opal” Phimpru and Secret Weapon, which sells genuine leather handbags designed by actress sisters Cris and Ploy Horwang, as well as handmade sunglasses from Japan.

Other highlights include the Gimmick Magic Shop run by pals Nut and Nat. This is a fun place with lots of creative toys and hitech gadgets imported from overseas including a wallet that can light fires, a camera lens-like mug, a dictionary-like safe box, a camera-shaped USB and pens disguised as lipstick.

Little Seven offers vintage pop jewellery made from copper and zinc including rings, necklaces and earrings inspired by skulls, animals, flowers, cartoons, national flags and MSN emoticons, along with a range of leather bags hand-painted with old-school tattoos.

Adult shoppers will love the Hidden Closet, which offers imported erotic products and party accessories. Check it out for candy bras and Gstrings, sexy underwear, pantyhose, handcuffs, condoms and more.

Greenwich by Mo boutique presents an eye-catching collection of mix-and-match style outfits and evening dresses in brown, grey, cream, blue, red and white plus smart shirts, tees, shirts and accessories from Korea and Nepal.

Bumps in the night

>>Mansion 7 is on Ratchadaphisek Road, Soi Ratchada 14. It’s open from noon to midnight on Monday to Friday and noon to 2am on Saturday to Sunday. Call (02) 692 6311 or visit www.TheMansion7.com

>> The Dark Mansion tickets cost Bt180. Until December 31, tickets are priced at just Bt150 from noon to 5pm.

-- The Nation 2010-11-21

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Gold harvest

By Sport Desk

The Nation

Guangzhou

Thailand shoots up the medal table as sailors, sepak takraw teams and taekwondo exponent grab six gold medals

The Kingdom's athletes swooped up six gold medals at Asian Games yesterday, propelling Thailand to No 5 on the medals table.

The six gold medals came from the men's and women's sepak takraw teams, taekwondo exponent Chutchawal Khaolaor, and the awesome trio of sailors - Damrongsak Vongthimin, Noppakao Poonpat and Keerati Bualong.

It was a dramatic turnaround for Thailand after a bleak first week when 19-year-old Sarita Phongsri was the only gold medallist, in the under-63kg cateogory of women's taekwondo.

With seven gold, seven silver and 19 bronze, the country made a huge leap on the medals table, from 15 to No 6. China remain way ahead with 137 gold followed by South Korea 53, Japan 29, Iran 8 and Hong Kong 7 (at press time)

The fruitful Saturday kicked off with the women's sepak takraw team entering the final as heavy favourites against hosts and surprise finalists China. The superior Thai tigresses, led by the mute Nitinadda Kaewkamsai or the "Silent Weapon" tamed the Chinese dragons in both ties and in straight sets 21-10 21-16 and 21-17 21-11. The gold fell on their lap without the need for the third tie.

The men's sepak takraw team came on court later in the afternoon against the "Yellow Tiger" Malaysians. But unlike their female compatriots, the Thai warriors were put to the test by their long-time rivals in sport which is mostly played in the Southeast Asian region. In the end, the defending champions retained the crown after winning the first and second ties 21-16 21-10 and 21-15 21-17, again without the third tie.

After the unexpected success of "Yin" Sarita, the whole country kept a close watch on the taekwondo competition. The hype was even higher yesterday when gold-medal prospect Chutchawal Khaolaor made his way to the men's under-54kg final before team-mate Pen-Ek Karaket emulated him in the men's under 58kg.

The 22-year-old Chutchawal, bronze medallist at the World Championships in Copenhagen, put up a gutsy fight against Kim Seong-ho despite being sent to the floor twice due to pain on his foot and face caused by the South Korean. From 4-5 in less than a minute before time, the Pathum Thani-based Thai turned the tide with a series of raids to win 8-6 and grab the fourth gold for Thailand.

Pen-Ek hoped to repeat his win over Taiwanese Wei Chen Yang in the Asian Championships final in this same category, but this time luck deserted him. He stayed neck-and-neck with Wei until the sudden-death. Neither fighter could add to the scoreline of 2-2. The number of attacking attempts were taken into consideration and the Thai was heartbroken as Wei's hand was raised the winner.

Far away, at the Shanwei Water Sports Centre, veteran Damrongsak, and teenagers Noppakao and Keerati had been well aware of their victories, thanks to solid performances since the first race last Saturday which barely left any chance for other sailors to catch up with them. The Thai media was so certain of their victories that they added the three gold to their count several hours before the official results were declared.

Damrongsak, the 40-year-old skipper, with brother Kitsada as crew defended his gold medal in the men's Hobie 16. Fifteen-year-old Noppakao Poonpat, victor in the 2009 World Championships in Niteroi Brazil, won the women's dinghy optimist and 18-year- old Keerati, the 2009 Laser Radial Youth World Championships winner, dominated the men's Open Radial race.

Apart from the silver by Pen-Ek, Thailand earned two other silvers yesterday from the equestrian team eventing and sailing men's RZ:X. Six bronze medals came from men's snooker singles, cycling women's individual time trial, women's dragon boat 250m straight race, women's sailing mistral and women's RS:X, and women's taekwondo under-73kg.

With only six days of competition ahead before the closing ceremony on November 27, Thailand is still a long away from the targeted 13 gold medals, the number achieved in the previous Games in Doha. Medal hopefuls in sports like weightlifting and shooting have fallen short while fancied boxers were almost eliminated in the first week.

Two highly possible gold medals can be expected from the men's and women's sepak takraw regu teams. Skeet shooter Sutiya Jiewchaloemmit is another gold-medal prospect. Sutiya finished fourth in the 2008 Olympics and bagged two silver medals at the World Championships in Maribor and Cairo last year.

While team-mates bowed out one by one, Amnat Ruenroeng, a former convict, remains in contention in the boxing men's 46-49 kg. The 31-year-old is the best bet in the Thai boxing team having won a bronze medal in the 2007 World Amateur Championships in Chicago.

-- The Nation 2010-11-21

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Fatal explosion

One worker was killed and three others injured after the explosion of an incubator Saturday at a rubber processing plant in Bangkok's Bang Bon district. Weerawuth Wongcharee was killed instantly by the explosion, while the wounded workers suffered burns from boiling rubber milk to their faces and bodies.

The explosion caused a fire at the Arjern Industry main factory, which was later put out.

-- The Nation 2010-11-21

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Thai PM Abhisit to discuss ban on goods with his image

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Pongpisut versus Apirak in Bangkok by-election

By The Nation on Sunday

The Opposition Pheu Thai Party has decided to field Pongpisut Jitsopon in the byelection for Bangkok's constituency 2 on Dec 12.

Constituency 2 spans Bang Kor Laem, Sathorn, Yannawa, Wattana and Klong Toei.

Pheu Thai Party's election chief Thatwatchai Suthibongkot said Pongpisut was the best qualified for the post. The party has called on the Election Commission to cancel advance voting claiming it suspects irregularities in previous advance ballots as an "unusually" high number of people turned out to vote.

The Opposition also called on the government to scrap the emergency decree in Bangkok from Monday to allow voters to come to listen MP candidates' policies during poll rallies.

Thatwatchai criticised the Democrat Party for fielding its candidates only in Bangkok and Khon Kaen's constituency 2.

"Why does the ruling party not have the courage to field MP candidates to contest all five constituencies in the by-election? Even Asian Games athletes join the contest when they know they won't win."

He attacked the Democrat Party's decision to field former Bangkok governor Apirak Kosayodhin in the Bangkok byelection, saying Apirak may not be qualified as a candidate because he was still in a court battle. If Apirak won and was later taken to the Supreme Court's Criminal Division for Political Office Holders, the Democrat Party would have to pay for the by-election, he said.

-- The Nation 2010-11-21

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Two killed in South

By The Nation

Two people were killed and seven others wounded in two separate ambushes yesterday allegedly by insurgents in Yala's Krong Penang district.

The first attack was on a team of five civil defence volunteers on patrol in tambon Sa Eh, at around 5pm. Three team members were wounded after a brief gunfight. The patrol was meant to compile information about flood relief.

The second attack took place not long after against a group of 11 villagers who set out on a trek to collect jungle items. One man was killed while another man died at a hospital, in addition to 4 others who were hurt.

-- The Nation 2010-11-21

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Teenagers arrested

By The Nation

Published on November 21, 2010

Police yesterday arrested three youths who engaged in a brawl with Pheu Thai Party spokesman Jirayu Huangsap, before threatening him with a replica pistol.

The youths, two aged 17 and the other 14, were in a pickup that entered the party compound to buy scrap material. They parked and obstructed a broadcast vehicle. Jirayu was travelling out of the compound in his sedan, and stopped for a while for a chat with people in the broadcast vehicle. The pickup was moved, after the broadcast vehicle repeatedly honked at it.

The three youths then got out and angrily shouted at Jirayu, before one flashed the replica gun and pointed it at Jirayu, who wrestled the gun away before guards apprehended the three.

-- The Nation 2010-11-21

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Huai Khwang cop charged with murder

By The Nation

A police captain with Huai Khwang station was charged with murder yesterday for allegedly shooting a navy officer earlier this month in a possible case of road rage. He was also charged with attempted murder for allegedly shooting at a taxi driver last month.

Pol Captain Jessada Jettaphorn was apprehended for a shooting on November 2 on Ratchadaphisek Road, in which Captain Wutthichai Bunyarit was shot after a car pursuit during evening rush hour. He died of wound trauma a few days later.

Jessada denied shooting the victim and claimed he just drove near the scene. Extensive police inquiries later found that Jessada might also have shot a taxi driver in another case of apparent road rage on October 18 in the jurisdiction of Wang Thong Lang police in Bangkok. Jessada also denied any involvement in that incident.

He was later released on bail of Bt500,000.

-- The Nation 2010-11-21

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HEADLINE MAKER

Never breathing easy again

By Thanapat Kitjakosol

The Nation on Sunday

After 15 arduous years, Somboon Sikhamdokkhae wins compensation for herself and 36 of her former colleagues against a textile factory

A legal victory over former employer Bangkok Weaving Mills Ltd and an average of Bt60,000 in compensation for living with byssinosis, an occupational lung disease caused by exposure to cotton dust in an inadequate working environment, may not sound like much, especially after a 15-year court battle, but the ruling is nonetheless a trophy for Somboon Sikhamdokkhae and 36 of her ex-colleagues. Not only does it recognise their complaint as legitimate, but it also will serve as a useful and potentially life-saving precedent for factory workers in the generations to come.

Somboon, 51, who is now chairperson of the Network of Victims of Occupational Hazards of Thailand, says the victory also provides proof against allegations by the factory that she and the fellow workers faked their illnesses, initially to demand extra salary, then went on to file a civil lawsuit against the firm's management based on these "fake" illnesses.

"Although we are poor people, we have the same dignity as our fellow human beings. Things have changed from the old days when we had no one to rely on. We have made many friends and achieved many things. We regained our rights on the day that the truth was revealed and that was far more important than the money," she says.

The compensatory money, ranging from Bt60,000 to Bt110,000, cannot undo the permanent damage to the workers' lungs. Somboon and her fellow workers still have trouble breathing and become exhausted far more quickly than other people, as the red-blood cells produced by the lungs are not sufficient. Other symptoms include sore throats, coughs and runny noses.

"As a precedent, the court victory has made employers who refuse to take responsibility for their workers or accept their accountability for protecting workers' rights, learn about and respect their fellow human beings," she says.

"It is also an example to all employers that they must protect their workers according to the occupational safety laws thus preventing or minimising work-related illnesses. By so doing, the workers' morale will improve and that will increase productivity, which is beneficial to the employers themselves," she adds.

After working in a factory unprotected from fabric particles for years, Somboon and around other 200 workers fell ill and developed severe allergies to dust. Most, Somboon included, were then laid off without compensation, and their complaints to the company fell on deaf ears.

"The condition of our lungs is what you'd expect to find in someone in their 80s even though most of us are in our 50s. We need to see the doctor every month and we'll be relying on medication for the rest of our lives," she says.

The company paid for medical check-ups for around 500 workers after a 1992 law imposing environmental protection by employers in the industrial sector came into effect but did not comply with workers' calls for protection, or extra money, before laying off those who had become sick.

The Supreme Court recently ordered Bangkok Weaving Mills Ltd to pay Bt3.69 million to the 37 plaintiffs along with annual interest of 7.5 per cent dating back to May 3, 1995, the day was lawsuit was filed. The total is lower than the original amount claimed as it takes into account aid received from other sources, including the Social Security Office.

The ruling is also a victory for Dr Oraphan Methadilokkul, who was sued by the company following her testimony at the lengthy trial where she confirmed her diagnosis of byssinosis.

Somboon says that even to this day, the company still refuses to believe that the workers became sick due to the lack of protection in the factory. They have hired doctors to examine sick workers though they have consistently refused to bring in medical experts specialising in occupational hazards.

Somboon, who along with private sector and charity foundations has worked on several campaigns for occupational safety and welfare at factories over the past several years, formed the network more than 10 years ago. It has received support and grants from government agencies to expand its projects.

A frequent lecturer on labour welfare, Somboon has also received many awards, including one from the Global Human Rights Fund.

The Network now assists more than 3,000 workers and employees who have sustained injury or become ill through the workplace, through legal counselling, lectures and training on occupational safety and general health-related issues.

Somboon is currently working with the Forum of the Poor to push for a law that gives greater assurance for higher occupational safety measures and good work environments. This is currently being vetted by a subcommittee prior to its adoption by Parliament.

The bill proposes establishing an independent agency to regulate and implement occupational safety measures in workplaces at all levels.

-- The Nation 2010-11-21

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Courts will decide

Published on November 21, 2010

The government was willing to lift the emergency decree in Bangkok and its suburbs, and in the southern border provinces, including four districts of Songkhla, if these areas were at peace and order, Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban said yesterday, after returning to his post overseeing national security.

Suthep said he had yet to discuss the red shirts' call for their eight leaders to be released with Defence Minister Prawit Wongsuwan. He said the courts would decide whether to allow the red-shirt leaders to be freed on bail. The government could not interfere with the courts' authority, he said.

Red-shirt protesters threatened to stage a sit-in outside the Department of Special Investigations to try to force them to wrap up the investigation into the chaos that left dozens dead and hundreds injured within seven days in May.

-- The Nation 2010-11-21

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LOY KRATHONG

Revellers flock to enjoy festival

By The Nation on Sunday

People flock to Tak, Chiang Mai, Hat Yai to celebrate

Foreign and Thai revellers have flocked to several destinations renowned for Loy Krathong celebrations across the country - on the eve of the ceremony being held today.

While lots of people enjoy the colourful nights of the festival, teenagers in Ranong marked the celebration by shooting a group of rivals, which four people injured.

Meanwhile in the North, officials at Lampang Airport said aeroplanes had not been affected by flying lanterns released during the festivities, as tourism entrepreneurs in Chiang Mai agreed to follow Transport Ministry measures that limit the number and period when yi-peng lanterns are released for safety reasons.

In Bangkok, city Governor Sukhumbhand Paribatra yesterday surveyed pontoons and insisted that all appeared to be safe and strong enough to support people who will use them to float their krathongs in the Chao Phraya river and klongs.

Tens of thousands of revellers had arrived in Tak to celebrate the festival in a traditional way with the Loy Krathong Sai (floating coconut-shell krathongs lined along the river) for a competition to win His Majesty the King's trophy. It kicked off late on Friday night with a magnificent opening ceremony that drew a huge number of revellers.

Eight krathong vessels were granted by members of the royal family's to float along the Ping River to mark the beginning of the celebration.

The event takes place near the Sompot Krung Rattanakosin 200 Years Bridge.

The world's largest krathong vessel was showcased in Nakhon Ratchasima after the province began the festival celebration yesterday.

The vessel has a 40-metre diameter, with a circumference 125 metres long, is seven metres high and weighs five tonnes. It is decorated with 534 petals made of pink cloth. Images of their Majesties the King and Queen are placed on the top.

People were able to view the vessel at the King's 80th Birthday Anniversary, 5th December 2007 Sports Complex, and sign good wishes on the petals for the King and Queen.

Almost 1,000 tourists have flown from Russia, meanwhile, to enjoy the festival in Pattaya.

And despite the recent floods that caused huge damage to the southern province of Songkhla, it is still the main destination for Malaysian and Singaporean tourists to celebrate Loy Krathong.

-- The Nation 2010-11-21

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Chonburi police: telephone booth bombing at Bang Lamung mosque early Sunday may be work of impetuous teenagers /MCOT

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PM confirms no party dissolution after Dec 5

BANGKOK, 21 November 2010 (NNT) - Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva has said he would not dissolve the House after December 5th, his Majesty the King’s birthday, as he sees no reason to do so.

According to the Premier, it is too early to tell whether there will be a parliamentary dissolution right after Dec.5th, the day Thais throughout the nation celebrate the king’s birthday, given there must be good enough a reason to do so; however, such a thought has never crossed his mind.

The Prime Minister also expressed his confidence that the Democrat party will gain more seats in the next election when it is held, but whether it will garner enough votes to form the government remains to be seen.

-- NNT 2010-11-21

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Health Minister Jurin agrees with PM’s decision not to change abortion law

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Current abortion laws are sufficient and flexible already

BANGKOK, 21 November 2010 (NNT) - Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva has been moved by the remains of about 2,000 illegally aborted fetuses discovered at a temple last week, adding that the current laws are sufficient to deal with abortion issues and urging all sides to help instill right moral values in youths.

Mr. Abhisit said in his weekly Sunday program that he was moved by the news that police had found the remains of about 2,000 illegally aborted fetuses hidden at Wat Phai ngern; however, he believed that the current law was sufficient and flexible enough to deal with the issue, and there was no need to amend the laws, reiterating that the most important thing was to educate Thai youths through campaigning.

Furthermore, education for children and minors in relation to family must be improved and taught in school. All sides must co-operate to diffuse right values among young people in order to prevent the problem recurring in the future.

-- NNT 2010-11-21

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National artist 'Mae Prayoon' dies

National artist Prayoon Yomyiam, better known as Mae Prayoon for her 'lamtad' traditional show, has died, her sister said Sunday. She was 75 years old.

Oonruan Yomyiam, 65, said Prayoon was admitted to the Chulalongkorn Hospital at 3:30 am Saturday because of heart attack.

She died peacefully at 5:20 pm, Oonruan said.

A praying ceremony will be held at Sarawan Temple in Nakhon Pathom's Buddhamonthon distirct for seven days starting Monday.

-- The Nation 2010-11-21

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Phuket fireworks crackdown during Loy Krathong festival

Phuket Provincial Police Commander Pol Maj Gen Pekad Tantipong. File photo.

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69 Club Owner Shot Dead In Pattaya

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Aussie ambassador in Phuket: Safety is our priority

New Australian Ambassador James Wise (left) and Phuket

Governor Tri Augkaradacha.

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Dengue control initiative launched in Phuket Town

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PM reaffirms government's two planned charter amendment drafts not intended to create coup-condition, pledges to take responsibility if situation intensifies /MCOT

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1,500 city officials deployed at 132 sites across Bangkok, patrol vessels monitoring security on Chao Phraya River overnight for public safety during Loy Krathong celebrations: BMA /MCOT

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Thaipbs - 22 public parks across BKK are available for Loy Kratong til midnight. Enjoy! /via @b_surisa /via @tulsathit

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Their Majesties King Bhumibol, Queen Sirikit float krathongs on Chao Phraya River at Siriraj Hospital pier /MCOT