Thailand Live Wednesday 2 Feb 2011

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Air pollution in Bangkok has reached critical level

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Thai stock index opens on Wednesday at 969.15, up 9.46 points /MCOT

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Webs Acquires Bangkok Based Facebook Page Builder Pagemodo

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City Police Chief Denies Planned Action against PAD Protesters

The metropolitan police commissioner claims the government has yet to order the police to take any action against the People's Alliance for Democracy.

Metropolitan Police Chief, Police Lieutenant General Chakthip Chaichinda said that the demonstration of the People's Alliance for Democracy or PAD is continuing peacefully as it has for several days.

The group's supporters have been taking turns giving speeches and doing various activities on stage.

Chakthip further said that although the PAD protesters have refused to negotiate with police, Commander of the Metropolitan Police Division 1, Police Major General Wichai Sangprapai, will continue attempts to negotiate with the protesters everyday.

As for the atmosphere of the protest, the city police chief said there is nothing to be concerned about.

He insists the government has not ordered the police to take any action against the protesters.

Chakthip noted that a number of police officers from the Metropolitan Police Division 1 and the Royal Thai Police Special Branch have been deployed to maintain security at the Cambodian Embassy as tension rises over the guilty verdict of two Thais in Cambodia.

The Cambodian criminal court found Veera Somkwankid and Ratree Pipatanapaiboon guilty of espionage.

Veera was sentenced a 8 year jailterm and a fine of 1.8 million Cambodian real, while Ratree was sentenced to 6 years in jail and a fine of 1.2 million Cambodian real.

The city police chief called on protesters who plan to stage a rally in front of the Cambodian embassy in Thailand to carry out activities within the scope of law.

-- Tan Network 2011-02-02

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Additional 120,000 Tons of Palm Oil to be Imported to Alleviate Shortage

The National Palm Oil Policy Committee has approved the import of an additional 120,000 tons of palm oil over the next two months, to alleviate the current shortage.

Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban said that the National Palm Oil Policy Committee has approved the import of 120,000 tons of palm oil, from now until March, as proposed by the Commerce Ministry, to alleviate the current palm oil shortage.

This is in addition to the 30,000 tons imported earlier.

Suthep expressed confidence that the additional import will address the shortage in the country before the domestic crops are available in the market in late March or early April.

The deputy prime minister indicated that the prices will be dictated by the market.

Meanwhile, P ermanent-Secretary of Commerce Ministry Yanyong Puangraj said he will call a meeting with palm oil manufacturers and the Public Warehouse Organization to discuss the exact quantity of domestic stock.

The ministry will address the shortages and have stock thoroughly distributed.

At the same time, Energy Minister Wannarat Channukul said the quantity of palm oil used to produce Biodiesel B5 has been sorted out for the time being.

-- Tan Network 2011-02-02

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TPN lawyer Nuttaporn to file suit on Veera, Ratree's case with Intl Court of Justice; claims verdict was politically-motivated /TAN_Network

Suthep admits Cambodian Court's verdict in Veera, Ratree case was too harsh but says appeal possible; asks PAD not to exacerbate issue /TAN_Network

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Cambodia Refuses to Remove Controversial Flag

Cambodia has issued an official statement refusing to remove its national flag from the Keo Sikha Kiri Svara pagoda, saying the religious site is in Cambodian territory according to the agreement signed in 2000 and a set of maps with a ratio of 1:200,000 (one to two hundred thousand), which was allegedly accepted by Thailand.

The communique was published on the website of the Cambodian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation on Friday.

It declared Cambodia's refusal to remove its national flag from Keo Sikha Kiri Svara pagoda as demanded by the Thai government.

Cambodia claimed the MoU of 2000 referred to the Franco-Siamese Convention of 1904 and the Treaty of 1907, which led to the establishment of the Joint Commissions on the Delimitation of Frontiers between Indo-China and Siam on February 13, 1904.

The Commission produced a set of maps with a ratio of 1:200,000 (one to two hundred thousand), which included the Temple of Preah Vihear, to be used for demarcation works between 1905 and 1908.

The map was referred to as Map “Annex 1”.

Cambodia said the International Court of Justice based its judgment on the Preah Vihear Temple dispute in 1962 principally on Map “Annex 1”, in which it recognized that the ancient temple was situated on Cambodia territory.

The statement noted that the Court considered that Thailand did accept the maps, and ordered the country to withdraw its troops from Preah Vihear Temple.

Cambodia, therefore, concluded that Keo Sikha Kiri Svara pagoda is legally on Cambodian soil according to the Map “Annex 1”, and insisted it will not remove its flag or relocate the pagoda.

The full statement can be found on Cambodian Ministry of Foreign Affairs at www.mfaic.gov.kh

-- Tan Network 2011-02-02

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2nd Army Commander Calls Cambodian Force Movement 'Routine Exercise'

The 2nd Army commander says the recent movement of the Cambodian military force along the border is a regular exercise.

He added that the Thai national flag will remain in the disputed area until the demarcation process is completed.

Commander of the 2nd Army, Lieutenant-General Tawatchai Samutsakorn, spoke with a news reporter about the ongoing tension between Thailand and Cambodia after it was reported that the Cambodian military has reinforced armored vehicles and heavy weaponry at the border along Sisaket and Surin provinces.

Tawatchai said the recent movement by the Cambodian military is a normal exercise, and there is no reason to be alarmed.

The regional army commander also pointed out that the Thai military often conducts similar exercises in the area.

When asked how the government is planning to proceed regarding the Cambodian national flag planted inside the disputed area, Tawatchai responded that both countries' national flags will be planted in the area, and will be removed once the demarcation process is complete.

He also reaffirmed that cross-border relations remains in tact.

-- Tan Network 2011-02-02

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4.8-magnitude earthquake that jolts Yingjiang county in Yunnan province damages homes and forces evacuation of 64,500 people although no reported injuries /MCOT

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Thais Shop for Chinese New Year Nationwide

Thais of Chinese descent are busy shopping for Chinese New Year, as celebrations contine.

The Chinese New Year celebration in Nakorn Ratchasima province is lively with people buying offerings to worship God and ancestors, especially at Mae Kim market, despite the increased commodity prices.

The gold market has faced a decline in demand as gold prices rise, causing people to switch from giving gold to giving cash, in the traditional of the red envelope, commonly known as Aung Pao.

In Kampaengpetch province, people are preparing elaborate food offerings for the Chinese New Year, despite increased food prices.

The best-seller items are steamed duck, chicken, pork, and fruit, among others.

However, the festival is a little less lively in Nan province, as vendors are complaining about the decline in sales compared to last year.

People are cutting down on spending and are focusing on the basics to conduct the prayer ceremony.

The same is true for the market in Narathiwat province, where unrest has strongly affected the situation, and most of population in the area are Muslims who do not celebrate the Chinese New Year.

In Pattani province, Joss-Houses are preparing to welcome people during this festival by putting up red-lamp decorations.

Lastly, on Phuket island, the Ministry of Public Health is inspecting commodities being sold in the market, to ensure consumer safety.

-- Tan Network 2011-02-02

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PAD gives govt 3 days to evict Cambodian settlement, help Veera and Ratree; to decide on next major move on Feb 5 /TAN_Network

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Suthep displeased by Phnom Penh court ruling on Veera and Ratree; security stepped up at Cambodian embassy in Bangkok to prevent untoward incidents /MCOT

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PAD to Decide on Next Major Move on Feb 5

The People's Alliance for Democracy has given the government 3 days to evict the Cambodian settlement on disputed territory and extend help to Veera Somkwamkid and Ratree Pipatanapaiboon, now back in Cambodian jail.

The group asks its supporters to turn up on February 5 to vote on its next major move.

-- Tan Network 2011-02-02

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Chart Thai Pattana Party Denies Involvement in PM Candidacy of Opposition's Censure Debate

Chart Thai Pattana Party has denied a rumor that a senior politician of a coalition party is tipped to be the candidate for the premiership in the Opposition's censure debate proposal.

Chief Adviser of the Chart Thai Pattana Party, Banharn Silpa-archa, denied having knowledge that Deputy Prime Minister Sanan Kachornprasart, also a leader of the party, will be nominated for the prime ministerial post in the next censure debate.

Banharn has pointed out that this is merely an unfounded speculation and questioned the intention of those responsible for spreading it.

Banharn also dismissed the possibility of another military coup, saying the situation is now relatively peaceful judging by the small number of protesters, noting that the country has already been damaged enough.

The chief adviser of the Chart Thai Pattana Party also expressed confidence that the pending charter change bill will be passed by the lawmakers in its third reading.

He said at least 20 of the party's 25 MPs will vote in favor of the bill.

Meanwhile, Somsak Prissananantakul, an adviser to the Chart Thai Pattana Party leader, has expressed opposition to Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva's plan to dissolve the House in April or May once the charter changes has passed and to call for a General Election with a set of special regulations enacted by the National Election Commission.

Somsak says this is a very important issue and the process must be done correctly.

Somsak claims the electoral regulations enacted by the election commission will not be respected and may damage the Democrat Party's credibility.

-- Tan Network 2011-02-02

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New Horror Film Making Faces Supernatural Challenges

A famous comedy director has embarked on the production of a new horror film based on the true story of the baby fetuses found at Phai Ngern temple in Bangkok.

The director shared spooky events he experienced while shooting the film.

Director Phot Anont disclosed that the ongoing production for his forthcoming horror film, “Tai Hong 2” has encountered a lot of problems that deter the film's progress. He has called it a curse.

In one instance, a staff member took a picture that accidentally recorded the transparent body of an unidentified baby.

Phot said he will host a merit-making ceremony to pay respect to all of the deceased after the film's production is complete, as the cast and staff members are often experiencing bad luck while working as well.

“2002 Aborted Babies” tells a story about the scores of aborted babies hidden in the morgue of Phai Ngern temple in Bangkok.

The film features well-known stars such as 'May' Pichanart Sakhakorn and 'Tao' Somchai Kemglat.

The story will be included with a horror film called 'Tai Hong 2', a film that features three short stories, expected to be released later this year.

-- Tan Network 2011-02-02

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Naked Pattaya Brit comes back from hell - Horror story revisited

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AFP: Thais must give UN access to boat people: HRW

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Rebels kill family of four in Thai south: police

YALA, February 2, 2011 (AFP) - Suspected Islamic militants shot and killed a Buddhist family of four at their home in the south of Thailand before dumping their bodies in a forest, police said Wednesday.

The bodies of a 43-year-old man, a 33-year-old woman, their daughter, aged 16, and their seven-year-old son were found in a forest near a railway in insurgency-plagued Yala province on Tuesday.

Major General Chote Chawalwiwat said local people told the police they heard gun shots at the family's house, in neighbouring Narathiwat province, late on Monday but were too afraid to go and investigate the situation.

"They were the only Buddhist family left in their village, so the militants wanted to terrify and completely drive out Buddhists," he told AFP.

Shadowy Islamic insurgents have waged a violent campaign in Thailand's southernmost region bordering Malaysia since early 2004, leaving more than 4,400 people dead, including both Muslims and Buddhists.

Fighting appears to have intensified recently, with a bomb attack in Yala province killing nine villagers last week and an unusually brazen attack by armed rebels a week earlier on a military base killing at least four soldiers.

Thailand extended emergency rule on January 18 in most of the Muslim-majority region for another three months, despite rights groups' concerns about the powers given to the military.

-- (c) Copyright AFP 2011-02-02

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Bangkok airport welcomes tourists for Chinese New Year celebration

BANGKOK, Feb 2 – Management and staff dressed in Chinese traditional outfits at Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport, the official gateway to Thailand, welcoming tourists with auspicious fruit and blessing banners written in Chinese as the Chinese New Year celebration began on Wednesday.

Airport Director Anirut Thanomkulbutra was among the Airports of Thailand (AoT) and government officials welcoming passengers on arrival at the airport and presented mandarin oranges, an auspicious fruit on the occasion of the Chinese New Year celebration.

It is expected that during the Chinese New Year festival from February 1-13, about 2.3 million passengers--including more than 98,000 Chinese tourists, mainly from China, Hong Kong and Taiwan--will arrive at Suvarnabhumi Airport, Flying Officer Anirut said.

The increasing number of Chinese tourists was seen in the past two years due to cooperation among Suvarnabhumi Airport, the Ministry of Transport and the country’s flag carrier airline,

Thai Airways International, to boost Thai tourism among Chinese tourists.

A seminar was held in Bangkok, attended by Chinese tour operators, media from several Chinese provinces including Guangzhou, Kunming and Chengdu, as well as Thai tourism operators.

The seminar introduced Thai tourist destinations and participants exchanged information and negotiated business deals. More amenities have been arranged for Chinese tourists including signposts in Chinese, tourist information pamphlets in Chinese, and recruitment of Chinese speaking public relations staff at the airport. (MCOT online news)

-- TNA 2011-02-02

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Diesel Subsidy Raised by 65 Satang

The energy regulator has increased the diesel subsidy by 65 satang per liter, in an effort to keep diesel prices below 30 baht per liter.

It expects the first batch of subsidy, worth two billion baht, will be able to maintain prices at the current level for 14 days.

The Energy Policy and Planning Office or EPPO has approved an increase in the subsidy for diesel fuel by 65 satang per liter, in an effort to curb prices at 30 baht, as global oil prices continue a rising trend.

The subsidy increase is effective starting.

Energy Minister Wannarat Charnnukul said the increased subsidy will contribute to higher marketing margins, which will help reduce the financial burden on retailers.

The marketing margin for B3 Diesel now stands at 1.06 baht per liter, and B5 Diesel at 1 baht per liter.

Wannarat further stated that the EPPO approved the first batch of a diesel subsidy, worth five billion baht, for this year, and three billion baht has already been spent.

He said the remaining two billion baht is expected to keep diesel prices below the 30 baht mark for 14 days, assuming that there won't be a sharp increase in global petrol prices during the period.

In addition, the energy regulator resolved that the Energy Ministry and the Excise Department will discuss loosening regulations and review of tax structures with regard to the replacement of B5 Diesel by B3 Diesel, in a bid to reduce palm oil consumption.

Currently, the excise tax rate stands at 5.31 baht per liter for B3 Diesel and 5.04 baht for B5 diesel.

Meanwhile, OPEC recently expressed concerns over protests in Egypt, fearing it might affect oil prices.

However, the group affirmed that they still have sufficient crude supply in their stocks, and, therefore, they are not considering increasing production at this time.

Energy ministers of oil producing nations are scheduled to gather for an unofficial meeting on February 22.

-- Tan Network 2011-02-02

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PAD gives 3-day ultimatum to govt to bring back 2 Thais

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AFP: Thai 'Yellows' vow protest after Cambodia verdict

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Drought in Thailand less severe this year thanks to more rainfall

BANGKOK, 2 February 2011 (NNT)-Although Thailand’s agriculture industry will likely face drought this yea, the impact will be much less severe than last year’s, said the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives, adding that the Ministry has already put a contingency plan in place to help farmers.

According to Agriculture and Cooperatives Minister Theera Wongsamut, the plan to tackle drought problems is divided into two phases; the first of which, which has been in place since last October will end in March this year; the second phase is slated to begin in April and will finish in September this year, during which a natural phenomenon called ‘La Nina’ usually occurs.

La Nina is a buildup of warm weather in the Pacific Ocean, which consequently causes drought in this part of the world. Thailand is among the countries affected by this phenomenon almost every year. However, thanks to more rains predicted this year, the effect of the drought will be minimal, said Mr. Theera, adding that authorities will nonetheless keep an eye on outlying areas not under the provincial irrigation project in spite of the favorable forecast.

The Ministry has also urged farmers to limit their rice growing areas during the dry season to about 15 million rai of farmland to avoid water shortage problems, given water is also needed for household consumption during the dry season.

In related news, seven provinces have so far been declared drought disaster zones. The seven provinces are mainly in the North and Northeast.

-- NNT 2011-02-02

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Govt to Pursue Help for Two Jailed in Cambodia

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Online shopping increased among Thai shoppers

BANGKOK, 2 February 2011 (NNT)-MasterCard Worldwide has revealed buying air tickets is the most popular purchase on line among Thai shoppers under the recent survey on online-shopping.

According to the poll, over 67% of 500 Thai people aged between 18-64 being surveyed said they use internet as an alternative to traditional shopping. The figure is 6 % higher than the average number of online shoppers in Asia-Pacific, the Middle East and Africa. The survey was carried out from 3 September to 1 October last year with 8,500 people from 15 countries participating.

In Thailand, people of 25-34 years old represent the largest group of shoppers and the majority of them are female. The survey suggested that, in the 3 months to September 2010, Thailand has the highest number of online shoppers placing orders via mobile phones which accounts for 34% of the Thai respondents. Another 30% of them said they will continue to buy products or services on the internet through their cell phone in the next 6 months.

MasterCard Worldwide Thailand has also said that over 92% of Thai people said online transactions are safer especially if they are being done on a mobile phone. The credit company said it is a good opportunity for credit card industry now, given the popularity of the card at present.

The followings are the most popular products among online shopper in Thailand: air tickets (33%), clothes (33%), accessories (32%), DVD/CD/VCD (29%), hotel rooms (27%) and cosmetics (25%). In terms of products ordered through cell phones, there are food supplements (24%), food delivery (22%), movie and concert tickets (20%), mobile phone software (19%) and cosmetics (17%)

-- NNT 2011-02-02

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State Railway Seeks New Airport Link Operator

The State Railway of Thailand is looking for a new company to manage the Airport Link as it did not renew the contract with a German firm to manage the system.

State Railway of Thailand, or SRT, Deputy Governor Pakorn Tangjetsagao said the contract with German firm DB International GMBH, or DBI, to manage the Airport Link and maintain the tracks has ended since January 31.

The SRT did not renew the contract because DBI had canceled all overseas projects. Moreover, DBI had asked for an exemption of the fine on the late installation of the computer system.

The SRT has demanded an eight million-baht fine for the delay of one month in the installation.

The contract with DBI was for three months at 40.74 million baht.

The SRT has contacted five independent experts which had worked with DBI to manage the system while shortlisting private firms for a long-term contract.

Four firms have been shortlisted, including the Bangkok Mass Transit System, or BTSC, which operates the BTS Skytrain, the Bangkok Metro, which operates the MRT subway, Siemens from Germany and EMAST, which operates Malaysia's electric train service.

The BTSC and EMAST have expressed an interest in managing the Airport Link, so both companies have been asked to submit a proposal.

The final decision from the SRT is expected in a month.

-- Tan Network 2011-02-02

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Crude oil price has risen to $100 a barrel the 1st time since 2008 due to the unrest in Egypt: Al Jazeera /via@tulsathit /RT @Nattha_tvthai:

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14th Burapa Pattaya Bike Week Press Conference

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Truck Driver and former Prisoner arrested on class 1 drug offences in Sattahip

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Internet service is restored in Egypt - NBC News /via@BreakingNews: