Thailand Live Tuesday 1 Feb 2011

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Border Dispute Worries Inter-Border Traders

The Thai-Cambodian Border Coordinating Center plans to renegotiate with Cambodia to remove its national flag from the disputed area.

Meanwhile, merchants operating their businesses around the Thai-Cambodian border are calling on governments of the two countries to urgently address the conflict.

Trade activities at Nikhom market in Buri Ram province was quiet following rising tensions between Thailand and Cambodia over the border dispute, resulting in a heavy drop in sales, said to be the worst in ten years.

Traders fear that the tension will escalate, which would halt inter-border trade.

They called on both Thai and Cambodian governments to open talks and address the problem as soon as possible to restore normalcy and provide convenience for both Thai and Cambodian citizens for crossing the border.

Both Thai and Cambodian people living around Aranyaprathet and Klong Luek border crossings in Sakaew province, are concerned about possible violence between the two countries, destroying the atmosphere of the upcoming Chinese New Year Festival.

Thai tourists are still in fear of traveling to Angkor Temple in Cambodia while Cambodians are hesitant to cross into Thailand for fear of their safety.

As for the situation at Thai-Cambodian border in Si Sa Ket's Kantaralak district, a number of Thai soldiers from the Suranaree Task Force have been deployed at 4.6 square kilometer area around the Preah Vihear Temple to protect sovereignty, following the Cambodian army's mobilization of tanks and artillery.

The move has also caused panic among villagers around the area, forcing them to hoard necessity goods and prepare for evacuation if needed.

Meanwhile, the Thai-Cambodian Border Coordinating Center plans to renegotiate with high-ranking military officers of Cambodia to remove its national flag from the disputed area at Kaew Sikha Khiri Sawara Temple.

Troops from the Suranaree Task Force remain on high alert along the Thai-Cambodian border, where checkpoints have been set up to prevent unrelated personnel from entering the disputed Preah Vihear Temple area.

-- Tan Network 2011-02-01

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Commerce Ministry to Distribute 30,000 Tons Palm Oil to Consumers

The Department of Internal Trade has expressed confidence that the the first lot of 30,000 tons of imported palm oil will be distributed to consumers this week.

Director of the Public Warehouse Organization, Anukul Tamprasert has reported that 30,000 tons of crude palm oil imported from Malaysia has already been distributed to 10 refineries and will be turned into refined palm oil products.

Initially, it was estimated that this lot of imported palm oil would be made into about 22 million one-liter bottles of consumable palm oil, which will later be distributed to major retailers across the country.

Anukul pointed out that the palm oil sold in “blue-cap” one-liter bottles will not be priced over 47 baht, while the palm oil in plastic bags with blue text will not be sold for more than 45 baht.

He expressed confidence that the oil would be available to consumers starting this week.

Anukul also expects the domestic and international palm oil prices to rise due to the natural disasters experienced in many producing countries.

The Department of Internal Trade is preparing to propose that the National Palm Oil Committee import 50,000 to 100,000 tons.

-- Tan Network 2011-02-01

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Coral Bleaching and Closure of Dive Spots in Thailand: Special report

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2 Thais Detained in Cambodia Stand Trial

The two remaining Thais who are being detained by Cambodian authorities stand trial this morning in Cambodian court. Initial reports indicate that when asked when he entered Cambodian territory, Weera Somkwamkid answered that he never step foot on Cambodian soil.

-- Tan Network 2011-02-01

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40,000 evacuated as floods hit five Malaysian states

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Start of egg selling by weight today attracts criticism of expensive price /TAN_Network

Army chief slams coup rumors; says war with Cambodia will be last resort /TAN_Network

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Prayuth dismisses coup speculations as nonsense

Army chief Gen Prayuth Chan-ocha Tuesday dismissed coup speculations as nonsense, saying the Army is united and no officers want to stage a coup.

He urged reporters to stop asking questions about a coup, saying it was useless to stage another coup.

"I've detected no one planning a coup. What good will the coup be?" Prayuth said.

"I have no time for this nonsense. I don't want to answer this kind of question because I've answered it several times already.

"The Army is united and we all have the same stand. We give priority to the national interest so please stop asking and talking about it," Prayuth said.

-- The Nation 2011-02-01

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Veera reaffirms to Cambodian Court he was arrested in Thai soil, his VDO camera belongs to Thai activist network to record working trip not for spying /MCOT

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All Gas Stations Increased Diesel Fuel Price by 30 Satang per Liter

Bangchak is concerned about the political chaos in Egypt and has revealed that all of their gas stations have increased Diesel fuel prices by 30 satang/liter.

The president of Bangchak, Anusorn Saengnumnuan announced that his company has increased diesel B3 fuel prices by 30 satang per liter last Saturday in line with other retailers, as market price for Diesel is below 1 baht per liter.

The marketing price for Benzin and Gasohol is currently at 1.60 baht per liter.

Benzin prices will likely continue to increase, in keeping with prices in the Singapore Market.

Though it remains uncertain whether prices will increase along with crude oil prices to 3 dollars per barrel.

Moreover, the decision made by the Energy Policy and Planning Office as to whether it will increase the subsidized fuel prices will affect the fluctuation of Benzin prices as well.

Anusorn is also concerned that oil prices will increase amid the political chaos in Epypt, which would effect oil transportation systems in the middle east.

However, petrol prices are expected to decline soon as the crisis in Egypt subsides.

-- Tan Network 2011-02-01

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Bangkok Airways celebrates Chinese New Year

Offering facebook fans “Aung Pao Tid Peek” promotion

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PM unconcerned with UDD’s move to raise lawsuit to ICC

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PM positive Kanit in high morale

BANGKOK, 1 February 2011 (NNT) – Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva has voiced his confidence that Prof Dr Kanit Na Nakorn remains in high morale to perform his duty as the chairperson of the political violence fact-finding panel.

According to Prime Minister Abhisit, he does not believe that Prof Dr Kanit is disheartened because he has been unable to ask for evidence relating to the case from the police and the Department of Special Investigation, as reported in the news. He himself has reiterated a demand that all related units give full cooperation to the panel.

In addition, the government is ready to order its units to supply any information to the Chairperson if and when requested, said the prime minister, adding that he does not want to be personally involved with the panel so as to give it a free hand to the panel in conducting the investigation.

Prime Minister Abhisit has appointed Prof Dr Kanit the chair of the panel to investigate into the political demonstrations which took place from 12 March to 19 May 2010; however, the probe has yielded no concrete results thus far although the panel has offered the government some recommendations on social disunity problem-solving strategy.

As for the bail requests for UDD core leaders recommended by the panel, the prime minister said the decision rested with the Court, in line with the country’s judicial process and democratic system. He added that bails for 20 other non-core leaders are in the process.

UDD core leaders' bail request has repeatedly been denied, whereas that of People’s Alliance for Democracy (PAD) core leader and Thai Patriots Network coordinator Chaiwat Sinsuwongse was granted a few days after he had been arrested. All but one of the UDD leaders have been behind bars since the day they turned themselves in nearly a year ago.

-- NNT 2011-02-01

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Caltex raises all oil product prices by 30 satang/litre, other companies expected to follow suit as world oil prices surge /MCOT

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Cambo court taking a noon break. 5 prosecution witnesses to b questioned, after which verdicts are expected. /via @jin_nation /via@veen_NT

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Cabinet approves ministerial regulation for new smart ID card; ICT Ministry to conclude amending concession w/3 mobile providers in 15 days /TAN_Network

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BOT issues 2, 4-yr bonds to absorb liquidity

By Seetalavajit Sabayjai

The Bank of Thailand will launch a 4-year fixed-coupon bond issue and a 2-year floating-rate bond issue in February and March, respectively.

The launch of the four-year bonds "will meet market demand for bonds of maturities of four to seven years", said said BOT Assistant Governor Pongpen Ruengvirayudh. "This will help absorb liquidity," she said.

Both bonds' coupon rates will be based on the three-month Bangkok International Bank Offered Rate. The three-month Bibor yesterday stayed at 2.4 per cent.

-- The Nation 2011-02-01

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CONSUMER SURVEY

Thailand among the world's most optimistic nations

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PAD Accuses Govt of Falsifying Facts, Evidence in Border Disputes

The yellow-shirt People's Alliance for Democracy believes the government is misrepresenting information and bringing forth false witnesses, in order to justify its stance in the border conflict with Cambodia.

People's Alliance for Democracy, or PAD, Spokesperson Panthep Puapongphan said there are some inconsistencies in the testimony given by Thara Silawiang, who claimed to have resided in a now-defunct Nong Jan refugee camp in the eastern border province of Sa Kaeo.

After his meeting with Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva at the Government House, Thara told the media that the pond built by the United Nations is on Cambodian soil.

Panthep wondered how the man knew that the UN pond is situated in the Cambodian territory, since border demarcation in the area has yet to be settled.

In addition, the PAD spokesman alleged that Thara was born and grew up in Prachin Buri province before moving to Sa Kaeo in 1988, which suggests that he was not at the refugee camp during the Cambodian exodus between 1975 and 1979.

He added that Thara's claims appear groundless when compared with land ownership certificates produced by the owners of land plots adjacent to the UN pond.

Panthep said he believes Thara is being used as a pawn by the government to justify its position on the current border issue.

He also believes that the gathering of villagers in protest against the plan to inspect the marker number 46 by the Thai Patriots Network on January 5 was also orchestrated by the government.

-- Tan Network 2011-02-01

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FAT May Bar Thai Port FC Over Legal Dispute

The Football Association of Thailand is considering banning Thai Port FC from the league if the legal dispute cannot be settled.

Secretary-General of Football Association of Thailand, or the FAT, Ong-art Korsika presided over the meeting to discuss the ongoing legal dispute between the Port Authority of Thailand and the Thai Port FC.

The meeting was attended by the President of Thai Premier League, Wichit Yamboonrueng, Chief Legal Counsel of the FAT Veera Khammee and President of Thai Port FC Pichet Munkong.

The legal dispute stems from the Port Authority of Thailand's attempt to re-claim ownership of the Thai Port FC, which is now independently operated.

Both sides have expressed that they are prepared for 2011-12 Premier League season set to begin on February 11 and that the team will be allowed to use the Port Authority of Thailand's stadium.

However, the FAT has suggested that if the dispute is not settled soon, the team might be ineligible to compete in the country's top league next season.

Pichet has also submitted documents to the FAT, seeking ownership and operating rights of the club.

At any rate, the FAT has indicated that the dispute cannot be settled yet, since the documents will be thoroughly reviewed and compared with those submitted earlier by the Port Authority of Thailand.

The association is scheduled to issue their ruling on February 2.

-- Tan Network 2011-02-01

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DPM Suthep says the situation at the Thai-Cambodian border is not tense

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Special stamps on Chinese New Year launched

BANGKOK, 1 February 2011 (NNT) – The Thailand Post has issued a special collection of stamps depicting the Eight Chinese Immortals or Ba Xian, in order to celebrate the upcoming Chinese New Year festival.

Thailand Post Senior Vice President Somjai Kosarussawadee stated that the Chinese New Year celebrative stamps for this year contain portraits of the eight immortals of China as they are widely worshipped among Chinese people and Chinese descendants in Thailand alike.

The eight immortals include He Xiangu, Cao Guojiu, Tieguai Li, Lan Caihe, Lü Dongbin, Han Xiang Zi, Zhang Guo Lao, and Zhongli Quan. They are symbols of happiness, luck and longevity.

Ms Somjai continued that the collection comprises eight stamps, priced at three THB each. The stamps are available from 1 February 2011 onwards, at Thailand Post branches and booths arranged at many Chinese New Year events nationwide.

Thailand Post earlier launched a special series of stamps depicting Hok Lok Siew (<deleted> Lu Shou) – three Chinese gods representing happiness, prosperity, and longevity to celebrate the Chinese New Year festival last year.

-- NNT 2011-02-01

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Investors warned of gold price fluctuation

BANGKOK, 1 February 2011 (NNT) – Gold Traders Association President Jitti Tangsitthibhakdi has warned investors to beware of their investments in gold due to price fluctuation at present.

Mr Jitti stated that the current gold price rises by 40 USD per ounce daily resulting from concerns over the ongoing riots in Egypt after it had plummeted last week. He pointed out that the gold price in Hong Kong market on Tuesday opened at 1337.79 USD per ounce, an increase of 2.48 USD.

The president said investors must be more careful to invest in the gold business. He however noted that the higher the price fluctuation was, the wider the opportunity for them to gain better profits than last year.

The gold price in the global market for this year is anticipated to move around 1,200-1,500 USD per ounce while the domestic retail gold price might reach 22,000 THB per one-bath weight once again, according to Mr Jitti.

In addition, the Gold Traders Association President reported that the gold trade during the Chinese New Year festival this year is livelier than last year. He expected that sales of gold ornaments and gold bars would increase by 5% and 10% respectively during the festival.

-- NNT 2011-02-01

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Samples of food offerings found contaminated

BANGKOK, 1 February 2011 (NNT) – People are advised to be more careful when purchasing food for the worshiping ceremony during the Chinese New Year festival after many items are found to be contaminated, according to the Ministry of Public Health.

Public Health Minister Jurin Laksanawisit on Monday unveiled the result of a survey on seven kinds of toxic substances in meat and other foods used as offerings in the Chinese New Year festival. The survey was conducted from 25 to 29 January in fresh markets both in Bangkok and other provinces.

The survey in six fresh markets in Bangkok and its vicinities found that 2.79% of the food did not pass the safety standard indicated by the ministry. The figure was lower in nine other provinces where 0.85% of the samples was found below the safety standard.

Some of the dangerous substances included in the survey are borax, formalin, insecticides, and artificial colors. The Ministry of Public Health was earlier successful in developing test kits capable of ensuring safety of food and herbal medicines prior to consumption.

Consumers are hence suggested that they should stick with the three Cs strategy, including cook well, keep clean and conserve nutritional value when they cook their food.

-- NNT 2011-02-01

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A fire broke out at a factory in Bang Bon area. 2 people were injured and hospitalized. /via@Urisara_NT

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TELECOM

Abhisit assures SingTel of fair practices

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Crazed truck driver caught after failing to stop at Police Checkpoint

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Unconscious Man found in pick-up on the Sukhumvit Road

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20 Hi-Low gamblers caught by Pattaya Police

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Egg Sale by Weight Sees Lacklustre Start

The commerce ministry permanent secretary admits response has been slow on the first day of egg selling by weight under the government's policy.

He reasons that the public need time to adjust to and understand the new system.

Today is the first day fresh eggs are sold by kilogram at various markets in Thailand, including the Ying Charoen Market in Bangkok's Saphan Mai area.

The new sale method is not immediately popular with shoppers while most vendors and customers still prefer to buy eggs by size.

About 15 vendors at the market have switched to selling eggs by weight.

Eggs are sold at 52 baht per kilogram with digital egg scales being used to ensure accuracy.

Commerce Ministry Permanent Secretary Yanyong Puangrat said slow response to the new sale system today was expected.

He said the public are still unfamiliar with the system.

He noted that the Commerce Ministry will put the new system to use at 30 markets in Bangkok and its adjacent provinces for the next three months.

The new sale method will be implemented at 150 markets nationwide in the near future.

The ministry will review public response on the new sale method after the three-month trial period and decide whether it will be continued.

Yanyong added the ministry will call a meeting with egg vendors to discuss a reasonable median system for egg sale to ensure that customers will be treated fairly.

-- Tan Network 2011-02-01

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Thai-Cambodian Conflict, War Must Be Prevented

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Pattaya: Englishman Faints and Dies in Bathroom

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