Thailand Live Monday 30 May 2011

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Thailand Live Monday 30 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 Saturday 28 May 2011

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Today's Thailand weather and forecasts:

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Thai police guard candidates as violence continues

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Culture of bribery pulls Thailand down: FTI

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Opinion polls show Pheu Thai still ahead

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How flawed is Thailand's micro-finance system?

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ANALYSIS

Numbers will trump principles in the end

By The Nation

Minor parties expected to play a key role in whether Pheu Thai forms next govt, and who becomes the PM

The division between the Democrat and Pheu Thai parties has been said to be a difference of ideology - and that will be a major feature of the upcoming election campaign. However, Thailand's political course may still be decided by individuals who don't have strong ideological positions.

Banharn Silapa-archa, Suwat Liptapanlop and Newin Chidchob never talk about "justice" and "democracy", let alone die for them. They have never made emotional remarks about Thaksin Shinawatra's "corruption", Abhisit Vejjajiva's "blood-tainted hands", the city burning, the death of protesters or even a possible "amnesty" that could absolve all involved in the above mentioned dramas.

They have just been waiting. All they need is the election figures to go their way.

"Everybody is talking as if a Pheu Thai-led government is a done deal," Pheu Thai deputy leader Kanawat Wasinsungworn told The Nation on Saturday. "Truth is everything is still hanging in the balance, and the smaller parties remain the key."

Trailing in all recent popularity polls, the ruling Democrats will need the smaller parties' help after the election like they need air. And despite being apparently poised for a comfortable victory, Pheu Thai will most likely require support from at least one of them if it is to form a stable government.

Sitting pretty on the fence will be Banharn's Chart Thai Pattana Party and Suwat's Chart Pattana Puea Pandin Party. Both camps will not have problem joining Pheu Thai or considering good offers from the Democrats.

Newin's Bhum Jai Thai stands a relatively lesser chance of returning to Thaksin Shinawatra's fold because of the way the two men parted ways, but Newin is a better political survivor than Banharn and Suwat.

Everything depends on numbers

Everything will depend on the numbers. A Pheu Thai landslide (a sweep of 250-280 House seats) will mean it needs at least one smaller party to be a government partner. Banharn's party will gladly provide the required insurance. If Thaksin is in a generous mood or wants even greater safety, Suwat will also get an invitation.

A lesser victory by Pheu Thai would bring Bhum Jai Thai into play. Newin has been trying to form a pre-election alliance with Banharn, but such a pact will work only if Pheu Thai cannot score a resounding triumph against the Democrats. The question is whether a Democrat-Bhum Jai Thai-Chart Thai Pattana formula (with possible inclusion of Suwat's Chart Pattana Puea Pandin) can form a stable government.

Pheu Thai knows the situation, and is therefore gunning for a landslide win. Deputy leader Plodprasop Suras-wadi vowed yesterday never to bow to pressure from the smaller parties and surrender its mandate to name the next prime minister. "The idea about small parties nominating the prime minister is nonsense and disrespectful to the voice of the people," he said.

Principles could give way to numbers after July 3. If the three "small parties" meet their targets (Bhum Jai Thai 70 seats, Chart Thai Pattana 30, and Chart Pattana Puea Pandin 25), they will be very demanding, especially if they can stick together.

Based on news reports, Chat Thai Pattana and Chart Pattana Puea Pan-din have emerged as Pheu Thai's potential post-election allies. The two reportedly are likely to demand that, in exchange for their loyalty, Pheu Thai must accept Chart Thai Pattana's nominee for prime minister Sanan Kachornprasart.

But Plodprasop predicted a Pheu Thai landslide like what happened in 2005, which would make the Sanan demand ridiculous. Pheu Thai leader Yingluck Shinawatra sounded more cautious and rational, saying talk about forming a government now was premature, and pointless.

"I'm ready to work with anyone sharing our ideas, but the votes haven't even been cast yet," she said.

In a move that was open to interpretations, Democrat Party secretary- general Suthep Thaugsuban issued an apology for his hasty comments ruling out Sanan as the prime ministerial candidate. "I hope Sanan would understand that I bear him no ill will," he said. As a veteran, Suthep must have known the importance of the smaller parties. He also must have known that under certain circumstances, no apology will be needed to win their loyalty, whereas in other circumstances, even a heartfelt expression of regret will secure nothing.

-- The Nation 2011-05-30

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Political violence continues: Thailand election

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Mahidol team's short film wins Toyota road safety contest

By The Nation

Mahidol University students won top prize at the "Toyota THINK! Road Safety Conceptual Short Film", a short film contest hosted by Toyota Motor Thailand and A Day Magazine to sustainably campaign for road safety under the concept of "generosity + discipline = safety".

The champion, Mahidol University's "Doctery" team, submitted the "Drive Life" and won the Bt100,000 cash prize, a shield of honor, and a field trip to the Toyota Safety Education Center Mobilitas in Japan's Nagoya City.

The first runnerup was the Khon Kaen University's "The Doy" that submitted the short film titled "Cheu" (trans. Believe) and the second runnerup was the Assumption Convent's "Kaedam Saendee" (trans. Good black cheeps) that submitted the short film titled.

The popular vote award, which received votes via Toyota Facebook page, went to Thammasat University's Udomsuk Cinema team.

The contest selected 20 teams out of 302 teams nationwide to the semifinal round, before narrowing them down to nine teams for the final round.

Toyota also published the nine short films in final round into VCD, which would also be distributed along with "A Day" Magazine June edition. For more information, log on to www.facebook.com/ToyotaCSR and www.toyota.co.th.

-- The Nation 2011-05-30

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Angthong candidate is chip off old block

By Budsarakham Sinlapalavan

The Nation

Korrawee Prissanananthakul, Chart Thai Pattana Party's MP candidate for Angthong, is no stranger to politics.

As the son of Somsak Prissanananthakul, former deputy leader of the dissolved Chart Thai Party, he says he used to accompany his father during his visits to the people of Angthong from an early age.

Though he is regarded by many as a newcomer, Korrawee has actually been in political circles for many years. He replaced his younger brother Pakin Prissanananthakul, former MP candidate of Angthong, who quit politics to further his studies.

Korrawee, 29, has a Masters in international marketing from Marladalen University in Denmark.

He says politics is in his blood because he has seen his father's work and remembers what his father did when he visited people.

Korrawee's early experience of political activism became a bit of a joke. He was in the 10th grade at Suankularb Wittayalai School when he joined a protest in front of the Education Ministry against the transfer of the school's director.

"My friends asked me to join the rally," he says. "They said our director had been removed unfairly. So I decided to join the protest at the Education Ministry. I forgot that my father was the deputy education minister. Some reporters recognised me and reported that I was among the protesters. It's a joke until today," he says.

Korrawee says he is "100 per cent ready" to contest the general election because he has been visiting his constituents for over two years. He says he acquired the politician's spirit from his father because he always accompanied him on election campaign, functions, fairs and parties. He says he has visited every village in his constituency and will start rallies in each district.

He says he wants to help raise the prices of agricultural produce as Angthong is an agricultural province. He also wants to raise the allowances for the elderly from Bt500 to Bt1,000 a month.

Although Korrawee says he has not set his ultimate political goal, he has been playing a leading role since he was a high school to a university student.

Since has learnt about the weaknesses and strengths of Thai politicians, he believes he has yet to find a politician whom he could consider his political idol. "PM Abhisit Vejjajiva, former PM Chuan Leekpai or Thaksin Shinawatra, they have different strengths. I learn from their strengths and see what suits me," he says.

-- The Nation 2011-05-30

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Do you agree with the Pheu Thai Party's amnesty campaign?

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'Think quality, not quantity', urges education expert

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Chiang Mai to apply for UNESCO Creative City designation

By Phitsanu Thepthong

Chiang Mai Governor ML Panadda Diskul (3rd left) is joined by U.S. Consul General

Susan N. Stevenson (4th left) and members of the Chiang Mai Creative Committee

at a panel discussion on the upcoming UNESCO Creative City Network application

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Former Mayor to run for MP under Dems

Chiang Mai Mail online reporters

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Concern over extra ballots

By The Nation

The Pheu Thai Party wants to keep close tabs on the printing and distribution of ballots for the general election, especially the extra ballots, to prevent bogus votes.

The party will petition the Election Commission (EC) today for the representatives of political parties to take part in the monitoring of the supply of ballots to ensure transparency and prevent the stuffing of ballot boxes.

Party spokesman Prompong Nopparit said yesterday that his party was concerned about the 5 million ballots printed as a reserve to guarantee that every voter gets one.

After candidacy applications closed on Saturday, the EC has started verifying their qualifications and expects to complete the process in a week, EC secretary-general Suthiphon Taveechaiyagarn said.

A disqualified candidate has seven days to appeal, and the Supreme Court's ruling on their reinstatement is final.

Absentee voters should remember to register by Thursday.

Tomorrow the EC would organise a tour of the ballot printing facilities for the media and representatives of political parties, when they can ask questions about measures to safeguard the voting papers, he said.

Every eligible candidate is urged to endorse the EC-sponsored pledge to observe the campaigning code of conduct, he said.

Pheu Thai candidate Prakiart Nasimma should have checked the facts before spreading the rumour about a meeting between EC chairman Apichart Sukhagganond and chief royal adviser Prem Tinsulanonda, he said.

The spat was like when a player decides to punch the referee instead of play by the rules, he said.

Civil servants must keep in mind to remain politically unbiased and stay clear of the electioneering, he added.

-- The Nation 2011-05-30

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Monk protection unit for Yala Thammaram temple in Yala is hit by bomb attack; five soldiers and one villager wounded /MCOT

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Germany will shut down all its nuclear plants by 2022, becoming the 1st major industrial power to give up atomic power /MCOT

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Cambodia prepares protesters in front of Thai embassy in the Netherlands for start of Intl Court proceeding on Preah Vihear /TAN_Network

Abhisit campaigns at Bangkapi fresh market while Yingluck campaigns in Nakhon Ratchasima TAN_Network

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Today is Memorial Day. The US Embassy Bangkok is closed. /via@USEmbassyBKK

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Thailand/Cambodia Take the Stage at ICJ

Thailand and Cambodia are set to take the stage at the International Court of Justice today. Cambodia will declare it's opening statement to the court between 3 PM and 5 PM, while Thailand makes it's opening statement between 9 PM and 11 PM, Bangkok time.

Thai media reports reveal that the court could come to a decision on Cambodia's request for an injunction to order all Thai troops off the disputed area within the next few months. An interpretation on the original court verdict could take until early next year.

-- Tan Network 2011-05-30

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Parties Pledge to Hold Honest Campaigns

The Election Commission hosts a reconciliation election campaign event at which it invited party-list MP candidates to sign a pledge that they will run an honest election.

The Election Commission, or EC, hosted an event to promote a party-list race that would support reconciliation for the upcoming election.

Party-list MP candidates and supporters from 40 political parties were invited to join the event, which educated attendees on the ‘dos and don’ts’ of campaigning according to the electoral laws, as well as to promote honest and reconciliatory election campaigns.

The Democrat Party was represented by its leader Abhisit Vejjajiva while Rak Santi Party leader Purachai Piemsomboon also showed up.

Pheu Thai sent its party-list MP candidate Rangsima Charoensiri.

Those who took part in the event pledged to run an honest campaign.

EC Secretary-General Suthipol Taweechaiyakarn said this type of event has proven successful for local elections in cutting down complaints against vote-buying and election law violations so it is now being used at the national level to bring about a transparent poll and for candidates to be good sports in accepting the outcome of the election.

Election Commissioner Somchai Juengprasert called on all candidates to remember their pledge and hoped that reconciliation in the election would bring about a turning point in Thai politics and set a precedent for newcomers in politics.

He said politicians must have resolve, a strong viewpoint, and ideals to work for the public.

Campaigns must be conducted without attempts to sabotage competitors.

Somchai said the upcoming poll is important in determining Thailand’s future but many do not have high hopes as they believe vote-buying will be rampant again.

Therefore, the election commissioner said it is the responsibility of politicians to dispel those doubts.

Election Commissioner Wisut Pothitaen said that if political parties, supporters, and the media all respect the law and accept the results of the poll, disunity will not occur in the country.

-- Tan Network 2011-05-30

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Tonight on ABC Lateline former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra at home in Dubai.Our world TV exclusive. Does he want to lead again? /via@secorro

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Chart Thai Pattana leader Chumpol promotes Sanan as PM for reconciliation; says existing cooperation is only with Bhum Jai Thai /TAN_Network

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Monk protection unit ambushed in Yala

YALA, May 30 -- A monk protection unit for Yala Thammaram temple in the southern province of Yala was ambushed while on the road early today, wounding five soldiers and two villager in the latest attack on Buddhist monks in the three southernmost provinces by presumed insurgents.

Seven solders, members of a monk protection unit, left their camp on four motorcycles to go to Wat Yala Thammaram to provide protection for monks who were to receive alms early this morning.

The bomb exploded as they were on a roadway near the railroad tracks in Yala municipality. Five soldiers and two villager were wounded and transfered to hospital in Yala.

Police believed insurgents were responsible for the attack and had closely monitored the movement of the unit for a while before committing the ambush.

The initial investigation found that the explosion was a 5 kg home made bomb built in a metal box and buried on the roadside awaiting the unit's arrival.

More than 4,000 people, mainly government officials, military personnel, teachers and local residents, have been killed in the three restive southern provinces of Yala, Pattani and Narathiwat since renewed violence erupted in January 2004. (MCOT online news)

-- TNA 2011-05-30

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Thai stock index opens on Monday at 1,072.33, up 5.33 points /MCOT

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People's Alliance Calls on Govt to Unveil Defense at World Court

The People’s Alliance for Democracy is calling on the government to disclose what defense the county will use in the International Court of Justice in addressing Cambodia’s request for a reinterpretation of the court’s ruling on the Preah Vihear Temple.

The People’s Alliance for Democracy, or PAD, Spokesman has called on the government to unveil the details of Thailand’s defense in response to the request filed by Cambodia with the International Court of Justice, asking for a reinterpretation of the 1962 ruling granting ownership of the Preah Vihear Temple to Cambodia as well as the request for a temporary injunction to force Thai troops out of the area.

Both countries are scheduled to give oral testimony before the court today and tomorrow.

The PAD said it is the right of the Thai public to be given these details, in just the same way the Cambodian government reveals similar information to its citizens.

The PAD also claimed that Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva has been shamed because he issued a statement saying that UNESCO agreed to postpone the deliberation of Cambodia’s management plan for Preah Vihear Temple, but now the Natural Resources and Environment Minister Suwit Khunkitti has stated that this is not the case.

Suwit, who is in Paris to attend a UNESCO-sponsored meeting with Cambodia concerning the issue, revealed later that the meeting did not reach a resolution.

Parnthep went on to encourage the public to ‘vote no’ in the upcoming election to express their opposition to the Pheu Thai Party’s amnesty plan for political offenses after the 2006 military coup.

PAD Coordinator Prapan Koonmee added that the public should vote no to show opposition to the established political parties, who he says are more focused on being able to form a government after the election than working on policies that will benefit the public.

-- Tan Network 2011-05-30

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Concert to Honor Music Legend Planned

A concert to commemorate Thailand's music legend Eua Sunthornsanan will be held next month.

In memory of Thailand's music legend Eua Sunthornsanan, who was honored as a World Historic Important Figure by UNESCO, the Bangkok Symphony Orchestra Foundation, or BSO, has joined hands with the Suntaraporn Foundation to hold a grand concert.

This will be the first time that a symphony orchestra will play hit-songs composed by Kru Eua, and will feature over 70 instruments conducted by conductor Nora-ath Chanklum.

The concert, “BSO Banleng Pleng Suntaraporn”, will be held on June 18 at the Thailand Cultural Center.

Kru Eua's daughter, Atiporn Senawong, confirmed that the concert's organizer does not aim for revenue, but wishes to preserve Thai classical music in accordance with her father's intentions.

National artist Ruangthong Thonglanthom, who will also take the stage, said she has prepared many songs for fans.

At the press conference for the concert, Arm Kornkan Sutthikosate, winner of the KPN signing contest, sang Kru Eua's song “Kid Tueng”.

Kornkan said he feels honored to have the privilege of performing songs composed by Kru Eua at the upcoming concert.

In addition to the concert, a seminar on Suntaraporn will be held at the Thailand Cultural Center on June 16.

More information can be found at www.suntaraporn.com.

-- Tan Network 2011-05-30

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Democrats Campaign in Pattaya

The Democrat Party leader continued his party's election campaign in an eastern province.

The Democrat Party leader and current Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva proceeded to campaign for his party in Pattaya in Chonburi Province.

Abhisit said Pattaya is one of the most attractive tourist destinations in Thailand, offering many attractions and is also known for its agricultural produce.

He has urged people to vote for the Democrat Party as the party has clear economic and tourism policies to help develop the city.

He added that the party would turn Pattaya into a port city for the East.

He said the party will proceed with its sustainable development plan for Pattaya, with developments for transportation, tourism, and waste water management.

He reiterated that his party has always had the people's best interests at heart, and that his government has administered the country with justice.

He asked the people to give his party a chance to administer the country for four more years, in order to immediately proceed with the party's sustainable development plan for the city of Pattaya.

During the Democrat Party's campaigning, a red-shirt supporter showed up.

Police asked her to leave the area in order to prevent chaos.

-- Tan Network 2011-05-30

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Suthep admits to intensifying election campaigning; claims some MP candidates are bombing or shooting at their own vehicles to gain sympathy /TAN_Network

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PRESS RELEASE

Ambassador of Sweden bids farewell and discusses Thai-Swedish Royal Ties, Visa-free travel, and various forms of cooperation with the Foreign Minister

May 30, 2011, 11:09 am

On 27 May 2011, Mr. Lennart Linner, Ambassador of Sweden, paid a courtesy call on Mr. Kasit Piromya, Foreign Minister of Thailand, on the occasion of the completion of his mission, whereby the Ambassador expressed his appreciation for cooperation rendered by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and noted that relations between Thailand and Sweden had blossomed during the past four years as displayed in the affinity between the respective Royal Families, tourism, as well as economic and industrial cooperation.

Relations between the Thai and Swedish Royal Families have been particularly close, with the Swedish Royal Family members having made several visits to Thailand in the past four years, the Swedish Ambassador said. He expressed certainty that this trend would continue, as the Swedish Royal Family members has praised Thailand for extending excellent treatment to Their Majesties during each visit.

On tourism, the Ambassador emphasized that he supported visa-free travel for Thais traveling to the European Union and Swedish nationals to Thailand, given that Thailand receives nearly 400,000 Swedish tourists each year, which is a very large number considering that Sweden’s population of 9 million. The number of Thais traveling to Sweden has also increased, with over about 23,000 visas issued each year. On this issue, the Foreign Minister expressed appreciation for the Ambassador’s support and reiterated that the overwhelming majority of Thai tourist is of high quality.

During the courtesy call, the two sides discussed the possibility of further cooperation in various areas, including industrial, economic, and academic cooperation. The Foreign Minister also stated that he welcomed the sharing of knowledge by Swedish institutions in Thailand, especially regarding transparency and good governance as well as political party funding.

As further testament to good relations between Thailand and Sweden, the Swedish Embassy in Bangkok is Sweden’s largest embassy in Asia, and among the largest Swedish embassies in the world. The Swedish Ambassador said that the size of the Swedish Embassy in Bangkok meant that it also served as a regional hub for Asia.

Following the discussions, a luncheon was hosted at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs by Mr. Sruangsan Chamornchan, Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs of Thailand, in honor of the Swedish Ambassador.

Source: http://www.mfa.go.th/web/35.php?id=27442

-- Ministry of Foreign Affairs 2011-05-30