Thailand Live Friday 10 Dec 2010

[webfact]

Thailand Live Friday 10 December 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 9 Dec 2010

[webfact]

Colombian gang arrested for theft, using forged passports

BANGKOK: -- The Thai police on Thursday arrested a Colombian and suspected gang members in the capital of Bangkok charging them with theft and using forged passports.

Carlos Enrique Torres Robriguez and three others believed to be part of his gang were detained at Sathupradit Soi 57 with 39 items stolen from their victims, ranging from mobile telephones, personal laptop computers, handbags, watches and about Bt30,000 cash.

According to police, the gang had previously committed numerous similar crimes, using falsified passports to enter Thailand and rent cars in the eastern province of Chonburi before driving around Bangkok and nearby provinces doing robberies in housing development areas which lack security.

Several hundred thousand baht has been transferred to Colombia as a result of their crimes committed in Thailand, said police. (MCOT online news)

-- TNA 2010-12-10

[webfact]

PM Abisit disagreed with Interior Ministry to have another legal review on the smartcard issue

BANGKOK (NNT) -- The smart cards goes on. In the latest update, Prime Minister Abisit Vejjajiva has disagreed with the Ministry of Interior’s move to push for another review on the production of new smart cards, saying that the cabinet has already found a viable solution.

According to the Premier, the cabinet’s resolution on the smart card issue is clear-cut, and that the attempt by the Ministry of Interior to have the Council of State interpreting the issue again is unnecessary.

He asserted that the resolution of the Cabinet was final. He, however, insisted that the move would not cause a ripple in the coalition, given both parties, the Poomjai Thai and the Democrat, wanted the smart card issue to be over and for all Thai people to receive them as soon as possible.

-- NNT 2010-12-10

[webfact]

Thai SMEs’ directions for next year remain positive

BANGKOK (NNT) -- The Thai SMEs industry will grow by at least 4-5 percents next year, according to the chairman of Bangkok Bank; however, he cautioned that the strong baht remains a threat for the sector.

According to Bangkok Bank Executive Chairman Kosit Panpiemras, the hike to 2 per cent in interest rate policy announced by the Bank of Thailand is on par with the rate of inflation. The overall economy in 2011 is expected to grow at the rate of 4-5 percent; however, the country could no longer rely as much on exports as it did this year. The future of the SMEs sector remains positive, given its market share in domestic and international markets. The government’s mega-projects now underway will further help the nation’s economy recovering at a faster pace.

-- NNT 2010-12-10

[webfact]

NEW!

Follow thaivisa.com on Google Buzz:

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

[webfact]

Alongkorn: Thai cartoon will be known worldwide

BANGKOK (NNT) -- In a bid to put Thai movie industry on the world map, the government is ready to shell out 10 million US Dollars in support of the creation of a cartoon called “Sheldon”; in co-operation with Singapore and Japan.

According to Deputy Commerce Minister Alongkorn Ponlaboot, a Thai company has agreed to co-produce a cartoon with producers from Singapore and Japan. The cartoon, called Sheldon, will be produced under the budget of 20 million US Dollars, In support of the Thai movie-making industry, putting it in the forefront of global film makers, the government is ready to chip in 10 million US Dollars from the creative economy budget in order to help it shoulder the cost of production.

‘Sheldon’ will be produced in series and will be distributed in over 110 countries worldwide. It will be similar to Nemo and Mulan, the cartoons which were box-office hits a few years back. It is expected to be finished next year.

-- NNT 2010-12-10

[webfact]

CONVICTED THAI PM

Thaksin intends to visit US : Noppadon

Follow this link:

[webfact]

EMERGENCY STATE

CRES to lift emergency decree in Thai provinces, and expire

Follow this link:

[webfact]

SECOND DISSOLUTION TRIAL

Democrats make second great escape

Follow this link:

[webfact]

POLITICS

Democrats' main threat gone

Follow this link:

[webfact]

EDITORIAL

Thailand has to do a lot better on human rights

Follow this link:

[webfact]

WAGE

Minimum wages hiked but still lag target

By The Nation

Despite minimum wage hikes ranging from Bt8 to Bt17 next year, Thai labourers' daily wages will remain below Bt250 - the level the government has said would lift the quality of life and ease social disparity.

The Central Wage Committee yesterday approved higher minimum wages for 2011. The biggest rise was awarded to workers in Phuket, where the minimum wage will rise Bt17 from Bt204 to Bt221. Workers in seven provinces - Phayao, Si Sa Ket, Amnat Charoen, Nakhon Sawan, Phetchabun, Uthai Thani and Prachuap Khiri Khan - won the lowest increase of Bt8.

"As a representative from the private sector, I can say that this is the most we can offer," said Pannapong Itattanont, secretary-general of the Employers' Confederation of Thai Trade and Industry and a member of the committee.

Pannapong said the move would inevitably affect employers, as the hike would push up salaries in general.

If the government thought wages were still too low, it could top up minimum wages to Bt250, he said. "This would be a kind of welfare for workers, like when the government raises civil servants' pay."

