Thailand Live Monday 21 Mar 2011

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Suthep: Govt ready for house dissolution, election

BANGKOK, 21 March 2011 (NNT) – Deputy Prime Minister for Security Affairs Suthep Thaugsuban has ensured the government’s readiness to dissolve the House while expressing confidence that his Democrat Party will gain more seats in the South.

Talking to the press, the deputy prime minister also confirmed that there would be no coup d’état before the election because the military had reaffirmed they did not want to get involved in national politics.

Mr Suthep, also the Democrat Party’s secretary-general, voiced his confidence that his party would be able to maintain its strongholds in the South and would win more seats in other regions despite candidacy of new political parties such as Matubhum Party of General Sonthi Boonyaratglin.

The secretary-general then welcomed the newly established Pracha Santi Party of former Deputy Prime Minister Police Captain Purachai Piumsombun to the upcoming general election.

Mr Suthep however expressed his belief that the persons who would finally contend for the prime minister's post will come from either his Democrat Party or Pheu Thai Party.

-- NNT 2011-03-21

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Industry Ministry Confirms No Sugar Shortage in Thailand

The Industry Ministry has confirmed that there is no domestic sugar shortage, and is urging authorities to prevent smuggling into neighboring countries.

Industry Minister Chaivut Bannawat has reaffirmed that there is adequate supply of sugar in the country. He said Thailand currently has 25 million sacks of sugar available, with three million sacks in emergency reserves.

He said 480,000 sacks of sugar are being distributed to consumers on a weekly basis, and that authorities are conducting stock inquiries both in Bangkok and other cities to prevent hoarding.

Moreover, he has confirmed that there has been no hoarding as sugar sellers must report their sugar supplies to authorities and that all selling and buying activities must be accompanied by transportation licenses, which are valid for only 15 days.

Chaivut said the only problem is that there has been a delay in sugar transportation.

The Industry Ministry, along with the Ministry of Commerce is coordinating with soldiers and police along the border to prevent smuggling to neighboring countries, as illegal traders are expected to take advantage of the current high prices.

-- Tan Network 2011-03-21

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Five Teenagers Shot After Pattaya Music Festival

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Pheu Thai Urged to Stop Aggressing PM

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Public Prosecutor Decides Not to Petition Revocation of Red Shirt Bail

The Attorney General's Office has decided not to petition the court for a revocation of bail granted to seven red shirt leaders.

It has clarified that, after reviewing evidence offered by the DSI, it does not see any clear violation of bail conditions as claimed by the Department of Special Investigation.

-- Tan Network 2011-03-21

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One dead as Phuket water truck overshoots curve

Poor road engineering has been blamed for the truck overshooting the curve.

Phuket rescue workers at the scene this morning.

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10 youths involved in Jomtien Beach stabbing incident

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Liberian dies in rented room in South Pattaya

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Pattaya Donations To Japanese Tsunami Appeal Tops 166,000 Baht

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SET index closed at 1019.93, up 16.64; Bt/USD30.15; GBP48.80; AUD30.06; EUR42.63; CAD30.62; HKD3.86; SGD23.65; JPY37.06

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Senior UK military source: As head of Libyan armed forces, Colonel Gaddafi is a "legitimate military target" /via@SkyNewsBreak

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Three life sentences and death for Thai serial killer

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Earthquake felt in Philippines capital Manila - Reuters witness /via@REUTERSFLASH

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Purachai Piumsombun,ex-Interior Minister to lead new political party,Pracha Santi Party,to be launched in April /The NATION

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Crime rate in Bangkok down 20% as promised: PM Abhisit

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British pilot dies in Phuket accident

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Fears of explosion spark Phuket gas shop raid

Gas shop owner Kongkij Limsuebchuea (right) with Phuket Energy

Office Jirasak Tummawetch hot on his heels.

Seven of the large gas cylinders were four kilos lighter than the legal amount.

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Phuket convention center one step closer

Finance Minister Korn Chatikavanij yesterday 'guaranteed' the center

will go ahead if the Democrats are re-elected.

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[Maestro]

to be continued

Thailand Live Tuesday 22 March