Thailand Live Thursday 10 Feb 2011

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Rock band Scorpions meet PM at Govt House, gave PM electric guitar /TAN_Network

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Bangkok Police Force Plans to Revamp 191 Emergency Hotline

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PM Reaffirms Elections to be Held Within Mid Year

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Suthep says not necessary for France to help mediate Thai-Cambodian conflict, FM Kasit's criticism of Hun Sen is warranted /TAN_Network

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Border Trade Resumes After Days of Ceasefire

Border trade has started to pick up again after days of ceasefire.

Chong Jom-O'Smach border crossing in Surin province has seen a large number of Cambodian merchants crossing into Thailand since it was reopened morning, after it was closed earlier this week because of border clashes.

At the nearby border market on the Thai side, some of the more than 400 Cambodian-owned shops which were closed during the fighting have begun to reopen.

The market management expects all shops to be open for business within the next couple of days if there are no further incidents.

At the Ban Khlong Luek border crossing in Sa Kaeo province, more than 6,000 Thais and Cambodians crossed the border.

As a result, the nearby Rong Kluea Market saw 30 to 50 million baht in total trade value.

Many buyers came to stockpile on supplies in case the fighting flares up again.

At the Chong Sa-ngam Border Market in Sisaket province, only a small number of Cambodians were seen.

Most still fear further clashes could break out.

While trade has picked up, several casinos in Cambodia have reported that many Thai gamblers and tour groups have canceled their trips.

-- Tan Network 2011-02-10

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Transport Minister: Purple Train Route Ready by Dec 2014

The transport minister has ensured that the purple route mass-transit train construction will be completed by December, 2014 as planned.

Transport Minister Sophon Saram disclosed that he has instructed related officers to speed up construction of the purple route of the mass-transit system, from Bang Sue to Bang Yai.

He said prolonged construction will make the project subjected to rising construction material costs.

He noted that the progress is satisfactory as it is reported that 19 percent has been completed so far, which is faster than planned.

As for the blue route, from Bang Khae to Hua Lam Phong, and from Bang Sue to Tha Phra, Sophon insisted the contracts are likely to be signed within the next week.

Meanwhile, the minister presided over the installation ceremony for the rail of the purple line on Rattanathibet Road.

He said the construction for the first phase, from Tao Pun to Saphan Phra Nangklao stations, is expected to be ready in 12 months.

-- Tan Network 2011-02-10

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Kantharalak villagers march against PAD’s visit

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Thailand to bid for 2019 Asian Games

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Interior Ministry opens center to help people affected from border clashes

BANGKOK, 10 February 2011 (NNT) – The Ministry of Interior has set up an ad hoc center to assist people affected from clashes along the Thai-Cambodian border, claiming the center received 3.3 million THB in cash donation on the first day.

The center is aimed at collecting donations from the public in a bid to help lessen difficulties of those victims from the recent clashes. Permanent Secretary for Interior Wichian Chavalit is taking helm of the center.

Cash donations are invited and sent to a Krung Thai Bank account named “Interior Ministry helps Thai-Cambodian border victims” at Fueng Nakhon Road branch, savings account number 159-0-057-33-3.

Besides, donors can contribute necessities and other supplies by themselves at the ministry from 9.00 to 18.00 hrs daily or dial 02-2238-851 and Fax. No. 02-6222-441 for further information.

Interior Minister Chavarat Charnvirakul reportedly received 3.277 million THB in cash donation upon the inauguration of the center on Wednesday.

-- NNT 2011-02-10

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Don’t Drive Drunk Foundation to promote helmet awareness on 14 Feb

BANGKOK (NNT) – The Don’t Drive Drunk Foundation is prepared to hold a rally aimed at promoting helmet safety on 14 February in Bangkok.

MD Thaejing Siripanich, Secretary General of the Don’t Drive Drunk Foundation, underlined an increase in road accidents and their severity in Thailand as well as massive losses of lives and properties on the road every year. Although the compulsory helmet law has been enforced in the country since 1996, only a small percentage of motorcyclists bother to wear the safety gear. Most common excuses among those riding unprotected include their short-distance commutes and discomfort while wearing helmets.

In line with the government’s accident reduction policy, MD Thaejing stated that the Don’t Drive Drunk Foundation would release a mobile campaign on 14 February through several streets in Bangkok, starting from Vibhavadi-Rangsit to Phahonyothin, the Victory Monument, Phayathai, Rama IV and Ratchadaphisek. With the cooperation from the National Police Office, the Thai Health Promotion Foundation and related agencies, both public and private, the event will provide parents with helmets for their children and encourage them to pay attention to safety while riding motorcycles. Campaign activities, joined by about 100 volunteers, will be held at several spots along the route to promote helmet awareness.

According to statistics, more than 8,000 riders without helmets die each year in Thailand, 80 percent of them are between 15-25 years old. The other portion includes children under 15.

-- NNT 2011-02-10

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Investors Warned of Risks for Thai Stock Market

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German Rock Band to Hold Farewell Concert in Bangkok Today

Hard-rock fans are counting down to D-Day with the legendary heavy metal band, Scorpions.

The band has flown in from Germany, to perform its final show in Bangkok tomorrow.

Five members of the German heavy metal band, Scorpions; vocalist Klaus Meine, guitarist Matthias Jabs, bassist Paweł Mąciwoda, drummer James Kottak, and guitarist Rudolf Schenker have arrived from Germany and held a press conference at the Suvarnabhumi International Airport about their concert, “Chang Presents Scorpions Farewell Tour 2011” in Bangkok.

The concert will take place at Impact Arena, Muang Thong Thani tomorrow.

They earlier announced that they will be retiring after touring the world in support of their new and final album, 'Sting in the Tail'.

The tour is expected to come to an end in 2012 or 2013.

Thailand is honored to be the first country in Asia the band is performing in.

The band's members disclosed that they still remember their first show in Thailand in 1982, 29 years ago, which was held at Indoor Stadium Hua Mark.

The German hard-rock band was formed in 1965.

Throughout their 45 years of performing extensively worldwide, Scorpions have recorded a total of 21 albums and sold over 100 million copies around the world.

“Sting in the Tail”, their new and final album, was released in March of last year.

For the upcoming concert, Thai fans will be bobbing their heads to the band's many hits such as 'Rock You Like a Hurricane', 'Wind of Change', 'Still Loving You', and 'Always Somewhere'.

-- Tan Network 2011-02-10

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Thailand to send team to explain with UNESCO

BANGKOK, 10 February 2011 (NNT) – The Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs has arranged a team to explain the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) on the Thai-Cambodian border tension and its disapproval to the planned registration of the Preah Vihear Temple as world heritage.

Secretary to the Foreign Minister Chavanond Intarakomalyasut elaborated that Thai Joint Border Commission (JBC) Chairperson Asda Jayanama will lead the team to France to clarify all related issues with UNESCO in Paris, France on 11 February 2011.

The secretary said the team will take related evidences to support its complaint that the current attempt to register the ancient temple will exacerbate the conflict between Thailand and Cambodia.

Apart from sending the team to UNESCO, Mr Chavanond said the ministry will also appoint special representatives to explain the issue with all the 21 UNESCO member states.

Earlier on Tuesday, Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajvia had a phone conversation with United Nations (UN) Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon regarding the Thai-Cambodian border skirmishes.

Regarding the phone call, the secretary said Prime Minister Abhisit stressed that Thailand would exercise the utmost restraint in its negotiations with Cambodia but it had to take defensive action and protect itself from military challenges from the other side, confirming that Cambodian citizens had never been the target in such actions.

Mr Chavanond added that the prime minister also asked that the registration of Preah Vihear Temple as the world heritage site be postponed since it has led to conflicts between the two nations. He said the UN chief has promised to help negotiate with the UNESCO as requested.

-- NNT 2011-02-10

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Nakhon Ratchasima-Udon Thani public bus accident kills 5, seriously injures 6 and injures 20 passengers /TAN_Network

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Metropolitan Police 4 arrest 2 suspects for robbery of 67 baht weight of gold, gold still intact /TAN_Network

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CAPO issues order to ban entry, exit on roads around Government House and Parliament; PAD asserts no plan to end protest /MCOT

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Narcotics police arrest drug suspects with 500,000 speed pills and 2 kg of ice worth Bt130 mln /TAN_Network

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Singaporean Website: Hun Sen Accuses Thailand of War Crimes

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Associated Press Sighted Armed Cambodian Forces Camping in Preah Vihear Temple

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Suthep: Thailand determined to end border tension

BANGKOK, 10 February 2011 (NNT) – Deputy Prime Minister in charge of National Security Suthep Thaugsuban has reiterated Thailand's determination to end the ongoing Thai-Cambodian border conflict with its neighbor.

Mr Suthep stressed that the Thai government wanted peace and did not want the problem to escalate. He admitted that it was normal that conflicts might occur between neighbors; however, the leaders of both sides should try their best to end the dispute.

Earlier Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen regarded the conflict between the Thai-Cambodian border as a full-blown war, which would likely drag on, while Thai Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya countered that Thailand did not open fire first and the Thai military had to take defensive action.

The deputy prime minister deemed the verbal attacks and counter-attacks between the two neighboring countries normal proactive diplomatic expressions. He, however, noted that comments uncalled-for would only further complicate the problem-solving process.

As for the French government's offer to help mediate the Thai-Cambodian border spat, Mr Suthep responded that Thailand and Cambodia could still bilaterally work on the solutions themselves for the time being.

-- NNT 2011-02-10

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PAD confirms to visit Si Sa Ket on 11 Feb

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Red shirts will continue their rally this Sunday at Criminal Court in Ratchadapisek at 1pm. /TR @aunonline @satien_nna /via@tukky_nt

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CAPO's announcements designed to evict protesters

By The Nation

The Centre for the Administration of Peace and Order (CAPO) on Thursday issued two announcements declaring streets around Government House off-limit and ordering protestors to dismantle their rally site.

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Situation at Mae Sot border normal after deadly blasts kill 3 in Myanmar

TAK, Feb 10 – Trade and border crossing at Tak's Mae Sot district connecting with Karen State was normal Thursday after two blasts killed three people and injured six in Myawaddy near the Thai-Myanmar friendship bridge yesterday.

Pol Lt Col Rinnawat Phuwatthanatikarn, commander of the 346th Border Patrol Police, ordered strict inspection at piers along the Moei River to prevent smuggling of dangerous or illegal objects.

Two explosive devices went off Wednesday evening in the border town of Myawaddy.

Last month, two Thai soldiers were injured after an artillery shell from a clash between Myanmar and ethnic Karen troops exploded on landing on the Thai side in Tak.

About 1,000 Karen villagers temporarily crossed border last November into the Thai border district of Mae Sot after fresh fighting erupted between the ethnic groups and Myanmar government forces after the country's general election Nov 7. (MCOT online news)

-- TNA 2011-02-10

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Bangkok Guitar Fiesta is to be held at Small Hall, Thailand Cultural Center from Feb 25-Feb 27. tickets: http://bit.ly/hL4S6F /via@veen_NT:

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Thai teens won't lose their virginity on Valentine's Day: Poll

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Red-Shirts to keep on protesting until their seven leaders are released

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Thai PM declines French offer of vintage maps to help resolve Thai-Cambodian border dispute, says Thailand adheres to bilateral talks to resolve problem /MCOT

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AFP: Thailand rejects UN visit to temple in Cambodia rift

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Reuters News Footage Shows Preah Vihear Safe from Clashes

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