Thailand Live Tuesday 28 Dec 2010

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Thailand Live Tuesday 28 December 2010

News, Bits and Tweets

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Related topic: Thailand Live Monday 27 Dec 2010

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Auction for new Parliament construction set for April

BANGKOK (NNT) -- House Speaker Chai Chidchob has disclosed that the auction for the new Parliament construction project will be opened in April 2011 while residents in the site have started relocating.

After the foundation stone laying ceremony of the new parliament building was presided over by His Royal Highness Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn on August 12, 2010, Mr Chai stated that the construction process had been progressing well.

According to the House Speaker, many of the people who live around the area have already moved out while others, including government office workers and military personnel, are expected to follow suit early next year. Meanwhile, Yothinburana School, which is located near the site, will be moved to the new compound as soon as its construction is finished.

The consulting company for the new Parliament project is CEL Engineer Company Limited, which is currently in the process of signing contract. The entire construction plan will be reviewed next week before the bidding process starts in April next year.

The new parliament complex is located on the bank of the Chao Phraya River in the Kiak Kai area of Dusit district, covering an area of 19 rai.

-- NNT 2010-12-28

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More palm oil will be distributed

BANGKOK (NNT) -- Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva has allowed the prices of 4 products to increase in order to ease the shortages and to assist producers cope with high production costs. Suppliers have promised to deliver more palm oil to the markets today.

According to Commerce Minister Portiva Nakasai, Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva said in his weekly program that the government agreed to allow the increase in prices of 4 products which are palm oil, milk, fertilizer, and school uniform.

Mrs. Porntiva admitted that the production costs of palm oil had increased, making it necessary for them to raise the prices in order to survive; however, the prices given a green light to would be gradually increased over a period of time, as it could affect consumers.

As for the shortage of palm oil in the market, the Commerce minister said that she had discussed with the Department of Internal Trade and major palm oil producers. As a result of the constructive discussion, the producers agreed to supply larger amount of palm oil to the market, beginning today. Unless they released palm oil in their stock in line with the agreement, producers would face legal action for hoarding; if found guilty as charged, they face a fine of up to 140,000 baht, or 7 years in jail; or both.

-- NNT 2010-12-28

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ANTI-ALCOHOL RULES

Alcohol banned in 110 parks in Thailand

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BURNING ISSUE

The New Year dawns bright for Abhisit

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POLITICS

Suthep prefers House dissolution in May

By Piyanart Srivalo

The Nation

Dissolution of the lower house would be best in May after the charter amendment and the Budget Bill are passed, Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban said yesterday.

Suthep said he realised Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva wanted to call for the House dissolution around March, but he personally thinks March would be too soon.

Suthep made the comment at a New Year's Party with reporters at Government House.

-- The Nation 2010-12-28

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Thai tourism hit by overseas snow storms

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PHEU THAI PARTY

Mingkwan must prove himself first : Pheu Thai MPs

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COUNTDOWN

Devotees to ring in 2011 with prayers

By The Nation

Published on December 28, 2010

Mass meditation session to be held for His Majesty

Prayer ceremonies ringing in the New Year have become increasingly popular over the years, with more than 200 temples nationwide hosting the event this year as part of a campaign spearheaded by the ThaiHealth Promotion foundation.

The number of temples taking part this year has increased from 51 that participated last year, thanks mainly to the foundation's sponsorship and coordination, in addition to government-supported events organised jointly by the Religious Affairs Departments and the Culture Ministry.

As of December 18, 211 temples had registered for the event this year. Details can be found at www.stopdrink.com or www.thaihealth.or.th/|node/18732.

The countdown prayers at the temples will start at 10.30pm on Fridaypm on Monday and continue a few minutes into New Year's Day. Devotees will also be encouraged to meditate for His Majesty the King and give alms to monks at sunrise. Temples will start welcoming participants from 6pm on New Year's Eve.

Another campaign, organised jointly by ThaiHealth and StopDrink Network, is also being held against drunk driving or serving alcohol during religious events. Thirty-five temples and 1,016 meditation centres are also participating in this campaign.

The anti-liquor campaign is being hosted by several government agencies, including the PM's Office Ministry and the National Buddhism Office, along with a network of alcohol-free groups in eight regions of Thailand. The campaign was recently approved by the Supreme Sangha Council.

-- The Nation 2010-12-28

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More illegal abortion clinics raided in Bangkok

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Thai Ministry to crack down on websites offering fake diplomas

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Thai Court to rule if Jatuporn remains on bail

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Police raids score suspects, guns, ammo

By The Nation

In a government crackdown on narcotics, Phetchabun police conducted simultaneous raids yesterday in six communities in Muang district which turned up six suspects and a number of firearms and ammunition, but no illegal drugs.

In a Chanthaburi prison search yesterday, a large number of contraband items but no drugs were found. The items uncovered in the 90-minute search were sharp objects and pornographic books, drug-using equipment and legal pain-killing tablets.

In the Phetchabun raids, police said five homemade and industry handguns were recovered along with ammunition at the homes of six people, including two suspects named in arrest warrants. Three cannabis plants were allegedly found at the home of a woman among the six suspects.

Meanwhile, police arrested two men for allegedly possessing 40 amphetamine tablets and 4.43 grams of Ice flakes in a sting. One suspect, Satholroj Srinawamakul, is said to be a former television production crew member of Channel 11 who recently completed a six-year prison term for selling 300 amphetamine tablets in early 2002.

Police claim both Satholroj and Somchart Somjitsawang sold Ice and amphetamine to revellers at night entertainment venues in Huai Khwan, Rangsit and Phetchaburi areas. Both men denied police charges they possessed the narcotics with intent to sell.

-- The Nation 2010-12-28

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New Year temple tour by tram

By The Nation

The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) will arrange for interested people to take a tram-ride to worship Buddha images at 9 temples around Bangkok's Koh Rattanakosin area from January 1-9.

The ride is part of BMA's hosting of New Year celebrations at the City Hall's Khon Muang Plaza from December 30 to January 9. On New Year's Eve, the city also will set off 2,554 fireworks.

The Phra Buddha Navaratbopit image will be enshrined in a temporary pavilion at the plaza from December 30 to January 1, while the alms-taking ritual with284 Buddhist monks will be held on January 1 at 7am - an hour after which the trip's first batch of four trams will commence the journey. For details, call 02225 7612-4.

-- The Nation 2010-12-28

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PM defends Anchalee choice as secretary-general

By The Nation

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva said yesterday that he nominated Anchalee Vanich-Thepabutr as his new secretary-general for the sake of continuity.

He said Anchalee had been working as deputy to the outgoing secretary-general, Korbsak Sabhavasu, and therefore she was well qualified to replace him.

"She is well aware of the unfinished work in detail and should be able to ensure the projects are resumed without problems. She is familiar with the job. The main reason is continuity," Abhisit said.

Abhisit told reporters that as the Democrat Party leader, he would report to the party's meeting today about his decision to name Anchalee as the prime minister's secretary-general.

When asked why he did not try to persuade Korbsak to remain in his seat, Abhisit said he had talked with him many times but failed to change his mind. "But I understand him," he added.

Korbsak's resignation is effective from New Year's Day. He is expected to oversee the ruling party's campaigning for an early general election next year.

In a related development, Democrat secretary-general Suthep Thaugsuban, who is deputy prime minister in charge of security affairs, yesterday rejected as groundless a media report his faction was unhappy with Anchalee's nomination. He described those reports as an ill-intentioned attempt to discredit him and damage the ruling party's reputation.

"It's just a rumour. I announced my support to Anchalee even before the prime minister nominated her," he said, adding there were no such things as factions in the Democrat Party.

-- The Nation 2010-12-28

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Revered monk flown from Udon Thani, admitted to Siriraj

By The Nation

Phra Tham Wisutthimongkhol, better known as Luang Ta Maha Bua, has been admitted to Siriraj Hospital for illnesses including lung infection.

The highly revered monk, 97, is in stable condition and will be discharged when he wishes after a brief rehabilitation, doctors said.

Luang Ta Maha Bua was admitted to the hospital yesterday afternoon, after several illnesses including irregular heartbeat, indigestion, malnutrition and clogged arteries in his legs. The symptoms he has suffered include nausea, vomiting, cold feet and hands, and a lost nail from his left big toe.

Professor Dr Theerawat Kulthanant, the chief physician in charge of the monk's treatment, said Luang Ta Bua was alert but his voice was faint. The initial treatments should continue for another two weeks but it would be up to him whether he stays on at the hospital. "He has denied followers' request for his treatment. The treatment period is solely his decision."

The most worrying condition, Theerawat said, was the left big toe, after the nail was damaged and lost in an accident. An infection occurred and poor blood circulation later resulted in the flesh of the toe dying. The dead flesh was removed in March, but the condition has not returned to normal.

MR Thongsiri Thongthame, a close aide, said Luang Ta Bua had been sick for more than a month. His indigestion was eased after brief treatment at Wat Pa Ban Tad in Udon Thani through nasal intravenous suction. He was taken on a special Air Force flight yesterday morning from Udon Thani to Don Mueang Airport, before he was transported in an ambulance to Siriraj Hospital in the afternoon.

