Thailand Live Friday 14 Jan 2011

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Cambodian court rejects bail bids for 5 other Thais detained in Phnom Penh after granting bail for 2 on Thurs; legal team resubmits request /MCOT

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Red shirt leaders maintain that they will gather at Ratchaprasong, but will stay for a shorter period of time /TAN_Network

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Red Shirt Leaders Maintain They Will Gather at Ratchaprasong

Red shirt leaders are meeting with representatives of the Ratchaprasong business community today at 2 P.M. Prior to the meeting, they have confirmed that they will start their gathering in the area despite calls to change venue. However, they are willing to shorten the time they spend at the Ratchaprasong intersection as to not affect business too much.

-- Tan Network 2011-01-14

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Patriots to rally at Defence Ministry

By The Nation

The Thai Patriots Network will hold a rally this afternoon at the Defence Minister to demand for the resignation of Defence Minister Prawit Wongsuwan.

Network leader Chaiwat Sinsuwong said on Friday Prawit had failed to defend the sovereignty of Thailand in the face of seven Thais arrested and detained in Cambodia.

Chaiwat said the planned march to Aranyaprathet was suspended for safety reason until rally organisers could make sure there would no clash with local residents who oppose the protest.

-- The Nation 2011-01-14

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Phuket Police pounce on porn pirates

Officers use a market bag to move some of the seized evidence

to the squad car.

Some of the discs were counterfeit reproductions of films now

showing at cinemas on the island.

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Bhum Jai Thai Leader Denies Resignation Rumor

The interior minister reaffirms that he has never thought of stepping down as Bhum Jai Thai Party leader as speculated.

Interior Minister Chawarat Chanwirakul confirmed that he has never thought of quitting the leader post of the Bhum Jai Thai Party before the next general election as rumored.

Chawarat said he will continue heading Bhum Jai Thai and compete in the next poll. He insisted that he would step down only after the election concludes.

The Bhum Jai Thai leader said his health will be his main consideration when deciding to leave his post.

Earlier Chawarat's son and Bhum Jai Thai's big gun Anuthin came out to announce that the party might have a new leader to spearhead its campaigning for the next general election.

Anuthin also said there is no rift in the party.

He went on to say that his father Chwarat is currently 75 years old and should be resting and enjoying life rather than still being involved in politics.

Asked who would be selected as the new Bhum Jai Thai leader, Anuthin said the party consists of many factions and there will be more clarity on its the direction after the next election.

He also believes that the next poll will be a turning point of Thai politics.

Further asked about the possibility in joining hands with Pheu Thai Party, Anuthin said it is impossible.

-- Tan Network 2011-01-14

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I-San Tourism Campaign Kicks Off

The Tourism Authority of Thailand has introduced the 2011 promotional campaign for the Isan region, organizing a press conference to promote an upcoming tourism festival in late January to energize Bangkokians' recreational spending.

The Tourism Authority of Thailand has kicked off a northeastern tourism campaign, inviting superstar rock singers Ruj Supharuj Techatanont and Ar Anatphon Sirichumsaeng for a press conference to discuss the best tourist attractions in their hometowns, Khon Kaen and Udonthani provinces.

The 2011 Amazing I-San Fair is set to take place between January 27 and 30 at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center.

The function will also showcase traditional Thai arts and handicrafts such as a cotton weaving demonstration, a golden items exhibition, a map making procedure, and the Phee Ta Khon mask painting show.

-- Tan Network 2011-01-14

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Red shirt leader Thida warns Ratchaprasong businessp eople not to be enemies of group; Jatuporn says worsening econ not as bad as dead reds /TAN_Network

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Cold Spell Chills North As Floods in South Ease

As flood effects begin to ease in southern provinces, the Meteorological Department has reported looming rain clouds in the region while the northern region is experiencing a chilling winter spell.

The flood situation in Pattani's Yarung, Nongjik , Saiburi and Kapor districts has eased considerably with only certain parts of Muang district still facing adverse conditions due to an inadequate drainage system.

In Phattalung province, flood-hit areas, including parts of Muang, Kuan Kanun and Muang Phattalung districts, continue to struggle with 50 centimeter deep floodwater.

More than 500 homes have been affected by the recent wave of floods.

In Trang province, officials have assessed the damage from the landslide on the popular Nan Sator Waterfall in Palien district and suggested temporary closure of the tourist attraction, fearing for the public's safety.

Local officials have also been assigned to monitor other waterfalls in the area and keep a lookout for possible more landslides.

Elsewhere in the northern region, villagers, particularly seniors and children in Phitsanulok's Nakhon Thai district, have to rely on bonfires for warmth as temperature has dropped to under ten degrees Celsius during day and night time in villages near or on mountain slopes.

Kalasin province has also been experiencing biting winter chill as winter clothes are becoming popular goods at the moment with temperature measured at around 11 to 13 degrees Celsius, while temperature at the Phupan Mountain is at five to seven degrees Celsius.

The Meteorological Department reported that the northern region will continue to experience winter chill with mist and frost in the early morning at mountain tops.

Meanwhile, dark rain clouds are expected to cover some areas in the southern region.

Temperature will drop slightly in the northeastern and central regions as a high pressure mass from China is heading south into Thailand.

-- Tan Network 2011-01-14

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SET index closed at 1032.26, down 2.82; Bt/USD30.31; GBP47.84; AUD30.05; EUR40.52; CAD30.46; HKD3.89; SGD23.42; JPY36.56

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US national with outstanding warrant in US in US$93 million fraud case arrested in Bangkok after living in Thailand for two years /MCOT

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THAI plan to buy 37 new aircrafts to increase fleet to 105 planes from 85 currently to support increased flights schedule, business expansion plan /MCOT

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American with outstanding US warrant in US$93m fraud case arrested in Bangkok

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Raid in Rawai: Phuket bar crackdown continues

The scene at the Sunshine Bar on Rawai Beach when the security

force arrived early this morning.

The Phuket Provincial Volunteer Security Force lends a hand

with the arrests.

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Phuket surf claims two foreigners lives in one day

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to be continued

Thailand Live Saturday 15 January 2011