Thailand Live Tuesday 22 Mar 2011

[webfact]

Thailand Live Tuesday 22 March 2011

News, Bits and Tweets

with webfact

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.

FOLLOW US:

You can also follow us on

- Twitter: http://twitter.com/georgebkk

- Google Buzz: http://www.google.com/profiles/thaivisa

- Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/ThaiVisaNews

- Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/564113621/

- Breaking News via SMS text messages to your mobile phone or handheld device

To subscribe dial *424010011 on AIS, One-2-Call, DTAC or True Move networks

14 days complementary subscription for Thaivisa members.

If you have questions about the Breaking News SMS service,

email: sms [at] thaivisa.com

________________________________________________________________________________

Thailand's current weather and forecasts: http://weather.thaivisa.com/

________________________________________________________________________________

Related topic: Thailand Live Monday 21 Mar 2011

[webfact]

PM Hopes Election to Stabilize Economy

The prime minister is sure the upcoming election will help boost confidence and stabilize the economy.

Speaking during the Euromoney Thailand Investment Forum, Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva said he believed political and economic confidence in the country will increase after the election.

The prime minister went on to say while other countries, such as the United States and the European Union, are still facing an economic crisis, Thailand has recovered from the recent global downturn, citing last year's high economic growth of 7.8 percent as proof.

Abhisit said although inflation is rising, it is still moving in the expectable range of 2.8 percent.

Still, the government will continue to intervene in energy prices and raise the daily minimum wage to help the public cope with higher goods' prices.

He then suggested improvement of the country's competitiveness is another challenge, so his administration is investing more in basic infrastructure projects under the Strong Thailand economic stimulus budget in preparation for the launch of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations' free trade area in four years.

The premier went on to say his government still places importance on the agricultural sector and small and medium businesses.

-- Tan Network 2011-03-22

[webfact]

Suthep tells police to ensure strict law enforcement for election

BANGKOK (NNT) -- Deputy Prime Minister overseeing security affairs Suthep Thaugsuban has instructed police officers to enforce laws strictly in order to ensure readiness of the country for the next election.

The deputy prime minister stated that most of the Thai people wanted to see a peaceful country, not aggressive actions. He stressed that the government had been trying to create a positive atmosphere paving way for the next election.

Mr Suthep’s clarification came after security officers found on Sunday a few people carrying rotten eggs and plastic bottles in their bags as they were entering IMPACT Convention Center where Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva was scheduled to preside over an event to mark the National Village Health Volunteers Day.

After interrogations, the rotten egg carriers confessed that they were not participants to the event, but wanted to hurl rotten eggs and plastic bottles to the prime minister in a bid to put him in disgrace, and that they had no intention to cause injuries.

Mr Suthep added that such a behavior could affect election campaigns of political parties. He thus reiterated to the police to ensure strict law enforcement. He also warned everyone to refrain from such a disturbance and dismissed a speculation that the incident was set up by the government.

-- NNT 2011-03-22

[webfact]

Local Agriculture Affected by Freak Weather

Due to the recent irregular weather patterns, farmland in various parts of the country has been deeply affected and distressed by the unexpected climate.

In Phitsanulok's Phrompiram district, rice farmers were forced to rent 11 harvesters in order to immediately harvest their ripe rice crops after more than 1,000 rai of paddies were submerged under stagnant floodwater.

Some farmers brought heavy machinery, such as bulldozers, to construct embankments after the area experienced irregular weather patterns with non-stop heavy rainfall since last week.

Meanwhile, Nakhon Sawan's Muang district experienced an unexpected cold spell which has affected crown flower farms, causing the crop to die of botanical diseases.

Farmers stated that the sales have drastically dropped from an average of ten to 15 kilograms a day to a startling two kilograms per day.

Elsewhere in Maha Sarakam's Kosumpisai district, more than 38,000 rai of rice paddies have been hit by drought effects as well as a disease outbreak which is quickly spreading across the area.

Local administration officials have notified farmers whose crops have been affected by the disease to closely monitor the crop's condition and notify officials if the situation worsens.

-- Tan Network 2011-03-22

[webfact]

NEW!

Follow thaivisa.com on Myspace:

http://www.myspace.com/564113621/

[webfact]

Bangkok To Be Transformed Into A Cultural Attraction

Follow this link:

[webfact]

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

Follow this link:

[webfact]

Three Life Sentences And Death For Thai Serial Killer

Follow this link:

[webfact]

Five Teenagers Shot After Pattaya Music Festival

Follow this link:

[webfact]

Thailand needs visionaries, must become a trading hub: Pridiyathorn

Follow this link:

[webfact]

ANALYSIS

Pheu Thai waits for the big boss - Thaksin - to name PM candidate

Follow this link:

[webfact]

ENVIRONMENT

Thai people worried about water pollution: poll

Follow this link:

[webfact]

EDITORIAL

Pheu Thai's Real Conflict Is Within Its Own Ranks

Follow this link:

[webfact]

Ministry launches hotline for suffering returnees

By PONGPHON SARNSAMAK

THE NATION

Thai people living in Japan are now suffering from high anxiety, a strong fear of radiation and a shortage of petrol, Public Health Minister Jurin Laksanawisit said yesterday.

At the weekend the Public Health Ministry sent a team of psychologists to Japan to offer mental-health care to Thai people living there and affected by the massive earthquake and tsunami.

They visited Thais living in Tochigi prefecture, north of Tokyo but south of the areas worst-affected by the disaster, and found that most of them had high levels of anxiety due to fears of radiation leakage and shortages of fuel.

About 30 Thai people in Tochigi prefecture had received medical treatment, mostly for anxiety and stress. Thirteen people had received therapy.

Today, the team of psychologists plans to move to Wat Paknam Temple in Chiba prefecture, east of Tokyo, which has become a temporary shelter for Thai people who were evacuated from earthquake- and tsunami-affected areas.

Meanwhile, four of 39 people who arrived in Bangkok from Japan on Sunday by C130 aircraft have developed mental-health problems. They are under stress, are vomiting and do not talk to anyone. They have been given relief treatments, Jurin said.

For those Thai people who have returned from Japan following the disaster, the Public Health Ministry has established a hotline providing assistance in case of mental-health problems related to the earthquake and tsunami.

People recently returned from Japan who are under stress or anxiety, or have insomnia, should call the hotline at 1323 at any time to receive help, the ministry's permanent secretary Paijit Warachit said.

"Talk with your family or friends, if you are under stress following your return from Japan," he said.

People are advised to pursue their favourite exercises and home activities, including prayer or meditation.

To date, the ministry has received no reports of high radiation levels among people returning from Japan.

However, it has given potassium iodide tablets to guard against radiation poisoning to 63 Japanese, one American and one Thai as they plan to travel from Phuket to Narita or Haneda airports in Japan.

-- The Nation 2011-03-22

[webfact]

Queen grandmother nominated as world great personality

By PAKAMARD JAICHALARD

THE NATION

The late Queen Savang Vadhana, the Queen Grandmother, has been nominated as a World Great Personality.

Culture Minister Nipit Intarasombut said yesterday that the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organisation would release the results of voting on the great personalities for the years 2012-2013 in October.

Upon invitation by Unesco for member countries to submit names, the Culture Ministry received royal permission to nominate the Queen Grandmother for her genius in education, medical science and cultural preservation, and also to celebrate her 150th birthday next year.

Nipit said Princess Savang Vadhana was born on September 10, 1862, to King Mongkut, or King Rama IV, and Somdetch Phra Piyamavadi Sri Bajarindra Mata (Chao Chom Manda Piam).

She became a wife of King Chulalongkorn, or King Rama V, and was the mother of Prince Mahitala Dhibesra Adulyadej Vikrom, the Prince Father.

She is admired for her many achievements, such as raising the Prince Father to become a major force in medical development - he was recognised as the "Father of Modern Medicine and Public Health of Thailand" - and joining her daughter Princess Valayalongkorn in building Rajinibon School.

The Queen Grandmother provided financial support for Mahamakut Buddhist University, scholarships for monastic students and the publication of religious books, he said.