Security is tight on six floors of the building where the monk is in an intensive-care unit, with many followers waiting for a visit, which is for now prohibited by doctors.

-- The Nation 2010-12-28

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Reds urge police speed up of killings inquiry

By Kwandao Chitrpana

The Nation

Chiang Mai

Red-shirt supporters in Chiang Mai yesterday threatened to dump a coffin in front of provincial police region 5 headquarters unless police speed up investigations into the deaths of its members.

However, the group said it would start the movement only after New Year so that people could enjoy the celebration.

Key members of Rak Chiang Mai 51 group yesterday called on police to expedite investigation into the death of red-shirt guard Jessada Klaharn and community radio DJ Noi Banjong, aka Daeng Kotchasarn - a 52-year-old mid-level leader of the group.

Kritsana Prombeunglam said the group would wait for a week after the cremation when, unless it was made clear who killed the two red shirts, it would request the Crime Suppression Division investigate the case.

The group said it had raised Bt200,000 to help Daeng Kotchasarn's family. Former premier Thaksin Shinawatra also gave Bt100,000 through his brother-in-law Somchai Wongsawat.

Police Maj-General Somsak Chantaping, the provincial police chief, said investigators had found some evidence and witnesses, but were still waiting for the crucial autopsy results.

A source, who asked not to be named, said investigators had information that three men hired Deang Kotchasarn to give them a lift from a downtown temple to a department store where his tuktuk taxi was found. The police have a closed-circuit video recording and are investigating the identity of the three men.

Daeng Kotchasarn's body, with 18 gunshot wounds, was found near the woods in another district on December 19. Police said seven methamphetamine tablets were in his hand.

-- The Nation 2010-12-28

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Govt urged to address labour shortage

By The Nation

Academics yesterday criticised the government for failing to produce manpower in response to demands in the labour market and warned that in three years Thailand would suffer a severe labour shortage.

At a seminar on the future of Thailand's labour industry, director of the Thailand Development Research Institute (TDRI) Yongyuth Chalamwong raised the key issue of education not responding to the demand of labour, especially since there weren't enough people with advanced vocational certificates that respond to demand.

"The Labour Ministry must talk more with the Education Ministry, economic agencies and private sector to have more manpower in the market. In two to three years, Thailand will suffer from a severe labour shortage, and if we don't solve this, it will be difficult to achieve economic and industry development," he added.

Sakdina Chatrakul na Ayudhya, an academic on labour, said in the next five years the Labour Ministry would be pushed by factors such as unskilled or insufficiently educated workers getting marginalised in an intensely competitive industrial market. He suggested that the ministry start promoting workers' rights by encouraging the formation of labour unions, adding that only 1.3 of the workforce were part of a union at present.

President of the Labour Congress of Thailand Chinchote Saengsang said the problem at the moment was not the shortage of labour but more a lack of labour-management techniques partially due to the ministry's insufficient mechanisms.

For instance, the Employment Department and the Skill Development Department were not able to give people jobs that suited their skills and knowledge, while workers continued suffering from the rising cost of living. He said a long-term policy was needed to take this into consideration, adding that the ministry's master plan should remember that the ministry came into existence due to the labourer's demand for protection.

-- The Nation 2010-12-28

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KTB returns client's missing money

By The Nation

In an out-of-court settlement yesterday Krung Thai Bank agreed to return more than Bt2.3 million that had gone missing from a client's account.

In a statement filed with Pathum Thani's Thanyaburi court, KTB agreed to pay 7.5-per-cent per annum in interest to Monchai Assawaphornchai on top of the Bt2,329,000 that went missing from his account since May 3, 2009. Monchai works as a fruit vendor.

Before he filed a lawsuit against the bank, the branch management refused to look into how over-the-counter withdrawals were made from his account for several months. Monchai said he had to compile evidence on his own for the 17-month trial, before the bank agreed to reimburse him.

"I am happy that justice has been served. I'd like others to use my case as a lesson on keeping their assets safe," he said. Monchai also called on clients of commercial banks to keep a constant eye on their accounts and be careful in providing personal details.

-- The Nation 2010-12-28

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Princess may head home today

HRH Princess Somsawali has recovered from pneumonia and may leave Chulalongkorn University today after spending a week being treated, a statement from the Royal Household said yesterday.

Her lungs are no longer infected, her blood sugar is at a controllable level and she is allowed to consume normal food. She has been advised by doctors to rest and not take on any major tasks during recuperation period, the statement said.

