Thailand Live Monday 4 Apr 2011

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Thailand Live Monday 4 April 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 2 Apr 2011

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SPECIAL REPORT

Land encroachers blamed for horrific landslide in Thai South

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Flood crisis in Thai south still bad

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NTT

NTT DoCoMo seeks 4G tests

By Usanee Mongkolporn

The Nation

Japanese telecom giant NTT DoCoMo is interested in testing 4G wireless broadband technology in Thailand, said Prasit Prapinmongkolkarn, chairman of the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC).

He added that the company had expressed its interest to him.

Digital Phone Co (DPC), the cellular subsidiary of Advanced Info Service (AIS), has also planned to test the 4G-Long-Term Evolution (LTE) service, which is seen as AIS' attempt to explore a new opportunity in the wireless broadband service field.

NTC commissioner Natee Sukon-rat said DPC had yet to officially ask for NTC permission to import LTE network equipment.

CAT Telecom, which owns the DPC concession, has already granted permission to DPC to test the 4G service. DPC will set aside as much as 10MHz of bandwidth out of a total of 12.5MHz bandwidth of its 1,800MHz spectrum for the 4G trial, given that the LTE technology requires huge bandwidth.

The test will be run for 90 days by seven to eight DPC cellular base stations in Bangkok.

The DPC's move came after CAT granted deals to True Corp's subsidiaries Real Move and Real Future in January, which paved the way for their joint development of the commercial 3G-High Speed Packet Access service with CAT. AIS cannot let True group take the lead in the area, so it has to seek ways to stay ahead or catch up with its competitor.

-- The Nation 2011-04-04

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ANALYSIS

Bigger Thai parties will have an edge under new system

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Thai Poll sees major parties in tight election finish

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EVEREST ATTEMPT

Tallest Thai in the world

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Tambon chief backs more roles for local people

By Pravit Rojanaphruk

The Nation on Sunday

Local people should be allowed to scrutinise and participate in the running of local administrative bodies such as the Tambon Administrative Organisations (TAO), a TAO chief and veteran social activist said.

Bamrung Kayotha, TAO chief of tambon Saphan Wah in Kalasin province, said: "Villagers can't get into the decision-making mechanism and they merely elect [the TAO head] and that's it. Those [elected TAO representatives] who buy votes also engage in corruption only to buy votes again in the next election," said Bamrung, who was in Bangkok last week to attend the National Reform Congress.

Bamrung said vote-buying in TAO elections was still very common and he reckoned that fewer than 2 per cent of TAO elections nationwide did not involve bribe though many villagers see it differently. "Villagers don't consider it as vote-buying but regard it as generosity from the candidates," he said.

Corruption after recent TAO elections involved using the budget to construct an asphalt road on top of a smooth reinforced concrete road only 12 months after it was built so that these representatives would get a cut from the construction firm. There is also corruption in the deals for local school milk, with about Bt10 satang per pack being siphoned off to the TAO chief. Another area of corruption is the purchase of a garbage truck, which is not really needed for a small community.

At tambon Saphan Wah, where Bamrung was elected twice as TAO chief, he said the 4,000 residents, who have an annual budget of Bt13 million, can do without a garbage truck by being more disciplined in getting rid of rubbish.

Many TAOs also like to have an elaborate office to boost the ego of the TAO chief, Bamrung said. Corruption is encouraged by undertaking expensive construction work, he said, while adding that his TAO office is arguably the most modest in the Kingdom, being just a one-storey wooden structure.

He urged the public to be patient and said that eventually, if locals are given greater say in scrutinising the local budget and activities, the decentralisation of politics will be successful.

Today, the district chief still has to approve TAO projects first, he said. "It's still rather new. In the long run, the villagers will understand that democracy is not just about elections," he said. In Kalasin, only eight out of 36 TAO chiefs have been re-elected, a sign that voters are also making critical decisions and not merely voting for people who unduly use cash, he added.

Bamrung said though he opposed the government's raising of the TAO chief's salary from Bt10,800 to Bt18,000, he believes a bigger budget is needed.

-- The Nation 2011-04-04

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Hospitals and clinics hit hard by flood crisis

By The Nation on Sunday

More than 100 hospitals and public health centres were severely affected by the flood crisis in the South, Public Health Minister Jurin Laksanawisit said yesterday.

Mobile units had been deployed and had provided physical or mental health services for 12,813 people, he said.

The most common health problems included Hong Kong Foot, skin problems and respiratory problems.

More than 150,000 sets of medical supplies were sent to eight provinces, 20,000 of them to Surat Thani. Medical centres were ordered to be ready around the clock, to prepare evacuation plans and do their best to protect medical equipment and supplies.

National Flood Relief Coordination Centre deputy director Vittayen Muttamara said Tha Sala Hospital in Nakhon Si Thammarat was out of service.

And Tha Rong Chang Hospital in Surat Thani was without power so all patients were sent to Phunphin and Surat Thani hospitals.

Entrances to Chai Buri and Kanchanadit hospitals were blocked by the flooding.

Food, drinking water and supplies had to be sent via helicopters, he said.

-- The Nation 2011-04-04

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PM's brief India visit

By The Nation

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejajjiva will tonight go to India on an official visit to meet leaders, returning after midnight tomorrow.

Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya, Industry Minister Chaiwuti Bannawat, Deputy Commerce Minister Alongkorn Ponlaboot and president of the Thai Trade Representative Office, Kiat Sithi-amorn will go with him.

The prime minister will meet Indian President Pratibha Patil and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.

The group will also meet with Indian businessmen to discuss investment in Thailand.

-- The Nation 2011-04-04

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Thai youths get US arts training

By The Nation

Thai and foreign youths have enjoyed American arts training over the past week.

About 200 talented youths from across Thailand, Pakistan and Laos have been trained in unique American genres including jazz, Broadway musicals, hip-hop dance, piano, chamber music and string orchestra from March 26 at Rangsit University (RU).

Today is the last day of training.

With support from RU and the US Embassy, the training was offered free of charge.

Trained students received an opportunity to take part in the academy's gala concerts of featuring hip-hop dance, Broadway, jazz and classical music yesterday and today at Centrepoint Playhouse, Central World.

US Ambassador to Thailand Kristie Kenney attended the concert held yesterday.

YES Academy teachers are recruited from America's finest Universities and Institutions, including St Louis Symphony Orchestra, HaviKoro Breakdancers, Theater Under the Stars of Houston, University of Northern Colorado, Eastern Carolina University, and the Broadway Musical Theatre.

Moreover, three others are from Broadway: Gabriel Barre, an internationally acclaimed Broadway director, Dr Paul Meers, musical director, and Rick Camargo, Broadway dance.

Also, RU lecturers have supplemented the jazz and classical programmes.

YES Academy Thailand director John Ferguson said that after the success of the annual training held two years in a row, the third this year was more intensive.

Den Euprasert, dean of |the College of Music at RU, |said the university was pleased to support the training as it |gave Thai students across the country a good chance to study American genres.

-- The Nation 2011-04-04

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Loei School Leads The Way On Literacy Skills

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REGIONAL PERSPECTIVE

Thai politics: colourful or colourless?

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Thai stock index opens on Monday at 1,075.60, up 11.53 points /MCOT

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AFP: Thai Private Eye Lifts Curtain On Cheating Spouses

"The only man you can trust is a dead one"

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Veera Somkwamkid's Family Doesn't Confirm They Have Asked for Thaksin's Help

Siblings of Veera Somkwamkid, detained in a Cambodian prison since December of last year, have not confirmed that the family is turning to former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra for help.

However, reports have indicated that family members have spoken to senior members of the Pheu Thai Party.

Veera's brother said the family has waited for the past three months for Prime MInister Abhisit Vejjajiva to help his brother, but to no avail

-- Tan Network 2011-04-04

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Myanmar strongman Than Shwe, who ruled with iron fist for almost 2 decades, has retired as head of military after handing power to nominally civilian govt, officials say /MCOT

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Motor Show Confident About Sales Target of 27,000

The organizer of the 32nd Bangkok International Motor Show admits the event has been affected by the disaster in Japan and rising global oil prices, but remains hopeful that it will achieve the sales target of 27,000 cars sold during the event.

The 32nd Bangkok International Motor Show has seen a huge turnout, with more than 21,000 vehicles having been sold so far.

Chairman of the Organizing Committee Pracheen Iamlumnao said sales have averaged at 1,600 to 1,800 cars a day on weekdays and around 3,000 cars during the weekend.

He expects total sales of 27,000 units as the event draws to a close.

Pracheen said the earthquake and tsunami in Japan have caused Japan's industrial sector, especially the automobile sector, to slow down.

Shipments of Japanese vehicles to Thailand could be delayed for approximately two months.

However, Pracheen expects the situation will return to normal by mid-year, and that Japanese manufacturers will increasingly choose offshore production to avert further risks.

Meanwhile, he said political violence in the Middle East and North Africa, and speculative trading may cause global prices to continue to rise.

At this year's Motor Show, public attention has been on small and eco-friendly vehicles, headlined by Nissan March and Honda Brio.

On the other end, sales of pick-up trucks have been lukewarm in the aftermath of massive flooding in the South.

Toyota has been the top seller so far, notching 24.47 percent of total sales at the event or 5,284 units.

Honda and Nissan have sold 3,661 cars and 1,888 cars respectively.

Energy consumption and the size of the car are among the top factors consumers consider when deciding which car to buy.

-- Tan Network 2011-04-04

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Weather dept says South to still see rain but floodwater receding while other regions will see temperature rise /TAN_Network

Massive pile-up on Rama II Rd in Samut Sakorn kills 9 and injures more than 60 /TAN_Network

Army chief affirms strict crackdown on anti-Monarchy group; denies speculation of coup /TAN_Network

Weera's brother neither affirms nor denies if Thaksin has been asked to help free Weera from Cambodian jail /TAN_Network

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Floods in southern provinces easing; PM's Office Minister Satit asks Cabinet for Bt4 billion budget for flood relief /MCOT

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ABAC Poll: Majority of Thais Seeking New Political Party

The latest ABAC poll has revealed that there is only a small gap in popularity between the Democrat Party and the Pheu Thai Party, intensifying anticipation of a close race in the upcoming general election.

According to the Assumption University Research Center or ABAC Poll, the popularity score for the Democrat party was 26.4 percent, with the Pheu Thai Party right behind them at 25.5 percent.

However, 32.7 percent of Thai people surveyed said they have not decided which party they will vote for.

Many are looking for a better political party to vote for.

More than 5,000 samples were taken from a subject group aged over 18 in 17 provinces nationwide from March 25 to April 2.

The poll also said the majority of the people in Bangkok, the North Eastern provinces, and the North will vote for the Pheu Thai Party, while most of the central region will vote for the Democrat Party.

-- Tan Network 2011-04-04

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Than Shwe, who ruled Burma 4 2decades, retires as head of military - AFP http://bit.ly/g9E0P7 /via@veen_NT: /via@suthicha /via@BreakingNews

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Deputy PM Suthep denied he would shine Thaksin's shoes

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Reminder: Wednesday 6 April is a public holiday. Banks, post offices and government offices are closed

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“Fix It Centers” set up to renovate flood-hit schools

BANGKOK, 4 April 2011 (NNT) – The Office of the Vocational Education Commission (OVEC) has established the “Fix It Centers” in Nakhon Si Thammarat and Krabi to help with the reparation of schools damaged by the recent floods.

Secretary-General of OVEC Sasithara Pichaichannarong stated that OVEC held a meeting yesterday with the Office of the Basic Education Commission (OBEC) to follow up on the situation in the South in the wake of the deadly flashfloods. Based on the initial discovery, there are 206 schools within Nakhon Si Thammarat province sustaining serious damages from the disaster.

Therefore, the Fix It Center has been founded by 11 vocational schools under the supervision of OVEC in the devastated province and will deploy vocational students to help clean up debris and repair damages on the schools in order for them to reopen in time for the new semester on 17 May.

Another center has also been established in the neighboring province of Krabi, which is still facing inundation. Teams of students will be sent to renovate damaged schools once the water level subsides.

-- NNT 2011-04-04

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Red-Cross Fair 2011 Enjoys Huge Turn-out

The annual Red Cross Fair continues to enjoy a large crowd even after having been launched six days ago.

This year, the annual Red-Cross Fair is being held at Ambara Palace Garden from March 30 to April 7 to honor His Majesty the King's 84th birthday anniversary.

The popular exhibition booths are those selling consumer goods such as instant noodles, detergent, and dish-washing soaps, at 30 to 50 percent discount prices.

The people say they attend the fair to buy low-priced items, as goods prices on the market have risen.

They say products such as rice, detergent, and oil are roughly 70 percent lower than market prices.

Moreover, there are fun games and lucky draws for fair-goers to enjoy.

Health consultations and examination services are also provided.

Blood donations are also being taken at the new Ambara Garden building from 5 P.M. to 9 P.M.

-- Tan Network 2011-04-04

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Miss Thailand Universe Thanks Media

The newly crowned Miss Thailand Universe 2011 has visited members of the media to thank them for their coverage of the beauty pageant.

After being crowned Miss Thailand Universe, 'Fa' Chanyason Sakhonchan, a student at Assumption University, together with runner-ups Niratcha Tangtisanon, Patsaraporn Kkonkhamhaeng, Kanyarat Pongkampanat, and Nattamon Kritsanakup embarked on a press visit to thank the media for flying a kite for this year’s pageant.

In particular, they paid a visit to ASTV to express thanks for covering the pageant.

They said they are delighted to have been successful in the contest and will carry out their duties to their best abilities.

Chanyason will represent Thailand at the Miss Universe 2011 pageant, to be held in Brazil's Sao Paulo city in September.

-- Tan Network 2011-04-04

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Their Majesties Donate More Aide to Flood Victims

His Majesty the King has graciously donated more relief packages to flood victims in the South as hundreds of thousands of Thais continue to suffer from natural disasters.

His Majesty the King and Her Majesty the Queen have graciously asked their representative, Phaen Wannamethi, secretary-general of the Thai Red Cross Society, to hand out 1,000 relief items to locals affected by the flooding in Bang Kaew of Phatthalung Province.

The locals said they were very glad to receive these items.

Bang Kaew District has faced a series of floods since 2010, and each crisis took a long time to recover from, as the area is located between a hill and a lake.

At the provincial hall, representatives of the Friends in Need Volunteers Foundation of the Thai Red Cross donated some 1,000 life packages to flood-hit residents and offered 300 free dishes to affected villagers for three days.

-- Tan Network 2011-04-04

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Pheu Thai Chairman Chavalit says veteran politician Sanoh is suited to become party leader while Mingkwan can still be candidate for PM/TAN_Network

Former Constitution Court officer turns herself in for Democrat dissolution case video clips; released on bail of Bt75,000 /TAN_Network