Thailand Live Thursday 26 May 2011

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Channel 3 Searches for New Young Actresses

Channel 3 is launching a new TV drama and are now looking for five young actresses to play five different characters in the series.

After the great success of the TV drama series called “Hua Jai Hang Khun Kao,” in launching several new actors and actresses to fame, Channel 3, along with Cholumpi Productions have once again joined hands in looking for five young new actresses to play five different characters on the new TV drama called “the Six Sense”.

The new TV drama is about five women who each possess a different kind of sixth sense.

It will feature the drama surrounding the women's special abilities as well as the romance and comedy surrounding their love lives, all intertwined in one elaborate plot.

Applicants must be between 15 and 23 years old and be at least 160 centimeters tall.

Anyone who is interested in acting on the show can submit their application and picture by June 23.

-- Tan Network 2011-05-26

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Yingluck Insists on Carrying on Thai Rak Thai Policies

The Pheu Thai' Party s number 1 party-list candidate Yingluck Shinawatra pleaded with party supporters in the Northeast to support her in the same way they did her brother.

Yingluck Shinawatra, Pheu Thai's number 1 party-list candidate, campaigned in Thung Sri Muang, in Udon Thani Province.

In remarks made to party supporters, the younger sister of ousted former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra said she expects similar support and that she would serve on her brother's behalf.

Despite the fact that she does not have direct experience in politics, she claims that she is born to be a politician, that it is in her genes and that she holds strongly to the values of democracy.

Moreover, Yingluck reiterated that as soon as she wins the election, her priority will be to resolve economic difficulties. Additionally, she promised to improve the well-being of people by increasing their incomes.

She also emphasized the party's national reconciliation policy and pledged to carry on with the policies of the now-defunct Thai Rak Thai Party, including the 30-baht universal healthcare scheme.

Yingluck, along with Police General Pracha Promnok, Sanoh Thienthong, Payap Shinawatra, and other Pheu Thai members, toured the town in a three-wheeled vehicle and paid homage to the statue of the founder of Udon Thani Province.

From there they went to campaign at the Center Point market.

-- Tan Network 2011-05-26

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Blasts hit two govt buildings in eastern China's Jiangxi province at around same time; Number of casualties is not immediately known: Xinhua /MCOT

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PM: Thai-Cambodian GBC Postponement Temporary

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva said that Thailand did not abandon the upcoming Thai-Cambodian General Border Committee meeting, but the country is waiting for the return of the environment minister, who is attending the UNESCO meeting in France.

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva reiterated that Thailand did not scrap plans to hold the upcoming Thai-Cambodian General Border Committee, or GBC, meeting.

He said Thailand wants to clarify its stance to the Indonesian Foreign Minister Marty Natalegawa, who is the current chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, or ASEAN.

Abhisit said the GBC meeting has only been postponed only until after the return of Natural Resources and Environment Minister Suwit Khunkitti, who is taking part in the World Heritage Committee meeting in France.

The premier added that pushing through Cambodia's management plan for Preah Vihear Temple would only increase Thai-Cambodian tensions.

The premier expressed no concern over the border clashes, saying Thailand never initiated the attacks, and that the country did not fire at the disputed temple as has been accused by Cambodia.

He said Cambodia should be worried as there is evidence that it stationed military troops within the temple, which violates the agreement between the two countries.

The premier emphasized that Thailand has all the evidence it needs to prove its case.

-- Tan Network 2011-05-26

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Abhisit Not Worried about Surveys Results

Democrat Party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva insisted he is not worried about the Bangkok University survey results that suggest his party is trailing behind the Pheu Thai, saying the public will decide on July 3.

Democrat Party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva stressed he is not disheartened by a recent survey that shows his party's popularity trailing his rival Pheu Thai Party.

He stated that the situation is not worrisome and that the Bangkok University poll will not influence the public's decision.

The premier went on to say he does not believe the Pheu Thai Party will gain 270 seats as it boasted, and more importantly, survey results swing all the time.

Meanwhile, he noted that the police and the Election Commission should keep the death toll by hired gunmen down prior to the July poll.

Concerning the defamation lawsuit against Democrat Secretary-General Suthep Thaugsuban that was filed by Pheu Thai, Abhisit said Suthep's remark was in line with the truth.

Yesterday, Democrat key members, such as Abhisit Vejjajiva and Ong-art Klampaiboon, visited residents near the headquarters of the Finance Ministry to help MP candidate Thana Cheerawanit woo voters.

Feedback from the public was good but security was tight for the entourage.

Later, they moved to Bang Khae District to ask how people felt about the 500-baht stipend for the elderly and also visited the Mall shopping center to campaign.

-- Tan Network 2011-05-26

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A Question Thaksin Will Not Answer

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Police unveil another list of 75 wanted hitmen; keep close watch in Nakhon Ratchasima where campaigning is expected to be intense /TAN_Network

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Watching motorcycles weave through traffic. I wish they would all wear helmets. Lost a friend because of accident on motorcycle w/o helmet /via@KristieKenney

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Defense Minister Prawit assures soldiers won't stage a coup after election and won't interfere with politics' /TAN_Network

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Chuwit prefers to serve as opposition leader

BANGKOK, 26 May 2011 (NNT) – Rak Prathet Thai Party leader and former massage parlour tycoon Chuwit Kamolvisit has confirmed his standpoint to be the head of the opposition in the House of Representatives.

Speaking during his visit to Wat Hualampong in Bangkok for his political campaigns, Mr Chuwit said he does not want to compete with other candidates as well as vie for the prime minister post in the upcoming general election.

The outspoken candidate indicated that his aim is only to lead the opposition team in Parliament.

The Rak Prathet Thai Party leader added that an exit from rifts in the country at present depends on Thai citizens only, not politicians. According to him, people have created division among political groups, so only their unity is required to solve such a problem in the society.

Mr Chuwit and his team on Wednesday travelled to Wat Hualampong for merit-making and visiting people in its vicinities as part of his political campaigns. He was well received at Wat Hualampong, after which he moved to Tha Phrachan and Tha Wang Lang piers to canvass more votes from the electorate.

-- NNT 2011-05-26

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Rubbish piling up on Phuket's sister 'eco-island'

Koh Yao Noi’s two landfills were shut down due to bad smells, villagers said,

which has left them with nowhere to take their trash. Photo: Chutharat Plerin

NO CONSENSUS: None of the villagers want to live next door to the incinerator

planned to be built at Koh Yao Noi. Photo: Chutharat Plerin

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Patong's first high school to open 2014

An artist’s impression of the completed school.

The new school will feature a running track and sports field.

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Drug use spreads in Thailand's central provinces: Police

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Transport Approves Hike in Boat Fares

The Transport Ministry has approved a 50 Satang hike on boat fares. From June 20 onwards, the fares for boats running on the Saen Sab Klong and the Chao Phraya River will be increased by 50 Satang.

-- Tan Network 2011-05-26

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Thai Embassies Set for Overseas Election

The Foreign Affairs Ministry's Consular Affairs Department is prepared to organize the overseas election from June 17 to 26 for Thais living abroad.

Director-General of the Consular Affairs Department Chak Boon-Long reported that the Foreign Affairs Ministry has been assigned by the Election Commission to organize the overseas election for Thai citizens residing outside of Thailand from June 17 to 26.

The department has already started distributing ballot boxes to Thai embassies and consulates throughout the world.

To make it in time for the general election, the department will send the ballots abroad between June 1 and 5.

After the ballots are marked, they are to be sent back to Thailand where they will be counted sometime between June 26 and 29.

Thai citizens who wish to vote from overseas must register with Thai embassies or consulates near them from now until 4:30 P.M. on June 2.

The department pointed out that for the upcoming election, overseas voter registration increased by 40 percent from the previous poll and that Germany has the highest number of registered overseas Thai voters.

In addition, the department will coordinate with the United Nations to allow the Thai soldiers who are on the peacekeeping mission in Sudan to participate in the overseas election.

Thai citizens who are living abroad illegally will also be able to exercise their right to vote.

The director-general also said that the staff of Thai embassies in major cities such as Dubai in the United Arab Emirates, Shanghai in China and Copenhagen in Denmark have been trained on the electoral laws and procedures.

They have also been conducting a campaign to encourage Thai citizens abroad to vote.

The budget for overseas voting is set at 45 million baht.

-- Tan Network 2011-05-26

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Seven Uganda Women Arrested For Prostitution

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Sanan smiling on Abhisit-Yingluck race

By The Nation

Chart Thai Pattana adviser Sanan Kachornprasart on Wednesday had a smile on his face although he refused to comment on speculation that he might emerge the winner in the Abhisit-Yingluck race for prime ministership.

"It is you who appoint me as the prime minister of reconciliation," he said to reporters, wryly noting that there was no mention about him leading a government.

Speculation on Sanan spreaded after faction leader Newin Chidchob of Bhum Jai Thai Party predicted neither Pheu Thai's Yingluck Shinawatra and Democrat Abhisit Vejjajiva would secure the top job.

Political commentators viewed Newin's remarks as a signal for his Bhum Jai Thai-Chart Thai Pattana alliance to play a decisive role in forming the next coalition.

In preceding remarks to Newin's Chart Thai Pattana chief adviser Banharn Silapa-archa cast his doubt on whether Yingluck could become the next prime minister.

Newin ruled out Yingluck's chance. He also projected the voting outcome, saying Pheu Thai would defeat Democrat to secure the majority of 210 to 160 House seats. The two major parties would need the backing of Newin-Banharn axis in order to outpace one another to form the next government.

-- The Nation 2011-05-26

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Thai-Cambodian border talks hit snag

BANGKOK, May 26 - Thailand and Cambodia agreed to resume further talks over the border dispute on Thursday, a day after both sides failed to break a deadlock.

A Thai delegation led by Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Suwit Khunkitti held talks with Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister Sok An at a UNESCO-organised meeting in Paris prior to the meeting of the agency's World Heritage Committee scheduled to be held in June.

The two-hour talks however made no progress after Thailand wanted the heritage committee to defer consideration on Cambodia's one-party Preah Vihear management plan until the International Court of Justice rules on Cambodia's complaint and awaiting progress on border demarcation at the Thai-Cambodian General Border Committee meeting.

Last month Cambodia asked the court to clarify a 1962 ruling about the ancient Hindu temple on its disputed border with Thailand following recent deadly armed clashes between the two neighbouring countries.

Thailand also urged UNESCO Director-General Irina Bokova to suspend the talks. She reportedly asked both sides to meet her separately on Thursday to clarify their positions.

The UN cultural agency chief will later suggest a possible solution to Thailand and Cambodia.

In a related development, Thai Defence Minister Prawit Wongsuwon on Thursday said he had discussions with his Cambodian counterpart Tea Banh who confirmed that Cambodia would host the GBC pending notification from Indonesia, the current chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

The 10-nation ASEAN summit agreed early this month that Indonesian observers will be deployed to monitor a ceasefire on the border.

Thailand made it clear that the Indonesia's observer team will only be deployed after Cambodia withdraws its troops from the disputed 4.6 sq km (1.8 square mile) area.

Gen Prawit stated that the GBC meeting will take place after a team of surveyors is deployed. The surveyors and observers however will not be allowed to enter the contested zone.

The International Court of Justice in The Hague ruled 49 years ago that the 11th-century Preah Vihear belonged to Cambodia, although its primary entrance lies in Thailand. However both countries claim ownership of the disputed 4.6-sq km surrounding area. (MCOT online news)

-- TNA 2011-05-26

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Defense Minister Assures No Military Intervention in Poll

The acting defense minister reiterates that there is no plan by the military to stage a coup and assures that it will not meddle in politics or the upcoming general election.

Caretaker Defense Minister General Prawit Wongsuwan stated the military will not intervene in politics.

He added that the army will not interfere with the activities of any political party because there is no reason to do so.

Prawit also commented on a report that an army officer in full uniform was seen taking part in an election campaign of a political party in Samut Prakan.

He said an investigation needs to be carried out to determine the identity of the army officer and whether he committed a disciplinary offense.

The minister affirmed military commanders at all levels must maintain neutrality during the general election.

The general stated all military personnel assigned to work with politicians have already been called back to their barracks as required by the election law.

When asked what the military will do if chaos breaks out after the July poll, Prawit assured that the army will not stage a coup in an attempt to restore peace under such scenario.

-- Tan Network 2011-05-26

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300 protesters demand DSI purge

By The Nation

The June 24 Democracy Group on Thursday led some 300 anti-coup activists and red shirts to rally demanding a purge at the Department of Special Investigation.

Protesters wanted DSI director general Tharit Pengdit to step down and the department freed from the political dominance.

Rally organiser Songchai Wimolpatranont circulated an open letter addressing to the next government in calling for the restructure of DSI.

Sonchai said Tharit was impartial in his job and that the DSI had been used as the tool for intimidation by gagging the government's opponents with false charge for lese majeste

Next week the DSI is scheduled to summon 17 red-shirt leaders for formal indictments on offending the monarchy and sedition.

-- The Nation 2011-05-26

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Thousands take to the street in Baghdad to demand that U.S. troops leave Iraq - local media /BNONews

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No airspace is currently closed due to volcanic ash; very little or no impact on flights expected today - Eurocontrol /BNONews

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Pheu Thai cries foul on military task force

By The Nation

The Internal Security Operations Command (Isoc) has form a military task force to sway votes under the pretext of suppressing illicit drugs, Pheu Thai candidate Vicharn Minchainant said on Thursday.

On his party's behalf, Vicharn submitted two separate petitions, one to Army chief General Prayuth Chan-ocha and another to the Election Commission, calling for the disbandment of the Isoc Task Force 315.

The task force has dispatched soldiers to monitor the red shirts and campaign activities in key Bangkok constituencies such as Min Buri, Nong Chok, Khan Na Yao and Lat Phrao, he said.

"Soldiers have been asking questions which are not related to drug suppression," he said.

-- The Nation 2011-05-26

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Amazing Thailand Grand Sale 2011 in June

The Tourism Authority of Thailand is holding the Amazing Thailand Grand Sale 2011 event from June 8 to 12.

The exhibition focuses on sustainable tourism to promote tourists in paying more attention to preserving and maintaining the environment.

Surapol Sawetseranee, governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand or TAT, held a press conference announcing the Amazing Thailand Grand Sale 2011 campaign.

The expo has been organized annually for over 30 years, since 1980, and aims to be the greatest tourism fair this year.

The event is being held from June 8 to 12 at Challenger Hall, Muang Thong Thani.

He added that well known and unique tourist destinations from each region will be put on display.

The exhibition will include three zones.

The first zone features the work of His Majesty the King on the occasion of the King's 84th birthday this year.

The second zone features information about tourism, including the latest campaign by the TAT to promote eco-tourism.

This zone also introduces unique destinations and eateries from all five regions and 77 provinces.

The third zone provides tour packages and services to attendees at an extraordinarily cheap price.

Surapol is encouraging participants to join in the activities by collecting 12 stamps from special booths to win a souvenir.

He also pointed out that this year's event should see a cash circulation of 261 million baht.

-- Tan Network 2011-05-26

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PAD Supporters in Satun Campaign for “Vote No”

The People's Alliance for Democracy network in Satun Province is conducting its own “Vote No” campaign, urging the public to abstain their votes in the upcoming election.

Supporters of the People's Alliance for Democracy, or PAD, in Satun Province distributed handbills containing a message saying “Vote No.

Don't let politicians look down on the public.” to locals in all of the seven districts in the province.

Udomporn Chanrasamee, a key member of the PAD network in Satun Province, said the move is aimed to advise the public not to allow themselves to be misled by politicians any longer and urge them to abstain their votes in the election.

Besides promoting the “Vote No” campaign, the group also invited its supporters in the province to attend an informal meeting at a local restaurant on May 28.

The meeting is part of a fund-raiser to finance a seminar to promote the group's 'Vote No' campaign for the upcoming election.

The seminar will be held on June 6 at a courtyard in front of Pa Cha Chin Temple.

PAD leaders from Bangkok, such as Pipob Thongchai and Somkiat Pongpaiboon, will also join the seminar.

-- Tan Network 2011-05-26

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Steep slope stalls Phuket shortcut plan

HIGH IN THE HILLS: The route originally designated for the Kathu-Wichit

cut-through is too steep to pave.

TIME SAVER: A map showing the new route.

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House of Democrat vote canvasser for Bungkum, BKK hit by M16 gunfire; no one injured /TAN_Network

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Jatuporn then and now http://yfrog.com/h75y2ooj /via@tistoo /via@tulsathit

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Democrat Canvasser's Home Gets Riddled with M16

Initial reports are suggesting that someone opened fire with a M16 rifle the house of a Democrat Party canvasser in the Bueng Kum district.

So far, there are no reported injuries.

-- Tan Network 2011-05-26

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Candidates Hit Campaign Trails in Provinces

Candidates from various political parties are stepping up their election campaigns in provinces.

Meanwhile, constituency candidates who had yet to submit their applications did so on the third day of registration.

Khon Kaen's municipal market was particularly lively this morning when Pheu Thai Party's top candidate Yingluck Shinawatra along with the party's key figures visited the market to meet potential voters.

They were warmly greeted by market vendors.

Some of them even shouted out that they missed her brother, ousted prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra.

Yingluck and other Pheu Thai candidates strolled through the market talking to vendors and buying and enjoying the food just like any other visitors since early morning.

They then traveled to Roi Et Province to continue to campaign for votes.

Democrat Party's deputy leader Apirak Kosayodhin and Chiang Mai's Constituency 7 candidate Duantemduang Na Chiang Mai handed out pamphlets to locals at Mae Rim fresh market in Mae Rim District.

They too were warmly welcomed by vendors.

Apirak then led Democrat Chiang Mai's Constituency 1 candidate Wiphalai Woraphuttipong to Chiang Mai University to meet students and staff of the university.

Apirak admitted that campaigning in Chiang Mai has been difficult since it is one of Pheu Thai's strongholds.

But Apirak said the Democrats will continue to do its best to appeal to the public, especially the silent majority.

According to various polls, a majority of voters remain undecided on who and which party to vote for.

Trang's Constituency 2 candidate from the Democrat Party, Sathit Wongnongtoey, his wife and their 11 year old son hopped on a local taxi to meet voters in the province. They were well received by the public.

Meanwhile, a large number of candidates came to submit their applications to contest in the election on the third day of registration.

They included New Politics Party candidate for Phitsanulok's Constituency 1, Sanit Sowanna, who handed in his application and talked about the party's plan to focus on eradicating corruption.

Phitsanulok Election Commission reported that a total of 15 candidates from various parties have submitted their applications today.

In Yala Province, Democrat candidates Prasert Ponsuwansiri Abdul-karim Dengrakina and Narong Duding have registered to run in the upcoming election.

-- Tan Network 2011-05-26