-- The Nation 2010-12-28

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Japan urges govt to expediate probe into cameraman's death

By The Nation

Diplomat visits Ong-art after DSI reports 'leaked' to embassy

A senior Japanese diplomat called on PM's Office Minister Ong-art Klampaiboon yesterday to urge speedier investigation into the death of a Japanese journalist during the crackdown by government security forces on the red-shirt protesters in April.

Nobuaki Ito, minister of political affairs for the Japanese Embassy, did not impose any pressure or set any deadline regarding the probe into the death of Hiroyuki Muramoto, a Japanese photographer with Reuters news agency, Ong-art said.

Speaking to reporters after the meeting at Government House, Ong-art said the Japanese diplomat had urged him to ensure that the authorities would expedite the investigation.

"He said he had no intention of interfering with the work of the authorities or the justice process of the country. He just wanted faster progress in the case," said Ong-art, a key figure from the ruling Democrat Party.

Muramoto was shot dead while filming the confrontation between the government security forces and the anti-government red shirts on April 10 at Khok Wua Intersection on Rajdamnoen Avenue.

Ong-art said Ito acknowledged his action was prompted by the "leaked" investigation reports of the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) made available recently by the red-shirt movement, although the envoy said he did not totally believe the information.

"He said distortion of information could be done easily and that is just part of the information the embassy got," Ong-art said.

He said he told the diplomat that authorities insisted the red shirts' information given to the embassy was inaccurate.

Jatuporn Promphan, a key red-shirt leader and an MP from the opposition Pheu Thai Party, claimed earlier to have received leaked DSI reports indicating that troops were probably responsible for some deaths during the political unrest. He also handed over those reports to the Japanese Embassy.

Ong-art said yesterday that the authorities had the duty of finding out the truth about the deaths of all victims, not only that of the Japanese journalist or an Italian photographer, but also those of many Thais, including soldiers and police.

He said it had to be proved who were responsible for the assaults on those victims.

The minister said he told Ito that the government was closely following the investigation.

When asked whether the government could give an assurance that the Muramoto case could be completed during its term in office, Ong-art said: "We may not be able to say so. I don't know all the facts or if there is any problem regarding the investigation. We have to give the officials time to find the correct facts or there will be bad consequences."

-- The Nation 2010-12-28

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Another road accident reported on Rama 2 Rd, 7 killed. The pickup hit the pillar of pedestrian flyover. #ThaiRath /via@veen_NT:

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Eight people killed in grisly Bangkok tollway accident

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Thai stock index opens on Tuesday at 1,020.82, up 1.36 points /MCOT

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Pheu Thai leader a non-issue: Chavalit

By The Nation

Pheu Thai Party chairman Chavalit Yongchaiyudh on Tuesday insisted his party was unified regardless of who would be picked to lead and vie for the premiership.

"I don't feel slighted about speculation on a new party leader because I just want to work without the aspiration for the position of prime minister," he said.

Chavalit said he was unaware that fugitive ex-prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra might support Pheu Thai MP Mingkwan Saegnsuwan as the prime ministerial candidate.

He also dismissed the allegation that the soldiers were responsible for the bloodshed during riots in April and May.

"I don't fault the military for carrying out orders issued by politicians," he said, apportioning the blame to the government rather than the anti-riot forces.

He was speaking to well wishers ahead of the New Year holiday. A large number of Pheu Thai MPs, retired military officers and supporters lined up at his residence to wish him a Happy New Year.

-- The Nation 2010-12-28

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Criminal Court to rule on Jatuporn's bail revocation request as submitted by DSI at 11am /TAN_Network

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Deputy PM Suthep: Revocation of emergency decree for three southernmost provinces not on today's Cabinet meeting agenda /MCOT

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PTT Warns of Higher Petrol Prices

National oil giant PTT Group has warned that higher oil prices are inevitable next year.

Meanwhile, the company will maintain pump prices at their current levels until the New Year, to assist travelers during the long holiday.

President and CEO of national oil marketer PTT Group, Prasert Bunsumpun said local petrol prices will likely remain at current levels until the beginning of 2011, as the price of crude oil and refined fuel are still high at 90 dollars and 100 dollars a barrel respectively.

He noted that PTT will continue to freeze pump prices through the New Year, to help alleviate price burdens to consumers, particularly those who already have trips planned for the coming holidays.

Prasert added that it seems that diesel prices will continue their upward trend, mainly due to cold weather in Europe.

The top executive predicts crude oil prices next year will fluctuate between 85 and 90 dollars a barrel, which is higher than this year's average.

He believes, given the slow global economic growth and a constant decline in oil demand, that prices will not reach 100 dollars next year.

However, Prasert said the higher crude prices will push retail petrol prices up slightly.

-- Tan Network 2010-12-28

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AFP: Anger festers in politically divided Thailand

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