Thailand Live Monday 17 Jan 2011

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Thailand Live Monday 17 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 16 Jan 2011

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Government monitors Cambodian beef-up at border

BANGKOK (NNT) -- Thailand has maintained consistent coordination with Cambodia and has learned of the latter’s beefing up of its troops at the border, says Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva.

The Prime Minister was acting to a report that Cambodia has recently added 200 soldiers to its special warfare unit 911 stationed near the Thai disitrict of Kantharalak in Si Sa Ket Province, and adjacent to the Preah Vihear Temple. He said both the government and the military have monitored the deployment and will go ahead with their plans to seek understanding with Cambodia on such issues as border crossing and extradition of those charged with illegal entry.

The Prime Minister also referred to a planned visit to Thailand of Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister Sok An, saying that while here, Mr An should take a chance to discuss with Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Suvit Khunkitti on the problem of world heritage at Preah Vihear. However, the time and date of Mr An’s visit has not yet been fixed.

Mr Abhisit said talks were necessary between the two sides so that the problem could be setted before June this year. All procedures must also be conducted in line with the existing MoU and under the JBC (Joint Border Committee) framework, said the Prime Minister.

-- NNT 2011-01-17

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Majority Of Thais Willing To Sell Their Votes: Poll

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PM brushes aside claims of pushing burden on the redshirts

BANGKOK (NNT) -- Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajivahas denied pushing the burden of working out the issue of rally venue to the Red Shirts, saying if he undertook the task talking to the anti-government groups himself, it could be viewed as a political agenda.

According to the Prime Minister, the reason why he asked the Red Shirts to send in a representative to talk with Ratchaprasong vendors was that he did not want it to be looked on as a politically-motivated issue, adding that both sides, the redshirts and the vendors, would be better off exchanging opinions and joining hands finding a solution to the matter themselves.

-- NNT 2011-01-17

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Deputy PM: Plan by activists to call for king to remove government improper

BANGKOK: -- The plan of the Thai Patriots Network (TPN) group in collecting signatures from the public and submitting them to the king to gain his royal consent in removing the present Cabinet following the arrest of seven Thais in Cambodia is improper, Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban said on Sunday.

The so-called patriots last week threatened to close the Sakaeo border checkpoint in Aranyaprathet as they urged the Thai government to speed up helping the seven Thais detained in Cambodia on charges of trespassing since Dec 29.

While the threats have not yet materialised, Mr Suthep said network activists have begun collecting names to submit to the king calling for removing the government on charges of misgoverning the country, causing it to lose territory and corruption.

He suggested that the action is improper as it would perturb the monarch while people would have a say on whom they would choose in governing the country in a general election which Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva has said would be held within this year.

Border problems between Thailand and Cambodia occurred long ago before this government took office and they must be resolved by the Thai-Cambodian Joint Boundary Commission. Mr Suthep said it is a global rule in solving problems in a peaceful manner.

There may be good news next week as the government continues in helping them. Both countries must jointly live in peace, the deputy prime minister said. (MCOT online news)

-- TNA 2011-01-17

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Thai Education Minister gives thumbs down to a curfew and caning

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BMA charts ambitious new course for Bangkok

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SPECIAL

Thai South bomb detection: Inventors seek funding, feedback

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Road-rage suspect a Petchaburi native: police

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ANALYSIS

PM Abhisit hoping 5 Thai will get bail this week

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Cram Thai schools should be taxed and controlled

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Thai Reconciliation committee set to propose Major changes, favours US system

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PM confident govt can handle upcoming censure debate

By The Nation

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva expressed confidence yesterday that his government will be able to defend itself in the upcoming censure debate.

The prime minister said he had yet to learn what accusations opposition MPs would to level at the coalition - so the government had yet to map out a defence.

Opposition Pheu Thai Party has threatened to submit a no-confidence motion against the government when the new parliamentary session begins later this month.

Abhisit said if the opposition focused its censure debate on corruption allegations and the crackdown on red-shirt protesters last year, his government would be ready to explain the issues.

"In that case, the government will not be under pressure," Abhisit said, adding that all government agencies would be ready to provide explanations.

Pheu Thai MP and red-shirt leader Jatuporn Promphan has announced that he will lead the censure showdown in regard to the crackdown. Commenting on Jatuporn's remark, Abhisit said it would be no different from previous censure debates.

Jatuporn faces charges of terrorism following the red-shirt protests. The Criminal Court is scheduled to consider on Thursday whether to revoke his bail.

Abhisit said if the court revokes bail for Jatuporn, the House speaker would be informed and certain action would be taken accordingly.

The prime minister also dismissed a Pheu Thai claim that the government approved some Bt85 billion from the central budget being divided among coalition partners to placate them after a dispute over charter amendments.

Abhisit said the government was simply trying to rush to implement development projects.

A committee vetting the charter amendment bill has voted to accept a proposal from the Democrats to have 375 constituency-based MPs and 125 party-list MPs in future elections. However, other coalition partners prefer the formula of 400 constituency-based MPs and 100 party-list MPs.

The Democrats have called on Pheu Thai to take an official stand on whether it supports the 375+125 formula or the 400+100 make-up.

Pheu Thai spokesman Prom-pong Nopparit said the Democrats should reach an agreement with its partners first at a meeting on January 25 before demanding that Pheu Thai make a stand on the issue. Prompong said Pheu Thai wanted to revive the 1997 charter and the party would hold a meeting of its MPs on Tuesday and would discuss whether it will side with the Democrats or its coalition partners.

The Pheu Thai spokesman said the opposition would decide on Tuesday about the censure debate against the government. Three issues look likely to be targeted - alleged corruption, the crackdown on the red-shirts, and inefficiency.

Prompong said Pheu Thai MPs would also vote on whether to select Chalerm Yoobamrung or Mingkwan Saensuwan or another MP as the party's nominee and candidate to be prime minister when the party submits its censure motion against the government.

Also yesterday, New Politics Party secretary-general Suriyasai Katasila dismissed reports of conflicts between the Democrats and its partners over House seat formula as a political farce.

Suriyasai said the Democrats and its coalition partners pretended to have conflicts over the issue to divert public attention from the government's inability to help seven Thais, who were arrested by Cambodian troops after crossing the border near Sa Kaew over a week ago.

Suriyasai said the Democrats and partners would eventually settle their differences as they did with previous issues, like the leasing of NGV buses and the appointment of senior Interior Ministry officials.

Suriyasai said neither formula for House seats would really benefit the public so the House should spend time instead enacting other organic laws and improving outdated laws.

-- The Nation 2011-01-17

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BURNING ISSUE

Govt leads in charter change, but don't discount Pheu thai role

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Inequality in access to Schools in Thailand

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Thai stock index opens on Monday at 1,034.04, up 1.78 points /MCOT

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PM Denies Having Set Up 84 Billion Baht Fund for Coalition

The prime minister has denied setting up an 84 billion baht fund for Coalition party members in exchange for their votes on the charter change.

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva has denied having set up an 84 billion baht fund for the Coalition's members in exchange for their votes on the charter change as has been accused by the opposition's Pheu Thai Party.

The PM went on to say that the fund will be spent to balance the state coffers.

Abhisit pointed out that the government's financial condition has been improving recently, thus the state treasury should be balanced before the budgeting process for 2012 fiscal year.

The premier claimed that this will benefit everyone, especially the new administration.

The Democrat Party Spokesperson Buranat Samutarak also reiterated that the ruling party never forced or made trade-off deals with other Coalition parties.

Buranat also asked the other Coalition members to accept the new electoral system and is demanding that the Phue Thai Party stop attempting to divide the country any further.

At the same time, Secretary General of the New Politics Party, Suriyasai Katasila believes that the rift will be settled once the interests have been settled among the Coalition's members just like other similar cases in the past.

He believes that this is merely an attempt to divert public attention away from the government's incompetency in its dealing in the case of the Thai citizens detained in Cambodia.

-- Tan Network 2011-01-17

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Security Tightened at Chong Sa-ngam Border Following Cambodia's Arrests of Thai Citizens

Authorities have increased security at the Chong Sa-ngam border pass in Si Sa Ket province following Cambodia's arrest of seven Thai nationals for allegedly trespassing onto its soil.

Security has been tightened at Chong Sa-ngam border checkpoint, as all vehicles and travelers who wish to cross the border into Cambodia are subject to rigorous checks so as to ensure safety.

No individuals, including Customs officials, are allowed to cross the border before 7A.M.

At the checkpoint, a few hundred Cambodians crossed the border to shop at a Thai market.

According to one official, the market would normally see nearly a thousand Cambodians during a slow day.

There have been reports that Cambodians are increasingly concerned about their safety and about traveling to the Thai side after Cambodian authorities issued a warning about illegal entry into the neighboring country.

Meanwhile, tourists are continuing to visit Preah Vihear National Park in Si Sa Ket to watch the sea mist at the scenic Pha Mor E-daeng, amidst close monitoring by soldiers from the 23rd Ranger Unit.

Most travelers feel undaunted by the ongoing Thai-Cambodia conflicts, marked by Cambodia's recent arrest of seven Thai citizens.

They said they have checked information for travel to the Thai border province and that they will not get close to areas currently under dispute.

Vendors called on provincial authorities to keep Pha Mor E-daeng open to visitors everyday, in order to promote tourism and revive border trade in the area.

-- Tan Network 2011-01-17

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PM Abhisit to Speed up Bill on Teacher's Salary

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Thai Patriots rally outside Government House

Police closed traffic on Phitsanulok Road Monday morning when the Thai Patriots Network held a rally in front the Government House.

The traffic from Phra Nakhon Commerce Intersection was closed until the Misakawan Intersection.

Motorists were advised to use the Si Ayutthaya Road instead.

Metropolitan Police Division 1 Commander Pol Maj Gen Wichai Sangpraphai asked the protesters to clear the road to no avail. The protesters said more of them would join the rally to pressure the government to rush to help the seven Thais captured by Cambodia.

-- The Nation 2011-01-17

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Abhisit visits deep South

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva and Education Minister Chinnaworn Boonyakiat left for Pattani Monday morning.

The prime minister will chair a ceremony to honour teaches at the CS Pattani Hotel.

He will later the day visit Mae Lan district to meet local residents after the government has lifted the state of emergency there.

The prime minister and his entourage are scheduled to reach Bangkok in time for an economic ministers meeting at the Government House at 3 pm.

-- The Nation 2011-01-17

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Finance Ministry Proposes Mid-Year Budget of Bt 120 Billion

The Finance Ministry has proposed an additional mid-year budget allocation of 120 billion baht, mostly intended to replenish fiscal reserves.

A proposal will be put forward for the Cabinet's approval.

Finance Minister Korn Chatikavanij said his ministry will propose a mid year budget of 120 billion baht at the Cabinet's meeting, with the 83 billion baht that has been set aside to strengthen fiscal reserves.

The rest will be used to fund relief programs related to natural disasters that occurred during the past year.

Korn noted that the mid year budget is necessary because not all of the surplus revenue should go into the state coffer and left unused.

He said the government apparently will need to refill the treasury reserves for its successor.

The minister added that the mid-year budget will make budgeting for the 2012 fiscal year more flexible.

It also helps finance the current budget deficit so that the government can inch closer to its five-year goal of realizing a balanced budget.

As for the 2012 fiscal year, the Finance Ministry is forecasting 1.9 trillion baht in revenue and less than a 400 billion baht budget deficit.

-- Tan Network 2011-01-17

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Cambodia s Appeals Court to consider bail request on Tuesday for 5 Thais charged with trespassing into Cambodian territory /MCOT

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Temple Hall Elevated to Avoid Flooding

The Buddha image hall at a temple in Loei province has been elevated to avoid a repeat of being flooded in the future.

The Buddha foundation that supports the image hall of Wat Pa Laylai's has been elevated to prevent inundation as the area has been suffering a series of flooding for many years.

Loei provincial monk head Phra Rakweeraphon and Loei Provincial Governor Phornsak Jiaranai presided over the function.

The temple's abbot Phra Ajarn Weerachai Theepathammo stated that the image hall is 32 years old and that it is located on flat ground.

Floodwater prevents monks and laymen from participating in Buddhist practices every year.

The modification, which is called 'to flick a hall' is expected to cost the temple 400,000 baht as the image hall weighs 50 tons and the operation needs 17 hydraulic legs and 40 pulleys.

The abbot added that preparations were made two months ago so that the platform will be able to be elevated by at least two meters.

-- Tan Network 2011-01-17

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7-Month Old Baby Found Abandoned in Chanthaburi Province

A 7-month old female baby was found next to a garbage can inside an abandoned gas station in Tha Mai district, in Chanthaburi province.

Later, she was taken by a rescue workers to a hospital in the area.

A check-up found the baby to be relatively healthy and in good condition, but she'll still need close medical attention because she had been left overnight, out in the cold weather.

There were also many insect bite marks found on her body.

The baby is now under the care of police and will remain there until a baby center has been contacted.

Once she is in better condition, custody will be handed over to her relatives or she will be put up for adoption.

The authorities believe that she was abandoned by a couple who had not intended to have a baby, and their identity is not being sought.

-- Tan Network 2011-01-17

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PM to Set up Team to Monitor National Reform Process

The Prime Minister said a working team will be formed to expedite the realization of national reform.

Meanwhile, the Energy Ministry is set to increase the fuel tariff adjustment charge 10 Satang per unit in order to raise additional funds to subsidize the government's free electricity scheme.

In his weekly television address, Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva said the Cabinet LAST WEEK endorsed a framework for national reform that will tackle inequality in Thai society, especially in terms of the economy.

He added that for instance the plan will allow for an extension of social security to those outside the system, increased transparency in administration and more private participation.

The premier said a working team will be set up to monitor the implementation of the reform plan and present him with a weekly update regarding progress and development.

Meanwhile, President of the Energy Regulatory Commission Direk Lawansiri said the commission is considering a waiver of fees for any household using less than 90 units of electricity, as initiated by the government.

He noted that the fuel tariff adjustment rate might be adjusted up 10 Satang per unit, in order to offset losses incurred because of the waiver.

Regarding measures to freeze the price of liquefied petroleum gas for the household and transportation sectors, while discontinuing the LPG subsidy for the industrial sector, Direk said the Energy Ministry is working on amendments to the Petroleum Act 1971, to allow 40 billion baht to be pulled from the state treasury fund to subsidize the LPG price controls, instead of withdrawing from the Oil Fund.

-- Tan Network 2011-01-17

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Deputy PM Calls on TPN Supporters to Stop Blocking Roads

The Deputy Prime Minister for security affairs is asking supporters of the Thai Patriots Network to stop blocking roads in front of the Government House, while expressing disapproval of the group's plan to submit its petition to His Majesty the King.

Deputy Prime Minister of security affairs Suthep Thaugsuban is calling on activists from the Thai Patriots Network not to organize activities on roads, as the public will be affected.

Suthep added that he has assigned the metropolitan police chief to negotiate with TPN demonstrators in an effort to get them to stop occupying roads.

He stressed that the group's plan to submit a petition to His Majesty the King is inappropriate and they should have some concern for fellow citizens in the country.

The deputy prime minister was unfazed by reports that members of the red-shirt group were also seen joining the TPN rally

Meanwhile, Secretary to the Foreign Minister Chawanont Intharakomalsut said he expects the case involving the seven Thai detainees to be settled within the week.

However, he is still unable to say whether and when the rest of the detained Thais will be granted bail, but said the government will do everything possible to help them.

-- Tan Network 2011-01-17

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Thai Patriots to submit petition to His Majesty

Chaiwat Sinsuwong, a leader of the Thai Patriots Network, announced Monday that his group would file a petition to His Majesty the King to complain against the government.

Chaiwat said the protesters would march from the Government House at 9:59 am to submit the petition at the Royal Household Bureau.

The petition would inform His Majesty that the government had failed its duty to protect Thailand's sovereignty, Chaiwat said.

-- The Nation 2011-01-17

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Special parliamentary meeting may be held next week to approve charter amendments

Parliament President Chai Chidchob said Monday that he may convene a special parliamentary meeting next week to approve a charter amendment bill in the second reading.

Chai said if the special committee vetting the bill to amend the electoral could finish vetting the draft and send it back to Parliament on Thursday, he would convene a meeting of MPs and senators on January 25.

-- The Nation 2011-01-17