For 2010, minimum wages were raised from Bt1 to Bt8.

Sukij Kongpiyacharn, president of the Thai Garment Manufacturers Association, said the increase of 3-5 per cent was acceptable. Manufacturers supported the government adjusting wages in light of the higher cost of living, he said.

However, as manufacturing costs would rise while exporters could not raise product prices, Sukij suggested the government draw up standards for labour wage hikes to facilitate business planning in the short, medium and long term.

"The government previously floated the idea of increasing the minimum wage to Bt250. It was extreme, and it's unclear what it was based on," he said.

Kitti Chaiwattanatorn, managing director of major shoemaker Ecco (Thailand), shrugged off the increase, saying the company already paid wages above the minimum rates. The company's plant is in Phichit province, where wages will be raised Bt12 to Bt163. Ecco plans to hire an additional 500 workers per year, Kitti said.

Labour Ministry permanent secretary Somkiat Chayasriwong, the committee chairman, said the changes were based on proposals from each province, as well as inflation, cost of living and employers' ability to pay.

The committee also considered inflation compensation, as minimum wages had been raised at rates lower than inflation over the past 10 years resulting in a differential of Bt70-Bt80 in wages in different provinces. Somkiat said that one-time compensation would affect employers and the economy so the issue would be tackled gradually over five years.

"Phuket wins the biggest increase as it is a major tourist destination where cost of living is high. Earlier, the provincial wage committee proposed a hike of Bt11, but the Central Wage Committee increased it," he said.

Based on Social Security Office data, 2 million workers would enjoy this round of pay rises which totals Bt6.9 billion, he said. "Coupled with Bt7.7 billion to be paid out to 2 million foreign workers, this will inject Bt14.9 billion into the economy."

Wage hikes by province

Bt8

Phayao, Si Sa Ket, Amnat Charoen, Nakhon Sawan, Phetchabun, Uthai Thani, Prachuap Khiri Khan

Bt9

Nan, Tak, Surin, Maha Sarakham, Nakhon Phanom, Chaiyaphum, Lampang, Nong Bua Lamphu, Chiang Rai, Buri Ram, Roi Et, Yasothon, Sakhon Nakhon, Chai Nat, Suphan Buri, Trat, Lamphun, Samut Songkhram, Angthong, Chiang Mai, Ayutthaya, Saraburi, Samut Prakan, Bangkok

Bt10

Phitsanulok, Mae Hong Son, Uttaradit, Mukdahan, Kalasin, Khon Kaen, Nong Khai, Nakhon Nayok, Loei, Sa Kaew, Nakhon Ratchasima, Nonthaburi, Nakhon Pathom, Pathum Thani, Samut Sakhon

Bt11

Pattani, Narathiwat, Ubon Ratchathani, Sing Buri, Phetchaburi, Rayong

Bt12

Phrae, Phichit, Sukhothai, Udon Thani, Yala, Chanthaburi, Kanchanaburi, Lop Buri, Ranong, Chon Buri

Bt13

Surat Thani, Chumphon, Trang, Ratchaburi, Phang-Nga, Chachoengsao, Prachin Buri

Bt14

Pattalung, Satun, Krabi

Bt15

Nakhon Si Thammarat, Songkhla

Bt17

Phuket (to Bt221)

-- The Nation 2010-12-10

[webfact]

DSI hunts down British convict in Pattaya

Follow this link:

[webfact]

White canes for the blind

By The Nation

The government is planning to hand out white canes to 80,000 blind people and teach them how to use the tool in their daily life.

The white canes, widely recognised as a symbol of the blind, ensure safety at night because of their high visibility.

"After 120 hours of training, the blind will be able to travel around safely and can do their daily chores just like normal people," Public Health Minister Jurin Laksanawisit said yesterday.

The Bt705million project, which will be conducted over six years, has been put together by the Public Health Ministry and the National Health Security Office (NHSO).

According to the NHSO, 85 per cent of the 80,548 visually impaired people registered under the national healthcare system have never received orientation and mobility training.

"We are going to reach out to blind people who are not registered under the health scheme as well," Jurin said. He also promised that the number of specialised trainers would be increased to 610 from the current 70 within the next six years.

-- The Nation 2010-12-10

[webfact]

ENVIRONMENT

Mekong panel wants 10-year freeze on dam building

Follow this link:

[webfact]

BURNING ISSUE

Abhisit should get own house in order instead of playing game of bluff

Follow this link:

[webfact]

Student's death accidental: police

By The Nation

Police suspect an Assumption University student was drunk and accidentally fell to his death yesterday.

An unfinished bottle of alcohol found in 20yearold Wisarut Khumin's room and an ashtray on his balcony. A neighbour told police that the young man had returned from a party at about 4am.

His body has been sent for autopsy.

On Wednesday, a Kasetsart University student committed suicide, which Public Health Minister Jurin Laksanawisit said was suspected to have been a copycat death.

Nine out of 10 people who take their lives per day are among the 3 million people found affected by depression every year. However, only 5 per cent or 165,000 of them get treated.

-- The Nation 2010-12-10

[webfact]

Saving shot boy a tough battle, say doctors

By The Nation

The 12yearold victim of a driveby shooting on Tuesday remains in serious condition with head injuries, and treatment leading to full recovery will be difficult, a neurosurgeon at Nang Klao Hospital in Nonthaburi said yesterday.

Dr Sakol Sukphrome said Phokhin "Tomi" Phewdee had not responded to stimulation and survived on a lifesupport system. "A miracle occurred once, though, when he briefly regained consciousness," he said.

"Bringing him to full recovery will be difficult, because his brain has sustained serious injuries" from the gunshot wound in his head, the doctor said.

The Public Health Ministry will settle treatment costs with the private Nawa Nakhon Hospital, which initially charged Bt130,000 to treat the boy. It has since dropped its fee to Bt107,000.

Hospital director Dr Thawatchai Wongsawas said an evaluation of Tomi's brain condition was underway and would be completed within the next few days. He dismissed reports that Tomi's parents had asked that the lifesupport system be turned off.

Thawatchai said the possibility of recovery of an injured child's brain was greater than that in adults.

Jakkraphan, Tomi's older brother, said the family was praying and wishing for a miracle for Tomi, and that all relatives had asked doctors to keep treating him the best way they could.

The Rights and Liberties Protection Department said more assistance and payment for Tomi's case would be made to his family, pending consideration.

-- The Nation 2010-12-10

[webfact]

Farmers warned against offseason farming

By The Nation

Farmers have been warned against offseason farming because the overall water reserves next year will be 5 per cent less compared to this year, the Royal Irrigation Department said yesterday.

A key factor for the decrease in reserves was that a much lower amount was trapped in the West of Thailand.

If farmers did not pay heed to the warning they would face huge losses owing to drought during the hot season, RID said, adding that it was setting up the JMC (jointwater management committee) under which farmers control each others' consumption and impose sanctions on those violating the offseasonfarming agreement.

RID directorgeneral Chalit Damrongsak said this year's droughtandflood phenomenon, which saw farmers growing offseason crops and then suffering from severe flooding, should be an example for all and hopefully encourage them to cooperate with the JMC.

Dams and reservoirs trapped 58 billion cubic metres of water last year, but only 55 billion cubic metres was collected this year. Of the 55 billion cubic metres, only 20.14 billion cubic metres can be used for agricultural purposes, which is 5 per cent less than in 2009.

Last year, the RID said 9.5 million rai of farmland could be allowed to do offseason farming, but in reality 16 million rai worth of offseason farming was done.

RID's deputy directorgeneral Weera Wongsaengnark said the Srinagarindra and Vajiralongkorn dams in the West were only filled to 71 per cent of their capacity this year, 18 per cent less than last year. Dams in the South were only filled 67 per cent this year, compared to 86 per cent in 2009.

The water trapped by dams in the North was 74 per cent, 7 per cent more than in 2009, and in the 88 per cent in the Northeast, or 15 per cent more than last year.

-- The Nation 2010-12-10

[webfact]

Phuket divers to clean up Patong Bay

Follow this link:

[webfact]

Gang slays Phuket security guard

Police inspect the booth where security guard Winai Buathongkham, 54, was gunned down.

Follow this link:

[webfact]

SDF moves to stave off Phuket distemper outbreak

Follow this link:

[webfact]

Doors' Jim Morrison granted posthumous pardon

Follow this link:

[webfact]

Today's a public holiday in Thailand: Constitution Day. Some history: There've been 17 constitutions and charters since 1932 /via@newley

[webfact]

Controversial Laos dam inaugurated

Follow this link:

[webfact]

Phuket's Laem Phromthep now a no-smoking landmark

The new sign warning visitors against smoking or drinking alcohol

at Phuket’s iconic landmark. Photo: Atchaa Khamlo

Follow this link:

[webfact]

Major Phuket blackouts announced

Follow this link:

[webfact]

4 companies of policemen deployed to keep security at Democracy Monument

The Metropolitan Police Friday deployed 4 companies of policemen to keep security at the Democracy Monument where red-shirt protesters gather to mark eight months after the crackdown at the Kokwua Intersection.

Metropolitan Police Deputy Commissioner Pol Maj Gen Kririn Inkaew said some red-shirt protesters had started gathering at the monument.

He said police expected that about 5,000 people would take part in the rally in the evening.

Police expected that the protesters would disperse peacefully without any untoward incident.

-- The Nation 2010-12-10

[webfact]

Southern insurgents expected to step up attacks before New Year: official

Yala - A security official said Friday that southern insurgents plan to step up attacks in the three southern border provinces before the New Year holidays.

The security source said intelligence officials had learn that insurgent leaders had held two meetings in Narathiwat to plan the attacks.

-- The Nation 2010-12-10

[webfact]

Police estimate 7,000 protesters to join UDD rally

Follow this link: