Thailand Live Friday 26 Nov 2010

[webfact]

Thailand Live Friday 26 November 2010

News, Bits and Tweets

with webfact

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

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

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

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

Commentary is still open for Thailand news in the relevant thread posted in News Clippings.

FOLLOW US:

You can also follow us on

- Twitter: http://twitter.com/georgebkk

- Google Buzz: http://www.google.com/profiles/thaivisa

- Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/ThaiVisaNews

- Breaking News via SMS text messages to your mobile phone or handheld device

To subscribe dial *424010011 on AIS, One-2-Call, DTAC or True Move networks

14 days complementary subscription for Thaivisa members.

If you have questions about the Breaking News SMS service,

email: sms [at] thaivisa.com

________________________________________________________________________________

Thailand's current weather and forecasts: http://weather.thaivisa.com/

________________________________________________________________________________

Related topic: Thailand Live Thursday 25 Nov 2010

[webfact]

Private sector believes the Thai economy will expand further next year

BANGKOK (NNT) -- The private sector is confident that the Thai economy will grow by 5 percent next year; however, risk factors such as the baht appreciation should be monitored.

According to Chairman of the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) Payungsak Chartsutthipol, the country’s GDP will grow by 5 percent this year, given the nation’s economic outlook and investors’ confidence; both of which contribute greatly to the growth.

However, investors and exporters should remain on their toes as regards risk factors which include appreciation of the baht, oil prices, the economy-- especially in Europe-- and prices of raw materials.

Mr. Payungsak added that he was aware that many sectors were concerned with oil prices and the baht appreciation. He, however, advised that intrepreneurs be prepared for the baht depreciating in the near future, as he believed that the baht appreciation would be short-lived.

-- NNT 2010-11-26

[webfact]

NEW!

Follow thaivisa.com on Google Buzz:

http://www.google.com/profiles/thaivisa

[webfact]

Military Ordered to Dissociate from Poll Candidates

The defense minister has issued an order for all military personnel not to associate with by election candidates.

If any soldiers are found to have violated the order, disciplinary action will be taken.

Defense Ministry spokesperson Colonel Thanathip Sawangsang stated in a press conference after the Defense Council meeting that Defense Minister General Prawit Wongsuwan has ordered all military personnel not to associate with by election candidates in five provinces, namely Ayutthaya, Nakhon Ratchasima, Khon Kaen, Surin and Bangkok.

Commanders of various military units have been notified not to let their personnel interact with candidates in any form and if anyone violates the order, that person will face strict disciplinary punishment.

This is to make sure the military is not subject to criticism of interfering with politics.

The defense minister also urged the families of soldiers to exercise their voting rights and become model citizens.

-- Tan Network 2010-11-26

[webfact]

LOP BURI PRISON RIOT

Inmate shot dead

Follow this link:

[webfact]

CHARTER REVIEW

Two draft charter changes approved

Follow this link:

[webfact]

BAHT

Bank of Thailand considers investing reserves to ease baht

Follow this link:

[webfact]

Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) joins fight to save age-old rain trees

Follow this link:

[webfact]

PHOTOS FOR FRIENDS

Exhibition to raise funds for lensmen hit by crisis

By The Nation

An exhibition called "Photos for Friends" kicked off yesterday at Siam Paragon to raise funds for Thai photographers, including The Nation's lensman Chaiwat Poompuang, whose lives were adversely affected during the April-May crisis.

The president of the Contemporary Photography Foundation, Suwat Liptapanlop, presided over the launch of the "Photos for Friends" fund and the exhibition.

The event was well attended by Nation Group executives, newscasters and photographers and by high-profile figures such as Buddhist nun Sansanee Sthi-rasuta, poet Jeeranan Pitpreecha, and Olympic gold medallists Somrak Khamsing, Pavena Thongsuk and Somjit Jongjohor.

The fund, the Thai Journalists Association and the business sector organised the photo exhibition, to be held at Living Gallery 1 on the third floor until December 1 Wednesday.

The exhibition features five sets of beautiful images, including "Parp Haeng Sattha" (Pictures of Faith) about His Majesty the King at work from the past until the present and "Parp Haeng Kwamsuk lae Kwamwang" (Pictures of Happiness and Hope) to boost morale of recent flood victims. A forum about photojournalism was hosted by Chaiwat, the fund's founder.

Members of the public were invited to buy a commemorative "For Friends" T-shirt (Bt200 apiece) at the event. All proceeds will go towards the fund. For details, call 08-1839-9997 or 08-9494-9182.

Chaiwat said the fund was for all photographers who were injured while on duty, and he is just one example. The fund is not for the profit of any particular people but for all news photographers.

"I want to encourage young photojournalists not to be afraid or disheartened but to learn how to save themselves. We have to find ways to get good pictures for reporting. We have to take some risks in this profession," he said.

Chaiwat, who has also worked in war-torn Afghanistan and the southern border provinces, was one of three photographers who sustained gunshot wounds during the unrest. Chaiwat was shot in the right leg while on duty during the showdown in the Rajprarob area on May 15. A high-velocity rifle round damaged his thighbone, which forced him to undergo four rounds of surgery.

He sees his doctor once a month and spends three to |four hours every day in physical therapy.

-- The Nation 2010-11-26

[george]

100-million-year-old crocodile species discovered in Thailand

Full story:

[webfact]

Dissolution case: arguments for and against

The Constitution Court has set Monday as the day for lawyers of the Election Commission and the ruling Democrat Party to deliver their closing statements in the dissolution case related to alleged improper use of Bt29 million the party received from the EC's Political Party Development Fund prior to the 2005 election. Banyat Bantadtan was party leader at that time and Abhisit Vejjajiva deputy party leader. The Nation's Kornchanok Raksaseri reports.

-- The Nation 2010-11-26

[webfact]

Hunt on for more suspects in Chiang Mai grenade attacks

By The Nation

There are a few other triggermen who launched M-79 attacks in Chiang Mai during the red-shirt protests in May set to be arrested, national police chief Pol General Wichean Potephosree said yesterday.

Police are on the lookout for a few other suspects behind the M-79 grenade attacks in Chiang Mai in April and May, national police chief General Wichean Potephosree said yesterday.

The suspects have not been previously named or included in the wanted list, he said, adding they were believed to have acted as triggermen or assistants in the several attacks using M-79 launchers in Chiang Mai at the peak of the red-shirt protests in May.

The five suspects already in police detention have been cooperative and have re-enacted their actions at the four attack sites, including the office of Newin Chidchob's father-in-law, Wichean said.

The police chief "hinted" that the five suspects "could have been linked" to an explosion in Nonthaburi in October, but declined to give further details.

"Their methods are similar to the explosion in the apartment building," he added.

An intelligence source said the new suspects could have fled to a neighbouring country after Wallop Phitheephrome, allegedly the lead triggerman, was caught and began cooperating with police.

The source said there were three new suspects, adding that one of them called Pay had fired an M-79 round at the Chiang Mai Construction office owned by Newin's father-in-law.

Pay was chosen for the job because his significant height helped with the accuracy of the shot. He is suspected to have left the country, though police are said to be keeping a close eye on the other two.

The source said Wallop denied ever having acted as a red-shirt guard and that he seemed normal, with no signs of mental health problems as claimed in news reports.

The source said many red-shirt guards were Army conscripts who were paid Bt500 a day and given free meals by late Army specialist Khattiya Sawasdiphol. They paid Bt250 in bribe to their unit commanders, who are red sympathisers, to issue fake leave records.

Meanwhile, two red-shirt protesters will be released on bail thanks to a government-mediated effort to release detainees who were not involved in violence or arson during the protests.

Ratthasart Somphong and Songchai Palakawong na Ayutthaya will be released under a Bt60,000 bail guarantee each provided by the Department of Rights and Liberties Protection.

-- The Nation 2010-11-26

[webfact]

DSI gives 13 cases over to police

By The Nation

The Department of Investigation handed 13 of the 89 cases of people killed during the red-shirt protests in May over to the police for further investigation yesterday.

The 13 deaths for which DSI is seeking more information includes that of a Japanese photographer, an Army conscript and three others in Wat Pathum Wannaram near the Ratchaprasong intersection.

Senior police commander Maj-General Amnuay Nimmano said yesterday that the police investigation would follow the normal procedure and find out how and where they died and who the victims were.

"Police will not judge who is right or wrong and who is responsible for the deaths. That will be decided later after criminal investigation," he added.

The 13 deaths are categorised as "causes or killers unknown", though not ruled out as murders, a DSI report released last week said. The report divides the deaths into two categories - caused by the red-affiliated "men in black" and an unknown group of people.

Amnuay said the police investigation should begin next week and would be joined by public prosecutors and DSI agents. He did not give any details on the time frame.

The officer said he could guarantee the probe would "go in the same direction with the same high standards" of each agency involved, though "they were very difficult to solve" as there is hardly any evidence left.

-- The Nation 2010-11-26

[webfact]

Phatthalung gets Royal assistance

By The Nation

HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn graciously sent the Royal Household Bureau's medical team and seeds to help flood-affected residents in Phatthalung's Khao Chaison and Bang Kaew districts yesterday.

Meanwhile, the Cabinet yesterday agreed to extend the identity-card application period by 120 days and okayed the Interior Ministry's request for Bt18 million to cover the Bt5,000-per-case aid money for another 3,664 homes in 22 provinces. PM's Office Minister Sathit Wongnongtaey said 550,000 of 620,000 applicants had passed the screening and nearly all would get the money by the end of this month.

The Cabinet also approved Bt400 million to procure seeds for 224,000 flood-affected rice farmers. Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva has urged ministries to come up with flood-relief projects that can be covered by the Bt53-billion leftover budget.

-- The Nation 2010-11-26

[webfact]

Nurse to be quizzed over abortion babies' birth papers

By The Nation

Khon Kaen publichealth chief Dr Kimahan Yongrattanakij yesterday ordered a probe into the activities of a nurse allegedly implicated in seeking birth certificates for babies who survived illegal abortions.

Pantipa Massayakong, a nurse at a health station in Khon Kaen, was identified as the woman who -authorities claim - reported the births of two of the babies and secured birth certificates for them.

"We will get to the bottom of the story. If found guilty, she will face both disciplinary and criminal action," Kimahan said.

Pantipa has been summoned to provide information on the case today.

Earlier this month, thousands of human foetuses were found at a temple in Bangkok. Ongoing investigations showed the remains came from abortion clinics and an abortionist allegedly confessed she had raised several babies who survived the abortion process.

These children have been issued birth certificates, which has triggered more probes.

In a telephone interview, Pantipa said she did not know how her name was implicated because she had never reported the birth of any baby.

"I believe someone else has used the copies of my national identification card," she said.

In a related development, Chulalongkorn Hospital director Dr Adisorn Patradul yesterday said it would take the hospital 40 days to determine the pregnancy stage of each foetus.

He dismissed a suggestion DNA tests would be conducted to identify the parents of the foetuses.

"I don't think we will be able to locate the parents," he said, adding that the cost of the DNA examinations would also soar well over Bt10million.

Office of National Buddhism director Nopparat Benjawattananan said the human foetuses would be buried, rather than incinerated, because they might be needed as evidence in legal proceedings.

-- The Nation 2010-11-26

[webfact]

Student caught selling fake CDs

By The Nation

The Thon Buri Court yesterday sentenced a second-year female student to a two-year suspended jail term for selling second-hand CDs on Bangkok's Rama II Road.

Sudawadi Komonwit, 25, was arrested at the same time as another second-hand-CD vendor Somchai Nanthawanit - who was jailed because he couldn't pay the Bt100,000 fine until Pol General Pongsapat Pongcharoen covered the fine and got him released. Sudawadi's parents have also asked for Pongsapat's help. The court found the defendant guilty of selling copyrighted CDs without permission. But since she had no previous criminal record, her family is poor and she is a student with no income, the court gave her a suspended jail term, promising to keep her record clean if she reports to police as required.

-- The Nation 2010-11-26

[webfact]

Gala fete for HM's birthday

By The Nation

The government will host a grand celebration titled Phandin Khong Rao (Our Land) from December 1-9 to honour His Majesty's birthday on December 5.

Deputy government spokesman Supachai Jaisamut said the celebration would include a candle-lighting ceremony in front of the Supreme Court, while different ministries would set up exhibition booths at the Royal Plaza. The event will also feature an 800-boat procession hosted by the Royal Thai Navy and alliances at the Siriraj Hospital Pier.

-- The Nation 2010-11-26

[webfact]

Censors ease off on 'Insects'

Published on November 26, 2010

Though the Board of Censors has upheld the ban on the controversial film "Insects in the Backyard", directed by Tanwarin Sukkhapisit, it is softening its stance somewhat.

Two weeks ago, the board ruled that the film's content went "against public order and morality". Now, it says the film's content is "contrary to morality".

The director has sent an appeal to the Culture Ministry's National Film Board, along with a letter of endorsement from the Directors' Association of Thailand. She expects a ruling on the issue in about a month.

Tanwarin was hoping to release it commercially for limited screenings in Bangkok.

-- The Nation 2010-11-26

[webfact]

PHOTO GALLERY

Long Live The King

By The Nation

His Majesty the King's first public appearance in nearly a year seemed to have brought joy to the entire nation on Wednesday.

Cries of "Long Live the King" resounded along the waterways from Siriraj Hospital in Bangkok to the mouth of the Pho canal in Samut Prakan as the Angsana sailed past with His Majesty and HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn on board.

-- The Nation 2010-11-26

[webfact]

Baht likely to reach 26-27 to US dollar next year: UTCC forecast

Follow this link:

[webfact]

Thai stock index opens on Friday at 998.42, up 2.00 points /MCOT

[webfact]

North Korea, after its attack on the South this week, said plans for US-South Korean naval exercise bring Korean peninsula "closer to the brink of war," state media reports /MCOT

[webfact]

Red-Shirt Bicycle Caravan Arrives in Udon Thani Province

The weekly red-shirt bicycle caravan has arrived in Udon Thani province. The group's members plan to visit the jailed protesters before rallying for their release.

Kamolsilp Singhasuriya, leader of the red-shirt group in Udon Thani province, and Suriya Shinboot, leader of the red-shirt bicycle caravan and its 50 members, have arrived at Udon Thani Provincial Prison to visit the protesters jailed for their crimes during the previous political unrest. They have donated 1,500 baht to each of the 25 families of their jailed comrades.

The group also plans to organize some activities TOMORROW, including a bicycle ride around town and a rally in front of Udon Thani Provincial Town Hall to question the government about the investigation of the red-shirt protesters killed during the unrest. In the evening, the group will organize a political concert at a local sports field.

-- Tan Network 2010-11-26

[webfact]

PM Adament to Move Forward with Border Talks Amidst Protests

The prime minister insists the government will move ahead with using the minutes from the Thai-Cambodian Joint Border Committee to settle the border dispute with Cambodia, amidst protests of the People's Alliance for Democracy.

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva says the minutes from the Thai-Cambodian Joint Border Committee or JBC will be brought to TODAY's joint sitting at parliament for approval. He said the negotiation with Cambodia will continue toward settling the disputes between the two countries.

The prime minister talked about a potential amendment to Article 190 requiring parliamentary approval for international treaties, saying that the potential removal of parliamentary power to review international agreements will cause no adverse impact on the country.

Abhisit said the parliament committee's revised draft of the Constitution should become clear before the People's Alliance for Democracy rally against the JBC minutes on December 11, adding that the House has no need to hold a special session to speed up its second and third readings on the charter rewrite draft. He said the next two readings can be carried out in the next ordinary legislative session.

The premier also expressed concern over the red-shirt protest scheduled for November 29, when the ruling Democrat Party will deliver a closing statement on the dissolution case. He urged security agencies to keep the group's activities under close watch.

He also asked the national police chief to oversee security for the Constitution Court judges in charge of the case against his party.

As for the distribution of his party's pocket book entitled Fighting Injustice with Truth, the premier insisted the move is aimed to provide the public with the facts on the Democrat dissolution case, not to put pressure on the court.

-- Tan Network 2010-11-26

[webfact]

Woman severely injured after jumping from BTS station

The Nation

A woman was severely injured after she jumped down from the BTS Sanam Pao station Friday morning, Jor Sor 100 traffic radio station reported.

The woman, whose head was shaved, jumped from the station at 9:45 am. She was rushed to the Rajvithi Hospital.

She was later identified as Duangchan Janthanan, 25.

-- The Nation 2010-11-26

[webfact]

Man shot dead after alleged hit and run on Bangna-Trat

The Nation

A man was shot dead in his car after he allegedly hit a motorcyclist and tried to flee the scene, police said.

The road accident and shooting incident on the Bangna-Trat Road happened at about 1 am Friday, police said.

Rome Ngamkham, 37, the motorcyclist, was hit by a Honda car and died at the kilometer marker 28 in Samut Prakan's Bangbo district.

Prachao Jansena, 39, who witnessed the incident said the driver of the Honda car, identified as Suthat Khamkha, 28, tried to flee by making u-turn using a u-turn bridge but four men ran across the road to wait for the car.

One of the men opened fire at Suthat, killing him and the four fled the scene.

-- The Nation 2010-11-26

[webfact]

Flood-related death toll reaches 255

BANGKOK, Nov 26 - Thailand's flood-related death toll has risen to 255 on Friday, while the Meteorological Department warned more rain is expected in the South due to a strengthening northeast monsoon.

Director-General Wiboon Sanguapong of the Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Department reported, as of Friday, the flood situation in 42 provinces nationwide has eased and restoration work is now underway but 26 districts of nine provinces remained under floodwaters including Kalasin, Roi Et, Ubon Ratchathani, Suphan Buri, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, Nonthaburi, Pathum Thani, Surat Thani and Phatthalung.

Flooding which hit Thailand's central and northeastern provinces from Oct 10 caused 177 deaths, while 78 deaths were confirmed in flash flood and landslides triggered by tropical storms in the southern region between October 30 to today.

Meanwhile, the Meteorological Department announced Friday that another ridge of intense high pressure from China extends to upper Thailand and the South China Sea, and temperatures are likely to drop 1-3 degree Celsius.

The Department said more rain is expected over the South due to the stronger northeast monsoon and a more pronounced cold front in the Gulf of Thailand, therefore all ships should proceed with caution during this period. (MCOT online news)

-- TNA 2010-11-26

[webfact]

Police Arrest Girlfriend for Hiring Gunmen to Murder Obsessive Ex

Police nabbed violent woman YESTERDAY for hiring gunmen to murder an obsessive ex-boyfriend, a well-known jewelry shop owner.

Police arrested 41-year-old Atchaporn Damsong, along with six accomplices, has been charged with the murder of her ex-boyfriend.

Police explained that Atchaporn, the mastermind, hired some gunmen to kill a jewelry shop owner on November 12.

The victim was found dead in a pick-up truck in the Bangkok District of Bang Kae.

Atchaporn said she was annoyed by the victim as he had been trying to keep in touch with her even after they both started their own families. She decided to pay a team of gunmen 100,000 baht to kill her former lover.

In a separate case, police said Phayathai police arrested a 49-year man, identified as Suthon Thongchot, on assault charges.

Police explained that Suthon has a mental disorder and was begging for money at the Victory Monument. Anyone who refused to give money, Suthon attempted to cut their backs with a knife.

The man has been arrested for assault with a deadly weapon

-- Tan Network 2010-11-26

[webfact]

CRES revokes ban on sale or distribution of rally materials and souvenirs aimed at sparking societal disharmony after no cases found offensive to monarchy /MCOT

[webfact]

South Korea's military says two explosions are heard off island bombarded this week by North Korea, and it is checking source of sounds /MCOT