She worked with the Red Cross Society, established Sriracha Somdet Memorial Hospital in Chon Buri and donated funds to Siriraj Hospital.

She provided opportunities for women to earn a living by starting a garment factory and submitting handicrafts to the 1893 World Columbian Exposition in Chicago, where 101 items made by Thai women won prizes.

-- The Nation 2011-03-22

[webfact]

SSO launches clinics for work-related medical problems

By THE NATION

The Social Security Office has launched a network of 68 occupational disease clinics around the country to ensure that employees with work-related medical problems are served and they get their compensation.

Labour Minister Chalermchai Sri-on said yesterday that Nopparat Ratchathani Hospital would serve as the training centre for medical personnel to learn about occupational medicine.

This project was in collaboration with the Public Health Ministry.

About 233,900 people were using the occupational disease clinics, which was a 2-per-cent drop from last year, so authorities would expand the service into all university hospitals nationwide. Since fewer patients was better, they also will stress preventive medicine, he added.

Somboon Srikhamdokkhae, president of the Network of Workers Suffering from Occupational Illness of Thailand, said the clinics needed urgent improvement in their treatment standards, as there were only a handful of occupational medicine specialists, three of them at Nopparat Ratchathani Hospital.

Many provinces didn't have any so patients - especially those suffering bone damage - called for the production of more experts, such as by sending doctors to study overseas for four years.

-- The Nation 2011-03-22

[webfact]

Thai workers from Libya seek assistance

By The Nation

Thai workers who have returned home from Libya are seeking emergency financial help from the government as their savings in Libyan dinars are now useless while they are still repaying debt incurred for the cost of their journeys and overseas employment.

In Kalasin, about 250 people owe job-placement firms about Bt200,000 each, but are now unemployed. Thongdaeng Charasaeng, a worker, said he owed Bt150,000 to a bank for his job in Libya, which he has now lost, and he would need another Bt150,000 to start farming activities. Thongdaeng recounted the horror he experienced in Libya and vowed to never go back there.

According to the Department of Employment, 10,661 Thais have returned home from Libya. About 400 of them have complained that their employer, Thai Charn Job Placement Co, has refused to pay them air tickets for flights to Thailand and other costs. "We are looking into the matter with the employer," said deputy director-general Sumeth Mahosot.

-- The Nation 2011-03-22

[webfact]

Thai govt to appeal Klong Dan verdict

Follow this link:

[webfact]

BURNING ISSUE

Stage set in Thailand for decisive election

Follow this link:

[webfact]

Prawase committed to pushing for reforms in Thailand

Follow this link:

[webfact]

EC to confer with Thai parties on choice of election date

Follow this link:

[webfact]

No griping about the Gripen

By KORNCHANOK RAKSASERI

THE NATION

The four pilots selected to fly Thailand's new fighter aircraft talk about their wings

A t first "pride" sounds like a cliched response to the media's question as to how the first four pilots of Thailand's Gripen jet fighter fleet reacted to the arrival of the six aircraft at Wing 7, Surat Thani Base late last month.

But, as the squadron members were quick to explain, "pride" is much more than a feeling.

PRIDE - note the capital letters - is the principle by which Wing Commander Jackkrit Thammavichai, the squadron commander, conducts himself and he expects his squadron members to do the same.

Adapted from the core values of the United States' Air Force Academy from where he graduated in 1994 at the top of the class - the first foreign student to do so - Jackkrit's "PRIDE" stems from professionalism, responsibility, integrity, dedication and excellence.

And alongside those principles, Jackkrit, 41, also believes in destiny.

"My accumulated flying hours were 960 when I was transferred from the operation unit at Wing 1 Base to attend the Air Staff and Command College in Bangkok," he says. "I was just short of meeting the 1,000-hour record.

"I felt upset for a few days then moved on. Now I'm glad I had a chance to work in the Directorate of Operations, as it allowed me to see the big picture of the Royal Thai Air Force and also led me to the Gripen project."

Wing Commander Nattavut Duangsungnaen, the youngest member of the squadron, also feels lucky to have been picked for the first batch of Thai Gripen pilots.

The fourth most senior of the candidates, his language skills proved the deciding factor in the selection process. It was important that squadron members got the most out of the 10-month training in Sweden so they could pass on the knowledge to other Thai pilots. While overseas, the group learned not just how to manoeuvre the latest RTAF fleet but also how to work as instructor pilots.

Nattavut earned his master's in engineering from one of the world's leading aviation institutes and his English language skills are outstanding.

"I was raised in Nakhon Ratchasima, which is home to Wing 1," says the 36-year-old. "The F-16 jet fighters were there and I saw them taking off and landing day after day. I dreamed of becoming an F-16 pilot."

Nattavut says he's as scared of death and hates the idea of killing as much as any civilian but he is ready to sacrifice his life for his country.

Deputy squadron commander Wing Commander Chareon Watanasrimongkol simply says, "It's a hard job but someone has to do it."

"The best scenario is that we don't have to kill," adds Wing Commander Putthapong Phalajivin, adding that the military forces and arms are expensive but very necessary. "Our country needs strong armed forces to makes sure that ill-intentioned groups think hard before attacking or bullying Thailand. If they do, they will face a counter-attack from our efficient and effective troops."

Born in Bangkok but stationed in Surat Thani for 13 years now, Putthapong is the only one of the four Gripen pilots to have also piloted of three-decade-old F-5 jet fighters.

The pilots practice flying every day and work hard on keeping fit so they can handle the 12 kilograms in flight gear and the in-plane missions that require them to cope with a g-force of up to 9Gs - the acceleration that makes the weight of an object, and the human body, increase nine times more than on the ground.

At least once in six months, the pilots must have complete body and oral check-ups to make sure nothing is wrong with them. Any illness or mistake can mean the loss of their lives and the country's precious resources.

Skills and concentration are so important on board that they leave all other issues or worries on the ground. Studying and practising hard are part of their routine, but the Gripen pilots still have the heart and time for hobbies and relaxation.

Jackkrit enjoys playing golf, which is also his daughters' favourite sport, Chareon loves football, Nattavut reads and trains in the gym while Putthapong is keen on travelling.

All four like new technologies and the Internet. Each has a Facebook account to keep in contact with family and friends.

For Putthapong, YouTube is also where the pilots express their love for the old fighter in, "We love F-5," the fun-to-watch video clips he keeps promoting. The F-5 pilots created the clips mocking a popular motorcycle TV commercial.

But while the F-5 is a classic jet fighter, the Thai Gripen fleet is modern with an advanced communication and information network. No doubt, sooner or later, video clips for this small and agile fighter will be produced and YouTube watchers will be hearing cries of "We love Gripen".

-- The Nation 2011-03-22

[webfact]

Latest death toll in Japan's double devastation (Monday, 9pm) : 8,805 and 12,654 still missing. /via@marisa_nt

[webfact]

Thai stock index opens on Tuesday at 1,022.35, up 2.42 points /MCOT

[webfact]

Prawit not to enter politics

Defence Minister Prawit Wongsuwan on Tuesday dismissed speculation that he was poised to join the newly-formed Pracha Santi Party in order to join the election race.

"I will not enter politics nor contest the poll," he said.

Prawit said he had no idea whether he would be reappointed to the defence portfolio under the non-partisan quota in the next government.

Speculation about Prawit's future spreaded after his brother and former national police chief Patcharawat Wongsuwan had decided to join the new party.

-- The Nation 2011-03-22

[webfact]

Earth quake in Pai district of Mae Hong Son

BANGKOK, 21 March 2011 (NNT)-The Seismological Bureau of Thailand has reported a 3.1 richter magnitude quake in the tourist attraction district of Pai, Mae Hong Son province. the tremor was recorded at around 18.23 hrs today.

The Disaster Warning Center reportedly said that the center of the quake was located 13 kilometers away from Pai. However, no lives or proterties have been harmed or damaged. For information on the latest updates on natural disasters, call 192 or visit www.ndwc.go.th.

