Thailand Live Monday 21 Mar 2011

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Thailand Live Monday 21 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 Saturday 19 Mar 2011

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Can Mingkwan rein in violent reds, PM Abhisit asks

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Thai army changes transgender terms: report

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Thai Ministry warns against 'nuke fallout' pills

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Censure debate influenced majority of Thai voters, poll finds

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Bank of Thailand to report on the impact from Japanese disasters

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Pheu Thai still split over leader

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Chula shows some social responsibility

By The Nation

The country's oldest university is preparing to celebrate its 100th anniversary with a better management system. Chulalongkorn University was established in 1916 in Bangkok's Pathumwan area.

CU vice-president Dr Jiruth Sriratanaban disclosed that the university is adjusting itself in line with the Thailand Quality Award (TQA) concept under a 2008 - 2012 Implementation Plan. TQA calls for the excellence in all aspects.

He said the plan had four goals: To ensure CU will be one of the world's leading higher-educational institutes, that it will be a wisdom source for Thailand, that it will have efficient, streamlined management, and that it will be a good home for good and capable people.

As parts of the management-system improvement, CU has put all its technicians under one same unit to order to facilitate technical services at all of its faculties. Previously, when technicians worked for each faculty, they did not provide services to other faculties even when such resources could be shared.

"We have also set up a Strategic Planning Office responsible for the TQA work," Jiruth said.

CU has also embraced University Social Responsibility (USR). Presently, it has an aerobics yard for public use at Samyan Market and a green park in the heart of Siam Square.

The space could generate huge income if rented. "However, we think about the benefits of neighbouring communities and Bangkok residents," Jiruth said.

-- The Nation 2011-03-21

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Govt will evacuate Thais still in Libya: PM

By The Nation

The government is ready to bring home Thais who stayed behind in strife-torn Libya plus those who want to flee Yemen.

"If they want help now, we'll evacuate them," Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva said yesterday.

Last month, thousands of Thais were brought home as a safety precaution after protesters clashed with Libyan security officers.

International forces have now stepped in to protect Libyan civilians, attacking Mu'ammar Gadhafi's forces and defences with air strikes, cruise missiles and bombs that shook the Libyan capital Tripoli on Saturday night and early yesterday.

Gadhafi's forces replied with anti-aircraft fire.

According to Libyan state TV, at least 48 people have been killed in the strikes.

"We are monitoring the situation," Abhisit said.

Most of the fighting was in the northern part of Libya and all Thais had already been moved out, except those who asked to remain there because they had lived there for a long time and had become attached to the country, he said.

Since the civil strife erupted in Libya, no Thai casualties have been reported.

"We will provide evacuations for Thais in Yemen too," Abhisit said.

Fighting has been raging in Yemen, with the government there imposing a state of emergency as protests intensified with at least 50 anti-government demonstrators being killed.

-- The Nation 2011-03-21

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Bhum Jai Thai-Chart Thai Pattana 'alliance' just a stunt: Pairoj

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Canadian With Links To Downtown Hotel Becomes 7Th Mystery Chiang Mai Death

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EDUCATION

UTCC sets its sights on overseas students

Private universities struggling to compete with subsidised rivals

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Bangkok To Be Transformed Into A Cultural Attraction

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Thai stock index opens on Monday at 1,011.36, up 8.07 points /MCOT

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Insurgents detonated bomb in Narathiwat, killing 2 soldiers on patrol /TAN_Network

PM to speed up restructuring police force; asks police to crack down on crime and be neutral during general election

Deputy PM Suthep not considering increasing PM's security detail following attempts to throw eggs at him yesterday

DPM Suthep refutes claims made by opposition Pheu Thai that tens of millions of baht were used to buy MP votes during censure debate

/TAN_Network

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Southern Insurgents Kill 2 Border Policemen in Morning Attack

Southern insurgents launched a bomb attack on a passing border patrol unit in Narathiwas province, killing two border policement instantly.

They followed up the attack with planting several suspicious boxes in the area.

-- Tan Network 2011-03-21

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Police Surround PAD Rally on Sunday

The People’s Alliance for Democracy was surrounded by two companies of police officers yesterday. However, police dispersed only an hour later.

Yesterday morning, two companies of police officers, armed with shields and batons, surrounded the gathering of the People’s Alliance for Democracy (PAD), raising concerns over another violent crackdown on protesters.

The move prompted the PAD leaders to go on stage and invited more supporters from home to come join the gathering if the police did not move out in a half hour’s time to reinforce the protesters on the streets.

However, police decided to filed out of the area without any confrontation with the protesters only an hour later.

-- Tan Network 2011-03-21

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PAD Warn Parliamentarians of Risk in Approving JBC Meeting Minutes

The People’s Alliance for Democracy is preparing to submit a letter to MPs and senators asking them to reconsider endorsing the meeting minutes of the Thai-Cambodian Joint Boundary Commission.

The group has warned that the agenda may lead to a loss of territory for the country.

People’s Alliance for Democracy or PAD core leader Chamlong Srimuang said the group will be sending a representative to Parliament today to submit an article written by Sompong Sujaritkul, a famous lawyer who has been studying the Preah Vihear Temple controversy.

The letter is directed at MPs and senators, urging them to carefully deliberate the meeting minutes of the Thai-Cambodian Joint Boundary Commission, or JBC.

The article discusses the progress of the border demarcation process and notes how Thailand may lose territory starting from areas in Ubon Ratchathani Province down to Trad Province, if those meeting minutes are endorsed by Parliament.

Chamlong claimed that Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva was aware of the risk as the Cambodian government spokesman had discussed the issue on November 2 when it was believed that the Thai Parliament will be deliberating the meeting minutes.

PAD Coordinator Prapan Khoonmee said Sompong is the only person in Thailand who fully understands the Preah Vihear conflict, urging the prime minister to listen to the expert.

Prapan claimed that by endorsing the JBC meeting minutes, Thailand is accepting new border markers which takes aware Thai territory.

Prapan also pointed out the fact that approval of the meeting minutes did not go through a public hearing process, which may be a violation of the Constitution.

He said the government must tell people living in the border area how it will help them should they lose their land to Cambodia.

-- Tan Network 2011-03-21

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Thailand's happiest people live in Suphan Buri: Poll

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Excise Department: Amended Cigarette Tariff Law to Be Proposed

The Excise Department is prepared to submit the amended cigarette tariff law to the Cabinet at its next meeting.

Director-General of the Excise Department, Pongpanu Svetarundra said that the amended cigarette tariff law will change the way that cigarette tariffs are calculated.

The new tariffs will be calculated to account for Cost, Insurance, and Freight, or C.I.F. instead of import prices alone.

The amendment will ensure that neither domestically produced nor imported cigarettes will be favored in terms of prices.

Pongpanu said the amended cigarette tariff law will be submitted to the Cabinet at its next meeting.

Moreover, the amendment to the 1966 cigarette tariff law will also increase tariff ceilings from the present 80 percent, or 60 satang per gram, to 90 percent or 3 baht per gram.

The Excise Department has confirmed that the amendment to the cigarette tariff law has nothing to do with the issues brought up by the Opposition during the censure debate, concerning Marlboro, LNM or Phillip Morris.

The two companies were previously charged with under-reporting their cigarette import prices.

The Excise Department said the cigarette tariff law was established in 1966 and should be adjusted to adapt to current circumstances.

The amendment will change the prices of cigarettes in Thailand and will increase the government's revenue.

-- Tan Network 2011-03-21

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PM Thanks House for Vote of Confidence

The prime prime minister thanked House members for their vote of confidence and has pledged to continue working hard to solve the country's problems.

During his weekly television program, Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva thanked MPs for their vote of confidence for him and his Cabinet members who faced a no-confidence motion last week.

Abhisit said that he believes the government was able to clarify its policies to the public during the censure debate.

The prime minister pledged that the government would continue to work hard towards alleviating economic hardships for the Thai people.

Abhisit promised a minimum wage hike to help the Thai people cope with rising costs of living.

He also said that the government is planning to upgrade the country's economic infrastructure in order to increase productivity and lower costs.

At the same time, the state will revamp the tax structure to boost Thai businesses' competitiveness and to bring about more comprehensive welfare coverage for Thai citizens.

Concerning the upcoming general election, the premier said that the National Election Commission has already proposed new election regulations to the Parliament for its approval.

House Speaker Chai Chidchob has said that the the proposal will be approved by May, which is when the House dissolution is slated to take place, according to Abhisit.

The premier pledged that during his remaining time in power, the government will push to solve economic, corruption and drug problems while also ensuring a successful reshuffle of state officials.

-- Tan Network 2011-03-21

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Diesel Subsidy to be Increased by 50 Satang per Liter

The Energy Ministry, along with the Energy Policy and Planning Office, is planning to increase diesel subsidies by 50 satang, after world crude oil prices increased due to the unrest in the Middle East and catastrophe in Japan.

Energy Minister Wannarat Channukul said the ministry will hold a meeting with the Energy Policy and Planning Office to discuss plans to increase diesel subsidies by 50 satang per liter.

He said world crude oil prices have risen, which has caused domestic oil traders to increase prices for all types of oil by 10 to 80 satang per liter, under fears that the unrest in the Middle East would escalate.

Moreover, he said Japan currently requires large quantities of oil to generate electricity for heating, which is also pushing diesel prices up.

The energy minister is of the view that the unrest in the Middle East will be prolonged and that the situation could cause oil prices to increase by more than 140 dollars per barrel.

He said the Libyan leader did not keep his promise to the United Nations Security Council, or UNSC, in which he committed to a ceasefire.

Wannarat said France was holding meetings with the European Union, Arab League, African Union, and the United Nations Secretary-General to discuss issues concerning the intervention in Libya.

France's UN ambassador said the military intervention will begin right after the meeting.

Wannarat said the situation in Bahrain, Iran, and Yemen, as well as the announcement of an increase in harmful levels of radiation because of leaks in Japan could cause oil prices to escalate further.

-- Tan Network 2011-03-21

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Suthep urges govt's opponents to stop using violence against PM Abhisit

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Criminal Court hands down life imprisonment for serial killer Somkid Pumpuang, responsible for 5 deaths /TAN_Network

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Japanese Group in Chiang Mai Gather Donations for Home Country

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Thailand to use Osaka to accommodate Thai evacuees in case of emergency

OSAKA, March 21 - Chavanond Intarakomalyasut, secretary to Thailand's minister of foreign affairs, surveyed locations in Osaka in preparation to evacuate Thai people from Japan in a case of an emergency.

Mr Chavanond met Manopchai Wongpakdee, Thai Consul General in Osaka to discuss an evacuation plan for Thais on Monday.

Mr Manopchai said Osaka in southern Japan is ready and has the potential to accommodate Thais as Japan’s biggest airport is located there and Thai Airways offers two flights daily from Osaka to Bangkok.

Four places in Osaka -- including exhibition centre My Dome Osaka, the Thai Consulate General, the Asia and Pacific Trade Center (ATC) and a stadium, are set to accommodate 8,000 Thai evacuees.

The third floor of My Dome Osaka with 2,000-square-metre area can house about 700 people while the ATC can accommodate 3,600 people and is located next to a port which can facilitate evacuation by ferry with a 600 passenger capacity. It takes about 18 hours from the port in Osaka to South Korea’s Busan.

The stadium can accommodate 3,000 people and is near Osaka's Kansai Airport. The Thai Consul General has already given permission by the Japanese authorities to use the four places in case of emergency.

In a related development, 39 Thais including a one-year-old infant, arrived home Sunday night by a Royal Thai Air Force C-130 aircraft and underwent radiation check after radiation screening in Japan before their departure. All were cleared. (MCOT online news)

-- TNA 2011-03-21

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Phuket rescue drill for upcoming Songkran Festival

ARE YOU READY? Revelers in Patong celebrate Songkran last year.

Officials are planning drills to help reduce the number of deaths

on Phuket roads this year. Photo: Gazette file

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3 Soldiers Injured in M-79 Grenade Attack on Scout Army Base in Narathiwat Province

An insurgent group fired three M-79 grenades at an army scout base in Narathiwat Province, leaving three soldiers injured.

An army scout base in Si Sakhon District, in Narathiwat Province was attacked by an insurgent group firing three M-79 grenades at the camp, which left three soldiers injured.

According to the initial investigation, the grenades were fired from a nearby rubber plantation located west of the base.

Meawnhile, a local administrative official in Waeng District in the province turned Hasem Tayae in to law enforcement authorities, as the man is a suspect in the police apartment bombing that occurred on March 7.

Hasem has denied all accusations.

In addition, the army scout conducted a raid on an insurgent hideout in Bannang Sata District, in Yala Province.

A clash broke out during the raid, killing two insurgent suspects.

Three stolen M-16 rifles were found at the scene.

During their investigation, officers found that one of the suspects who was killed in the clash had an outstanding arrest warrant out for him for the attempted murder of government officials.

The suspect was known to be a local terrorist group leader.

Meanwhile, another suspect is wanted by authorities for violating the Internal Security Act as he has ties to an active insurgent group in the area, which has committed numerous crimes in the area.

-- Tan Network 2011-03-21

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45 provinces declared drought-stricken zones

BANGKOK, 21 March 2011 (NNT) – The Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) has recently declared 45 provinces across the country drought-stricken zones, affecting over six million villagers.

According to DDPM Director-General Viboon Sanguanpong, there are 6,046,986 people in 1,678,003 households suffering from the drought crisis at present. About 1,726,736 rai of farmland is expected to be damaged by the dry spell.

The combined amount of water in big reservoirs nationwide now stands at 40.330 billion cubic meters or 58% of the total capacity, which is less than last year’s amount of 41.867 billion cubic meters by 1.537 billion cubic meters.

As for Bhumibol and Sirikit Dams alone, the amount of water remains at 6.221 billion cubic meters and 5.192 billion cubic meters, which account for 46% and 45% of their respective capacities. The combined amount of water at the two major dams is totally 11.413 billion cubic meters .

Mr Viboon confirmed that related officials have been alerted to monitor the drought situation on a continuous basis.

-- NNT 2011-03-21