Thailand Live Monday 25 Apr 2011

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Thai Yellow-shirt Group Comment on Border Clashes

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Thai Army Accuses Cambodia of Encroaching on Territory

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Hallucinating Father Kills Two Sons Before Hanging Himself

In a tragic incident, a father went mad killing his two sons before hanging himself at his house in Rayong Province.

In the Pluakdaeng District of Rayong Province, 38 year old Sawai Kaewkanya, a father of two, was on his daily morning routine of rubber tapping when he went nuts, injuring his wife and killing his ten year old and three year old sons with a machete.

Sawai first went after his wife who then ran to her neighbor's house for help before he went back to attack his children and hang himself.

Police said the insane father had previously been arrested in a drug case and had a history of drug-related violence.

-- Tan Network 2011-04-25

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More than 400 prisoners, many of them Taliban insurgents, escape from Kandahar prison through a tunnel. /via@skyNewsBreak

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Pheu Thai Party Announces Policies for Upcoming Election

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Thaksin's legal advisor Noppadol has denied that Thaksin is in Cambodia, commanding Khmer troops on the border /TAN_Network

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Well, well, well. Sondhi L: Thai-Cambodian clashes were a conspiracy to draw Thai troops to border so they couldn't stage a coup. /via@tulsathit

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Thai FM asks Hun Sen for talks; says fighting is useless, but remains adamant on keeping it bilateral /TAN_Network

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BTS' Onnuj-Baring route to be opened Aug 12. Expected fare is Bt15. /via @nnanews /via@tulsathit

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And Noppadol has bought it (Sondhi L's claims). Noppadol: Thaksin isn't commanding Cambodian troops in Cambodia as alleged. /via@tulsathit

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Govt Insists on Pursuing Peace Talks with Cambodia

The deputy prime minister for national security says the government will seek negotiations with Cambodia and insists that the armed forces are prepared to protect the nation's sovereignty.

Meanwhile, he believes the international community will not take Cambodia's allegations over Thailand's use of chemical weapons seriously.

Deputy Prime Minister for national security Suthep Thaugsuban said the Thai government has declared its intention to Cambodia that it wants to solve bilateral conflicts through peaceful means.

He said it is now up to the Cambodian leader and its government to decide whether to accept the offer.

He reiterated that the Thai army has never intended to trespass on Cambodian soil and denied the use of chemical weapons as alleged by Phnom Penh.

Suthep dismissed reports that the Region 2 Army sent reinforcements to the area because Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjejiva wanted them to remain on the defensive.

He insisted that the premier has never interfered with the military and only wants the international community to realize that Thailand has never struck first.

The deputy prime minister further stated that the government would never do anything that would affect the livelihood of border residents.

He would not comment on whether the incident is linked with domestic politics and if a visit by the ASEAN chair would help resolve the situation.

Meanwhile, he denied having received any report that more Cambodian troops have been stationed around the Preah Vihear Temple, but said soldiers at the border have been instructed to be ready for combat at all time.

The prime minister is scheduled to visit public health volunteers and provincial administration leaders in Mae Hong Son province.

Prior to his departure, he said the ASEAN chair has yet to confirm his trip to Bangkok to discuss the Thai-Cambodian issue with Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya.

-- Tan Network 2011-04-25

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Suthep: Thai-Cambodian border row might prolong

BANGKOK, 25 April 2011 (NNT) – Deputy Prime Minister for Security Affairs Suthep Thaugsuban has admitted that the Thai-Cambodian border tension might prolong for a period of time, and that how the situation will develop depends on the Cambodian leader.

Mr Suthep stated that Thailand wants to solve the border conflict through peaceful means, but is also ready to retaliate whenever attacked. He voiced his confidence that the military will be able to protect the national sovereignty.

The deputy prime minister added that it depends on Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen how he would like to put an end to the prevailing situation.

Second Army Region Commander Lieutenant General Thawatchai Samutsakorn earlier requested reinforcement around the Preah Vihear Temple, but Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva reportedly asked Thai troops to only stay on the defensive.

Mr Suthep believed that the prime minister would not meddle in the operation of the military, but wanted to show to the world that Thailand was not the intruder. He said the situation around the temple remained calm but the tension might prolong.

The deputy prime minister added that the Thai-Cambodian border will not be closed; otherwise, citizens of the two countries might be affected.

-- NNT 2011-04-25

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BTS On Nut extension to begin service on August 12: Bangkok

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17-Car Pileup on Bang Plee-Suksawasdi Expresway

An accident on Bang Plee-Suksawasdi expressway has resulted in subsequent crashes involving 17 vehicles.

The accident occurred near the Rama II exit, bringing traffic to an almost-stand still with 2 reportedly injured. Reports suggest evidence of NGV gas leak at the scene of the accident.

-- Tan Network 2011-04-25

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Cambodia accuses Thais of temple damage in border clash

by Janesara Fugal

NONG KANNA, April 25, 2011 (AFP) - Cambodia accused Thailand Monday of damaging ancient jungle temples at the centre of their bloodiest fighting since a bitter border dispute flared up almost three years ago.

Twelve soldiers have died and tens of thousands of villagers on both sides fled the artillery shelling, which shattered an informal ceasefire that had held since February when the UN Security Council called for a permanent truce.

The fighting resumed again on Monday afternoon with several shells fired, both sides said, as usual blaming each other for the violence.

The clashes began on Friday near two groups of contested temples -- called Ta Kwai and Ta Muen in Thai, and Ta Krabei and Ta Moan in Khmer -- deep inside the jungle away from the main tourist trail.

The Cambodian defence ministry said in a statement that the Thai attacks had caused damage to the ruins, without giving further details.

"We do not know the extent of the damage to the temples yet," said ministry of defence spokesman Chhum Socheat.

Seven Cambodian and five Thai troops have died in the violence. Another Cambodian soldier has been missing since Friday.

About 20,000 civilians have sought refuge in 16 camps on the Thai side of the border while about 17,000 have been evacuated from Cambodian villages.

Others, like 47-year-old Suwech Yodsri, stayed behind to guard their properties, despite the danger from shells falling in the area.

"I'm scared to be here but I have to be here to protect our village from looting," he told AFP in the Thai village of Nong Kanna in Surin Province, about five kilometres from the border.

"I believe political conflicts are to blame. Innocent people are just being used as a political tool," he added.

Residents said that since Friday about 10 shells had fallen in the village, which was almost deserted. A man carrying a rifle patrolled the empty streets on his motorcycle.

It is the first serious outbreak of hostilities since February when 10 people were killed in clashes near the 900-year-old disputed Preah Vihear temple about 150 kilometres (90 miles) away from the latest flashpoint.

The fighting comes at a sensitive political time for Thailand, with Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva preparing to dissolve the lower house of parliament soon for elections he has said will be held by early July.

The two neighbours have fought a series of bloody gunbattles in recent years in the jungle near the ancient temples along the border, but none as deadly as the latest eruption of violence.

The frontier has never been fully demarcated, partly because it is littered with landmines left over from decades of war in Cambodia.

Ties between the two countries have been strained since Preah Vihear -- the most celebrated example of ancient Khmer architecture outside Cambodia's Angkor -- was granted UN World Heritage status in July 2008.

The World Court ruled in 1962 that the temple belonged to Cambodia, but both countries claim ownership of a 4.6 square kilometre (1.8 square mile) surrounding area.

Cambodia has accused Thailand of using spy planes and poisonous gas in the recent fighting -- claims that Bangkok has strongly denied.

It also accused Thailand of firing more than 300 artillery shells on civilian villages.

Thailand recently admitted using controversial munitions designed to burst into bomblets during the February fighting.

Indonesia, which holds the rotating chairmanship of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations regional bloc, has called for an immediate end to the violence.

The neighbours agreed in late February to allow Indonesian observers near Preah Vihear, but the Thai military has since said they are not welcome and the monitors have not been deployed.

Indonesian Foreign Minister Marty Natalegawa had been expected to travel to both countries on Monday for talks on the conflict, but the visit was postponed.

-- (c) Copyright AFP 2011-04-25

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Red-shirt Leaders' Indictment to Be Decided on May 19

State prosecutors have granted bail for three red-shirt hardliners charged with alleged terrorism.

They will decide on May 19 whether the accused will be indicted.

The Department of Special Investigation, or DSI, today submitted its case against three red-shirt core leaders, namely Suporn Atthawong, Payap Panket and Shinawat Haboonpat, to the the Special Cases Litigation Department at the Attorney General's Office.

The suspects are facing four charges, including terrorism for their involvement in last year's red-shirt protests on Ratchadamnoen Avenue and Ratchaprasong Intersection from February 28 to May 20.

They were also accused of conspiring with the late army specialist Major General Katthiya Sawasdiphol to plot terror attacks during the red-shirt demonstrations.

The three red-shirt leaders were released on 600,000-baht bail each after reporting to the prosecutors.

Meanwhile, red-shirt leader Thida Thawornset reiterated that 18 key red-shirt leaders will report to the DSI as summoned.

She also argued that the speeches made on the red-shirt stage by red-shirt MP Jatuporn Promphan and other red-shirt speakers did not violate any law.

The Attorney General Office will decide on May 19 whether they will prosecute the red-shirt leaders.

-- Tan Network 2011-04-25

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Pattaya Police arrest suspected South Korean drug dealer

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Man dies following shooting at North Pattaya Pub

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Princess Sirindhorn concerned about Thai-Cambodian clashes; royalty grants relief packages to soldiers, residents along border /MCOT

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Three days fighting between Thai, Cambodian troops impact border trade and tourism; losses estimated at Bt300-500 million: UTCC /MCOT

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REU: SYRIA CLOSES ALL LAND BORDER CROSSINGS WITH JORDAN - JORDANIAN SECURITY SOURCES /via@mpoppel

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Abhisit has ordered that his weekly TV address b aired for the last time on May 1 (after which he will dissolve the House) /via@tulsathit

Senate has approved amended election law proposed by the lower House with 115-3 vote. 5 abstained. /via @Aim_NT //via@tulsathit

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Thai Navy: submarines important for protecting Thai seas

BANGKOK, 25 April 2011 (NNT)-The decision to purchase 6 submarines from Germany, was described by the Royal Thai Navy as to protect the Thai seas and create balance in the military arena in the ASEAN region.

The meeting held by the Ministry of Defense, chaired by Gen Prawit Wongsuwan, Defense Minister, was told that the purchase of the submarines worth 7 million THB would still need to be deliberated.

The Ministry Spokesperson Col Thanathip Sawangsang said the entire process would take approximately two years. He also added that submarines manufactured in Germany were of great standards and technologically enhanced to suit the geography of Thai seas.

The Royal Thai Navy will conduct further feasibility studies before presenting the purchase request to the Defense Ministry for consideration and to get the approval from the Cabinet as soon as possible.

-- NNT 2011-04-25

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SET index closed at 1105.43, up 0.14; Bt/USD29.78; GBP49.06; AUD31.88; EUR43.32; CAD31.20; HKD3.83; SGD24.03; JPY36.01

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New metropolis master plan to include six surrounding provinces

Bangkok urban planners will seek to involve six surrounding provinces in the drafting of a new master plan for the metropolis.

The meeting of Bangkok Metropolitan Administration executives had discussed about the master plan, which would be renewed for another year, BMA spokesman Jate Sopitpongstorn said Monday.

The City Planning Department reported to the meeting that a public hearing on the new city plan would be held after the general election and suggested that, to make it more complete, it should include the six neighbouring provinces.

Governor MR Sukhumbhand Paribatra instructed the department to prepare a proposal for the master plan that would link with the provinces to be presented to this or the next government, he added.

-- The Nation 2011-04-25

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Case of the crabs: Phuket expert speaks out

Bass breakfast: What looks like an alien invasion from this angle looks

like lunch to many predatory fish. Photo: PMBC

A close-up view of one crab larva, the species of which has yet to be determined.

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Reuters: Iran says it has detected second cyber attack /via@mpoppel

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THAI prepares 60 chartered flights for Haj pilgrimage

Thai Airways International Public Company Limited has prepared a total of 60 direct chartered flights from Thailand to support some 9,000 Thai Muslim people to join their annual Haj pilgrimage in the holy city of Mecca.

THAI may also expand this special service to Narathiwat next year if the runway was ready.

THAI executive for strategy and business development, Dullayapong Sukhanusas, said Monday that the flights, using the 295seat Airbus A330-300 airplane, would depart Thailand starting from September 29 from four airports. One flight would depart from the Suvarnabhumi Airport, another flight from Krabi, other two flights from Phuket and the rest 26 flights from Songkhla's Hat Yai Airport. The return trip from Jeddah City to Thailand's four airports would be from November 1228, he said adding that the company also prepared Halal food which met the "Hal Q" standard to serve the Haj passengers.

-- The Nation 2011-04-25

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to be continued,

Thailand Live Tuesday 26 April