Thailand Live Saturday 26 Feb 2011

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Thailand Live Saturday 26 February 2011

News, Bits and Tweets

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Keep up to date with live updates from the news, hour by hour.

For breaking news,national, regional and international news updates on a daily basis only, this thread is closed to commentary so that those who wish to follow the news can find it here...

Commentary is still open for Thailand news in the relevant thread posted in News Clippings.

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Related topic: Thailand Live Friday 25 Feb 2011

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Pheu Thai alleges PM stands to gain from dual citizenship

BANGKOK (NNT) -- Pheu Thai Party spokesperson Prompong Nopparit has alleged that the reason why Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva refuses to abandon his British citizenship might be because he is planning to flee to England once he is no longer the prime minister.

Mr Prompong commented that the Prime Minister’s dual citizenship was considered inappropriate as he was the country’s leader

and it could confuse Thai people. Speaking in terms of political ethics, Mr Prompong said such a practice implied that Prime Minister Abhisit was gaining some benefits one way or another.

-- NNT 2011-02-26

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Ministry to Distribute Cheap Palm Oil Next Week

The Commerce Ministry plans to start the distribution of a new lot of palm oil supply to consumers by next Monday.

At the same time, a special fair where discounted consumer goods will be put on sale to help consumers cope with expensive food prices has kicked off.

The Public Warehouse Organization, or PWO, President Anukul Tamprasirt said that a new lot of state-sponsored bottled palm oil will be available on store shelves from February 28.

A total of 15,000 tons of crude palm oil from local farms, which have been turned into cooking palm oil and bottled with a pink cap, are the latest in the government’s efforts to help ease the oil shortage and alleviate Thai consumer burden.

It is reported that the National Palm Oil Policy Committee is to meet again on March 8, to discuss the possibility of importing additional 90,000 tons of palm oil.

The additional import may not be needed when Thailand is expecting a new lot of locally-produced palm oil next month.

Regarding the allocation of recently-imported palm oil to 10 Thai cooking oil companies, Morakot Industries Company Limited won the biggest lot of 6,000 tons, while Lam Soon Thailand Public Company Limited and Chumporn Palm Oil Industry received 4,000 tons each.

Meanwhile, Internal Trade Department Director General Vachari Vimooktayon said that the department has launched a Blue Flag

campaign at Thonburi Market in Bangkok.

At the fair, consumers can choose to buy a variety of consumer and agricultural products on discount of 20 to 40 percent. The event will run until March 1.

-- Tan Network 2011-02-26

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British Border Agency breaks up Bangkok ring

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Thaksin To Write Book On Solutions To Thai Economic Woes

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Suvarnabhumi To Get 4 Billion Baht To Facilitate Rising Traffic

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Thailand's Luangta Maha Bua 12 ton gold donation to be verified by Guinness Book as largest ever

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UNESCO told to delay consideration

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TOT and CAT claim Bt80 bn compensatIon from fInance mInIstry over excise loss

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Paradorn's dad puts split down to 'irreconcilable differences'

By The Nation

Former tennis star Paradorn Srichaphan and 2005 Miss Universe Natalie Glebova will tell the public about their breakup for the first time in a prerecorded television programme.

An inside source confirmed yesterday that the couple, whose separation was officially announced by their publicist on Thursday, would appear in a prerecorded episode of the "Tee Sip" (Attend) programme, which will be aired by Channel 3 on Tuesday at 10pm.

Neither of them could be contacted since Thursday evening, when rumours of their planned divorce started doing the rounds in cyberspace.

Paradorn yesterday sent a text message to a Ramkhamhaeng University official saying he would not be available to accept his degree next Friday because he was going abroad. The tennis star has completed a bachelor's degree in political science.

Meanwhile, Paradorn's father and former coach Chanachai said the couple had split up because of irreconcilable differences, adding that they had got together far too quickly for things to last.

"They had not dated long enough before getting married. However, it was all up to him. The decision was all his own," Chanachai said.

"I don't find the news worrying, I've been prepared for this," the father added, dismissing reports that his son's flirtations were the root of all problems.

"The media just stirred rumours, and Natalie would get upset when she read the reports. Every man is flirtatious by nature, and because my son is famous, people like flocking to him. But I don't think that was the reason," Chanachai insisted.

