Thailand Live Wednesday 16 Feb 2011

[webfact]

Thai stock index opens on Wednesday at 971.34, up 2.85 points /MCOT

[webfact]

Check your routes with js100 at 1137 before commuting in Bkk. All kinds of mobs are in full swing in city. /via @tulsathit /TR @jin_nation

[webfact]

Opposition to Grill Govt in 2011 Mid-Year Budget Debate Today

The Pheu Thai Party has threatened to grill the government in today's House session over the 100 billion baht budget for the second half of the 2011 fiscal year.

Pheu Thai Party MP Surapong Towijakchaikun disclosed that House debate involving the 2011 mid year budget will be discussed by Pheu Thai Party leaders Mingkwan Saengsuwan and Chalerm Yubamrung.

Surapong noted that the discussion will focus on the source of a 100 billion baht budget the government claimed it managed to collect over the past few months.

The party aims to point out that the large sum of money does not stem from an improving economy and this means there could be an irregularity in the budget administration by the government.

In addition, Surapong said the 9.9-billion baht budget for disaster recovery by the Agriculture Ministry has failed to clearly explain the details of the project, adding that the Abhisit-led administration has always suspiciously allocated a large portion of the budget to its strongholds.

Meanwhile, Chart Thai Pattana Party leader Banhan Silpa-archa believes a snap poll is not likely to take place soon, adding that his party may win at least 40 seats from the party-list election in the next general election.

-- Tan Network 2011-02-16

[webfact]

Opposition Threatens to Sue House Speaker

The Opposition has threatened to file a malfeasance lawsuit against the House speaker for refusing to submit the request for the Constitutional Court's legal interpretation of the voting process on the recently approved constitutional amendments.

Chiang Mai MP Surapong Towichakchaikul of the Pheu Thai Party spoke about House Speaker Chai Chidchob's reluctance to submit the request for the Constitutional Court's legal interpretation of the voting process on the recently approved constitutional amendments, as was demanded by the Opposition and a number of senators.

Surapong said that according to the law, the House speaker must comply with the demand.

Surapong claims the voting process on the constitutional amendments was legally questionable as it could have been a violation of procedures in the Constitution.

The Chiang Mai MP threatened that the Opposition and the senators will file a malfeasance lawsuit against the House speaker if he does not submit the request as demanded.

-- Tan Network 2011-02-16

[webfact]

Public Health Ministry: Border Hospitals Must Prepare for Future Skirmishes

The public health ministry has ordered all hospitals at the border region to be prepared for future skirmishes.

The Inspector of the Public Health Ministry Kamron Chaisiri said that although the situation at the disputed border area has cooled down, all hospitals should remain prepared in case of future skirmishes.

The inspector has ordered hospitals in Buriram and Surin provinces to prepare for any situation.

Security guards will be arranged to provide 24 hour protection and an evacuation plan has been established for all staff and patients to move to a safe zone in case of an emergency.

Hospitals not located along the border will send in doctors and nurses to assist border hospitals with all patients and evacuees if an attack puts the border hospitals under threat.

For surgical cases, all provincial hospitals will prepare medical appliances and will coordinate with nearby hospitals in case patients must be moved for additional procedures.

-- Tan Network 2011-02-16

[webfact]

Ranger volunteer injured in Yala bomb attack

Yala - A ranger volunteer was injured when insurgents detonated a road-side bomb to ambush his teacher-protection unit Wednesday morning.

The attack occurred at 8:50 am on a rural road in Bumong village in Tambon Bumong in Raman district.

Ten ranger volunteers were patrolling the road to ensure safety for teachers travelling to schools when the bomb exploded.

Prayoth Khoaborisut, 32, was slightly injured.

-- The Nation 2011-02-16

[webfact]

Conversion of Taxis to NGV to Reduce Burden on Depleting Oil Fund

The Energy Ministry will allow 15,000 more taxis to be modified for NGV use for free.

The switch is expected to help reduce the State Oil Fund's financial burden on the LPG subsidy program by 474 million baht per month.

Deputy Permanent Secretary for the Energy Ministry Kuruchit Nakhonthap said that many operators providing NGV installation services and taxi drivers showed interest in the campaign to convert from an LPG-based system to an NGV-based system for free at the beginning of this month.

Kuruchit said the first period of registration will close on March 15, when he expects 15,000 taxis to have been registered as planned.

The ministry will then consider allowing 15,000 more taxis to join the program.

He said garage operators who are interested in the NGV system installation can submit their requests from now until the end of this month.

About 150 garages have registered with the Land Transport Department.

Certified garages will be paid for the installation at 5,000 baht per unit.

Some 1.2 billion baht from the state Oil Fund will be used to finance the project.

Kuruchit further said there are currently about 50,000 taxis running in Bangkok and adjoining provinces.

Almost 50 percent of these have been installed with NGV cylinders, while the remaining 30,000 still run on LPG.

He believes the campaign will eventually convert all taxis running on LPG to NGV.

He added that the switch will help reduce the state Oil Fund's financial burden in subsidizing the import of LPG, by 474 million baht per month.

Meanwhile, Punnachai Futrakul, PPT's manager supervising the natural gas market for vehicles, said the demand for NGV continues to rise.

The daily consumption of NGV for vehicles stands at 5,900 tons, a 40 percent increase from last year's 4,200 tons a day.

PTT plans to open up to 50 more NGV service stations, to reach its target of 500 stations across the country by the end of this year.

The government has capped the retail price at 8.50 baht per kilogram, while the actual cost of NGV stands at 14 baht a kilogram.

PTT has shouldered a financial loss of 26 billion baht so far, and is now demanding to raise the retail price.

-- Tan Network 2011-02-16

[webfact]

Bank of Thailand to Open Auction on Infamous Ratchadapisek Land Plot

Follow this link:

[webfact]

MRTA to Open Bid for Bearing-Samutprakarn Extension in March

The Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand is set to open bidding for the construction of a Green Line extension from Bearing to Samutprakarn in March, with the auction expected to be held in June.

Director-General of the Office of Transport and Traffic Policy and Planning Committee Soithip Trisuddhi, as a member of the Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand or MRTA board, said the board has resolved to hold an auction for construction contracts for the 12.6 kilometer Green Line extension from Bearing to Samutprakarn, worth 17.2 billion baht.

The first contract, worth more than 14.7 billion baht, involves construction of an elevated structure and seven stations, while the second contract covers track construction.

Application is open from March 15 to 23. Bidders are required to submit their bids within 90 days, and the auction is scheduled for June 22. The construction is expected to start in September.

Chief Operating Officer of the Bangkok Mass Transit System or BTS, Surapong Laoha-Unya said his company is selecting suppliers for the installation of a rail management system and other services.

He added that the firm is planning to place a bid for an operating contract for the Bang Yai Bang Sue Purple Line on February 24.

Surapong said investment for the Purple Line operation has been estimated at two billion baht.

He expressed confidence that the BTS will win the bid, given its years of experience operating the sky train and the company's healthy finances.

The CEO noted that the firm will propose running 25 trains with three cars each.

He went on to say that a subsidiary may be set up and listed on the stock market to raise capital for the project.

Borrowing from commercial banks is another option, since the Purple Line operation is regarded as a low-risk investment.

The BTS also expressed interest in bidding for licenses to operate the Mo Chit Sapaan Mai, and the Bearing Samutprakarn extensions of the Green Line service.

-- Tan Network 2011-02-16

[webfact]

Army Spokesman Reports on Thai-Cambodian Clash After UNSC Meeting

The army spokesman said Cambodia's recent grenade attack was intended to provoke Thai soldiers.

Army Spokesman Colonel Sansern Kaewkamnerd said on February 15 that Cambodia has sent patrol troops to the border area of Sisaket province early Tuesday morning.

The Cambodian troops then opened fire and threw grenades at Thai troops, leading to retaliation from the Thai side.

The fighting seriously wounded one Thai soldier Corporal Ratchapon Yospanya.

He has been sent to Ubonratchathani Hospital. Four other soldiers were also reportedly injured in the attack.

The spokesman pointed that the clash occurred at small border area away from villages, reiterating that the public was safe from the clashes.

Second Region Army Commander Lieutenant General Tawatchai Samutsakorn admitted that there was a clash at the overlapping area called Phu Makua, which left five Thai soldiers injured.

Tawatchai asked all soldiers to remain patient as the government attempts to solve the problem through bilateral talks.

He went on to say that Thailand will not make any attacks to escalate the problem, and will only retaliate to protect the nation's sovereignty.

-- Tan Network 2011-02-16

[webfact]

Freelance Scholar Against UNESCO Help to Ease Thai-Cambodia Tension

A freelance history scholar has opposed UNESCO's plan to send authorities to inspect Preah Vihear Temple.

Freelance history scholar Thepmontri Limpaphayom expressed opposition to UNESCO's plan to send its former director, Koijiro Matsuura to inspect Preah Vihear Temple.

The scholar stated that he will submit a petition to the head office of UNESCO in Thailand to express his stance and to show that the authority is not welcomed in the area.

UNESCO assigned Koijiro Matsuura as special ambassador functioning in the area of reducing the Thai-Cambodian tensions as well as a consultant to protecting the disputed world heritage site.

Director-General of UNESCO Irina Bokova said that the Thai and Cambodian governments have been informed of Matsuura's duty as well as his official arrival to help cope with the ongoing problem.

-- Tan Network 2011-02-16

[webfact]

Si Sa Ket governor: Explosion heard from Cambodia last night leads to faster construction of more bomb shelters in border villages /MCOT

[webfact]

Five Thai soldiers wounded in the latest flare-up with Cambodia

Five Thai soldiers were injured in the latest flare-up at the Thai-Cambodian frontier in Si Sa Ket's Kantararak district early Wednesday morning near Preah Vihear Temple.

One of them was seriously wounded and was rushed to a hospital in nearby province of Ubon Ratchathani.

The fighting started at about 5am and ended around 7.30am.

The fighting happended despite UN's calls for both sides to exercise maximum restraints and settled the disputes via peaceful means and dialogue.

-- The Nation 2011-02-16

[webfact]

Explosions heard from Cambodia believed attempted provocation

Si Sa Ket, Feb 16 -- More than 30 explosions heard from inside the Cambodian border through last night (Feb15) which are believed to be an attempted provocation by Cambodian soldiers, but Thai troops held their fire and did not respond.

Sao Thongchai subdistrict official Chokchai Saikaew in Si Sa Ket's Kantharalak district told the media Wednesday morning that from 2-4am he heard bomb-like explosions from the border area pending demarcation, near the 4.6 square kilometre contested area in Rung sub-district of Kantharalak.

Mr Chokchai said he heard 30 to 40 explosions, like bombs or artillery shells, through the night, but that they stopped in the early morning. He did not know where the sound came from, but Thai troops stationed at the border did not fire in response as no shells landed on Thai territory.

Si Sa Ket governor Somsak Suwansujarit said he stayed overnight at Rung sub-district to give moral support to border villagers and heard the explosions.

He said initial reports confirmed that no shells fell in Thai territory but inside Cambodia, which he believed was an attempt by Cambodian soldiers to provoke Thai forces.

The Cambodian troops may have thrown hand grenades near Thai military posts but there was no response by Thai soldiers, he said.

The Si Sa Ket governor said that as a precautionary measure, he has ordered the authorities to speed the repairs to existing bomb shelters and to build new ones.

He said there were now 326 bomb shelters overall but 297 need repairs. The governor planned to build an additional 451 bunkers but was waiting for funds from the government.

As for the reconstruction of homes which were damaged in the attacks, vocational schools in Si Sa Ket joined with military engineers from the 2nd Army Area to help villagers.

It was estimated that rebuilding seven destroyed homes would take 35 days, while half of the damaged homes were already repaired so that villagers could return home.

The latest incident occurred after Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen offered words of peace to Thailand, a day after the United Nations Security Council urged Thailand and Cambodia to end the conflict bilaterally.

The Associated Press (AP) quoted the Cambodian premier telling villagers in Banteay Meanchey province that his country needs peace with its neighbours to foster development. He urged that the deadly border issue be quickly solved and that fighting not be allowed to spread. (MCOT online news)

-- TNA 2011-02-16

[webfact]

Several hundred people in Libyan city of Benghazi clash with police and govt supporters -- witness and local media /via@REUTERSFLASH

Libya update: State TV says rallies are being held across country in support of leader Moammar Gadhafi - Reuters /RT @BreakingNews:

[webfact]

Phuket Memorial for Tony Knight to be held Saturday

Follow this link:

[webfact]

Protest Leaders Welcome Weapon Search

The People's Alliance for Democracy suggests the government and civic groups be given three hours each to clarify the border dispute to the general public.

It also says anyone found to be in possession of weapons at its rally site has to be arrested immediately as it is a violation of the group's rules.

Major General Chamlong Srimuang, a key leader of the People's Alliance for Democracy, or PAD, spoke of the search for weapons at the PAD rally site, saying police can immediately arrest anyone found to be in possession of weapons and insisted that the PAD will not provide any assistance to those arrested as they violate the group's rules by bringing weapons to the rally.

As for the issuance of summons by the Metropolitan Police Bureau for ten leaders of the PAD for questioning on charges of violating the Internal Security Act, PAD spokesperson Panthep Puapongpan said all ten PAD leaders have not yet received the summons.

Those summoned are required to report to police on February 22.

Panthep referred to the evacuation of villagers from Phum Saron village last night, saying the PAD earlier warned the government that if it still allows Cambodian soldiers to continue occupying Phu Makhua near the disputed border area, that will pose danger to villagers in the area.

The PAD spokesperson called on the government to review the group's demand on pushing out Cambodian settlements on the disputed area.

He said Thailand's refusal to admit that the 2000 memorandum of understanding with Cambodia puts it at a disadvantage will eventually lead to a loss of Thai territory.

Hence, the government has to assure foreign countries that the Thai soil has been encroached on.

Panthep further said that Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva usually uses state media to clarify the issue while civic groups have no chance to do so.

He suggested that the government and civic groups be given three hours each to clarify the truth about the issue to the general public via mass media.

Meanwhile, PAD coordinator Prapan Khoonmee lashed out at the government for attempting to distort the fact concerning the border dispute and claiming a victory following its clarification of the clashes along the Thai-Cambodian border with the United Nations Security Council.

He noted that if the government is sincere to solve the problem, it should come out to clarify the matter with the public.

-- Tan Network 2011-02-16

[webfact]

Phuket’s Scott Duncanson wins Bay Regatta

Cruising class 'Linda' in full bloom on Phang Nga Bay. The Bay Regatta

is renowned for having arguably the best yacht racing backdrop scenery

in the world. Photo: ACYC

Follow this link:

[webfact]

Red shirts to flood Bangkok's Ratchaprasong with 1 million red paper cranes

Follow this link:

[webfact]

13 provinces declared drought disaster zones

Thirteen provinces have been declared drought disaster zones, a senior government official said Wednesday.

Wibul Sa-nguanpong, the director-general of the Civil Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Department, said the drought had affected 6,730 villages in 99 districts of 13 provinces.

The provinces are Kamphaeng Phet, Chiang Rai, Lamphun, Phayao, Udon Thani, Loei, Nong Khai, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Phetchaburi, Saraburi, Chachoengsao, Trat and Chanthaburi.

-- The Nation 2011-02-16

[webfact]

AFP: Cambodia to call for ASEAN border observers

Follow this link:

[webfact]

No Weapons Found at PAD Rally Site

No weapons have been found after a police searched the demonstration site of the People's Alliance for Democracy.

Commander of the Metropolitan Police Division 1, Police Major General Wichai Sangprapai, together with 20 police officers, have conducted a search for weapons at protesters' tents and rally site of the People's Alliance for Democracy, or PAD, from Chamai Maruchet Bridge on Phitsanulok Road to Makkhawan Rangsan Intersection.

No weapons, illegal items and activities were discovered in the search.

However, the police seized a bulletproof vest belonging to Police Sergeant Palangsoo Asanok, head of the crime-busting unit at Wang Somboon police station in Sa Kaew province, for examination.

The police also arrested Wiroj Seekachorn in possession of a one-foot-long knife for further interrogation. The man claimed he carried the knife for cutting down tree branches.

The Metropolitan Police Division 1 commander said the search at the PAD demonstration site aimed to ensure safety for the protesters.

In the meantime, Sublieutenant Samdin Lerdbut, who accompanied the police force to conduct a search, stated that the protesters welcomed the action and insisted that no weapons and illegal items were found.

-- Tan Network 2011-02-16

[webfact]

Suthep: PAD rally cannot lead to coup

BANGKOK, 16 February 2011 (NNT) – Deputy Prime Minister for Security Affairs Suthep Thaugsuban has voiced his belief that the prolonged demonstration of the People’s Alliance for Democracy (PAD) will not lead to a coup d’état.

Mr Suthep stated that he had never received intelligence that said the PAD was staging prolonged demonstration with a hope for a military coup. He said however his source of intelligence was different from that of Acting Government Spokesperson and Deputy Secretary-General to the Prime Minister Dr Panitan Wattanayagorn, who made public the news report.

He also denounced anyone trying to instigate disturbance in the country, saying he did not believe that the PAD would be able to trigger a coup.

Mr Suthep noted that the police have tried to follow the right steps in solving problems caused by the prolonged PAD demonstration in order to avoid the blame in case of an untoward incident.

The deputy prime minister added that Metropolitan Police Division 1 Commander Police Major General Wichai Sangprapai would lead a number of police to comb the PAD rally site around Government House compound today in search for weapons.

-- NNT 2011-02-16

[webfact]

Chalerm insists to opt out of censure debate

By The Nation

Chalerm Yoobamrung, the chairman of Pheu Thai Party MPs, insisted Wednesday that he will not join the censure debate against the government.

He said he would leave it to Pheu Thai party-list MP Mingkwan Saensuwan to handle the censure debate without his participation.

Mingkwan has received the blessing of former prime minister Thasksin Shinawatra to lead the censure debate.

On Tuesday, the Pheu Thai could not agree on the date for submitting the censure motion. Mingkwan said he would have to wait for a green light from Thaksin before submitting the motion.

"I don't want to comment this," Chalerm said when asked to comment on Mingkwan's statement that he would have to wait for Thaksin's green light.

"But when I led censure debates, I had full power to make decisions."

Asked to comment on the possibility that the government may dissolve the House before Mingkwan could submit a censure motion, Chalerm said he did not want to interfere in Mingkwan's decision.

"I don't want to comment about it or else Mingkwan would scold me. But as I have experienced in leading censure debates, I found that it is not easy to draft a censure motion. It need some intelligence but I believe Mingkwan can do it," Chalerm said.

"He wants to be the party leader, so he needs to show his performance."

Chalerm was speaking to reporters before leading the debate against the mid-year budget bill.

-- The Nation 2011-02-16

[webfact]

Public Flock to Buy Cheap Palm Oil

Locals in provinces across the country are flocking to buy bottled palm oil at various markets that are being distributed under the Department of Internal Trade's program to help locals cope with palm oil shortage.

At the Nakhon Sawan Municipal Market today, a large crowd has turned up to purchase blue-cap bottled palm oil that is being distributed by the province's Office of Internal Trade.

A total of 40 cases are being distributed to consumers, selling at 47 baht per bottle to help alleviate the current palm oil shortage.

Since this morning, locals have been queuing up to purchase the blue-cap palm oil and the Internal Trade Department has set a limit of two bottles per individual in order to ensure equal distribution among consumers.

Head of Nakhon Sawan Internal Trade Office, Sorat Suwannapreuk, said that the department is doing its best to quickly distribute the palm oil to consumers across the province as well as sending out officials for inspection to prevent any hoarding or price fixing.

In Phitsanulok province, civil servants and the general public have lined up in front of the provincial hall to purchase vegetable oil distributed by the province's Internal Trade Office to help locals cope with palm oil shortage.

Phitsanulok Internal Trade Officer Ubonrat Ratsaenmuang stated that the province is distressed by the high vegetable oil price and locals have turned to purchase vegetable oil distributed by the Internal Trade Department at 47 baht per bottle.

The department has also warned the public that its vegetable oil is strictly for household use and must not be resold.

Any individual found violating the law on price control will face a jail time of up to seven years and a fine of no more than 140,000 baht.

-- Tan Network 2011-02-16

[webfact]

Pattaya Police arrest 2 Frenchmen for multi million Baht ATM fraud

Follow this link:

[webfact]

SET index closed at 982.07, up 13.58; Bt/USD30.54; GBP49.28; AUD30.43; EUR41.29; CAD30.86; HKD3.91; SGD23.76; JPY36.34

[webfact]

Govt Compliments Border Troops

The deputy prime minister expresses his appreciation for Thai border troops' exercising restraint in dealing with the provocation from the Cambodian side to prevent the border dispute from being raised at the international stage.

Deputy Prime Minister in charge of national security Suthep Thaugsuban said Cambodia's renewal of attacks on Thai troops aims to prolong the border tension after the United Nations Security Council recommended the two countries settle the conflict through bilateral negotiations.

Suthep then complimented military commanders in the disputed Thai-Cambdoian border area for their restraint in dealing with Cambodian troops to keep the dispute from looming into an international issue.

Suthep said he did not want the Thai government to be seen as playing a heroic role and Cambodia being branded as a villain since the current dispute is being watched by the international community and has to be carefully addressed.

Suthep then stated the participation by Deputy Prime Minister in charge of economic affairs Trairong Suwankhiri and Deputy Commerce Minister Alongkorn Ponlabutr in the openning ceremony for the Thai Products Expo in Cambodia on Febuary 17 will help ease the border tension.

He said Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen also wants the relations with Thailand to improve as the two countries' trade cooperation is important to the living of their people.

-- Tan Network 2011-02-16

[webfact]

Govt MPs Petition against Preah Vihear Listing

Government MPs lodge a petition with the House speaker to air their opposition to Cambodia's proceeding for the listing of the Preah Vihear Temple as its World Heritage site.

A number of Democrat and other government coalition MPs, led by Democrat party-list MP Atthapol Ponlabutr, submitted a petition to House Speaker Chai Chidchob via his first deputy Colonel Apiwan Wiriyachai to express their disapproval against Cambodia's push for resgistration of the Preah Vihear Temple as its World Heritage site.

The petition was signed by 120 MPs.

They said the recent clashes between the troops of the two countries stemmed from the dispute concerning the territorial right over the area around the temple and there is evidence Cambodia has used it as a military operation base which violates the rules of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, or UNESCO.

Those MPs suggested the temple can be registered when Thailand and Cambodia reach a mutual conclusion on their border line.

Apiwan said he will put forward their petition to the House speaker and delivered his thanks for their concern about the national interest.

-- Tan Network 2011-02-16

[webfact]

Honest Pattaya Beach Vendors ask for help as Jet Ski cases continue

Follow this link: