Thailand Live Wednesday 29 Dec 2010

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Thailand Live Wednesday 29 December 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 Tuesday 28 Dec 2010

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BTS to give children free pass on Children’s Day

BANGKOK (NNT) -- Bangkok Mass Transit System, operator of the BTS Skytrain, has announced that children will be given the privilege to ride the train for free on Children’s Day next year.

On the occasion of Children’s Day on January 8, 2011, Bangkok Mass Transit System Plc will allow children with the height of not over 140 centimeters to ride the BTS Skytrain for free on the day from 6 am to midnight at all 25 stations.

The company said the aim of this campaign is to encourage children to learn how to use public transport; however, they would have to be accompanied by their parents. Officials will also be dispatched to provide convenience and safety to the young passengers.

The one-day free pass can be obtained at any BTS station. For more information, please contact 02-617-6000 on weekdays.

-- NNT 2010-12-29

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Suthep encourages Thais to follow HM the King’s teachings

BANGKOK (NNT) -- Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban has encouraged the public to follow His Majesty the King’s teachings on living life cautiously during this New Year festival.

In an attempt to prevent accidents during New Year, Mr. Suthep said that the National Safety Commission would raise the public’s awareness of traffic rules through the media while urging them to keep in mind HM the King’s teachings about conducting life with caution.

The commission will also assign related officers to help ensure safety in people’s commutes during the celebrations.

Mr. Suthep admitted that the death toll estimated for the upcoming New Year is a worrying number, assuring however that the government’s goal is to reduce as many accidents as possible.

-- NNT 2010-12-29

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70 million SMS texts expected during New Year festival

BANGKOK (NNT) -- Mobile phone operators are prepared to expand their network capacity during the New Year festive seasons, expecting as many as 70 million SMS texts to be sent nationwide.

According to Advance Info Service Public Company Limited (AIS), the company has been improving its services to enlarge their capability in networking system in order to accommodate cell phone users during the New Year festival. The network expansion covers mobile phone internet capacity, particularly BlackBerry Messenger given more than twice as many users are expected to use it during the New Year’s

period.

As for SMS and MMS, AIS is now ready to provide its clients with unlimited opportunity to communicate with their loved ones, confirming that its network will be able to deliver more than 57 million SMS and 800,000 MMS per hour.

For DTAC or Total Access Communication PLC, the company has expected to see a jump in the number of people using the company’s Social Media Network, judging from a dramatic increase of the number of its Smartphone users, which has risen to 2.6 million; up by 700,000 from the previous year.

-- NNT 2010-12-29

[george]

BREAKING NEWS:

Thailand clears Russian pianist Pletnev over molestation charges

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Koh Samet businesses say booze ban will hit them badly

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Australian Movie Stuntman Injured Filming Stunt In Thailand

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Driver of sedan in Bangkok horror road accident was a 16-year old girl

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Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg spotted in Bangkok pub

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Bangkok road accident revives debate on use of seat belts in vans

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Finance, BOT agree on transfer of FIDF assets

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EDITORIAL

Let Thai farmers regain dignity and independence

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Plan to make Pattaya a 'World-Class tourism city'

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Main rivers nationwide more polluted this year

By The Nation

Thailand's biggest problem is water pollution because the quality of water in major rivers across the nation has deteriorated 39 per cent this year, compared to last year's 33 per cent, Pollution Control Department's chief Supat Wangwongwattana said yesterday.

He said water was more polluted due to the severe drought early this year followed by serious flooding in the latter part of the year. In addition, no community wastewater treatment systems have been put in place for the past two years. Bad water quality was detected in the estuaries of the Chao Phraya, Tha Chin, Bang Pakong and Mae Klong rivers as well as the upper part of the Gulf.

Supat said the second biggest polluter was garbage, which has increased by 0.4 per cent this year. Thailand generally produces 15.2 million tonnes of garbage yearly, but only 5.8 million tonnes or 38 per cent is properly disposed, he said. Thailand's domestic production and import of dangerous chemicals has risen to 40.5 million tonnes and there have been 590 cases of illnesses caused by chemicals and 28 accidents involving chemicals, while 1,982 farmers have been affected by toxins used in agriculture.

The air quality, however, was generally improved and its main problem was the less than PM10 dusts especially in Bangkok and big cities with traffic congestions. Bangkok continued to have the amount of tiny particle dusts beyond the standard of 120 micrograms per cubic meter such as in Din Daeng and Rama 6 Road, Phaholyothin and Rama 4 Road areas. This year, the 8 northern provinces still had tiny-particle dusts - especially in Mae Hong Son that had the highest amount recorded of 518.5 micrograms per cubic meter. In January 2011, a ministerial meeting of mekong Region will be held for the first time to find solutions to tackle forest fires, he added.

Regarding the issue of toxics in Rayong's pollution control zone, there were efforts by agencies, people sectors and business operators to solve the problem in the past two years, he said, the amount of nitrogen dioxide and sulfur dioxide therefore decreased gradually. However Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) being Benzene and Butadien continued to be severe. Hence the National Environment Board had the Energy Ministry enforced the Euro 4 oil with a smaller ratio of Benzene to use in Rayong vehicles from January 2011 onwards, which was a year earlier than scheduled. The Pollution Control Department would also investigate the petroleum hydrocarbon contamination of soil in the 10km-long Khlong Sak Mak whether it was released from which factory, he said, for a short term solution the board had the Map Ta Phut Industrial Estate built a sediment-trapping dike before the sediments went into the sea.

Besides, the department will have a meeting with lead-affected Klity villagers in Kanchanaburi from January 31 to February 4 about the long term solutions to the eight spots along the Klity Creek that lead tailings were buried. The department had concluded the solutions in four ways; 1. Taking the lead tailings to make some use or 2. Hiring a waste management company to get rid of it or 3. Burying the lead tailings in a new landfill or 4. Stabilizing the current holes, building a thick water-proof wall around the holes and a flood-preventing dike around the area.

-- The Nation 2010-12-29

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Court to rule on NBT raid today

By THE NATION

The Criminal Court is scheduled to issue a verdict at 10am today on the case of yellow-shirt protesters raiding the NBT station in 2008.

The verdict reading was postponed yesterday because one of the 85 defendants failed to show up. Rulings cannot be announced in the absence of a defendant.

The man who was not present was identified as Methi Outhong, defendant number 24, and the court has issued an arrest warrant for him.

On August 25 and 26, 2008, the yellow-shirt People's Alliance for Democracy protesters took their rallies to NBT station and, while blocking the television station from broadcasting, caused some damage.

-- The Nation 2010-12-29

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Governors urged to cut New Year road toll by 5%

By The Nation

Interior Minister Chaovarat Chanweerakul yesterday called on all provincial governors to help reduce road accident levels by 5 per cent during the New Year holidays, from today to next Tuesday.

Chaovarat told a videoconference with governors to put in place five measures - administration, law enforcement, traffic engineering, public relations and emergency medicine - to lower the government's accident target by 5 per cent from last New Year holiday, and by 10 per cent for the year overall.

Chaovarat urged agencies with integrated checkpoints to crack down on risky behaviour and for local administrative organisation-level checkpoints to oversee residents' driving behaviour. Chaovarat asked provinces to repair landslide-damaged roads and educate motorists; to supervise public-transport vehicles and drivers strictly; and to enforce the ban on drink-driving.

Chiang Mai Governor Panadda Diskul vowed to set up 500 checkpoints to keep accident totals under 110 and fatalities to a maximum of 11. Nakhon Si Thammarat Governor Theera Meentrasak vowed to keep the accident rate under 118, with nine or fewer deaths.

Seven people were killed after a pickup truck crashed into a pedestrian-bridge pillar at Rama II Soi 82 in Bangkok's Bang Khunthien district at 6am yesterday.

Police found the bodies of two men and three women inside the wrecked truck. The dead included driver Phumkitti Jaruthanon, 39. Two injured people were later pronounced dead at Rama II Hospital.

Witnesses said the truck had been travelling very fast in an expressway lane when it lost control and crashed into the pillar. Police suspect the driver either dozed off behind the wheel or was speeding excessively, and will investigate to determine the true cause of the accident.

-- The Nation 2010-12-29

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BURNING ISSUE

Veterans plan merger to boost their strength

By THE NATION

Rumours have been flying around about the Ruam Chart Pattana Party and the Puea Pandin Party merging to become a mid-size party with more than 40 MPs after the next general election.

In reality, considering the current political situation, there is a good chance they might merge. In fact, Ruam Chart's de-facto leader Suwat Liptapanlop and Puea Pandin's "Three Ps" - Pinij Charusombat, Pairote Suwanchawee and Preecha Laohapongchana - have reportedly discussed the possibility already.

According to some sources, they are unhappy about the smaller negotiating power they have within the coalition compared to Bhum Jai Thai Party, whose de-facto leader is veteran politician, Newin Chidchob.

"Politics is no longer favourable for smaller political parties. We cannot tolerate Newin, who is getting more and more influential and arrogant," one of the sources said.

So, in response, veterans like Suwat and the Three Ps - who like Newin have been deprived of their electoral rights - have decided to join forces. In fact, this idea of a merger has also been sold to other old-timers like Sanan Kachornprasart, Paitoon Kaewthong, Pradit Pataraprasit, Somsak Thepsuthin and Sonthaya Khunplome.

Their goal is to focus on winning most or all seats in their strongholds, such as the Nakhon Ratchasima province where Suwat and Pairote are powerful, Pinij's Nong Khai, Phichit where Sanan, Paitoon and Pradit are based, Sukhothai where Somsak is known, and Sonthaya's Chon Buri province. With their popularity, their party is likely to win easily in these provinces.

By winning over 40-plus MPs, the new political party is likely to become the same size as Bhum Jai Thai after the national polls. Bhum Jai Thai hopes to win the same number of seats, about 32, as it holds at present mostly in the Northeast.

The ambition behind the expected merger has caused concern for senior figures in Bhum Jai Thai and the opposition Pheu Thai Party. Bhum Jai Thai leader Chaovarat Chanweerakul said the merger could affect his party's performance in the Northeast. Pheu Thai secretary-general Supol Fong-ngam also acknowledged the possible impact the merger might have on his party.

Suwat has been tipped to become a leader of the new party. He is known for making compromises, which means the newly created party might join either Pheu Thai or the Democrat Party in the new coalition. And in case there's a political impasse, he could become a candidate for the PM's post. Democrat secretary-general Suthep Thaugsuban voiced his support of a merger between Ruam Chart and Puea Pandin, and for the possibility of Suwat becoming a candidate for the top job.

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva, meanwhile, is likely to take advantage of Pheu Thai's weaknesses by calling an early election in the first half of next year. If his Democrat Party wins more than 200 House seats, it is likely to lead the next coalition and might just need a mid-sized party as its partner.

Also, Abhisit needs to do away with criticism that despite his image of being Mr Clean, he has done little to deal with corruption allegations against a particular coalition party that he has a "debt of gratitude" to for helping him set up his government in 2008. The merged party of Suwat and the Three Ps could easily become the best bet in terms of a new ally for the Democrats.

Suwat, formerly a deputy prime minister, said political stability depended very much on the strength of political parties. In addition, he said, unity and reconciliation among the parties would benefit the country. "Smaller political parties should merge to boost their strength," he said.

The expected merger could become a new alternative, but judging from the veteran politicians likely to join the new party, it might just be "old wine in a new bottle".

-- The Nation 2010-12-29

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Chavalit promises solidarity in Pheu Thai Party whoever is chief

By The Nation

Pheu Thai Party chairman Chavalit Yongchaiyudh yesterday insisted his party would stick together regardless of who was picked to lead it and vie for the premiership.

"I don't feel slighted about speculation about a new party leader because I just want to work without aspiring to take over as prime minister," Chavalit said. He has previously held the post of prime minister.

He claimed to know nothing about possible support by fugitive ex-prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, the shadow party head, for Pheu Thai MP Mingkwan Saengsuwan as the party's candidate for the top political position.

He also dismissed allegations that soldiers were responsible for the bloodshed during the anti-government riots in April and May.

"I don't fault the military for carrying out orders issued by politicians," he told a group of well-wishers.

Many Pheu Thai MPs, retired military brass and supporters lined up at his home to wish him a Happy New Year.

-- The Nation 2010-12-29

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Tests give low marks to Thai education standards

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Anchalee Confirmed To Become Sec-Gen To PM Abhisit

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Keep Phuket land for Phuket people: Land Chief

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"The Exorcist," the "Star Wars" sequel and "All the President's Men" named to US Library of Congress National Film Registry /MCOT

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PM Asked to Explain New Sec-gen Appointment

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Thai stock index opens on Wednesday at 1,031.99, up 3.66 points /MCOT

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Fire guts more than 10 houses in Sathorn 19 community; blaze under control now /TAN_Network

Vipawadee police initially charge 16-yr-old who crashed into van, causing 8 deaths, with driving without a license /TAN_Network

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Car bomb at Bajoh highways office in Narathiwat province injures 7; bombing in Yala but no injuries or deaths /TAN_Network

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Crackdown on Drugs Continues; 1,200 Drug Suspects Arrested in Bangkok

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Authorities Search Phitsanulok Prison

Administrative and correctional officials in the central province of Phitsanulok province have joined hands to search the provincial prison for drugs and weapons, seizing a great deal of methamphetamine pills and mobiles phones.

Deputy Phitsanulok Provincial Governor Worachai Udomchai, along with a troop of 500 officials and trained dogs, staged a raid at the provincial prison where some 2,000 inmates stay, after a suspected drug dealer's testimony involving a drug ring in the prison.

The officers confiscated 81 methamphetamine pills, a number of packed crystal methamphetamine hydrochloride, 10 mobile phones, SIM cards, cell phone equipment, iron made weapons, and drug taking tools.

The deputy provincial governor concluded that further investigation will be pursued to determine whether anyone else was behind the movement.

-- Tan Network 2010-12-29

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Police Set Bounties for Cruel Criminals

Police have called a meeting to discuss the progress of an investigation after gunmen badly injured two police officers with AK-47 rifles. The authorities are offering a total of 300,000 baht for bounties.

Deputy Police Chief, Police General Phanuphong Singhara Na Ayudhaya and Deputy Metropolitan Police Commanders, Police Major General Sumeth Ruengsawat and Police Major General Itthiphon Phiriyaphinyo called a meeting to discuss the development of the hunt for the gunmen gang called 'Tha It', which seriously injured two police officers in a sting operation.

Authorities said they have already arrested several members of the gang, but two are still at large.

They have been identified as Khwanchai Juimanee, alias Dam Khlongteoy, and Chaimongkon Panlamlert, also known as Berm.

The two suspected murderers have been indicted on charges of drug sales, arms possession, and obstruction of police officers' operations.

National Police Chief, Police General Wichian Photphosee has stressed that authorities must work their hardest to bring the culprits to justice.

Related police officers stated they will hunt the two suspects down by communicating with police stations across the nation and implementing all active strategies.

They concluded that those who provide clues on the case with police officers will get bounties of 300,000 baht in total.

-- Tan Network 2010-12-29