Thailand Live Thursday 9 Jun 2011

[webfact]

Border Clash Victims Get More Compensation

The governor of Surin Province has paid more compensation to villagers affected by recent Thai-Cambodian clashes after a new flow of donations was received.

Surin Governor Serm Chainarong presided over a meeting on paying compensation to villagers affected by Thai-Cambodian border clashes.

He said that in the initial stage, authorities have rushed to give emergency aid to civilian and military casualties.

He insisted the compensation is accordance with the Finance Ministry regulations.

The total compensation is about one million baht for wounded and dead military members, 100,000 baht for civilian casualties, 105,000 baht for evacuees and 500,000 baht for locals whose homes were damaged.

He added that in total, nearly two million baht were given to victims, including Jiranan Jongkot, a village headman's daughter who was wounded in the latest border confrontation.

Recently, some 323,000 baht was transferred through the donation account and 100,000 baht via the Princess Bha Foundation.

The compensation committee will consider individuals' needs on a case by case basis to ensure transparency.

Serm also thanked all Thais who sympathized with those affected by the Thai-Cambodian armed confrontation.

He also pledged to give quick compensation to the victims.

-- Tan Network 2011-06-09

[webfact]

Stage Set for New Khon Episode

The Foundation for the Promotion of Supplementary Occupations and Related Techniques will organize a new episode of a classical Khon performance with an aim to attract more Thai youths and encourage the new generation to help preserve ancient Thai arts and culture.

After receiving a lot of attention from the public to Khon Performance:

Episodes of Prommas and Nang Loi in the previous years, the Foundation for the Promotion of Supplementary Occupations and Related Techniques will organize a new episode Suek Maiyarap to be performed to the public.

The project to revitalize the production components was initiated by Her Majesty the Queen as part of an effort to preserve various forms of craftsmanship related to traditional performing arts, including Khon itself, which represents an elaborate display of Thai culture by featuring a blend of various traditional arts and craft techniques.

Pramet Boonyachai, director of this episode, said the show will feature elaborate costumes and stage decorations created under the Queen's instruction.

He added this episode will be performed by talented students from colleges of arts, schools and universities across the country who won the audition.

Khon Performance: Episode of Suek Miyarap will be performed at the Main Hall of the Thailand Cultural Center on July 15 to 31.

More information is available at www.khonperformance.com.

-- Tan Network 2011-06-09

[webfact]

Red Shirt Leader Natthawut: No Pheu Thai policy to pardon Thaksin

Follow this link:

[webfact]

EC claims Puea Fah Din Party cannot file suit against removal of 'Vote No' campaign posters because they violate municipality regulations

ISOC reveals investigation into so-called red-shirt village in Udon Thani found only 4-5 families who are red-shirt supporters

Yingluck campaigns in Wanghin in BKK while Abhisit is in Nakhon Ratchasima

/TAN_Network

[webfact]

23 provinces facing drought, 30 to see heavy rain

BANGKOK, 9 June 2011 (NNT) – A total of 23 provinces are experiencing drought while another 30 provinces in the North, Northeast, East and central region are warned of torrential rain from 8 to 12 June 2011, according to the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM).

DDPM Director-General Viboon Sanguanpong reported that 23 provinces have been declared a dry spell zone, including three in the North namely Chiang Rai, Nan and Phrae, another three in the central region namely Sukhothai, Phetchabun and Pichit, and three more in the West namely Prachuap Khiri Khan, Phetchaburi and Kanchanaburi.

Fourteen other provinces facing drought are in the Northeast namely Leoi, Nongkhai, Bueng Kan, Ubon Ratchathani, Mukdahan, Sakon Nakhon, Si Sa Ket, Surin, Chaiyaphum, Amnat Charoen, Kalasin, Nakhon Ratchasima, Buriram and Yasothon.

Mr Viboon also warned villagers residing in 30 provinces of the northern, northeastern, central and eastern regions of heavy rain and strong gust possibly causing flood, storms and mudslides in the areas during this period.

Residents therefore have been advised to monitor weather forecasts daily as well as be alert to warning of the Department of Meteorological for their safety.

-- NNT 2011-06-09

[webfact]

Democrat fans face red-shirt supporters who tried to disrupt Abhisit's campaign in Nakhon Ratchasima; Abhisit tries to talk to red-shirts

Abhisit notes it's a waste of time for reconciliation as is seen by Pheu Thai starting a feud with the Army

/TAN_Network

[webfact]

Consumer confidence rises in May

By Petchanet Pratruangkrai

The Nation

Thai consumer confidence index increased to 80.4 points in May, rising for the first time in four months due to expected positive result of the general election.

The election is expected to boost economic growth.

The University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce survey showed that consumer confidence slightly increased last month from 79.6 points in April.

Also boosting the confidence were lower fuel prices, strong export growth, stable agricultural commodity prices, and weakening baht.

However, UTCC's Economic and Forecasting Centre director Thanavath Phonvichai pointed out that the index could drop again next month due to concern over higher cost of living, political stability, and a hiccup in global economic recovery.

-- The Nation 2011-06-09

[webfact]

Reds Disrupt Abhisit's Campaign in Korat

Today, Democrat Leader Abhisit Vejjajiva is campaigning in Nakorn Ratchasima.

Throughout his campaign route, reports indicate that his campaigning has been disrupted amidst his attempts to try and sway red shirt supporters' opinions of him.

-- Tan Network 2011-06-09

[webfact]

Army Chief Orders Crackdown on Weapon Smuggling

The army chief has ordered checkpoints along the border to step up search for firearms out of a belief that weapons used in the southern insurgency are smuggled through neighboring countries.

Army Commander-in-Chief general Prayuth Chan-ocha commented on insurgent attacks and the frequent use of M-79 grenade launcher, saying the war weapons are believed to be smuggled from outside the country for the purpose of violence in the southernmost provinces.

He has instructed security officials to set up checkpoints along the border and review security camera footage to track down possible weapon smugglers.

The army chief also instructed security personnel to step up checking for narcotics in southern provinces and to coordinate efforts with related agencies.

As for the possibility of setting up a specialized security agency, Prayuth said the army is performing to the best of its ability to ensure public safety, but if the agency is to be established, officials must review the current world situation.

However, he said if the new agency is to be founded, the Internal Security Operations Command will be disbanded.

-- Tan Network 2011-06-09

[webfact]

Woman Arrested in Bt150-million Bounced Check Scam

A woman was arrested for intentionally issuing rubber checks totalling more than 150 million baht.

Narttasin Ruangsaeng, owner of Seven Brain Thailand Company and former secretary general of the Rak Thin Thai Party, was arrested at a Susco gas station in Lam Lukka District of Pathum Thai Province on charges of issuing bad checks.

Police earlier received a number of complaints alleging that the suspect purported to have a connection with retired politicians and senior state officials to gain trust.

She allegedly issued bad checks to buy fertilizer, diamonds, rice and sugar for resale.

One of the victims, Sineenart Techasuriyo, owner of a jewelry store in Ratchaprasong area, said Narttasin bought diamonds worth 2.4 million baht on checks that bounced.

The suspect denied all charges during the interrogation and asked to testify in court.

She is being held for further questioning at the Pratumnam Chulalongkorn police station.

-- Tan Network 2011-06-09

[webfact]

REUTERS Brings Red-shirt Villages to Light

Follow this link:

[webfact]

Ban for no vote billboards due to campaign rules

Follow this link:

[webfact]

High speed internet developed to give more access to Thais

Follow this link:

[webfact]

Police drug eradication operation has no political agenda

BANGKOK, 9 June 2011 (NNT)- Head of the Royal Thai Police, Pol Gen Wichean Potposri said the 315 drug eradication strategy had nothing to do with politics, adding that any opposing acts or threats would be prosecuted according to law.

Pol Gen Wichean said the 315 strategy was a collaboration between police, soldiers and ordinary people in Bangkok and its surrounding provinces. Their operation focuses on collecting information on the drug abuse issues without any political agenda as claimed.

Following the report on Pheu Thai MP Mr. Pairoj Issarasereepong who had tried to stop the officers from carrying out their duty in Nong Chok District along with gun threat, Pol Gen Wichean had ordered the case investigated and if proven to be true the Pheu Thai MP would be prosecuted accordingly.

-- NNT 2011-06-09

[webfact]

E. coli bacteria found in avocado from Spain, still unknown if it is toxic or not, more test needed to identify strain /MCOT

[webfact]

Phuket police to crack down on 'vagabond ladyboys'

Follow this link:

[webfact]

Phuket police hunt shooter of karaoke bar owner

Follow this link:

[webfact]

No more nun-sense at Phuket temple

Meechai Navin, one of the local community leaders who called for the

dismissal of Mae Shee Euam from Kata Temple in Phuket.

Follow this link:

[webfact]

2 armed robbers make off with more than 100-baht weight in gold from Rayong's Samhuad goldshop; owner forgot to turn on CCTV camera /TAN_Network

[webfact]

SET index closed at 1016.85, up 2.27; Bt/USD30.29; GBP49.60; AUD31.94; EUR44.15; CAD30.91; HKD3.89; SGD24.52; JPY37.63

[webfact]

Next gov't might fall short of expectations: Anupong

Former Army chief General Anupong Paochinda on Thursday reminded voters to chart a clear course for the country via the ballot box, otherwise the next government might not meet expectations.

"Choose the party of your choice and make a clear support for one party," he said.

Anupong said Thailand was on tract for democracy with the King as head of state. But a good political system would not meet the people's aspirations if the voting outcome sent a mixed signal, he added.

He said the monarchy had no involvement in the political rivalry, urging the people to make their voice heard regardless of the winning party.

-- The Nation 2011-06-09

[webfact]

July election pushes Thai consumer confidence index upward in May for first rise in four months: UTTC

BANGKOK, June 9 - Thanawat Polwichai, director of the Economic and Business Forcasting Centre of the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce (UTCC), said Thursday that consumer confidence index in May rose for the first time in four months.

The CCI rose to 80.4 in May from 79.6 in April as public hopes rise for the new government to implement policies which stimulate the economy, along with more money in circulation from the election campaign, and reduced prices have dropped after the July 3 election, the new government will implement

However, most people are concerned over the rising cost of living. Almost 94 per cent of those surveyed believe that consumer goods will cost more in the next six months. And they are worried about oil prices remaining high, as well as uncertainties in local politics and global economic recovery.

In addition, overall consumption is likely to rise and this year’s Thai economy is likely to grow by over four per cent, and the inflation rate will not exceed four per cent, Dr Tanawat predicted.

Meanwhile, there are concerns about political parties campaigning to win votes with populist policies and the global economic slowdown reflecting through the continuing decline in share prices.

The slowdown results from investors opting to invest in the equity market and short-term bonds, which give higher returns due to the possibly higher interest rates. Dr Thanawat believed, that the country’s fundamentals remain sound and capital outflows will last in the short run. He expects an investors’ return late in the third quarter into the early fourth quarter. (MCOT online news)

-- TNA 2011-06-09

[webfact]

Yingluck will be interviewed by on Channel 3 today. So far she has not given major interview. /via@tulsathit /via@ThanongK

[webfact]

Yingluck told TV 3 on "landslide" speculation: That's what we've heard (from polls) so far. /via@tulsathit

[webfact]

Yingluck on possibility of runner-up forming govt: Democracy means respect for voice of the people.

Yingluck: If Pheu Thai comes 2nd, we will certainly let the winner try to form govt first.

Asked if she's worried ab the runner-up forming govt scenario, Yingluck: "Let me just repeat my call for voice of ppl to be respected.

Yingluck vows to respect military role after election. Pheu Thai "wil only implement defence policies as preomised to voters.

/via@tulsathit

[webfact]

Three media cars following PM's campaign in Lopburi crash enroute back to Bangkok after being hit by trailer; two reporters injured /MCOT

[webfact]

Yingluck is elusive when asked if there's a chance the amnesty won't take place. /via@tulsathit

Yingluck: Amnesty must be for everyone. /via@tulsathit /via@Nattha_ThaiPBS

[webfact]

Media cars in PM's entourage crashed into truck in Saraburi, 2 ASTV journalists injured with 1 in critical condition /TAN_Network

[webfact]

to continue

Thailand Live Friday 10 Jun 2011

News, Bits and Tweets

Follow this link: