Thailand Live Tuesday 24 May 2011

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Thailand Live Tuesday 24 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 Monday 23 May 2011

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POLITICS

Amnesty 'aimed at both sides' : Chalerm

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BURNING ISSUE

July 3 polls a defining moment for Jatuporn

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ANALYSIS

Absolving Thaksin will put heat on Yingluck

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State banks' credit card refinancing scheme set to start on June 1

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SOUTH CRISIS

Insurgents spreading rumours about attacks: Army

By The Nation

Insurgents were spreading rumours of attacks in a bid to create panic and chaos in the far South, a senior military officer said yesterday.

Region 4 Internal Security Operations Command chief Maj General Akara Thiproj warned the public that rumours about motorcycle or car bombs in various areas had spread in the lead-up to the election.

But he said when officials traced the origin of such rumours, the trail went cold or no evidence was found to back them up. This was a strategy used by southern insurgents, who had suffered a setback in the fight with Thai authorities.

He said intelligence officials were working round the clock on the movement of insurgents and sympathisers. Officials said people should not panic as security measures were already in place at a certain level.

He urged the public to watch out for and alert the authorities to any suspicious activity.

Meanwhile, Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban confirmed yesterday that much sought after insurgent Ma-ae Aphibalbae, wanted for several deadly incidents in the restive region, was among four suspects killed in a gunfight with security forces in Yala last Friday.

Suthep affirmed that security officials would provide special security for both Buddhist and Muslim religious leaders, as well as teachers. He said the Army Region 4 Commander would ensure security at various communities was intensified.

He said the guideline for operations in the three southernmost provinces remained as "politics leading the military to help the public and elevate their well-being", because the majority of people wanted peace in the country.

In related news, a 100-strong army unit raided a garage in Narathiwat's Tak Bai district yesterday and seized 35 oil tanks modified to smuggle petrol. The largest modified tanks were said to be able to carry 2,000 litres per trip.

Col Chatuporn Klampasut, from the Internal Security Operations Command in Region 4, led the unit which surrounded the garage in Tambon Jae Hae, following an inquiry that revealed the garage had modified oil tanks for petrol smugglers.

Owner Mahamasapae-ing Malee reportedly confessed that he modified the oil tanks for up to Bt10,000 and told of another garage, the region's largest, located in Hat Yai, allegedly involved in illegal fuel trading.

Mahamasapae-ing was taken for further questioning at the Narathiwat-based 36th special taskforce unit.

-- The Nation 2011-05-24

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Samut Prakan winner named after election chaos

By The Nation

Chonsawas Asvahame, a former mayor of Samut Prakan, has won the election for president of the Samut Prakan Provincial Administration Organisation after rowdiness prompted recounts.

He received 157,577 out of the total votes of 466,099, beating Amnuay Rasmithat with 148,717 votes and Phattharawadee Aphidennaphalai with 114,218 votes.

The two other candidates, Thanaphon Kharomprat and Thanaphat Thanyathanaphat, were out of the race with 4,138 and 2,186 votes.

The vote count was delayed after voters and other people packed many polling stations and barged into them, forcing recounts at many locations.

The counting began at 7.30pm on Sunday, and the recounts started at 1.30am the following morning, and were completed at 7am.

There were 28,060 ballots with the "No Vote" box ticked and 11,208 spoiled ballots. The turnout was 54.4 per cent of the 848,111 eligible voters.

-- The Nation 2011-05-24

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Thai politician shot dead in Angthong

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Yingluck's secret weapon: Nong Pipe

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Doubt over wage hike

By The Nation

It remains unclear if workers will get a minimum wage hike mid year as previously expected, as the Bangkok Minimum Wage Sub-Committee meeting yesterday were told about affecting factors such as inflation and rising commodity prices.

Sub-committee member Ammorn Chaowalit said meeting discussed the opinion survey of business operators after the wage hike earlier this year, which showed that them commented about impacts including the inflation rate that was 3.06 per cent increase in Bangkok and 3.27 per cent nation-wide.

Ammorn said the Bangkok sub-committee didn't propose for a wage hike to the Central Wage Committee's meeting on June 2. Expressing sympathy to all sides affected by commodity price rising, the sub-committee wanted to see the wage rate according to work skills to be in effect from July 28 onwards, before discussing about the minimum wage hike, he added.

Another sub-committee member Atthayuth Leeyavanija said that employers had complained that the previous hike caused them to pay additional Bt100,000 million in wages and he urged the government to keep the commodity price down.

-- The Nation 2011-05-24

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Reds in East demand local leaders be given a chance

By THE NATION

Red shirts from the Eastern Seaboard provinces of Rayong and Chanthaburi yesterday demanded that the Pheu Thai Party nominate their local leaders as election candidates.

More than 100 supporters gathered at the party's headquarters at the OAI Tower on New Phetchaburi Road.

They want the party's preferred choice for Chanthaburi Constituency 1 replaced by Samret Jongsuthi, and for Rayong Constituency 4 replaced by Pirom Srithat, but there was no report on whether their calls would be met.

Applications for constituency candidates open today at designated centres around the country.

Pheu Thai spokesman Prompong Nopparit said three teams of ex-MPs have been formed to campaign separately throughout the country.

The teams are expected to address party faithful at least 240 times over the 40 days until the July 3 election.

-- The Nation 2011-05-24

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Chiang Rai biomass power plant faces opposition

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Ministers discuss Preah Vihear as key meetings loom

By Piyanart Srivalo

The Nation

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva yesterday wrapped up his work on the border conflict with Cambodia over the Preah Vihear temple - as the World Heritage Committee (WHC) and International Court of Justice (ICJ) are set to look into different aspects of the disputed area.

Abhisit called a meeting on the issue with his deputies Suthep Thaugsuban, Sanan Kachornprasart and Trairong Suwankhiri, as well as Defence Minister Prawit Wongsuwan, Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya and Environment and Natural Resources Minister Suwit Khunkitti.

Indonesia is set to dispatch an advance survey team to visit the border area near the historic temple to clear the way for a full team of observers.

The survey team will spend two days in Si Sa Ket province to inspect the locations where observers will be, Abhisit said.

The survey team would only visit the site when Thailand and Cambodia convene the General Border Committee (GBC) meeting to discuss withdrawing troops from the disputed area, he said.

"If Cambodia agrees to the troop withdrawal and removes its community from the disputed 4.6 square kilometre area, we will allow the Indonesian observer team in," Abhisit told reporters.

The peace effort brokered by Jakarta is a part of attempts to settle the dispute over Preah Vihear temple. Indonesia, as the Asean chair, was asked by the United Nations Security Council to help implement a permanent cease-fire between the two countries after a major clash in February.

Cambodia has also requested the ICJ to clarify its 1962 ruling on the Preah Vihear case. The court ruled that Preah Vihear is situated in territory under the sovereignty of Cambodia. Thailand complied with the ruling but argued that the court ruled only on the sandstone ruin while the area around the temple belongs to Thailand.

Abhisit said the court would hold a public hearing on May 30-31 on Cambodia's request for provisional measures to get Thai troops to withdraw from the disputed area. "The court might order an injunction by the time we stage the election in July but before the new government," he said.

"I am confident in our way of handling the case and we won't lose this territory," he said.

In regard to Cambodia's bid to get the site listed by the World Heritage Committee, Suwit would fly to talk with Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister Sok An tomorrow about Thailand's push for the Heritage body to postpone consideration of the Preah Vihear management plan.

The Hindu temple was listed as a World Heritage in 2008. Phnom Penh submitted an initial management plan the following year and a comprehensive plan in 2010. Thailand urged the committee to delay consideration of the plan last year on the grounds that it had not had time to study it.

Suwit signed a note with Sok An during the meeting last year in Brasilia agreeing to consider the plan this year. But Abhisit said Thailand wanted consideration of the plan delayed for another year.

-- The Nation 2011-05-24

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WHO honours Jurin with anti-smoking award

By The Nation

The World Health Organisation has praised caretaker Public Health Minister Jurin Laksanawisit's efforts to tackle tobacco consumption in Thailand and Southeast Asia by selecting him to receive this year's World No Tobacco Day Award.

Jurin will receive the prestigious award from HRH Princess Soamsavali.

The Princess Niece will also bestow the WHO Southeast Asia Regional Director's Awards on two other Thais - Assoc Prof Nuntavarn Vichit-vadakan, dean of public health at Thammasat University, and Krong Jit Wateesatokkit, an adviser for the Action on Smoking and Health Foundation Thailand.

This award will also be given to health advocates in five countries - Bhutan, Maldives, Indonesia, India and Nepal.

In a bid to counter the growing population of smokers worldwide, the WHO this year will launch its global anti-smoking campaign to force countries to comply with the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, which protects the rights and health of non-smokers.

-- The Nation 2011-05-24

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Thailand needs central agency to prepare for disasters: Global warming

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Phuket youngster killed in shrimp farm machinery

A tearful Mr Piraphong holds a photo of his late son.

The boy's mother, Mrs Sommai, describes how the accident happened.

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CNN sources say Twitter has acquired TweetDeck for around $40 million in cash and stock /BNONews

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Suthep & Abhisit not worried about Pheu Thai's complaint of mud-slinging with EC which may lead to political ban & party disbandment /TAN_Network

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Abhisit questions EC's decision not to prosecute red-shirts protesters who keep hounding him during campaigning /TAN_Network

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Listed companies enjoy record high sales, profits in first quarter

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Central bank warns of rising bad loans from credit card debt refinancing

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Candidacy registration for direct vote opens: Democrats first in line

The candidacy registration for direct vote to fill 375 House seats has opened nationwide from Tuesday to Saturday.

The 33 Democrat candidates vying for seats from Bangkok consituencies were the first to arrive an hour before the registration centre opened at 8.30 am.

Democrat Party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva dropped by on his way to work at Government House to lend moral support for his fellow Democrats.

Party secretary general Suthep Thaugsuban and Finance Minister Korn Chatikavanij accompanied the candidates to complete the registration process.

Two major parties, Democrat and Pheu Thai, are expected to compete in all 375 constituencies.

The registration for party-list candidates competing via proportionate vote has closed on Monday. A total of 40 parties have fielded 1,410 candidates in the race for 125 House seats up for grabs.

-- The Nation 2011-05-24

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Navy Chief Ready to Work with New Govt

The Navy chief has expressed readiness to work with the incoming government while saying that he is in support of amnesty for convicted politicians if that will bring about national reconciliation.

Royal Thai Navy Chief Admiral Kamthorn Phumhiran said the Navy would welcome the new government regardless of which political party rules it, as long as it comes from a legitimate and democratic process.

He ruled out the possibility of a coup even if no government could be formed and added that the Navy has always abided by the law.

Kamthorn noted he would support amnesty for banned politicians if it will lead to national reconciliation.

The Navy chief said he has encouraged officers to exercise their voting rights while denying having ordered them to vote for any particular political party.

He insisted that all political parties are allowed to campaign at any Navy departments.

Regarding the 'Vote No' campaign of the People's Alliance for Democracy, the admiral said the public will make their own decision on the matter.

Meanwhile, Kamthorn said he is not disheartened by the fact that the Navy's request to buy submarines from Germany has not been approved by the Cabinet.

He added he will talk over the matter with Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva later.

-- Tan Network 2011-05-24

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Veteran Politician Worries about Election-related Violence

The senior adviser of the Chart Thai Pattana Party warns his party's MP candidates to be cautious of election-related violence after the party's vote canvasser in Angthong Province was shot dead, while giving encouragement to the two PM candidates.

Banharn Silapaarcha, senior adviser to the Chart Thai Pattana Party, expressed concerns about the election atmosphere. He warned his party's MP candidates to be aware of groups or people with ill-intentions after one of his party's election canvassers in Angthong Province was shot dead.

He added that campaigning at night should be avoided.

Regarding the PM candidates, Banharn believes that the Democrat and Pheu Thai parties have different policies and strategies, and that ultimately, the election results depend on the voters.

Banharn has reiterated that Chart Thai Pattana is focused on strategies to bring about reconciliation as he believes that unity will drive his party forward.

Banharn also pointed out that the reason Yingluck Shinawatra, the number 1 party-list candidate of the Pheu Thai Party, is seeing rising popularity is the fact that she has a fresh look and has a strong business background.

Banharn said he is rooting for both Yingluck and the Democrat Party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva.

As for the constituency race, Bunharn accepts that the popularity of his party in Bangkok is far less than other parties, so he does not expect to win seats in the capital.

However, he fully hopes to win some seats in the party-list system.

-- Tan Network 2011-05-24

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PM Affirms Caretaker Govt to Continue Working on Cambodian Conflict

The prime minister confirms that the conflict between Cambodia and Thailand will continue to be resolved by the caretaker government through until election day.

Acting Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva said that the July 3 general election will not obstruct attempts to solve the Thai-Cambodian conflict.

He insists that any conflicts, including the disputed border and armed conflicts between the two countries, will be addressed.

Regarding the World Heritage Committee meeting, Abhisit said Thailand's stance is still for a postponement of Cambodia's management plan for Preah Vihear Temple.

Thailand has also completed the preparation for the opening statement at the International Court of Justice concerning Cambodia's request to have a previous ruling on Preah Vihear Temple reinterpreted to address the 4.6 square kilometer surrounding disputed territory.

Although, Abhisit refused to unveil the details of Thailand's defense at the world court, he has expressed confidence that the problem can eventually be resolved and that Thailand can protect its sovereignty over its territory.

These issues were discussed in yesterday's special Cabinet meeting, which also approved the sending of an advance team by Indonesia to seven spots in Si Sa Ket Province to prepare accomodations for Indonesian observers.

The authorities were quick to point out that the presence of the advance team does not mean an immediate acceptance of the observer team as Thailand's stance is clear that troops have to be withdrawn from the disputed territory before Indonesian observers can be allowed in.

A Thai-Cambodian General Border Committee meeting is being prepared to discuss the troop withdrawal.

-- Tan Network 2011-05-24

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Narathiwat police car bombed twice by insurgents while out on patrol in Takbai, killing 2 officers and seriously injuring 1 /TAN_Network

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Appeals Court hands down 20-yr jail term to Krirkkiat Chaleejan for BKK Bank of Commerce fund embezzlement and fines him Bt211mln /TAN_Network

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Tonight, Tonight: Phuket Police chief to square off against boxing legend

Maj Gen Pekad is all smiles at the press conference announcing the fight.

Ready to Rumble: Maj Gen Pekad (right) on the fight card to take on former

WBA champion Khaosai Galaxy.

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Men who built Australia's most expensive house go to war in Bali

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