Thailand Live Monday 10 Jan 2011

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Thailand Live Monday 10 January 2011

News, Bits and Tweets

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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.

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Related topic: Thailand Live Sunday 9 Jan 2011

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AFP: 30,000 Thai 'Red Shirts' rally in Bangkok: police

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Korn: Thai economy will grow by 4 percent in 2011

BANGKOK (NNT) -- Finance Minister Korn Chatikavanij has predicted that the Thai economy will expand by 4 percent in 2011, down from last year’s growth of 8 percent, however.

The rate of Inflation for the entire year would be around 3 percent, the level considered normal and unproblematic, added the Finance Minister.

Mr. Korn further explained that the increase in inflation rate was due to uncontrollable factors including oil prices which have a direct impact on the Thai economy, given Thailand is a developing country which uses a large amount of oil.

-- NNT 2011-01-10

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Poll: People do not believe constitutional amendments can solve corruption problems

BANGKOK (NNT) -- The majority of Thais agree with the proposed constitutional amendments. However, 74.27 percent of those surveyed do not believe that constitutional amendments alone would help solve the chronic problem of vote buying in the country.

The Suan Dusit Poll on the proposed constitution amendments, constituency MPs, as well as party-list MPs ratio was conducted among 1,108 people during January 5-8.

40.17 percent of the people said the pro of the current ratio of 400 to 80 was that the selection was in line with democratic system, with one man having one vote. However, 38 percent said the number party-list MPs was too few which made it difficult for them to work.

Regarding the proposed amendments in relation to the changes in the number of constituency MPs to 375 and the increase of party-list MPs to 125, 35.9 percent said the ratio would allow large parties to gain more seats, which would make the government stronger; whereas 42.7 percent said this ratio would lead to disagreement in different parties. As for the 400:100 ratios, 39 percent said it was appropriate; 40 percent said that would lead to more corruption by big parties as smaller parties would not have enough votes to initiate an investigation into the ruling party’s misconducts and corrupt practices.

When asked which one they preferred, 45 percent of the people opted for the 400:100 ratios. However, nearly 75 of the people surveyed did not think the constitutional amendment could make a dent in vote-buying efforts in the future.

-- NNT 2011-01-10

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RED SHIRT RALLIES

A year for justice, ex-PM taunts

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POPULIST POLICY?

Nine New Year Gifts for People

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PEOPLE'S AGENDA

Academics cool on impact

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Cambodian border needs modern demarcation: Thai Army chief

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BORDER DISPUTES

PM on detainees : other issues can wait

By The Nation

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva yesterday dodged a question on whether he would call his Cambodian counterpart Hun Sen, only reiterating that he would ensure repatriation of the seven Thais accused of straying into Bantaey Meanchey, opposite Sa Kaew.

"I want to bring back the seven now and all other issues will be dealt with at a later date," he said in reference to the border dispute and the jurisdiction about land where the seven were detained last month.

The seven, including Democrat MP Panich Vikitsreth, were due to appear again today at Phnom Penh Court of First Instance, he said.

The villagers living in the disputed zone between border monuments 46-48 had petitioned him to address their plight and he would decide his next move at an appropriate time.

The villagers and he had shared the same information about the contested boundary, he said.

A team of seven lawyers, led by former senator Karun Saingam, flew to Phnom Penh to assist the seven held in custody there.

Chaiwat Sinsuwong, leader of the Patriotic Thais Group, said Karun was expected to meet and discuss the case with yellow-shirt sympathiser Veera Somkwamkid ahead of his court appearance today.

Chaiwat confirmed his group would continue to rally at Government House until the seven Thais return home.

The People's Alliance for Democracy issued a statement condemning the government for not taking proper retaliatory measures after Cambodian forces arrested the seven in what it sees as Thai territory. It blamed the PM for "failing to uphold sovereign integrity" and called on the government to apply pressure for an unconditional release of the seven.

Pheu Thai spokesman Prompong Nopparit said Abhisit should show responsibility by stepping down if the seven were jailed.

-- The Nation 2011-01-10

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CHALK TALK

Rotten system discourages quality teachers

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Current system unfair to pregnant Thai students

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SOUTH CRISIS

Flood-hit Narathiwat schools still closed

By The Nation

Eleven schools in Narathiwat will remain closed today due to flooding, but could resume classes tomorrow if the heavy downpours stop and the waters recede.

"We can't open the schools right away because teachers will have to survey whether the routes to the schools are still flooded. We have to ensure students' safety," Adul Promsaeng, director of the Educational Service Area 2 Office, said yesterday.

"Teachers will also have to check the damage to their schools and get things fixed first," he said.

These schools - located in Tak Bai, Sungai Padi, Sukhirin, Waeng and Sungai Kolok districts - have been shut since late last week.

In all, 11 districts have been declared disaster zones.

The Sungai Kolok, Bang Nara and Sai Buri rivers have overflowed, ruining more than 9,000 rai of farmland, washing out 67 roads and leaving thousands of people fighting waters ranging from 40-130 centimetres deep.

Many flood victims have become worried enough to start stocking up on food.

Their Majesties the King and Queen sent relief kits to some of the worst-hit villages.

In neighbouring Yala, torrential rains swamped Mueang district.

Governor Krissada Boonrat led a team to hand out rations of medicine and dried food to some of the 357 families struggling in the submerged areas.

He urged people to closely monitor their surroundings and move immediately to the second floor of their house if the floodwaters rose further.

"If you need help, please fly brightly coloured clothes from your windows," he said.

-- The Nation 2011-01-10

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Coalition open to compromise on electoral system revamp

By The Nation

The ruling coalition was prepared to adjust its stand if the proposed revamp of the electoral system created |animosity instead of bringing about a resolution, Democrat Party spokesman Buranaj Smutharaks said yesterday.

"If the debate on the electoral system widens instead of |closing the political divide, then a review would be necessary," he said.

Buranaj said the coalition alliance was unified in pushing for a revamp of the electoral system. But the outcome would also hinge on a consensus in Parliament.

He was speaking about scepticism over the proposed formula to allocate 375 House seats to constituency MPs and 125 to party-list MPs.

The government opted to |support the formula after a |recommendation from the Sombat Thamrongthanya-wong panel, which drew conclusions after conducting 14 hearings, he said.

The Democrats would support any formula deemed appropriate by coalition partners, including the 400-100 formula under the suspended 1997 charter, he |said.

The main coalition party previously endorsed the 400-100 formula but modified its position in line with the Sombat panel's report.

Democrat MP Boonyod Sukthinthai said he foresaw three scenarios for charter amendments on the electoral system. In its final vote, Parliament might endorse the 375-125 formula, or revive the 400-100 formula, or retain the current 400-80 formula, he said.

According to a Suan Dusit Poll released yesterday, about one in two people fear charter amendments to the electoral system might cause political conflict to persist and about seven out of 10 believe the revamped system won't prevent vote-buying.

About three in 10 people doubted that the public would gain from a revamp of the electoral system.

Almost half of the people supported the 400-100 formula, saying they saw it as the right balance between direct and proportionate votes.

Pheu Thai MP Surapong Towijakchaikul said although |the opposition abstained |from voting in the first reading |of the draft amendments, it |would soon decide whether to take part in the second and third readings.

Surapong said the 400-100 formula might be a crucial |factor in getting a decision |since the opposition party favoured bringing back provisions under the suspended |1997 charter.

Pheu Thai spokesman Prompong Nopparit said his party would meet on Friday to vote on whether to take part in the charter debate in order to push for the 400-100 formula.

-- The Nation 2011-01-10

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TAT takes Deep South kids on Phuket megatrip

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Thai stock index opens on Monday at 1,033.67, down 2.78 points /MCOT

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Local Influential Figures Suspected in Death of Daring Cop in Sisaket

A police officer in the northeastern province of Sisaket has been killed at his home by an unidentified gunman.

Investigators say a conflict with local influential figures is likely the motive.

Investigation Squad Leader of Khunhan Police Station in Sisaket province, Police Senior Sergeant Major Weera Thipwaree, was slain at his home on January 8 by an unidentified gunman believed to have been hired by those who lost personal interests as a result of the victim's policies against crime.

Witnesses claimed a man wearing a black long sleeved shirt, trousers, and a helmet parked a motorcycle without a license plate in front of the victim's house and suddenly opened fire on Weera before fleeing the scene.

Two bullets were found in his head and one in his back.

His family members said the funeral service is being held at their home, not at a temple.

It is believed the attack stemmed from the victim's work, in which he made many arrests of members of drug rings and illegal loggers, who are believed to be linked to local influential figures.

-- Tan Network 2011-01-10

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All 13 districts in Narathiwat declared disaster zones as continuous heavy rain triggers floods in many areas; 37,000 residents affected by floods: Governor /MCOT

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Deputy PM Suthep denies report Thai soldiers kill Cambodian at border; Awaiting court verdict on 7 Thais detained in Phnom Penh; No exchange with Cambodian prisoners mulled /MCOT

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Buriram Encourages Registration of Elephants

Buriram province is asking mahouts to register their elephants to prevent the sale or mistreatment of the animals.

Satuk District Officer Yolyong Meepuech says since the district has the highest number of elephants in the province, at 178, the authorities want to keep track of their population, in case an elephant dies or moves out of the area.

He is asking mahouts to register their elephants.

This is also an effort to prevent the sale of elephants which may lead to mistreatment or cruelty.

Their is a demand for the animals' carcasses, as their bones or tusks are used to make relics and ornaments, which is against the law.

Village headmen will campaign for mahouts to inform the local livestock office about the death, sale, or transfer of elephants from area.

Mahouts will also be closely monitored to make sure they do not abuse their elephants.

Meanwhile, the elephant center in Tatoom district in Surin province has welcomed a new member.

The birth of the 90-kilogram male elephant was caught on tape and witnessed by both Thai and foreign tourists.

The baby elephant was birthed by a 25 year old elephant called Kamsaen, after a 21 month pregnancy.

-- Tan Network 2011-01-10

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Foreign Tourist Arrivals in Thailand Exceed Target in 2010; European, American tourists on downtrend

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Narathiwat declared disaster zones

Narathiwat - All 13 districts in Narathiwat were Monday declared flooding disaster zones.

The flood prevention and mitigation center for Narathiwat said the floods affected 36,908 people of 11,053 families in 284 villages in the 13 districts.

Torrential rains caused the three main rivers in the province to burst their banks and flood houses nearby.

Eleven schools in the province were closed until further notice.

-- The Nation 2011-01-10

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Thai-Cambodian Border Trade Ceremony Held

Although Thai-Cambodian ties are not looking good at the moment after the arrest of seven Thai citizens, the eighth Thai-Cambodian Friendship ceremony is being held in Chantaburi province to boost commerce along the border.

The Association of Thai-Cambodian Border Trade and Tourism, located in Chantaburi province, has organized the 2011 Thai-Cambodian Friendship ceremony in an attempt to reinforce border trade.

Pong Namron district Chief Phoj Rakkwamsuk is presiding over the event.

Also attending the ceremony were representatives of the Association of Thai-Cambodian Border Trade and Tourism, the envoy of Heng Samrin, the Chairman of the National Assembly of Cambodia, and some Thai and Cambodian entrepreneurs.

The organizer said the event is aimed at strengthening the commercial ties between Bangkok and Phnom Penh, which could lead to economical improvement in the ASEAN community, and forthcoming investments in Vietnam and China.

-- Tan Network 2011-01-10

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Dep PM: No Clarity Yet on Release of Detained Thais

The deputy prime minister for national security says he cannot give a clear answer on when the seven Thais currently being held by the Cambodian authorities will be released.

The Deputy Prime Minister in charge of national security, Suthep Thaugsuban, said there have been no reports to confirm that the seven Thais detained by the Cambodian authorities will be released this Friday, adding that the final decision on bail applications rests with the Cambodian Court.

He said the government will do its best to help the detained Thais, and that might include informal negotiations.

Suthep denied that the Thai and Cambodian governments have discussed the possibility of exchanging prisoners, though he admitted that such cases have occurred in the past.

Responding to reports that a Cambodian national was killed by Thai soldiers while logging in Thai territory, the deputy prime minister said the Thai soldiers performed their duty to protect the country's sovereignty.

He added that the Cambodian was armed and opened fire on the Thai officers.

Suthep said he is not sure about the intention of those who circulated the reports, but that both the Thai and Cambodian media should refrain from doing anything to exacerbate the situation.

Meanwhile, he noted that Thai soldiers will continue to patrol the Thai-Cambodian border as usual, while reiterating that the approach the Thai government is taking is appropriate.

-- Tan Network 2011-01-10

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Relatives visit seven Thais in Cambodian prison

Relatives of seven Thais who were arrested on trespassing charge have visited them in the Prey Sar Prison in Phnom Penh, the secretary to the Thai foreign minister said Friday.

Chavanon Intharakomal, the secretary to the foreign minister, said the relatives visited Phnom Penh on Sunday and were allowed to meet the seven Thais Monday morning.

The seven were arrested on a disputed plot near Sa Kaew's Khok Sung district. One of them is Democrat Party MP Panich Vikritseth.

-- The Nation 2011-01-10

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Narathiwat declared flood disaster zone

NARATHIWAT, Jan 10 – Thailand's southernmost province of Narathiwat on Monday was been declared a disaster zone as incessant heavy rain triggered flooding over large parts of the province and has affected thousands of residents, Narathiwat governor Thanon Vejjakornkanon said.

The governor designated all 13 districts disaster areas and promptly allocated budget to assist 37,000 local flood victims. Meanwhile, 309 flood victims in Ranage, Waeng and Sungai Kolok districts were evacuated to a flood relief centre.

Mr Thanon also said that the inundation damaged 46 roads, parts of six bridges and three drainage channels.

In related developments, Narathiwat Deputy Governor Dejrat Simsiri distributed 30 packages of royal relief supplies to villagers in four flood-stricken villages in Sungai Kolok district.

The deputy governor reported that the authorities and military personnel are distributing relief supplies to affected people. He said if there is no rain for a few days, the water level will recede and the flood situation will return to normal.

Mr Dejrat warned the residents to pay attention to Meteorological Department reports to prevent possible damage.

Meanwhile the Pattani River overflowed its banks and flooded 700 houses in Pakaharang subdistrict and several subdistricts in the Pattani provincial seat. The authorities distributed relief supplies to residents along the river as their villages were cut off. In Kapho district, the Saiburi River flooded 20 homes.

In Yala, flooding hit the provincial seat and some schools were forced to close. (MCOT online news)

-- TNA 2011-01-10

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TMB expects hike in policy rate

TMB Bank's research centre, TMB Analytics, expects the Monetary Policy Committee to raise the policy rate by 25 basis points due to the acceleration in core inflation in December.

In the month, core inflation was 1.4 per cent, above average 1.1 per cent in the previous months and at the middle of the target range of 3 per cent. This was supported by the sharp economic growth in the first half of last year, and it meets the expectation that price transmission - the transfer of economic growth to goods prices - would take two quarters. In this circumstance, there are factors to drive the inflation further, including the hike in minimum wages by Bt8-Bt17 per day.

The research centre estimated that for every Bt10 increase in minimum wage, the core inflation would be pushed up 0.5 per cent due to higher labour wages and goods price adjustment.

With higher commodities prices, it also noted that if fuel costs are adjusted more in line with global prices, it would lead to spiral increases in core and headline inflation like what was experienced in mid-2008.

TMB Analytics supports the rate hike likelihood also because of the negative real interest rate. The policy rate has stayed at the extra low level since 2008, from 2.75 per cent to 2 per cent now.

The house expects the policy rate to be raised by 100-125 basis points for the whoel year. The MPC will have eight meetings this year, in January, March, April, June, July, August, October and November.

-- The Nation 2011-01-10

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Most appointed senators will resign to seek second term: Senate speaker

Senate Speaker Prasopsuk Boondej said Monday that most of appointed senators will resign to seek their reappointment for another term.

Prasopsuk said the appointed senators will resign before the selection process for appointed senators will begin on February 15.

Prasopsuk said five or six appointed senators would not resign but would apply for being selected for another term.

If senators, who do not resign, are reappointed, the Constitution Court will be asked to make a ruling whether their appointments are constitutional or not.

-- The Nation 2011-01-10

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DSI chief not to revoke bail for Jatuporn yet; says speech on red shirt stage yesterday does not violate bail conditions /TAN_Network

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Former coup leader Sonthi elected Matubhum leader

Former Army chief and leader of 2006 coup Gen Sonthi Boonyaratglin was Monday elected the leader of the Matubhum Party.

Sonthi got 294 out of 297 votes.

The new party held its general assembly at Impact Arena and also elected Man Pattanothai as party secretary-general.

The party also elected Phuwadej Inthawong, Areepen Uttarasin, Gen Pinyo Kaewplung and Watana Kaewsiri as deputy leaders and Wiriya Likhitwong as party spokesman.

-- The Nation 2011-01-10