Thailand Live Friday 3 Jun 2011

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Phuket: British expats urged to ask visiting friends to insure themselves

A tourist with a bandaged hand asks friends for advice after discovering

an ATM in Patong is temporarily out of service.

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Thailand Post launches ballot delivery coordinating centre

BANGKOK, 3 June 2011 (NNT) – The Election Commission (EC) and Thailand Post have opened a ballot delivery coordinating centre plus its twitter @ballotwatch, allowing the public to monitor transportation of ballot boxes during the upcoming general election.

Election Commissioner Prapan Naikowit and Thailand Post President Anusra Jitmitraparp jointly inaugurated the centre at Thailand Post Headquarters on Thursday. The two then launched a caravan of vehicles transporting ballots for advance voting to 375 constituencies in various parts of the country.

The centre will coordinate transportation of ballot boxes both inside and outside the country. CCTVs have been installed inside the centre and at 200 regional branches of Thailand Post offices. The operation of the centre can be inspected in every process via the GPS system.

Thailand Post has also launched a twitter account for the centre at @ballotwatch, allowing people and the media to monitor transportation of ballot boxes in every process all the time.

-- NNT 2011-06-03

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Cambodia Claims Advantage over Thailand in World Court

Cambodia claims it has an advantage over Thailand in the world court hearing on the Preah Vihear Temple.

In a separate issue, the country says it has evidence to prove that Thailand's aircraft trespassed onto Cambodian territorial skies twice.

Cambodia claims it has an advantage over Thailand in the International Court of Justice's trial on Preah Vihear Temple and said whatever the court decides should not put Cambodia at a disadvantage.

Cambodian Foreign Affairs Minister Hor Namhong told reporters in Phnom Penh yesterday that Cambodia's maps and documents for border demarcation are more widely accepted on the international stage.

He added Cambodia will not be affected by whatever the court decides because it is the plaintiff in the case.

In a separate issue, Cambodia Express News, or CEN, reported that two Thai aircraft trespassed on Cambodian territorial sky twice on May 31 and yesterday.

The agency went on to say 22 armed Thai soldiers even inspected a construction site on Cambodian territory even though it was asked not to do so.

Cambodia regarded the action as trespassing on its territory.

Meanwhile, the Thai Air Force Spokesperson Air Vice Marshal Monthon Satchukorn argued that Thai military aircraft did not fly over Cambodian skies.

He said the Air Force has a flight record that can prove the aircraft were flying above Thailand.

-- Tan Network 2011-06-03

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Phuket sailing legends line up for Raceweek

Baby Tonga enjoys the racing conditions at last year's Six Senses

Phuket Raceweek. Photo by Mia Gillow for IMAGE Asia

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(1pm) ID card renewal in Bangkok is not available now. The system crashed in all 50 Bkk districts since 10am. /via@lekasina via@ThaiElection11

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Pattaya: New Crackdown on Entertainment Venues Begins

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EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW

Yingluck definitely standing for Thai PM: Yongyuth

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Police Offer Protection to a Total of 199 Candidates

The National Police Office has revealed that it is offering protection to a total of 199 MP candidates, up from 151 last week. Although authorities did not reveal which candidates had requested additional security from police, they did say that the northeastern region of Thailand saw the most number of requests. Narathiwas Province and 12 districts of Bangkok are also seeing a particularly large number of security concerns.

-- Tan Network 2011-06-03

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Phuket braces for more heavy rain

GRAY OUT: The view from Central Festival Phuket this morning. Photo: Steven Lay

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Ministry Warns Manufacturers against Changing Package Size

The Commerce Ministry reminds all manufacturers that changing their product package size cannot be done without prior authorization by the ministry.

Many manufacturers have reportedly reduced the size of their products to save on production cost.

Internal Trade Department Director General Vatcharee Vimuktayon said many consumer goods manufacturers are keeping their product prices unchanged but have reduced the package size instead now that the production cost has gone up.

She reminded all manufacturers the action is equivalent to selling products at higher than the government's announced prices.

She said manufacturers must seek authorization from the department before changing their product package size.

Vatcharee said if the product package size is reduced, the price must go down proportionately.

Commerce Minister Porntiva Nakasai said that she has ordered the department to closely monitor prices of goods as well as the size of packages to make sure no manufacturers take advantage on consumers.

-- Tan Network 2011-06-03

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Army Chief Denies Forcing Soldiers to Vote for Democrats

The Army chief reaffirms the military's neutral position, saying it will not intervene in politics.

Meanwhile, the Democrat secretary-general says he has not pushed the military to vote for the Democrat Party.

Democrat Secretary-General Suthep Thaugsuban denies the accusation by Pheu Thai MP candidate and red-shirt core leader Nattawut Saikua that the military is forcing its troops to vote for the Democrat Party.

Suthep also asks police officers to inspect and prosecute any hitmen who may stage violence during the election campaign.

Meanwhile, Army Chief General Prayuth Chan-ocha also rejected claims that the military is forcing its troops to vote for the Democrats in the advance polls.

He explained that the military simply asked soldiers to register to vote in the advance polls.

Prayuth reiterated that the military has the duty of protecting Thailand, maintaining law and order internally, and not to intervene in politics.

He asked that the military not be dragged into politics as this tarnishes its image.

Prayuth also asked the public to judge information they received based on facts and evidence.

-- Tan Network 2011-06-03

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Multi-color group to seek DSI’s charges against Yingluck on 21 Jun

BANGKOK, 3 June 2011 (NNT) – The multi-color-clad Alliance of Patriots is planning to collect names to seek the Department of Special Investigation (DSI)’s legal actions against Pheu Thai top MP candidate Yingluck Shinawatra on 21 June.

Alliance of Patriots Coordinator MD Tul Sittisomwong and his colleagues today traveled to the DSI Headquarters to give moral support to DSI Director-General Tharit Pengdit and to present him a flower bouquet. On this occasion, the group also read out a declaration pertaining to its wish to see the DSI hastily seek indictment against culprits in many important cases.

The mentioned cases include the lèse majesté case, which involves a network of supporters and sponsors, and the terrorism case stemming from the political mayhem during April-May 2010. Besides former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, a number of core leaders of the United Front of Democracy Against Dictatorship (UDD) are also suspects in the latter case.

As some of the UDD core leaders facing terrorism charges were also party-list MP candidates of the Pheu Thai Party and would be entitled to protection if elected, the Alliance of Patriots called for those individuals to relinquish such a privilege in order to be equal to other suspects not running in the upcoming election.

Moreover, the group cited Ms Yingluck, younger sister of Mr Thaksin, as one of the nominees in the Shin Corp share case who had not been prosecuted. Therefore, the group would compile a list of names of supporters on 18 June before presenting it to the DSI on 21 June to request appropriate legal proceedings against her.

-- NNT 2011-06-03

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Former Bosnian Serb military chief Ratko Mladic, tells the International Criminal court in the Hague he is a 'gravely ill man' /via@BBCBreaking

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Ongart urged all parties not to use violence against each other

BANGKOK, 3 June 2011 (NNT)-Minister to the Prime Minster's Office Mr. Ongart Klampaiboon is urging every candidate to strictly abide by the electoral law and refrain from using violence.

Following the gun attack on the home of MD Samart Muangsiri, a Democrat Constituency MP, Mr. Ongart cited what a witness saw was a suspect wearing a helmet riding a motorcycle who opened fire at the victim’s house. Mr. Ongart said police investigation was currently under way to determine whether the incident had any political motives.

He then asked all candidates from every political party not to use violence against their competitors or political canvassers. He was confident that what happened last night was enough proof that the purpose of the attack was to scare political canvasser as the gatherers of supports from local residents.

-- NNT 2011-06-03

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Over 100,000 Tonnes Of Radioactive Water Trapped At Japan Nuke Plant

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ELECTION CAMPAIGN: New Politics Party

A political party that was embroiled in chaos leading up to the election is the New Politics Party.

Its close affiliation with the People's Alliance for Democracy caused a divide within the party between members who want to field MP candidates for the election and those who want to go with the PAD's 'Vote No' campaign.

The New Politics Party has its root deep in the People’s Alliance for Democracy or PAD which organized mass protests from 2005 to 2008 to oust the corrupt government led by then-Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra..

Disillusioned with the “old politics,” where governments are dominated by opportunistic politicians and elections could be bought and sold, the yellow shirts resolved to form their own party.

On May 25, 2009, tens of thousands yellow shirts gathered at Thammasat Stadium in Rangsit District in Pathumthani Province and endorsed the formation of their political party.

The New Politics Party or the NPSP was officially founded on June 2 and registered with the Election Commission on June 4.

The NPSP is intended to be the very first “political party for the masses.”

Unlike other political parties where their organizational structure is rigidly hierarchical with only few individuals at the top, every single member of the NPSP could directly become involved in the party’s decision-making process; right down to the selection of the executive board and the party leader.

The party's voter base consists of PAD supporters.

It also aims to appeal to some voters who reject both the ruling Democrat Party and the opposition Pheu Thai Party.

While the party may be weak in the constituency system, it hopes to win some party-list MP seats.

Carrying on the PAD’s royalist principles, the New Politics Party pledges to defend the monarchy.

The party aims to uphold democracy and the Constitution, demanding that the charter could only be amended with the people’s consent.

It also advocates for more transparency and accountability within the government.

Moreover, the party encourages political participation for all people regardless of gender, age, education or ability.

The party’s economic policies are based primarily on the King’s philosophy of sufficiency economy.

The New Politics Party is known to be a staunch opponent of the privatization of state enterprises.

The current leader of party is Somsak Kosaisuk, a former president of the State Railway of Thailand Workers Union. Somsak was also one of the PAD core leaders.

The party’s decision-making process was put into question when it announced a decision to enter a Bangkok by-election race but only to retract it a day later.

Also in August 2010, the New Politics Party was crushingly defeated in its very first electoral battle. The party failed to capture even a single seat from the Bangkok city and district councilor elections.

Nevertheless, the party's more than 100,000 votes kept its national election hope alive.

Despite their close affiliation, the NPSP came to be at odds with the PAD shortly before the House dissolution.

The PAD has launched the “Vote No” campaign as a symbolic political gesture to denounce all political parties, including the NPSP.

As a result, the NPSP, which has been gearing up for the election, found itself losing support from the yellow shirts.

Furthermore, the party has become deeply divided on the issue.

While an overwhelming majority of the party members, who are staunch PAD supporters, endorses the “Vote No” campaign, many, including the party leader, are determined to run in the election.

Somsak has submitted the party's candidacy for the poll on the first day of the party-list registration but secretary-general Suriyasai Katasila is countering the move by asking the judiciary to determine the application's legality when Somsak went against the executive board's decision.

Somsak hit back by claiming Suriyasai has resigned from the party.

If the party succeeds in going ahead with the election, the outcome of the vote will mean a lot for the future of the party.

-- Tan Network 2011-06-03

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ELECTION CAMPAIGN: Matubhum Party

Focusing its policies towards bringing peace to the southern provinces, the Matubhum Party led by former coupmaker General Sonthi Boonyaratglin hopes to win House seats from the three southern border provinces.

The Matubhum Party is a political party initially named Ratsadon and was founded in November 2008.

Back then, the party was not well known as none of the party members were elected as members of the House of Representative.

The Ratsadon Party was renamed as Matubhum in 2009.

In the previous election, the party gained three MP seats and was part of the ruling coalition under Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva’s administration.

The Matubhum Party came to draw the public’s interest when it announced that former Army Chief and 2008 coupmaker General Sonthi Boonyaratglin will take up the party leadership.

The party’s political stronghold lies in the three southern provinces of Yala, Pattani, and Narathiwat, which are made up predominantly of Muslims, as Sonthi and many of its members are Muslims.

The Matubhum Party emphasized its policies towards bringing back national reconciliation.

It hopes to turn the three southern provinces into a peaceful region by eliminating violence, improving the quality of life of the people, and improving the educational system.

Sonthi expressed confidence that his Matubhum Party would win eight House seats in the three southern provinces, while confirming that his party is not a Muslim political party.

For the upcoming general election, the party has draw number 26 for the ballot.

Sonthi has not ruled out teaming up with the Pheu Thai Party of former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, which he ousted from power in a coup, after the election.

He said the decision whether to team up with any party must be decided by the party's executive board.

-- Tan Network 2011-06-03

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ELECTION CAMPAIGN: Rak Santi Party

Another small political party that must not be discounted in this election is the Rak Santi Party.

Headed by former interior minister Purachai Piemsomboon, who's the image of Mr. Clean, the party hopes to do well in Bangkok.

The Rak Santi Party or RSP, meaning love peace, is a newly formed political party founded by the former Interior Minister Police Captain Purachai Piumsombun who is now the party chairman.

Purachai used to be the co-founder of the now-defunct Thai Rak Thai Party, and a supporter of former premier Thanksin Shinawatra as they were formerly good friends.

Purachai has quit the Thai Rak Thai Party during Thaksin’s first government and has now decided to return to politics once again, with the registration of Rak Santi with the Election Commission in March this year.

Currently, Police Lieutenant General Thawil Surachetpon is the party leader, Pornpen Phetsuksiri who is a professor and a scholar-is the secretary-general, and Viriya Techarungroj is the spokesman.

Other co-founders of the party include Panlert Baiyok the owner of the Baiyok building, Noppadon Inna a member of the police commission, and Peerapong Sakhrik.

The Rak Santi Party emphasized policies toward creating unity within the nation saying that it is essential for the country to be able to move forward.

Moreover, they emphasized on the country’s need of a strong and honest leader.

Purachai is well known for his honesty and integrity. During his stint as the interior minister, he is regarded as being as straight as a ruler and he is most noted for his social order campaign to try to put night entertainment venues in order.

He placed his party’s hope towards the middle class voter, the undecided voters, as well as those who plan to cast “Vote No”- according to the People’s Alliance for Democracy campaign.

For the upcoming election, Rak Santi will field MP candidates in all 33 constituencies of Bangkok and will also contest in other provinces, but not all of them.

Purachai insisted that the party is not a nominee for any political party, and encourages the people to give newcomers a chance, for political change as well as reconciliation within the country.

-- Tan Network 2011-06-03

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CHIANG MAI

Thailand aims to set new world record in largest ever simultaneous massage

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PM: Public Have Rights to Vote No

The Democrat leader says the public have the right to join the yellow-shirt group's “Vote No” campaign by abstaining their votes.

He also denies setting up a group pretending to be red-shirt members to obstruct his poll campaigning as a smear tactic.

Democrat Party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva commented on the “Vote No” campaign being promoted by the yellow-shirt People's Alliance for Democracy, or PAD, saying voters have the rights to join the cause by ticking in a ballot's abstention box.

However, Abhisit urged Thai people to thoroughly consider the circumstances before doing so as not all politicians are bad.

He went on to say that voting for good politicians will allow Thailand to move forward.

Asked about the Pheu Thai Party's official statement refusing to work with the Bhum Jai Thai Party after the poll, the Democrat leader said every political party has the right to express their political stance.

However, Abhisit refused to comment whether Pheu Thai's decision was made under an order from fugitive former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra.

Moreover, Abhisit denied specualtion that he has set up a group of fake red-shirt supporters to obstruct the Democrat's poll campaigning as a smear tactic.

He urged Pheu Thai PM candidate Yingluck Shinawatra to clarify her stand on the relationship between Pheu Thai and the red-shirt group.

Abhisit declined any knowledge about a certain poll agency which came out to reveal that some political parties tried to steer the outcome of opinion surveys.

He said the Democrat Party once contacted a poll agency just to ask about some numbers.

This morning, the Democrat leader helped MP candidate for Bangkok's Constituency 4 Anucha Burapachaisri campaign at Klong Toey Market.

Abhisit paid respect to a local shrine before moving on foot to woo votes from vendors in the market.

During Abhisit's electioneering at Klong Toey, some vendors turned on songs of the red-shirt camp, while some shouted “Vote No“.

-- Tan Network 2011-06-03

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Police Hunt for Bomb Suspect Seen on Footage

Police are continuing with the investigation into the bomb attack at the protest site of the People's Alliance for Democracy that injured three people.

Metropolitan Police Deputy Commissioner Police Major General Sumet Ruengsawat said police are reviewing the footage from a closed security camera that recorded the scene of an unidentified man throwing a grenade into the crowd at the entrance to the backstage area of the yellow-shirt protest site.

According to the footage, the suspect is around 25 years old and is about 170 centimeters tall.

This description is in line with witnesses' testimonies.

But he said it will take a long time to try to identify the motorcycle the culprit used.

He added this type of grenade had been used in three earlier incidents but no links between those different cases was found.

He noted this type of grenade has long been smuggled from Cambodia into Thailand.

-- Tan Network 2011-06-03

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Don't underestimate soldiers' intellect: Thai Army chief tells Natthawut

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Man Arrested And Charged With Sexual Assault Of A 5-Year-Old Girl

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SET index closed at 1057.86, down 1.95; Bt/USD30.16; GBP49.10; AUD32.04; EUR43.58; CAD30.78; HKD3.87; SGD24.33; JPY37.19

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One Women Dead Another Seriously Injured In Restaurant Fire

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Presiding Judge Alphons Orie adjourns UN Tribunal hearing against #Mladic who said he wanted to live to be 'a free man' /via@BBCBreaking

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Anti-drug agency seize 5 million tablets of cold medicine usable for producine 15 million methamphetamine pills at Laem Chabang port, imported illegally from South Korea /MCOT

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to continue

Thailand Live Saturday 4 June 2011

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