Thailand Live Tuesday 8 Feb 2011

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Phuket ‘mangrove road’ EIA approved

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Thai-Cambodian border governors ordered to set up war rooms

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Yellow-shirt Leader Denies Coup Plot

A founder of the People's Alliance for Democracy denies taking part in a meeting to orchestrate a military coup as alleged by a red-shirt MP.

Core leader of the People's Alliance for Democracy Sondhi Limthongkul said the claim by Pheu Thai MP Jatuporn Prompan on his participation in a meeting in Phuket to engineer a coup plot was baseless and aimed to smear him.

Sondhi then said the red-shirt group's planned rally on February 13 is merely part of its campaign to help its core elements held in prison.

Another PAD leader Major General Chamlong Srimuang said although the police might disperse his group's protests, its supporters can reassemble and reiterated it does not amass firearms or plans to use force.

Chamlong said the PAD does not reject the democratic rule as accused by Deputy Prime Minister in charge of national security Suthep Thaugsuban, but the government must perform its duty of protecting the country's sovereignty.

The PAD leader said his group will on Friday visit soldiers on duty at the Thai-Cambodian border in Si Sa Ket to give them moral support and basic necessities.

-- Tan Network 2011-02-08

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Sappasit Prasong Hospital in Ubon Ratchathani says Thai soldier seriously wounded in Thai-Cambodia border clash has died /MCOT

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PAD will not march in Bangkok on 11 Feb

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315 more Thais return from Cairo

The sixth chartered flight organised by the Foreign Ministry returned following unrest in Egypt from Cairo Tuesday morning with 315 Thais onboard.

The flight left Cairo at 10:40 pm and arrived at the Suvarnabhumi International Airport at noon.

So far, the ministry has evacuated 1,060 Thais from Cairo.

-- The Nation 2011-02-08

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Finally, Central Ladphrao will be closed for 6 mons for renovation from midnight of Feb 14. /via @wannasiri_ @annopk #whatsup /via@veen_NT

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SET index closed at 983.53, down 2.10; Bt/USD30.56; GBP49.23; AUD30.91; EUR41.53; CAD30.81; HKD3.92; SGD23.89; JPY36.95

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Asean urge Thailand and Cambodia to solve dispute bilaterally

By The Nation

Antara

Jakarta Post

Asean has urged Thailand and Cambodia to solve current border disputes on bilateral basis and through talks.

Indonesia's Foreign Minister Marty Natalegawa conveyed the message when he held talks with his Thai counterpart Kasit Piromya during a Bangkok meeting on Tuesday.

Negotiations were key to prevent further fighting between Thailand and Cambodia.

Indonesia is currently chairs the Asean was in Phnom Penh on Monday before travelling to Bangkok today for meetings with Kasit. Indonesia is trying to mediate with both countries which are at loggerheads following fierce and fatal cross-border fightings.

Thailand has insisted that Cambodia started the attacks.

Natalegawa was quoted by Thai News Agency as saying that the problem bilaterally is very complex and there is no way for Aseanto push its own interests.

"Both countries need to settle the problem on their own and through talks and negotiations," he said.

Asean could help by create a situation conducive for problem solving, he said.

Natelegawa said after meeting with Cambodia's Foreign Minister Hor Nam Hong in Phnom Penh on Monday he hoped a ceasefire negotiated Saturday, which has been broken twice since, could be better respected.

He stressed that dialogue and negotiation were the only way to resolve the differences between the two nations, both members of Asean.

'On the eve of an ASEAN community by 2015, the guns must be silent in South-East Asia,' Natalegawa said. 'There is no more place for use of force and military means in resolving problems or challenges among ASEAN countries.'

Indonesia's President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono said earlier that Indonesia is the Asean chair this year, so it has a moral responsibility to become part of the solution.

-- The Nation 2011-02-08

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FM Kasit: Will meet with Cambodia Foreign Minister in third country to discuss current situation. /via @veen_NT /via@nateev

50 schools in Si Sa Ket have been closed due to border fighting. /via@Urisara_NT

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Troops Still on High Alert as Border Clash Ceases

The situation along the Thai-Cambodian border has become peaceful once again as fighting has ceased for the last 24 hours while the Second Army Region believes the People's Alliance for Democracy's planned visit near the border will not stir further tension.

The Second Army Region's Civil Affairs Division Director Colonel Chinkaj Rattanakitti, along with Si Sa Ket Governor Somsak Suwansujarit, have given a press briefing at the Kantharalak district office, attended by a large number of local and foreign press members.

Chinkaj stated that the situation along the disputed border area is returning to normal as fighting has subsided in the last 24 hours.

However, troops are still on the highest alert as defending the border is their top priority.

Military forces have been ordered to strictly adhere to the the government's policy and the army chief's order to exercise pacifism and instructed not to open fire first.

If both countries can reach a peaceful solution, affected locals can return home within one week.

When asked about the People's Alliance for Democracy's, or PAD, planned visit near the disputed area on Friday, Chinkaj said that special security measures will not be necessary as he is confident the group's visit concerns the well-being of the affected locals and not aimed to create further tension in the disputed area.

As for possible local opposition against the PAD's visit to the area, the Second Army Region believes the local administration and security agencies will be able to handle the situation.

Regarding the effort to help the fleeing villagers, the Second Army Region's Civil Affairs Division director said there are about 21,700 people sheltered at 37 emergency centers across Si Sa Ket province.

He went on to say that many agencies have been dedicated in helping the distressed locals fleeing the fighting, including the Royal Family which has sent relief packages to help the villagers.

The province has organized various activities at the emergency centers to help calm the nerve of panicked villagers.

As for speculation about a planned visit by Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya, the province has yet to confirm whether he will visit the area.

-- Tan Network 2011-02-08

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Phuket committee agrees to set standard tuk-tuk fares

FARE PLAY: An overpriced tuk-tuk ride is set to become a thing

of the past. Photo: Apinun Saithong

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AFP: Thai-Cambodia border quiet as UN eyes temple visit

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Phuket Old Town Festival starts today

Abbot Master Kwang Zhu (left) and Master Suchi Yen of Guangde Temple

present a jade replica of a 1000-year-old stamp from their temple in

Suining, thought by many to be the birthplace of Guan Yin.

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Phuket yachting icon succumbs to road accident injuries

Tony Knight was well-known among Phuket's yachties.

Photo: ACYC

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Thai Defense Minister Prawit told cabinet meeting that Cambodia couldn't defeat Thailand as it has no powerful jet fighter. /via@supalakg_nt

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to be continued

Thailand Live Wednesday 9 February