-- NNT 2011-03-22

[webfact]

PAD Members Report to Chaiyaphum Court for Defamation Suit Filed by Thaksin

The People's Alliance for Democracy core leaders went to Chaiyaphum Provincial Court for a court hearing on the defamation charges filed against them by former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra.

The People's Alliance for Democracy, or PAD, core leaders Chumlong Srimuang, Piphob Thongchai, Somsak Kosaisuk, Somkiet Pongphaibul along with New Politics Party Secretary-General Suriyasai Katasila and representatives from ASTV and Thaiday Dot Com, went to Chaiyaphum Provincial Court to answer questions in the defamation lawsuit filed by former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra.

The suit named PAD core member Sondhi Limthongkul and eight others for their roles in the 193-day PAD protest.

Sondhi, however, was unable to make the trip due to a leg injury that he sustained during the April 17 2009 crackdown.

The court has given its approval to postpone Sondhi's questioning until April 5.

Many PAD supporters showed up at the Court in a show of support.

During the questioning, PAD leaders, ASTV and Thaiday Dotcom representatives denied all of the allegations against them.

Lawyers from both sides have asked the Court to commence the judicial process for the plaintiff's 16 witnesses and the defendant's 20 witnesses.

The lawyers have agreed to allow the questioning to be held at Bangkok's Criminal Court for the convenience of the witnesses.

One of PAD core leaders, Chumlong disclosed that all of the PAD members are denying the allegations against them and are prepared to fight the case.

As for the PAD rally to protest the disputed area surrounding Preah Vihear Temple, he said that PAD members will continue to hold protests until the situation is resolved in spite of the upcoming House dissolution and general election.

-- Tan Network 2011-03-22

[webfact]

JETRO Thanks Thailand for Aid

The Japan External Trade Organization and the Japanese Ministry of International Trade and Industry have expressed gratitude for Thai aid that has been donated to earthquake and tsunami victims.

In the opening ceremony of the Invest Japan Symposium organized by the Japan External Trade Organization or JETRO and the Japanese Ministry of International Trade and Industry in partnership with the Thai government and the private sector, JETRO Bangkok President Munenori Yamada thanked the Thai people for offering condolences to Japan in the wake of the earthquake and tsunami tragedies.

Japan also expressed gratitude for aid that has been sent from Thailand to assist the victims.

JETRO CEO and President Yasuo Hayashi expects the Japanese industrial sector to be momentarily affected by the disasters due power shortages.

However, Hayashi has expressed confidence that the current situation will have no long-term effect on the Thai-Japanese trade relationships, as Thailand is one of the major production bases and export hubs for Japan.

Hayashi added that the Japanese will inject massive amounts of cash to salvage the country's economy and energy sector.

The JETRO CEO expects Japan to overcome their obstacles with international help.

Meanwhile, Assistant to the Industry Minister Puttipong Punnagun has pointed out that Thailand signed a number of memorandums of understanding with the Japan, particularly on trade, and investment promotions for primary industries such as agriculture, textiles and construction.

There are also some industries that Thailand is interested in doing joint ventures within Japan such as publishing, which has been growing continually and generates at least 70 billion baht annually.

Thailand has also set up the One Stop Service centers offering foreign companies interested in doing business in the kingdom advice and assistance regarding permits or visa application processes.

-- Tan Network 2011-03-22

[webfact]

Defiant Chalerm not to attend today's Pheu Thai meeting

By The Nation

Pheu Thai MP Chalerm Yoobamrung on Tuesday cited a prior engagement as the reason why he would not take part in today's meeting of his main opposition party.

"I think the meeting agenda is just to approve the party's financial statement," he said.

Chalerm also confirmed he would not seek a reelection bid under the Pheu Thai banner if the party endorsed MP Mingkwan Saengsuwan as its contender for the position of prime minister.

He said Mingkwan could not be a challenger to PM Abhisit Vejjajiva. He added he would not object if his party would nominate Mingkwan for premiership following its election victory.

-- The Nation 2011-03-22

[webfact]

FLASH: Official death toll from Japan quake & tsunami now exceeds 9,000 - Kyodo /via@Reuters