Thailand Live Friday 13 May 2011

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Thailand Live Friday 13 May 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 Thursday 12 May 2011

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Buddhist monks hold summit

By The Nation

Celebrations for Visakha Bucha Day, which falls on May 17 this year, began yesterday with a summit of chief Buddhist monks and scholars from 85 countries held at a Buddhist university in Ayutthaya province.

The Royal Consort, Her Royal Highness Princess Srirasmi, presided over the inauguration ceremony at the Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University attended by 1,785 foreign and Thai monks and scholars, including Somdej Phra Maha Ratchamangkhalajarn, who represented His Holiness the Supreme Patriarch.

The princess's speech highlighted the importance of the development of individual minds in terms of wisdom and morality based on Buddhist teachings, as the key to a country's prosperity and sustainable development.

A special Buddhist prayer will be said at the Emerald Buddha temple today to mark His Majesty the King's 84th birthday and to wish the King, who last week underwent surgery, a speedy recovery.

This prayer, to be either said or attended by all the participants, will be presided over by Her Royal Highness Princess Somsavali and is scheduled for 5pm

Visakha Bucha is an annual holiday observed traditionally by Buddhists in Nepal, Sri Lanka, and the Southeast Asian countries of Singapore, Vietnam, Thailand, Cambodia, Malaysia, Burma, and Indonesia, which marks the birth, enlightenment and passing away of the Buddha.

At yesterday's inauguration, two senior monks from Cambodia praised His Majesty for practising dharma and applying Buddhist teachings in his projects. A message of admiration from Sri Lanka's President, Mahinda Rajapaksa, was read out in His Majesty's honour.

The closing of the threeday summit will be held at the United Nations building in Bangkok, along with a seminar entitled "Buddhist teachings with social and economic developments" during which successful royal projects will be described.

-- The Nation 2011-05-13

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Press conference:

Exact cause of Chiang Mai hotel deaths may be impossible to find: Health Official

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REDS LEADER BEHIND BAR

Outrage as bail revoked - some red shirts see opportunity

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ANALYSIS

Will Pheu Thai sink or swim with Jatuporn?

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REDS MOVEMENT

Jatuporn behind bars for first time

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Chatichai fondly recalled

By Somroutai Sapsomboon

The Nation

Mementoes of the late premier raise Bt3 million for worthy causes

The deeper our political divisions, it seems, the more Chatichai Choonhavan - the late prime minister - is remembered for his ability to reconcile opposing sides.

Public figures who worked closely with Chatichai gathered last week for an event called "90 Years in Memory of Chatichai: Tomorrow Never Dies". He died in 1998, and would have been 90 this year.

The memorial, organised by the General Chatichai Choonhavan Foundation, was like a reunion of the Chart Pattana's old guard. Chatichai set up the party in 1992 after returning from overseas exile following his ouster in the coup the year before.

On hand to eulogise him were former Chart Pattana members Korn Thapparansi, Suwat Liptapanlop, Prachuab Chaiyasarn, Pitak Intarawittayanan and Parnpree Bahiddha-Nukara.

And another former premier, Anand Panyarachun, was there to recall serving under Chatichai when he was Thailand's foreign minister. Chatichai was always cool-tempered, he said. "I once criticised him and he said nothing - just smiled."

Former Finance Minister MR Pridiyadorn Devakula reminded everyone about Chatichai's vaunted economic policy of trading with Vietnam and Cambodia, "turning the battlefield into a marketplace".

The Chatichai Foundation auctioned off eight items he loved and raised almost Bt3 million for various projects that, among other things, protect elephants and train rescue dogs.

For Bt300,000, Suwat took home an oil painting Chatichai did when he was Thailand's ambassador to Austria. Pitak paid the same amount for a violin Chatichai played often while in exile, and another Bt100,000 for an enamelled cigarette case with a Thai angel design.

Former industry minister Charnchai Chairungrueng offered the top bid of Bt300,000 for a grandfather clock with mother-of-pearl inlay. Also on offer were a jade sculpture of a dragon carrying a treasure chest, a set of Benjarong china with gold inlay and a painting of a gaucho.

MP Kraisak Choonhavan said his father established the non-profit foundation in 1993 with humanitarian and environmental aims, insisting it remain free of any political agenda. Kraisak is president of the foundation.

-- The Nation 2011-05-13

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PM, Democrat ministers may take leave to campaign

By Piyanart Srivalo

The Nation

The prime minister and Cabinet members who belong to the Democrat Party might go on leave to campaign for the upcoming election, a government source said.

After the Election Commission advised Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva against campaigning during working hours, many ministers, especially Democrats, voiced concerns about not having enough time to woo voters.

Meanwhile, Abhisit was chauffeured to Government House in his own car yesterday instead of the government-issue bulletproof vehicle.

Government Spokesman Panitan Wattanayagorn said the prime minister's security was not compromised, though he side-stepped a question about whether Abhisit's car was armoured. The PM changed his vehicle after the EC advised him against using the government-issue car while campaigning.

-- The Nation 2011-05-13

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NATIONAL ELECTION

Thai Sports stars eye political glory

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19 year-old Thai student dies after taking diet pills and losing 20kg

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Pheu Thai caucus to endorse PM candidate

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Thai Govt urged to get ready for ageing population

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Panel gives green light to projects for HM's birthday

By The Nation

The authorities have approved 23 projects as part of the celebrations for His Majesty's 84th birthday on December 5.

An organising committee, chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Trairong Suwankhiri, approved the projects at a meeting in Government House yesterday. Of the projects given the nod, five will be related to music, arts and culture; one will be a flower festival at Rama IX Park; and three will include donations and volunteer services.

The Army and the Air Force are also planning to organise concerts, while Airports of Thailand will hold a sports competition in honour of the beloved monarch.

The panel has approved projects that will help boost people's vocational skills and preserve the environment. A foundation linked to Mahavajiralongkorn Hospital will also provide free heart surgeries.

Citizens and government agencies can fly the national flag alongside the King's standard until December 31 without having to seek special permission.

-- The Nation 2011-05-13

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Pattaya procuress caught in sting, say police

By The Nation

A special police unit on human trafficking arrested a 30yearold woman yesterday for procuring girls aged between 15 and 18 to provide sexual services, mostly foreign customers in Pattaya City.

The police, who kept a close eye on suspect Phakaphan Phaohong for a while, apprehended her in a sting operation at 4am yesterday. They also confiscated Bt3,000 as evidence and apprehended two 20yearold women and one 18yearold girl at a hotel room.

Phakaphan reportedly confessed to procuring young women for foreign tourists in Pattaya and said she earned between Bt500Bt700 per girl. She said she usually found the girls on the beach or in karaoke bars.

-- The Nation 2011-05-13

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Eight to be honoured for heroic deeds

By The Nation

The Social Development and Human Security Ministry is giving the "Phra Prachabodi" to eight people, four of whom are taxi drivers.

Minister Issara Somchai said yesterday that Police Senior SgtMajor Likasit Pilasri and taxi driver Amnart Phuangsoongnern - both killed by a man, who was allegedly under the influence of drugs, on April 14 near Bangkok's Victory Monument - would receive the awards posthumously. Police Senior SgtMajor Praponpat Boonthongkham, who was injured in the same event, will also be honoured.

Other award recipients are taxi driver Duan Sosan, 30, who returned a bag containing US$6,500 and Bt26,000 in cash to the rightful owner; cabbie Hannarong Singsaman, 53, who helped the authorities arrest a man stealing Bt87,000 valuables from a community centre; sixyearold Phupha Rattanarungreongchai who helped his dad play music to earn money; 33yearold Thitima Yurawan who helped the police arrest a car thief even though she was nine months pregnant, and cabbie Sawai Inthana, 48, who returned Bt190,000 cash left behind by a passenger.

-- The Nation 2011-05-13

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NEW FACES

Thai Democrats unveil fresh MP hopefuls at Thammasat

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Shot Pheu Thai MP Pracha keeps quiet on names of perpetrators, 'forgives' them

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NPP defies PAD,will contest election

By The Nation

The New Politics Party will contest the July 3 election by fielding candidates in 21 provinces, party leader Somsak Kosaisuk said yesterday, defying the "Vote No" campaign spearheaded by the People's Alliance for Democracy, the party's precursor movement.

"The party is obliged to comply with election law by fielding candidates," he said.

Somsak said the PAD had no justification to force the party to accept its campaign to boycott the election, arguing it was undemocratic not to sanction the vote, which was a democratic tool.

He said party executives would run under the party list to compete for proportionate votes while aspiring candidates would vie for direct votes in the North, West, Northeast, South and Central regions.

Key constituencies include Khon Kaen, Ubon Ratchathani, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Nakhon Sawan, Ratchaburi, Kanchanaburi, Surat Thani and Phuket.

While Somsak was speaking at the press conference, about 30 party members and PAD supporters held a rally opposing his decision to contest the election.

The opponents threatened to launch a signature campaign to impeach him from office. To remove him, a minimum of 1,500 signatures from 15,000 party members would be required.

-- The Nation 2011-05-13

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Alcohol Ban In Thailand On Visakha Bucha Day On 17 May

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Red-shirt leader Jatuporn says he couldn't sleep on his 1st night in jail; Correction Dept chief says no special privileges for him /TAN_Network

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The Crown Prince presides at royal ploughing ceremony at Sanam Luang; crowd awaits to collect seeds sown by Lord of Plough /MCOT

Ploughing Day cattle eats grass and liquor signifying abundant food and water and good foreign trade and transportation /TAN_Network

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Snoh poised to join Pheu Thai

By The Nation

Yingluck's clout for premiership

Pracharaj Party leader Snoh Thienthong is poised to quit his party to become a party-list candidate under the Pheu Thai banner.

A press conference is scheduled for Friday's morning to announce Snoh's decision.

Phue Thai leader Yongyuth Wichaidit and designated party-list candidate Yingluck Shinawatra are expected to pay a visit to Snoh at his residence to personally invite him.

Yingluck, sister of former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, has intended her meeting with Snoh as a first public appearance to demonstrate her clout to vie for the position of prime minister.

Thaksin is expected to meet with his brother-in-law Somchai Wongsawat over the weekend to finalise the Pheu Thai electoral candidates. The party will on Monday make a formal annoucement to nominate Yingluck for premiership.

All 500 Pheu Thai candidates have been asked to tender their undated resignation from party membership in advance. The resignation is a guarantee of loyalty for Pheu Thai MPs to vote for Yingluck as prime minister upon being elected to House.

-- The Nation 2011-05-13

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Thai stock index opens on Friday at 1,092.3, up 6.26 points /MCOT

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Election Campaigns in Provinces Intensifies

The atmosphere in several provinces has become vigorous as anticipation for the upcoming election grows.

Police have also stepped up security after the former Samut Prakarn MP of Pheu Thai Party was attacked earlier this week.

Campaign posters and policy advertisement billboards can be widely seen on roads in Petchaburi Province.

It is expected that after the application period of May 24 to 28, party list candidates will campaign more aggressively.

Former MP of Petchaburi Province, Piya Ungkinant is set to become Pheu Thai Party's candidate, silecing rumors that he would move to the Bhumjaithai Party.

Meanwhile, several party list candidates are advertising their political campaigns in Buriram Province even before the application period.

Pheu Thai Party candidate Kajorntorn Judto admitted that this general election is highly competitive.

Every MP candidate needs to be more careful about safety after the shooting of former Pheu Thai Party MP Pracha Prasobdee.

Many campaign banners at Buriram's Krasung and Pabplachaidistricts were vandalized after party list candidates as competition for the political stronghold intensifies.

Campaign posters and government banners were sprayed with content attacking Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva.

It is reported that more than 50 signs and banners were destroyed.

Many candidates are also campaigning on vehicles with amplifiers blaring political messages in Ubon Ratchathani Province.

Meanwhile, police across the country have reportedly stepped up security for political candidates after Pracha was attacked earlier this week.

-- Tan Network 2011-05-13

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Central Bank Warns Govt about Credit Card Refinancing Program

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Jatuporn's sleepless first night in jail

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11th Money Expo Kicks Off At Impact Exhibition Center Muang Thong Thani

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DSI: Bail revocation not a success

BANGKOK, 13 May 2011 (NNT) – The Department of Special Investigation (DSI) does not deem the recent bail withdrawal of Mr Jatuporn Prompan and Mr Nisit Sinthuprai, the two key figures of the United Front of Democracy Against Dictatorship (UDD) a success.

DSI Director-General Tharit Pengdit affirmed that bail revocation was sought from the court in line with the duty and role of the DSI as those nine UDD key figures were accused of being involved with terrorism and considered a threat to national security, especially the lèse majesté case.

Mr Tharit continued that although the Criminal Court consented to the DSI’s requests, only the bail for Mr Jatuporn and Mr Nisit was withdrawn while seven other UDD core leaders remain free.

The other seven UDD core figures comprise Mr Veerakarn Musikapong, Mr Nattawut Saikua, Medical Doctor Weng Tojirakarn, Mr Korkaew Pikulthong, Mr Kwanchai Praipana, Mr Wiphuthalaeng Phatthanaphumthai and Mr Yosawarit Chuklom.

Therefore, the director-general has warned those seven to move in compliance with the bail conditions; otherwise, the DSI will immediately lodge petitions against their temporary release if they commit any offences . He noted that their movements will absolutely be monitored closely.

-- NNT 2011-05-13

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Deputy PM Suthep asks Pheu Thai to prohibit red-shirts from gathering /TAN_Network

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Royal Ploughing Ceremony foresees abundant food, sufficient water

BANGKOK, May 13 - As a result of the Royal Ploughing Ceremony Friday morning, Thailand's traditional soothsayers predict an abundance of food production in the kingdom during the coming year, sufficient water with good yields for paddy fields and a prosperous economy due to improved international trade and transport.

The annual ceremony was presided over by His Royal Highness Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn, representing His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej, at Sanam Luang royal ground to mark the end of the dry season and is meant to herald an auspicious start for the rice-planting season in a region where most people depend on agriculture.

The ceremony was also attended by Crown Prince's consort, Her Royal Highness Princess Srirat, and his daughter Her Royal Highness Princess Patchara Kittiyapa.

Permanent Secretary for Agriculture and Cooperatives Chalermporn Pirunsarn served in the Brahman ceremony from ancient India as the Lord of the Plough.

Four consecrated ladies carry gold and silver baskets filled with rice seed, which they scatter into the newly-ploughed furrow. Walking alongside the plough are official Brahmans from the royal court who are chanting and blowing conch shells.

When the ploughing was finished, the sacred oxen, Fah and Sai, were presented with seven different foods and drink--rice seed, beans, maize, hay, sesame seed, water and liquor.

The sacred oxen ate the grass and drank the liquor. The Brahmin seers accordingly interpreted the actions as meaning there will be an abundance of food and average water supply in the kingdom of Thailand during the coming year, while trade and commerce with foreign countries will improve, as well as the means of transport, leading to a more prosperous economy.

After the ceremony, the onlooking crowd scrambles for the seeds sown by the Lord of the Plough as the seeds are regarded as totems which will bring the owners wealth and good luck. Local farmers will mix the seeds with their own rice to ensure a good crop in the coming year.

The royal ploughing ceremony is an ancient Indian Brahmanic rite, in which sacred oxen plough a furrow at the Sanam Luang ceremonial ground. The ceremony has been performed in Thailand since the Sukhothai period, some 700 years ago. (MCOT online news)

-- TNA 2011-05-13