Thailand Live Thursday 9 Dec 2010

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Consumers' confidence down in Nov.

The domestic consumers' confidence index dropped from 71.6 in October to 70.3 in November, according to the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce.

The main factors which contributed to the decline of the index was the recent widespread severe floods which damaged the agricultural, industrial, services and tourism sectors.

Other contributing factors were higher oil and consumer goods prices, the strong baht and the political uncertainty.

-- The Nation 2010-12-09

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Shell raises all oil products by Bt0.50 per litre, effective today /MCOT

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The Criminal Court has granted Jatuporn Prompan bail after he refused to appear in court this morning against defamation charges /TAN_Network

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Jaturporn Has Been Granted Bail

Red shirt leader Jatuporn Prompan has been granted bail after an arrest warrant was issued for him this morning by the Criminal Court. He failed to make a court appearance in a defamation suit filed against him by Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva.

-- Tan Network 2010-12-09

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Triumudomsuksa Students Survive Bus Accident in Phetchaburi

A schoolbus carrying thirty students ran a red light and caused an accident involving 11 cars.

Luckily, no one was killed or seriously wounded. Some students sustained minor injuries.

The bus, carrying 30 students from Triumudomsuksa School, was on its way to a scout camp at Kangkrajan Army Camp, when the driver lost control due to a brake failure at the Tha Yang junction in Phetchaburi province.

The bus crashed into a streetlight and swung across the road and hit a sedan and a pick up truck on the other side.

The bus continued another 200 meters before eventually stopping.

Reports say a total of 11 cars were damaged.

However, the shocking accident miraculously caused only minor injuries.

-- Tan Network 2010-12-09

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Mobile Operators Cry Foul at Unfair Regulations, 3G Aunction Delay

Thailand's two leading mobile operators have held a joint press conference to denounce the government's incapacity to fairly regulate the telecommunications industry, and the seriously delayed 3G auction.

President of Advanced Info Service or AIS, Wichien Mektrakarn, said since the announcement of the national broadband project, supervised by Deputy Prime Minister Trairong Suwannakiri, no progress has been seen regarding the implementation of policies for the development of the telecommunications industry.

In addition, he cast uncertainty over the pending auction of 3G licenses, as well as the conversion of the current 2G concessions into 3G licenses, as proposed by Finance Minister Korn Chatikavanij.

Wichien noted that the telecommunications industry is increasingly rife with unfair competition, and he doubts that political interference is involved.

The CEO reaffirmed that his company has strictly observed good governance and transparency, and believes there are certain firms that gain unfair advantages from the current situation.

CEO of Total Access Communications or DTAC, Tore Johnsen, said to promote a fairer competition, a license system should be applied to all telecommunications operators.

He suggested that the government devise a road map for the 3G development, covering the formation of the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission and the 2G conversion, so that businesses can lay down their investment plans accordingly.

Both AIS and DTAC also invited other mobile carriers to join hands in monitoring the work of the government in relation to the telecommunications industry.

-- Tan Network 2010-12-09

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Dutch Ambassador Tjaco van den Hout has to quit his job because of abuse in the Dutch Embassy in Bangkok / via @telegraaf /RT @veen_NT: RT @haroldrolloos

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SET index closed at 1035.85, up 10.77; Bt/USD29.94; GBP47.19; AUD29.44; EUR39.64; CAD29.58; HKD3.85; SGD22.70; JPY35.52

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Pls select The Nation's Person of the Year for 2010. Submit yr nomination now&stand by for a final vote. http://bit.ly/gI7SWQ /via@tulsathit:

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WAGES

Minimum wages raised Bt8-Bt17

By The Nation

The Central Wage Committee today approved the wage hike of Bt8-Bt17 for the year 2011, in line with the government's push for higher daily wages to ease social disparity.

The committee, chaired by Labour Permanent Secretary Somkiat Chayasriwong, awarded the biggest rise to workers in Phuket whose minimum wage would rise Bt17 from Bt204 to Bt221. Workers in 7 provinces win the lowest increase of Bt8.

Workers in Bangkok enjoy a Bt9 increase.

-- The Nation 2010-12-09

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Body of Thai Man found in Lake next to Pattaya Polo Field

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Armed Robbery At Pattaya Jomtien Beach Convenience Store

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Two Brothers, Late For Work, Killed In High Speed Pattaya Road Crash

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2 men robbed 2 judo athletes at knifepoint in an accommodation unit arranged by Chon Buri Games, which will run till dec 19. /via@Urisara_NT

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Thai Woman Threatens To Jump To Her Death At Jomtien Condo

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Red Shirts Confirm Friday Rally To Mark Thailand Constitution Day

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to be continued

Thailand Live Friday 10 December 2010

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