Thailand Live Wednesday 9 Feb 2011

[webfact]

Suthep: PM has not called Hun Sen; relations with Cambodia not downgraded; welcomes UNESCO's inspection of area /TAN_Network

HM the Queen to preside over cremation of revered monk Luangta Mahabua on March 5 at Pa Ban Tad Temple in Udon Thani /TAN_Network

[webfact]

Energy Minister Reaffirmed Normal Energy Trade Between Thailand and Cambodia

The energy minister has reaffirmed that there has been no order from the government or the army to stop sending energy products to Cambodia.

Energy minister Wannarat Channukul confirmed that energy products are being traded normally between Thailand and Cambodia, despite the recent tensions.

He said there has not been an order from the government or the army to stop sending energy products to Cambodia, and that this it is not under the authority of the energy ministry to decide.

He added that trading activities will follow the free-trade agreement, and that no exact export numbers have been reported so far.

Domestic oil prices are starting to decline in line with world oil prices, due to the improving situation in Egypt.

However, fuel compensation funds are still needed.

Within one week, discussions with Finance Minister Korn Chantikavanij will be held on decreasing fuel taxes to reduce the burden on the government budget.

Regarding the joint-standing committee on commerce, industry, and banking proposing a postponement of the increase of LPG gas prices by 1-2 years, Wannarat stated that the Energy Ministry clearly announced the floatation of LPG gas prices.

However, the ministry welcomes all opinions for further consideration.

The energy minister recently went to a signing ceremony to give concession holders the right to inspect two pieces of land.

The first piece being land number L14/50 covering Petchaboon, Chaiyaphum, and Phitsanulok provinces.

This concession belongs to JSX energy holdings limited.

The second piece being land number L29/50 covering Nakorn Ratchasima and Chaiyaphum provinces. This concession belongs to TPI polene power plant.

The concession for both on land and in the gulf of Thailand consist of 65 panels of land, and the Energy Ministry has so far approved 22 petroleum concessions.

-- Tan Network 2011-02-09

[webfact]

BORDER CLASHES

UN to meet on Feb 14 on Thai-Cambodian border disputes - reports

UN Security Council has agreed to meet on Feb 14 to solve the border clashes between Thailand and Cambodia, Inter City Press reported.

Follow this link:

[webfact]

Metropolitan Police Set Deadline for PAD to Disperse Rally

The Metropolitan Police, after being instructed by the government to implement the Internal Security Act in the Dusit district between February 9 to 23, have announced that it will the PAD must disperse its rally by February 23. Strict security measures will be used according to international standards.

-- Tan Network 2011-02-09

[webfact]

UN Willing to Host Meeting over Border Clashes

The UN Security Council has expressed concern over the confrontation between Cambodia and Thailand, urging the two countries to execute a peaceful method to end the conflict.

Follow this link:

[webfact]

Finance Ministry Orders Tax Restructuring to Attract Foreign Investment

Follow this link:

[webfact]

Cambodia Denies Troop Presence at Preah Vihear Temple

Cambodia has issued a communique, denying that Cambodian soldiers are using Preah Vihear Temple as a stronghold for heavy artillery operations, even though pictures circulated in the media show otherwise.

Cambodia issued a statement, which was read out by the Cambodian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation spokesman, denying that Cambodian soldiers have been stationed at the Preah Vihear Temple, as the place is a sacred religious site and a tourism destination.

Cambodia further claimed there are only a small number of police officers equipped with small arms safeguarding the area.

The statement was issued in response to the address by the Royal Thai Army Spokesperson Colonel Sansern Kaewkamnerd, which alleged that Cambodian troops used the ancient temple as a base for battery operations.

Cambodia's statement seemed to be inconsistent with pictures posted on the websites of various news agencies such as Reuters, and even Cambodia-based Phnom Penh Post, which showed scores of Cambodian soldiers at the temple.

The Cambodian government has made complaints twice with the United Nations Security Council, accusing Thailand of firing shells at Preah Vihear temple and causing heavy damage.

However, no media has pictures that could support Cambodia's claims. So far, there are only images showing cracks caused by bullet shrapnel and rubble that was already present before the clashes.

-- Tan Network 2011-02-09

[webfact]

Da Torpedo's lese majeste conviction declared mistrail

By The Nation

The Appeals Court on Wednesday declared a mistrial on the lese majeste conviction of Daranee Chanchoengsilpakul, aka Da Torpedo.

Under the appellate decision, Daranee will be tried again after the Criminal Court has sought and received the Constitution Court ruling on whether its closed-door trial was constitutional.

At the trial, the court invoked Article 177 of the Criminal Procedural Code to conduct the hearing behind closed doors after overruling the defence argument that the secret proceedings might be unconstitutional.

Based on the judicial procedures, the court was obliged to refer any arguments on the constitutional compliance to the Constitution Court for review instead of exercising its discretion.

Daranee was tried in connection with her anti-coup remarks in 2008.

Due to the mistrial, Daranee's conviction and jail term for 18 years were cancelled.

The high court left it up to the discretion of the Criminal Court on whether to grant bail pending the completion of the Constitution Court review and the retrial.

-- The Nation 2011-02-09

[webfact]

AFP: Thai FM to address UN on Cambodia border dispute

Follow this link:

[webfact]

Renewed attempt for bail of seven red leaders

Red-shirt leader Thida Thowornseth on Wednesday posted Bt4.2 million in cash as bond to seek the temporary release of seven red leaders held in remand for terrorism charges in connection with last year's rallies.

Defence lawyer Narinpong Jinapak said he filed a fresh batch of bail applications for the seven based on a precedent set the release of yellow-shirt leader Chaiwat Sinsuwong who faced similar charges in connection with the seizure of two Bangkok airports in 2008.

In the Chaiwat case, the court set bail at Bt600,000, he said.

The Criminal Court has yet to decide on the bail hearing.

-- The Nation 2011-02-09

[webfact]

Suphan Buri restaurant busted by Thai police for sex slavery of Lao girls

Follow this link:

[webfact]

Police Ready to Disperse All Protests

The deputy prime minister in charge of national security says the police are ready to disperse political rallies now that the Internal Security Act is in place in parts of Bangkok.

Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban said since the Internal Security Act has been invoked for seven districts in Bangkok, national police chief Police General Wichien Podposri is now responsible for heading the peacekeeping center, which will come up with security plans and clarify to the public what is being done.

Suthep said he is ready to appear before the Administrative Court if the People's Alliance for Democracy, or PAD, will file suit against the government's declaration of the security act.

Suthep added it is up to the police chief whether he wants to revoke bail for tkey PAD leaders charged with terrorism.

The minister affirmed the police are fully prepared for the dispersal of all gatherings and if 50 companies of policemen are not enough, he is ready to approve more forces.

Suthep said he does not feel concerned about the PAD's planned visit to the border area in Kantharalak district of Si Sa Ket province as the area is under martial law while locals are not receptive to the group's protests.

The minister concluded by saying now is not the time to dissolve the House even though the government is facing problems on many fronts.

He also refuted speculations about intelligence on plans to assassinate the prime minister.

-- Tan Network 2011-02-09

[webfact]

Facebook opens Hong Kong office as it looks to boost its presence in Asia

Facebook opens Hong Kong office as it looks to boost its presence in Asia, even though social networking giant is banned in mainland China, potentially huge market

-- TNA 2011-02-09

[webfact]

A-Time Showbiz Plans 11 Major Concerts This Year

A-Time Showbiz, a subsidiary of entertainment giant GMM Grammy, announces year-round concerts to suit all tastes.

Head of A-Time Showbiz, Saithip Montrikul na Ayutthaya, held a press conference to announce her plans to arrange for 11 grand concerts this year.

Many of the artists who will participate in the concerts joined the press conference including Pod-Thanachai Utchin, the vocalist from Modern Dog band; Ben-Chalathit Tantiwut; Off-Pongsak Rattanapong; Calories Blah Blah, Billy Ogan; Pup- Patchai Pakdisusuk, vocalist from Potato band; and Christina Aguilar.

Thailand's sexiest songstress, Christina Aguilar, so-called queen of dance, will celebrate her 20 successful years in the music industry with a major concert this year.

She denied a rumor that she plans to resign from GMM Grammy to join a new music company operated by pop singer and actress Marsha Vadhanapanich.

-- Tan Network 2011-02-09

[webfact]

Valentine's Day to generate 2 billion baht in circulation

BANGKOK, 9 February 2011 (NNT)-The Center for Economic and Business Forecasting (CEBF) of the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce has forecast the capital flow of 2.65 billion baht during Valentine’s Day this year, an increase of 8.3% compared to the same period last year.

The CEBF Director Thanawat Polwichai said that the consumer confidence in economic growth had risen with the Thai-Cambodian tensions contributing only minimum impact on spending. On a different note, Mr. Thanawat said imposing a 10 p.m. curfew to discourage youth from having sex will not succeed.

-- NNT 2011-02-09

[webfact]

Suthep unconcerned with PAD seeking ISA injunction

BANGKOK, 9 February 2011 (NNT) – Deputy Prime Minister in charge of National Security Suthep Thaugsuban has voiced no concerns with the People’s Alliance for Democracy seeking a temporary injunction against the Internal Security Act (ISA) imposition.

The deputy prime minister stated that National Police Chief Police General Wichean Potephosree, in his capacity as the director of the Center for the Administration of Peace and Order (CAPO), will be responsible for the details of the operation in line with the ISA guidelines

According to Mr Suthep, the CAPO will take action against the PAD if the group still refuses to leave the protest area in Dusit district, which is now under the ISA enforcement along with six other districts in the capital city. He promised that measures taken will range from soft to harsh depending on the situation.

In addition, the deputy prime minister indicated that he was not at all worried with the PAD’s plan to seek a temporary injunction against the security law imposition from the administrative court as it earlier announced.

As for reports that the PAD will travel to the border province of Si Sa Ket on 11 February to donate essentials and money as well as moral support to troops and people affected by the border row, Mr Suthep said that the area remained risky and that local residents might not think it would be a good idea for the PAD to go over there at this time.

-- NNT 2011-02-09

[webfact]

Govt Not to Seek Talks with Hun Sen

A deputy prime minister insists the premier will not make the first move in seeking talks with his Cambodian counterpart as this could bring about a claim that Thailand is bowing to Hun Sen.

Deputy Prime Minister in charge of national security Suthep Thaugsuban said the prime minister still has not called his Cambodian counterpart Hun Sen to discuss the current border tension.

Suthep said handling of the matter has been left to related agencies to prevent claims that Thailand is bowing to Cambodia and to protect the country's dignity.

The deputy premier said there is no need to downgrade diplomatic relations with Cambodia as it could hurt border trade.

Suthep said the Foreign Ministry will take charge of explaining the recent series of clashes with Cambodia to the international community, whether at the level of the United Nations or the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.

The deputy premier said the ministry is gathering evidence to show Thailand's military response against Cambodia was within its right to protect the country's sovereignty and its troops have never invaded the neighboring country.

Suthep said he has not received any report on possible clashes at other Thai-Cambodian border areas besides Si Sa Ket's Kantharalak district.

He said the government has attempted to keep the armed conflict from expanding to other areas while villagers who have fled the fighting to shelters will be permitted to return home once the two countries can agree on a ceasefire.

Suthep agreed with the United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organization's, or UNESCO, planned exploration of the damaged Preah Vihear Temple.

Cambodia claimed the damage was caused by shelling from the Thai side.

Suthep said he has information that Cambodian troops used the temple as their military operation base, so this will have adverse effects on the effort to register it as a World Heritage site.

Cambodia has denied such reports.

-- Tan Network 2011-02-09

[webfact]

Transport Minister Halts Using Don Muang Airport as Hub for SMEs

Follow this link:

[webfact]

PAD: No plan to cordon off Parliament

Follow this link:

[webfact]

Real Estate Growth Expected to Shrink by 5 percent

Follow this link:

[webfact]

Academy Fantasia Performers to Hold Large Concert in March

Reality TV franchise Academy Fantasia is planning to hold its latest concert titled "Krungsri AF Comedy Show Must Go On”, with more than 30 Academy Fantasia performers set to take the stage.

Fans and followers of the widely popular True Academy Fantasia reality TV show will be pleased with the announcement of a concert and stage play hybrid titled “Krungsri AF Comedy Show Must Go On”.

More than 30 Academy Fantasia contestants winners and finalists of the past seven seasons including Nut Sakdathorn , Tol , Nuttiew, Boy, Boss, and many others, announced plans for the concert.

Contestants gave a sneak peek of the show, performing skits to the delight of the crowd.

The concert will be in the hands of experienced producers Pawanrat Naksuriya and Wichai Jongprasit, and will be directed by Theerawat Anuwatudom.

The performers said the show will be very special, as they will show the bloopers and funny moments of the performers during their time with Academy Fantasia.

“Krungsri AF Comedy Show Must go On” will be held at Thunder Dome, Muang Thong Thani on March 19.

-- Tan Network 2011-02-09

[webfact]

Fiber Optic Cables set to transform the way we communicate in Pattaya

Follow this link:

[webfact]

Security Guard stabbed by work colleague in drunken fight in East Pattaya

Follow this link:

[webfact]

Armed theft of Motorbike from female taxi driver in Jomtien

Follow this link:

[webfact]

Supreme Patriarch bestows robes for monks and amulets for locals near border to ward off dangers from border clashes /TAN_Network

[webfact]

Ali Farman, 23-yr-old Pakistani, was arrested for smuggling 1 kg of crystal meth-amphetamine to Thailand via Suvarnabhumi Airport. /via@Urisara_NT

[webfact]

SET index closed at 969.89, down 13.64; Bt/USD30.55; GBP48.97; AUD30.88; EUR41.53; CAD30.64; HKD3.92; SGD23.87; JPY36.92

[webfact]

A 70-yr-old woman sustained a fatal gunshot wound while sitting at a bus-stop in Nakhon Pathom this morning. /via@@Urisara_NT

[webfact]

Kalasin launches tourist attraction for dinosaur fossils

Follow this link:

[webfact]

OHCHR to be asked to intervene for two Thais held in Cambodia

The defence plans to seek the intervention of the Office of Untied Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights to release two Thais convicted for illegal entry and spying in Phnom Penh, lawyer Natthaporn Toprayoon said on Wednesday.

"The trial and verdict for Veera Somkwamkid and Ratree Pipapatanapaiboon were unjust," he said, explaining why the defence wants to involve the OHCHR.

Natthaporn said the petition will be submitted to the OHCHR next week.

He said the defence will take a two-tracked strategy - involving the OHCHR and appealing to overturn the verdict and sentencing.

-- The Nation 2011-02-09