Meanwhile, Paradorn's brother Thanakorn said the couple had tried to sort things out but it was in vain. They just could not get along, he said.

In reality though, their breakup does not come as a surprise to many, because rumours have been swirling through the grapevine about how fragile their marriage was to start with. The two kept brushing aside the gossip, but were rarely seen in social events together recently.

-- The Nation 2011-02-26

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Thai forensic team heads to Christchurch

By The Nation

Experts will carry identification records of missing nationals to facilitate search

Seven Thai experts will today head to New Zealand with identification information relating to six Thai nurses who have been missing since a quake hit Christchurch on Tuesday.

The relatives of many missing victims have not given up hope.

"We will bring information like their latent finฌgerprints and dental records with us," Pol LtGeneral Jaramporn Suramanee, chief of the Justice Ministry's Forensic Science Office, said yesterday.

He will head a disastervictim identification (DVI) team from Thailand to Christchurch today. Team members are Pol Colonel Buri Rattanasuwan, LtColonel Dr Pakorn Wisinrat, LtCol Sujettana Sotethiphan, LtColonel Narong Manprom, Captain Supawan Pansiew and Captain Plemrapas Nilsitsathaporn.

Relatives of some of the missฌing nurses have been gathering identification information about their loved ones to facilitate the DVI process.

The six missing Thai students are: Thanida (Koy) Intarangkoon, Wanphen (Nok) Preenaklang, Pimporn (Meaw) Liangchua, Siriphan (Fon) Wongbunngarm, Jitra (Ta) Visuthithadapong and Haruetaya (Jeab) Luangsurapisakul.

Pensioner Ruangyut Intarangkoon, the father of Thanida, yesterday went to hospitals and a disฌtrict office to search for Thanida's identification records, including her fingerprints.

Jitra's uncle Vichien Naksawangphorn did the same thing. He is still hopeful that his beloved niece has survived.

"Miracles have happened many times before. Some survivors were located weeks after disasters hit," he said.

Some others have chosen to be optimistic too.

"I have consulted a fortuneteller and I was told my daughter is safe," Haruetaya's mother Daranee Luangsurapisakul said, "You may say I am superฌstitious but at least this prediction gives us hope and the courage to go on".

Wanphen's younger brother, Sunthorn Preeklang, said his family was praying that Wanphen was safe and sound.

"We are worried but deep down we still hope that she remains alive," he said, adding that none of the confirmed dead victims to date was Thai.

Siriphan's brother, Sittichai Wongbunngarm, had some hope too but he said his family was also prepared to hear the worst news.

"The rescue team there has stopped the search operation," he explained about the reason.

Dr Songsak Iuwmanee, who is Pimporn's younger brother, said his family has already sent Pimporn's fingerprints and a copy of her passport to the Thai embassy in New Zealand.

Songsak and Ruangyut said they had given information about Pimporn and Thanida's skin blemishes to the Providence Education Group, the overseas educational service provider that faciliฌtate their travel to New Zealand.

The group's director, Tatchakorn Nimsakulthamrong. called on the Thai embassy to coordinate with New Zealand authorities so as to allow a Thai quake survivor to help the DVI team.

The survivor, Titlapa Mangkorn, left the CTV building just five minutes before the quake hit and the structure collapsed.

"She is a close friend of those who are now missฌing. She will be able to contribute a lot," Tatchakorn said.

The missing Thai nurses were believed to have been in the CTV building at the time of the quake.

"She know their physical appearance and can even remember their clothes," Tatchakorn said.

She added that two other Thai nurses in Christchurch were also willing to help because they had DVI experience.

"They have taken part in the DVI process for tsunami victims before. Also, they will be able to distinguish Thai bodies from those of other nationฌals," Tatchakorn said.

Foreign Affairs Ministry spokesman Thani Thongphakdi said the Thai government closely checked updates about the search for the missing Thais and did not give up any hope.

"We hope that miracle will happen in our attempt to find the missing Thais," the spokesman said.

He added that Japan has promised to give parฌticular attention to the missing Thais in its rescue team's operations.

The Thai DVI team, meanwhile, has also planned to request for permission to start workฌing at the building where the six Thais were last seen, when it arrived at Christchurch.

Thani said a Thai was also injured during the quake but was already discharged from the hosฌpital.

"The quake also damaged the housing units of 10 Thais. They have already moved to live with their friends," he said.

Thani added that 10 Thai students in New Zealand had now expressed an intention to return to Thailand.

"We are in the process of making arrangements for them," he said.

The quake destroyed large parts of the city, with 113 bodies so pulled from the rubble as of last night.

-- The Nation 2011-02-26

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Thais fleeing Libyan chaos back today

By The Nation

The first group of 45 Thai workers fleeing political chaos in Libya will arrive in Thailand today, the Department of Employment (DoE) said yesterday.

They will land in Thailand on four separate flights, with the first touching down at 7am. A further 19 workers employed by a foreign company are set to fly to Thailand at a later date, DoE deputy directorgeneral Prawit Khiangphol said.

There are about 2,700 Thais already leaving Libya overland. Of these, 600 are travelling from Tripoli to Tunisia and 350 from the eastern city of Benghazi, which is closer to the Egyptian border. There are 4,000 Thais set to be evacuated on two ships from Tripoli to Tunisia, possibly today.

Another 64 workers are to be flown back to Thailand at their relatives' expense, while another 19 will leave on flights paid for by their employers, Prawit said.

There are about 1,000 Thais stranded in Tunisia during the immigration process because of administrative delays caused by the large number of foreign workers stuck in that country, said Sutham Natheethong, an adviser to the Labour Ministry.

A group of 28 workers fleeing Libya have arrived in Turkey on a ship chartered by their employer. They will fly to Thailand after obtaining air tickets.

A team of DoE officials has set up a liaison centre with the Foreign Ministry to help evacuate Thai workers. Five hotlines have been set up for aroundtheclock queries on 08548102435 and 08022219834. A regular hotline number is in service during official hours on 1694.

The military is ready to provide assistance and logistical support to evacuate Thai workers if requested by the Foreign Ministry, Defence Ministry spokesman Colonel Thanathip Sawangsaeng said.

"The equipment and transport craft needed can be arranged at one day's notice upon request," he said.

A team of two doctors and four nurses from the Navy left Thailand for Tunisia with Foreign Ministry staff last night. The team will return to Thailand on March 16, the spokesman said.

-- The Nation 2011-02-26

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Phichit hospital admits 'mistakes' killed boy

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DSI sees no signs of palmoil hoarding

By The Nation

The Department of Special Investigation said yesterday that it has found no signs of hoarding in a search at the warehouses of 10 companies, which is part of a government directive in the wake of the severe shortage of palm oil.

However, the DSI said the search would raise certain doubts involving the Commerce Ministry and Morakot Industries, a key palm oil producer. The DSI will look into another 30,000 tonnes of palm oil to ensure that all companies have complied with the antihoarding law.

-- The Nation 2011-02-26

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Veera, Ratree agree to seek royal pardon from Cambodian King

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Democrat MPs call for Army chief's ouster

By Kittipong Thavevong,

Yossawadee Hongthong,

Panya Thiewsangwan

The Nation

The four Democrat MPs from the southern border provinces of Yala and Pattani have dropped a bombshell, calling for the Army chief to be replaced to take responsibility for increased violence in the deep South.

This could sour ties between the ruling party and Army leadership, an outcome key Democrat figures like secretarygeneral Suthep Thaugsuban are likely to try desperately to prevent.

Suthep, who is also deputy prime minister in charge of security affairs, said yesterday that he had phoned Army chief General Prayuth Chanocha to offer his apologies.

The veteran politician said he had admonished the four MPs - Prasert Pongsuwansiri and Abdulkarim Tengrakina from Yala, and Anwar Salae and Ismael Benibrohim from Pattani - during their meeting on Thursday.

Suthep said the MPs told him they called the press conference in order to air the grievances of people in their constituencies following recent deadly attacks in the border provinces targeting municipal areas.

The MPs claimed they did not intend to call for Prayuth's replacement, but one of them simply replied, "good", when asked by a reporter if the Army chief should be replaced.

Defence Minister Prawit Wongsuwan yesterday tried to play down the issue, saying the four Democrat MPs had simply expressed their concerns about the situation in the region.

"They told me they had no intention to seek the Army chief's ouster. The Army has no doubt about that," he said, adding that he suggested the four MPs talk to the Army chief directly in case they have questions regarding the issue.

There has been no response from the Army chief, who recently expressed annoyance with reporters' questions about border fighting with Cambodia and insurgent violence in the South.

However, a group of Army officers expressed their dissatisfaction with the MPs and reportedly planned a gathering to offer the Army chief moral support.

Opposition Pheu Thai Party spokesman Prompong Nopparit yesterday described the MPs' move as an attempt by the ruling party to shift the blame for the government's failure to end the violence.

The incident has shown that the bond between the ruling party and current Army leadership is fragile. Suthep - often referred to as "the government's manager" - was quick to appease the Army chief.

Pheu Thai MP Surapong Towichakchaikul yesterday described this as an attempt to defend the Army, rather than Suthep's own party MPs, who he said were complaining for their constituents.

Support from the Army is vital to government stability at a time when pressure from the two major political pressure groups - the red shirts and the yellow shirts - is rising. The Army helped save the Democratled coalition last year when the red shirts' massive rally almost toppled the government.

There was no coup at a time many political observers expected one. But during last year's political turmoil, the Army was under the leadership of Prayuth's predecessor, General Anupong Paochinda, who thought to be more patient.

Prayuth has insisted there will be no coups under his watch - but General Sonthi Boonyaratglin said the same before overthrowing the government of Thaksin Shinawatra in September 2006.

-- The Nation 2011-02-26

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Surrogate mothers worried about their baby's future

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Phuket longtails get new pier at Chalong

The new Chalong longtail boat pier under construction earler this month.

Photo: Fraser Morton.

The piling work gets underway in late October. Photo: Stephen Fein.

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First batch of 33 Thai workers in Libya arrive to Suvarnabhumi airport; Labour Ministry set up centre to extend assistance /MCOT

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Shell to increase gasohol price by 50 satang/lr tomorrow; gasohol 95 will reach new high of Bt36.84/lr; Bangchak to follow suit /TAN_Network

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The 20th Suphannahong National Film Award Arrangements

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Customs at Suvarnabhumi Airport seizes a huge quantity of elephant tusks from Africa worth US$1.7m

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New regulations to impact Phuket development

GETTING DOWN TO BUSINESS: (From left) Kammalard Urapeepatanapong

of Baker & McKenzie, John Magee of the Phuket Gazette, Sorachon Boonsong

of Baker & McKenzie, Anurag Ramanat of South Asia Law, Douglas Mancill

of Deacons Law and Bill Barnett of C9 Hotelworks.

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Phuket sea kayak guide dies during tour

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Motorbike taxi driver dies in Phuket police cell

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Phuket Football: FC Phuket in first home game today

FC Phuket fans, also called the ‘Hulk’, will be looking to cheer their first

home win this evening. Photo: Nicholas Altstadt

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31 workers injured in gas explosion in Chaiyaphum

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PM: Diesel oil subsidy to continue until end of April

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva said Saturday that his government would continue to subsidise the diesel oil price until the end of April.

He said the government would not allow the retail diesel price to be over Bt30 as manufacturers would raise the prices of consumers' goods.

Abhisit said the Oil Fund would still have some Bt8 billion left at the end of April following the subsidy.

-- The Nation 2011-02-26

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Thai workers in Libya to recieve 15,000 THB compensation upon their return

BANGKOK, 26 February 2011 (NNT)-Thai workers returning from Libya will receive 15,000 baht compensation while the first group of 33 Thais who arrived on the Qatar Airways call the government to bring the remaining Thais back as quickly as possible.

The Vice Minister of Labor Mr. Yup Nana said the violence in Libya is expected to escalate while the rest of the Thai workers are staying at a temporary shelter. The Ministry of Labor and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will continue with the rescue effort for the return of Thai people still stranded in Libya.

Two of the Thai workers who already returned, Mr. Yad Saiprom and Mr. Kumpoon Sorhem, spoke of their horrendous experiences and urged the government to expedite the rescue operation for the safety of the rest of Thai workers

-- NNT 2011-02-26