Thailand Live Tuesday 1 Mar 2011

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Thailand Live Tuesday 1 March 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 Monday 28 Feb 2011

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Rainmaking center opened upon HM the King’s concern over drought

NAKHON SAWAN (NNT) -- The Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives has officially launched the Royal Rainmaking Center in

Nakhon Sawan province to tackle drought problems.

The opening ceremony of the Royal Rainmaking Center was presided by Agriculture and Cooperatives Minister Theera Wongsamut at Nakhon Sawan Airport, Nakhon Sawan province. Starting from 1 March onwards, the center will work to alleviate the suffering of residents in drought-stricken areas across the country in an integrative manner with the Ministry, which has already mapped out a water management plan ahead of the drought season.

During the opening ceremony, Deputy Secretary General of the Royal Household Bureau Dissathorn Watcharothai conveyed His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej’s concern over drought. His Majesty instructed the Bureau of Royal Rainmaking and Agricultural Aviation to closely coordinate with the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives on the rainmaking operations, which he said would not only increase the water levels in reservoirs but would also add moisture to the soil.

Up to 30 aircraft have been prepared for rainmaking, 21 of them belong to the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives and the other 9 are provided by the Royal Thai Air Force. The fleet will be divided into 8 units and will expand to 11 units if the drought situation becomes more severe.

-- NNT 2011-03-01

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More Thai Temples Found Damaged by Laos Earthquake

The 4.7 Richter earthquake in Laos last week has been found to have damaged several temples in the northern and northeastern parts of Thailand.

On February 23, an earthquake with magnitude of 4.7 on the Richter scale hit Laos causing damage in several areas, including Loei province in Thailand.

An initial report said that the walls of 500 year-old temple in the Darn Sai district had cracked after the earthquake.

Further reports said that the temple in the Nahaeo district was also damaged and was found to have even more cracks in the walls since the day of the quake.

Sub district headman and chairman of the Nahaeo cultural district, Sombat Tidchid said that the damaged temple was built in 1547 and was the oldest temple in Loei province.

Sombat said the sacred temple has not been registered with the Fine Arts Department despite many failed attempts.

Citizens in the area are calling for authorities step in to take care of their valuable architectural heritage.

In addition to these two temples, a temple in the Na Hor sub-district of Loei province was also damaged.

The temple has already been inspected and repaired.

-- TNA 2011-03-01

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Thai Airways enforce waistline rules on their flight attendants

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Warning on Thai healthcare system

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Thailand concerned over growth in young drug users

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Impeachment notice filed against PM Abhisit, 8 others

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Thailand expects minimal economic impact despite rising oil prices

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Map Ta Phut city plan halves industrial zone

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Time for the Thai govt to get to work on tax reform

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Thailand stalls on temple visitors

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Censure debate will set the tone for Thai election

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Teen driver's case handed over to juvenile court

By The Nation

The case of the 17yearold girl, who slammed her car into a passenger van on December 28 killing nine people and injuring several others, was handed over to the Central Children's and Juvenile Court prosecutor yesterday.

Metropolitan Police Bureau deputy commissioner Amnuay Nimmano said police investigators believe the suspect should be charged with reckless driving, which caused deaths and injuries, as well as driving without a licence. The suspect is currently in the custody of the Juvenile Observation and Protection Department.

In response to the defence lawyer's comment that there were no traces showing the car ever hit the van, Amnuay said the police had enough evidence, such as security camera images, witnesses and forensic proof, to prosecute the suspect. In addition, he said, Thammasat University will file a civil lawsuit for compensation on Thursday and police investigators will also submit a report to the court in which the owner of the car, a Honda Civic, will be charged for allowing someone without a licence to drive.

-- The Nation 2011-03-01

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Trang to close second island

By The Nation

Authorities at Trang's Had Chao Mai National Park said yesterday that they were thinking of closing Koh Kradan in order to rehabilitate coral reefs that have been severely bleached. Authorities have already closed Koh Chueak to address the bleaching problem, which has affected 80 per cent of the coral in the area.

Director Prapoj Sattaporn said that since Koh Chueak is going to be closed for five years to rehabilitate the coral and tourists had accepted this, authorities might also close down Koh Kradan during the monsoons or the low season in May.

Koh Kradan became famous when it became the site of the world's largest undersea wedding 14 years ago and was recorded in the "Guinness Book of World Records".

-- The Nation 2011-03-01

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2 surrogate mothers decide to keep their babies

By The Nation

Two of the Vietnamese women who were duped into becoming surrogate mothers by a Taiwanese gang have decided to keep their babies, Public Health Minister Jurin Laksanawisit said yesterday.

The 15 women rescued from the gang, seven of who are pregnant and two have given birth to a baby boy each, will return to Vietnam next week. Authorities had initially found 13 women, and later discovered another two victims last week.

Presiding over a meeting with 11 agencies in a bid to resolve the issue, Jurin said the Vietnamese Embassy would help one of the victims who had lost her passport, while the Immigration Bureau would help the woman who had overstayed her visa.

Jurin said the authorities were thinking about charging the Taiwanese suspects with human trafficking and illegal detention. While medical facilities and practitioners involved would be subjected to the Medical Premises Act and the Medical Profession Act, he said, the Medical Council would consider on March 10 if the involved doctors should have their licences revoked. Jurin said the legal procedure would take one week before the women could be repatriated. Alliance Anti Trafic (spelling is correct)Regional Thailand will cover their travel expenses.

-- The Nation 2011-03-01

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Factory death toll hits seven

By The Nation

Five more workers succumbed to severe burns yesterday, raising the death toll of the explosion at a tapioca powder plant in Chaiyaphum's Chatturat district on Friday to seven. The five victims were Wongduen Thochai, 39; Pradit Sriwilai, 35; Luan Thochai, 67; Prapol Patama, 37; and Narong Patama, 18.

Thirteen workers, who are still in a coma, are undergoing treatment at the Maharaj Hospital in Nakhon Ratchasima, Srinakharin Hospital in Khon Kaen and the Khon Kaen Provincial Hospital.

A biogas pipe at the Chaiyaphum Starch factory exploded on Friday, with massive flames engulfing one building and injured more than 30 workers. Two workers succumbed to their injuries on Sunday.

Police LtColonel Suchart Choengchan, who is part of the investigation team, said the cause of the explosion is still unknown, though the team should have concluded the case in a week's time.

-- The Nation 2011-03-01

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Senator Porntip voted second deputy speaker

By THE NATION

Senator Porntip Lohveera Janrattanapreeda from Chaiyaphum province was yesterday elected by fellow Upper House members as the second deputy Senate speaker.

She will replace Senator Tassana Boonthong, an appointed member who has completed her term after three years in office.

At their meeting yesterday, mostly elected senators debated whether it was necessary to immediately fill the vacant seat of second deputy speaker, or if the selection should take place after vacant seats of appointed senators are filled.

Most appointed senators in the 150-member Senate stepped down recently before their three-year term ends in mid-February. Elected senators from each of the 76 provinces can stay in office for six years.

Senate Speaker Prasopsuk Boondej, one of a handful of appointed senators playing a caretaker role while waiting for a replacements, called a vote yesterday to decide whether a second deputy speaker should be selected right away or when the vacant seats of appointed senators are all filled.

The meeting's participants voted 66 to 11 for immediate selection of a second deputy speaker.

Three elected senators were nominated by their colleagues - Porntip, Suwit Mekserikul from Samut Sakhon, and Jittipoj Viriyaroj from Si Sa Ket.

In a secret ballot, Porntip got 31 votes, followed by Jittipoj who obtained 25, and Suwit 21. As none of the contestants got more than half of the existing senators, a second secret ballot was needed. Porntip received 49 votes, compared to Jittipoj, who got 29.

-- The Nation 2011-03-01

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Muramoto killed by non-Army weapon, says DSI

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Libya unrestthai workers given no access to news

By Mayuree Sukyingcharoenwong

Thanongsak Muennoo

The Nation

Evacuees face further setback of their earnings in Libyan dollar losing value

Security officials in Libya have sought to prevent Thai and foreign workers from watching TV news reports about violent protests and suppression of the antigovernment riots while they stayed in shelters awaiting evacuation, a worker has told The Nation.

Yudthana Vitupasai, a leader of Thai workers at a shelter in Benghazi, said in an email they had tried to avoid drawing the attention of guards watching them by not cheering or reacting to news about fighting between government forces or the "rebels".

"All workers are advised to hide their mobile phones or SIM cards, which could be seized by guards, as a way to censor footage that could be spread to the outside world," Yudthana wrote in an email.

There were hygiene problems in the shelter, he said. Garbage was left piling up and there was insufficient clean water for washing and cooking.

"Everyone is now worried over whether fellow workers belonging to a company which provides and cooks food under a contract for Thai workers might get evacuated soon, meaning that there will be another big problem about not having enough food," he said.

The value of the dinar, the Libyan currency, had halved against US dollar - another setback for all Thai and foreign workers, who were not able to exchange it at local banks, or, reportedly, at any bank or money exchange service, Yudthana said.

Around 300 Thais were living in the shelter, with six leaders in charge of six groups of around 50 men. Headcounts and evacuation rehearsals were conducted on a regular basis. Most workers watched movies on DVD, or made contact with their families to "kill" the time, before a ship comes tomorrow (Wed) to take them and other Thai workers to Tunisia.

Workers returning to Thailand have given firsthand accounts of their ordeals. One group based in Dina was robbed on 10 occasions in just one night.

Somchai Ismael, 63, who was part of this group, said around 120 Thais were left stranded in the desert after rioters took their vehicles. "They robbed everything from me and people in my group, money and telephones. All they left was the clothes we were wearing. I later hailed a trailer truck with a number of friends and travelled to Egypt," he said.

Suphee Sripattanate, 30, said he only ate dried bread and drank water he filtered himself through pieces of cotton. "I am worried about my father and brother and some relatives still stuck in Tripoli, with whom I lost contact," he said.

Labour Minister Chalermchai Srion said he would make a urgent budget request for Bt343 million for an extra Bt15,000 payment to most of the 23,600 Thai workers from Libya. About 20,000 may be qualified for assistance money.

He proposed setting up liaison offices with Labour Ministry officials in countries where more than 5,000 Thais work.

Chalermchai said Tunisia, where most Thai and foreign workers are stationed briefly for further evacuation, was not completely safe. "But, luckily, those areas with hostile situations are located a long way from the shelters," he said.

Senator Sumeth Sriphong, speaking in a Senate meeting yesterday, proposed that the government help Thai workers by seeking new jobs for them locally and abroad and offering lenient loan terms and other assistance.

-- The Nation 2011-03-01

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Road reclaimed from yellow shirts

By THE NATION

Some 500 police were used early yesterday to retake part of a street in front of the Education Ministry near Makhawan Bridge, occupied by the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD).

Pol Maj-General Vichai Sangkhaprapai, a Metropolitan Police division commander, said no clashes were reported. He insisted negotiation always preceded the reclaiming of public space, but refused to say when police intend to take control of Phitsanulok Road in front of Government House. He said force could be employed - from "light to heavy"- if necessary.

Last night, only 300 police were deployed to maintain law and order at the PAD protest site.

Deputy PM Suthep Thaugsubhan said he was satisfied with the move, adding that no advance notice would be given before remaining areas occupied by the PAD and Santi Asoke sect are retaken.

Suthep said protesters had caused much inconvenience to people who use Rajdamnoen Road and other nearby streets.

"If their right to protest affects others' rights, then the law won't protect them," the deputy PM said.

He had been compromising with the PAD so far, he said, and the move by police had nothing to do with rumours the police chief may be removed if he failed to dislodge the PAD.

PM Abhisit Vejjajiva, meanwhile, thanked the PAD for allowing the road to be used by again, and hoped this would be permanent.

PAD co-leader Chamlong Srimuang reacted differently, saying the move was part of a plan to suppress protesters. He said the PAD agreed to it after police used force to clear the road.

Chamlong said the two people arrested for carrying guns were not PAD members, as claimed earlier by police.

"This [road clearing] is not beyond expectation. They did it because they cannot stand us exposing the truth [about the government] on the streets any longer.

"We demanded the government defend national integrity; it did not. We demanded the premier resign; he refused and chose to disperse us instead," Chamlong said.

The setting up of Democrat Party TV was another move by the ruling party to counter exposure made by ASTV, the mouthpiece media outlet of the PAD.

"Nothing untoward happened over the past 35 days. If something is to happen now, it will be the sole responsibility of the government," he said.

-- The Nation 2011-03-01

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UK Ambassador puts Phuket safety on common agenda

British Ambassador to Thailand Asif Ahmad (right) today focused

talks on boosting safety through mutual cooperation.

Photo: Janpen Upatising

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Finance minister backs PM’s intention to further raise minimum wage

BANGKOK, Mar 1 – Finance Minister Korn Chatikavanij on Monday voiced his support for Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva’s proposed policy on a further increase in the minimum wage by 25 per cent, but allowed hat it would affect the inflation rate.

He said the policy is considered part of both the government plan and the ruling Democrat Party's intention to address the labour wages because the economic returns the country has gained since the economic crisis in 1997 have not yet been fairly shared with low-income wage earners.

“Yields from the economic recovery in the post-crisis period have been mostly gained by business owners, not workers," Mr Korn said, "so the minimum wage increase is considered a fair intervention.

“The cost of living has continued to rise," he said. "It is therefore the government’s duty to take care of low-income earners to ensure they make ends meet.

“It is a proper time now to distribute income to low-income earners because the economy has picked up and business owners have enjoyed sound operating results as can be witnessed by huge profits gained by listed companies,” said Mr Korn.

On the mounting concern by the Federation of Thai Industries that the minimum wage hike might compel entrepreneurs to count more on foreign labourers, the minister said he still believed local entrepreneurs do want to help upgrade the economy and to help alleviate poverty in the country. (MCOT online news)

-- TNA 2011-03-01

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Bank of Thailand sees need for higher policy interest rate

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Thai stock index opens on Tuesday at 991.70, up 3.79 points /MCOT

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Phuket lucky license plate auction raises more than Bt23mn

VIP: A yellow Lamborghini parked outside The Metropole hotel in Phuket Town,

where the auction was held, sporting one of the special plates auctioned off in 2005.

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The Red Shirt Political Party?

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Thai Deputy PM Sanan believes bailing out Red Shirts will cool off politics

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32 Senators Join Appointed-Senator Race

Thirty-two candidates have been nominated to the appointed-senator race, since application submission began last Friday.

The Election Commission announced that 32 candidates have been named to contest for the nomination of appointed senators, after application submission began last Friday.

Six candidates enrolled, including Vice Admiral Narong Chalothon from the Free People League of Thailand, Pongdetch Manoros from Krabi Oil Palm Growers' Co-operative, Vice Admiral Prasert Bunsong from the National Defense College Association of Thailand, Sunthon Iadnu from Narathiwat Women Development Committee, Chaiwat Triamsantipaap from the Foundation for Medicine and Public Health and Opas Summana from the Nakhon Phanom Teachers' Savings Co-operative.

-- Tan Network 2011-03-01

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Cambodia tells UNESCO special envoy it has informed Thailand about not withdrawing listing of Preah Vihear; claims temple hit by shots /TAN_Network

5.3 magnitude quake hits northern Sumatra, 479 km away from Phuket; quake not felt in Thailand /TAN_Network

Deputy PM Suthep: police will not disperse PAD protest but will ask for traffic lanes back from protesters /TAN_Network