Thailand Live Tuesday 28 Jun 2011

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Thai-Cambodian border trade under close watch

BANGKOK, 28 June 2011 (NNT) – The Ministry of Commerce is monitoring impact on the Thai-Cambodian border trade closely after Thailand has recently withdrawn itself from the World Heritage Convention.

Commerce Minister Pornthiva Nakasai stated that she has ordered Thai commercial envoys in Cambodia to monitor the situation closely although there are no border skirmishes reported so far after the withdrawal from the World Heritage Convention.

Ms Pornthiva added that the ministry will report possible effects to the border trade in case fighting erupts, to the cabinet meeting on Tuesday to seek cushion measures.

The minister admitted that border trade might be affected although clashes usually took place near Preah Vihear Temple, not around a trading zone. She said border checkpoints might be closed if the situation exacerbates; therefore, the government should have contingency plans.

Ms Pornthiva however noted that the Thai-Cambodian economic relationship has not been affected so far from the border dispute as the governments of both nations have tried to separate trade activities from border issues.

-- NNT 2011-06-28

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PM visits flood-hit province

NAN, June 28 -- Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva will inspect the flood situation in this northern Thai province today, after it was declared a disaster zone due to the rising waters.

Two persons died in the flood yesterday.

Floodwaters stabilised, but the authorities continue responding even though flood conditions prevail in 15 districts earlier declared disaster areas.

Provincial authorities and military were deployed at many at-risk locations to promptly extend assistance to residents needing help. The local business community said that the flood had caused severe damage on a scale similar to the major flooding which occurred in 2006.

Mr Abhisit plans to leave Bangkok at 11am for Nan, to visit flood victims in the provincial seat (Mueang) and Wiang Sa districts before returning to Bangkok in the afternoon.

The Meteorological Department has issued warnings to the at-risk areas along foothills and waterways to beware of possible flash floods and flood conditions during the next one or two days.

The at-risk provinces are Mae Hong Son, Chiang Rai, Chiang Mai, Phayao, Nan, Phrae, Uttaradit, Tak, Sukhothai, Nakhon Nayok, Chanthaburi and Trat. It said that rainfall over upper Thailand would decrease but that isolated heavy rain is continuing in the North and the East.

Strong winds are forecast in the Andaman Sea and Gulf of Thailand and waves are likely to reach two metres high. All ships should proceed with caution, it said. Apart from Nan, tropical depression Haima brought downpours to Chiang Rai and the water level in many rivers continued to increase.

Officials from the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation had taken turn to monitor water level on a 24-hour basis. The disaster response agency is monitoring overall conditions in the affected provinces.

Meanwhile, it is raining in Lamphun, where the authorities have warned the public of possible flash floods and overflow from rivers and other waterways in the provincial seat, as well as Pa Sang, Mae Tha, and Ban Hong districts.

In Phayao, four districts -- Chun, Pong, Chiang Muan and Chiang Kham -- were declared disaster areas as the province distributed emergency relief packages to the victims, particularly in villages that were cut off from outside world because of the deep floodwaters. (MCOT online news)

-- TNA 2011-06-28

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Nan floodwater stabilises; two dead in disaster

NAN, June 28 -- Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva will inspect the flood situation in this northern Thai province today, after it was declared a disaster zone due to the rising waters.

Two persons died in the flood yesterday.

Floodwaters stabilised, but the authorities continue responding even though flood conditions prevail in 15 districts earlier declared disaster areas.

Provincial authorities and military were deployed at many at-risk locations to promptly extend assistance to residents needing help. The local business community said that the flood had caused severe damage on a scale similar to the major flooding which occurred in 2006.

Mr Abhisit plans to leave Bangkok at 11am for Nan, to visit flood victims in the provincial seat (Mueang) and Wiang Sa districts before returning to Bangkok in the afternoon.

The Meteorological Department has issued warnings to the at-risk areas along foothills and waterways to beware of possible flash floods and flood conditions during the next one or two days.

The at-risk provinces are Mae Hong Son, Chiang Rai, Chiang Mai, Phayao, Nan, Phrae, Uttaradit, Tak, Sukhothai, Nakhon Nayok, Chanthaburi and Trat. It said that rainfall over upper Thailand would decrease but that isolated heavy rain is continuing in the North and the East.

Strong winds are forecast in the Andaman Sea and Gulf of Thailand and waves are likely to reach two metres high. All ships should proceed with caution, it said. Apart from Nan, tropical depression Haima brought downpours to Chiang Rai and the water level in many rivers continued to increase.

Officials from the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation had taken turn to monitor water level on a 24-hour basis. The disaster response agency is monitoring overall conditions in the affected provinces.

Meanwhile, it is raining in Lamphun, where the authorities have warned the public of possible flash floods and overflow from rivers and other waterways in the provincial seat, as well as Pa Sang, Mae Tha, and Ban Hong districts.

In Phayao, four districts -- Chun, Pong, Chiang Muan and Chiang Kham -- were declared disaster areas as the province distributed emergency relief packages to the victims, particularly in villages that were cut off from outside world because of the deep floodwaters. (MCOT online news)

-- TNA 2011-06-28

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PM Receives Letter from UNESCO

The prime minister has received correspondence from the UNESCO regarding Thailand's withdrawal from the World Heritage Convention.

Incumbent Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva said that prior to today's Cabinet meeting he received a letter from the director-general of the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization or UNESCO, in response to Thailand's withdrawal from the World Heritage Convention and the dispute surrounding the Preah Vihear Temple.

Government spokesman Panithan Wattanayakorn said the World Heritage Committee should not interfere in any affairs which are sensitive and could escalate the ongoing border dispute between Thailand and Cambodia.

He added it would be very welcomed should UNESCO manage to find a solution to this conflict or at least to hold additional negotiations.

Panithan reiterated that Thailand will remain firm in its stance to prevent the conflict from intensifying and to protect its sovereignty.

Regarding the current situation at the border, the government spokesman denied Cambodia's claims that Thailand has increased troop numbers.

He said that today Thailand's withdrawal from the World Heritage Convention and relevant legal matters will be discussed at today's Cabinet meeting.

-- Tan Network 2011-06-28

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Yingluck to Visit Flooded Nan

The Pheu Thai Party top MP candidate is preparing to travel to the flood affected Nan Province to assist flood victims.

Pheu Thai Party top MP candidate Yingluck Shinawatra said she is preparing to continue her election campaign in Nan Province, which is currently suffering from critical flood damage.

She vows to assist in coordinating with relevant authorities to ensure that all households receive necessary aid.

Meanwhile, she said she does not know about rumors that the Pheu Thai Party is inviting General Prawit Wongsuwan to take the defense minister position if her party is elected as government.

She said it is too early to announce cabinet positions.

Yingluck went on to say that she is certain her brother, Thaksin Shinawatra, did not make a statement that the Thai Court is like a Mickey Mouse Court.

She said his statement must have been misunderstood.

-- Tan Network 2011-06-28

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If court doesn't allow Jatuporn to go out and vote, he will lack qualification to be an MP: EC /via@tulsathit /via@veenarat

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Hotel cook drowns at Phuket beachside lake

Rescue workers remove the body from Nong Harn Lake, which is a

popular recreational area for local residents and tourists.

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Border Remains Calm Following Withdrawal from WHC

The Army said the border situation remains peaceful, but Cambodian troops have intensified their forces near controversial temples over the past few days, adding that from now on the situation will rest with Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen.

Spokesperson to the Region 2 Army Colonel Prawit Hukaew disclosed that there has been no violence since Thailand left the World Heritage Convention, while Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen will have a key role in the matter.

Concerning the latest development along the border, Cambodian troops have intensified security measures along Sisaket and Surin provinces.

News reports indicated a total of 300 Cambodian troops near the Ta Krabey Temple were seen building a cannon base and a military shelter, and positioned the cannon towards Thai territory.

As a result, Thai soldiers were recently assigned to major risky areas, such as Ta Krabey Temple and Ta Muen Thom Temple, and asked to be ready around the clock as speculation has been that the situation may worsen in a few days and clashes may occur again.

Thai security personnel said they would return fire immediately if Cambodian troops open fire.

As for the walkout, he said the Army agreed with the Cabinet's decision to withdraw from the heritage body to protect national interest.

-- Tan Network 2011-06-28

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UNESCO'S WITHDRAWAL

UNESCO urges Thailand to reconsider

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Parties Campaign in Last Electioneering Week

Several parties are stepping up their election campaigns in the provinces as the July 3 election is drawing near.

New Aspiration Party's key man General Chavalit Yongjaiyudh today visited Si Sa Ket's Rasrisalai District to help Constituency 8 MP candidate Chaiyong Rattanawan campaign for votes in the run-up to the election.

Chavalit was warmly welcomed by villagers.

The retried general and former premier expressed concern over violence ahead of the election.

He asked all parties to run their campaigns in compliance with the law and stop smearing each other.

Meanwhile, Pheu Thai Party core element Payap Shinawatra, who oversees the party's electioneering in the Northeast, yesterday visited Buri Ram Province to lead a campaign rally during which he expressed confidence his camp will sweep more than half of the constituency MP seats in the province.

In the restive southern border region, Matubhum Party leader General Sondhi Bunyaratkalin went to Narathiwat to help in the campaign of MP candidates.

He was received by a lot of party supporters, including MP candidates in Narathiwat's Constituency 1 Paisarn Toryib and Constituency 3 Najmudeen Uma.

As for the ruling Democrat Party, executives, such as Apirak Kosayodhin and Chamni Sakdiset, visited Pathum Thani Province to promote the party's policies to constituents.

-- Tan Network 2011-06-28

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Noppadol Somboonsup appointed DSI specialist

The Cabinet Tuesday appointed Pol Gen Noppadol Somboonsup as a specialist for the Special Investigation Case Commission.

Deputy Government Spokesman Marut Massayawanich said the appointment has et to be endorsed by the Election Commission before sending back to the Cabinet for a final approval.

-- The Nation 2011-06-28

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Tesco Lotus Faces Complaint over Unfair Competition

The Commerce Ministry has assigned a subcommittee to investigate whether Tesco Lotus has breached the Trade Competition Act.

It is facing a complaint over unfair trade competition.

Commerce Ministry Permanent Secretary Yanyong Puangrat said yesterday's Trade Competition Committee Meeting, chaired by Commerce Minister Porntiva Nakasai, has assigned the subcommittee on wholesale and retail trade to investigate if a promotional campaign launched by leading hypermarket chain Tesco Lotus breaches the Trade Competition Act.

The move came after Big C Supercenter filed a complaint over unfair competition by Tesco Lotus.

It claimed that Tesco Lotus placed newspaper advertisements telling shoppers holding Big C-Carrefour joint promotional cash coupons that they would receive double the face value, if they would use them at Tesco Lotus stores.

The subcommittee will soon submit the findings of its investigation to the Trade Competition Committee, which will then consider the findings.

Yanyong further said the Trade Competition Committee recommended further study of a new market dominance regulation under the Trade Competition Act because of concerns on the impact on small and medium businesses.

The act currently defines market dominance as a market share in the previous year of at least 50 percent and annual sales of at least one billion baht.

The proposed revision suggests a minimum sales value of 500 million baht and market share based on three levels: at least 50 percent by one entity; 30 percent with other factors to be taken into account; or combined 75 percent controlled by three entities within one sector.

Factors to be taken into account for the 30-percent market share level include ability to control the market and possible restrictions on competition.

-- Tan Network 2011-06-28

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Eight Nan hospitals, national park close due to flood

NAN, June 28 - Eight hospitals in three Nan districts have been flooded prompting their closure, according to Paichit Warachit, Permanent-Secretary for Public Health.

However, mobile medical units are continuing to provide service to locals.

Dr Pisit Sriprasert, a senior public health official at Nan Provincial Hospital says it has not under water and is still open. Eighteen teams of doctors and medical staff are working to treat flood victims. On Monday, they treated 3,428 patients.

Most have athelete’s foot, wounds, cold and animal and insect bites and stings.

One patient with an unidentified underlying disease died, the doctor said.

He said the local health office has stockpiled 5,000 doxycycline pills against leptospirosis and requested another 5,000 pills from the public health ministry.

It has also stockpiled 2,500 sets of medicine for flood victims as well as 100 pairs of plastic boots.

It informed local residents to avoid wading through floodwaters, particularly if they have wounds or cuts on their feet. They have been advised to drink only clean water and to use plastic bags if toilets are unusable to prevent adding human waste to floodwaters.

In another related development, Doi Phuka National Park in Nan’s Pua district closed said Polsathit Wongsawat, head of the Doi Phuka National Park.

He said the floodwaters remained high for the third consecutive day on Tuesday, and that andslides blocked several roads.

For the safety of tourists, he advised the director-general of the department of national parks, wildlife and plant conservation to close the park until the situation eases due to dangerously swift currents at the whitewater rafting area.

Nan Governor Seni Jitkasem ordered the Pua chief district to closely monitor disaster-prone areas and local highway department to survey and repair damaged roads.

The meteorological department said rain will continue another two days, with the water level in the Nan River falling upstream but rising downstream.

All roads in Nan municipality are under water and over 2,000 homes and other structures in low-lying areas have been flooded.

Meanwhile, in Mae Hong Son, Governor Kamthon Thavornsathit on Tuesday chaired a meeting of the flood relief committee.

Four districts – Pai, Mae La Noi, Sop Moei and Pang Mapha – were affected by flood. In Mae La Noi district, 30 patients contracted dengue fever since the floods began, but no deaths were reported. In Pai district, about 50 farmers and about 60 acres of farmland were affected by flood.

Initially, a budget of more than Bt10 million (US$333,000) was allocated to help flood victims in Mae Hong Son’s four districts. (MCOT online news)

-- TNA 2011-06-28

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Suvarnabhumi Airport Rail Link adjusts strategy to promote check-in services at Makkasan

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SET index closed at 1013.5, up 3.18; Bt/USD30.84; GBP49.14; AUD32.09; EUR43.95; CAD31.17; HKD3.95; SGD24.68; JPY37.96

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25 provinces placed under close watch during election

BANGKOK, June 28 -- Thailand's National Police Bureau has put 25 provinces nationwide under close watch during the general election on Sunday, with Samut Prakan topping the list, having been identified as a 'deep red zone' in the fiercely-contested election.

Commandos have been deployed to ensure that the polling will run smoothly, according to a senior police officer.

Pol Gen Pongsapat Pongcharoen, adviser to the Royal Thai Police and head of election security, said the National Police Bureau had concluded its survey of the security situation on Tuesday, five days before the election, and placed 61 districts in 25 provinces under close watch.

There was reported movement of hired gunmen, an heated electoral competition in the provinces, particularly in Samut Prakarn's Constituency 7 where Pheu Thai party MP candidate Pracha Prasopdee was attacked by gunmen last month.

Commandos were sent to the 25 provinces to provide security and will protect MP candidates through July 7, he said, adding that the protection will also cover election canvassers.

Gen Pongsapat said that the national police chief ordered special security for many political parties who announced holding their last major rallies on July 1, last minute campaigning before the July 3 election.

He said the police were coordinating with political parties to arrange security plans for them.

Ballot boxes from 66 countries that conducted overseas advance voting have arrived in Bangkok while ballot boxes from 38 countries were in the process of being delivered to Thailand before the election day. If the ballots arrive after that they will be considered voided ballot papers. (MCOT online news)

-- TNA 2011-06-28

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Thai Court Denies Jatuporn's Temporary Release on Election Day

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Trang never had an earth quake in its 50 year history

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Eight killed in Chiang Mai road accident

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PATTAYA

Two men shot only meters from Pattaya Police Box:

10 injured as two vehicles collide in Jomtien:

Motorbike driver killed in early morning road accident in North Pattaya:

Pornographic Dvd Vendors Arrested In Jomtien:

Pattaya Volunteer Police and Girlfriend Arrested on the Beach:

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to continue

Thailand Live Wednesday 29 Jun 2011

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