Thailand Live Thursday 17 Feb 2011

[webfact]

Thai armed forces supreme commander regrets having to retaliate to Cambodia

Follow this link:

[webfact]

500 rais of rubber land destroyed by clashes

BANGKOK, 17 February 2011 (NNT) – About 500 rai out of 24,000 rai of rubber plantations in the Thai-Cambodian border area near the disputed Preah Vihear Temple zone have been completely devastated by the recent border clashes while farmers are in need of assistance.

Agriculture and Cooperatives Minister Theera Wongsamut pledged that official assistance would be provided to the unfortunate farmers in the same way as rubber planters in the southern region who were affected by floods received last year.

As for livestock businesses on the eastern border, the minister said that the ministry has prepared three spots in Khun Harn district, Si Sa Ket province, where livestock can be evacuated to whenever attacks recur.

Moreover, 24 tons of animal feed plus a reserve of another 10 tons have been stocked up for use of at least four months in response to possibly more unusual events.

-- NNT 2011-02-17

[webfact]

Culture Ministry preparing info on Preah Vihear issue

BANGKOK, 17 February 2011 (NNT) – The Department of Fine Arts, Ministry of Culture, has been tasked with preparing information on Cambodia’s unilateral management plan for the registration of Preah Vihear Temple as a world heritage site.

According to Culture Minister Nipit Intarasombat, Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva assigned the Department of Fine arts in the recent cabinet’s meeting to work on two main tasks related to the Preah Vihear Temple dispute.

The first task is to translate the management plan for Preah Vihear Temple and its environs proposed by Cambodia into Thai, to be used as information to protest the attempt of Cambodia to register the ancient ruin, especially in parts which Thailand disagreed.

As for the second task, the Department of Fine Arts will prepare all related information about the ancient temple and its environs as well as related historical sites to answer possible queries by the 21-member World Heritage Committee which is scheduled to visit the Preah Vihear Temple.

The Ministry of Culture will also send a letter to protest the planned visit of UNESCO special envoys to inspect the ruin, reasoning that the border situation remains intense for the time being, and that might lead to further violence.

On the question if Fine Arts Department Director-General Dr Somsuda Leyavanija would take part in the ruin inspection trip, in her capacity as a member of the world heritage committee, the Culture Minister said the issue was not discussed in the meeting.

-- NNT 2011-02-17

[webfact]

Diesel subsidy to be lifted in April

BANGKOK, 17 February 2011 (NNT) – An energy expert is confident that there will be no serious effects on consumers if the government decides to discontinue its diesel subsidy when it expires on April 2011.

Mr Manoon Siriwan, an energy expert, stated that crude oil price in the world market must be taken into consideration again in April, given it usually drops when the season changes from winter to spring in Europe.

The expert hence believed that consumers would not be much affected if the government decides to end its subsidy at that time, adding that the price of diesel would probably go up by one baht per liter after the termination of the subsidy program.

The policy keeping domestic diesel prices under 30 THB per liter will expire at the end of April, in accordance with the cabinet’s resolution.

Mr Manoon has also noted that the government has so far spent an enormous amount of money on pinning the retail prices of bio-diesel B3 and B5, subsidizing them to the tune of 3.50-4.00 THB per liter.

-- NNT 2011-02-17

[webfact]

CAT to Add Online Functions to Land Line Services

Follow this link:

[webfact]

Honda recalls 693,497 vehicles worldwide mainly ASEAN

Honda recalls 693,497 vehicles worldwide mainly ASEAN due to defective parts that could stall engine and cause problems restarting in models - Freed, Fit and City

-- TNA 2011-02-17

[webfact]

UN visits Rohingya refugees in Phuket

The UNHCR hopes to determine whether the Rohingya men are

seeking refugee status.

Follow this link:

[webfact]

Bus Van Operator Shooting In Sri Racha

Follow this link:

[webfact]

Doctor warns new bacteria resistant to every antibiotic

Mahidol University’s Faculty of Medicine

Follow this link:

[webfact]

BORDER DISPUTE

Veera and Ratree to seek royal pardon

By The Nation

Two Thai activists of Thai Patriots Network (TPN) convicted on charges of illegal entry and spying in Cambodia will seek a royal pardon from Cambodian King, a TPN legal adviser said Thursday.

Veera Somkwamkit and Ratree Pipattanapaibul decided to drop their plan to lodge an appeal against the conviction which sent them eight and nine years in jail respectively.

Nattaporn Toeprayoon said that he will ask the Thai government to seek a royal pardon for the two and an international organisation to help facilitate.

They decided not to pursue the appeal and sought a royal pardon instead came from requests of their families, including Veera's mother who wanted to see them return to Thailand as soon as possible.

Veera and Ratree were among seven Thais charged of illegal entry into Cambodia. They were arrested on December 29 last year during their inspection at a site in Sa Kaew province. The two were also charged of spying.

The five others Thais were freed and back to Thailand after receiving suspended nine-month jail term.

People's Alliance for Democracy spokesman Panthep Puapongpan said Mr Nathaporn's decision was understandable.

-- The Nation 2011-02-17

[webfact]

Protesters to Continue Rallying

The People's Alliance for Democracy vows to continue with its rally regardless of whether the House will be dissolved in the near future.

Core leader of the People's Alliance for Democracy, or PAD, Major General Chamlong Srimuang said his group's protest rally has nothing to do with the early House dissolution as suggested by Deputy Prime Minister in charge of national security Suthep Thaugsuban.

Chamlong said if the House dissolution really takes place, his group will make a decision on its further direction, but insisted its primary goal of protecting the country's sovereignty remains unchanged.

PAD spokesman Parnthep Puapongan noted the government failed to convince the United Nations Security Council, or UNSC, that Cambodia has invaded Thai territory and violated the memorandum of understanding signed by the two countries in the year 2000 for their management of the undemarcated border area.

Parnthep said the UNSC resolution for the two countries to stop fighting would cause damage to Thailand and added such a resolution could be seen as a conspiracy between the Thai and Cambodian governments.

Parnthep remarked the effort to seek the Cambodian king's royal pardon for two Thai activists sentenced to prison on charges of espionage and territorial intrusion, Weera Somkwamkid and Ratree Pipattanapaiboon, is based on the request by Weera's mother as she wants her son to return home as soon as possible.

PADcoordinator Prapan Khoonmee said the police's weapon examination at the group's rally site was clearly a ploy to discredit its moves and he suggested the they have never done this to other protest groups, including the red-shirt people.

Meanwhile, historian Thepmontri Limpaphayom submitted a petition to the office of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, or UNSECO, in Bangkok to protest the appointment of its ex-director Koichiro Matsuura as a special envoy to seek ways for Thailand and Cambodia to resolve their dispute concerning the Preah Vihear Temple.

Thepmontri also said Matsuura should be held responsible for his endorsement of Cambodia's request for the registration of the temple as its sole World Heritage site which sparked the Thai-Cambodian tension.

-- Tan Network 2011-02-17

[webfact]

Thai deputy PM meets Cambodian PM in amicable talks

BANGKOK, Feb 17 - Thai Deputy Prime Minister Trairong Suwannakhiri and Deputy Commerce Minister Alongkorn Ponlaboot met Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen at Cambodia's Government House on Thursday in a meeting they described as having a friendly atmosphere.

The meeting was the first meeting of Thailand’s deputy prime minister with Cambodian leader after the border clashes on Feb 4-7 which killed at least eight people on both sides.

The visit of Thai delegates to Cambodia was to attend the first Thai-Cambodian business summit and the Thailand Trade Fair in Phnom Penh held from February 17-20. Out of 175 booths at the trade fair, 150 booths are Thai participators including 53 private companies and 25 booths belong to Cambodian traders.

Mr Trirong said after meeting the Cambodian prime minister that apart from trade talks, Mr Hun Sen raised the border issue at the meeting, asking him to convey a message to Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva that Cambodia intends to end a border conflict and to cooperate with Thailand for a joint demarcation.

The Cambodian leader also stated that he was willing to comply with a permanent ceasefire and bilateral talks as advised by the UN Security Council but what Cambodia wants to see is a third party from ASEAN or ASEAN chair to witness the negotiation.

“Mr Hun Sen wants to see fraternity between the two countries but he does not want to see a war of words. I told him that the Thai government was careful on the matter but unable to gag other groups of people in the country. The meeting is considered positive for bilateral relations,” Mr Trirong said. (MCOT online news)

-- TNA 2011-02-17

[webfact]

THAI-CAMBODIA BORDER DISPUTES

Bangkok asked to sign ceasefire during ASEAN foreign ministers meeting

Follow this link:

[webfact]

Cambodian PM says there will be no royal pardon for Veera

Cambodian PM says there will be no royal pardon for Veera as he has to serve at least two third of jailed term before being considered for royal amnesty: Xinhua

-- TNA 2011-02-17

[webfact]

Gecko, lizard finds bring local species to 60

By The Nation

Thai taxonomists have discovered 10 native geckos and lizards during the past year, bringing the total number of gecko/house-lizard species in Thailand to 60.

"This is a milestone for Thailand in terms of studies of reptiles and amphibians," Non Phanitwong, doctorate candidate in environmental science at Kasetsart University, said Wednesday.

"All these geckos and lizards are found only in Thailand," said Non, who is a co-founder of Siamensis, a group of conservationists working to protect biodiversity and the environment.

The newly identified species have been officially recognised and published in "Zootaxa", an international journal.

The research involved many organisations, including Kasetsart, Siamensis, the National Science Museum, the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation, and the Zoological Park Organisation (ZPO).

Many of the species were named after some distinguished Thais.

Cyrtodactylus dumnuii, which looks like a gecko but is smaller and has no sticky feet, was named after ZPO chairman Sophon Damnui.

Gekko lauhachindai, a gecko, was named after Kasetsart lecturer Virayuth Lauhachinda.

Cnemaspis chanardi, a lizard, was named after National Science Museum researcher Thanya Chan-ard, while another lizard, Cnemaspis kamolnorranathi, was named after ZPO senior executive Sumeth Kamolnorranath.

The other new species were Cyrtodactylus auribalteatus, Cnemaspis vandeventeri, Cnemaspis huaseesom, Cnemaspis punctatonuchalis, Cnemaspis narathiwatensis and Cnemaspis niyomwanae.

-- The Nation 2011-02-17

[webfact]

Drugs Purge in Koh Larn

Follow this link:

[webfact]

SET index closed at 995.57, up 13.50; Bt/USD30.48; GBP48.95; AUD30.48; EUR41.27; CAD30.88; HKD3.91; SGD23.74; JPY36.28

[webfact]

New Round of Clashes between Thailand and Cambodia

Army Spokesman Colonel Sansern Kaewkamnerd confirmed that Cambodian troops had thrown a grenade onto Thai territory early this morning, injuring 1 Thai soldier.

The move comes after the United Nations Security Council decided not to intervene in the Thai-Cambodian row and have both countries negotiate a ceasefire bilaterally.

-- Tan Network 2011-02-17

[webfact]

UPDATE: Teen missing from Phuket found in Songkhla

Follow this link:

[webfact]

Red-shirt Members Demand Justice for Jailed Leaders

Red-shirt supporters from various provinces are gathering to submit a letter demanding fair treatment for jailed red-shirt leaders.

Earlier today in front of the Sakon Nakhon Court, red-shirt elements led by Sakrapee Phromchart submitted a letter to the Sakhon Nakhon Court Committee.

Court Director Ampai Charoensri received the letter.

The letter highlighted personal opinions of the detained red-shirt leaders demanding justice and freedom by drawing up a comparison of their trial to that of the rival People's Alliance for Democracy, or the yellow-shirt group.

The jailed red-shirt leaders said that they faced similar charges, but the yellow-shirt leaders were granted bail.

Hence, the detained leaders are asking for proper proceedings in order to receive fair treatment.

Red-shirt supporters in Petchaburi and neighboring provinces have also gathered to submit a letter with demands for justice and fair treatment of the detained red-shirt leaders to the Petchburi Court as their bail requests have been rejected.

Pethcburi red-shirt leader Kraisri Pajonsil and other core leaders are continuing to demand justice for the detained red-shirt members who have not been granted bail across the country and will continue to travel to provincial courts nationwide until their demand is addressed.

-- Tan Network 2011-02-17

[webfact]

No royal pardon for Veera: Cambodian PM Hun Sen

Follow this link:

[webfact]

Russian Man dies in North Pattaya rented room

Follow this link:

[webfact]

Riot in Ratchaburi jail kills two inmates and injures many

Follow this link:

[webfact]

Drug addicts in Thailand will be treated next week

BANGKOK, 17 February 2011 (NNT) -- The Ministry of Interior has picked next week to get all drug addicts across Thailand clean. Deputy Permanent Secretary for Interior Mr Surapong Pongtadsirikul has disclosed that there are approximately 30,000 drug addicts who have not been treated so far since the 3rd phase of the drugs eradication program has begun.

During 20-27 February, 2011, drug abusers in Bangkok will be brought to the rehabilitation centers to get clean. There will be those who are encouraged to receive treatment on their freewill and those who will be forced against their will. A rehabilitation camp will be open for addicts elsewhere in Thailand where a rehab center is scarce.

Related agencies will be coordinated and a staff training program will be carried out as well as the selection of a location which will serve as makeshift rehab center for drug addicts. Their names will be recorded in the database specifically designed for easy tracking and providing updates on their progress in the future.

-- NNT 2011-02-17

[webfact]

AFP: Top Thai lizard poacher arrested: wildlife police

Folow this link:

[webfact]

Apple's Steve Jobs will attend meeting on Thursday with Obama - source /via@REUTERSFLASH

[webfact]

Car Theft Gang Busted

Police have raided a garage suspected to be used by a car theft gang and seized more than 40 stolen vehicles.

Police from the Crime Suppression Division this morning raided a garage in Bangkok's Chokchai district and confiscated 43 cars suspected to have been stolen and a lot of car parts.

Four workers of the garage were held for interrogation.

Police earlier arrested a man, 31 year old Anan Yoo-aim, who was suspected to be a key member of the gang.

Investigators said they had tracked Anand for two months and found he and his associates stole many cars in Bangkok.

They said Anand's gang hid the stolen cars in other provinces and then transferred them back to Bangkok and adjacent Pathum Thani's Rangsit district and Ayutthaya's Bang Pa-in district for disassembling and then sold their parts.

The stolen cars seized by police were transferred to the head office of the Crime Suppression Division and people who want to check out if they are their vehicles can contact the agency.

-- Tan Network 2011-02-17

[webfact]

Thai PM: Too soon to hold talks on ceasefire agreement with Cambodia

Follow this link:

[Maestro]

to be continued

Thailand Live Friday 18 February