Thailand Live Wednesday 9 Mar 2011

[webfact]

Thai stock index opens on Wednesday at 1,025.28, up 6.71 points /MCOT

[webfact]

Ex-BoT Chief Backs Asian Currency Regime Adoption

Follow this link:

[webfact]

Strong aftershock hits off Japan - BNO News /via@mpoppel

[webfact]

Disgruntled Ayutthaya Farmers Threaten to Close Road

Farmers from Suphan Buri province are joining the protest at the Ayutthaya Provincial Hall where farmers are demanding that the government increase the agreed reference rice price and have threatened to close a major road in the area.

Ayutthaya rice farmers continue to camp in front of the provincial hall for the second day running, despite the government announcing that it has raised the reference price for the farmer income guarantee scheme to 11,000 baht per ton and the quota of rice guaranteed per household to 30 tons.

Farmers in Ayutthaya are demanding that the government raise the reference price to as high as 14,000 baht per ton, since production costs have been risen up to 9,000 baht per ton.

Many farmers have complained that the agreed 11,000 baht is far too low, and they feel the government is taking advantage of farmers, as costs for fertilizer and equipment have increased.

In the latest development, farmers from Suphan Buri province traveled to Ayutthaya Provincial Hall to join the protest and have threatened to close off Asia Highway until the government meets the demands of the farmers in Suphan Buri and Ayutthaya provinces.

Elsewhere, farmers in the northern provinces have blocked Phitsanulok Nakhon Sawan Road in front of Naresuan University in Phitsanulok province since last Sunday, also demanding that the government increase the rice reference price to 14,000 baht per ton.

However, the northern farmers have dispersed and allowed traffic to resume.

They are planning to send representatives from various provinces to meet with Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva, who chairs the National Rice Policy Committee, at the Government House, to discuss the issue.

They plan to urge the premier to raise the reference price to 14,000 baht per ton, as well as to readjust the guaranteed quota to 40 tons per household.

Farmers are extremely dissatisfied with the National Rice Policy Committee's decision to increase the reference price of 15-percent moisture rice to 11,000 baht per ton and the quota from 25 to 30 tons per household.

They have threatened to intensify their protests if the government does not respond to their demands.

-- Tan Network 2011-03-09

[webfact]

Central Bank to Keep Inflation Below 3%

The Bank of Thailand governor is confidence that the central bank will be able to keep inflation between 0.5 and 3 percent this year, while preventive measures are being implemented to handle fluctuating capital movements.

Bank of Thailand Governor Prasarn Trairatvorakul expressed confidence that even though the inflation rate is on the rise due to higher cost of living, the central bank will be able to keep it in check at between 0.5 and 3 percent.

Prasarn also pointed out that the political situation in the Middle East is being closely monitored, since it could have an indirect effect on Thailand, which is an oil importing country.

He warned that the country will be affected if oil price reaches 130 U.S. dollars per barrel.

Prasarn believes foreign capital movements will continue from now through next year and may fluctuate even more.

He noted the fragile U.S. economy, the Eurozone debt crisis, and the implementation of the austerity policy as important global economic risks, and the political violence in the Middle East as an important political factor.

The Bank of Thailand has prepared a set of control measures and guidelines to deal with foreign capital movements, and is looking to support the private sector in risk management.

Meanwhile, the central bank governor discounted the possibility of introducing a common currency for Asean anytime soon, as economic growth and spending in its member countries vary too much.

Prasarn said it is more likely that the U.S. dollar will be replaced by the Chinese yuan as the primary currency in international trade, especially after Hong Kong has been designated the center of yuan trade.

At the same time, more than 70,000 Chinese firms are now conducting international business in yuan.

The Bank of China has also begun offering yuan deposits in New York, which is considered another way to lessen the economic effect of currency fluctuations.

-- Tan Network 2011-03-09

[webfact]

USGS estimates 5.9 million people felt moderate shaking, 4.6 million felt light shaking. Damage light at most, they say. /via@mpoppel

[george]

BREAKING: Powerful quake rocks northern Japan, tsunami advisories issued:

Full story:

[webfact]

Magnitude 7.2 - NEAR THE EAST COAST OF HONSHU, JAPAN

2011 March 09 02:45:18 UTC

Earthquake Details

This event has been reviewed by a seismologist.

Magnitude

7.2

Date-Time

Wednesday, March 09, 2011 at 02:45:18 UTC

Wednesday, March 09, 2011 at 11:45:18 AM at epicenter

Time of Earthquake in other Time Zones

Location

38.510°N, 142.792°E

Depth

14.1 km (8.8 miles)

Region

NEAR THE EAST COAST OF HONSHU, JAPAN

Distances

168 km (104 miles) E of Sendai, Honshu, Japan

193 km (119 miles) SE of Morioka, Honshu, Japan

216 km (134 miles) E of Yamagata, Honshu, Japan

413 km (256 miles) NE of TOKYO, Japan

Location Uncertainty

horizontal +/- 12.8 km (8.0 miles); depth +/- 1.8 km (1.1 miles)

Parameters

NST=464, Nph=469, Dmin=390.7 km, Rmss=1.06 sec, Gp= 29°,

M-type="moment" magnitude from initial P wave (tsuboi method) (Mi/Mwp), Version=B

Source

USGS NEIC (WDCS-D)

Event ID

usb0001r57

Source: http://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/recenteqsww/Quakes/usb0001r57.html

[webfact]

Weera's mother pleads for help for son from govt; PM reported to have signed request for Weera and Ratree's royal pardon /TAN_Network

BTS Silom line sees mechanical error causing backlog of passengers /TAN_Network

BREAKING -- Strong aftershock, magnitude 6.3 /via@mpoppel

[webfact]

Police in Phitsanulok seize 2.6 mil yabaa pills and 102 kg of ya ice with an esitmated street value of Bt1 billion

Follow this link:

[webfact]

Phuket land grab sparks full investigation

Mr Pasinpon (left) and Col Jaran (center) discuss the alleged encroachment

with Nikom Ukati of the Phuket Land Office.

Col Jaran said "I will pull [the buildings] down myself" if those responsible fail to act.

Follow this link:

[webfact]

Norwegian tourist falls to his death from 8th floor of Pattaya hotel

Follow this link:

[webfact]

Prime Minister Clarifies Ban on Public Gatherings Near Residence

The prime minister insists that the Center for the Administration of Peace and Order's ban on public gatherings near his home is not intended to cause trouble for the general public.

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva has stressed that the ban on traffic and public gatherings near his residence applies only to political protesters as they often use loudspeakers, which disturb residents in the area.

The prime minister's neighbors and the general public are not to be burdened by the heightened security.

The ban extends from Sukhumvit Road down Sukhumvit Soi 39, and about halfway down Sukhumvit Soi 33, along Sukhumvit Soi 31 to the end of Soi Sawasdi, and the shortcut on Sukhumvit Soi 39 from Phrom Sri intersection to Sawasdi School intersection.

Security will also make sure strangers are kept away from the proximity of the premier, while silent public protesters have also been warned that they may be subject to fines if the messages are deemed deflamatory against the prime minister.

Abhisit said the series of embarrassing protests, which have followed him on his trips to various events, do not discourage him at all.

-- Tan Network 2011-03-09

[webfact]

PM Abhisit: any political party found to have obstructed an election can be dissolved /TAN_Network

[webfact]

PM Expects More Clarity on House Dissolution After Talks with Election Commission

The prime minister expects to be able to give more clarity on the dates for a House dissolution and fresh elections after a meeting with the Election Commission this Friday.

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva said he will meet with the Election Commission to discuss legal matters and preparations for House dissolution and fresh elections.

Abhisit is hopeful the meeting will offer more clarity on the timing of the upcoming House dissolution and general election.

The premier reiterated that his administration is not creating a burden for its successor, nor is it rolling out projects in hopes of garnering support for the next poll.

Abhisit added that the Democrat Party is ready to campaign in any part of the country, including the northeastern provinces.

Meanwhile, Pheu Thai Party Chief MP Chalerm Yubumrung refused to comment on the shortened censure debate session.

He also denied having been briefed on the topics he will be lead in the debate.

However, it has been reported that the outspoken MP may bring up the issue of the violent crackdowns on red-shirt protesters last year, a topic raised in previous censure debates.

Chalerm asked the public to give his colleague Mingkwan Saengsuwan a chance to prove himself as a debate leader, who had outcompeted him for the party's support to become the party's next prime ministerial candidate, should the House vote to oust the current administration.

Responding to criticisms from the Army and Air Force chiefs over his intention to divulge those responsible for arson at Central World Plaza during city riots in May 2010, Pheu Thai Party-list MP Jatuporn Phromphan said he would rather they wait for information and evidence he will be presenting during the censure debate.

The red-shirt leader dared the chiefs to swear by the Emerald Buddha at the famous Wat Phra Kaew, or the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, that they are telling the truth when denying the allegations.

In addition, Jatuporn lashed out on the House speaker for shortening the debate period, which will limit the opposition's time to elaborate against the government.

Jatuporn noted that cabinet ministers from the Bhum Jai Thai Party may be among the first to be censured.

-- Tan Network 2011-03-09

[webfact]

Orient Thai Airways Accused of Tax Evasion

Follow this link:

[webfact]

Thai Police to Address Local Political Violence

Follow this link:

[webfact]

Security Intensified in Restive South After Killings of Monks, Civilians

Security forces maintain a strong presence in southern border provinces as insurgent attacks remain rampant.

Buddhist monks, however, refuse to bow down to the insurgents intention to strike fear, opting to continue to make morning alms rounds as usual.

Yala Governor Krisada Bunraj visited a fresh market in the Yala municipality to offer alms to Buddhist monks, with soldiers, policemen, and security volunteers maintaining security and order.

The provincial governor urged local security forces to list areas prone to insurgent violence so that security staff can be deployed accordingly.

District chiefs have also been instructed to communicate with Buddhists and Muslims in their areas to look after each other.

In Pattani province, Buddhist monks continued their routine morning alms rounds in Khok Pho district, despite the recent killing of a monk by southern insurgents on March 5.

However, fewer monks were seen on the streets, particularly in high-risk areas.

Security forces are currently stationed along the roads where monks are collecting alms.

Undercover officers have also been deployed among civilians to ensure public safety.

One of the monks at Nikornchanaram Temple admitted he is worried, but said he has to make alms-rounds as it is the part of the routine of a monk.

He vows to continue with his Buddhist routine as he believes the southern insurgency is not rooted in religious conflicts between Buddhists and Muslims.

Meanwhile, the parents of a 14 month old girl who was killed with her uncle, a retired policeman, in an insurgent attack on Monday, went to receive their bodies at Pattani Hospital.

The parents are having a hard time accepting their daughter's death, as she was their firstborn child.

The bodies of the two victims were brought to Prachantakham Temple for funeral bathing rites which were held.

-- Tan Network 2011-03-09

[webfact]

Missing weaponry at Dhanarat Camp returned

ฺBANGKOK, 9 March 2011 (NNT)-Thai Army Spokesperson Col Sansern Kaewkamnerd said yesterday Army Chief Gen. Prayuth Chan-Ocha has appointed 8 members to a panel overseeing the missing weaponry at Dhanarat Infantry Camp. It has also been reported that those who were involved would be temporarily stripped off their positions.

According to Col Sansern, suspected individuals will be requested to stay at the Infantry Center to prevent them from interfering with the investigation. They will only walk free and resume their military duty once the panel has verified their innocence.

Meanwhile, Deputy Spokesperson Col. Sirichan Ngathong revealed that some of the missing weaponry had been returned with those who stole them identified. However, information over suspects is in confidentiality and will be revealed once the investigation is over.

-- NNT 2011-03-09

[webfact]

PM: Govt will seek out-of-prison medical treatment for Veera

Follow this link:

[webfact]

Thai Airways show no concerns over rate rise or oil prices

BANGKOK, 9 March 2011 (NNT)-President of Thai Airways International PCL Dr. Piyasawat Amaranand said during the seminar on the impact of investment on Thai economy that inflation rates and rising oil prices are not posing concerns to the airlines.

Dr. Piyasawat further explained that despite the fluctuation tendency of investment and oil prices, risks posed by those two factors can be mitigated. However, he added that unforeseen factors like natural disasters and politics, which are beyond the company’s ability to control, could put the business at risk.

When asked what the current threat to the airlines was, Dr Piyasawat mentioned the unrest in the Middle East since Thai Airways relied on the world economy which was also driven by oil from the Middle East.

-- NNT 2011-03-09

[webfact]

Prachuab Khiri Khan police arrest Indian with 22kg heroin worth Bt13m; suspect says Malaysian hired to deliver drugs to Songkhla /TAN_Network

[webfact]

Thai quake victim’s ashes arrive home

BANGKOK, March 9 - A body identification team from Thailand returned from Christchurch on Wednesday with the ashes of Haruethaya Luangsurapeesakul, a nurse who was killed in New Zealand's deadly quake last month.

Office of Forensic Science chief Charamphon Suramanee and his team arrived at Suvarnabhumi Airport early Wednesday, carrying the ashes of Ms Haruethaya back home, giving them to Darunee Luangsurapeesakul, mother of the victim and relatives.

The family thanked the Royal Thai Police and the body identification team for their work and brought the ashes to the family home in Nonthaburi. They scheduled a merit-making ceremony on March 17 before scattering the young nurse’s ashes over the river as part of the Buddhist funeral rites on the next day.

Her family initially received Bt300,000 (US$10,000) from the New Zealand Red Cross and Bt150,000 (US$5,000) from the New Zealand government.

Mrs Darunee asked the Thai government to help seeking the Bt150,000 compensation from a Malaysian life insurance company with which her daughter was insured after it rejected to pay her, claiming her daughter failed to pay the insurance premium two weeks before the death. She said her daughter’s visa expired and had to wait for the process to extend the visa before being able to pay the premium.

Ms Haruethaya was the first among six Thai nursing student victims identified after they went missing at a language school during the powerful Christchurch earthquake.

New Zealand will hold a national memorial service on March 18 to mark the "terrible loss of life" in the Christchurch earthquake. The service will culminate in a period of two minutes silence at 12:51pm (2351 GMT Thursday), the exact time that the 6.3-magnitude tremor tore apart Christchurch on Feb 22.

The death toll stood at 166 on Monday, although officials expect the figure to eventually rise above 200. (MCOT online news, agencies)

-- TNA 2011-03-09

[webfact]

PAD to give letter to Indonesian Embassy Thursday opposing Jakarta, ASEAN interfering in Thai internal affairs related to Thai-Cambodian border dispute /MCOT

[webfact]

PM: Bangkok ready for Thailand-Cambodia Joint Boundary Commission (JBC) meeting in Indonesia March 27-28; expect meeting could ease border tension /MCOT

[webfact]

Thai Transport Ministry to Deal with Illegal Private Vans

Follow this link:

[webfact]

As expected, Monetary Policy Committee increases repurchase rate by 25 basis points to 2.5% /TAN_Network

[webfact]

Government Puts Off Palm Oil Imports as Shortage Improves

The National Palm Oil Policy Committee has decided to put off the additional import of palm oil, as there has been improvement in the recent shortage.

Meanwhile, domestic palm oil crops are expected to be available for production of the cooking oil some time this month.

The National Palm Oil Policy Committee has found that the shortage of palm oil has shown some signs of improvement.

As such, the committee has decided to cancel the import of the remaining 90,000 tons of palm oil from the 120,000 tons originally planned.

The committee believes the 30,000 tons already imported into the country can be manufactured into 13 million liters of cooking oil, which will be sufficient to meet the domestic demand until March 14. By then, the estimated 150,000 tons of domestic crop will be ready to be harvested for production.

Permanent-Secretary for Commerce Yanyong Puangraj has reaffirmed that palm oil is still being sold to consumers for 47 baht per liter, and that he is confident there will be no more shortages.

If the problem persists, the committee will call for another meeting.

Meanwhile, about 16,500 tons of crude palm oil will be needed for the production of biodiesel in March.

Suppliers are strongly advised to gradually sell the crop in order to minimize effects on domestic price.

-- Tan Network 2011-03-09

[webfact]

Thai Airways Begins Flights From Don Muang To Suvarnabhumi

New service aimed at foreigners who went to wrong airport by mistake

Follow this link:

[webfact]

Fossil of an ancient primate found in Lampang

Follow this link: