Thailand Live Thursday 31 Mar 2011

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PAD Leader Snubs Rumors of Internal Rift

The People's Alliance for Democracy founder has snubbed rumors of a rift among core leaders.

He claims the leadership is bonded by a common objective to promote justice and to work for the nation.

Founder of the People's Alliance for Democracy, or PAD, Sondhi Limthongkul, along with other key leaders, appeared on the rally stage at Makkawan-rangsan Bridge.

Sondhi denied rumors of a rift among PAD leaders, accusing someone of attempting to destroy the movement.

He reassured the group's intention to create a fair and moral society, inviting everyone wanting to protect the nation to join the movement.

Sondhi noted the PAD has asked its supporters to vote for no parties, as it wants to put an end to dirty politics.

The move is an unprecedented political phenomenon.

He reiterated that the New Politics Party was established with an aim to cleanse Thai politics, and it should work hand-in-hand with the PAD, not as a boss.

The PAD leader noted that the party should not choose candidates for the upcoming elections nor accept the regulations of the Election Commission, if the party believes that current Thai politics are dirty.

He reaffirmed that PAD leaders have a close bond with each other, while saying that the group has fought many political battles together and will not stop until justice is served.

Sondhi said the PAD will be in support of every cause as long as they are for the sake of the nation, and that's why the group support's Major General Chamlong Srimuang's move to protest over the government's handling of the territorial dispute between Thailand and Cambodia.

-- Tan Network 2011-03-31

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Energy Minister Eyes Clean Coal as Substitution for Nuclear Power

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Level of radiation in ocean off Japan's damaged nuclear plant rises to 4,385 times the standard http://on.cnn.com/hhpxL7 /via@cnnbrk

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Thai stock index opens on Thursday at 1,055.22, up 4.55 points /MCOT

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Foreign tourist have arrived at Sattahip Navy Base. Now leaving on 18 buses http://plixi.com/p/88217238 /via @ittipat_ntv /via @RichardBarrow:

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Not all of Thailand is affected by flooding or storms. Cool & windy on Koh Chang, Mak, Kood but safe for visitors. /via@iamKohChang

Map of Thailand showing areas hit by flooding. Red is for flooded & impassable roads http://maintenance.doh.go.th/test.html /via @anilsoi11 /via @RichardBarrow:

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Rescuers reportedly have accessed all mudslide-hit areas in Krabi, looking 4 missing ppl. Hope death toll doesn't climb. /via@tulsathit

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Planting trees today with the Governor of Bangkok to celebrate 178 years of Thai-US Friendship http://yfrog.com/h2fxmypj /via@KristieKenney

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7-Eleven Thailand Not to Increase Prices

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HM the King donates for southern flood victims

BANGKOK, 31 March 2011 (NNT) – His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej has graciously donated 1,000 survival kits to flood victims in the southern province of Phatthalung through the Rajaprajanugroh Foundation under the Royal Patronage.

HM King Bhumibol on Wednesday graciously designated Rajaprajanugroh Foundation Chairperson Disathorn Watcharothai and his entourage to represent HM the King in distributing the relief bags to flood victims at the community hall in Phatthalung.

On the same day, Their Majesties the King and Queen have graciously made a 500,000 baht donation for assistance to flood victims via the Thai Red Cross Society. Her Majesty the Queen is also the president of the Thai Red Cross Society.

Thanpuying Chatkaew Nanthapiwat, a lady-in-waiting of HM the Queen was graciously designated to present the donation to the Thai Red Cross Society.

Meanwhile, His Royal Highness Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn and his royal consort, Her Royal Highness Princess Srirasmi, have graciously designated Phatthalung Governor Pisit Boonchuang to distribute 1,000 sets of survival kits to flood victims at Khuan Khanun district.

-- NNT 2011-03-31

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Today (March 31) is last day to declare your personal income tax. Any inquiry call 1161. Revenue Dept will answer yr call until 8pm today. /via@veen_NT

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Please find the photo for schedule of all flights departing from Samui International Airport... http://fb.me/UI9En3Sq /via@bangkok_airways

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No flood warnings or floods in Phuket. Today's weather; cloudy, but sun is trying to break through /via@RichardBarrow /via@jamiemonk

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618 stranded tourists from Koh Tao were brought safely to Sattahip naval base in Chon Buri this morning by Navy's HTMS Chakrinaruebet

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Bangkok Airways

Bangkok Airways announced to operate normally to Samui Airport today. There will be 17 flights in total for routing between Samui - Bangkok and expect to clear all stranded passengers within today as the weather is starting to clear. Bangkok Airways operates totally 56 flights in-out of Samui including Bangkok-Samui, Chiang Mai-Samui, Phuket-Samui, Krabi-Samui, U-tapao-Samui, Hong Kong-Samui and Singapore-Samui.

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Fire guts wooden house in Petchkasem area, killing 4 children and injuring 1 /TAN_Network

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2 naval ships return to Sattahip base after rescuing tourists stranded on islands in South; Navy will decide next rescue destinations /TAN_Network

13 deaths from southern flooding so far with 181 people injured and 1 still missing; South to continue to see heavy rain today /TAN_Network

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British nationals who need urgent assistance, can call +44 (0)20 7008 5355 or the Thai Tourist Police on 1155 /via@ukinthailand

Deputy PM Suthep visits Surat Thani to check up on flooding; accepts high number of casualties but affirms govt's control of situation /TAN_Network

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Many Korean Artists Set to Perform in Bangkok

Korean music fans in Thailand have been told to get ready, as various South Korean musicians are set to visit Bangkok this April and May.

To mark its start in the music industry, a brand new entertainment event organizer, 'P.D. Show Time', held a press conference at Siam Paragon to announce a show with a line-up that includes popular korean bands and solo artists 2PM, Super Junior, SE7EN, and Park Jung Min, among many others this April.

At the press conference, many Korean singers such as SE7EN, and Philippine 21-year-old diva Sabrina performed a mini concert.

SE7EN said he's glad to be back in Thailand again, adding that this time he's thrilled to see more fans than on his first visit six years ago.

P.D. Show Time announced that the show will be divided into two dates, April 21 and 29, at the Rajamangala National Stadium.

In addition, leading Asian male singer 'Rain' is also set to make a stop in Bangkok for to perform 'The Best 2011 RAIN Asia Tour in Thailand,' on May 8 at Impact Arena in Muang Thong Thani.

The organizer said part of the profit from each of the shows will go to victims of the catastrophe in Japan.

-- Tan Network 2011-03-31

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Mother Killed With Children In Arms In Tragic Bangkok Fire

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Government Flood Centre chief Satit says two dead, six missing in mudslide at Krabi's Khao Phanon district; PM to visit area today /MCOT

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Flooding Causes 13 Deaths in South So Far

Severe flooding in either southern provinces have cause 13 deaths so far, as official struggle to spread out assistance to affected residents. 181 people remain missing.

-- Tan Network 2011-03-31

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NO PRESS ALLOWED: President Obama accepted his “transparency” award from open gov't community — in a closed meeting at WH /via@whpresscorps:

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Flood-Related Deaths In Thailand Reach 20

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(31 March) Thai Travel Advisory: Trains on Southern Line going as far as Chumphon. Buses running but some roads flooded /via@RichardBarrow

(31 March) Thai Travel Advisory: Samui Airport is now open. Weather clearing & limited ferry service between islands/via@RichardBarrow

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Thai military join flood rescue

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Local weather guys blaming wierd weather on Madden Julian Ostilation (MJO) phenomenon, a low pressure air system in Indian Ocean /Thai PBS /via@terryfrd

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32nd Bangkok Motor Show still a big hit with over 10,000 cars sold in first 4 days

BANGKOK, 31 March 2011 (NNT) – The 32nd Bangkok International Motor Show (BIMS) is expected to be a big success with projected total car sales of over 27,000 units and about 1.8 million visitors throughout the event.

Event Organizer Vice Chairperson Jaturon Komolmit stated that the 32nd BIMS is very lively although the venue has been changed from the Bangkok International Trade and Exhibition Center (BITEC) in the eastern suburb of Bangkok to the Challenger Hall of IMPACT Muang Thong Thani in the northern suburban city of Pakkret, Nonthaburi Province, adjoining the capital.

The vice chairperson continued that 10,217 cars were sold during the first four days of the event which was opened on 25 March 2011 while the total sales throughout the 12-day event were anticipated to stand at over 27,000 cars. Moreover, the number of visitors is expected to be the same as last year, at about 1.8 million.

Event Organizer Chairperson Dr Prachin Eiam-lamnao earlier reported that about 100,000 enthusiasts are visiting the event each day. He expected that the total number of visitors would be about 10% higher than last year’s figure of 1.7 million people.

As for the top five car brands reserved in the event as of 28 March, Toyota was the champion with 2,485 cars, followed by Honda at 2,019 cars, Nissan at 1,112 cars, Mazda at 870 cars and Isuzu at 702 cars, respectively. The event will be organized until 5 April 2011.

-- NNT 2011-03-31

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Chemical Leak at Map Ta Phut Industrial Estate

A chemical leak was reported at the Map Ta Phut Industrial Estate.

Latest reports indicate that the leak is now under control.

A chemical leak was reported Wednesday evening at a factory owned by Bayer Thai at the Map Ta Phut Industrial Estate.

One employee fell sick after coming in contact with polluted water.

The leaked chemical was phenol, a raw material of polycarbonate which is used in manufacturing compact discs.

Factory workers were evacuated from the area following the incident, while officials are investigating surrounding areas to determine the impact of the leak.

Bayer Thai executive Surat Jirasak said the chemical was found in water conveyed to a facility of Glow Energy within the industrial estate.

He noted that the company has stopped releasing water and has brought the situation under control.

It reported the contamination to the estate and is investigating the cause of the leak.

Surat added that the company sent a team to check the air quality and doctors to take care of the affected employee. The Bayer executive said the chemical causes dizziness if inhaled or itchiness in case of contact.

He reaffirmed that the incident will not affect nearby communities.

-- Tan Network 2011-03-31

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FLASH: Japan PM says Fukushima Daiichi plant needs to be decommissioned - Kyodo /via@Reuters

Japanese PM Naoto Kan says stricken nuclear plant at centre of the world's worst atomic accident since Chernobyl in 1986 must be scrapped /MCOT